A great addition to Mr. Smith's Egyptian saga, this book explores the beginnings of Hui, a character well known to readers of the above mentioned saga. Written in his inimitable style, Mr. Smith adds depth to this engaging character.

Wilbur smith has a way of peopling plots with such believable characters that you feel their world is yours. In Smith's New Kingdom, seventh in the Egyptian series and co-wrote with Mark Chadbourn, the son of a minor Egyptian city ruler leads an enchanted life until being accused of murder and condemned to death. Hui manages to escape but without the money and power he is accustomed, in fact, with only his life and his wits. His world is now that of a commoner, his very food at the pleasure of any merchant who will employ him. He accepts the challenge, knowing when he becomes comfortable in this uncomfortable world, he can then exact revenge against those who killed his father, wronged his sister, and tortured him in preparation for his death. To survive these new circumstances, he must make alliances with nefarious characters he once condemned, and find loyal friends who will help him in his quest.

When the book ends, Hui is not the same boy who we started this journey with:

"‘You still have city eyes, good for what’s at your feet, but near-useless here,’ Fareed said. ‘In the desert you learn to see over great distances. One day you will see a fox run across that peak.’"

"...felt his fear harden into unfamiliar cold anger."
x
"...hard men, used to the privations of the road, made iron-strong by long marches under the hot sun, hearts turned to stone..."
x
"he realized many more equally murderous thoughts he never knew existed were beginning to awaken within him."

His metamorphosis from pampered royalty to charismatic justice fighter is a riveting tale not to be hurried.

A few points gave me pause. The first: I wasn’t always sure why Hui or his loyal friend Farrouk did some of the things they did--details that could have been fleshed out better to allow me to accept them more willingly. Every story has these situations, usually for small plot points, but in this case, they were big. I won’t say more because I don’t want to give the plot away. A second thread spread throughout the story is that Hui seems to be a user. He has no qualms about lying to people, stealing, breaking laws he used to uphold for his own needs. I get that he's from royalty with those sort of preconceptions but it didn't make me like him better which meant I rooted less for his success and wondered at times if I really wanted to travel through the rest of the story with a man I didn't respect. That dropped the rating to 4/5.

But let me be clear: Wilbur Smith is a master of historical fiction for this era. His facts are spot on, details riveting, and pacing unbeatable. Check out this quote:

"Sweat slicked them both, soaking through their kilts and stinging their eyes as the day’s heat licked across the land."

I will definitely read his next story.

Back to the old Wilbur Smith. Lots of action mixed with well-researched history.

Hui was a minor character in Smith's Egyptian series, and is well worth getting to know; his life reflects the story of Egypt in a realistic way. The struggle for power in Egypt was forefront throughout the book. And it was interesting to learn what the Egyptians copied from other cultures that have been credited to them, such as the use of horses and chariots. Thank you #NetGalley for allowing me to give my honest and voluntary review of #TheNewKingdom.

I love Egyptian mythology and history so I was very excited to read this story. Unfortunately, it just wasn’t for me. Although I enjoyed the adventurous segments of this book, the character development just seemed lacking. Hui definitely had great potential. There was a lot happening in this story, but there were parts I just found boring. However the prose was beautiful however and that kept me reading until the end. Plus the historical accuracy was a nice bonus.

I've always been a fan of Wilbur Smith for both his meticulous research and his ability to transport me to different time and places. This latest, however, felt as though something was missing. There's a great amount of detail and interesting historical information as well as use of Egyptian mythology but the characters just didn't shine. Hui is intriguing but his journey, as perilous and difficult as it is, felt emotionless. Maybe it's just me and the fact that I haven't read many of the Eqypt books but this felt more like an action novel than usual. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC.

I have always wanted to read something by Wilbur Smith, as a fan of all things archaeology, so being able to review this was a great honor.
This book brings to life the entirety of Ancient Egypt, and while it is not necessarily historically based upon real events, many of the groups and characters are based upon reality.
The story itself was interesting because though it was set in ancient times, it was relatable due to the fact that it took a hard look at family dynamics, being able to overcome hardships in your life and making your own way. I think there were a lot of interesting allegories as well with the Ka stone which Hui and his brother Qen find.
Frequently I have a harder time followings stories including names I am unfamiliar with, but this one was unique in that I could definitely relate with Hui as he found his way through the world.

I would give this a 3.5 so I rounded up for reviews. I really love Egyptian history and mythology, so I was excited for this one. I think he adventure parts were well done, but there wasn’t much beyond the adventure scenes which made it lack substance for me. I did like the mythology woven into the story. The main character Hui had potential, but I felt like there wasn’t enough character development. Hui, his brother Qen, and their good from Kyky start off this book on an adventure looking for the Ka Stone for the glory of Egypt. This adventure starts Hui on a path he could have never have imagined full of surprises, hardship, and adventure. I did find a lot of the plot pretty predictable, but the story moved along at a good speed and it was very adventurous. I haven’t read the rest of this series and I did not think that I was missing anything because of that.

