Listen free for 30 days
-
Courtney's War
- Narrated by: Sean Barrett
- Series: Courtney, Book 17
- Length: 14 hrs and 33 mins
- Categories: Literature & Fiction, Action & Adventure
People who bought this also bought...
-
When the Lion Feeds
- The Courtneys, Book 1
- By: Wilbur Smith
- Narrated by: Sean Barrett
- Length: 17 hrs and 3 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
It is the 1870s, and twin brothers Sean and Garrick Courtney are born into the wilds of Natal. They could not be more different, and fate, war and the jealous schemes of a woman are to drive them even further apart. But as history unfolds, a continent is awakening. And on the horizon is the promise of fortune, adventure, destiny and love.... When the Lion Feeds is the best-selling novel that launched Wilbur Smith's stellar career and the first in the riveting saga of the Courtney brothers.
-
-
Avoid !
- By Tally on 01-04-20
-
A Falcon Flies
- The Ballantyne Series, Book 1
- By: Wilbur Smith
- Narrated by: Elliot Chapman
- Length: 21 hrs and 35 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
A Falcon Flies is the first best-selling novel in Wilbur Smith's epic tale of Africa, The Ballantyne Novels. In search of a father they barely remember, Zouga and Dr Robyn Ballantyne board Mungo St John's magnificent clipper to speed them to Africa. But long before they sight that mighty continent, Robyn knows that she and Mungo will battle with all the fury of natural enemies - and love with all the desperation of those unable to evade the commands of fate.
-
-
fantastic book well worth the money
- By stuart on 06-06-19
-
Call of the Raven
- By: Wilbur Smith
- Narrated by: Elliot Chapman
- Length: 13 hrs and 26 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The son of a wealthy plantation owner and a doting mother, Mungo St John is accustomed to the wealth and luxuries his privilege has afforded him. That is until he returns from university to discover his family ruined, his inheritance stolen and his childhood sweetheart, Camilla, taken by the conniving Chester Marion. Fuelled by anger and love, Mungo swears vengeance and devotes his life to saving Camilla - and destroying Chester.
-
-
Pure Gold from Wilbur once more
- By Stuart James Priest on 05-10-20
-
Cry Wolf
- By: Wilbur Smith
- Narrated by: Ben Onwukwe
- Length: 16 hrs and 36 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Jake Barton is an American engineer, Gareth Swales a stylish Englishman with a nose for a quick deal. Both have always moved from one escapade to another. Now, as Mussolini prepares to annihilate the people of Ethiopia, the two adventurers come up against Vicky Camberwell, the beautiful but fiery reporter bent on espousing their cause. Striking a bargain with a beleaguered Ethiopian prince, the trio dares to run gauntlet, guns and a batch of run-down armoured cars in a final, desperate gamble for freedom....
-
-
Excellent
- By Jack Russell s in France on 28-04-19
-
Eagle in the Sky
- By: Wilbur Smith
- Narrated by: Byron Mondahl
- Length: 13 hrs and 10 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The Syrian plane disintegrated, evaporating in a gush of silvery smoke, rent through with bright white lightning, and the ejecting pilot's body was blown clear of the fuselage. For an instant it was outlined ahead of David's screen, cruciform in shape with arms and legs thrown wide, the helmet still on the head, and the clothing ballooning in the rush of air.
-
-
loved it
- By ADEY on 08-03-19
-
The Sunbird
- By: Wilbur Smith
- Narrated by: Piers Hampton
- Length: 21 hrs and 37 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
A lost civilisation. A curse reborn. Dr Ben Kazin has only a blurred photograph and a gut instinct that there is a lost city to uncover somewhere beneath the Botswana cliffs. Soon, a whispered curse and a chance encounter with a local tribe lead him to discover much more than city foundations. The curse, it seems, is real, and will link Ben, his oldest friend and the woman they both love with a forgotten leader from 2,000 years ago, in a city of glory and honour that subsequently disappeared without a trace.
-
-
Magic
- By Bj Edwards on 30-03-19
-
When the Lion Feeds
- The Courtneys, Book 1
- By: Wilbur Smith
- Narrated by: Sean Barrett
- Length: 17 hrs and 3 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
It is the 1870s, and twin brothers Sean and Garrick Courtney are born into the wilds of Natal. They could not be more different, and fate, war and the jealous schemes of a woman are to drive them even further apart. But as history unfolds, a continent is awakening. And on the horizon is the promise of fortune, adventure, destiny and love.... When the Lion Feeds is the best-selling novel that launched Wilbur Smith's stellar career and the first in the riveting saga of the Courtney brothers.
-
-
Avoid !
