Status
Available
Collection
Publication
St. Martin's Paperbacks (2010), Edition: First, 688 pages
Description
On the eve of the World War I, ex-soldier turned professional hunter Leon Courtney is recruited by his uncle Penrod Ballantyne, commander of the British forces in East Africa, to gather information on one of his clients, Count Otto von Meerbach, and soon finds himself left alone to frustrate von Meerbach's plan to wipe out the British forces in Africa.
User reviews
LibraryThing member DeltaQueen50
I have been following the adventures of Wilbur Smith’s Courtenay family for a long, long time. I have lost track of the number of books he has written about the different branches of this family. In [Assegai] we are in the years leading up to World War I, following the adventures of Leon
In the past, Wilbur Smith knew how to tell a story that flew off the page. With breakneck speed he could take you through one adventure after another. Whether it was hunting elephants, lions or tracking human prey he kept you glued to the pages. He does knows Africa and is able to transport his reader there to experience the sights, sounds and smells. Unfortunately I didn’t feel this particular book lived up to some of his past works.
Well still a very readable action-adventure story, some of it seems repetitive and towards the middle of the book, the pace slowed down and I felt we were shambling towards the end. Rather than recommend this particular book, I would advise you to investigate one of his earlier works.
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Courtenay. A army lieutenant in British East Africa, he is encouraged to appear to resign his commission in order to become a big game hunter and guide, when in fact his orders are to spy on his affluent German customers.In the past, Wilbur Smith knew how to tell a story that flew off the page. With breakneck speed he could take you through one adventure after another. Whether it was hunting elephants, lions or tracking human prey he kept you glued to the pages. He does knows Africa and is able to transport his reader there to experience the sights, sounds and smells. Unfortunately I didn’t feel this particular book lived up to some of his past works.
Well still a very readable action-adventure story, some of it seems repetitive and towards the middle of the book, the pace slowed down and I felt we were shambling towards the end. Rather than recommend this particular book, I would advise you to investigate one of his earlier works.
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LibraryThing member DBower
This was my first Wilbur Smith book. Family have been recommending him for years but I kept saying I was not into historical fiction - I have always migrated to legal thrillers and murder mystery. I saw it on the Early Reviewers List and decided to give it a shot knowing that if I did not like it I
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had family members to give it to. I snagged a copy and read it and all I can say is WOW. This book captivated me like few other books I have ever read. Once I started it I could not put it down. He is an amazing story teller with lots of action and I actually liked the historical ties. I will definitely go back and read his earlier work. Thanks for opening my horizons. Show Less
LibraryThing member ulfhjorr
Wilbur Smith is an excellent story-teller, and he's fast becoming one of my favorite authors. In Assegai, Smith tells a tale of Leon Courtney, son of Ryder Courtney -- a hero from previous work. Through the course of the novel, Leon rises to become a great hunter and spy for the British government.
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Action and romance pack the pages of Assegai as if more trophies on the walls of Courtney's clients, but it is Smith's grand descriptions of Africa and her people that are the stars of the book, prose so good it makes me homesick for a land I've never been to and a time long, long before my birth. Show Less
LibraryThing member IronMike
Assegai is the best book I've read in years. I had never read a Wilbur Smith book before, but I intend to remedy that condition by immediately buying his very first published book and reading them all through to Assegai, which I may read again.
I didn't know anyone still wrote like this! It brought
The action is non-stop. The characters, even the minor characters, are masterfully drawn. My favorite was the young Masai cow-hearder Loikot with his quick wit and love of adventure; but they were all good...Mama Lusima, Manyoro, Hennie, Eva, even Kermit Roosevelt and his famous father Teddy, and of course the book's hero, Leon Courtney.
I had been enjoying books for years, thinking they were quite good (and they probably were,) but when I began reading Assegai it was as if I had been going to small screen movies all my life and I suddenly found myself in cinerama with surround-sound. And what sounds! The roar of a lion in the night makes the ground tremble beneath your sleeping blanket. And the hunter calms your fears and interprets the roar for you. Then another lion roars in the night in challange to the first lion, and you find yourself encamped in the darkness of night in the middle of Africa between two lions challenging each other for territory and females. It doesn't get much better than that when it comes to excitement.
And then there's love and romance, and a spy-thriller! What more can anyone ask? Highly recommended!
