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Courtney publication order #20
Legacy of War
Beloved characters Leon Courtney, Centaine De Thiry and Shasa Courtney return in the action-packed and gripping sequel to Courtney’s War, and the epic conclusion to the Assegai Sequence.
The war is over, Hitler is dead – and yet his evil legacy lives on. Saffron Courtney and her beloved husband Gerhard only just survived the brutal conflict, but Gerhard’s Nazi brother, Konrad, is still free and determined to regain power. As a dangerous game of cat-and-mouse develops, a plot against the couple begins to stir. One that will have ramifications throughout Europe.
Further afield in Kenya, the last outcrop of the Colonial Empire is feeling the stirrings of rebellion. As the situation becomes violent, and the Courtney family home is under threat, Leon Courtney finds himself caught between two powerful sides – and a battle for the freedom of a country.
The war is over, Hitler is dead – and yet his evil legacy lives on. Saffron Courtney and her beloved husband Gerhard only just survived the brutal conflict, but Gerhard’s Nazi brother, Konrad, is still free and determined to regain power. As a dangerous game of cat-and-mouse develops, a plot against the couple begins to stir. One that will have ramifications throughout Europe.
Further afield in Kenya, the last outcrop of the Colonial Empire is feeling the stirrings of rebellion. As the situation becomes violent, and the Courtney family home is under threat, Leon Courtney finds himself caught between two powerful sides – and a battle for the freedom of a country.
480 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 15, 2021
1249 people are currently reading
2080 people want to read
About the author
Wilbur Smith
320 books4,405 followersWilbur Smith was a prolific and bestselling South African novelist renowned for his sweeping adventure stories set against the backdrop of Africa’s dramatic landscapes and turbulent history. Born in 1933 in what was then Northern Rhodesia (now Zambia), he grew up in South Africa, where his love for storytelling was nurtured by the rich environment and tales of African history. His early years were shaped by his experiences in the wilderness, which later became a defining element in his fiction.
After studying at Rhodes University, Smith initially worked as an accountant, but his true passion lay in writing. His breakthrough came in 1964 with When the Lion Feeds, a historical adventure novel that introduced the Courtney family saga. The book’s success led to a long-running series chronicling the exploits of multiple generations of the Courtney family, spanning centuries of African and world history. Alongside this, Smith wrote the Ballantyne series, focused on colonial Africa, and the Ancient Egypt series, which delved into historical fiction with a mythical touch.
Over his six-decade career, Smith authored more than 50 novels, selling over 140 million copies worldwide. His works were characterized by meticulous research, vivid descriptions of the African wilderness, and gripping action-packed narratives. Whether set in the colonial era, the world of pharaohs, or modern-day Africa, his books often explored themes of survival, war, power, and human ambition. He collaborated with co-authors in his later years to expand his literary universe, ensuring his stories continued to reach new audiences.
Beyond writing, Smith was an avid traveler and adventurer, drawing inspiration from his own experiences hunting, sailing, and exploring remote corners of Africa. While he was passionate about wildlife and conservation, some of his views—particularly regarding big game hunting—sparked debate. Nonetheless, his deep affection for Africa was evident in his writing, which celebrated both its beauty and its historical complexities.
Smith’s influence on adventure fiction remains significant, with his books continuing to captivate readers around the world. His legacy endures through his richly woven tales of exploration, conquest, and the enduring spirit of Africa.
After studying at Rhodes University, Smith initially worked as an accountant, but his true passion lay in writing. His breakthrough came in 1964 with When the Lion Feeds, a historical adventure novel that introduced the Courtney family saga. The book’s success led to a long-running series chronicling the exploits of multiple generations of the Courtney family, spanning centuries of African and world history. Alongside this, Smith wrote the Ballantyne series, focused on colonial Africa, and the Ancient Egypt series, which delved into historical fiction with a mythical touch.
Over his six-decade career, Smith authored more than 50 novels, selling over 140 million copies worldwide. His works were characterized by meticulous research, vivid descriptions of the African wilderness, and gripping action-packed narratives. Whether set in the colonial era, the world of pharaohs, or modern-day Africa, his books often explored themes of survival, war, power, and human ambition. He collaborated with co-authors in his later years to expand his literary universe, ensuring his stories continued to reach new audiences.
Beyond writing, Smith was an avid traveler and adventurer, drawing inspiration from his own experiences hunting, sailing, and exploring remote corners of Africa. While he was passionate about wildlife and conservation, some of his views—particularly regarding big game hunting—sparked debate. Nonetheless, his deep affection for Africa was evident in his writing, which celebrated both its beauty and its historical complexities.
Smith’s influence on adventure fiction remains significant, with his books continuing to captivate readers around the world. His legacy endures through his richly woven tales of exploration, conquest, and the enduring spirit of Africa.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 138 reviews
May 31, 2021
I received an advance review copy for free via Netgalley, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. My sincerest thanks to the publisher and author. :)
Action-packed is not how I would describe this book. Plodding is a more apt description.
I fully admit that I have zero knowledge of the previous Courtney books (18 of them at the time of review) and have zero interest in digging into them. The review site assured me I did not need any previous knowledge to enjoy this novel. And I think I agree with that disclaimer with the caveat that I had no emotional attachment to the characters previously. This book did not cause me to have any newfound fictional loves, unfortunately.
The book itself tries to take a look at the world after WWII and Hitler. Some still follow his way of thinking and are working on trying and bringing about the Reich again. This is coupled with the movement in Kenya for the freedom of the people against the British. In between that, we have the unlikely pairing of a former SOE agent and Luftwaffe fighter ace.
Mr. Smith, unfortunately, falls into the historically inaccurate trope of 'All Germans, not in the SS were good, all Germans in the SS were bad' as a broad stroke way of painting things. This is not said in defense of the SS. Quite the contrary, plenty of Germans in the Heer, Kriegsmarine Luftwaffe , etc., were card-carrying Nazi party members and believed fully in the anti-Semite drivel that the majority of the SS made into a religion. As the book goes, if the character was not in the SS, you know they are good. If they were in the SS, they are bad, and doing so removes any potential build-up of suspense.
This is not said as a bragging point, but I think too much knowledge of post-war Europe and history here was detrimental. I knew the ending before the book began, and unfortunately, the plodding delivery didn't cause me to become lost in the journey despite knowing the destination.
Action-packed is not how I would describe this book. Plodding is a more apt description.
I fully admit that I have zero knowledge of the previous Courtney books (18 of them at the time of review) and have zero interest in digging into them. The review site assured me I did not need any previous knowledge to enjoy this novel. And I think I agree with that disclaimer with the caveat that I had no emotional attachment to the characters previously. This book did not cause me to have any newfound fictional loves, unfortunately.
The book itself tries to take a look at the world after WWII and Hitler. Some still follow his way of thinking and are working on trying and bringing about the Reich again. This is coupled with the movement in Kenya for the freedom of the people against the British. In between that, we have the unlikely pairing of a former SOE agent and Luftwaffe fighter ace.
Mr. Smith, unfortunately, falls into the historically inaccurate trope of 'All Germans, not in the SS were good, all Germans in the SS were bad' as a broad stroke way of painting things. This is not said in defense of the SS. Quite the contrary, plenty of Germans in the Heer, Kriegsmarine Luftwaffe , etc., were card-carrying Nazi party members and believed fully in the anti-Semite drivel that the majority of the SS made into a religion. As the book goes, if the character was not in the SS, you know they are good. If they were in the SS, they are bad, and doing so removes any potential build-up of suspense.
This is not said as a bragging point, but I think too much knowledge of post-war Europe and history here was detrimental. I knew the ending before the book began, and unfortunately, the plodding delivery didn't cause me to become lost in the journey despite knowing the destination.
April 5, 2021
I was looking forward to a suspenseful journey led by Wilbur Smith when I received my copy of Legacy of War via bookish first. I was greatly disappointed. The book was slow paced and daunting to me. I had to reread sentences and paragraphs, but I was still lost. The concept was interesting. A historical fiction book, that looks at life after Hitler is killed. It explores the families of those who still believed in Hitler‘s way of thinking. Then the story (and the Courtney Family) moves to Kenya where the current empire is falling and Saffron Courtney (the main character) is caught between a battle for freedom or his new country. The Courtney family just can’t win.
This is my first book by Wilbur Smith, and it is the 19th of a series about the Courtney family. Having no background of the Courtney family may have hindered my ability to enjoy this book.
This is my first book by Wilbur Smith, and it is the 19th of a series about the Courtney family. Having no background of the Courtney family may have hindered my ability to enjoy this book.