- By Tally on 01-04-20
-
A Falcon Flies
- The Ballantyne Series, Book 1
- By: Wilbur Smith
- Narrated by: Elliot Chapman
- Length: 21 hrs and 35 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
A Falcon Flies is the first best-selling novel in Wilbur Smith's epic tale of Africa, The Ballantyne Novels. In search of a father they barely remember, Zouga and Dr Robyn Ballantyne board Mungo St John's magnificent clipper to speed them to Africa. But long before they sight that mighty continent, Robyn knows that she and Mungo will battle with all the fury of natural enemies - and love with all the desperation of those unable to evade the commands of fate.
-
-
fantastic book well worth the money
- By stuart on 06-06-19
-
Call of the Raven
- By: Wilbur Smith
- Narrated by: Elliot Chapman
- Length: 13 hrs and 26 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The son of a wealthy plantation owner and a doting mother, Mungo St John is accustomed to the wealth and luxuries his privilege has afforded him. That is until he returns from university to discover his family ruined, his inheritance stolen and his childhood sweetheart, Camilla, taken by the conniving Chester Marion. Fuelled by anger and love, Mungo swears vengeance and devotes his life to saving Camilla - and destroying Chester.
-
-
Pure Gold from Wilbur once more
- By Stuart James Priest on 05-10-20
-
Cry Wolf
- By: Wilbur Smith
- Narrated by: Ben Onwukwe
- Length: 16 hrs and 36 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Jake Barton is an American engineer, Gareth Swales a stylish Englishman with a nose for a quick deal. Both have always moved from one escapade to another. Now, as Mussolini prepares to annihilate the people of Ethiopia, the two adventurers come up against Vicky Camberwell, the beautiful but fiery reporter bent on espousing their cause. Striking a bargain with a beleaguered Ethiopian prince, the trio dares to run gauntlet, guns and a batch of run-down armoured cars in a final, desperate gamble for freedom....
-
-
Excellent
- By Jack Russell s in France on 28-04-19
-
Eagle in the Sky
- By: Wilbur Smith
- Narrated by: Byron Mondahl
- Length: 13 hrs and 10 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The Syrian plane disintegrated, evaporating in a gush of silvery smoke, rent through with bright white lightning, and the ejecting pilot's body was blown clear of the fuselage. For an instant it was outlined ahead of David's screen, cruciform in shape with arms and legs thrown wide, the helmet still on the head, and the clothing ballooning in the rush of air.
-
-
loved it
- By ADEY on 08-03-19
-
The Sunbird
- By: Wilbur Smith
- Narrated by: Piers Hampton
- Length: 21 hrs and 37 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
A lost civilisation. A curse reborn. Dr Ben Kazin has only a blurred photograph and a gut instinct that there is a lost city to uncover somewhere beneath the Botswana cliffs. Soon, a whispered curse and a chance encounter with a local tribe lead him to discover much more than city foundations. The curse, it seems, is real, and will link Ben, his oldest friend and the woman they both love with a forgotten leader from 2,000 years ago, in a city of glory and honour that subsequently disappeared without a trace.
-
-
Magic
- By Bj Edwards on 30-03-19
-
Hungry as the Sea
- By: Wilbur Smith
- Narrated by: Ric Jerrom
- Length: 19 hrs and 14 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Robbed of his wife and ousted from his huge shipping empire, Nick Berg is hell-bent on vengeance. It is the sea which gives him his opportunity. When his arch-rival's luxury liner is trapped in the tempestuous Antarctic, Nick stakes all to pit his powerful salvage tug, the Warlock, in a desperate race against time and the elements....
-
-
Hungry as the sea
- By Amazon Customer on 21-09-19
-
Cloudburst
- A Jack Courtney Adventure, Book 1
- By: Wilbur Smith, Chris Wakling
- Narrated by: Toby Stephens
- Length: 8 hrs and 3 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Jack Courtney has lived in the UK his whole life. But this summer his parents are travelling to the Democratic Republic of the Congo for a gorilla conference and they've promised to take Jack and his friends with them. When his parents go missing in the rainforest, abducted by mercenaries, nobody seems to have any answers. Jack is pretty sure that it's got something to do with the nearby tantalum mines, but he needs to prove it. Along with Amelia and Xander, Jack must brave the jungle to save his parents. Standing in his way is a member of his own family - Caleb Courtney.
-
-
This is not Smith, like a teenagers story.
