Desert God

I won a print copy of Desert God by Wilbur Smith in a Goodreads Giveaway.

Probably not a whole lot more I can say that hasn't already been said about Desert God. But I'm going to anyway.

Desert God is the fifth entry in Wilbur Smith's The Egyptian Series. Our hero, Taita, is without doubt the most unique eunuch in history. In fact he is probably the most accomplished man in history period.

First, he is physically trim and athletic  (an unusual state for a eunuch to my understanding). He is apparently nearing, if not already past, 100 years of age. Yet he is able to outperform men a quarter of his age (just ask him).

Second, he is one of the great military strategists the world has ever known (just ask him). He lays claim to, in addition to several other martial accomplishments, authoring The Art of War. Sun Tzu, were he available, may take issue with that claim.

Third, he possesses only the merest hint of an ego (just ask him).

In Desert God Taita relates the story of how he masterminded Egypt's war against the Hyksos while witnessing the destruction of the Minoan Culture (not his doing), and financed Pharaoh's Egypt.

It is an action packed, suspense filled, adventure of epic historic proportion. Love, honor, duty, romance, greed, treachery, and vengeance all intertwine in a truly entertaining story. Forbidden love (and sex) is aided and abetted by our hero. There are even interactions with, and interventions by, various gods of the time.

Desert God by Wilbur Smith is not a particularly quick read (583 pages), but it is an entertaining one. With so many plots and sub-plots, twists and turns, it is difficult in a short review to do justice to the intricacies of the whole story. For fans of Mr. Smith's work this comes as no surprise. To new readers: Hang on and enjoy the ride! As I always say: Enjoy!

Mike