King of Kings (1) (The Courtneys & Ballantynes)

When I first read When The Lion Feeds I became addicted to Wilbur’s amazing talent. His historical accuracy, credible and vivid characterisation woven around fallible human traits combined with the richness of darkest Africa have always left me spellbound. I can reread these early novels again and again and still get a buzz or occasionally find a piece I seem to have overlooked.But, oh dear, the ghost writing is awful. Because I recognise his style so intimately I can spot an impersonation in a flash. There is only one Wilbur and whilst this is better than the first ghost written attempts it really leaves me disappointed because of the incredible standard he has set in the past. It’s almost as if he is racing in his autumn years to crank out a few more before it is too late. Sometimes in life we should bow out gracefully and at a peak. He has nothing more to prove. He has written a wonderful legacy and his words will be with us for generations to come.

Discovered Wilbur Smith novels a few years ago and have since read all, even the earliest, and still have several on my permanent bookshelf. Have most enjoyed the Courtney, Ballantyne and Egypt titles of historical adventure . The King of Kings is well connected to these and did not disappoint. The usual Wilbur Smith detailed imagery, descriptions of time and place woven into the story. In this case Ethiopia/Abyssinia and Egypt, in the 1880s. Along with clear dialogue from the characters, flaws and all. The earlier Courtney and Ballantyne novels had lots of Ferocity and Savagery, still in this book but softened a bit here. Still enjoyable and a good story. I think the latest co-writer Imogen Robertson contributed well to the story too. All good.

W. Smith always provides the reader with excellent descriptions of events in his books. They provide a vivid picture in one's mind and seems to plant you in the location he is discussing. His characters are also realistic and identifiable. However, even though I am a huge fan and have read every book he has written his earlier novels were better!

Wilbur Smith writes the most wonderful books. His descriptions are so perfect you find yourself within the story: feeling each emotionWith Sean; seeing each amazing part of Africa and even feeling fear ! Smith is a marvel with weaving a story line !! I have read almost every book he has written and can’t wait to read the next one!!

I enjoyed this book, having read all the other books in the series over decades. Excellent writing, as usual, from Mr Smith. Difficult for me to stop reading historical fiction in any case. I did find the very end of the novel to be a bit anemic.

I enjoy these books a great deal because Wilbur Smith manages to blend real history around his tales. It allows the reader to gain an understanding of world events. Since I've spent a good deal of my career in that part of the world learning more is always a good thing.

I love Wilbur Smith and his style of writing. This book is no exception. He is one of the greatest Authors of our time. I have read all of his books and will continue to do so! Thank you, Wilbur!

WILBUR IS THE FINEST HISTORICAL FICTION WRITER EVER. I AM 78 AND HAVE READ EVERY BOOK. I AM DELIGHTED THE GREAT STORY TELLING CONTINUES. WITH KING OF KINGS. ON LEOPARD ROCK WAS A FANTASTIC BIOGRAPHY OF MR. S.

Wilbur was a true, master story teller. Unfortunately he did not write this. As with the previous couple of books the publishers are just trying to cash in on his name before he passes on and as with Tom Clancy they will probably carry on after his death as well. I have read every book that Wilbur Smith has had published over the decades and this bears no resemblance whatsoever to his style even though it is written using characters he created. Whilst Imogen Robertson is obviously a talented writer and the book is still readable, IT IS NOT WILBUR SMITH.Buy it, read it but do not be fooled into believing it was written by the 'International Best Selling Author'.

For quite awhile lately, while still enjoyable to read, WS books have not had that certain something that we had come to expect from his stories. We loyal readers had our own ideas and suspicions why. Well this book, though ghost written by another writer, is a return to the highest levels of story telling we have come to expect.Here we have characters we care about and their back stories. The exciting plots, the detail. In this book, story lines are neatly tied up, while giving threads for new plots ahead.Once upon a time, we would only get a WS book every twelve to eighteen months, but what an event to look forward to. Over the last few years his books have been coming with the regularity of London buses, but not with the the quality of storytelling we have come to expect. I do not know how much input WS had into this book but, from reading it, I suspect quite a lot more than normal. If I am wrong then the ghost writer is one too watch.A cracking adventure and book I would highly recommend.

As you would expect from Mr Smith ( and co author) a spirited tale of adventure with plenty of twists and turns set in the late 1880's. Colonial expansion meets determined resistance. Shady shenanigans from business empire builders. Strong heroes and heroines. All classic stuff . Enjoy the escapism. My only disappointment is perhaps there are more tales to be extracted from these characters and it felt the ending became a little abrupt, wrapping up loose ends and perhaps the chance of more adventures with them. I hope I am wrong!

Really a Zero Star. I am a huge Wilbur Smith fan of his past books, but sadly this co-author attempt has failed miserably. I have persevered to the half way stage hoping something would suddenly grip me, but sadly it is just not doing it for me and I have closed this down and I will not be returning to it. I find it hard to believe the great Wilbur Smith had anything to do with the writing of this book and question why he would wish to put his name to this?

I haven’t read Wilbur Smith’s books in a long time I felt they had lost their sparkle. But this book got it back and more. It’s very well researched and the descriptions of time and place immersed me in the story from the beginning. I’ve not been to Khartoum but I have been into the Egyptian and Nubian reaches of the Upper Nile and this story captured it. I enjoyed the dash of adventurism and even the sex scenes inserted into the story line; this can ruin a story if not handled properly, but here they worked. I particularly enjoyed the measured way in which the story comes to a close. I won’t give any spoilers, but you do close the book with a satisfaction that comes from a good story and nothing left unsaid or unfinished.I’ve read all of Imogen Robertson’s books and I (believe I see) her writing here with her amazing way with language and descriptions to bring a past world to life). If this is the new collaborative style of Wilbur Smith’s books, I will take up reading them again.