- By david on 02-08-20
-
River God
- Ancient Egypt, Book 1
- By: Wilbur Smith
- Narrated by: Mark Meadows
- Length: 28 hrs and 36 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Taita is a humble slave, an expert in art, poetry, medicine and engineering as well as keeping important secrets. He is the most treasured possession of Lord Intef. Yet when Intef's beautiful daughter, Lostris, is married to the Pharaoh, Taita is commanded to follow her and swiftly finds himself deeper than he ever could have imagined in a world of deception and treachery. But outside the palace, the great kingdom of Egypt is divided and in even greater danger. Enemies threaten on all sides, and only Taita holds the power to save them all....
-
-
Brilliant
- By John Peter Jarvis on 08-04-19
-
The Eye of the Tiger
- By: Wilbur Smith
- Narrated by: Ben Onwukwe
- Length: 13 hrs and 1 min
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
From best-selling novelist Wilbur Smith, The Eye of the Tiger is an exciting adventure set amongst the peaceful islands of the Indian Ocean, where a man's past returns to hunt him down. Harry Fletcher, a man with a chequered past, has reformed and is making an honest living as a charter skipper fishing for big game in the seductive waters of the Indian Ocean. Suddenly men from the world of violence Harry has put behind him overturn his good intentions, involving him in a hectic race to recover a fabulous treasure from an ancient wreck.
-
-
Excellent
- By Machiavelli on 30-05-19
-
Desert God
- By: Wilbur Smith
- Narrated by: Mike Grady
- Length: 15 hrs and 13 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Across the lush plains of Egypt, Taita, a freed eunuch slave, wears his authority lightly. Not only is he the close advisor to the Pharaoh, but he is guardian to Pharaoh Tamose's two teenage sisters, the young beauties Tehuti and Bekatha. But the kingdom is not at peace. They have been fighting Southern Egypt's constant and historic enemy, the Hyksos people in the north, since time began. To finally crush them, Pharaoh must turn to his most trusted friend.
-
-
Change.....
- By sleepyjacs on 21-05-19
-
Elephant Song
- By: Wilbur Smith
- Narrated by: Joe Jameson
- Length: 19 hrs and 56 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Dr Daniel Armstrong, ecologist and documentary maker, has dedicated his life to protecting Africa's animals and rain forests. But when a gang of poachers murders his childhood friend, Chief Warden of the National Park, and steals the government-protected ivory stores, Daniel's quest of passion becomes one of revenge....
-
-
Chase through modern East Africa
- By Amazon Customer on 13-01-21
-
Shout at the Devil
- By: Wilbur Smith
- Narrated by: Tom Lawrence
- Length: 12 hrs and 47 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In German East Africa on the eve of the First World War, two freebooting adventurers - one a flamboyant Irish American, the other an impeccable young Englishman - pit their wits against the gross German Commissioner from whose territory they are making their living as game hunters and ivory poachers. But the outbreak of war gives the signal for their private skirmishing to flare into a relentless vendetta pursued with devastating violence by land and sea, so that what begins as a comic escapade gives way to chilling horror....
-
-
Great story
- By CMW on 30-06-19
-
The Dark of The Sun
- By: Wilbur Smith
- Narrated by: Peter Noble
- Length: 10 hrs and 11 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Bruce Curry is the leader of a mercenary band with the dubious support of three white officers. His mission is to relieve a mining town cut off by the fighting and to retrieve a priceless consignment of diamonds. Ranged against his ill-disciplined unit are bandits, guerrillas and hostile tribes that roam the land. But there is another, even deadlier enemy - one of his own men....
-
-
The Dark of the Sun by Wilbur Smith
- By Jaqs 153 on 04-06-20
-
The Diamond Hunters
- By: Wilbur Smith
- Narrated by: Ciaran Saward
- Length: 8 hrs and 13 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Fortunes rise and fall in Wilbur Smith's tale of warring siblings and illegal diamond trading, The Diamond Hunters. The Van Der Byl Diamond Company, willed by its founder to his son Benedict, his sister Tracey and their estranged foster brother Johnny Lance, turns out to be a bequest of hatred. For it is couched in such terms as to offer Benedict the instrument of destruction of his bitterest rival. 'Destroy Johnny' is the old man's implacable message. And so, consumed with envy for Johnny, Benedict sets out in ruthless pursuit of this goal.
-
-
Great as far as it went.
- By Street on 16-06-20
-
Gold Mine
- By: Wilbur Smith
- Narrated by: Peter Noble
- Length: 8 hrs and 55 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In Gold Mine, an exciting adventure from Wilbur Smith, ambitious and hard-living mining expert Rod Ironsides knows that the general managership of the Sonder Ditch gold mine is the chance of a lifetime. But the price of unquestioning obedience to the coldly obsessive genius of Dr Manfred Steyner proves impossible to pay. Both men are but unwitting tools of powerful people - for whom the control of a gold mine is only part of a dangerous plan which includes the destruction of the very mine itself....
