Falcon Flies (1) (The Ballantyne Series) Paperback – June 5, 2018

It is a long time since I read any of Wilbur Smith as I was a big fan of his but stopped reading his books after it seemed he was going for blood thirsty openings in his books, while I am no shrinking violet this approach was not for me as it seemed to be in more and more of his opening chapters. This was in the eighties and nineties.However in the last month I have read two of his books one full of excitement and action (Hungry as the sea) which was a real page turner with few character and a brilliant plot which kept going right to the final page.The other book "A Falcon Flies" (although not sure why this title however there are serious reference to falcons but there is no flight)This book is a brilliant book in action reference to slave trade and to the landscapes and people of Africa and how people like Zouga and his sister were pioneers in that vast continent following there own itineraries which saw thousands of miles of travel (mostly on foot) accompanied by loyal even if only through being employed and a small contingent of impi warriors who protected them together and separately throughout their travels. Also what comes through is the remoteness of the various peoples of that country. With travels of months together and seperately throughout that vast country although this book only covers a small part of it. Something which is of particular interest to me is how did the Omani's become so involved in the slave trade in Zanzibar when their home country was so far away.The book in fact has three stories that of Zouga the brother his sister and also the involvement of a slaver. The descriptions of all three stories are detailed and gives an insight into the thinking of each of the characters and and their difference of opinion and also from the perspective of slaves and the way in which they were captured treated and enslaved for transport, if the research is correct then this could be a reference work. For me an addition to the enjoyment of this book was the description of the country and the terrain which was covered by the individuals. So many authors fail in fully setting the scene however in this book Smith cannot be accused of this his descriptions are stunning.As said previously this is a book of at least three main sub stories but blend together well with them all appropriate to each other in their culmination. A little like the separation in their travels and coming together the story comes together well at the conclusion .This is the first "Ballantine" book I have read and I was lucky pure by chance to choose the first in the series as I will certainly be reading the sequels once I have come down from this novel.One other observation is the fact that it runs to around 700 pages more than the usual Kindle novel however it never gets boring

Loved the book, hated the characters. The heroine Robyn was a self-righteous shrew; her brother a prig. They were well portrayed, but I'm not sure in a way the author may have intended. The book was long and for this reason I found it tedious at times. All in all, a good book about the slave trade in Africa. Ironically the slave trader Mungo garners the most sympathy of all the pretentious characters. Wilbur Smith is one of my favorite authors and I am rediscovering him after many years.

This author has total command of the written word and this novel is clear evidence of that fact. The book was riveting; totally absorbing. You don't just read of the exploits, you live them. You are there - abroad a clipper ship beating into a monsoon wind, hunting giant elephants in lands previously untouched by white men, recoiling at the beasts violent deaths. There is so much more to say about this book, but it would not do it justice. You must read it.

Great read with interesting characters. The Ballantyne character reminded me of an 19th century woke busy body. The African slave trade was a money pot by many nationalities including the natives.

Enjgyed this one. a lot of descriptive scenery and situations

I found the book not up to the standards as the Courtney series. There long sections I found drawn out and superfluous.

When you enjoy a great story in spite of a leading character you wished you'd never met that says something. The only Wilbur Smith character I disliked more than Robyn Ballantyne was Sasha Courtney's wife Tara, traitor and raving lunatic. Robyn Ballantune knows nothing of the value of loyalty. Aside from my rantings this book just as all Wilbur Smith's was well researched and exciting. Zouga, Robyn's brother and the American ship captain Mungo St John were wonderfully alpha males. You feel the hardships of the safaris and admire the sailing hunting skills. A great story.

Exciting story that continually keeps your interest so it is hard to put it down. Well written like all of Wilbur smith’s books.

Delivery on time. Both books in good condition

Always intended to read Wilbur Smith but there always seemed to be more urgent reads to address. A great yarn that gives insight into 19th century slavery … should have read it earlier

The media could not be loaded.  I don't want

This book was up there with his best .when you finish a book of this calibre you tend to search for the next in line

I knew the book had been read....nothing was said that pages were missing and for what I paid for it, as few pounds more, I could have bought it new !!