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Nature Of The Lion
An all-new vivid, action-packed adventure across the African landscape in the tradition of Tony Park and Wilbur Smith, from Australian thriller writer, T.M. Clark.
Hiding from the law, they never expected to be caught in the crosshairs of a hunter…
After relocating to South Africa on the heels of scandal five years ago, Chloe and her invalid father, Mike, once wealthy Zimbabwean landowners, now have little. Away at university, Chloe has had to rely on her father's best friend Enoch and his son Xo to watch over Mike.
When a violent confrontation puts Chloe in danger, Enoch steps in to help – with inadvertent fatal results. With increasing pressure from a right–wing group on the police to charge Enoch, this mismatched family have no choice but to flee back to Zimbabwe.
But crossing the border will be dangerous and near impossible with their route taking them amid warring dissident armies and landmines, and their every footstep is stalked by a shadowy ring of hunters – whose trophies are taken from more than animals...
Only with help from Nick, formerly a soldier under Mike's command, now a professional game ranger, will the fugitives have a chance of making it home. But Nick has long struggled to come to terms with his fellow soldiers' choices before their unit was abandoned. Will his past demons put them all at risk?
Kindle Edition
First published November 1, 2018
140 people are currently reading
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About the author
T.M. Clark
15 books86 followersT.M. Clark
Zimbabwean-born T.M. Clark combines her passion for storytelling, different cultures and wildlife with her love for the wild in her multicultural books. Writing for adults and children, she has been nominated for a Queensland Literary Award and is a Children’s Book Council Notable. When not killing her fans and hiding their bodies (all in the name of literature), Tina Marie coordinates the CYA Conference (www.cyaconference.com), providing professional development for new and established writers and illustrators, and is the co-presenter at Writers as Sea (www.WritersAtSea.com.au). She loves mentoring emerging writers, eating chocolate biscuits and collecting books for creating libraries in Papua New Guinea.
Visit T.M. Clark at tmclark.com.au
Her books include My Brother-But-One, nominated for a Queensland Literary People’s Choice Award in 2014. Shooting Butterflies, Tears of A Cheetah, Child of Africa, Nature of the Lion and Cry of the Firebird. Her children’s picture books include Slowly! Slowly!, which is a 2018 CBCA Notable Book, and Quickly! Quickly! which are companion books to Child Of Africa.
Her new novel, Song of the Starlings is out now.
Zimbabwean-born T.M. Clark combines her passion for storytelling, different cultures and wildlife with her love for the wild in her multicultural books. Writing for adults and children, she has been nominated for a Queensland Literary Award and is a Children’s Book Council Notable. When not killing her fans and hiding their bodies (all in the name of literature), Tina Marie coordinates the CYA Conference (www.cyaconference.com), providing professional development for new and established writers and illustrators, and is the co-presenter at Writers as Sea (www.WritersAtSea.com.au). She loves mentoring emerging writers, eating chocolate biscuits and collecting books for creating libraries in Papua New Guinea.
Visit T.M. Clark at tmclark.com.au
Her books include My Brother-But-One, nominated for a Queensland Literary People’s Choice Award in 2014. Shooting Butterflies, Tears of A Cheetah, Child of Africa, Nature of the Lion and Cry of the Firebird. Her children’s picture books include Slowly! Slowly!, which is a 2018 CBCA Notable Book, and Quickly! Quickly! which are companion books to Child Of Africa.
Her new novel, Song of the Starlings is out now.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
September 12, 2019
A thrilling adventure set in the timeless bushland of Southern Africa. Chloe's family have settled in South Africa, away from their roots in Zimbabwe, after they fled the country following an incident that left her father indisposed and no longer able to care for himself. Chloe is unaware of what happened on that fateful night, she just remembers seeing her father's best friend Enoch burying what she thought was a body in the ground.
5 years on and their peace in South Africa is shattered when a racist bigot turns up drunk at the family farm looking to cause trouble. And trouble he does cause, forcing the family to flee South Africa and try to find their way back to Zimbabwe through war torn Mozambique. Meeting up with a close family friend, Kruger ranger Nick, along with his sidekick, Chloe and her family must travel through a warzone with 5 horses and her ailing father, who isn't doing well. Things go from bad to worse when their truck is taken from them in Mozambique by the military, so setting off on horseback and foot, they come across a hunter, but this hunter doesn't only have animals in his sights.
Nature Of The Lion is a heart pounding adventure, set amid a memorable backdrop of the African bush. The action is all too believable, and you'll stay up long into the night to find out if all members of the family make it back safely. I recommend this book to all lovers of adventure fiction.