-
-
revisiting an old friend
- By John S on 29-03-20
-
Predator
- By: Wilbur Smith, Tom Cain
- Narrated by: Ben Onwukwe
- Length: 15 hrs and 20 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The Hunt Begins…Two men are responsible for the death of Hector Cross’ wife and only one is left alive: Johnny Congo – psychopath, extortionist, murderer, and the bane of Cross’s life. He caught him before and let him go. Now, Hector wants him dead. So does the US government.<
-
-
Usual Smith
- By noonand on 22-06-16
-
On Leopard Rock
- A Life of Adventures
- By: Wilbur Smith
- Narrated by: Saul Reichlin
- Length: 10 hrs and 2 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Wilbur Smith has lived an incredible life of adventure, and now he shares the extraordinary true stories that have inspired his fiction. From being attacked by lions to close encounters with deadly reef sharks, from getting lost in the African bush without water to crawling the precarious tunnels of gold mines, from marlin fishing with Lee Marvin to near death from crash-landing a Cessna airplane, from brutal school days to redemption through writing and falling in love, Wilbur Smith tells us the intimate stories of his life that have been the raw material for his fiction.
-
-
Fantastic.........
- By Cal777 on 18-07-18
Summary
Paris, 1939. Torn apart by war, Saffron Courtney and Gerhard von Meerbach are thousands of miles apart, both struggling for their lives. Gerhard - despite his objections to the Nazi regime - is fighting for the Fatherland, hoping to one day have the opportunity to rid Germany of Hitler and his cronies. But as his unit is thrown into the hellish attrition of the Battle of Stalingrad, he knows his chances of survival are dwindling by the day.
Meanwhile, Saffron - recruited by the Special Operations Executive and sent to occupied Belgium to discover how the Nazis have infiltrated SOE's network - soon finds herself being hunted by Germany's most ruthless spymaster. Confronted by evil beyond their worst imaginings, the lovers must each make the hardest choice of all: sacrifice themselves, or do whatever they can to survive, hoping that one day they will be reunited.
Courtney's War is an epic story of courage, betrayal and undying love that takes the listener to the very heart of a world at war.
More from the same
What listeners say about Courtney's War
Reviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Simon
- 09-09-18
My First Wilbur Smith . . . Not my last!
I'd never tried Wilbur Smith before, an amazingly prolific author still going strong in his dotage, albeit ably supported these days by David Churchill. Courtney's War is actually the umpteenth book in Smith's series about the Courtney family apparently but it works perfectly as a stand-alone.
In many ways it's a traditional World War 2 thriller but as the lead is a female spy it perhaps sheds some of the traditional imagery. It works on its own because Saffron Courtney is a brand new character, a tough, sassy lady who becomes a secret operative.
The story is epic in scope spanning the entire length second world war though being character driven it never feels overdone. It touches on some of the real evils and horrors of the second world war, in particular the concentration camps and the appalling "Final Solution". I learned a couple of things about this that I had never heard of before.
The romantic angle does play a fairly large part on top of the suspense, horror and action. I don't think that Smith will be branching out into romantic fiction any time soon but he does it as well as most thriller writers. The story does take its time in places but it gives lots of good depth and historical background making it very satisfying listening.
34 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Anonymous User
- 18-11-18
My review .
Wanted to listen to second part of story but found it quite harrowing for me.Compelling but can't say I enjoyed it.
9 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- M. Kelly
- 16-10-18
Great Book with caveats
A really good ripping yarn. Well narrated. The story has many twists and turns and I am sure there will be a follow on - too many loose ends.
It moves through many scenarios and there are 3 Main threads to the story which comes to a predictable but satisfying end.
This book is a follow on from War Cry.
War Cry was slow plodding and a lead on to the main dish on the menu - Courtney’s war! You HAVE to read War cry to really get this book and its context.
No doubt in my mind that both books could have been in the one novel. you have to question why Wilbur would make his loyal listeners pay for 2 books.
7 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Lordhall79
- 07-10-18
Gripping
Was looking forward to this after the last book. Strong characters, in-depth story, as always intertwined with real history as it’s setting. No spoilers but the descriptions of real events in which the story is set are vivid, unsettling etc. The adventure is, as always, non-stop and keeps moving in the un-put-downable style that I’ve always enjoyed in most of Wilbur Smith’s books - just one more chapter every time you listen. This is an excellent addition to the Courtney saga. Look forward to the next.
4 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Anonymous User
- 12-09-18
Brill
Great new book the best keep it up.
