The Courtneys: When the Lion Feeds / The Sound of Thunder / A Sparrow Falls

by Wilbur Smith

Wilbur Smith When the Lion Feeds, The Sound of Thunder, and, A Sparrow Falls Smith, Wilbur

Genres: Fiction, Africa, Historical Fiction, Roman, Fantasy

984 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1978

About the author

Wilbur 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.

Reviews

[Marilynn A Grieser · Rating 5 out of 5]

These books were recommended by a friend and I was absolutely captured by the end of the first page. Through generations of The Courtney family, I learned much about the history of South Africa. I actually felt at times like I was living through many of the historical events with this family. If you are looking for a book you won't be able to put down, start this series and let the dust accumulate around you! Am about to start the next book in this series, The Burning Shore. Am so happy W Smith is such a prolific writer. Many hours of pure enjoyment lay ahead.

[Leigh Wilson · Rating 2 out of 5]

I enjoyed the first 150 or so pages when the brothers were young and close, and experiencing the start of - what would end up being - the brotherly feud which lasted the 2 brothers the rest of their adult lives. I enjoyed experiencing a bit of South African history - the gold rush, the turn of the 20th century wars. I appreciate Wilbur Smith's genius writing style. But the story turned dull with much ado about topics that aren't interesting to me - mining, farming, drinking in pubs, womanising, gambling, war - and since, as a woman, I was unable to relate to the misogynistic, womanising, brute of a main character, Sean, at all, there simply wasn't enough left to keep me engaged in the story all the way to the end of the first book, let alone to be able to read the rest of the books in the series.

[Jason John Tyler · Rating 5 out of 5]

True African adventure. Wilbur started this one off as a short story and it grew into a novel and then into a series of novels. I can see why! When a Lion Feeds and The Sound of Thunder are two awesome action filled African Adventure tales that leave you wanting more which led me to read A Sparrow Falls also by Wilbur Smith. An interesting note is that Stephen King used to read these wonderful African Adventure Tales by Wilbur Smith to his children around the fireplace every night before bedtime.

[Klaas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this book 50 years ago when living and working in Africa and also this one is still entertaining.

[Penelope · Rating 5 out of 5]

Note to self: Reread this series!!! Sooner rather later. It's so amazing. Wilbur Smith is amazing!!!

[Caity · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series is amazing. Bar none
When the lion feeds is the best book I've ever read. Very fast paced with very love able main characters and very clear villains. Absolutely love it

[J Horan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another "can't put down read"!!