April 8, 2021
First and foremost, a large thank you to NetGalley,Wilbur Smith, David Churchill, and Bonnier Zaffre USA for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.
Having followed the Courtney saga for many years, I was overjoyed at the release of another novel. While Wilbur Smith has been using the assistance of other authors over the past while, the books are usually still of high caliber. With the Second World War ended, the most everyone is breathing a collective sigh of relief. However, it is still a time of and for change. Not everyone in Germany is happy with the new divided country. Additionally, there are rumblings of independence along the African continent. Smith and David Churchill bring readers another great piece in this long saga, providing much for the reader to enjoy throughout.
As the world is still coming to terms with the end of the Second World War, there are a number of truths that cannot be ignored. The largest of which is that German dictator Adolf Hitler is finally dead and Europe can relax, to a degree. While the Nazis are no longer a threat, Europe has been taken over, in a sense, by the conflicting ideologies of American capitalism and Soviet communism. Saffron Courtney surveys things from London and is relatively pleased. Her husband, Gerhard, is free from a concentration camp, and they can focus on their connection once more. However, Konrad von Meerbach, Gerhard's brother with strong affinity for the Nazis, seeks to regain power and bring a new wave of national socialism to his native land.
While all this envelops Europe, the African continent is becoming more boisterous. The colonial empire has developed cracks, particularly in Kenya. There, the locals have begun trying to drum up support for a complete overthrow. Their current target are those who are sympathetic to the British. Blood will flow and that is sure to cause issues for the Courtney family, all the way up to the patriarch, Leon. As Kenya balances on the precipice, the Courtneys must wonder what the future holds for them in the country of their forbearers.
When Konrad arrives in Kenya to pay a visit to Gerhard and Saffron, it is anything but cordial. He has a plan and wants nothing other than to instil fear. Could a simple visit begin a chain of events that leads to Gerhard’s demise once again? With Kenya less than stable, there are many factors that could easily cause issues for all involved. The Courtney family is in serious trouble and Saffron may be the only means by which things do not completely unravel. A nice addition to the series that proves there is still something left to explore in this series, which has entertained for over a generation.
While I was quite late to the party when it came to the Courtney series, I loved the early novels that spun wonderful tales of mystery across the African continent. However, as Wilbur Smith aged, he chose to partner up with others, sometimes lessening the impact of the novels and diluting what has been a strong Courtney saga. David Churchill appears to do well in complementing Smith’s work, keeping the 20th century series alive and well. At least that’s something series fan can look forward to with this piece.
Saffron Courtney does well as a protagonist in this piece, offering the reader some great insights into how to handle living in both Europe and Africa. The story uses her experiences on both continents, as well as some historical events that developed in the background. Saffron reminds readers of the richness of the Courtney family over the decades, as well as her own personal growth. There is some wonderful character development to be had and series fans will likely enjoy how all the pieces have come together.
Smith and Churchill have used a strong collection of supporting characters as well, all of whom enrich the story in their own way. Be it the rise of independence in Kenya or the residue of Nazi support in Germany, those who grace the pages of the book prove highly entertaining for the reader. There is a lot to cover in the book and these secondary characters do well to keep the reader on point throughout.
As it relates to the overall story, I found myself enjoying parts of the book and seeking to skip over others. There is a definite richness in the narrative, particularly as it relates to historical events, pulling the reader in and keeping the story on a strong pathway. However, there are other times when things appear to drag and left me wanting to hit the ‘turbo’ button to get back to the action. The character development and richness of the Courtney saga cannot be ignored here, as those who have followed the collection have come to know. All that being said, this is not a book (or a series) that can be started at any point. There is too much backstory that emerges to ‘catch up’ in a single book. With short to mid-length chapters, the authors keep the book moving and the action growing. There’s much to discover for the curious reader, even if the writing style and delivery can sometimes not match the traditional Wilbur Smith approach.
Kudos, Messrs. Smith and Churchill, for another instalment of this strong series. While I may not like all of them, I have come to enjoy the ongoing drama!
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
Having followed the Courtney saga for many years, I was overjoyed at the release of another novel. While Wilbur Smith has been using the assistance of other authors over the past while, the books are usually still of high caliber. With the Second World War ended, the most everyone is breathing a collective sigh of relief. However, it is still a time of and for change. Not everyone in Germany is happy with the new divided country. Additionally, there are rumblings of independence along the African continent. Smith and David Churchill bring readers another great piece in this long saga, providing much for the reader to enjoy throughout.
As the world is still coming to terms with the end of the Second World War, there are a number of truths that cannot be ignored. The largest of which is that German dictator Adolf Hitler is finally dead and Europe can relax, to a degree. While the Nazis are no longer a threat, Europe has been taken over, in a sense, by the conflicting ideologies of American capitalism and Soviet communism. Saffron Courtney surveys things from London and is relatively pleased. Her husband, Gerhard, is free from a concentration camp, and they can focus on their connection once more. However, Konrad von Meerbach, Gerhard's brother with strong affinity for the Nazis, seeks to regain power and bring a new wave of national socialism to his native land.
While all this envelops Europe, the African continent is becoming more boisterous. The colonial empire has developed cracks, particularly in Kenya. There, the locals have begun trying to drum up support for a complete overthrow. Their current target are those who are sympathetic to the British. Blood will flow and that is sure to cause issues for the Courtney family, all the way up to the patriarch, Leon. As Kenya balances on the precipice, the Courtneys must wonder what the future holds for them in the country of their forbearers.
When Konrad arrives in Kenya to pay a visit to Gerhard and Saffron, it is anything but cordial. He has a plan and wants nothing other than to instil fear. Could a simple visit begin a chain of events that leads to Gerhard’s demise once again? With Kenya less than stable, there are many factors that could easily cause issues for all involved. The Courtney family is in serious trouble and Saffron may be the only means by which things do not completely unravel. A nice addition to the series that proves there is still something left to explore in this series, which has entertained for over a generation.
While I was quite late to the party when it came to the Courtney series, I loved the early novels that spun wonderful tales of mystery across the African continent. However, as Wilbur Smith aged, he chose to partner up with others, sometimes lessening the impact of the novels and diluting what has been a strong Courtney saga. David Churchill appears to do well in complementing Smith’s work, keeping the 20th century series alive and well. At least that’s something series fan can look forward to with this piece.
Saffron Courtney does well as a protagonist in this piece, offering the reader some great insights into how to handle living in both Europe and Africa. The story uses her experiences on both continents, as well as some historical events that developed in the background. Saffron reminds readers of the richness of the Courtney family over the decades, as well as her own personal growth. There is some wonderful character development to be had and series fans will likely enjoy how all the pieces have come together.
Smith and Churchill have used a strong collection of supporting characters as well, all of whom enrich the story in their own way. Be it the rise of independence in Kenya or the residue of Nazi support in Germany, those who grace the pages of the book prove highly entertaining for the reader. There is a lot to cover in the book and these secondary characters do well to keep the reader on point throughout.
As it relates to the overall story, I found myself enjoying parts of the book and seeking to skip over others. There is a definite richness in the narrative, particularly as it relates to historical events, pulling the reader in and keeping the story on a strong pathway. However, there are other times when things appear to drag and left me wanting to hit the ‘turbo’ button to get back to the action. The character development and richness of the Courtney saga cannot be ignored here, as those who have followed the collection have come to know. All that being said, this is not a book (or a series) that can be started at any point. There is too much backstory that emerges to ‘catch up’ in a single book. With short to mid-length chapters, the authors keep the book moving and the action growing. There’s much to discover for the curious reader, even if the writing style and delivery can sometimes not match the traditional Wilbur Smith approach.
Kudos, Messrs. Smith and Churchill, for another instalment of this strong series. While I may not like all of them, I have come to enjoy the ongoing drama!
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
April 22, 2021
Legacy of War is the 19th book in the Courtney series, but reads well enough as a standalone. Thank you so much to Bookish First and Zaffre Books for my copy in exchange for an honest review!
This is Historical fiction at it’s best, and not for the faint of heart! I love Smith because he has absolutely no filter, and I will continue to read anything he writes. This installment happens after the end of WWII, and the hunt for Gerhard’s Nazi Officer brother in on. Meanwhile, in Kenya, the Mau Mau rebellion is starting and the Courtney estate tribes are right in the war zone. Are they loyal enough to resist the uprising??
