Title: Řeka bohů
Author: Wilbur Smith
First published January 1, 1993
739 pages, 20x12cm
ISBN: (ISBN10: 8072187872)
Rating: 4.21
Overview
Ancient Egypt, land of the pharaohs, a kingdom built on gold and destroyed by greed for wealth and power. Through the remarkable voice of the slave, Taita, readers are transported into a vivid and colorful story that unfolds with tension and intensity from the very first page.
About the Author
Wilbur Smith was a world-renowned author who drew inspiration for his many novels through his travels across the globe. His bestselling Courtney series, which includes Assegai, The Sound of Thunder, Birds of Prey, Monsoon, and Blue Horizon, captivated readers with their adventurous storylines.
Smith’s other notable works, such as Those in Peril, River God, Warlock, The Seventh Scroll, and The Sunbird, also showcased his talent for storytelling.
Having sold over 120 million copies and translated into twenty-six languages, Smith’s books have reached a wide audience. Born to a British family in Northern Rhodesia, which is now known as Zambia, in Central Africa, Smith went on to attend Rhodes University in South Africa.
His impressive career as an author spanned forty-nine books and over 140 million copies sold.
Sadly, Wilbur Smith passed away on November 13, 2021, at his home in Cape Town. He was 88 years old at the time of his death.
Editoral Review
eka boh by Wilbur Smith is a sweeping epic novel about ambition, betrayal, and perseverance in precolonial Africa. Smith is a prolific author, known for his historical fiction and adventure novels set in various time periods and locations.
The book was first published in 1993 and has since become one of Smith’s most beloved works. The novel is written in Smith’s signature style, combining vivid descriptions of the African landscape with complex characterizations and gripping plot twists.
The story follows the life of Taita, a slave who rises through the ranks to become a trusted advisor to the pharaoh of Egypt. Taita is a master strategist, engineer, and physician, and his talents are put to the test when a group of invaders threatens the kingdom.
Along the way, Taita faces challenges both external and internal, including treacherous enemies, the loss of loved ones, and his own demons. He is aided by a cast of memorable characters, including his beloved Queen Lostris, her ruthless husband Pharaoh Mamose, and his loyal servant Tanus.
eka boh takes place during a pivotal moment in African history, when various empires were vying for power and influence in the region. Smith does an excellent job of incorporating historical details into the plot without sacrificing the narrative flow.
The novel is a testament to the author’s deep understanding of the African landscape, culture, and mythology. His descriptions of the Nile River and the surrounding desert are particularly evocative, transporting the reader to a different time and place.
However, the novel is not without its flaws. Some readers may find the pacing to be slow at times, especially during the middle section of the book.
Additionally, some of the characterizations are somewhat one-dimensional, particularly the villains of the story. Nevertheless, these minor issues do not detract from the overall impact of the novel.
Overall, eka boh is a must-read for fans of historical fiction and adventure novels. It is a beautifully written, suspenseful, and thought-provoking work that will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression on readers.
The novel is also highly relevant to current issues, such as the ongoing struggles for power and resources in Africa. Those who appreciate richly detailed settings, complex characters, and epic storylines will find much to admire in eka boh.
I highly recommend this book, and I rate it 4 out of 5 stars.