Another outstanding adventure from one of the world's best loved storytellers
Those in Peril (Hector Cross Novels)
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Review
Praise for "Those in Peril"
""Those in Peril" is the thriller of the year."--"Daily Express" (UK)
"Gun-blazing action."--"Daily Telegraph" (UK)
"Another outstanding adventure from this popular author."--"The French Paper" (UK)
"As with most of Smith's books, this one is a cracker of a read."--"The Citizen" (New Zealand)
OUTSTANDING PRAISE FOR THE NOVELS OF WILBUR SMITH
ASSEGAI
"One thrilling package that will be eagerly devoured by fans."--"Publishers Weekly"
"There is a reason Smith is a hugely popular writer of historical novels: his remarkable talent for re-creating historical periods and crafting characters we care about is virtually unmatched in the genre. Smith [has] been entertaining readers for nearly five decades, and if this novel is any indication, he is showing no signs of slowing down."--"Booklist"
THE TRIUMPH OF THE SUN
"Everything [Smith's] fans have come to expect: masterful storytelling and breathtaking adventure...chalk up another winner."--"Times Record News" (Wichita Falls, TX)
"Espionage, disguise, stabbings in the dark...a story that is--like the Nile itself--swift and powerful." --"Booklist"
""
"Wildly entertaining, compulsively readable."--"Sunday Telegraph" (UK)
BLUE HORIZON
"The eleventh volume in Smith's saga of the Courtney clan is every bit as riveting as its predecessors. Brimming with bravado, greed, and romance."--"Booklist"
""
"Really big retro-fun."--"Kirkus Reviews"
""
"A swashbuckling, brawling, sprawling historical epic. Rich, exciting, and fascinating."--"Library Journal"
""
"Adventure and danger at every turn."--"New York Daily News"
""
"Gripping. The writer's fans will enjoy the ride."--"Publishers Weekly"
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"Master storyteller Smith takes his story into another generation of adventurers battling on the sea and on land in the settling of South Africa."--"Tulsa World"
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"Everything Smith's fans have come to expect from his epic adventure novels. H --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
Book Description
Hazel Bannock is the heir to the Bannock Oil Corp, one of the major oil producers with global reach. While cruising in the Indian Ocean, Hazel's private yacht is hijacked by African pirates. Hazel is not on board at the time, but her nineteen year old daughter, Cayla, is kidnapped and held to ransom. The pirates demand a crippling twenty billion dollar ransom for her release. Complicated political and diplomatic considerations render the civilized major powers incapable of intervening. When Hazel is given evidence of the horrific torture which Cayla is being subjected to, she calls on Hector Cross to help her rescue her daughter. Hector is the owner and operator of Cross Bow Security, the company which is contracted to Bannock Oil to provide all their security. He is a formidable fighting man. Between them Hazel and Hector are determined to take the law into their own hands.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
61 of 62 people found the following review helpful
By CHARITYVIEW
Format:Hardcover
I have been an avid reader of all Wilbur Smith books since the early days. I was hooked when I first read 'When the Lion Feeds' and have read all the Courtney and Ballantyne novels and I loved the Egyptian Novels where I felt I was transported back in time.
His recent books have not been so captivating, although I enjoyed Assegai, but some of that was a little bit tongue in cheek with some of the exploits.
This book is a huge disappointment. Starts of well but disintegrates into what can only be described as a waste of good paper. It seemed that he ran out of ideas of how to fill the middle section of the book and as consequence filled it with a load of nonsense about the main characters on their extended honeymoon!! I almost gave up on it them but kept going. Its a pity because the piracy topic is highly relevant. As an ex Navy man I found the latter stages of the book quite unrealistic. Hector Cross must be some guy, he didn't seem to need any of the people who were in the book to help him capture the villian(s).
His recent books have not been so captivating, although I enjoyed Assegai, but some of that was a little bit tongue in cheek with some of the exploits.
