Description
The Leopard Hunts In Darkness – Wilbur Smith
The Leopard Hunts in Darkness is a 1997 historical fiction novel by Wilbur Smith, set in ancient Egypt. It is the third book in the River God series, and follows the adventures of Taita, a eunuch slave who has risen to become one of the most powerful men in Egypt.
Taita is now the High Priest of Amun, and he is the most powerful man in Egypt after the Pharaoh. However, Taita’s power is threatened by the rise of the Hittites, a powerful empire from Anatolia.
The Hittites are invading Egypt, and Taita must use all of his skills and cunning to defend his country. Taita must also deal with the internal threats to Egypt, including the Pharaoh’s own brother, who is plotting to overthrow him.
Taita’s life is further complicated by the fact that he is still in love with Nefertiti, the Pharaoh’s wife. Nefertiti is now the Queen of Egypt, but she is still loyal to Taita.
Taita must use all of his skills and cunning to protect Egypt from the Hittites, to defeat the Pharaoh’s brother, and to win the love of Nefertiti.
Themes
The novel explores a number of themes, including:
- Leadership
- Patriotism
- Love
- Betrayal
- The dangers of war
- The importance of family
Characters
- Taita: The High Priest of Amun and the most powerful man in Egypt after the Pharaoh.
- Nefertiti: The Queen of Egypt and Taita’s love interest.
- Horemheb: A general in the Egyptian army and Taita’s friend.
- Tutankhamun: The young Pharaoh of Egypt.
- Ay: The Pharaoh’s uncle and advisor.
Critical reception
The Leopard Hunts in Darkness was a critical and commercial success upon its publication. It was praised for its fast-paced plot, its well-developed characters, and its vivid descriptions of ancient Egypt. The novel has been translated into over 20 languages and has sold over 2 million copies.
The Leopard Hunts in Darkness is a must-read for fans of historical fiction and adventure novels. It is a thrilling and exciting story that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.
Tags
- historical fiction
- adventure
- ancient Egypt
- war
- leadership
- patriotism
- love
- betrayal
- family
- best-selling