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In the second half of the twentieth century, the future bears down on Africa--fueled by the sins of the past and the blood feuds of nations, tribes, and families. For the Courtney family, who have known this continent from the depths of its gold mines to the pinnacle of political power, a time of reckoning is at hand.
Shasa Courtney has lived, fought and loved amongst Afrikaners, Englishmen, and natives. His mother is by his side but the rest of the world around him is exploding. Even his family harbors secrets more dangerous than his own worst enemies.
Now, a continent is convulsed. Streets teem with protestors. Desperate and devious men forge volatile alliances. And Shasa faces shocking revelations amongst traitors, fugitives, and heroes--leading a beloved country into the flames of civil war…
Shasa Courtney has lived, fought and loved amongst Afrikaners, Englishmen, and natives. His mother is by his side but the rest of the world around him is exploding. Even his family harbors secrets more dangerous than his own worst enemies.
Now, a continent is convulsed. Streets teem with protestors. Desperate and devious men forge volatile alliances. And Shasa faces shocking revelations amongst traitors, fugitives, and heroes--leading a beloved country into the flames of civil war…
896 pages, Mass Market Paperback
Published March 6, 2007
746 people are currently reading
2136 people want to read
About the author
Wilbur Smith
266 books4,328 followersWilbur Smith was a prolific and bestselling South African novelist renowned for his sweeping adventure stories set against the backdrop of Africa’s dramatic landscapes and turbulent history. Born in 1933 in what was then Northern Rhodesia (now Zambia), he grew up in South Africa, where his love for storytelling was nurtured by the rich environment and tales of African history. His early years were shaped by his experiences in the wilderness, which later became a defining element in his fiction.
After studying at Rhodes University, Smith initially worked as an accountant, but his true passion lay in writing. His breakthrough came in 1964 with When the Lion Feeds, a historical adventure novel that introduced the Courtney family saga. The book’s success led to a long-running series chronicling the exploits of multiple generations of the Courtney family, spanning centuries of African and world history. Alongside this, Smith wrote the Ballantyne series, focused on colonial Africa, and the Ancient Egypt series, which delved into historical fiction with a mythical touch.
Over his six-decade career, Smith authored more than 50 novels, selling over 140 million copies worldwide. His works were characterized by meticulous research, vivid descriptions of the African wilderness, and gripping action-packed narratives. Whether set in the colonial era, the world of pharaohs, or modern-day Africa, his books often explored themes of survival, war, power, and human ambition. He collaborated with co-authors in his later years to expand his literary universe, ensuring his stories continued to reach new audiences.
Beyond writing, Smith was an avid traveler and adventurer, drawing inspiration from his own experiences hunting, sailing, and exploring remote corners of Africa. While he was passionate about wildlife and conservation, some of his views—particularly regarding big game hunting—sparked debate. Nonetheless, his deep affection for Africa was evident in his writing, which celebrated both its beauty and its historical complexities.
Smith’s influence on adventure fiction remains significant, with his books continuing to captivate readers around the world. His legacy endures through his richly woven tales of exploration, conquest, and the enduring spirit of Africa.
After studying at Rhodes University, Smith initially worked as an accountant, but his true passion lay in writing. His breakthrough came in 1964 with When the Lion Feeds, a historical adventure novel that introduced the Courtney family saga. The book’s success led to a long-running series chronicling the exploits of multiple generations of the Courtney family, spanning centuries of African and world history. Alongside this, Smith wrote the Ballantyne series, focused on colonial Africa, and the Ancient Egypt series, which delved into historical fiction with a mythical touch.
Over his six-decade career, Smith authored more than 50 novels, selling over 140 million copies worldwide. His works were characterized by meticulous research, vivid descriptions of the African wilderness, and gripping action-packed narratives. Whether set in the colonial era, the world of pharaohs, or modern-day Africa, his books often explored themes of survival, war, power, and human ambition. He collaborated with co-authors in his later years to expand his literary universe, ensuring his stories continued to reach new audiences.
Beyond writing, Smith was an avid traveler and adventurer, drawing inspiration from his own experiences hunting, sailing, and exploring remote corners of Africa. While he was passionate about wildlife and conservation, some of his views—particularly regarding big game hunting—sparked debate. Nonetheless, his deep affection for Africa was evident in his writing, which celebrated both its beauty and its historical complexities.
