Warlock (Ancient Egypt, #3)

Title: Warlock (Ancient Egypt, #3)

Author: Wilbur Smith

Published in: 2001

Date read: 24th November 2009

Score: 4/5

Genre: Mythology, Horror, Thriller

Plot: (Warning, may contain spoilers):
"Warlock" by Wilbur Smith, published in 2001, is the fourth novel in his acclaimed Ancient Egypt series. It revisits the legendary eunuch and sage, Taita, who returns to the forefront of a tumultuous era, using his immense knowledge and magic to guide and protect the rightful heir to the Egyptian throne from a malevolent usurper.

The story is set hundreds of years after the events of the previous novels. Taita, now a seemingly immortal figure of great wisdom and power, has spent centuries in the desert, his magical abilities and knowledge of the world growing to unparalleled heights. He is revered as a warlock, a figure of myth and legend.

He is drawn back into the world of men by the plight of Nefer Seti, the young son of the assassinated Pharaoh, who is the rightful heir to the two kingdoms of Egypt. Nefer's life is in grave danger, as the throne has been seized by the treacherous and cruel Lord Naja, a ruthless tyrant who will stop at nothing to eliminate any threat to his power.

Taita takes Nefer under his wing, training him not only in the arts of warfare and kingship but also in the subtle, cunning ways of political intrigue. Taita's primary mission is to protect Nefer, restore the true pharaoh to the throne, and save Egypt from the tyrannical rule of Naja.

The narrative is a grand, sweeping adventure filled with battles, political machinations, and mystical encounters. Taita and Nefer must navigate a land rife with corruption, betrayal, and dark magic. Taita's skills as a sorcerer, healer, and strategist are constantly put to the test as he orchestrates a rebellion and trains an army of loyal followers. He also faces powerful adversaries who wield dark magic themselves, including a sinister figure known as the Serpent.

The novel is a journey of maturation for the young Nefer as he learns from the master and grows into a capable leader. The conflict is not just between armies but between good and evil, wisdom and brutality, and ancient magic versus modern tyranny.

The climax involves a massive, desperate battle to reclaim the throne. Taita uses his wisdom and formidable powers to confront Naja and his dark forces, culminating in a dramatic and powerful confrontation to restore order and justice to Egypt. "Warlock" is a testament to the enduring power of Taita's character, blending historical epic with fantasy and adventure.

Comments:
Never read any of the works of Wilbur Smith before and bought this as a gift for my father-in-law. He enjoyed it and passed it to me to read. I loved the Egyptian mythological links, something I've not read much about, and the whole story was a huge and epic tale. Very much enjoyed it.

Books that we've read by Wilbur Smith (1):
Warlock (Ancient Egypt, #3) (2001)