Cry Wolf

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Summary: Cry Wolf
Review: First of all I am a big W. Smith fan and have read and enjoyed several of his novels. However this book was a huge let down to me. I think the main problem for me was the story line and the fact that I had no interest in Italy's attempt to beat [up] an inferior ethipoian army. This book dragged and was difficult to finish. Upon completion of the book you find out that if you don't know what happend between the two nations you must do a history review. This sat rather bitter with me considering that I finished the book just to find out the outcome. I would not recommend this book to anyone unless they have an interest in the subject matter.

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Summary: Could it be any better?
Review: I have been reading this man's books since I was 14. I have never read one that wasn't excellent but two are far above the rest, this one and Hungry as the Sea. This book has something for everyone. The story is compelling, gripping, and stands the test of time. Anyone reading this now will still want to know how the people in Africa are doing today. Beware, if you read this book you will become hooked on this man's writing, I did and 24 years later I can't wait for each new one he writes.

Rating:
Summary: Could it be any better?
Review: I have been reading this man's books since I was 14. I have never read one that wasn't excellent but two are far above the rest, this one and Hungry as the Sea. This book has something for everyone. The story is compelling, gripping, and stands the test of time. Anyone reading this now will still want to know how the people in Africa are doing today. Beware, if you read this book you will become hooked on this man's writing, I did and 24 years later I can't wait for each new one he writes.

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Summary: So Dated It Screams "1980's"!
Review: I recently read Cry Wolf and found the story-line, the tone and the characters' attitudes so dated I can find nothing positive to say about the book, or for that matter the 1980's.

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Summary: Smith Does It Again!
Review: If you haven't read Wilbur Smith before sit back and enjoy his best. _Cry Wolf_ is the ultimate sting set in the 1930's when El Duce, Benito Mussolini had decided to expand Italy's conquests to include the African nation of Ethiopia. Two con artists enter the scene to combine skills in an effort to supply the nation with war goods, namely five rather antiquated armoured cars. The Texan,Jake, was the mechanic for this unlikely team while the flambouyant, Englishman, Major Garth Swales provided his expertise at impressive talk and blue-blooded contacts. Enter the beautiful altruistic news reporter, Vicky Camberwell who will accompany these two handsome men as they attempt to deliver their war machines across the desert, and you not only have the makings of a darn good movie, but also a "can't put it down" read.

If you're not familiar with this author, also check out his other books. I became engrossed with Egyptian history after reading his River God and the Seventh Scroll.

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Summary: I have taken the theme of this book to heart.
Review: noli illegitimi carborundu

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Summary: Excellent Adventure! What were the Italians thinking?
Review: This is another great book from a fine author. The setting is 1935 Ethiopia. Ethiopia is a landlocked country. The League of Nations has imposed a weapons import ban on all African countries. The Italians don't have to deal with this ban because they control one of the countries. That's the political situation.

The Italians are on a rampage in Africa to gobble up as many countries as possible. They have been doing a massive military buildup along the Ethiopian border. The Ethiopians know what is about to happen. They enlist the aid of two "men of the world" to buy and deliver four ancient armored cars and a variety of other weapons.

Throw into this mix an American reporter that happens to be a beautiful woman, an ancient Ethiopian cheiftan who wants to fight battles the traditional way, an Italian aristocrat that has purchased his commission and you have a good mix to create a story from.

This is a long book, but interesting. The chapters are long. The story is very entertaining and at times even humorous. Wilber Smith has done an excellent job of capturing this era in time. The details of the scenery and the people are right on.

If you are an Italian, you probably will not enjoy they way that Smith has stereotyped them. But, it is believable...