Smith’s influence on adventure fiction remains significant, with his books continuing to captivate readers around the world. His legacy endures through his richly woven tales of exploration, conquest, and the enduring spirit of Africa.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 156 reviews
April 28, 2019
This is number 6 of 17 Wilbur Smith titles featuring the fictional Courtney family of South Africa.
I started my Courtney marathon with #4, The Burning Shore. Then I went on to #5 Power Of The Sword, and with this volume I have finished as much of the family story as I care to read right now, although I do plan to keep my eyes open for the first three titles in the series. I would eventually like to see the beginning of it all, in a way. We'll see what happens.
So, this third book still features Courtney people, specifically Centaine, her son Shasa, and his children. But the true star of this volume is the country and its politics. Beginning in 1948 and following all the way to the end of the 1960's, we see the creation of apartheid and all the ugliness that came from it.
I never knew much about South Africa as a youngster. These three books showed me the country and its people, and this book in particular gave me a history lesson better than anything I could have read in school, I'm sure.
It is sad, bloody, violent reading at times, but worth the effort.
I started my Courtney marathon with #4, The Burning Shore. Then I went on to #5 Power Of The Sword, and with this volume I have finished as much of the family story as I care to read right now, although I do plan to keep my eyes open for the first three titles in the series. I would eventually like to see the beginning of it all, in a way. We'll see what happens.
So, this third book still features Courtney people, specifically Centaine, her son Shasa, and his children. But the true star of this volume is the country and its politics. Beginning in 1948 and following all the way to the end of the 1960's, we see the creation of apartheid and all the ugliness that came from it.
I never knew much about South Africa as a youngster. These three books showed me the country and its people, and this book in particular gave me a history lesson better than anything I could have read in school, I'm sure.
It is sad, bloody, violent reading at times, but worth the effort.
May 20, 2012
Wilbur Smith has been turning out novels since the 1960's. He has lived in most of the southern nations of Africa and experienced many of the turbulent times that he has written about. Though he sometimes uses cliches ranging from broad shouldered heroes to sophisticated, intelligent, and evil villains his novels deliver one to Africa.
Rage begins in the late 40's and concludes in the sixties with the struggle against apartheid in South Africa reaching violent levels. The other books in this generational series are engrossing,but like all good recreational reads their intellectual content are minimal. However in Rage Smith takes a hard look at his country and it's tragic past. While not an intellectual masterpiece it reaches up to a little higher level than Smith's standard potboilers. It 's obvious that this book was more personal for him. Mandella was still in prison when this book was written and Apartheid was the law of the land in 1987. This book must have been a difficult venture for the author, but he accomplishes the task very well.
I strongly recommend not just this work, but all his novels. They are exciting and just plain fun. Give him a try next time you are at your local bookstore. You won't be sorry.
Rage begins in the late 40's and concludes in the sixties with the struggle against apartheid in South Africa reaching violent levels. The other books in this generational series are engrossing,but like all good recreational reads their intellectual content are minimal. However in Rage Smith takes a hard look at his country and it's tragic past. While not an intellectual masterpiece it reaches up to a little higher level than Smith's standard potboilers. It 's obvious that this book was more personal for him. Mandella was still in prison when this book was written and Apartheid was the law of the land in 1987. This book must have been a difficult venture for the author, but he accomplishes the task very well.
I strongly recommend not just this work, but all his novels. They are exciting and just plain fun. Give him a try next time you are at your local bookstore. You won't be sorry.
January 26, 2016
In the best of the Courtney series novels to date, Smith weaves more tales of South Africa, using his explosive cast of characters. With the Second Word War in the recent past, South Africa moves into a new era, both of politics and racial clashes. Half-brothers Shasa Courtney and Manfred De La Rey both hold seats in Parliament, but sit on opposing sides. The National Party has succeeded at the polls and holds a firm grip on power, seeking to legislate their permanent rule of the country, in which blacks will be subservient under apartheid. When Shasa is lured from the opposition benches to the National Party, he is promised a cabinet post and serves effectively, as South Africa is shunned internationally for its antics. Some may say Shasa has turned his back on his morals, though he would argue that there is a need to work within the system currently in place, trying to turn things around in whatever way he can. The black population of the country will not wait for an outside saviour. Moses Gama works within the military arm of the African National Congress (ANC) to bring about change, no matter the bloodshed. As he rallies the troops, Gama commits the ultimate coup when he lures Shasa's wife, Tara, away from her husband and into his bed. They conceive a son, which Tara has in secret, and Gama is able to use Tara as a pawn in his evolving plot to infiltrate the government. When a major terrorist plot is foiled, Gama faces the ultimate price after a trial in the white courts. Working together, Shasa and Manfred, whose connection has only just been revealed to one another, are able to limit any violence as they quell the ANC protests and keep South Africa strong. In the latter portion of the novel, Shasa finally uncovers the White Sword, the man behind the murder of his grandfather, Garrick Courtney. Manfred disappears from public life in a negotiated deal with his brother, living out his life on the farms while Shasa rises to new powers, representing the Republic of South Africa on the international scene. Powerful in its plot advancements and ever-developing characters, Smith does a masterful job at keeping the reader highly entertained throughout.
