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Summary: The Taita connection
Review: "River god" is one of those books that you will remember long after finishing it. It is set during the beginning of the Second Intermediate Period of Ancient Egypt, when the Hyksos dominated the region for some centuries. The plot of the book is the struggle of the Upper Egypt Dinasty against the usurper of the Lower Egypt, and then against the foreign invaders, all seen through the actions and thoughts of the members of the ruling clan. The main character is Taita, an eunuch slave to the important family of the Pharaos' dinasty. I've read and heard some people complain about Taita's cleverness, wisdom and resourcefulness. I don't think so. I like to think of Taita as the Leonardo da Vinci of his age. From time to time such people are born, illuminating their epochs, and legating their achievements to humanity. Taita is obviously a fictional character, but he could have existed. Taita is a good friend, teacher, physician, general, and he knows it. And yet, the reader can't help but liking him, even admirign him, and wonder wht he'll accomplish next. Wilbur Smith's book may not be the most historically accurate, but this time I didn't care. Aside from Taita, his other characters (the Queen Lostris, the Prince Memnon, Tanus, among others), the descriptions of the Nile and its surroundings, and the incredible fast pace of the book, all of that added to make this reading a great pleasure. It is, in fact, better than its sequel, "The seventh scroll". Grade 8.9/10
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Summary: Taita is the man!!!
Review: First of all, let me say I am amazed by Egypt. My friends at school call me the Pharaohaulic. This book only hieghtens my opinion of the culture.
When I started "River God" I was expecting a lot. I had just finished "The Ramses Saga" by Christian Jacq,(Those are awesome too.) and was desperate for a novel to top them, or at least match 'em. Boy, did I get what I needed!
My favorite character is the narrator, Taita. Now,for all you people who wrote reveiws saying he was arogent and a know it all, I've got one thing to say. YOU ARE ALL CRAZY!! Taita is definetly one of the sweetest characters ever. The person who got my goat was Intef, Taita's master. He both infuriated me and scared me. His emasculating Taita left me enraged and appauled. Man, was I happy when he and his bodygaurd, Rasfer died. (I know that's a little sick.)
As for the lovers in the story, Tanus and Taita's mistress, Lostris, their relationship was beleiveble. It wasn't some stupid Disney-like romance where two people fall in love and everyone lives hapily ever after. The couple has to work to keep their love a secret. And who has to arrange their secret meetings and what not? You guessed it, Taita. This is a tough job, especially after Intef engages Lostris to Pharaoh.
Now that I've laid down all the characters for you I won't give away anymore of the plot. All I can say is if you like historical fiction about Egypt read this book. I'm twelve and I adored it. Think of how much you'll love it if you're an adult 'Pharaohaulic.'
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Summary: Good read
Review: I have read several of Wilber Smiths works now. Really a great writer. This is one of his best.
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Summary: I wish I didn't like this book so much.
Review: I really like to think of myself as a fairly serious history buff who focuses in on non-fiction with an occasional foray into historical fiction, which is how I got to River God.
That's where the trouble started. See, I like to like serious historical fiction, not schlock about an Egyptian Eunuch who still lusts after the Princess he cares for, but I just couldn't help myself. The problem is that the story is really well-written, the characters are classic good-and-evil types, and there is just enough history to make it palatable to history snobs like me.
Go ahead and dismiss me for liking this book - I know I do - but then go read it, I'll bet you like it too.
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Summary: The Best Book Ever!
Review: I thought I was in love with ancient Egypt then I read Warlock and discovered Wilbur smith's amazingly artistic storytelling.This made me go a-searching and I found River God. I pride myself in being a very critical and cynical person but this book kept me entirely spellbound throughout.It is truly an EPIC, better than anything Hollywood has ever come out with. I like the fact that Taita was perfect except for the fact that he was a eunuch. Everythihng in this book is well written. Mintaka and Nefer stole my heart and even though they could be larger than life and too good sometimes, you will not hold it against them for a second. It will keep your heart on overdrive even when you've managed to put it down and catch an hour night's sleep.
I cried when someone I had coerced into reading it (I feel that the magic should be shared with as many people as possible), lost my copy. It was that precious.
EVERYONE PLEASE READ IT AND SEE!
