5 Stars I reckon
Wow! I was transported back in time to an era of discovery and wonder, I felt like I was really there. Found it a bit slow to begin with but once it did get cracking, the pace was at lightning speed. Loved the stories within the story, it was like reading three books at once.
Found the character interactions entertaining and believable, I particularly enjoyed the Zulu characters and the accounts of their battles.
Would recommend it to anyone who wants to lose themselves in a good read. Bill 60's Grazier
An exciting book
Great Africa Adventure novel. I really liked how it kept me engaged. Easy to read with great characters.
Bernie 15 Student
A Journey of Enlightenment
As a story, it is engaging. As a history lesson, it is enlightening. Where the two intersect is the magic of The Napoleon of Africa.
Phil Smart has created captivating characters - some affable and enticing, others intimidating and enigmatic. Theses people never should have found their ways into each others lives and yet, by a twist of fate, they did. Each found their own way to embrace their unique strengths, respect each others' differences, to connect and evolve individually and together.
The Cowen children's journey was not just one of exploring a foreign landscape but one of life changing interactions with people so different from any they had experienced before. Neither language, geography, skin colour, nor culture kept them from learning, growing, teaching, and ultimately living a life their parents could never have imagined.
Regardless of where each character began their journey, their experiences and interactions lead them to a better more enlightened place.
If you're looking for an adventure that will take you to one too, read this book!
Linda - Amazon Review
A Brilliant Adventure Novel
Being a lover of historical fiction, I was eager to give ‘The Napoleon of Africa’ a go, and it did not disappoint!
I honestly haven’t enjoyed a book this much in years; there were plenty of nights I stayed up late, being so invested in the story that I couldn’t put it down. Unfortunately this meant it didn’t take me long to finish the book!
It has a thrilling storyline with characters that draw you in; invoking love, fear, compassion or hatred. This is intertwined beautifully with a fascinating glimpse into Zulu culture and history, truly immersing you in the experience of being in another time and another place.
The Napoleon of Africa is everything I hoped for and a brilliant read!
- Suzannah, 30's, Busy Mum & Avid Reader