One reason that this novel vaults ahead of its predecessors is the thick plots related to the political and social developments within South Africa. It is within the timeframe of this novel that the Smuts morals of governing are turned around and the National Party begins a brutal regime of ostracizing the black population. Smith weaves historical truths within his fictional narrative, as South Africa becomes the abandoned child of the British Commonwealth and soon leaves the comforts of the nest to survive as a republic. Smith is also keen on pushing the multi-generational aspect of the story within this novel, honing the lives of both Manfred and Shasa's children, giving them their own lives and plots that develop throughout and will, hopefully, continue to expand as the series moves forward. These rich storylines foster more interest for the reader, as the torch is passed from Centaine to her grandchildren with great intrigue, and each grandchild chooses a life path of their own. Smith leaves many threads dangling and must address them, but also makes sure to tie off a number of loose ends, all in the hopes of keeping the reader guessing about what will come next.
Kudos, Mr. Smith for taking the time to bring South Africa to life. This is a series I have been looking for and you deliver it with such ease.
Like/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
One reason that this novel vaults ahead of its predecessors is the thick plots related to the political and social developments within South Africa. It is within the timeframe of this novel that the Smuts morals of governing are turned around and the National Party begins a brutal regime of ostracizing the black population. Smith weaves historical truths within his fictional narrative, as South Africa becomes the abandoned child of the British Commonwealth and soon leaves the comforts of the nest to survive as a republic. Smith is also keen on pushing the multi-generational aspect of the story within this novel, honing the lives of both Manfred and Shasa's children, giving them their own lives and plots that develop throughout and will, hopefully, continue to expand as the series moves forward. These rich storylines foster more interest for the reader, as the torch is passed from Centaine to her grandchildren with great intrigue, and each grandchild chooses a life path of their own. Smith leaves many threads dangling and must address them, but also makes sure to tie off a number of loose ends, all in the hopes of keeping the reader guessing about what will come next.
Kudos, Mr. Smith for taking the time to bring South Africa to life. This is a series I have been looking for and you deliver it with such ease.
Like/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
September 10, 2019
Καλά πέρασα! Για ήσυχες στιγμές έχοντας όλα τα στοιχεία αυτά για απολαυστική ανάγνωση. Περιπέτειες, έρωτες, σασπένς, πολιτική, τρομοκρατία, άγριο σεξ ενίοτε, τι άλλο πια να θέλουμε.... Δικαίως ο συγγραφέας συγκαταλέγεται ανάμεσα στους μεγαλύτερους σύγχρονους με δεκάδες βιβλία και εκατομμύρια πωλήσεων!
August 8, 2017
This is my first Wilbur Smith novel having grown up with them gracing the shelves (my dad is a big fan) without getting around to reading them myself (good things the parents had a clear out!) and I was greatly impressed. I wasn't sure about it at first as I didn't realise when the book was set (I'm missing the dust jacket) so the traditional nature of the roles the men and women were playing was a little off-putting. Then the timing dawned on me and it began to fit together properly. From then on I was swept away on the intrigues and conspiracies, business dealings and personal difficulties of all the characters, whether I liked them or not. Smith weaves together the stories of his fictional characters with those from the real world really well, rather like Ken Follett who I have also been reading recently. This combination makes for a more realistic feel to the story and allows the reader to have a bit of familiarity with the people and events, drawing them in even more. I can't wait to start trawling through the others I have, might need to rest the arms first though!
December 9, 2014
Both sides of Apartheid presented. Well developed characters. Plenty of interesting information and action to make this a long book, which is just what I wanted - a good meaty read.
