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Fire on the Horizon

AN EPIC NOVEL OF WAR AND FAMILY FROM THE MULTI-MILLION COPY BESTSELLING MASTER OF ADVENTURE

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Fire on the Horizon

By: Wilbur Smith, Imogen Robertson
Narrated by: Elliot Chapman
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South Africa, 1899 - the smouldering hostility between the Boers of the Transvaal and Orange Free State and the British colonies of the Cape and Natal is about to burst into flame. War is coming and no one can prevent it. Colonel Penrod Ballantyne, hero of Abu Klea and Omdurman, is sent to Mafeking to recruit and train men for the fighting ahead. Amber, his wife, the successful novelist, accompanies him - eager to see more of the country her husband is about to risk his life for. But when war is declared, Amber must flee with their baby son and pray for her husband's survival against impossible odds.

Eight hundred miles to the south, in Cape Town, Ryder Courtney is using his wealth and connections to bankroll the British war effort. His artist wife Saffron, frustrated by stuffy Cairo society, has joined him with their three children. There is peace in the Courtney household until their eldest son, Leon, stows away on a train to the front line, determined to join his distinguished uncle, Penrod Ballantyne, in changing the course of history. Saffron and Ryder have no choice but to leave the safety of the Cape Colony and follow. Leon is convinced that his parents are without honour and courage. Little does he realise that he has no chance of escaping the people they used to be.

Two families torn apart, caught up in a battle for the heart of a country at war with itself. Action & Adventure Genre Fiction Historical Mystery, Thriller & Suspense Thriller & Suspense Marriage Africa War
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Crossfire By: Wilbur Smith, and others
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Another wonderful story only spoiled by the poor pronunciation of non English words a real pity

Wonderful story

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enjoyed this book, the style of the two authors is similar, which keeps you attached and feels like sailing through easily wanting to know all about what's going on

Simply interesting

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Have enjoyed Wilbur Smith books since 1970. Lived there till 80’s. Get upset with poor translation of Afrikaans. Names and place names a terrible.

Another good story with poor accents

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This felt like a classic Wilbur Smith story. It also felt a bit different - in a good way. The non-white characters were given more agency. A notable example was when the idea of being a servant was quickly rejected.

It may not be fair to compare this narrator to Sean Barrett (who I love)... but when a book is about conflict between the British and the Boers, it really helps if the narrator can speak in a credible South African / Afrikaans accent. I regret that this narrator (while accomplished in many ways) could not do that.

Modern Wilbur. Not the best narrator.

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The story continues and a thoroughly enjoyable listen. A great adventure. Hopefully there will be a few new adventures

A outstanding performance

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