Niilin noita

Very high-interest story. Even though this is a relatively long book, The author was able to maintain suspense and interest throughout. There are parts that are brutally violent, but if you can get by those the story is an enjoyable, quick read. ( )

Taita, el protagonista d'aquesta novel·la, és un home savi, preceptor i tutor de faraons. Després de la mort de la reina Lostris, Taita es retira al desert a meditar, i els anys de reflexió i d'estudi en les immensitats solitàries del nord d'Àfrica en fan un bruixot expert en el món sobrenatural, en coneixements de màgia i en la saviesa ancestral dels déus. Responent a la crida de les divinitats, Taita torna al món dels homes i es compromet en la lluita que les forces del mal plantegen per aconseguir el tron d'Egipte i eliminar el jove príncep Nefer, nét de la reina Lostris i futur faraó. ( )

I almost didn't read this book. I loved River God, but this one got disappointing reviews from others who loved River God. I will say that while I don't think it was nearly as good as River God, it's still a very good story, and well worth the time reading it.

I liked the first person voice of Taita better in River God, but using this narrative form allowed the author to more easily be telling several different lines of narration at the same time, which was perfect for this story.

It got a bit slow for a bit in the second half of the book, when the detail surrounding the preparation and running of the "Red Road" was being described, but with this exception, the story kept me engaged throughout. Lots of adventure, a little magic, and great storytelling.

I'm going to stop at this one though, as the next in the series gets such universally terrible reviews. I think I will pick up and try some of Wilbur Smith's other books though, as I think he's truly a master of storytelling. ( )

I want to call this one 'Taita grows up and decides not to be the center of attention and best at everything', because that's exactly what happens here. I loved River God, but thought that it got a bit ridiculous when Taita was the best at quite literally everything. It's still present here, but the author spends more time developing the other characters in a way that wasn't present in River God. There are definitely leaps of faith at parts, but overall a fun take on Ancient Egypt.

5/5 for a strong setting, complex characters, and tons of interwoven plot ( )

Slow ( )