The story is set in the 1800 where the main characters are out to stake their claim in southern Africa. They are traveling along infamous roads which take them through the untouched wilderness, a beautiful land filled with warring tribes and wild animals. At the heart of the story is love, hatred, vengeance and greed.

You will find captivating the infinite details of bloody attacks from enemy tribes and other pursuers all through the book. The elephant and hippopotamus hunts are so realistic you would think you are watching a movie. The high sea battles are so engaging you can hear the sizzling of the fire and the crackling wood of the ships. Of course the author added a bit of romance to all this action.

I found this book a bit hard to read mainly because my taste is more towards spy and police stories rather then reading about men in loincloths engaged in primitive war-fare. On the whole I could say I did not dislike the book.

The second book I've read by Wilbur Smith. There was more swashbuckling, hunting of big game, and the saving of damsels in distress. Don't forget the bloodthirsty enemies who are excellent at swordplay, and the excruciating detail on how to mount and fire cannons. And how to take out an opponent.

By the end of this book I was struggling to finish the last 40 or so pages...but I did enjoy the majority of the book. I just won't continue with the series right now. It's a bit repetitive. I liked Birds of Prey more.