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10th out of 33 books
—
22 voters
A Sparrow Falls (Courtney #3)
Mark Anders grew up on eight thousand acres of African land that bore his family name. Then he fought in Europe's Great War and, upon returning to his ancestral home, he saw savagery unlike any other….
In Africa, Mark's family estate has been despoiled. His grandfather has died under mysterious circumstances. And he has inherited a murderous enemy--the rogue scion of the po...more
In Africa, Mark's family estate has been despoiled. His grandfather has died under mysterious circumstances. And he has inherited a murderous enemy--the rogue scion of the po...more
Paperback, 640 pages
Published
January 2nd 2007
by St. Martin's Paperbacks
(first published 1977)
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Smith shows a vast knowledge of South African and World War I through his description and naming of props and settings. Therefore the world he creates is very believable and intriguing. For that I would give him four stars. His weakness is in characters and how unbelievable they are. The hero, Mark Anders, is presented as all good. Yes, he gives into lust and infidelity, but Smith writes with such a tone as to justify these actions. And he's perfect at everything; perfect soldier, perfect driver...more
I really enjoyed this book. A Sparrow Falls follows on from The Sound of Thunder and because I did not relate to the later, i found myself hesitant to read A Sparrow Falls. For this reason, I struggled to get into the book. It was a terribly tragic ending, but was not predictable which is sometimes the case with Wilbur Smith books. I was also pleased that the hero of the book, Mark Anders, did not succomb to the same fate as Sean Courtney in life and in love. I was drawn to the character and pre...more
Wilbur Smith never disappoints. In this 3rd book of the Courtney Series, two Courtney men go to war in France, but only one returns. The trip home aboard ship turns into a life and death struggle for the newest Courtney and we see parts of Africa I've never even heard of. All the characters are memorable and I've already started The Burning Shore. ***Note: If you've never read a Courtney book and want to read them chronologically, books #9,10,and11 are prequels to the others, just written later....more
An action-packed thriller from the first chapter to the last which was also -- with the aid of Wikpedia and Wikimapia -- an interesting tour guide to the geographical layout of South Africa and an introduction to the history of that nation in the early 1920s.
Smith's style reminded me of James Michener's Centenniel in the way he presented the natural landscape through human drama. Young Mark Anders faces difficulties similar to those of Indiana Jones, and at nearly the same pace. His co-hero, Gen...more
Smith's style reminded me of James Michener's Centenniel in the way he presented the natural landscape through human drama. Young Mark Anders faces difficulties similar to those of Indiana Jones, and at nearly the same pace. His co-hero, Gen...more
This is the outstanding final chapter of Wilbur Smith's initial Courtney trilogy that began with WHEN THE LION FEEDS. With the story of Sean and Garry virtually tied up at the end of A SOUND OF THUNDER, the previous instalment, the plot in this one introduces a new central protagonist who brings freshness to the saga.
Despite being a great deal longer than the first two books, A SPARROW FALLS is never less than unputdownable. Starting off in the trenches of WW1 and gradually moving to the African...more
Despite being a great deal longer than the first two books, A SPARROW FALLS is never less than unputdownable. Starting off in the trenches of WW1 and gradually moving to the African...more
This book, by far, is the most horrendous book I’ve read till now. I couldn’t find a single element in the story worth praising or liking. The story starts somewhere in a military field and ends pathetically trying to convey a message of wildlife and forest protection.
Mark Anders is a completely characterless protagonist and though he’s been repeatedly glorified as loyal, handsome, and efficient, his sins and unfocussed mind stand out for me. His unspeakable activities constantly clashed with my
...more
This is the third of Wilbur Smith's Courtneys series, set in South Africa. Sean Courtney, the hero is the first two books, is an old man: a millionaire, war hero and respected member of parliament. He takes a back seat in the narrative, which focuses on his prodigy Mark Anders, and his battle with Sean's son Dirk.
A Sparrow Falls ticks all the boxes of a Wilbur Smith book: adventure, fighting, women and an interesting historical setting. A little bit lightweight maybe, but fun.
A Sparrow Falls ticks all the boxes of a Wilbur Smith book: adventure, fighting, women and an interesting historical setting. A little bit lightweight maybe, but fun.
see my comments for his first book of this series I have also moved this comment to the right book had written it in the wrong place just so your not confused and " The sound of Thunder" has been changed accordingly.
