Book Review: The Triumph of The Sun.

The Triumph of the Sun by Wilbur Smith

I picked this book up in a second hand shop the other day. It stood out to me as it was the only non-romance novel in the pile o'books. I may as well just have picked up a Mills and Boon book. Wilbur Smith is a dirty old prick! I would not be suprised if he freelances for Penthouse Forum when he needs some extra beer money. If you like reading about people having sex, give this book a crack. Sorry, no...that is unfair, it's actually not that bad. If you have ever read anything by Smith before you'll know that he doesn't mind a bit of shagging but this book was just extra intense about it. You'll also know he spins a bloody good yarn.

It takes place in the African city of Khartoum on the outskirts of the British Empire in the 1880's. The city is under seige by some crazy Muslims. Smith is a fantastic story teller and great at developing characters. The highlight of this book for me was two of the characters; Penrod Ballentyne and Ryder Courtney. You can never decide which one you like more. You think one is a good dude then he does something which you don't agree with then a few minutes later he does something awesome. Smith is known to be pretty spot on with historical details thanks to his meticulous researching. The many Arab names and words might put some off as there is a lot to take in but once you get into the book you are very pleased you stuck it out.

3.2/5