My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
5 years on and their peace in South Africa is shattered when a racist bigot turns up drunk at the family farm looking to cause trouble. And trouble he does cause, forcing the family to flee South Africa and try to find their way back to Zimbabwe through war torn Mozambique. Meeting up with a close family friend, Kruger ranger Nick, along with his sidekick, Chloe and her family must travel through a warzone with 5 horses and her ailing father, who isn't doing well. Things go from bad to worse when their truck is taken from them in Mozambique by the military, so setting off on horseback and foot, they come across a hunter, but this hunter doesn't only have animals in his sights.
Nature Of The Lion is a heart pounding adventure, set amid a memorable backdrop of the African bush. The action is all too believable, and you'll stay up long into the night to find out if all members of the family make it back safely. I recommend this book to all lovers of adventure fiction.
My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
December 13, 2018
Five years they had been in South Africa after leaving their home in Zimbabwe under shadowy circumstances. Her father Mike, his lifelong friend Enoch and son Xo plus Ethel who cared for Mike were all the family Chloe had now. But the interference of their racist white Afrikan neighbour, and the violent altercation which followed meant Chloe and her family had to flee – destination their old home in Zimbabwe. Along the way they picked up Nick, game ranger and ex-soldier under Mike’s command, plus his offsider, tracker Khululani and the guide Filipe for their arduous journey.
But as well as the dangers of the wild animals and fighting armies, there were hunters of a different kind, hunters who took more than one type of trophy. And Chloe and her family were in their path…
Would they make it across the border into Zimbabwe? There were bound to be dangers they would encounter along the way – could they make it through safely?
Nature of the Lion is another breathtaking, heart stopping contemporary thriller set in Africa by Aussie author T.M. Clark. Gripping, intense, action-packed – I couldn’t put it down! The cover is divine, and the author’s writing is such that I can easily visualize the landscape, filled with awe inspiring spectacles of stunning beauty, alongside stark and terrible danger. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed all this author’s work, and this one was no exception. Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
But as well as the dangers of the wild animals and fighting armies, there were hunters of a different kind, hunters who took more than one type of trophy. And Chloe and her family were in their path…
Would they make it across the border into Zimbabwe? There were bound to be dangers they would encounter along the way – could they make it through safely?
Nature of the Lion is another breathtaking, heart stopping contemporary thriller set in Africa by Aussie author T.M. Clark. Gripping, intense, action-packed – I couldn’t put it down! The cover is divine, and the author’s writing is such that I can easily visualize the landscape, filled with awe inspiring spectacles of stunning beauty, alongside stark and terrible danger. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed all this author’s work, and this one was no exception. Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
February 7, 2019
*https://mrsbbookreviews.wordpress.com
4.5 stars
‘Africa was proving to be a provocative continent, the people full of secrets and deceptions, lies and conspiracies, committed by many, and ignored by others, as a thin veil of decency was hung over everything, making it all appear more civil than it actually was.’
Nature of the Lion, the latest release from T.M. Clark, is an edgy voyage of survival into Africa’s heartland. Clark pits her characters against many moments of pure danger, as they must make their way across the borders of Africa. This journey is an unforgettable one, which displays Africa’s stunning landscape and it exposes the underbelly of menace that exists in this majestic nation. It was far too easy to fall under the spell of T.M. Clark’s fifth African themed novel. I found myself unable to turn away from this novel, consuming it in just two sittings.
Nature of the Lion revolves around a family that were forced to leave the lucrative land they owned in Zimbabwe, due to a scandal. Fleeing to South Africa, where they have lived for five years now, Mike and his daughter Chloe, along with Mike’s best friend Enoch, plus his son Xo, are faced with further trials when a violent situation arises. In order to save everyone’s lives, the group flee South Africa, with their sights set on their land back in Zimbabwe. This proves to be a deadly trek, testing their very limits. The borders are dangerous, filled with hazards. From vicious wildlife, fractional armies, hunters and landmines, the threat comes from all directions. With the help of former solider come ranger Nick, one of Mike’s former charges, the group have a trusted guide. Dodging many bullets, the party attempt to make their way to the sanctuary of their former home, with heart pounding results.
With a passion for both storytelling and her homeland of Africa, T.M. Clark provides a voice for her birth nation. Although she now resides on the east coast of Australia, T.M. Clark’s love and devotion for Africa has not waned. She has channelled this energy into all five of her novels and she should be proud of what she has accomplished. I genuinely connected to Nature of the Lion from cover to cover and I will happily endorse T.M. Clark’s work.
