Review of The Sunbird (minor Spoilers)

[John R]

Welcome to the forum be the way!

[Son of the Silver Fox]

I've read this stand alone twice, it is a very enjoyable read. This book is very similar to the 7th scroll in that modern people discover and experience the story of an ancient lost civilization. Both stories have a man with physical limitations (a hunchback and a eunic) who become inseperable companions to a young prince, and with sheer will power and intellect overcome those characteristics to become powerful and respected. Written in the 70's some items are dated but if you can enjoy these quirks as part of the fun you will enjoy this story as much as I have.

[Penitent]

A 7 for me.

The first part is similar to "The Seventh Scroll". the second to "River God" and "Warlock". Nevertheless, an interesting combination.

[John R]

But Smith wrote the Sunbird before the Egyptians therefore they are similar to the Sunbird. Therefore The Sunbird is more original i think

[Penitent]

Good point!

[delby]

Only a four from me Im afraid i loved the first part of the book but soon got bored of the rest I cant even remember if I finished it or not.

[Monsoon]

Only a four from me Im afraid i loved the first part of the book but soon got bored of the rest I cant even remember if I finished it or not.

Thats neat, it's good to see someone giving a book a lower score because of the way they feel rather than giving a polite 7 or 8. It makes the poll look more interesting and varied.

[nebogatoff]

It's been over 20 years since I read this, but it was a book that stands out. Think I'll read it again soon.

[nephthys]

I read this book a few years ago and loved it. Yes, it's similar to the Seventh Scroll, but it's so enthralling you hate to put it down. I gave it a nine!

[Leighton]

I also read the book when it first came out so its time for me to read it again . Reading W.S. books a second or even a third time is just as enjoyable as reading them for the very first time especially when there is around 10-20 years between readings , you know that you have read it but you can't remember exactly what happens. As yet I have never been disappointed by any book I have ever read by Wilbur Smith.
Leighton.

[johnrogers]

I would like to comment on this standalone The Sunbird by Wilbur Smith.Man oh man I loved this book I thought it was fantastic.What I did find odd was the first part of the book when I read it it really did not feel like Wilbur Smiths writing and my best guess is that Wilbur had an understudy or ghost writer help write the first part thats ok I don't mind.The book really transposed into a Wilbur masterpiece in the second part of the story.An Indiana Jones type of adventure - ancient civilization - lost cites - secret caves - hidden passages - lost treasure - all to good to be true.The Sunbird to me was perhaps my favourit standalone book - THE SUNBIRD

[vincent]

Without a doubt, his best standalone.
I have read it many times.
I gave it a 10 and that was 30 years ago!

[johnrogers]

Without a doubt, his best standalone.
I have read it many times.
I gave it a 10 and that was 30 years ago!

Hi Vincent I am with you 100% the Sunbird was something else - did you find the first part of the novel read like it was someelse who wrote it ?I strongly feel that there was an assistant who helped compose the first part ( part one ).Does not matter I loved reading the Sunbird

[mahound]

nice review, John. I agree with u in all points, the 2nd part is the best Wilbur ever wrote. For me 10 out of 10.

the 1st part was also excellent