A Time to Die

This is now the 6th book i've read by Smith and its one of his best. The way he describes the action and scenery makes you feel like you are actually there yourself, living the events as they unfold. When a character gets killed off you can't help but feel sadness, as if you've lost someone close to you. I now have this urge to visit the beautiful but deadly continent that is Africa and its all thanks the Wilbur's amazing ability as a writer. As i was reading i tried to think of ways in which he could have improved the story but there were none. This was in strict contrast to the books i've read from other authors such as Dan Brown, who's 'good' at what he does, but is simply not in the same league as Smith. This guy is 'simply the best', as the song goes!

'A Time to Die' starts of at a blistering pace, throwing you straight into the action. We follow Sean Courtney Jnr and fellows as they venture into the wilds of Zimbabwe and Mozambique hunting at first a male Lion and then a great Elephant. As events unfold our main character is swept from the thrill of the hunt into the savagery of war, tested to the limit in the wilderness of Africa. With the essential bit of romance thrown into the mix, this is quite simply spellbinding entertainment that will sweep you of your feet. Brilliant stuff!


Brilliant!   April 26, 2005
Tina (London, UK)
2 out of 2 found this review helpful

This is a fantastic adventure book set in Africa and it holds the reader completely captive from the very first page to the gripping finale.

I especially liked the way the heroine was forced to confront her deepest fears and come out fighting!

This is a book about the strength of human spirit in the face of evil and tyranny.

It is a completely gripping narrative and extremely well witten - even certain "torture" scenes are depicted in such a way as to describe to the reader what is happening without being "sick" or needlessley gory.

There is something here for everyone and I would recommend this to people who are looking for a great story with strong, engaging characters, thrilling imagery and the ever lurking prescence of danger.


Probably Wilbur Smith's best novel   November 24, 2000
carlosvalga@hotmail.com (Portugal)
10 out of 12 found this review helpful

It's amazing how Wilbur Smith just keeps the action going from page to page. When you get to the end, believe me you will want to read it over again and you will be surprised how it can still take your breath away. Compared to all The Courtney novels, in my opinion this one is the best. It's wonderful how he describes the African Veld, it's brutal and amazing wildlife and although in Africa racial and etnic problems persists, friendship and loyalty between white and black is still possible. When your through with this book you'll probably want to book a flight to that amazing continent called AFRICA.