To touch on the series: this is, I believe, the third and final Saffron and Gerhard book (or maybe they are more of a duology, I’m not sure) but there is enough background given to read the end of their story as a standalone. Enough new things are revealed that readers new and old will be in love with this pair and the Courtney family.
This is an absolutely brutal and brutally exciting novel! All of the Courtney family books seem to have this gritty accuracy and I love them so freaking much. There does tend to be some gratuitous violence and murder, but these sadistic things happened in real life and I think they add to the nail-biting-ness of the novel.
This book, like the rest, is fast paced and unapologetic (but Saffron and Gerhard do apologize in their own sweet ways). Between the hair raising race to track down Konrad and the methods of the Mau Mau – chopped up babies, anyone? I couldn’t put this book down! Real historical figures like Jomo Kenyatta, Dior, Wangari, and a few others are present as well. Some events and people are given fictional names but mirror real life events, such as the broad daylight assassination of a chief in his vehicle.
Leon is an amazing character as well and I loved his friendship with the Kikuru chieftain. The Courtney family dynamics are so just wonderful. I was thoroughly choked up at the end of the novel but I think Smith brought this era to a wonderful conclusion
This is Historical fiction at it’s best, and not for the faint of heart! I love Smith because he has absolutely no filter, and I will continue to read anything he writes. This installment happens after the end of WWII, and the hunt for Gerhard’s Nazi Officer brother in on. Meanwhile, in Kenya, the Mau Mau rebellion is starting and the Courtney estate tribes are right in the war zone. Are they loyal enough to resist the uprising??
To touch on the series: this is, I believe, the third and final Saffron and Gerhard book (or maybe they are more of a duology, I’m not sure) but there is enough background given to read the end of their story as a standalone. Enough new things are revealed that readers new and old will be in love with this pair and the Courtney family.
This is an absolutely brutal and brutally exciting novel! All of the Courtney family books seem to have this gritty accuracy and I love them so freaking much. There does tend to be some gratuitous violence and murder, but these sadistic things happened in real life and I think they add to the nail-biting-ness of the novel.
This book, like the rest, is fast paced and unapologetic (but Saffron and Gerhard do apologize in their own sweet ways). Between the hair raising race to track down Konrad and the methods of the Mau Mau – chopped up babies, anyone? I couldn’t put this book down! Real historical figures like Jomo Kenyatta, Dior, Wangari, and a few others are present as well. Some events and people are given fictional names but mirror real life events, such as the broad daylight assassination of a chief in his vehicle.
Leon is an amazing character as well and I loved his friendship with the Kikuru chieftain. The Courtney family dynamics are so just wonderful. I was thoroughly choked up at the end of the novel but I think Smith brought this era to a wonderful conclusion
April 22, 2021
This is the first book I’ve read in this series, but I felt like there was decent summarizations so I didn’t feel lost. I did feel like this book tackled too much and yet somehow moved too slowly for me. I found my attention wandering especially through the first third of the book. The action did pick up nearer towards the end. The concept was fascinating and I liked that it looked at what happened after Hitler died especially with his supporters. While this type of story isn’t necessarily my first go to I did think the author created good characters and did a good job with making it a story that did suck me in, just much further in than I would have hoped. I liked the main female character Saffron a lot. She is the type of hero everyone woman needs. And I commend the story on tackling huge important issues from both sides. This book is violent at times and trigger warning for torture.
May 10, 2024
An exceptional conclusion to an exciting historical series.
Wilbur Smith has delivered an entertaining and richly detailed novel. The story is interwoven with colonialism, politics, race, and much more. This picks up right at the end of WW2 and into the changing world of the mid-50's and into early 1960. If you enjoy historical fiction, you won't want to miss out on this series.
Wilbur Smith has delivered an entertaining and richly detailed novel. The story is interwoven with colonialism, politics, race, and much more. This picks up right at the end of WW2 and into the changing world of the mid-50's and into early 1960. If you enjoy historical fiction, you won't want to miss out on this series.
May 9, 2021
The Courtney Saga rolls on, having now reached beyond the Second World War. Saffron Courtney and her husband, Gerhard Meerbach return to the family homestead in Kenya to be with their family - Leon Courtney and his second wife Harriet.
Konrad, Gerhard's elder brother and an escaped War criminal, is still looking for revenge over his brother and his wife. Meanwhile, Kenya is looking for independence from colonial rule and not all the means employed, are non-violent.
Into this pot pourrie of political turmoil and personal vendetta, the authors in-depth visualisation of the beauty of Africa and the aspirations of its indigenous population, adds a nice touch.
One of my favourite authors, this is not to be missed! Please read my detailed review from the link below
https://www.aniblogshere.com/books-re...
Do visit, read 📖, like 👍🏼, comment 💭 or share!
🙏🏼🙏🏼
#legacyofwar #wilbursmith #courtneysaga #africa #bookfan #bookreviewblogger #bookreviews #bookworm #booklover #booklove #booklovers #bookbuzz #books #bookreview
Konrad, Gerhard's elder brother and an escaped War criminal, is still looking for revenge over his brother and his wife. Meanwhile, Kenya is looking for independence from colonial rule and not all the means employed, are non-violent.
Into this pot pourrie of political turmoil and personal vendetta, the authors in-depth visualisation of the beauty of Africa and the aspirations of its indigenous population, adds a nice touch.
One of my favourite authors, this is not to be missed! Please read my detailed review from the link below
https://www.aniblogshere.com/books-re...
Do visit, read 📖, like 👍🏼, comment 💭 or share!
🙏🏼🙏🏼
#legacyofwar #wilbursmith #courtneysaga #africa #bookfan #bookreviewblogger #bookreviews #bookworm #booklover #booklove #booklovers #bookbuzz #books #bookreview
April 4, 2021
Once a soldier....always a soldier
I love reading books by Wilbur Smith. They take me to exotic places where I would never visit except in books. The story is so real I feel like I am there. I love the story, I love the history and the descriptions of the people and the locations.
This story is set in Kenya in Africa. It is a story of the British white landowners and the native tribes. India has just declared their freedom and many of the Kenyan natives want Kenya to be free and to have a say in their government. They detest the rich white landowners who treat them as slaves for the most part.
The Mau Mau branch of the Kikuyu Tribe is the most restless and causing the rest of the Kikuyu tribe to be restless as well. Since they are causing so much trouble the white people in Kenya think all blacks are part of the Mau Mau and are arresting them and sending them to an internment camp for any small infraction. The Mau Mau threaten the members of the tribe to take an oath to the Mau Mau or they will harm their families. They are feared by both black and white as many of them served in The King's African Rifles troop in the Army in WWII.
Leon Courtney owns the most land of anyone in the area. His daughter Saffron and her husband Gerhard both served during the War. They are threatened by Gerhard's Nazi brother Konrad and must find him and have him sent to war tribunals. They find themselves between this danger and the danger of the Mau Mau. The conflict becomes real when the Mau Mau attack the Courtney home.
It is a good book and I enjoyed reading it. I would recommend this book.
Thanks to Wilbur Smith, Bonnier Zaffre, and NetGalley for allowing me to read an advanced copy for an honest review. The opinions and the review are my own.
I love reading books by Wilbur Smith. They take me to exotic places where I would never visit except in books. The story is so real I feel like I am there. I love the story, I love the history and the descriptions of the people and the locations.
This story is set in Kenya in Africa. It is a story of the British white landowners and the native tribes. India has just declared their freedom and many of the Kenyan natives want Kenya to be free and to have a say in their government. They detest the rich white landowners who treat them as slaves for the most part.
The Mau Mau branch of the Kikuyu Tribe is the most restless and causing the rest of the Kikuyu tribe to be restless as well. Since they are causing so much trouble the white people in Kenya think all blacks are part of the Mau Mau and are arresting them and sending them to an internment camp for any small infraction. The Mau Mau threaten the members of the tribe to take an oath to the Mau Mau or they will harm their families. They are feared by both black and white as many of them served in The King's African Rifles troop in the Army in WWII.
Leon Courtney owns the most land of anyone in the area. His daughter Saffron and her husband Gerhard both served during the War. They are threatened by Gerhard's Nazi brother Konrad and must find him and have him sent to war tribunals. They find themselves between this danger and the danger of the Mau Mau. The conflict becomes real when the Mau Mau attack the Courtney home.
It is a good book and I enjoyed reading it. I would recommend this book.
Thanks to Wilbur Smith, Bonnier Zaffre, and NetGalley for allowing me to read an advanced copy for an honest review. The opinions and the review are my own.