I didn't know anyone still wrote like this! It brought
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back those "thrilling days of yesteryear," (and I'm an old dude, so when I say "yesteryear" we're really travelling back in time quite a bit,) calling to mind books like Rudyard Kipling's "Kim" and movies like Zoltan Korda's "The Four Feathers," or "Zulu" or "The Man Who Would Be King." The action is non-stop. The characters, even the minor characters, are masterfully drawn. My favorite was the young Masai cow-hearder Loikot with his quick wit and love of adventure; but they were all good...Mama Lusima, Manyoro, Hennie, Eva, even Kermit Roosevelt and his famous father Teddy, and of course the book's hero, Leon Courtney.
I had been enjoying books for years, thinking they were quite good (and they probably were,) but when I began reading Assegai it was as if I had been going to small screen movies all my life and I suddenly found myself in cinerama with surround-sound. And what sounds! The roar of a lion in the night makes the ground tremble beneath your sleeping blanket. And the hunter calms your fears and interprets the roar for you. Then another lion roars in the night in challange to the first lion, and you find yourself encamped in the darkness of night in the middle of Africa between two lions challenging each other for territory and females. It doesn't get much better than that when it comes to excitement.
And then there's love and romance, and a spy-thriller! What more can anyone ask? Highly recommended!
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LibraryThing member koalamom
Leon Courtney, an officer in the British Army in Africa in 1913, has taken on two rather onerous jobs. One makes him partner in a company that offers safaris to wealthy clients in darkest Africa. Leon's first such safari includes Kermit Roosevelt and his somewhat famous father, Teddy.
After the
Both Leon and this woman turn out to be spies for the British and between them but separately they have to take on the Graf and stop his incursion into South Africa as the Great War starts.
I found this book enjoyable but long, but still recomendable.
After the
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terrible death of his partner, Leon continues the business on his own and takes on a client deeply ingrained with the German Army. War is about to break out and this man is part of it. One of the only good things for Leon because of this encounter with the Graf is the Graf's teaching Leon to fly. The other is the Graf's mistress, whom Leon falls in love with and the feelings are returned.Both Leon and this woman turn out to be spies for the British and between them but separately they have to take on the Graf and stop his incursion into South Africa as the Great War starts.
I found this book enjoyable but long, but still recomendable.
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LibraryThing member norinrad10
This book was thouroughly enjoyable the first 100 pages. I loved reading about Africa. It was obvious that the author had done extensive research. I got lost in the adventure. Then it was off to the main plot and it became horrendous. The dialog was stilted and the characters actions made no sense.
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Also, some authors should not right love scenes. One of my favorites, James Lee Burke fall into this catagory. Smith writes a sentence descibing female genetalia that is worse then any 6th grader. On a persoanal note the killing of animals got to be a bit much for me too. I know the main character is a hunter and I know the book is historically acurate but...jeez, enough. Show Less
LibraryThing member sundance41
I really enjoy Historical Fiction and I was ecstatic about receiving Assegai as an early reviewer. I was looking forward to reading Wilbur Smith. The first part of the book was great. It placed you in southern Africa in the early 1900's, just before WWI in the heart of the British Empire. The book
Overall, it was worth the read, but I would have certainly preferred more of the historical fiction and less of the stilted love story.
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puts you in the military and its unjustness as well as in the midst of the excitement of hunting Big Game. I am not a hunter, I do not like guns or the violence it entails, but the description of the Hunt was quite moving and exciting. There are also vivid details of native life and the interaction between the British overlords with the different native populations. The book, however, falls apart when it becomes a Love story between the main character and a woman he meets with her own complicated history. Overall, it was worth the read, but I would have certainly preferred more of the historical fiction and less of the stilted love story.
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LibraryThing member rufusraider
This was another great book from Wilbur Smith. He has written another great novel based in Africa during the colonial period. I have enjoyed all of his books set in Africa in the colonial period. He does a great job of developing the characters and making them someone you care about. The story was
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great. I loved it. Show Less
LibraryThing member bvsquidley
Wilbur Smith can write. Assegai's sweeping savannas are expertly painted, his action scenes engaging. His depiction of Leon Courtney’s journey through life in Africa twists and turns, leaving the reader spellbound, yearning for the next adventure on the following page.
Smith defines adventure
Assegai reads fast. It’s Cussler with a more accurate historical slant. It’s a must for those seeking a thrill.
Smith defines adventure
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writing. From the harsh military to the bloody big-game hunt to the brash World War, conflict constantly drapes the hero. Assegai’s love interest is even written in the awkward prose of one who knows romance is a must, but prefers transcribing swords, planes, and guns. Assegai reads fast. It’s Cussler with a more accurate historical slant. It’s a must for those seeking a thrill.