Having spoken to a number of acquaintances who have lived in South Africa and Zimbabwe, I feel that the picture that T.M. Clark provides in her new novel, Nature of the Lion, is an accurate reflection of the experiences of Africa’s landowners. It is a sad state of affairs. The political tensions and racial divisions that have taken place for years now, seem to have no end in sight. It seems brave and almost essential that T.M. Clark should write a novel of this persuasion. She is able to balance a complex history of real world happenings, alongside an authentic, as well as a completely engaging narrative.
Chloe, Mike, Enoch, Xo, Nick and the other characters that fill the pages of Nature of the Lion have been pinched from reality. They come across as realistic and well drawn, which enables the reader to easily sympathise with their predicament. I was completely invested in their situation, from the opening to the close of the novel. What trials they all went through and their own individual back stories were fascinating to uncover.
Clark amps up the thrills, adventure and suspense in her latest novel. Nature of the Lion is a big blockbuster quest across the continent. With the writing exuding a cinematic quality, I could easily situate myself in the unfolding events. This novel would make a great film, I would love to see it feature on the big screen!
The suspense aspect of the novel is offset by a touch of romance. The deep affection that exists between Chloe and her father’s former charge in the army, Nick, was beautifully captured. Clark has a good understanding of the various emotions that are attached to the journey each character takes in this novel and each emotional scene is portrayed with conviction.
Landscape and the wildlife of Africa are given star treatment by Clark. I would dearly love to visit Africa and one day I hope to go on a safari, in the meantime, I have Nature of the Lion to fill this void. What I appreciated about Clark’s descriptive prose in her wildlife and landscape features was her ability to simply expresses how it is. This may be confronting, but it is told with an air of truth. Clark remains faithful to her heritage and her country of birth. This is witnessed in her devastating descriptions of a once great lion the group come across in their sojourn.
‘Instead of how he was now- isolated and alone.
His ribs showed like ripples on water against his tawny skin as he walked, carefully picking up one huge paw and placing it down, as if each step was a mission of its own to accomplish.’
A word on the structure of this novel, which I really felt that Clark worked hard at trying to make as helpful and beneficial to the reader as possible. It definitely heightened the reading experience for me. Prior to the first chapter, a map of the areas covered in the duration of the book are included. This served as a great introduction to the tale. I was able to situate myself in the unfurling events of the novel. The local language that often populates the dialogue spoken by the protagonists allows you to fully immerse yourself in the countries, people and culture that exists in this corner of the world. Interspersed through the novel are references to the 6th Society, a deadly organisation that hunts to kill everything and anything – humans included. Between the chapters of Nature of the Lion there are lists of top 6 trophies – animals from each continent of the world. This was quite eye-opening and shocking. We are aware of these game hunters though, often splashed across social media and newspapers for their terrible glory kills, so Clark is simply drawing our attention to the existence of these cold-blooded hunters. Finally, rounding off the novel is a glossary of terms used, as well as a fascinating fact or fiction feature at the close of the book.
Nature of the Lion is a revealing novel, it works to expose the open wound that exists in Africa both today and in the past, through the expedition undertaken by the characters featured in this expressive tale. Based on my respect and appreciation for the work of T.M. Clark, I am going to mark her books as auto buys and commit to catching up on her previous two novels, which I am yet to delve into. Nature of the Lion receives a big stamp of approval from this reader.
‘After all, in lion country, you slept with one eye open, or you died.’
*I wish to thank Harlequin – Mira AU for providing me with a free copy of this book for review purposes.
Nature of the Lion is book #15 of the 2019 Australian Women Writers Challenge
4.5 stars
‘Africa was proving to be a provocative continent, the people full of secrets and deceptions, lies and conspiracies, committed by many, and ignored by others, as a thin veil of decency was hung over everything, making it all appear more civil than it actually was.’
Nature of the Lion, the latest release from T.M. Clark, is an edgy voyage of survival into Africa’s heartland. Clark pits her characters against many moments of pure danger, as they must make their way across the borders of Africa. This journey is an unforgettable one, which displays Africa’s stunning landscape and it exposes the underbelly of menace that exists in this majestic nation. It was far too easy to fall under the spell of T.M. Clark’s fifth African themed novel. I found myself unable to turn away from this novel, consuming it in just two sittings.
Nature of the Lion revolves around a family that were forced to leave the lucrative land they owned in Zimbabwe, due to a scandal. Fleeing to South Africa, where they have lived for five years now, Mike and his daughter Chloe, along with Mike’s best friend Enoch, plus his son Xo, are faced with further trials when a violent situation arises. In order to save everyone’s lives, the group flee South Africa, with their sights set on their land back in Zimbabwe. This proves to be a deadly trek, testing their very limits. The borders are dangerous, filled with hazards. From vicious wildlife, fractional armies, hunters and landmines, the threat comes from all directions. With the help of former solider come ranger Nick, one of Mike’s former charges, the group have a trusted guide. Dodging many bullets, the party attempt to make their way to the sanctuary of their former home, with heart pounding results.