June 8, 2019
Another fine novel from Wilbur Smith, and the next in the Courtney saga. This is the biggest yet, but then Smith is tackling one of his meatiest subjects: the apartheid era of South Africa in the 1950s. Characters from the previous book reappear, now older and more assured, with the next generation bringing their own grievances and problems to the mix. The real story is always race, though, and Smith covers it in a conscientious way, exploring the faults and prejudices of both sides, charting real-life events such as the Shapeville massacre with pin-point accuracy, and never failing to impress, horrify and move the reader in equal measure.
The story is written in an incredibly detailed way. Even though it's very slow-moving it's one of those books you struggle to put down because you never know what's around the corner. The characters are very entertaining to read about, even though all of them are variously flawed and hateful in their own ways. In terms of flaws, there's some mishandling of women; it would be nice to find one for whom it isn't all about sex. The ending is also a little rushed, especially given all the build-up that's come previously. Nonetheless this is gripping stuff, with the incredible character of Moses Gama a real stand-out.
The story is written in an incredibly detailed way. Even though it's very slow-moving it's one of those books you struggle to put down because you never know what's around the corner. The characters are very entertaining to read about, even though all of them are variously flawed and hateful in their own ways. In terms of flaws, there's some mishandling of women; it would be nice to find one for whom it isn't all about sex. The ending is also a little rushed, especially given all the build-up that's come previously. Nonetheless this is gripping stuff, with the incredible character of Moses Gama a real stand-out.
November 15, 2021
Edit- 15-Nov-2021
Sad to hear that Wilbur Smith passed away on 13th Nov 2021. Revisiting my review of this book as a tribute to W.Smith.
This was probably the first historical fiction that I ever read.
I read this long ago, but still remember being fascinated by the historical facts/ apartheid related details.
This book can be read as a stand-alone. I didn't know that it was a part of the series then. I had been thinking of reading the other books in this series, maybe should do that soon.
Sad to hear that Wilbur Smith passed away on 13th Nov 2021. Revisiting my review of this book as a tribute to W.Smith.
This was probably the first historical fiction that I ever read.
I read this long ago, but still remember being fascinated by the historical facts/ apartheid related details.
This book can be read as a stand-alone. I didn't know that it was a part of the series then. I had been thinking of reading the other books in this series, maybe should do that soon.
June 30, 2021
An outstanding book.
My grandfather gave me this book a couple of months ago to read and is one of his very favourites. I went into it not knowing what to expect and not thinking too much of it. However, I struggle with huge books as my mind likes to have something fresh quite quickly.
Although this book was fantastic. It contained so much information and detail. The plot continued on without any repetition or any feelings of drab. This book was gripping and had me gasping but also on the edge of my seat due to a range of emotions.
Right until the very last page I was gripped onto the story as there was always something new that would take me by surprise.
Not knowing too much myself on all the matters contained in the book, I was a little lost but found it very interesting as I learnt a lot.
This book will stick with me for different reasons but I would recommend it to anyone as it may surprise you.
Sadly, I wish I took notes on all the different topics thought out and the events that taken place since there was so much to go on by. However, it is one that can be reread.
My grandfather gave me this book a couple of months ago to read and is one of his very favourites. I went into it not knowing what to expect and not thinking too much of it. However, I struggle with huge books as my mind likes to have something fresh quite quickly.
Although this book was fantastic. It contained so much information and detail. The plot continued on without any repetition or any feelings of drab. This book was gripping and had me gasping but also on the edge of my seat due to a range of emotions.
Right until the very last page I was gripped onto the story as there was always something new that would take me by surprise.
Not knowing too much myself on all the matters contained in the book, I was a little lost but found it very interesting as I learnt a lot.
This book will stick with me for different reasons but I would recommend it to anyone as it may surprise you.
Sadly, I wish I took notes on all the different topics thought out and the events that taken place since there was so much to go on by. However, it is one that can be reread.
October 17, 2012
I really liked this book. There are so many stories going at once it can get a bit difficult to keep track of things, but it all ties together in the end.
February 18, 2015
I am a great fan of Wilbur Smith, his stories are epic and you can't help but be swept away... I liked Rage, its interesting to reflect on our situation today and the time in which this novel was written. I'd love to see an follow up book from the author set against the backdrop of the current situation in South Africa.
One thing about the book bothered me and that is the affair between Isabella Courtney and Lothar de la Rey - aren't they related? Of course they did not know, but both Centaine Courtney-Malcomess and Manfred de la Rey knew... Mmm, but perhaps this is part of the reason why Lothar broke it off.