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LibraryThing member TomCrowley
Historical Fiction is not my normal choice for reading, but after reading Wilbur Smith's Assegai as an Early Reviewer, I will have to reconsider. Set about 100 years ago in Africa, the descriptions of sights, smells and sounds take you back in time with a good page turner that is hard to put down.
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I will have to read more by this author. Enjoy. Show Less
LibraryThing member Micah
Wilbur Smith paints a shining picture of the great beasts and landscapes of Africa in the early 20th century. His baddies are really bad and his goodies are good, if not a little mischievous. Altogether an entertaining read. I would recommend to anyone looking for a little adventure.
LibraryThing member Wickedmick
This was only the second book by wilbur Smith that I have read, and it was as good as the first. A great read. Smith's characters are richly developed and grab you from the start. The strory was detailed and moved quickly. Smith describes the region amazingly and full of detail. Even if reading the
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back cover dosn't interest you pick up this book because whats inside the covers is amazing. Show Less
LibraryThing member readteach
I think the best parts of this book are the descriptions of Africa and its people in the early 1900s, particularly the insights of the tribal people. I thought this was fairly well-written and kept my interest. I would read other books by Wilbur Smith.
LibraryThing member dougwood57
Assegai is the 13th novel in the "Courtney' series and Wilbur Smith's 32nd overall. Obviously a lot of people like his books. I am not one of them. Having never read Smith, I thought the historical subject looked interesting (early 1900's in East Africa), so I took a chance and requested it from
I concede that I could not force myself to finish the book because the characters and story line in the opening 100 pages (out of nearly 500!) were so dreadfully stereotyped. Now I see on Amazon, the book is listed at 672 pages, or some 42% additional pages. Maybe the added 200 pages make all the difference, but I suspect they just make it longer.
I enjoy some fairly ephemeral stuff from time to time, but Assegai is basically a historical soap opera. There are too many good books waiting to be read to waste time reading this one. I will exercise more caution before selecting Early Reviewer books.
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the Early Readers collection of freebies. I concede that I could not force myself to finish the book because the characters and story line in the opening 100 pages (out of nearly 500!) were so dreadfully stereotyped. Now I see on Amazon, the book is listed at 672 pages, or some 42% additional pages. Maybe the added 200 pages make all the difference, but I suspect they just make it longer.
I enjoy some fairly ephemeral stuff from time to time, but Assegai is basically a historical soap opera. There are too many good books waiting to be read to waste time reading this one. I will exercise more caution before selecting Early Reviewer books.
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LibraryThing member harpervalley
Rich, beautiful, stunning, and inspiring. This was my first introduction to this author and this genre. I will never be the same. Truth be told it took me a few pages to get myself settled in. By the 20th page I was delightfully overwhelmed with the rich details, mouth agape and couldn’t believe
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that I had barely scratched the surface. The journey through this novel took me deep into Africa alongside engaging and complex characters. There was nothing left out: history, war, intrigue, adventure, nature, wild life, culture, mystique, passion, loyalty, humor and romance colored my excursion into a new world. Show Less
LibraryThing member youn61
I enjoy this genre so this story kept me reading to the end. Great descriptions of the setting (English East Africa early 1900's). Romance , Action novel with several leading characters.
LibraryThing member mwhel
Anyone needing a quick fix of testosterone-injected excitement is sure to find an answer with this book. True to Wilbur Smith style, this book delivers action-packed machismo in the rugged and primitive setting of early-colonial East and Central Africa. Wilbur Smith is himself a white child of
As much as I enjoyed this book, I must say that Wilbur Smith's first book, "When the Lion Feeds", has left the most enduring impression of all of his works, since it was my first encounter with his unique writing style.
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Africa who writes effortlessly about the backdrop to his fast-paced adventures. Leon Courtney, like so many of the protagonists of Smith's earlier works, always comes through in the pinch. And what a pinch! Form his innate hunting skills to military leadership to mechanical prowess, Leon has the complete package when faced with seemingly insurmountable obstacles. His coming of age as a great white elephant hunter coincides nicely with the ex-president Roosevelt's great safari. His affinity for the natives and his knowledge of the wildlife is uncanny. Notable also is the mythical one-ness with nature that the protagonist shares with the the Africans in their deep understanding of their environment, which is not shared by the majority of his white contemporaries.As much as I enjoyed this book, I must say that Wilbur Smith's first book, "When the Lion Feeds", has left the most enduring impression of all of his works, since it was my first encounter with his unique writing style.
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LibraryThing member S7EVEN
TYPICAL WILBUR SMITH
Strong handsome guy falls for a beautifull woman. Very adventurous.