May 8, 2021
At his age there is probably a 0% chance that Wilbur Smith wrote this book. Especially when you consider how great his work has consistently been. I loved the first in this series “Courtney’s War” and I honestly can’t believe what a bust this follow up was.
I Loved “Courtney’s War” so much so, that I read all of the books leading up to Courtney’s War with Saffron and Leon Courtney backwards.
So, how did this one end up being two totally different stores and me not carrying what happened to any of the characters in either, that historically I endeared so much? Easy; Wilbur Smith didn’t write the follow up.
Do not start your Courtney saga with this boring-slog fest of a book and don’t let this prevent you from reading and embarking on how incredible the earlier Wilbur Smith and Courtney family adventures are.
Big pass, this was a mess.
I Loved “Courtney’s War” so much so, that I read all of the books leading up to Courtney’s War with Saffron and Leon Courtney backwards.
So, how did this one end up being two totally different stores and me not carrying what happened to any of the characters in either, that historically I endeared so much? Easy; Wilbur Smith didn’t write the follow up.
Do not start your Courtney saga with this boring-slog fest of a book and don’t let this prevent you from reading and embarking on how incredible the earlier Wilbur Smith and Courtney family adventures are.
Big pass, this was a mess.
September 29, 2021
It was very interesting read! This is a historical fiction meets action, creepy and horror. The writing style is clean and easy to read. Also love how quick this book was to read couldn't put it down. It very very interesting. Overall it was a good book. I would change somethings as well as even though the book was a quick and easy read I found myself getting bored in the middle and beginning at times.
November 20, 2021
Legacy of War quickly drew me in and kept me hooked to the end. The characters were well developed and the storyline was solid. This is the first novel I've read by Wilbur Smith, but I am hooked.
March 13, 2022
An ok read, but not great.
August 6, 2022
Sarebbero tre stelle ma la quarta se la guadagna grazie alla presenza (poco più di un cameo) di Centaine, Shasa e Manfred.
August 21, 2021
Very disappointing!
December 2, 2021
Set in the wilderness of 1950's Kenya, Wilbur Smith stamps his mark yet again on a tale as bold and entertainingly varied as the depth of his intimacy with African life where he was born.
Smith's ability to build his story in intricate detail, and then release the dominoes of action and emotion, has produced another adventure, typically engaging and rousing, that his readers have come to expect from his novels.
Another gem...for those loyal to and charmed by his Courtney-series, or simply followers of this outstanding author, me among them.
Smith's ability to build his story in intricate detail, and then release the dominoes of action and emotion, has produced another adventure, typically engaging and rousing, that his readers have come to expect from his novels.
Another gem...for those loyal to and charmed by his Courtney-series, or simply followers of this outstanding author, me among them.
March 19, 2022
I was looking forward to discovering how Saffron Courtney and her husband Gerhard fared following the end of WWII and Legacy of War was as action packed and fast paced as the previous book.
There are certain aspects of Wilbur Smith’s writing that is present in all his books, and that is his love of Africa, the land and it’s people. That is just as evident in this book which is set a few years after the war, when colonialism was loosening its hold on countries such as India. Change is not supported by those within the white population who stand to lose land and wealth accumulated over the past century at the expense of the native population. The younger generation of black Africans who have received further education abroad, are coming home with a determination that there must be change, and the balance of power begins to shift. However, others see only violence as the solution to remove those they consider trespassers on their land. It is the time of the Mau Mau and the fear they instil brings about a time of terror and bloodshed, with both sides suffering great losses in the struggle.
Runnng parallel to this time of building tension, is unfinished business for Saffron and Gerhard. The war may be over, but some who committed the worst atrocities are still free and in hiding. Gerhard had suffered a great deal at the hands of his elder brother Konrad, who had served the Reich to further his family’s industrial fortunes and because it suited his nature.Having lost everything at the end of the war and forced into hiding, vengeance and retribution will shatter the peace that Gerhard and Saffron have found on their home close to the Courtney estate. They will be forced to confront the threat if they and their children are to survive.
In a thrilling and action packed climax, the Courtney family and those close to them, find themselve trapped in the path of a seemingly unstoppable army led by a man who sees only violence as a path to the future. The outcome will determine the legacy the Courtney family will leave on this land they love.
Recommended read.
There are certain aspects of Wilbur Smith’s writing that is present in all his books, and that is his love of Africa, the land and it’s people. That is just as evident in this book which is set a few years after the war, when colonialism was loosening its hold on countries such as India. Change is not supported by those within the white population who stand to lose land and wealth accumulated over the past century at the expense of the native population. The younger generation of black Africans who have received further education abroad, are coming home with a determination that there must be change, and the balance of power begins to shift. However, others see only violence as the solution to remove those they consider trespassers on their land. It is the time of the Mau Mau and the fear they instil brings about a time of terror and bloodshed, with both sides suffering great losses in the struggle.
Runnng parallel to this time of building tension, is unfinished business for Saffron and Gerhard. The war may be over, but some who committed the worst atrocities are still free and in hiding. Gerhard had suffered a great deal at the hands of his elder brother Konrad, who had served the Reich to further his family’s industrial fortunes and because it suited his nature.Having lost everything at the end of the war and forced into hiding, vengeance and retribution will shatter the peace that Gerhard and Saffron have found on their home close to the Courtney estate. They will be forced to confront the threat if they and their children are to survive.
In a thrilling and action packed climax, the Courtney family and those close to them, find themselve trapped in the path of a seemingly unstoppable army led by a man who sees only violence as a path to the future. The outcome will determine the legacy the Courtney family will leave on this land they love.
Recommended read.
November 19, 2023
5 Stars
Legacy of War is the twentieth book in the Courtney Series by Wilbur Smith.
Wilbur Smith books were a familiar fixture in our household when I was growing up. As I grew older and went looking for more ‘interesting’ things to read, Mr. Smith was amongst the first ‘adult’ reads that I gravitated to. I read everything he had written up to that point, and then through the years I kept up with each new release. It had been many years since I last read one of his books, but in the past few months have found myself exploring them once more.
Wilbur Smith is one of my mother’s favourite authors, so reading this was a bit of a bittersweet experience for me as my mother passed away over a year ago, and I have been making my way through her extensive book collection, deciding which to keep and which to rehome. I also decided that reading each one could play a part in my reading challenge, as well as a way to pay tribute to my mother who was such a voracious reader..... This meant that I have reread a lot of books that I also have in my own collection- but, nonetheless, have enjoyed yet again. These books has stirred up a lot of memories, but I am forever grateful that mum passed on her love of reading to me.
Mr. Smith has a great knack for writing a great suspenseful and exciting read, and even though my tastes have evolved as I have gotten older, I still really enjoyed revisiting this book/series.
So if you are an action/adventure buff and want a book that will hold your attention and that you can immerse yourself in- then this may be the book for you!
Legacy of War is the twentieth book in the Courtney Series by Wilbur Smith.
Wilbur Smith books were a familiar fixture in our household when I was growing up. As I grew older and went looking for more ‘interesting’ things to read, Mr. Smith was amongst the first ‘adult’ reads that I gravitated to. I read everything he had written up to that point, and then through the years I kept up with each new release. It had been many years since I last read one of his books, but in the past few months have found myself exploring them once more.
Wilbur Smith is one of my mother’s favourite authors, so reading this was a bit of a bittersweet experience for me as my mother passed away over a year ago, and I have been making my way through her extensive book collection, deciding which to keep and which to rehome. I also decided that reading each one could play a part in my reading challenge, as well as a way to pay tribute to my mother who was such a voracious reader..... This meant that I have reread a lot of books that I also have in my own collection- but, nonetheless, have enjoyed yet again. These books has stirred up a lot of memories, but I am forever grateful that mum passed on her love of reading to me.
Mr. Smith has a great knack for writing a great suspenseful and exciting read, and even though my tastes have evolved as I have gotten older, I still really enjoyed revisiting this book/series.
So if you are an action/adventure buff and want a book that will hold your attention and that you can immerse yourself in- then this may be the book for you!
July 21, 2021
I used to be great fan of the real Wilbur Smith books although the last of his ancient Egyptian books was pretty bad.
Nowadays his books are written by other, far less skilful, writers. That is something that seems to happen to many of these very popular authors as they become "franchises" - Alastair MacLean, Tom Clancy, James Paterson et al.
This one is really bad - slow, preposterous, poorly plotted, rambling. I wasted nearly an hour of my life on this and I am within a whisker of Wilbur's age.
Nowadays his books are written by other, far less skilful, writers. That is something that seems to happen to many of these very popular authors as they become "franchises" - Alastair MacLean, Tom Clancy, James Paterson et al.