With a passion for both storytelling and her homeland of Africa, T.M. Clark provides a voice for her birth nation. Although she now resides on the east coast of Australia, T.M. Clark’s love and devotion for Africa has not waned. She has channelled this energy into all five of her novels and she should be proud of what she has accomplished. I genuinely connected to Nature of the Lion from cover to cover and I will happily endorse T.M. Clark’s work.
Having spoken to a number of acquaintances who have lived in South Africa and Zimbabwe, I feel that the picture that T.M. Clark provides in her new novel, Nature of the Lion, is an accurate reflection of the experiences of Africa’s landowners. It is a sad state of affairs. The political tensions and racial divisions that have taken place for years now, seem to have no end in sight. It seems brave and almost essential that T.M. Clark should write a novel of this persuasion. She is able to balance a complex history of real world happenings, alongside an authentic, as well as a completely engaging narrative.
Chloe, Mike, Enoch, Xo, Nick and the other characters that fill the pages of Nature of the Lion have been pinched from reality. They come across as realistic and well drawn, which enables the reader to easily sympathise with their predicament. I was completely invested in their situation, from the opening to the close of the novel. What trials they all went through and their own individual back stories were fascinating to uncover.
Clark amps up the thrills, adventure and suspense in her latest novel. Nature of the Lion is a big blockbuster quest across the continent. With the writing exuding a cinematic quality, I could easily situate myself in the unfolding events. This novel would make a great film, I would love to see it feature on the big screen!
The suspense aspect of the novel is offset by a touch of romance. The deep affection that exists between Chloe and her father’s former charge in the army, Nick, was beautifully captured. Clark has a good understanding of the various emotions that are attached to the journey each character takes in this novel and each emotional scene is portrayed with conviction.
Landscape and the wildlife of Africa are given star treatment by Clark. I would dearly love to visit Africa and one day I hope to go on a safari, in the meantime, I have Nature of the Lion to fill this void. What I appreciated about Clark’s descriptive prose in her wildlife and landscape features was her ability to simply expresses how it is. This may be confronting, but it is told with an air of truth. Clark remains faithful to her heritage and her country of birth. This is witnessed in her devastating descriptions of a once great lion the group come across in their sojourn.
‘Instead of how he was now- isolated and alone.
His ribs showed like ripples on water against his tawny skin as he walked, carefully picking up one huge paw and placing it down, as if each step was a mission of its own to accomplish.’
A word on the structure of this novel, which I really felt that Clark worked hard at trying to make as helpful and beneficial to the reader as possible. It definitely heightened the reading experience for me. Prior to the first chapter, a map of the areas covered in the duration of the book are included. This served as a great introduction to the tale. I was able to situate myself in the unfurling events of the novel. The local language that often populates the dialogue spoken by the protagonists allows you to fully immerse yourself in the countries, people and culture that exists in this corner of the world. Interspersed through the novel are references to the 6th Society, a deadly organisation that hunts to kill everything and anything – humans included. Between the chapters of Nature of the Lion there are lists of top 6 trophies – animals from each continent of the world. This was quite eye-opening and shocking. We are aware of these game hunters though, often splashed across social media and newspapers for their terrible glory kills, so Clark is simply drawing our attention to the existence of these cold-blooded hunters. Finally, rounding off the novel is a glossary of terms used, as well as a fascinating fact or fiction feature at the close of the book.
Nature of the Lion is a revealing novel, it works to expose the open wound that exists in Africa both today and in the past, through the expedition undertaken by the characters featured in this expressive tale. Based on my respect and appreciation for the work of T.M. Clark, I am going to mark her books as auto buys and commit to catching up on her previous two novels, which I am yet to delve into. Nature of the Lion receives a big stamp of approval from this reader.
‘After all, in lion country, you slept with one eye open, or you died.’
*I wish to thank Harlequin – Mira AU for providing me with a free copy of this book for review purposes.
Nature of the Lion is book #15 of the 2019 Australian Women Writers Challenge
March 12, 2019
Nature of the Lion is a love story set in the mid 1980’s Southern Africa. Zimbabwean Chloe has finished university in Pietermaritzburg and returns to the farm her ailing father runs with the help of his best friend Enoch and son Xo - black Zimbabweans - and her dad’s nurse Ethel. A neighbouring Afrikaans man is causing trouble and is accidentally injured by a horse, resulting in his death. In Apartheid South Africa Enoch takes the blame, and in order to save him the family group embarks on a perilous journey back to Zimbabwe, with horses and an old truck, enlisting the help of family friend and game warden Nick and the tracker Khululani, to take them home through Kruger NP and neighbouring Mozambique.