An ok read
Strong handsome guy falls for a beautifull woman. Very adventurous.
An ok read
LibraryThing member LizanneVee
I categorize my reading into "serious" or "airplane reading". This one fell in the latter category. Having grown up in Africa, his vivid descriptions of the scenery was mouthwatering, and I did enjoy the action. There were a few really disappointing holes in the story - for instance, when they were
I love how Wilbur Smith always has the best revenge against the bad guys!
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on the mountain with the wise African witchdoctor, she did not foresee the capturers coming?? I love how Wilbur Smith always has the best revenge against the bad guys!
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LibraryThing member Golding
I had not read a Wilbur Smith in awhile, since I did not enjoy the Egyptian books. I loved this story, big, meaty, full of adventure. I followed Leon Courtney's advenutres of the flyleaf map and pulled out my own maps of Kenya (old and new) to follow along. He is a writer who's caliber has remained
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high, and thank goodness he has not "dumbed down" his stories as many popular authors have with the 3 page chapter and short attention span readers. Show Less
LibraryThing member TheoClarke
A welcome return to form after the grave disappointment of The Quest. After so many stories of African adventure, there is a recognisable formula here but it works for me. Edwardian East Africa is one of my enthusiasms and my pleasure was enhanced by glimpses of Denys Finch Hatton as much more than
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the inspiration for Leon Courtenay, the hero here. Show Less
LibraryThing member LisaMaria_C
Smith's A Falcon Flies was on a list of recommended historical fiction I've been reading through. I couldn't find that title in my bookstore or circulating in the library--for a prolific author, not much of his work seems available. Assegai caught my eye with a blurb from Stephen King claiming
I found the book a disappointment. I hoped Smith might offer the kind of blend of historical fiction and action adventure as a Bernard Cornwell, CS Forester or Patrick O'Brian. I'm afraid though that the hero, Leon Courtney is bland compared to Sharpe or Hornblower or Aubrey. The style is bland too, generic pop fiction and by no means striking or graceful.
But I have to admit, what killed me is that for hundred of pages this is about nothing but Big Game Hunting. Now, mind you, if you tried characterizing me to my friends as politically correct or pro-animal rights or an environmentalist, you're likely to provoke hysterical laughter. Admittedly I'm a citified girly girl, but sheesh, I cringed at all the glorification of shooting down rhinoceroses--and especially--elephants. I know the worship of the Great White Hunter is true to its time period, but I admit it repulsed me. And when what you have is what is otherwise hardly a standout...well.
Looking at other reviews, I note others claim Assegai is far from Smith's best, so I'm willing to give something else by him a try sometime. But this book certainly doesn't place him high on my long "to read" list.
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Smith to be the "best historical novelist" and with a summary in the back naming the colorful Theodore Roosevelt as a character. I found the book a disappointment. I hoped Smith might offer the kind of blend of historical fiction and action adventure as a Bernard Cornwell, CS Forester or Patrick O'Brian. I'm afraid though that the hero, Leon Courtney is bland compared to Sharpe or Hornblower or Aubrey. The style is bland too, generic pop fiction and by no means striking or graceful.
But I have to admit, what killed me is that for hundred of pages this is about nothing but Big Game Hunting. Now, mind you, if you tried characterizing me to my friends as politically correct or pro-animal rights or an environmentalist, you're likely to provoke hysterical laughter. Admittedly I'm a citified girly girl, but sheesh, I cringed at all the glorification of shooting down rhinoceroses--and especially--elephants. I know the worship of the Great White Hunter is true to its time period, but I admit it repulsed me. And when what you have is what is otherwise hardly a standout...well.
Looking at other reviews, I note others claim Assegai is far from Smith's best, so I'm willing to give something else by him a try sometime. But this book certainly doesn't place him high on my long "to read" list.
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LibraryThing member deequa
really liked this writer, would like to read more by him
great historical detail for the storyline
great historical detail for the storyline
LibraryThing member cathymoore
I would definitely agree with other reviewers that this is not the best example of Smith's writing. The pacing isn't great and the love story element is a bit clunky.
However, Smith writes about Africa beautifully. His love for the land and its inhabitants shines through on every page. There is
However, Smith writes about Africa beautifully. His love for the land and its inhabitants shines through on every page. There is
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nothing like reading a Wilbur Smith novel to make me want to visit and experience the African landscape. Show Less
LibraryThing member lindap69
this is the latest book - find the correct order to read them before starting
Language
Original language
English
Original publication date
2009
ISBN
0312570406 / 9780312570408