Rating: 
Summary: Really a 3.5 star rating
Review: Rating System:
1 star = abysmal; some books deserve to be forgotten
2 star = poor; a total waste of time
3 star = good; worth the effort
4 star = very good; what writing should be
5 star = fantastic; must own it and share it with others STORY: The rise and fall of Egypt and the forbidden love caught in the middle of the conflict. But more importantly how one man (slave) can change the face of a nation. MY FEEDBACK:
1) SETTING: There is always something magical about ancient Egypt and Smith crafts a story utilizing the full effect of this setting. Got to love it. 2) CHARACTERS: Heroism and valor generate instant liking to a couple of the characters. Clever solutions to impossible tasks make us totally love the character of Taita. 3) PLOT: This was really two shorter stories in one. The first is a novelette on how Tanus falls in love with Lady Lostris and with Taita's help they cleverly overcome many obstacles. Much of this story was telegraphed and not surprising. But Smith takes the story on a whole different direction as we go (very quickly) through the fall of Egypt to the Hyksos. This was full of unexpected twists and was a nice storyline. 4) CONTENT: Unlike his sequel, The Seventh Scroll, this was a "clean" story. There wasn't a need for overt sex in this story and I think it paid off that the author chose to leave things to the imagination instead. Some gruesome violence but otherwise a PG-13 rated story. 5) READER: The reader of the audio-book did a fine job of voices and acting. Some of the voices made me feel like I was watching the movie The Prince of Egypt. A fine job. OVERALL: I enjoyed this story and thought it was more than just "good". It was a story that leaves something to be desired at first but then pulls it all together later on. I gave it a 3.5 rating because it was just a bit above good, but not great.
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Summary: Breautiful and captivating
Review: RIVER GOD is an amazing epic novel of Ancient Egypt that sweeps you away in its story of love, deception, loyalty and honor. I came to love the main characters, Taita, Lostris and Tanus, as dear old friends. Smith's style of storytelling creates such an elaborate yet realistic picture of their lives that you can't help getting emotionally connected to them and thus enjoy their victories as well as mourn their losses. This is the first book I have ever read that takes place in Ancient Egypt and was amazed at his descriptions of the palaces, the Nile, the desert, etc. You think Smith coined the term "local color". Can't wait to start reading THE SEVENTH SCROLL and then WARLOCK.
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Summary: River Guru !
Review: River Guru! Taita the super slave as one reviewer put it, is so correct. His one failing-no equipment but no mind he can do anything else. This Guru invents everything from microbiological warfare to military strategy to complex engineering marvels. But wait! he is a doctor too and an adviser and a lawyer and a prophet. Perfect Taita. By the way, he doesn't want to be free! He likes being a slave!
Hmmm... This one person shaped the destiny of an entire country. Really now! The only thing more off putting was the constant adulterous relationships. If you like soap operas or slavery then this will certainly impress you. For others it will be a waste of time.
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Summary: An extraordinarily masterful story
Review: Simply, this is the best Wilbur Smith story out there. Masterfully told with excellent detail of the era. Smith brings ancient Egypt alive for the reader in this story on a level that everyone can identify with, the common man's level - but with a twist - Tiata the slave is NOT a common man. A slave becomes the savior of the empire and forever wins your heart. While the story is somewhat gruesome at times, it reflects the trecherous and barbaric era accurately, and reminds us that civilization has not advanced mankind's basic nature in many, many ways.
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Summary: Taita is the King!
Review: Taita the eunach is the slave and protector of the daughter of the Grand Vizier. When Lostross falls for a soldier her father hates, Taita must scheme and plot to get them together. Over time, Taita comes to acknowledge his own love feelings for Lostross. I really LOVED this audiobook. The narrator did an excellent job of Taita, Lostross, and the various other characters. At times his narration was so vivid I felt like I was really in ancient Egypt. I particularly enjoyed Taita's inventions, and his hopes and dreams (and his vanity, greed, and ambitions as well!) Peeves: I would've liked Taita to have some love interest aside from Lostross. I found it difficult to believe (even though a Eunach), that he'd developed no other relationships since his castration. I also found the ending somewhat sad. I prefer happier endings. Still, a wonderful book Deserving of the hall of fame!
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