I was shocked by the murder of Moses Gama by his own nephew and the depths to which such radicalism stretches. Oh the treacherous deceit of the act!
I felt that the end was rather rushed, but all in all I was satisfied to know the fate of all the characters in the book.
This book definitely enlightened me to see the struggle from both perspectives. It also proves that it only takes a few instigators to make a tragedy... The Sharpeville massacre is aptly and accurately described but more than this, it adds the depth of feelings to it.
A good read, I would recommend it...
One thing about the book bothered me and that is the affair between Isabella Courtney and Lothar de la Rey - aren't they related? Of course they did not know, but both Centaine Courtney-Malcomess and Manfred de la Rey knew... Mmm, but perhaps this is part of the reason why Lothar broke it off.
I was shocked by the murder of Moses Gama by his own nephew and the depths to which such radicalism stretches. Oh the treacherous deceit of the act!
I felt that the end was rather rushed, but all in all I was satisfied to know the fate of all the characters in the book.
This book definitely enlightened me to see the struggle from both perspectives. It also proves that it only takes a few instigators to make a tragedy... The Sharpeville massacre is aptly and accurately described but more than this, it adds the depth of feelings to it.
A good read, I would recommend it...
March 31, 2013
I would rate this book a 3.5 out of 5. This is a classic Wilbur Smith book and I enjoyed it very much. I enjoyed it more than the 3 stars would indicate. The story always moves at a fast pace, the plot lines are always interesting and not always what you think, and he does a great job of making the reader feel like they are a part of South Africa and the culture. The part of this book that I had a really hard time with is Smith's portrayal of women. All of his books have sex scenes, but in this book, it seemed as if every female character was obsessed with sex. The conservative religious women, upper class and lower class women, even progressive women, could think of nothing but sex. I am not a prude or conservative at all, but the attitudes in the book that the menfolk simply dominate by being masculine and the women can barely contain themselves wore on me after a while. I don't remember it being quite like this in the previous books I read by Smith. There were always characters like this, but I remember female characters that had more dimensions to them.
With all of that said, I still really enjoyed the book.
With all of that said, I still really enjoyed the book.
April 2, 2020
After reading
Power of the Sword
, I was too eager to continue the story. In
Rage
, Wilbur Smith continues the story of the Courtneys.
Shasa Courtney, heir to the Courtney fortunes, dreams only of uniting his divided, beloved country. Against all his principles, he allows his half-brother Manfred to persuade him to join South Africa's right-wing National Party, hoping to moderate from within their dangerous policies of Apartheid.
But Shasa's wife is working against everything he's working for, while Manfred has deadly secrets he cannot afford to be revealed, either to his family or the public who are on the brink of war. In the terrible struggle for the future of South Africa, the Courtney family will be torn apart – and many will have to pay a terrible price.
Shasa Courtney, heir to the Courtney fortunes, dreams only of uniting his divided, beloved country. Against all his principles, he allows his half-brother Manfred to persuade him to join South Africa's right-wing National Party, hoping to moderate from within their dangerous policies of Apartheid.
But Shasa's wife is working against everything he's working for, while Manfred has deadly secrets he cannot afford to be revealed, either to his family or the public who are on the brink of war. In the terrible struggle for the future of South Africa, the Courtney family will be torn apart – and many will have to pay a terrible price.
November 30, 2019
Addiction is an amazing thing, particularly when it is a reader addicted to an author compelling her to read his books!
That's me, with Wilbur Smith. This book, the sixth in his Courtney series is just as great as the first five. And I already have several more ready and waiting to read.
No surprise, the sons and grandsons of the Courtneys and De La Reys in this historical fiction of Africa continue the good and bad of their fathers and grandfathers. Post WW11 and into the 1960's, the history of Africa, about which I knew little to nothing before beginning this series, becomes violent and attracts world-wide attention.
The book is a page turner and although I enjoyed the ending [Smith does not leave the reader just hanging in the wind], I always with there were more pages to read. The best thing is that there are more books is this series, and he has other series as well. Aaah...addiction.
That's me, with Wilbur Smith. This book, the sixth in his Courtney series is just as great as the first five. And I already have several more ready and waiting to read.