This one is really bad - slow, preposterous, poorly plotted, rambling. I wasted nearly an hour of my life on this and I am within a whisker of Wilbur's age.
March 3, 2022
Decent thriller, but much too long, too convoluted. The action and background really is pretty good. But I got a little bit tired of the bad guys being ugly and sadistic and all the good guys and gals being tall and handsome and rich and athletic and living lives of lavish luxury, and of course everyone adores them. I know this is what people seem to like in thrillers, but I find it tedious, not credible.
March 4, 2024
uneeded abusive weird bdsm scene i do not like.
March 1, 2022
«Voglio essere ricordato come qualcuno che ha dato gioia a milioni di persone e che ha trascorso ore meravigliose nel farlo». Con queste parole, idealmente, Wilbur Smith salutava i suoi fan in tutto il mondo, lasciandoci in dono i suoi libri.
Scomparso la notte del 13 novembre scorso, ad 88 anni, il maestro dell’avventura da 150 milioni di copie, era nato a Broken Hill il 9 gennaio 1933 (nella Rhodesia del Nord, l’attuale Zambia) e un bestseller dopo l’altro, aveva dato vita a numerosi cicli di fiction, spaziando fra romanzi storici e marini – da Come il mare a Sulla rotta degli squali – ai numerosissimi titoli dedicati all’Africa, a partire da Il destino del leone, il romanzo che lo rese celebre nel 1964 giungendo sino al più recente, Il nuovo regno. Acclamato universalmente come un’icona, ha attraversato i decenni rinnovando il suo pubblico, anche grazie alla recentissima creazione di una serie per ragazzi decisamente ecofriendly – composta da Tempesta e Fulmine – scritti con Chris Wakling, con protagonista il 14enne Jack Courtney, toccando così quota cinquanta romanzi.
L’ultimo libro al quale ha lavorato è Eredità di guerra (scritto con David Churchill) che giungerà il 3 marzo (p.608 €23) sugli scaffali italiani, tradotto da Sara Caraffini. Un gran colpo messo a segno da HarperCollins Italia che pubblica il diciottesimo libro del ciclo dei Courtney (iniziata nel 1997 con Uccelli da preda). Si tratta del seguito de La guerra dei Courtney e al consueto tasso adrenalinico della trama, si affiancano tematiche decisamente attuali ovvero il peso delle ideologie sanguinarie e le conseguenze del colonialismo imperiale.
Il sipario si alza sulle macerie della Seconda Guerra Mondiale: Adolf Hitler è morto suicida nel suo bunker e intanto, l’Europa è diventato un terreno di scontro ideologico fra il capitalismo americano e il comunismo sovietico, con Berlino divisa dal Muro. Per la gioia dei lettori, sulla pagina torna la bella e assai caparbia Saffron Courtney - di cui lo stesso scrittore disse, «lo so che un autore non deve avere favoriti tra i personaggi, ma Saffron è sempre stata nel mio cuore» - che ha scelto di sposare il suo amore, Gerhard Meerbach, sopravvissuto al campo di concentramento.
Ma l’ideologia nazista, lo sappiamo, è dura da estirpare e sarà proprio Konrad, il fratello dello sposino, ad ordire un tragico piano di rivincita, cercando di scatenare una nuova e ancor più feroce ondata di nazionalsocialismo nella propria terra natia. Dal vecchio continente, l’azione salta in Kenya, lì dove un movimento d’indipendenza, alla stregua di quello indiano, sta prendendo crescente consapevolezza deciso a sovvertire l’impero coloniale inglese, lottando per la libertà e del resto, la stima di Wilbur Smith per Nelson Mandela è sempre stata palese. Eredità di guerra ricostruisce la tensione che fa vibrare l’intero continente africano, in bilico fra la tribù dei Mau Mau che si sfoga con azioni brutali e chi vorrebbe una transizione più morbida – e così, i Courtney, dopo secoli di usufrutto di quelle terre, sono costretti a interrogarsi: nel prossimo futuro ci sarà ancora posto per la loro stirpe latifondista sotto la linea dell’equatore? Sarà proprio Saffron, giunta da Londra in soccorso del padre Leon, a prendersi la scena mentre il sanguinario Konrad sta tramando, deciso ad innescare una serie di disastrose conseguenze su scala mondiale.
Se la scrittura in tandem negli ultimi anni si è resa necessaria per mantenere i ritmi d’una produzione che potesse soddisfare i fan - «lavorare con dei coautori – disse Smith - mi permette di fare un passo indietro ed esplorare meglio le mie storie» - l’accoppiamento con David Churchill è foriero di una trama piena di colpi di scena, alternando capitoli brevi e di media lunghezza, spostando l’azione fra l’Europa e l’Africa, riuscendo a tenere sempre alta la tensione, sino alle ultime pagine. E non sarà un addio visto che l’uscita del prossimo libro della saga, Storm Tide è stata annunciata in America e Gran Bretagna nel mese di aprile, firmato con Tom Harper. Sì, Clive Cussler, Robert Ludlum (il creatore di Jason Bourne) e ovviamente, Wilbur Smith sono – ahinoi - passati a miglior vita eppure, ogni volta che un loro nuovo titolo approda sugli scaffali, i fan lo accolgono con gioia. Diciamolo chiaramente, i grandi autori non muoiono mai e beato chi non li ha ancora scoperti perché c’è tutto un mondo pieno di cattivoni ed eroi tutto da scoprire. Un bestseller dopo l’altro.
Scomparso la notte del 13 novembre scorso, ad 88 anni, il maestro dell’avventura da 150 milioni di copie, era nato a Broken Hill il 9 gennaio 1933 (nella Rhodesia del Nord, l’attuale Zambia) e un bestseller dopo l’altro, aveva dato vita a numerosi cicli di fiction, spaziando fra romanzi storici e marini – da Come il mare a Sulla rotta degli squali – ai numerosissimi titoli dedicati all’Africa, a partire da Il destino del leone, il romanzo che lo rese celebre nel 1964 giungendo sino al più recente, Il nuovo regno. Acclamato universalmente come un’icona, ha attraversato i decenni rinnovando il suo pubblico, anche grazie alla recentissima creazione di una serie per ragazzi decisamente ecofriendly – composta da Tempesta e Fulmine – scritti con Chris Wakling, con protagonista il 14enne Jack Courtney, toccando così quota cinquanta romanzi.
L’ultimo libro al quale ha lavorato è Eredità di guerra (scritto con David Churchill) che giungerà il 3 marzo (p.608 €23) sugli scaffali italiani, tradotto da Sara Caraffini. Un gran colpo messo a segno da HarperCollins Italia che pubblica il diciottesimo libro del ciclo dei Courtney (iniziata nel 1997 con Uccelli da preda). Si tratta del seguito de La guerra dei Courtney e al consueto tasso adrenalinico della trama, si affiancano tematiche decisamente attuali ovvero il peso delle ideologie sanguinarie e le conseguenze del colonialismo imperiale.
Il sipario si alza sulle macerie della Seconda Guerra Mondiale: Adolf Hitler è morto suicida nel suo bunker e intanto, l’Europa è diventato un terreno di scontro ideologico fra il capitalismo americano e il comunismo sovietico, con Berlino divisa dal Muro. Per la gioia dei lettori, sulla pagina torna la bella e assai caparbia Saffron Courtney - di cui lo stesso scrittore disse, «lo so che un autore non deve avere favoriti tra i personaggi, ma Saffron è sempre stata nel mio cuore» - che ha scelto di sposare il suo amore, Gerhard Meerbach, sopravvissuto al campo di concentramento.
Ma l’ideologia nazista, lo sappiamo, è dura da estirpare e sarà proprio Konrad, il fratello dello sposino, ad ordire un tragico piano di rivincita, cercando di scatenare una nuova e ancor più feroce ondata di nazionalsocialismo nella propria terra natia. Dal vecchio continente, l’azione salta in Kenya, lì dove un movimento d’indipendenza, alla stregua di quello indiano, sta prendendo crescente consapevolezza deciso a sovvertire l’impero coloniale inglese, lottando per la libertà e del resto, la stima di Wilbur Smith per Nelson Mandela è sempre stata palese. Eredità di guerra ricostruisce la tensione che fa vibrare l’intero continente africano, in bilico fra la tribù dei Mau Mau che si sfoga con azioni brutali e chi vorrebbe una transizione più morbida – e così, i Courtney, dopo secoli di usufrutto di quelle terre, sono costretti a interrogarsi: nel prossimo futuro ci sarà ancora posto per la loro stirpe latifondista sotto la linea dell’equatore? Sarà proprio Saffron, giunta da Londra in soccorso del padre Leon, a prendersi la scena mentre il sanguinario Konrad sta tramando, deciso ad innescare una serie di disastrose conseguenze su scala mondiale.
