The Triumph of the Sun

From one of the world’s most celebrated and bestselling novelists comes an epic adventure in the spirit and tradition of Monsoon and Blue Horizon.

It is 1884, and in the Sudan, decades of brutal misgovernment by the ruling Egyptian Khedive in Cairo precipitates a bloody rebellion and Holy War. The charismatic new religious leader, the Mahdi or 'Expected One', has gathered his forces of Arab warlords in preparation for a siege on the city of Khartoum. The British are forced to intervene to protect their national interests and to attempt to rescue the hundreds of British subjects stranded in the city.

British trader and businessman Ryder Courtney is trapped in the capital city of Khartoum under the orders of the infamously iron-willed General Charles George Gordon. It is here that he meets skilled soldier and swordsman Captain Penrod Ballantyne of the 10th Hussars and the British Consul, David Benbrook, as well as Benbrook’s three beautiful daughters. Against the vivid and bloody backdrop of the Arabs’ fierce and merciless siege these three powerful men must fight to survive.

Rich with vibrant historical detail and infused with his inimitable powers of storytelling, The Triumph of the Sun is Wilbur Smith at his masterful best.

Praise for Wilbur Smith

'One of the world's most popular adventure writers.'
– The Washington Post Book World
'A fine storyteller ... The Triumph of the Sun is one of his very best'
– The Daily Mail, UK
'Only a handful of 20th century writers tantalize our senses as well as Smith. A rare author who wields a razor-sharp sword of craftsmanship.' – Tulsa World
'He paces his tale as swiftly as he can with swordplay aplenty and killing strokes that come like lightning out of a sunny blue sky.'
– Kirkus Reviews
'Few novelists can write action scenes that all but leap off the page the way Smith can....'
– Anniston Star, Texas
'Each time I read a new Wilbur Smith I say it is the best book I have ever read – until the next one.' – Times Record News (Wichita Falls, Texas)
'Smith is a master.' – Publisher's Weekly
'Smith is a captivating storyteller.' – Orlando Sentinel
'The world's leading adventure writer.' – The Daily Express, UK
'Wilbur Smith rarely misses a trick.' – The Sunday Times, UK

Text and audio excerpts

Read an excerpt from The Triumph of the Sun

This sound clip uses Macromedia Flash. If you cannot access it, or would prefer to listen to it using your own software, please click here.

To buy

Please visit your favourite bookstore or online bookseller. If you are having difficulty finding a copy, you'll find information on publishers in many countries and many languages on the 'Links to Publishers' page.