I admit I was also thrown by his beginning. I was expecting to be started off where the last book left off and was totally confused for the first few of chapters, I kept feeling like I had missed a book. Other then that it was an extremely enjoyable read
I admit I was also thrown by his beginning. I was expecting to be started off where the last book left off and was totally confused for the first few of chapters, I kept feeling like I had missed a book. Other then that it was an extremely enjoyable read
Sep 12, 2010
Suzana Vuksanovic
rated it
5 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Recommends it for:
anyone who loves intrigue and adventure
Recommended to Suzana by:
me
I love ALL of Wilbur Smith's books, but of-course I like some better than others.
This book wasn't in the top echelon of his writing, in my opinion.
The plot is as Wilbur Smithesque as you could want: the grown up estranged son of the powerful and wealthy Sean Courtney returns mysteriously rich and ready to play politics - dirty politics, as dirty as necessary. Being smart, Dirk Courtney gets his minions to get their hands dirty instead of his. Add to the mix Mark Anders, who Sean met in the trenc...more
This book wasn't in the top echelon of his writing, in my opinion.
The plot is as Wilbur Smithesque as you could want: the grown up estranged son of the powerful and wealthy Sean Courtney returns mysteriously rich and ready to play politics - dirty politics, as dirty as necessary. Being smart, Dirk Courtney gets his minions to get their hands dirty instead of his. Add to the mix Mark Anders, who Sean met in the trenc...more
The timing of this book intersects that of The Burning Shore. We now see Sean Courtney's part in World War II and we meet Mark Anders, the courageous young soldier that becomes close to General Courtney. Mark Anders, soldier, becomes Mark Anders, dedicated preservationist and after a lifetime of destroying the wilderness for oil and ivory, General Sean Courtney becomes his greatest, if most unlikely, supporter. Sean Courtney's children - Dirk and Storm - are also featured as the Courtney saga co...more
Great book and it would have to be because it's over 600 pages. It holds you captive from the first page to the last and has it all. Action, wonderful descriptive, love, a hero to absolutely love.
The "third" book in the Courtney saga - focusing on the adventures of Sean Courtney. This is a great series of books, particularly if you're interested in the history of South Africa.
Mar 30, 2011
aPriL MEOWS often with scratching
rated it
4 of 5 stars
Shelves:
pulp-junk-i-adore,
soap-opera
Thrilling and expertly written at the typical fast pace of a Smith novel, but a little bit more noticeably formula. The ending is a little quick to wrap up this generation too. Still a must read if you are a fan of the Courtney saga.
Well done with the introduction of a new character for Sean Courtney to love. Not quite as good as the previous Courtney books but, I still loved it.
another great book from Wilbur Smith;I love his books. However.....he really is very mean and naughty sometimes to his characters! Why why why???!!!
Generally a quick and good read. Not always believable about what the main characters accomplish and survive. But then it is fiction
Not my favorite of the three books of the series to this point. My favorite was probably the first, as the second has so much war in it. This book was somewhat disappointing in that it had so little of Sean in it, although I liked the new character of Mark.
Mr. Smith is particularly good in the close relationships that he builds, especially the camaraderie between men.
Mr. Smith is particularly good in the close relationships that he builds, especially the camaraderie between men.
What can I say? Wilbur Smith is a master storyteller. He is the my greatest influence. Hats off to his outstanding characterization of Mark Anders, and the character arc of Storm Courtney!
Another good tale in The Courtney series. A bit wordy, but skimming a little solves that problem!
A really good story, I liked this book a lot. I like the setting in Africa; I like Wilbur's story-telling skill and I like his ability to develop characters.
This book was a really good read. I enjoyed it start to finish.
This book was a really good read. I enjoyed it start to finish.
Another excellent book from Wilbur Smith.
to me not one of his best. can be easily skipped.
Molto bello. 6° della serie Courtney d'Africa
I really enjoyed the Courtney trilogy.
Page turner from the start.Stunning.
Smith's love of Africa is obvious and deep. Love, betrayal, and political violence in South Africa during the years following WW1.
Excellent storyline with all suspense and drama. Worthwhile reading...
Epic saga!
I love this saga.
This book compares to the two other books in the trilogy.
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Wilbur Smith is the bestselling author of many novels, each meticulously researched on his numerous expeditions worldwide. His bestselling Courtney series includes Assegai, The Sound of Thunder, Birds of Prey, Monsoon, and Blue Horizon. His other books include Those in Peril, River God, Warlock, The Seventh Scroll, and The Sunbird. His books are now translated into twenty-six languages and have so...more
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Jun 03, 2011 03:48am