No surprise, the sons and grandsons of the Courtneys and De La Reys in this historical fiction of Africa continue the good and bad of their fathers and grandfathers. Post WW11 and into the 1960's, the history of Africa, about which I knew little to nothing before beginning this series, becomes violent and attracts world-wide attention.
The book is a page turner and although I enjoyed the ending [Smith does not leave the reader just hanging in the wind], I always with there were more pages to read. The best thing is that there are more books is this series, and he has other series as well. Aaah...addiction.
May 14, 2013
This book was an enjoyable read but the ending was really sort of rushed in my opinion. The book tells a few different stories, all linked to one another in some way, and all the stories links through the struggle during apartheid in South Africa.
We follow the Courtney's, who the book is all about, through their business ventures and the political adventure.
We follow the De La Rey's and Manfreds political rise.
We follow the black struggle and their leader Moses Gama. A few of the big names in African politics gets a mention, Mandela, Mbeki, Sisulu, Thambo just to name a few.
My favorite part of the book was when Gary, the least liked of Shasa's sons, shot his first lion, and from there on, starting to stand up for himself. I do nominate him as my favorite character in the book.
All in all, a well written story, with a decent flow. Well Done
We follow the Courtney's, who the book is all about, through their business ventures and the political adventure.
We follow the De La Rey's and Manfreds political rise.
We follow the black struggle and their leader Moses Gama. A few of the big names in African politics gets a mention, Mandela, Mbeki, Sisulu, Thambo just to name a few.
My favorite part of the book was when Gary, the least liked of Shasa's sons, shot his first lion, and from there on, starting to stand up for himself. I do nominate him as my favorite character in the book.
All in all, a well written story, with a decent flow. Well Done
June 1, 2018
So much politics and a fast pace. Very intriculty woven novel. I enjoyed the pacing and jumping between different characters and the story and struggles it told. Sasha comes into the spot light and I'm glad. I can finally confirm that I appreciate the character of Centaine. Her character has grown and changed over the past three novels. Sasha's children aside from Michael have all captivated me and I want to read more. oh and how I hate the character of Tara! Well done Wiblur Smith!
June 2, 2021
Story line is very interesting, but the female characters are terrible. They start strong and then every single one falls at the feet of the “strong” egotistical, misogynistic, “big dick” men (literally all described as this) - crying after every sexual encounter. It’s ridiculous.
If you can ignore this and appreciate it was written in the early 70s, then the story is very good, but this erks a lot in this day and age.
If you can ignore this and appreciate it was written in the early 70s, then the story is very good, but this erks a lot in this day and age.
April 23, 2024
A relatively accurate rendering of the Apartheid era and its author (Hendric Verwoerd) in South Africa, some poetic license for which he apologizes. His equinanimous handling of the various racial and ethnic groups in South Africa helps us to see their different points of view in an even handed manner.
August 29, 2023
I enjoyed reading this book. Wilbur Smith bases a lot of his stories in Africa.
April 23, 2020
It amazes me everytime. I don't read, I actually travel. That's the way of writing...
June 28, 2022
29 hours of politics where nothing ever happens. Pretty boring book.
April 17, 2023
Saga Familiei Courtney continuă. Pare că merg și la următorul volum, căci, chiar dacă pe alocuri m-a pierdut, Wilbur Smith a știut (cel puțin) cum să încheie, ca să merg mai departe, după Furia lui.
Asta pentru cei care vor aventură, ceva politică, răsturnări de situație, oleacă de iubire și alte câteva. 😉
Asta pentru cei care vor aventură, ceva politică, răsturnări de situație, oleacă de iubire și alte câteva. 😉
July 14, 2025
Still nice reading after 35 years and was hooked until the end.
May 10, 2024
Love the Authour
September 20, 2023
Gosh this is a long book!
March 5, 2019
The 6th Courtney book and the 3rd of the second phase, Rage takes us through the most controversial period in South Africa’s history. It was published in the 1987 when Nelson Mandela was still in prison. He was not released until 1990.
Rage is also the most graphically violent book in the Courtney series so far. Gruesome and bloody and at times unsavoury, the circumcision of young boys by the local witch doctors or cannibalism by an angry mob spring to mind. This is set in a particularly violent, volatile period of South Africa history.
Woven within this are the Courtney’s and all there back biting, squabbling and conniving ways. In fact there are getting to be less and less of the Courtney’s that I like.
This book is a big improvement on the previous Power of the Swords, however Wilbur Smith still suffers by portraying his characters as beautiful and perfect. Although there are less of the Mills & Boon moments here.