Se la scrittura in tandem negli ultimi anni si è resa necessaria per mantenere i ritmi d’una produzione che potesse soddisfare i fan - «lavorare con dei coautori – disse Smith - mi permette di fare un passo indietro ed esplorare meglio le mie storie» - l’accoppiamento con David Churchill è foriero di una trama piena di colpi di scena, alternando capitoli brevi e di media lunghezza, spostando l’azione fra l’Europa e l’Africa, riuscendo a tenere sempre alta la tensione, sino alle ultime pagine. E non sarà un addio visto che l’uscita del prossimo libro della saga, Storm Tide è stata annunciata in America e Gran Bretagna nel mese di aprile, firmato con Tom Harper. Sì, Clive Cussler, Robert Ludlum (il creatore di Jason Bourne) e ovviamente, Wilbur Smith sono – ahinoi - passati a miglior vita eppure, ogni volta che un loro nuovo titolo approda sugli scaffali, i fan lo accolgono con gioia. Diciamolo chiaramente, i grandi autori non muoiono mai e beato chi non li ha ancora scoperti perché c’è tutto un mondo pieno di cattivoni ed eroi tutto da scoprire. Un bestseller dopo l’altro.
September 10, 2025
Legacy Of War by Wilbur Smith finished 1/8/25
This book made me realise how much impact the legacies of war have on people. The two sub ideas are:
Family loyalty is affected or tested and how religion and tradition are affected. In the aftermath of a great battle involving the Courtney family the loyalty of the family was tested to its very limit, “We are Courtneys. We do not abandon each other, not in peace and not in war.” Gerhard; one of the Courtney's close relations, praised the bravery, perseverance and loyalty of his friends all the way to the end. This was said by Gerhard to affirm that although the Courtney family loyalty among workers, family members, and other friends of the Courtney family was tested. Either through their great conflict with the Mau Mau (African freedom fighters) which ended in bloodshed or even trusting each other with sensitive information in the hunt for Gerhard’s brother Konrad (a notorious Nazi torturer.)This either revealed disloyalty or strengthened already strong bonds. He said this to praise and thank his people for their sacrifices. I think the author was trying to show that although war is a terrible thing, it can reveal true loyalty and friendship because a friend who will fight beside you is the only true friend. Someone who will truly fight until the end. And that is exactly what the Courtney family did because loyalty was the first priority for all of them even in battle. For example when they were having the final battle in their house, loyalty was utmost in mind and that is what led to their triumph. Having the Mau Mau (African freedom fighters) follow them to their house (planning to kill them as an act of rebellion) was very symbolic showing that the Courtneys stand strong and tall like their great mansion.
It's not just family loyalty that is tested in war and after war. Religion and tradition is also majorly affected by war, during and after: “The war had torn the soul of Africa, scattering tribes, breaking their faith, leaving only fragments of the old ways”. The war had not only taken land and lives but had had a much larger impact on African culture and religion. If they wanted to continue their lives like normal, they would have to learn to come together with friends and families. Sharing opinions, stories, and religions is a good way to improve morale and ultimately repair these beliefs. There was a sense of uneasiness and even a diminishing factor in people’s beliefs. I think the author is trying to show how war does not just affect individuals, it has a dominoes effect, damaging culture, traditions and religious foundation that is very important for many of the Africans around that time. This was mainly due to the ongoing fights for the freedom of Africans and because of this, culture and religion was one of the few things they could count on. War not just brings a short burst of grief, it is like a wrecking ball, knocking down the foundations of people's lives, puncturing the fabric of society. To tie these two themes together, war is not just a terrible event. It is a test. It tests family loyalty, religion, and tradition; the very foundation of society. But if the foundation is strong enough, and powerful pieces of the puzzle like family loyalty hold, it may take some time to recover, but it will not collapse. In the book many of the damages of war such as the battle that the Courtneys faced were overcome. By rebuilding relationships, buildings, and creating new friendships and partnerships, the Courtneys and many more recovered after the war.
Certain societal aspects of all life are like ropes holding up society, they either withstand the war or snap under pressure. Gerhard and the Courtneys fought some fierce enemies with different ideologies but in the end the Courtneys held out against the threats, letting their legacies of loyalty to the family and respect for the environment of Africa thrive for generations to come.
This book made me realise how much impact the legacies of war have on people. The two sub ideas are:
Family loyalty is affected or tested and how religion and tradition are affected. In the aftermath of a great battle involving the Courtney family the loyalty of the family was tested to its very limit, “We are Courtneys. We do not abandon each other, not in peace and not in war.” Gerhard; one of the Courtney's close relations, praised the bravery, perseverance and loyalty of his friends all the way to the end. This was said by Gerhard to affirm that although the Courtney family loyalty among workers, family members, and other friends of the Courtney family was tested. Either through their great conflict with the Mau Mau (African freedom fighters) which ended in bloodshed or even trusting each other with sensitive information in the hunt for Gerhard’s brother Konrad (a notorious Nazi torturer.)This either revealed disloyalty or strengthened already strong bonds. He said this to praise and thank his people for their sacrifices. I think the author was trying to show that although war is a terrible thing, it can reveal true loyalty and friendship because a friend who will fight beside you is the only true friend. Someone who will truly fight until the end. And that is exactly what the Courtney family did because loyalty was the first priority for all of them even in battle. For example when they were having the final battle in their house, loyalty was utmost in mind and that is what led to their triumph. Having the Mau Mau (African freedom fighters) follow them to their house (planning to kill them as an act of rebellion) was very symbolic showing that the Courtneys stand strong and tall like their great mansion.
It's not just family loyalty that is tested in war and after war. Religion and tradition is also majorly affected by war, during and after: “The war had torn the soul of Africa, scattering tribes, breaking their faith, leaving only fragments of the old ways”. The war had not only taken land and lives but had had a much larger impact on African culture and religion. If they wanted to continue their lives like normal, they would have to learn to come together with friends and families. Sharing opinions, stories, and religions is a good way to improve morale and ultimately repair these beliefs. There was a sense of uneasiness and even a diminishing factor in people’s beliefs. I think the author is trying to show how war does not just affect individuals, it has a dominoes effect, damaging culture, traditions and religious foundation that is very important for many of the Africans around that time. This was mainly due to the ongoing fights for the freedom of Africans and because of this, culture and religion was one of the few things they could count on. War not just brings a short burst of grief, it is like a wrecking ball, knocking down the foundations of people's lives, puncturing the fabric of society. To tie these two themes together, war is not just a terrible event. It is a test. It tests family loyalty, religion, and tradition; the very foundation of society. But if the foundation is strong enough, and powerful pieces of the puzzle like family loyalty hold, it may take some time to recover, but it will not collapse. In the book many of the damages of war such as the battle that the Courtneys faced were overcome. By rebuilding relationships, buildings, and creating new friendships and partnerships, the Courtneys and many more recovered after the war.
Certain societal aspects of all life are like ropes holding up society, they either withstand the war or snap under pressure. Gerhard and the Courtneys fought some fierce enemies with different ideologies but in the end the Courtneys held out against the threats, letting their legacies of loyalty to the family and respect for the environment of Africa thrive for generations to come.
October 31, 2021
This was my first reading of works by Wilbur Smith after a long time and also the first in the Courtney series adventure. It took me a while before acclimatizing to all the characters in this script, which is composed of two plots. With WWII over, Saffron Courtney is united with her husband Gerhard Meerbach, who has a been victim of Nazi incarceration and atrocity by none other than his brother Konrad, who is now in the hiding with his wife Chessie, but full of hatred and anger for his brother and Courtney. With the ownership of their family business Meerbach Motor Works hanging on the edge, and the employees in support of Gerhard as their leader, this only adds to Konrad's fury and he orchestrates a plan to kill them. Thousands of miles away from Europe, Kenya is fighting an independence war from the British reign, while the latter is determined to hold their grip in the only jewel of Africa following India's Independence. The Courtney family has a sprawling estate in Lusima, Kenya and Saffron's father Leon is well respected and revered by both whites and the local community. Leon holds his native employees in high esteem, understands their urge for freedom and is therefore adored by the natives and stands by him until the very end. He is also a blood brother to Manyoro, chief of the Massai tribe and helps to educate their children in London. Benjamin, Manyoro's son and Wangari meet in London while studying and despite belonging to different tribes and with opposition from families, the doctor and lawyer couple, under the guidance and blessings of Leon hope to make Kenya a better place to live. However, there is a warring faction of the Mau Mau led by an evil warlord Kungu Kabaya, who is stirring a rebellion against the British and wants all the British in Kenya to be brutally killed including children. Saffron and Gerhard are on the crossroads of a two-pronged warfront - one for freedom from his brother Konrad, who is perceived as a constant threat to their survival and their kids, and the second being the survival of their family in Kenya from the warring rebel factions. How will the Courtney family and Gerhard overcome this precarious situation? To know more, go on to read this elegantly written novel with some hard-hitting action sequences. Although, some part of the book is slow it progress at a steady pace. The characters are solid and evolved through the previous editions in the Courtney series and could well be read as a standalone. A recommended read for historical fiction buffs.