This book is a huge disappointment. Starts of well but disintegrates into what can only be described as a waste of good paper. It seemed that he ran out of ideas of how to fill the middle section of the book and as consequence filled it with a load of nonsense about the main characters on their extended honeymoon!! I almost gave up on it them but kept going. Its a pity because the piracy topic is highly relevant. As an ex Navy man I found the latter stages of the book quite unrealistic. Hector Cross must be some guy, he didn't seem to need any of the people who were in the book to help him capture the villian(s).
22 of 22 people found the following review helpful
By M. Fisher
Format:Hardcover
Having read every book Wilbur Smith has written, I have always loved his ability to make me feel as if I can see, feel, hear and smell the Africa he writes about, the action sequences so thrilling, the plots well developed and researched, and the lead characters - male and female - so well drawn. With the exception of the truly dire "The Quest" I have enjoyed every book.
Now however I am wondering if he has lost his touch (if he actually wrote this of course, as there are rumours to the contrary). This book - poorly researched with glaring inaccuracies, one-dimensional characters, paper-thin plot developments and very little in the way of true "Wilbur Smith" action, was such a disappointment. The sex scenes were either embarrassing or sickly graphic, the violence so unlike him. And the dialogue ("I feel deeply honoured to have received the gift of her love. It is my armour. With her at my side I shall never again know loneliness") - the hero; ("I must have a baby. I must have a piece of you inside me. That will be the ultimate affirmation of our love") - the heroine. Plus lots of "Oh my darling"s. It felt like a bizarre cross between sado-masochistic porn, a Mills & Boon bodice-ripper, and a poorly written action story.
I truly hope that it gets better than this again. I always look forward to his books - or I used to until this.
Now however I am wondering if he has lost his touch (if he actually wrote this of course, as there are rumours to the contrary). This book - poorly researched with glaring inaccuracies, one-dimensional characters, paper-thin plot developments and very little in the way of true "Wilbur Smith" action, was such a disappointment. The sex scenes were either embarrassing or sickly graphic, the violence so unlike him. And the dialogue ("I feel deeply honoured to have received the gift of her love. It is my armour. With her at my side I shall never again know loneliness") - the hero; ("I must have a baby. I must have a piece of you inside me. That will be the ultimate affirmation of our love") - the heroine. Plus lots of "Oh my darling"s. It felt like a bizarre cross between sado-masochistic porn, a Mills & Boon bodice-ripper, and a poorly written action story.
I truly hope that it gets better than this again. I always look forward to his books - or I used to until this.
70 of 72 people found the following review helpful
By DavidMac
Format:Kindle Edition
I have been a fan of Wilbur Smith for many years and have read just about every book he has written. It sort of runs in the family I guess you could say! Whilst his books normally manage to get me gripped within the first few pages I very nearly stopped reading this book part way through.
The first problem is the factual inaccuracies. A Major commanding a Brigade? Seriously? Brigadiers command Brigades! Then there's the RPG which could split a tank's armour - well really it depends which tank you're talking about but certainly not a modern main battle tank. Then the NATO standard 5.56mm round which is terrible at penetrating armour (yet they are amongst the very best in the world in penetration tests). Oh and who can forget the Duke of Edinburgh talking about the 3rd Battalion of the SAS... Wilbur Smith should have employed a soldier to check his work before it was published.
The second problem is the way in which the book goes on and on about just how "good" everything related to the main characters are. The richest woman in America, the best wine maker, the largest ship, etc etc. It gets tiring after a while because it is unbelievable that one family is surrounded by so much that is just so perfect in every way and is so successful at everything they put their hand to. The point is laboured far too much, which hints at an attempt to increase the word count, whilst not having to think too much about a story.
Some would probably also say that the book is a bit too violent. This could be true to some extent, but I guess the story is what it is and it is about violence. However if Wilbur is going to write in the modern context then perhaps he should be writing about more modern ways of solving problems. So have your violent battle, but when the bad guy is caught, he should be brought to justice, not just shot in the head as if that's what people in the USA or UK do!
I eventually finished the book largely because I was a bit bored and by the end found that I had enjoyed it as a whole. I'm glad I read it on the Kindle not as a normal book because this way I got it much cheaper and wouldn't have thought it worth the full price!!! I know this review seems very negative but overall the book is still better than some.