Aside from prides of lions, a herd of elephants and an encounter with crocodile at the Limpopo River, there are land mines to contend with, and international hunters who claim a human life as a trophy.
I admit I had mixed views on this one. Loved the map and glossary of Ndebele words and Afrikaans slang, along with explanations of local customs/beliefs. There were a few typos that should have been picked up (when did Douglas Smith become Douglas Jones???), and the end seemed jagged, as if a whole section of the original script had been edited out.
Zimbabwean-born T.M. Clark, now resident in Australia, conveys her love for the wildlife and ordinary people of a country that sadly became a basket case. We hear a lot about South Africa and Zimbabwe, but very little about Mozambique, and basically that’s what sold it for me.
Aside from prides of lions, a herd of elephants and an encounter with crocodile at the Limpopo River, there are land mines to contend with, and international hunters who claim a human life as a trophy.
I admit I had mixed views on this one. Loved the map and glossary of Ndebele words and Afrikaans slang, along with explanations of local customs/beliefs. There were a few typos that should have been picked up (when did Douglas Smith become Douglas Jones???), and the end seemed jagged, as if a whole section of the original script had been edited out.
Zimbabwean-born T.M. Clark, now resident in Australia, conveys her love for the wildlife and ordinary people of a country that sadly became a basket case. We hear a lot about South Africa and Zimbabwe, but very little about Mozambique, and basically that’s what sold it for me.
November 27, 2018
‘That is the fire of the Caçador Escuro, the Dark Hunter. We avoid such fires when we see them.’ Julio shook his head and made a cross on his chest as if to ward off evil. Enoch frowned. ‘Why?’ ‘These men are evil. They hunt people.’
‘Nature of the Lion’ is another compelling read from Zimbabwean born T.M. Clark. As I wrote about her previous book, ‘Child of Africa’, I love reading about this compelling continent where I once lived. Clark brings to life the modern day hurdles that many there face and you will find yourself fully engaged throughout this riveting story.
Yet again Clark provides us with another gripping and action packed thriller that not only transports you to the heart of Africa but presents a side of life that not many are witness to - everything from illegal hunting to racism and corruption. So much beauty to be found in the wilds of Africa, yet it goes hand in hand with so much horror - it’s a tale of conflict for all the wrong reasons. Clark is so understanding of this imbalance and presents the compelling contradictions to perfection.
Containing a little of everything, the tension will build and the drama continue to unfold right up until the very end. The violence will confront you, the rugged beauty impress you. Clark again provides a ‘Fact vs Fiction’ at the end that proves most helpful in sorting through the details - real and fictionalised - from the book.
I highly recommend ‘Nature of the Lion’ with Clark becoming a firm favourite for her compelling writing in providing real and gripping dramas that will see you fully engaged throughout the novel. The characters are honest, the story they have to tell, whilst sad and frightening at times, proves very, very enthralling.
‘They do not think like you and me. They see the colour of skin as a measure of character and a means to judge who a person is.”
This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher and provided through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.
‘Nature of the Lion’ is another compelling read from Zimbabwean born T.M. Clark. As I wrote about her previous book, ‘Child of Africa’, I love reading about this compelling continent where I once lived. Clark brings to life the modern day hurdles that many there face and you will find yourself fully engaged throughout this riveting story.
Yet again Clark provides us with another gripping and action packed thriller that not only transports you to the heart of Africa but presents a side of life that not many are witness to - everything from illegal hunting to racism and corruption. So much beauty to be found in the wilds of Africa, yet it goes hand in hand with so much horror - it’s a tale of conflict for all the wrong reasons. Clark is so understanding of this imbalance and presents the compelling contradictions to perfection.
Containing a little of everything, the tension will build and the drama continue to unfold right up until the very end. The violence will confront you, the rugged beauty impress you. Clark again provides a ‘Fact vs Fiction’ at the end that proves most helpful in sorting through the details - real and fictionalised - from the book.
I highly recommend ‘Nature of the Lion’ with Clark becoming a firm favourite for her compelling writing in providing real and gripping dramas that will see you fully engaged throughout the novel. The characters are honest, the story they have to tell, whilst sad and frightening at times, proves very, very enthralling.
‘They do not think like you and me. They see the colour of skin as a measure of character and a means to judge who a person is.”
This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher and provided through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.
January 2, 2019
MS Clark you have done it again, written a story that had me turning the pages trying to get to the end but not wanting it to end, you have taken me on a thrilling adventurous journey to Africa and bought to life people that have been through so much, the struggles that they go through, this really is a fabulous story.