April 10, 2021
Thank you NetGalley for an ARC of Legacy of War by Wilbur Smith. I am a huge fan of Wilbur Smith, particularly his Egyptian series of novels. Full disclosure though, I have not read one of his novels for many years which made me very eager to read and review his newest one.
This book is the latest in the Courtney series. Set in 1951, Saffron Courtney, the daughter of Leon Courtney, has settled down with her German husband Gerhard in South Africa. They are both from influential, wealthy families and it seems as if they have overcome their war wounds enough to be able to make a life for themselves and their children. Essentially this novel comprises two separate battles which Saffron and her husband must face, one against Gerhard’s evil brother and the other against the Mau Mau in Kenya.
I really wanted to like this novel. I truly did, but I cannot give it more than two stars. Although Smith endeavours to provided enough background information about characters, past relationships, and historical events I felt as though these bits and pieces staunched the flow of his work and character development. Saffron and Gerhard’s characters really felt ‘flat’ and underdeveloped. I wanted to know more about them but Smith only gave glimpses of what they had survived and conquered together. While reading this novel, I could not help but think that the previous novel is the one which I should be enjoying since there were just too many references to what had already occurred between these characters,
I also found that the plot was quite disjointed. In his attempt to ‘tie up loose ends’ from his previous novel, Smith includes a manhunt for Gerhard’s evil brother. However, once his brother is found and dealt with the plot then shifts to the Mau Mau in Kenya (whom the reader is introduced to at the very beginning of the book). In my opinion, it would have been a much more interesting book if Smith fully developed one of these plot lines rather than try to jam in both into one novel.
As a stand alone novel, it does not do Wilbur Smith justice. It felt as though he needed to hurriedly complete another novel in this series by throwing in two plots, an evil Nazi, with some Mau Mau sprinkled on top... oh and let’s not forget President Kenyatta who makes a cameo appearance. Smith can do much better.
This book is the latest in the Courtney series. Set in 1951, Saffron Courtney, the daughter of Leon Courtney, has settled down with her German husband Gerhard in South Africa. They are both from influential, wealthy families and it seems as if they have overcome their war wounds enough to be able to make a life for themselves and their children. Essentially this novel comprises two separate battles which Saffron and her husband must face, one against Gerhard’s evil brother and the other against the Mau Mau in Kenya.
I really wanted to like this novel. I truly did, but I cannot give it more than two stars. Although Smith endeavours to provided enough background information about characters, past relationships, and historical events I felt as though these bits and pieces staunched the flow of his work and character development. Saffron and Gerhard’s characters really felt ‘flat’ and underdeveloped. I wanted to know more about them but Smith only gave glimpses of what they had survived and conquered together. While reading this novel, I could not help but think that the previous novel is the one which I should be enjoying since there were just too many references to what had already occurred between these characters,
I also found that the plot was quite disjointed. In his attempt to ‘tie up loose ends’ from his previous novel, Smith includes a manhunt for Gerhard’s evil brother. However, once his brother is found and dealt with the plot then shifts to the Mau Mau in Kenya (whom the reader is introduced to at the very beginning of the book). In my opinion, it would have been a much more interesting book if Smith fully developed one of these plot lines rather than try to jam in both into one novel.
As a stand alone novel, it does not do Wilbur Smith justice. It felt as though he needed to hurriedly complete another novel in this series by throwing in two plots, an evil Nazi, with some Mau Mau sprinkled on top... oh and let’s not forget President Kenyatta who makes a cameo appearance. Smith can do much better.
April 19, 2021
With the war in Europe over, Saffron Courtney Meerbach is finally reunited with her husband Gerhard. As they gather with friends, glasses are raised in a toast to peace. Theirs is not a lasting peace, however. Gerhard’s brother was a Nazi general responsible for his internment in a concentration camp. Konrad survived the war and is in hiding, but his hatred for Saffron and Gerhard will bring him back into their lives.
Back in Kenya, members of the Kikuyu tribe who served with the King’s African Rifles in Ethiopia and Burma have returned to a land where the they have no jobs or human rights. Resentment is growing, leading to the Mau Mau uprising. Saffron’s father, Leon Courtney, is one of the wealthiest landowners. While many of the British colonials see the natives as inferior, Courtney abhors their actions and foresees the troubles to come. He is a friend and blood brother to Manyoro, a chief of the Maasai, and has pushed for reforms to improve relations.
Wilbur Smith is joined by co-author David Churchill and they have written a story that is sometimes brutal but carries on the Courtney series with strong characters. Saffron is a former member of the SOE, while Gerhard was a distinguished pilot in the luftwaffe before turning against Hitler. Benjamin, Manyoro’s son, and Wangari Ndiri met while studying in London. While he is a Maasai, she is a member of the Kikuyu tribe and their engagement has met with opposition from both families. As a doctor and lawyer, their hope is to work toward a united Africa rather than tribal divisions and see an end to British rule in Kenya.
While the authors provide enough background to familiarize the reader with the Courtney family, reading the prior books in the series is an experience to savor. The books are rich in history and adventure. There are some areas where the story slows for a bit, but fans of Wilbur Smith will be more than satisfied with Legacy of War and it is recommended for historical fiction fans. I would like to thank BookishFirst for providing this book for my review.
Back in Kenya, members of the Kikuyu tribe who served with the King’s African Rifles in Ethiopia and Burma have returned to a land where the they have no jobs or human rights. Resentment is growing, leading to the Mau Mau uprising. Saffron’s father, Leon Courtney, is one of the wealthiest landowners. While many of the British colonials see the natives as inferior, Courtney abhors their actions and foresees the troubles to come. He is a friend and blood brother to Manyoro, a chief of the Maasai, and has pushed for reforms to improve relations.
Wilbur Smith is joined by co-author David Churchill and they have written a story that is sometimes brutal but carries on the Courtney series with strong characters. Saffron is a former member of the SOE, while Gerhard was a distinguished pilot in the luftwaffe before turning against Hitler. Benjamin, Manyoro’s son, and Wangari Ndiri met while studying in London. While he is a Maasai, she is a member of the Kikuyu tribe and their engagement has met with opposition from both families. As a doctor and lawyer, their hope is to work toward a united Africa rather than tribal divisions and see an end to British rule in Kenya.
While the authors provide enough background to familiarize the reader with the Courtney family, reading the prior books in the series is an experience to savor. The books are rich in history and adventure. There are some areas where the story slows for a bit, but fans of Wilbur Smith will be more than satisfied with Legacy of War and it is recommended for historical fiction fans. I would like to thank BookishFirst for providing this book for my review.
March 5, 2022
Ostatnia część dziewiętnastotomowej Sagi rodu Courtneyów jest kontynuacją tomu piętnastego i siedemnastego. Przy pisaniu wszystkich trzech części wspomagał Wilbura Smitha David Churchill*. Reprezentantką Courtneyów jest w nich dziedziczka kenijskiej odnogi rodu, Saffron, kobieta charakterna, w czasie wojny tajna agentka brytyjskiej SEO. Jej ukochany, w tym tomie już mąż, to Gerhard Meerbach, pilot Luftwaffe, który ostatnie lata wojny za nieposłuszeństwo Hitlerowi ledwo uszedł z życiem w nazistowskich obozach koncentracyjnych.
Sześć lat po wojnie Saffron i Gerhard, rodzice dwojga dzieci, zamiast wieść spokojne, dostatnie życie w kenijskiej posiadłości Lusima znowu zaangażowani są w krwawe rozgrywki, teraz już w powojennym świecie. Przeciwnikami w jednej z nich są pogrobowcy nazizmu, na czele ze starszym bratem Gerharda, byłym asystentem Heydricha, Konradem von Meerbach. Scenerią drugiej morderczej rozprawy jest Kenia, gdzie pod pretekstem walki wyzwoleńczej szaleje terror radykalnego odłamu plemienia Kikuju, znanego pod nazwą Mau Mau.
