Titans of War

This is the second book in the series that started with 'The New Kingdom' and Mark Chadbourn as co-author, and the eighth in the Ancient Egypt series as a whole.

Piay and his assistant, Hannu, are the main characters who travel to Sparta to ask for help in ridding Egypt of the Hyksos invaders. Things don't go quite to plan though and they meet some very unsavoury characters along the way. Some are not what they first appear to be.

I was a little concerned when reading the previous book, 'The New Kingdom' that 'the spark' I found in other Wilbur Smith books had been missing (I only gave it four stars). I needn't have worried with this second work. This was a wee cracker of an adventure, full of action, revenge, horror, respect, deceit, blood and slaughter... and many other deeper things like friendship, love, and trust. (God, I'm welling up again!) I found it to be a very emotional, but easy, read with strong characters and beautifully choreographed fight scenes.

I'm really looking forward to reading book number nine. Well done, Mark Chadbourn for returning the hitherto missing spark of Mr Smith's writing, and for bringing the emotional feel of the Egypt series back to me.

I chose to read an ARC copy of this work, which I voluntarily and honestly reviewed. All opinions are my own. My thanks to the publisher and NetGalley.

When you pick up a Wilbur Smith book you know you are in for a good read. I had to take my time with the beginning of the book as I sorted out the characters but then the story took off.and I was fully absorbed in the action. The ending was exciting and I am eagerly awaiting a follow up book, which I am sure will follow.

Titans of War is another cracking read from this author’s Egyptian sagas. From being entranced by River God many years ago this one is as good if not better.
The characters are brilliantly described with depth and humour. Tatia from the previous books takes a much smaller role here but his presence is still very much present.
Egypt has been invaded by the Hyksos and they have been in control for many years, only Thebes is under Egyptian control. Taita tasks Piay who he has trained from being a young boy to travel to Sparta and request the help of the Spartans to help rid Egypt of their invaders.
A self centred boastful man Piay takes on this task with his assistant Hannu. So starts a an adventure that will leave you breathless with the horrors and excitement these two encounter.
This book is page turning, jaw dropping and heart pounding. One of the best I’ve read this year. I wait the next with great anticipation.
My thanks to net galley and publisher for the opportunity to review this book honestly

Not my normal genre at all. Mixed myself up with the names at first but after a few pages I really got into it. Loved the historical drama of it and the unexpectedness of the story lines so really enjoyed it. I know this is a popular author but I hadn’t read anything by Wilbur Smith before. But - I’m a convert in going to see what else he has to offer.

The story follows a young man on his journey to try and save Egypt from the Hyksos. A daunting challenge with the highest of stakes, will the ‘best swordsman in Egypt be up to the task?
A great read from start to finish with really easy to like main characters. I loved the constant link between the human impact and that of the intervention of the gods. Drama until the end, you will not be disappointed!

Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for sharing this book with me! Awesome… What are you waiting for?! Snap this one up ASAP! Could not put it down.

As a huge fan and avid reader of all Wilbur Smith books the Titans of War did not disappoint .The story commences with the introduction of the two main characters Piay and his assistant Hannu. This is a typical Wilbur Smith story with the reader hooked from the very start. We are straight into the action and the plot thickens and twists from start to finish with no let up. This is a real all action page turner that is a compelling read.

Surely Wilbur Smith does not need reviews, as his reputation goes before him.
Good characters, with long drawn-out seemingly impossible tasks for the heroes. brilliant historical details with a few far-seeing modern twists. You have to Google who the remote tribes and counties are from the old names that are painstakingly researched.
This is a book that engages the senses as well with vivid descriptions of markets at the time. Describing being at sea on long voyages and journeys into previously unknown territory.
A great book as usual.

It is a long time since I have read any Wilbur Smith and I certainly wasn't disappointed with this book. It is a totally epic read, captivating, and full of adventure with very tense chapters. Thebes is the only part of Egypt that is still under Egyptian control and it is unthinkable that it might fall into the hands of the Hykos. The only solution is to enlist the help of the Spartans. Taita is tasked with getting himself to Sparta with his assistant to persuade them to join the fight. The journey is arduous, Taita has ideas of his own that lead them into horrific situations where they have to end up fighting for their lives. I can highly recommend this book, it is worthy of 5*.

Don’t plan any projects if you’re going to read this!! Once you start you’re not able to crack on with anything…it’sa race a minute to get through the pleasingly short chapters (words of “I’ll just read this and then…”) nope you just keep promising yourself one more chapter and then 10 more have flashed past …. It’s a rollicking adventure story! It really would make the most fabulous film, expensive but thrilling.

This would be the perfect book to get you across the Atlantic if you had a long flight…can you tell I loved it?

Thank you to the author, publishers and Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review

A exciting story from the Egyptian Saga that I really enjoyed and found hard to put down.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bonnier Books UK for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.

Having only previously read River God, I found Titans of War to be very much in the style of the original. It was thoroughly enjoyable; Piay and Hannu's relationship and journey was lovely to follow - and the introduction of the Spartans and other tribes was fascinating.

The hint of gods I found fascinating and Sakir was such a great bad guy!!

I didn't find this book particularly emotive - hence it not being quite 5 stars, but I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers fo letting me read copy of Titans of War. I have loved Wilbur Smith books since my Dad set me reading Birds of Prey and Monsoon. His books are addictive and draw you in from the very beginning. I really enjoyed this story, even though I haven’t read all the Egyptian titles. River God was fantastic. Would recommend this book to anyone looking for adventure *****

Egypt has been invaded by the barbarous Hykos and only Thebes has yet to fall. Taita entrusts Piay and his assistant Hannu with the task of traveling to Sparta to enlist their aid in fighting the Hykos. Theirs is an epic quest with lots of action and character growth. The short chapters kept me racing through the novel. Loved it.

A great Egyptian adventure with very appealing and in depth characters. Wilbur smith always draws you in to read page after page hardly being able to put the book down.
There’s always a twist or 4 in his books so you need to expect the unexpected.
The story moves from country to country with the story never suffering from long drawn out explanations or excessive characters. They all have their places in the storyline which helps it flow from place to place with consummate ease.
The main protagonists in the storyline are well introduced and kept relevant throughout the book.
I hope the publishers have a good back catalogue of unpublished novels so his writing can still be enjoyed for years to come. RIPWilburSmith your stories will live on through the excellent writing you’ve always produced

Wilbur Smith is an excellent storyteller and this historical novel is gripping and well plotted. I was hooked since the beginning and thoroughly enjoyed it.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine

Epic. Simply epic.
Looking forward to the next instalments already.
The story follows Piay and Hannu on their quest to find help to fight the Hyksos invaders. Their quest sees them travel far and wide with a continued threat of being chased while they are at it. Short chapters help keep the story fast paced and with lots of variety.
It's hard to pick up on any faults at all.
Loved it.
Many thanks for the ARC.

For over fifty years Egypt has known nothing but war and devastation at the hands of the Hyksos, a bloodthirsty barbarian people from the distant east who continue to advance, crushing armies in their wake. Times are desperate, but throughout the conflict, a brave resistance fights on under the great Taita, a slave who has risen far beyond his ranks. Piay, entrusted into Taita's care by his parents at the age of just five, has been trained to become a great spy, unmatched by any other. Determined to prove his worth, he embarks on a dangerous mission to the lands in the north - to Mycenae and through the heart of Hyksos land and across the great sea - to find allies to help defend Egypt.
Another well written, page turner from the master storyteller. The pace never lags & I was drawn in from the start & held captive until the final page. A masterful read
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read