Rating: 
Summary: The monsoon of literature
Review: Every now and then comes a book that forbides you to stop reading... Monsoon is one of them.
It won't change your life or your cosmic theory, it will probably never bring its author a Nobel Prize, but who cares???? This is the one and only book among the dozens I've read that brought tears to my eyes. I just couldn't stop crying... which, you know, doesn't really help when to try to read :-)
Excellent writing, excellent story, very close to reality (of its time anyway), full of action (maybe a couple of descriptions could have been omitted) and full of sentiments. It has everything. Plus Tom... Tom is the star of the book and probably the son that every parent would pray for, the brother every brother/sister would want to have, the definition of the word "friend", and the man every woman would beg to meet. Don't think Tom is spuriously perfect, no. He's just smart, honest, brave, self-confident, he has a word of honour, he defends the weak, he only fights his equal or superior, he enjoys life, he's loyal, he's born a leader, and he has a great heart.
It's around 1,000 pages but -trust me- it won't take you more than a couple of days... Afterwards you may go to sleep...
It's a MUST... If you need some action, go for it.
Rating: 
Summary: A Good Read
Review: I picked up this book at a library sale, not knowing anything about it or its predecessor books. I was pleasantly surprised. This is a fast moving tale with a lot action. Smith seems to be a master at describing fight scenes (though some of the gore described goes a little overboard).The tale centers around the sons of Hal Courtney. Each one has chosen a different path in life. One is kidnapped by pirates, which is followed by a massive search by the one Courtney that truly loves him like a brother. The tension mounts every time young Courtney is close to rescue. Great for fans of "high seas" action.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent
Review: This sequel to Birds of Prey finds Hal Courtney (eventually the Courtneys will have been written about from the beginning of time! - and no bad thing either) with four sons - Tom, Dorian, Billy and Guy. Much like Shasa Courtney's sons in the earlier Courtney series written in the 80's, each is very different. The gregarious Tom, the timid Dorian, the bully Billy, and the jealous Guy are very different brothers. The novel primarily deals with Tom, Guy and Dorian and the acrimony that develops between the first two. Billy hovers like a vengeful dark spirit back in England whilst the other three go to sea with their father Hal. Hal's death midway through forces Tom - with his faithful friend Aboli - to hunt after Dorian, who has been captured by Prince al-Malik. Smith's stories aren't formulaic, but his characterisations are. You could say it is to be expected, that the same traits arise again and again with the Courtney family, it's just Sean and Garrick on the High Seas this time with Shasa portrayed by Hal. Irrespective, Smith is as enjoyable as ever.
Rating:
Summary: Exhilarating
Review: This was the first Wilbur Smith novel I read and I was extremely impressed. I thoroughly enjoyed Monsoon from cover to cover; it did not let up and was action packed throughout. I am eager to read more from Wilbur and can only hope that other novels will bring as much enjoyment as Monsoon did.
Essentially it tells the story of a father and his sons as they undertake a naval voyage to South Africa and beyond. Geographically, this novel spans three continents. Historically, it portrays the often-grueling life aboard ships and introduces you to naval battle tactics.
As a story, it hooks you from the beginning and never lets up. A must read.
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Summary: New to the sea
Review: I had recently started reading non-fiction books of the horrors at sea but thought I would try this book out on a whim. What I found, was an incredible novel that I did not want to stop reading. You will get sucked into this book, hating and loving the characters as you witness their lives and experiences.
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Summary: A storming book
Review: Wilbur Smith does it again as we follow the swashbuckling adventures of the Courtney family through another generation. Once more, Smith hauls his story from one outrageous situation to another making sure that his heroes (men, all of them, right down to the last man!) keep stumbling into testerone-charged territory. Lots of seducing, or being seduced, lots of battling with bad guys with bigger boats, lots of rescuing damsels in distress, lots of treasure to be captured and infidels to be slaughtered. Lots of pirates and assorted bad guys to deal with (usually against the odds, and in single combat). But there's no denying Wilbur Smith's ability to pen a great yarn, and to pen it well. His descriptions flow like water under thr bows of one of his great boats. His characterizations are always outstanding... the bad guys are VERY bad and the good guys are VERY good (even in bed). Kepp it up Wilbur, we're waiting for the next one.
Rating:
Summary: WOW!
Review: I bought this book on a whim and I was FLOORED at how good it was! I could not put it down! If you liked Clavell's Sho-Gun, Taipain, etc...this is for you! I gave the book to two co-workers and they raved and raved about it. We are splitting up Wilbur Smith's other books to buy! Great read!
Rating:
Summary: READ IT!
Review: Wow what an awesome book! I have read a lot of Mr. Smiths books, and some I have loved, some I have liked, and some were just pretty bad, however this one will be one of my all time favorites! Its not a short book, so of course there are some slow points, but really what book doesnt. This is a winner!!
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Summary: Monsoon - are there sequel stories?
Review: Monsoon was thoroughly enjoyable. Has anyone ever put Smith's books into chronological order? Are most of them stand alones? or has he continued with the Courtenay family over several centuries?
Rating:
Summary: Action, drama, love, passion... albeit predictable
Review: I've been away from reading fiction for several years...and to pick up a book of nearly 1000 pages was somewhat ambitious on my part. But in the end, Monsoon keeps you flipping the pages in anticipation...albeit your first guess on what will happen next is probably going to be correct. All in all, a good read...and worth your time, if you have time to kill.
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