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Summary: Wilbur Smith does it again!!!
Review: Wow! Wilbur Smith has become one of my favorite authors with his fantastic action and impeccable research. This is my third novel by Smith and he just keeps getting better. Wilbur Smith actually transports you to a time and a place. He has a true gift of putting himeself (and us) into whatever longitude he happens to be in. This was truly an enjoyable book.
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Summary: The ultimate Guy Book
Review: MONSOON continues the swashbuckling saga of seagoing adventurer Hal Courtney begun in BIRDS OF PREY, also reviewed by me (5 stars) on this website. As MONSOON opens, Hal has been landlocked on his English country manor for a couple of decades. He's fathered 4 sons (William, Tom, Guy, and Dorian) by three different wives, all now dead. Yearning for one last seafaring exploit, he accepts a commission from the reigning British monarch, William III, and the East India Company to mount a punitive expedition to the Indian Ocean to eradicate a band of cutthroat pirates, led by the evil Jangiri, that have lately taken sore toll of Company shipping and profits. So, leaving his heir, William, to manage the family holdings, Hal sails away on the "Seraph" with his three youngest sons and his three old comrades from BIRDS, Aboli, Ned Tyler and Big Daniel, to confront the buccaneers off the coast of East Africa in the waters surrounding the Spice Islands. During the first several pages of MONSOON, we're introduced to son Tom, who's persuaded a saucy scullery maid to share her amorous favors with him and his fraternal twin Guy, while the younger Dorian stands watch. And where is this steamy tryst taking place? Why, on his grandfather's sarcophagus in the burial crypt of the estate chapel, of course. This startling introduction of Tom to the reader should presage the fact that, by the end of the book, he's the main character and hero. Well, subtlety is not one of author Wilbur Smith's strongpoints. I sometimes think that Smith develops his plots by stream of consciousness writing. He zigzags flamboyantly from one outrageous situation to the next. In the MONSOON storyline, Hal, Tom and their faithful companions go from sea to land, and back again, doing all that Guy Stuff that Manly Men do: seducing (or being seduced by) willing young beauties, battling with corsairs and slavers, rescuing damsels in distress, capturing much treasure, slaughtering infidels, vanquishing assorted evil doers in single combat, and killing elephants for their tusks. (This last activity will outrage African wildlife preservationists everywhere.) However, whether the tapestry of his tale calls for bravery, cowardice, fratricide, homicide, vengeance, love, lust, betrayal, loyalty, greed, generosity, or just plain serendipity, Smith weaves with a panache and energy that make for fabulous escapist reading. MONSOON has an ending that I thought just a bit too precipitate. But, it's evidence of another sequel in the works. And, even though I'll be the first to admit that this series is pure trash, I can't tell you how much I'm looking forward to the next volume.
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Summary: Well thought, cut and presented!
Review: It is the best of the wilbur smith novel!. There is no writer that I know of who can write about adventure based on the african continent the way Smith does it. I was born in Zanzibar and when Mr Smith paints the picturesque harbour of Zanzibar I can see his vivid and graphic description just matches my own memory of the Zazibar harbour. Overall the story is extremely tense and will keep you turning the pages as fast as you can. I hope we do not have to wait for a long time to get the sequel
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Summary: Rowen's Review
Review: This book was very well written and kept me on the edge of my seat the whole way through it. I like the adventure in it and how easy it was to fallow. This book was fun to read as well as the other Wilbur Smith books, like Birds of Pray. All of his books are in a series that concentrates on the Courtney Family, who lived in the 17th century and their adventures. Monsoon concentrated on Hal Courtney and his four sons, all of who are main characters in the book. Within the book there are many interesting stories that take place on the sea off of the African coast. One of these adventures is when Hal Courtney is sent by the East India Trading Company to attack Arab pirates who are harassing trade off the East African coast. It is full of action and is a real page-turner and attention grabber. This book had many of great phrases that stand out when you read it. One of these is when, after being captured, the author expressed the remorse in the victim. "Tears were flooding down the victim's face when at last he collapsed under Zayn's weight and lay sobbing on the coarse grass" (Smith 386). All of the descriptions were very vivid and painted a picture of what was being described. I rated this book very high and would recommend it to anyone who likes action adventure books. There wasn't very much that I didn't like about it, but it was a little predictable. Overall this was a great book.
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Summary: monsoon, completely excellent reading
Review: Because I loved this book so much, I believe I have become a Smith fan for life. I am reading "The Seventh Scroll," and when finished have waiting for me "Birds of Prey." Sorry I couldn't have read "Birds of Prey" first, but because Smith is such a captivating author I don't think I will feel much of a break in pattern. "Monsoon" is a book that cannot be put down once the reader begins it. The characters, Hal, Tom, Dorian, Guy, Black Billy, Aboli, and all the rest do not only come alive in your hands, but stay with you for days after the book has been put down. The story is not only educational (in the style of Michner) but exciting and completely interesting. This is a book I would recommend to any reader of fine literature.
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Summary: One of the best books I have ever read!
Review: I just finished Monsoon and must say it is Wilbur Smith's best,and that is saying something, since all his are great! I would rate it right up there with one of my favorites, Far Pavilions by M.M. Kaye. It is packed with so many exciting plots I can't begin to tell about them, and just the right sprinkling of romance and very realistic gory details. There must be a sequeal so we can see if Dorien and his brother Tom go back to destroy the evil Caliph! Write on Mr.Smith!
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Summary: A must read for lovers of adventure
Review: Wilbur Smith is the master of adventure stories involving Africa. He travelled throughout Africa and he knows it well. Yes, it is only a story, but you feel the dry heat blowing off the mainland as the sweet smell of the ocean surrounds you. While not as well known in America, Wilbur's stories (some 30 plus) are wonderful visits to exotic lands that take you on an E-ticket ride.
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Summary: The Best Book I have read in a LONG time!
Review: Great Read! Couldn't put it down! Great follow up to Birds of Prey. This book is packed with ACTION and leaves you wanting more! There are loose ends at the end which let you know that Mr. Smith will bring us yet more of this crackling yarn!
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Summary: Full of twists and turns!
Review: A wonderful sequel to Birds of Prey! This book held my attention from page one. I can't wait for the next book in this series.
Rating: 
Summary: The winding tale continues
Review: No one can tell a tale like Wilbur Smith. This book continues the saga of the Courtney family at sea with the development of the third generation of this family. The story is riveting and complex but the reader never feels confused by all the characters who part and then, predictably retouch in typical Smith style. Action, love and loss are beautifully in balance in this wonderful book.
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