The research has obviously been done. So many details of the time are described in rich depth.
I just had a hard time connecting with this one.

The research has obviously been done. So many details of the time are described in rich depth. I love Egyptology; but somehow Wilbur Smith's Egypt series doesn't capture me. I have read a few books in the series and kept on up to 20% of this book. Something in the style and character development doesn't ring my bell.
I love his Courtney series of Africa and feel that WSmith is a great writer. This one just wasn't for me.

Exotic, exciting, riveting and steeped in History.

A tale of Ancient Egypt, of pharaohs and slaves and a city called Lahun where Hui lives with his father, his stepmother Ipsetnofret, his brother Qen and his sister Ipwet. He is favored by his father and is expected to take over the govern ship when his father is gone . Ipsetnofret, his stepmother, is jealous and wants her son Qen to be in favor. She is a sorceress and she orchestrates the death of Hui's father so Qen can be in charge making it look like Hui is the murderer of his own father. With his sister Ipwet's help he escapes with his life and vows revenge upon his mother and brother.

The story follows Hui's travels among the Hyksos Warriors, the Shrike bandits, the armies of the Red Pretender and finally the Pharoah's Army. It takes us to battle grounds, the banks of the Nile, cities and the desert sands. We see the lives of the slaves, the beggars, the wealthy, and the royals. We visit so many exotic places as we read and learn of the long lost customs and beliefs.

I always feel like I have been on an adventure when I read one of Wilbur Smith's books. They always take me away to some far away land. I really enjoyed reading the book and I would recommend it.

Thanks to Wilbur Smith, Bonnier Zaffre USA, and NetGalley for allowing me to read a complimentary copy of the book for my honest review.

Wilbur Smith has given us another incredible read with The New Kingdom in his continuation of the Ancient Egypt series. He is such a talented and masterful writer, easily transporting us to ancient Egypt with his descriptive prose and fantastic story. His characters are great, both good and bad. It is a book that keeps you reading from the first page to the very last. If this is your first read of Wilbur Smith, you will want to go back and start with the very first, River God. You will NOT be disappointed. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Ancient Egypt Comes to Vivid, Exciting Life

I was so happy to read about Taita again! He isn't the main character in New Kingdom, but if you've read The River God, you'll understand.

Hui, the young man who is the lead, is impressive in his own right. He's certainly got a silver tongue! But, he's an innocent and good-hearted person who is capable of great loyalty, which is sometimes unwise.

I'm so glad that Wilbur Smith has continued with his saga of Ancient Egypt. He's a masterful writer, widely traveled, and deeply informed on the ancient world. This new book is a wonderful addition, a welcome new branch on Smith's series' tree.

I was fortunate to receive an advance readers' copy of the book. I'm overjoyed to pronounce it an excellent read! I can't recommend it more highly for anyone who enjoys historical fiction of ancient Egypt.

Wilbur Smith has done such a wonderful job with this book. I love reading about ancient Egypt and Egyptian mythology and this book provides so much. I enjoyed the story and the characters. This was such a beautiful written story.

I have read most of Smith's books and all are phenomenal. However Wilbur Smith's Egyptian Series are exceptional, and the New Kingdom continues that tradition. The novel flows easy and the plot is intricate and fast paced. The characters are well developed and you can relate to them. Another great book from the master!

GRAND read, which is exactly what I expected. Atmospheric, great characters, immersive story, and kept me reading long past midnight. It was well worth the book hangover the next day!

The New Kingdom takes you on an adventure through Egypt following Hui as he experiences heartache, anger, and a thirst for vengeance. With power at stake, Hui's family's world is shaken when he comes home with his brother with what is believed to be a powerful stone. This discovery will set off a series of events that will forever change Hui. This book was an engaging read. I received an Advance Reader Copy in exchange for a review of this book. On the e-copy of this book the formating was a little off when viewing on a kindle, however I foresee that being taken care of prior to publication.

I always love a Wilbur Smith historical story. This one is will be hard to forget. Deep characters and immersive world.

I wasn't sure what to think when I picked up this book- Ancient Egypt? Yes, please. Ancient Egypt and Wilbur Smith? Yes, NOW please! Ancient Egypt, Wilbur Smith.....not Taita? Umm. I mean, can I think about it?