The Story begins in South Africa where Chloe has just returned home from university to her invalid father Mike and the people she calls family Enoch and his son Xo, but there is trouble with a racist neighbour and Enoch ends up in trouble with the law, times are hard for people like Enoch and his son, so the decision is made to move back to Zimbabwe, their home, the place they fled five years before, it is not going to be an easy trip back through countries that are at war and there are also dangers from the animals to contend with.
Chloe seeks help from an old friend Nick, who is now a Kruger park ranger, he agrees and brings along his tracker Khululani and the dangerous journey begins with their horses and family across war torn Mozambique to Zimbabwe. This journey had me on the edge of my seat with danger happening around every corner, throw in a nasty hunter part of a group of shadow hunters known as the 6th and my heart was thumping.
I loved the characters in this story MS Clark has bought them to life, the love they shared for each other is amazing they went above and beyond and a romance as well what more could you want, the book is gripping, riveting I could barely put this one down, the setting is amazing, I really need to visit Africa and see the beauty for myself, MS Clark your stories are amazing and should not be missed you write powerful stories of strength and character of getting on with life when things can be tough, thank you for another keeper.
The Story begins in South Africa where Chloe has just returned home from university to her invalid father Mike and the people she calls family Enoch and his son Xo, but there is trouble with a racist neighbour and Enoch ends up in trouble with the law, times are hard for people like Enoch and his son, so the decision is made to move back to Zimbabwe, their home, the place they fled five years before, it is not going to be an easy trip back through countries that are at war and there are also dangers from the animals to contend with.
Chloe seeks help from an old friend Nick, who is now a Kruger park ranger, he agrees and brings along his tracker Khululani and the dangerous journey begins with their horses and family across war torn Mozambique to Zimbabwe. This journey had me on the edge of my seat with danger happening around every corner, throw in a nasty hunter part of a group of shadow hunters known as the 6th and my heart was thumping.
I loved the characters in this story MS Clark has bought them to life, the love they shared for each other is amazing they went above and beyond and a romance as well what more could you want, the book is gripping, riveting I could barely put this one down, the setting is amazing, I really need to visit Africa and see the beauty for myself, MS Clark your stories are amazing and should not be missed you write powerful stories of strength and character of getting on with life when things can be tough, thank you for another keeper.
February 12, 2026
Thrills, danger, intrigue, unwavering loyalty and a dash of romance, all underpinned with a big dose of revenge meted out from a dangerous stranger living without a conscience - the bones of ‘Nature of the Lion’ by T.M. Clark
A beautifully written African adventure with fabulous descriptions, nail biting dilemmas and dastardly skullduggery going on from the first page to the last paragraph - T.M. Clark certainly knows how to weave an intriguing tale that keeps readers’ attention tuned in all the way through.
Her characters are believable, with just the right amount of insight into what makes them tick, whether they’re the hero or the villain of the story.
Being a horse lover from way back, the underlying descriptions and dilemma facing a small band of Zimbabwean refugees on the run from the authorities while transporting a herd of these magnificent beasts through elephant and lion-inhabited savannah plains and mountains for mile after mile on their way back to their former homeland made for a thrilling tale. Add into the mix being hunted by the most dangerous living creature of all - a lone white man without a conscience or heart - certainly kept this reader enthralled all the way through. Definitely one for lovers of African adventures, I enthusiastically give it a score of 9/10.
A beautifully written African adventure with fabulous descriptions, nail biting dilemmas and dastardly skullduggery going on from the first page to the last paragraph - T.M. Clark certainly knows how to weave an intriguing tale that keeps readers’ attention tuned in all the way through.
Her characters are believable, with just the right amount of insight into what makes them tick, whether they’re the hero or the villain of the story.
Being a horse lover from way back, the underlying descriptions and dilemma facing a small band of Zimbabwean refugees on the run from the authorities while transporting a herd of these magnificent beasts through elephant and lion-inhabited savannah plains and mountains for mile after mile on their way back to their former homeland made for a thrilling tale. Add into the mix being hunted by the most dangerous living creature of all - a lone white man without a conscience or heart - certainly kept this reader enthralled all the way through. Definitely one for lovers of African adventures, I enthusiastically give it a score of 9/10.
May 11, 2020
Problems travelling in Africa
First book I have read by this author bit confusing at the beginning but finally got into the story hence the 4 stars.
First book I have read by this author bit confusing at the beginning but finally got into the story hence the 4 stars.
November 29, 2018
What a fabulous read, at the same time as taking us on a tension filled journey through the South African bush up to Zimbabwe, T. M Clark manages to convey so many emotions as well as educate us on the many situations that have occurred in those countries as well as many that may still be occurring.
