The Quest by Wilbur Smith
Category: Historical Novel (sort of) Grade: B
Wilbur Smith is a very prolific writer of mostly historical fiction. The Quest is the fourth book in his series about ancient Egypt. The series focuses on Taita, a eunuch and advisor to the Pharaohs of Egypt. He's a "long liver" having lived through the reigns of four or five Pharaohs. The previous three novels have been reality based. This one flies way off in to the realm of fantasy. In doing so, Smith becomes extremely derivative. This book reads like a compilation of the stories of Tolkien, Rowlins and others. There are quests, reincarnation, witches, fantastical healing and, frankly, ultimately, it was too much. The book managed to hang on to a B rating because Smith really writes amazing ancient battle scenes - a little gory, but engaging.
If you're interested in Egypt, I still recommend the earlier books in the series, especially the first one, River God. Definitely don't start with this one.
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