Pharaoh

Wilbur Smith, Harper-Collins, £20

It is Egypt’s most desperate hour. Its Pharaoh, Tamose, lies injured and dying and Luxor is surrounded, All seems lost. But ex-slave-turned-general Taita is never more ingenious than when all hope is gone in this captivating novel. Richly written by an oustanding historical novelist, this epic adventure brims with rage, passion, intensity and treachery; a real page-turner.

OUR VERDICT 8/10