The characters were all easy to relate to and I loved how supportive they all were of each other as well as being full of their own strengths.
I have to say the 6th completely filled me with horror and I'm glad that the society is a fictional one. Douglas was most definitely a deranged character who had me on edge throughout the story.
A read I highly recommend.
Thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin MIRA for a copy in return for an honest review.
The characters were all easy to relate to and I loved how supportive they all were of each other as well as being full of their own strengths.
I have to say the 6th completely filled me with horror and I'm glad that the society is a fictional one. Douglas was most definitely a deranged character who had me on edge throughout the story.
A read I highly recommend.
Thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin MIRA for a copy in return for an honest review.
May 31, 2021
I mostly enjoyed this but did lose track of the characters at times especially the horses.
August 6, 2019
The best thing about this book is its wild setting
June 4, 2019
Book blurb...
An all-new vivid, action-packed adventure across the African landscape in the tradition of Tony Park and Wilbur Smith, from Australian thriller writer, T.M. Clark.
Hiding from the law, they never expected to be caught in the crosshairs of a hunter… After relocating to South Africa on the heels of scandal five years ago, Chloe and her invalid father, Mike, once wealthy Zimbabwean landowners, now have little. Away at university, Chloe has had to rely on her father's best friend Enoch and his son Xo to watch over Mike. When a violent confrontation puts Chloe in danger, Enoch steps in to help – with inadvertent fatal results. With increasing pressure from a right–wing group on the police to charge Enoch, this mismatched family have no choice but to flee back to Zimbabwe. But crossing the border will be dangerous and near impossible with their route taking them amid warring dissident armies and landmines, and their every footstep is stalked by a shadowy ring of hunters – whose trophies are taken from more than animals... Only with help from Nick, formerly a soldier under Mike's command, now a professional game ranger, will the fugitives have a chance of making it home. But Nick has long struggled to come to terms with his fellow soldiers' choices before their unit was abandoned. Will his past demons put them all at risk?
My thoughts…
‘Enjoyable’ is an interesting choice of words for this read. The novel is great! The storytelling authentic and so immersive I was there. And it’s that prospect (of being caught up in such a scenario) that is a little daunting for me. There is so much going on in this story that is real, and so much I hope never happens in society.
So many scenes (like when the group is in danger while crossing a river on horseback) kept me on the edge, hoping all would go well.
I found the concept of hunting humans a little confronting, but T.M. Clark’s skill (blending fact with fiction) raises this novel from enjoyable to excellent.
There is a love story woven through the action and the added conflict—the ‘will-they-won't-they’ element—also adds to the emotional reader journey.
This review is also published on http://www.readroundoz.wordpress.com
An all-new vivid, action-packed adventure across the African landscape in the tradition of Tony Park and Wilbur Smith, from Australian thriller writer, T.M. Clark.
Hiding from the law, they never expected to be caught in the crosshairs of a hunter… After relocating to South Africa on the heels of scandal five years ago, Chloe and her invalid father, Mike, once wealthy Zimbabwean landowners, now have little. Away at university, Chloe has had to rely on her father's best friend Enoch and his son Xo to watch over Mike. When a violent confrontation puts Chloe in danger, Enoch steps in to help – with inadvertent fatal results. With increasing pressure from a right–wing group on the police to charge Enoch, this mismatched family have no choice but to flee back to Zimbabwe. But crossing the border will be dangerous and near impossible with their route taking them amid warring dissident armies and landmines, and their every footstep is stalked by a shadowy ring of hunters – whose trophies are taken from more than animals... Only with help from Nick, formerly a soldier under Mike's command, now a professional game ranger, will the fugitives have a chance of making it home. But Nick has long struggled to come to terms with his fellow soldiers' choices before their unit was abandoned. Will his past demons put them all at risk?
My thoughts…
‘Enjoyable’ is an interesting choice of words for this read. The novel is great! The storytelling authentic and so immersive I was there. And it’s that prospect (of being caught up in such a scenario) that is a little daunting for me. There is so much going on in this story that is real, and so much I hope never happens in society.
So many scenes (like when the group is in danger while crossing a river on horseback) kept me on the edge, hoping all would go well.
I found the concept of hunting humans a little confronting, but T.M. Clark’s skill (blending fact with fiction) raises this novel from enjoyable to excellent.
There is a love story woven through the action and the added conflict—the ‘will-they-won't-they’ element—also adds to the emotional reader journey.
This review is also published on http://www.readroundoz.wordpress.com
January 7, 2019
Thank you to Beauty & Lace bookclub for the opportunity to read this book written by T.M Clark.