But what holds this book above its predecessor is its portrayal of the events surrounding the Courtney’s story. Apartheid and the rise of people like Nelson Mandela and events like the Sharpesville massacre. Wilbur Smith puts Michael Courtney at the scene to witness this. (In reality it was an english journalist from Preston in Lancashire called Ian Berry who famously photographed the events and brought it to the worlds attention)
The only other thing that holds this book back slightly is the politics. They have to be there as it’s an intrical part of the story but there are times when they interrupt the flow of the story.
An enjoyable story that picks the baton up after being dropped by Wilbur Smith. Rage is also an apt title. It is story that is fuelled by rage.
Rage is also the most graphically violent book in the Courtney series so far. Gruesome and bloody and at times unsavoury, the circumcision of young boys by the local witch doctors or cannibalism by an angry mob spring to mind. This is set in a particularly violent, volatile period of South Africa history.
Woven within this are the Courtney’s and all there back biting, squabbling and conniving ways. In fact there are getting to be less and less of the Courtney’s that I like.
This book is a big improvement on the previous Power of the Swords, however Wilbur Smith still suffers by portraying his characters as beautiful and perfect. Although there are less of the Mills & Boon moments here.
But what holds this book above its predecessor is its portrayal of the events surrounding the Courtney’s story. Apartheid and the rise of people like Nelson Mandela and events like the Sharpesville massacre. Wilbur Smith puts Michael Courtney at the scene to witness this. (In reality it was an english journalist from Preston in Lancashire called Ian Berry who famously photographed the events and brought it to the worlds attention)
The only other thing that holds this book back slightly is the politics. They have to be there as it’s an intrical part of the story but there are times when they interrupt the flow of the story.
An enjoyable story that picks the baton up after being dropped by Wilbur Smith. Rage is also an apt title. It is story that is fuelled by rage.
November 4, 2024
Fantastic story, weaving in and out of true history - brilliantly written.
March 19, 2019
I just loved this book and rate it up there in my top echelon of historical fiction books. Wilbur Smith is a master storyteller and weaves incredible and captures the readers' attention and never lets go. This stories of the lives of Shasa Courtney and his half brother Manfred in their primes along with Moses Gama who is a natural leader of the blacks in South Africa. After bearing four children, Tara Courtney, a true liberal fanatic, has an affair with Moses and eventually gets pregnant and has the child in secrecy. This book has it all, assasination attempts and successes and details Sasha's affairs as well with a young American journalist. The books ends with the making of Moses Gama as a martyr and Manfred dies of a heart attack after retiring. Looking forward to the next book in the Courtney series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 31, 2019
I am much enjoying the Courtney series, or have done until now...
'Rage' is book number six and I'm currently about a quarter of the way through the story, where Shasa takes his sons on a safari. Shasa has given each of his sons .22 calibre Winchester rifles, with which the eldest, Sean, kills an Impala and later Garrick kills a charging lion !!!!!
NO! NO! NO! IT WOULD NOT BE REMOTELY POSSIBLE TO KILL BIG GAME WITH A .22 RIFLE❗️
I'm staggered that Wilbur Smith, himself allegedly experienced in big game hunting, could write such errant claptrap and I have to admit that this has rather tarnished the gilding on his otherwise excellent story telling.
'Rage' is book number six and I'm currently about a quarter of the way through the story, where Shasa takes his sons on a safari. Shasa has given each of his sons .22 calibre Winchester rifles, with which the eldest, Sean, kills an Impala and later Garrick kills a charging lion !!!!!
NO! NO! NO! IT WOULD NOT BE REMOTELY POSSIBLE TO KILL BIG GAME WITH A .22 RIFLE❗️
I'm staggered that Wilbur Smith, himself allegedly experienced in big game hunting, could write such errant claptrap and I have to admit that this has rather tarnished the gilding on his otherwise excellent story telling.
October 27, 2019
Still not as good as the opening books 1 and 2, but very good at bringing together all the different characters from the different families. No wonder there was a needed for change when you see how the rich and pampered live. Should have been more on Lothar dear la Reye, or is he still in the garden? Manfred is a good baddie and Sasha does his best too be good. Let's see how the Courtneys develop in later books. Young Shaun seems like a real Courtney. Bad but good. Centaine was weak in this book with little plot. Overall a good read, but you needed to have read the earlier books to fully follow the storylines.
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