Jak zwykle u Wilbura Smitha trup ściele się gęsto po różnych stronach barykad, protagoniści demonstrują swoje nadzwyczajne umiejętności, a panorama geograficzna i narodowościowo-etniczna zapiera dech. Przy czym, co bardzo ważne, sympatie Courtneyów i ich przyjaciół także w afrykańskiej walce wyzwoleńczej jednoznacznie plasują się po dobrej stronie mocy. Jej symbolem jest pierwszy prezydent niepodległej Kenii, Jomo Kenyata, znajomy Saffron i Gerharda Courtney-Meerbach, uświetniający epilog sagi w roku 1964.
* War Cry (Łzy wojny) #15, Courtney’s War (Po dwóch stronach) #17 i Legacy of War (Raj w ogniu) #19.
Sześć lat po wojnie Saffron i Gerhard, rodzice dwojga dzieci, zamiast wieść spokojne, dostatnie życie w kenijskiej posiadłości Lusima znowu zaangażowani są w krwawe rozgrywki, teraz już w powojennym świecie. Przeciwnikami w jednej z nich są pogrobowcy nazizmu, na czele ze starszym bratem Gerharda, byłym asystentem Heydricha, Konradem von Meerbach. Scenerią drugiej morderczej rozprawy jest Kenia, gdzie pod pretekstem walki wyzwoleńczej szaleje terror radykalnego odłamu plemienia Kikuju, znanego pod nazwą Mau Mau.
Jak zwykle u Wilbura Smitha trup ściele się gęsto po różnych stronach barykad, protagoniści demonstrują swoje nadzwyczajne umiejętności, a panorama geograficzna i narodowościowo-etniczna zapiera dech. Przy czym, co bardzo ważne, sympatie Courtneyów i ich przyjaciół także w afrykańskiej walce wyzwoleńczej jednoznacznie plasują się po dobrej stronie mocy. Jej symbolem jest pierwszy prezydent niepodległej Kenii, Jomo Kenyata, znajomy Saffron i Gerharda Courtney-Meerbach, uświetniający epilog sagi w roku 1964.
* War Cry (Łzy wojny) #15, Courtney’s War (Po dwóch stronach) #17 i Legacy of War (Raj w ogniu) #19.
August 7, 2021
3/5 stars. It was fine. The story was even good. But the writing isn’t Wilbur Smith anymore. The pacing of his old epics is replaced by modern, mainstream snappiness, as if we aren’t the same readers who’ve been so absorbed in the detail he’s provided in these Courtney books for nearly 60 years now. The plot is very one-eyed as well, able to only deal with one thread at a time. We get 75% of it dealing with a revenge story, which is tied up in a few pages and then never mentioned again for the rest of the book, which turns into a set piece that is exciting enough but had little build up. There are also some random incongruities, such as a character who had been murdered 150 pages earlier being referred to as if he were still alive. I thought I’d gone mad so went back to read if I was correct, and yes indeed, he’s dead one moment, and then in the middle of a father-daughter disagreement the next. It didn’t make much of a difference, but it’s just disappointing to see the adventures of my favourite family dip in quality like this. I know Smith is old and feels like he wants to get all of his stories out into the world while he still can, but I would honestly prefer that he writes it himself, focuses all of his skills on doing it properly and gives us one more masterpiece, instead of twenty mediocre tales written by or with strangers.
May 12, 2021
Wow! Is this really the 19th Courtney adventure from Wilbur Smith? Unbelievable. If you've read the other 18, you'll want to read this one as well.
This could be subtitled "The Further Adventures of Saffron Courtney and Gerhard Meerbach" since it picks up after World War II. Two major plots make up the book: The search for Gerhard's Nazi war criminal brother Konrad, followed by the Mau Mau uprising in South Africa and what follows. Ideally, this should wrap up the Courtney saga since it ends in the early 1960's, but it's possible there could be one more installment which would wrap it up at a nice 20 volumes. Perhaps there won't be though since the author's next book reportedly is based in ancient Egypt and presumably revisits an old friend from that series.
This one though is definitely for Wilbur Smith's fans although some people seem to be wondering how much was actually written by him and how much was written by his co-author. And, there are some things which indicate the co-author was also the main author, and if so, they have remained true to the spirit of Smith's writing. Lots of action, lots of bloodshed - things we have come to expect from a Wilbur Smith novel.
An entertaining read overall and if you're a Wilbur Smith fan, you won't be sorry.
This could be subtitled "The Further Adventures of Saffron Courtney and Gerhard Meerbach" since it picks up after World War II. Two major plots make up the book: The search for Gerhard's Nazi war criminal brother Konrad, followed by the Mau Mau uprising in South Africa and what follows. Ideally, this should wrap up the Courtney saga since it ends in the early 1960's, but it's possible there could be one more installment which would wrap it up at a nice 20 volumes. Perhaps there won't be though since the author's next book reportedly is based in ancient Egypt and presumably revisits an old friend from that series.
This one though is definitely for Wilbur Smith's fans although some people seem to be wondering how much was actually written by him and how much was written by his co-author. And, there are some things which indicate the co-author was also the main author, and if so, they have remained true to the spirit of Smith's writing. Lots of action, lots of bloodshed - things we have come to expect from a Wilbur Smith novel.
An entertaining read overall and if you're a Wilbur Smith fan, you won't be sorry.
April 8, 2021
Read the complete review here : https://www.meotherwise.com/legacy-wa...
The Plot
Legacy of War is set in Kenya in Africa where British White landowners and the native tribes live. It is the time when India has just won its freedom from the British and the Kenyan natives want their freedom as well. They dislike the British landowners and would want to no longer be subject as their slaves. The Kikuyu tribe here is at the forefront of the agitation feared by both black and white. Amidst this set up is Leon Courtney who owns the most land in the region. He lives with his daughter Saffron and her husband Gerhard. The family finds themselves between this danger from the agitating tribe. The conflict becomes real and dangerous when Courtney home is attacked. The Legacy of war takes this tussle and struggle in an action packed narrative.
The Review
An easy to read writing style that packs in history, action and thrills. A couple of depictions so get elaborate which I managed to skip easily. Nevertheless a fairly average plot and characters don't entirely disappoint you.
The Plot
Legacy of War is set in Kenya in Africa where British White landowners and the native tribes live. It is the time when India has just won its freedom from the British and the Kenyan natives want their freedom as well. They dislike the British landowners and would want to no longer be subject as their slaves. The Kikuyu tribe here is at the forefront of the agitation feared by both black and white. Amidst this set up is Leon Courtney who owns the most land in the region. He lives with his daughter Saffron and her husband Gerhard. The family finds themselves between this danger from the agitating tribe. The conflict becomes real and dangerous when Courtney home is attacked. The Legacy of war takes this tussle and struggle in an action packed narrative.
The Review
An easy to read writing style that packs in history, action and thrills. A couple of depictions so get elaborate which I managed to skip easily. Nevertheless a fairly average plot and characters don't entirely disappoint you.
April 14, 2021
If you've invested some time in reading Wilbur Smith's Courtney Family Novel Series then you already know Wilbur Smith's writing style and just about anything there is to know about his characters. Courtney #19 but the first book in a new series that branches out into similar territory with the same and new characters but also the sequel to Courtney's War. Whew....I hope I got that right. At this point, I'm not even sure anymore, I've read so many of them. It's almost as complicated as the books themselves. True to form, these books are not light reads. This one is no different. The war is over. Hitler has been eradicated but not all corrupt and evil people of power under his reign are destroyed and so with that comes a life and death challenge for Saffron Courtney and her husband.
Another historically dense and exciting read. Author Wilbur Smith along with David Churchhill, tells an intense story that's complicated to read but even more difficult to put down. Recommend the entire series to get the full experience.
Thanks to Author Wilbur Smith and to Zaffre Books for my copy won via giveaway. I received. I read. I reviewed this book honestly and voluntarily.
Another historically dense and exciting read. Author Wilbur Smith along with David Churchhill, tells an intense story that's complicated to read but even more difficult to put down. Recommend the entire series to get the full experience.
Thanks to Author Wilbur Smith and to Zaffre Books for my copy won via giveaway. I received. I read. I reviewed this book honestly and voluntarily.
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