Set in Africa, we meet Chloe. Having left her home of Zimbabwe five years ago, she has been living with her father Mike and close friends Enoch and his son Xo.
whilst at university Enoch and Xo have kept watch over Mike whilst Chloe is away. Mike now suffers from a brain injury.
when Chloe returns to her father during uni holidays and an unfortunate and violent altercation occurs which causes the family to make the touch decision to return home.
With the help of Nick ( a former soldier under the command of Mike) they make the treacherous journey back home to Zimbabwe.
a romance is thrown into the story and whilst a good story i did struggle with the length and the juggling of characters.
it does however provide an awareness as to the discrimination that is rife in Africa and the danger it presents to those in the minority.
Set in Africa, we meet Chloe. Having left her home of Zimbabwe five years ago, she has been living with her father Mike and close friends Enoch and his son Xo.
whilst at university Enoch and Xo have kept watch over Mike whilst Chloe is away. Mike now suffers from a brain injury.
when Chloe returns to her father during uni holidays and an unfortunate and violent altercation occurs which causes the family to make the touch decision to return home.
With the help of Nick ( a former soldier under the command of Mike) they make the treacherous journey back home to Zimbabwe.
a romance is thrown into the story and whilst a good story i did struggle with the length and the juggling of characters.
it does however provide an awareness as to the discrimination that is rife in Africa and the danger it presents to those in the minority.
April 24, 2020
Another great book that I struggled to put down, even to sleep. It’s interesting to see characters from other books pop up through many of T M Clark’s books. It makes you feel like an insider when you recognise a character. I’d recommend reading the books in the order they were published to really be able to enjoy the references to other books. I can’t get enough of the writing. It’s suspenseful, and respectful and a hell of a ride.
October 5, 2019
I loved this book just as much as the others by this author.
She portrays Africa, its wildlife and culture so well.
The storyline was different to any I have read before, thankfully the 6th society is fictional!
I rushed to finish it and find out what happened but when it was finished I was disappointed, I wanted more.
She portrays Africa, its wildlife and culture so well.
The storyline was different to any I have read before, thankfully the 6th society is fictional!
I rushed to finish it and find out what happened but when it was finished I was disappointed, I wanted more.
February 7, 2019
Nature of the Lion took me back to Wilbur Smith and Bryce Courtney books I seriously loved growing up and still enjoy today, now Nature of the Lion will go along with them. The story was gripping, riveting I could not put it down, I now can't wait to read more from T.M Clark.
August 16, 2020
This book is OK. It reveals some interesting insights into the lives of a privileged white woman and her black friends. Also the trophy hunting terror, destruction of civil war, animal conservation and caring for a disabled father. The romance is cheesy and poorly drawn.
March 8, 2019
Stilted and unrealistic
February 4, 2024
This was a basic version of a Wilbur Smith.
Was a nice little adventure to cross the Kruger.
Loved the South African phrases. That was a nice touch.
The development of the relationship between Chloe and Nick was so cringy. (Cheesy.) The writing of that love could have been better.
The quick ending of the "hunter" was kinda odd... after a long build up to it ..
Otherwise a feel good story with an expected "happily ever after" ending.
Was a nice little adventure to cross the Kruger.
Loved the South African phrases. That was a nice touch.
The development of the relationship between Chloe and Nick was so cringy. (Cheesy.) The writing of that love could have been better.
The quick ending of the "hunter" was kinda odd... after a long build up to it ..
Otherwise a feel good story with an expected "happily ever after" ending.
December 18, 2024
A real page turner.
TM Clark kept me reading way into the night. The tension held me spellbound. I was anxious the whole time that a grizzly murder would be described in detail. The criminal hunters, 6th Society, were horrible and worried me too.
The tension and story played out with some detailed descriptions of awful behaviour, but they did not take away from the tension TM Clark was able to sustain for the whole story.
A great read for people who like to be kept up at night.
TM Clark kept me reading way into the night. The tension held me spellbound. I was anxious the whole time that a grizzly murder would be described in detail. The criminal hunters, 6th Society, were horrible and worried me too.
The tension and story played out with some detailed descriptions of awful behaviour, but they did not take away from the tension TM Clark was able to sustain for the whole story.
A great read for people who like to be kept up at night.
September 14, 2025
I enjoyed reading about South Africa and Zimbabwe, but keeping up with the different people and their motives was a little confusing. Not a bad read, was actually pleasurable.
December 8, 2021
Read this book by our Zimbabwe author. Enjoy her books, hope she will write and publish more soon.
Read
April 10, 2019Interesting premise but I wasn't a fan of the writing style. This was a DNF for me.
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