In summary, it seems to me to be very unpolished and sloppy for a writer as great as Wilbur Smith.
The first problem is the factual inaccuracies. A Major commanding a Brigade? Seriously? Brigadiers command Brigades! Then there's the RPG which could split a tank's armour - well really it depends which tank you're talking about but certainly not a modern main battle tank. Then the NATO standard 5.56mm round which is terrible at penetrating armour (yet they are amongst the very best in the world in penetration tests). Oh and who can forget the Duke of Edinburgh talking about the 3rd Battalion of the SAS... Wilbur Smith should have employed a soldier to check his work before it was published.
The second problem is the way in which the book goes on and on about just how "good" everything related to the main characters are. The richest woman in America, the best wine maker, the largest ship, etc etc. It gets tiring after a while because it is unbelievable that one family is surrounded by so much that is just so perfect in every way and is so successful at everything they put their hand to. The point is laboured far too much, which hints at an attempt to increase the word count, whilst not having to think too much about a story.
Some would probably also say that the book is a bit too violent. This could be true to some extent, but I guess the story is what it is and it is about violence. However if Wilbur is going to write in the modern context then perhaps he should be writing about more modern ways of solving problems. So have your violent battle, but when the bad guy is caught, he should be brought to justice, not just shot in the head as if that's what people in the USA or UK do!
I eventually finished the book largely because I was a bit bored and by the end found that I had enjoyed it as a whole. I'm glad I read it on the Kindle not as a normal book because this way I got it much cheaper and wouldn't have thought it worth the full price!!! I know this review seems very negative but overall the book is still better than some.
In summary, it seems to me to be very unpolished and sloppy for a writer as great as Wilbur Smith.
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2.9 out of 5 stars
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Another excellent adventure
Once again wilbur smith writes a adventure that most people will enjoy and I wouldrecommend this book without hesitation although I might censor the sex for a maiden aunt.
Published 21 days ago by nielbrown
5.0 out of 5 stars
Wilbur Smith
I am a fan of all Wilbur Smiths novels and this one does not disappoint. I found it gripping from beginning to end
Published 1 month ago by tonwor
5.0 out of 5 stars
Those in peril
Once again the master kept me on the edge of my seat till the end .five star reading. Congratulations. Once again sir.
Published 1 month ago by t.w.naisbett
1.0 out of 5 stars
Just awful
One of the worst books I have read in years, and I have read some real shockers.
The expectation of Wilbur Smith is of an epic tale which you will be unable to put down. Read more
The expectation of Wilbur Smith is of an epic tale which you will be unable to put down. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Tweedy
3.0 out of 5 stars
Slow to start but worth the read
To people over 30
The first part to much info on torcher but still a well represented book
WILL LOOK FORWARD TO READ. HIS NEXT BOOK
The first part to much info on torcher but still a well represented book
WILL LOOK FORWARD TO READ. HIS NEXT BOOK
Published 1 month ago by Darrell
5.0 out of 5 stars
Adventure Story
As usual Wibur Smith has you sat on edge of your seat with suspense, a mixture of romance, sex, adventure and much more.
Published 1 month ago by Norice Millen
4.0 out of 5 stars
Great read
Loved the book, great rip roaring adventure, only slight criticism is Wilbur Smith's ideas about women, but he is in his eighties bless him!
Published 2 months ago by D P Kett
5.0 out of 5 stars
One of my favouritwes
As above. One of my favourite authors of all time. A book to keep and read again in the future.
Published 2 months ago by ValR
1.0 out of 5 stars
You're nuts if you still think Wilbur writes his own books.
Just Google it: 'Does Wilbur Smith still write his own books?' You only have to look at the uninspired title and cover, to suspect what you're getting is not the genuine article. Read more
Published 2 months ago by Lexx
2.0 out of 5 stars
I Can Believe Smith Wrote This
I have loved Wilbur Smith's colourful and swashbuckling escapist writing for 30 years and read almost everything he has ever written, surely not classic literature with his rather... Read more
Published 2 months ago by Chuck
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