Birds of Prey

Wilbur Smith

Average Rating 9/10 (1 Review)

Wilbur Smith has always captivated readers with novels full of passion, excitement and glory. With Birds of Prey, a magnificent story of high seas and high adventure, he will enthral readers once again.

It is 1667 and the mighty naval war between the Dutch and the English still rages. Sir Francis Courtney and his son Hal, in their fighting caravel, are on patrol off Southern Africa, lying in wait for a galleon of the Dutch East India Company returning from the Orient laden with spices, timber and gold.

From the very first pages, Wilbur Smith spins a colourful and exciting tale, crackling with tension and drama, that builds to a stunning climax. Packed with vivid descriptive passages of the open seas, and an extraordinary cast of characters, Bird of Prey is a masterpiece from a storyteller at the height of his powers.

Review by Chrissi (301200) Rating (9/10)

Review by Chrissi
Rating 9/10
I have to admit, it has been probably 10 years since I have read a Wilbur Smith novel, the last being probably Shout at the Devil, but this was a jolly good read.

Set in the times of privateers and pirates, this is the story of Hal Courtney, son of Sir Francis, a privateer on the side of King Charles the second against the Dutch. Set in the waters of Africa, this has betrayal, treasure, murder and victory in spade loads.

The action is fast and furious, and even those of us with no idea of the difference between all the different kind of cannons, could envisage the noise and surge of the battles between the great sailing ships. I loved it.
Chrissi (30th December 2000)