Turns out there's no need. This book is the natural successor (more of a companion according to the timeline) to the world of River God and we even see some old familiar faces. Much like Taita, Hui manages to be a part of every important happening in his world and, also like Taita, becomes a pivotal figure in the events that follow. We join Hui as he enters the lion's den of desert marauders known as The Shrikes, joins the ranks of the Hyksos, confronts the Cult of Seth and navigates his way through both the treacherous waters of the Nile and Pharoah's court.

A different perspective on the world (and events) of River God turns out to be an excellent thing and I look forward to seeing Hui again.

Thank you to Netgalley for providing me access to an early copy of this title in exchange for an honest review.

Another brilliant book on ancient Egypt. I thoroughly enjoyed his first series and hope this one continues on for many more books. This is a period of history that fascinates me and who but Wilbur Smith can bring it to life.

The Book Maven’s Journal
Reviews for Word Connoisseurs

REVIEWER The Book Maven -- Joy
STAR RATING ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Sincere Thanks to NetGalley, Bonnier Zaffre USA and Zaffre Publishing for Providing the Review Copy

Coming Soon…

The New Kingdom
by Wilbur Smith and Mark Chadbourn

A Gripping Tale of High Adventure and Egyptian Magical Mysteries

Wilbur Smith’s latest tale of the dangerously mysterious world of diabolical ancient Egypt, “The New Kingdom,” is the coming-of-age story of Hui, the privileged and beloved second son of the adored second wife of a governor of un-unified Egypt.

“Mother told me that the gods have a plan for all men. They reveal it, not with a clap of thunder, but with the slowness of the wind uncovering a gold plate buried in sand. It is easy to miss that message, and that is how the gods wish it, for they want men to pay attention to their presence at all times."

Although born into a ruler’s household with many advantages, Hui’s teenage years, through young adulthood, are rife with peril—often due to his own reckless initiatives. However, Hui is also dealt harrowing challenges because he is cursed by the god Sept. His high priestess and sorceress stepmother despises him and will stop at nothing to see him dead and her own son rule.

“Here we stand before the all-seeing eyes of Seth, Lord of Chaos, our God of Fire and Desert, King of Envy, Master of Trickery, Overseer of Storms…Lord of Violence…Seth…Brother of Osiris, Isis and Nephthys. We call on you…Accept this sacrifice…”

An early zeal for recognition begins Hui’s tortuous journeys. It is his quest for a magical stone held by vicious bandits who think nothing of severing heads with their sickle blades that results in Hui’s best friend’s death and the unraveling of his former life.

“Ever since word of it had leaked out, there had been talk of no other thing in the city—of the power it possessed; of what the gods would grant anyone who owned it…”

The New Kingdom is a fast-paced adventure story filled with blood-curdling perils and supernatural mysticism. It is one that follows Hui’s life of betrayal by those he held closest, and his subsequent crusade for vengeance for all that was lost.

“What you endure is the curse that I placed upon you," she said. “A curse given force by Seth himself.”

It is a story of youthful spirit and fearlessness; of honor lost and promises broken; of heroism and triumph; and ultimately of conscience, redemption and the absolution found in peace.

“It is the duty of all men to do whatever they can to ensure no more blood is spilled, and that we can create an age where we live in harmony to enjoy all that the gods have bequeathed us...”

And for Word Connoisseurs…

Like all of Wilbur Smith's book’s, The New Kingdom is breathtakingly rich with descriptive action verbs; deliciously full of vivid figures of speech; and equally abundant with memorable quotes (several noted above). Below are some additional examples from the novel that will demonstrate Smith's consistently elegant storytelling.

“Nothing great was ever gained by timid hearts.”

“…under the lamp of the full moon…”

“…the lamp of the moon lit the way ahead.”

“He could taste the sweet fragrance of the sheep dung and straw…”

“A scarlet strip edged the sable sky in the east.”

“…he looked like a whipped dog at the back of a beggar’s hovel.”

“The warrior sheathed his sword, the blade singing as it slipped into the leather scabbard…”

“The chariots trundled ahead…the grooms and slaves trudged along behind…the ground throbbed…the horses snorted and stamped nearby…”

“…words about his soul being poisoned haunted him.”

“…he twirled it around then tossed the gore into the flames, where it sizzled and spat.”

“…most there saw the lattice of seeping purple weals across his back. He had been lashed within a whisker of his life...”

“What is a hero? It is not someone born that way. A hero is a man who defeats his greatest enemy first—his own fear—then carries on.”

Be watching for Wilbur Smith’s (collaboration with Mark Chadbourn) newest novel of the dangerous and mystical ancient Egyptian world, The New Kingdom, coming September 2021, from Simon & Schuster and Bonnier Zaffre USA..

This review was submitted to BarnesandNobel.com Book Reviews under the display pen name of bookmavenjoy and was posted on my Goodreads Book Review site.