I'll try my best! I've read a bit more but not as much as i would have liked - i left the book in work so i can't read it this weekend!
[spoiler]I'm at the point where Mungo and Codrington have just had their big poker show-down (which was miles better than anything James Bond offers!) What a brilliant scene that was though, i was completely gripped. You really feel the intensity and hostility between the two men. I'd put that scene down as one of Smith's best. And the way Cod fools Mungo and beats him, and then goes after him with a bit of verbal!
I think Wilbur has created a really strong character in Mungo St John. The guy has it all. Wealth, power, popularity, the looks, the intelligence. And so far i'd put him down as the main character of the book. I know its early days yet and its a Ballantyne book, but up to this point, its been all him. ( Although I was still a little surprised that Robyn fell into his trap)
Codrington is an interesting character too. Intense, fanatical, deeply religious. He has no fear.
Another part that really gripped me was Zounga and the old man, Harkness. Sharing all his experiences. All the things he must have seen.
I hope the book can continue in this vain because at the moment i'm really impressed.[/spoiler]