I loved this!! I've never read Wilbur Smith before- though my dad has long rated him! This appealed right from the start. It was very different to what I had expected but I couldn't put it down! It was one of those books that has you completely hooked right from the start. The first impression certainly didn't disappoint! Engaging characters, gripping plot, beautifully crafted to make it a book I really couldn't leave on the side. Do much more than that though...as I read I was THERE . There have been countless books written about the Third Reich but thus goes further creating an atmosphere that had me on the edge of my seat to say nothing of going through a fair few Kleenex! I've passed it on to my dad now who is loving it and my husband is next in the queue. Great. Highly recommended!