Many more to follow I hope.
Look forward to the next one.
4 people found this helpful
-
Overall
- simplyswing
- 13-10-18
Brilliant
I have read many books regarding the first and second world wars. This one takes the biiscuit. .more than excellent from the beginning to the very acceptable end. Thank you for a lifetime of books
3 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Sigrin
- 03-03-19
WW2 drama
My first Wilbur Smith, apologies to his fans but I thought his target audience was older men.
That said I read the summary and thought I would give it ago and was greatly surprised, I will return to this author.
I understand that this is part of a series involving the Courtney family over many years. However this book could be read/listened to as a stand alone.
Set in WW2 Europe, it covered the latter years of the war and the female heroine Saffron Courtney and her beau Gerhard von Meerbach The characters were rounded and believable and it seemed well researched. So it delivered an accurate take of love, espionage, courage and hope.
As always well narrated by Sean Barrett.
2 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Khonsu
- 27-09-18
Story Line unlike most other Wilbur Smith books
If you are expecting a typical Wilbur Smith book - this isn't one. As with the previous collaborations you can feel the change in style and content.
Of course being set during the 2nd World War, from all sides within the German/Russian/Allied experiences, is always going to be an intense read. The experiences of one of the characters within the concentration camps is very well written from the political prisoner perspective. The main character, Saffron Courtney, is portrayed very well and isn't a "wonder woman" type superhero despite the harsh training described.
A good read. Extremely well narrated by Sean Barrett.
2 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- rozithepirate
- 11-09-18
Another masterpiece from the master!
Great story spanning war torn Europe with a new Courtney heroine. Narration is first class.
2 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Mr S.
- 25-09-19
Too formulaic, simple and boring
This is the first of this series (Courtney) that I have attempted to listen to. It's also one of the poorest books I've come across in a long time. The formula seems to be creating heroes who are the most beautiful / handsome, the bravest and the best, deeply in love of course but hopelessly separated. And they surmount impossdible challenges etc etc. I couldn't stand any more after the first few chapters. I feel bad about being so negative in my first review, but I've listened to hundreds of books, some of which were not too good. But this book / author plumbed new depths and they should do better.
1 person found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- AMM
- 05-06-19
Mr Smith does it again
This outstanding story is beautifully written and blends verifiable, historically accurate events and places, and historically genuine persons - both good and bad - into a powerful and realistic WWII novel that spans continents. It is the perfect sequel to the Courtney series, following seamlessly from the events set in motion by Smith’s previous novel, “War cry.” The strong female lead, is another excellent feature. Moreover, it is a tale with many lessons for our current. The narrator does an outstanding job of bringing the characters and events to life, though I confess I read the hard cover book as well as having listened to the narration. Highly Recommend book!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Wendy McKeown-Poole
- 14-04-19
Good series. Excellent narrator
I love love Wilbur Smith. He never disappoints. From Africa to WW2, he can really tell a gripping story.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Eric reed
- 12-04-19
Dramaction at its best
Amazing detail on the holocaust victims and what horrible events took place during the war and what a powerful woman is capable of during extreme circumstances, loved it!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- JDD
- 09-03-19
great series and absolutely great volume
Perhaps my favorite war story of all time. Those with anti-sematic thoughts should read this story. Heart breaking and passionate with beautiful visions of Africa and Europe. Truly a masterpiece in my eyes.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Iain Stevenson
- 03-01-19
One of Wilbur’s best
A masterpiece..... a gripping storyline interwoven into historical fact. Once started I couldn’t stop listening
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Richard
- 25-10-18
Rollicking good fun, not the most original, but you won’t mind
Rollicking good fun, not the most original story line, but you won’t mind. A decent espionage story, set in WWII.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Linda Forrestel
- 19-10-18
Great story
Couldn't wait to get in the car so I could listen to this book. Great story with lits of history.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Daniel Manget
- 24-09-18
I've never been so sad to end a book
Wilbur Smith is a god among men. His books only get better and better. The way he weaves his riveting stories in with historical events is unrivaled.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- PrimeSuspect
- 22-09-18
A good history lesson, but...
This was more of a history lesson of the rigorous hardships of WWII. Very little of Smith's normal adventure or Courtney flair. Not a bad read, but it left me feeling like I had attended a lecture. None of the cruelty of the fictional characters was avenged, which is a large part of what makes Smith's novels so satisfying to me. It ended abruptly, unabashedly aimed at selling the next book, which is a shame.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Chief Enthusiast
- 18-09-18
Such a great book
Love Wilber Smith Books and this rose to the occasion.
The narrator was very diverse w/ character voices, it was easy and exiting to listen to.