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    Those in Peril
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    Those in Peril
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    Those in Peril
    Ebook557 pages7 hours

    Those in Peril

    By Wilbur Smith

    3/5

    ()

    Currently unavailable

    Currently unavailable

    About this ebook

    The first Hector Cross thriller

    The first Hector Cross thriller "He mounted his assault rifle to his shoulder and fired a three-shot burst into the thorn bush. The man who had been lying behind it leaped to his feet. He was turbaned and cloaked with his AK-47 slung over his shoulder and a small black box in his hand, from which dangled the thin red insulated cable. 'Bomb!' Hector screamed. 'Heads down!'" Some debts can only be paid in blood... When Hazel Bannock, billionaire oil tycoon, discovers her daughter has been kidnapped by Al Qaeda pirates just off the coast of Somalia, she uses all the power at her disposal to rescue her daughter but politics and diplomacy fail her at every turn. Her only hope is her ex-military head of security, Hector Cross, an expert in surveillance, infiltration and combat. For all Hazel's connections and wealth, Cross is the one man who is offering to find her daughter and bring her home. Hazel and Cross must work together to bring Cayla home, but neither of them realise that the kidnappers are not merely interested in ransom -- what they have planned is far, far worse...
    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherZaffre
    Release dateJan 1, 2018
    ISBN9781499861198
    Unavailable
    Those in Peril
    Author

    Wilbur Smith

    Wilbur Smith was born in Central Africa in 1933. He became a full-time writer in 1964 after the successful publication of When the Lion Feeds, and has since written over thirty novels, all meticulously researched on his numerous expeditions worldwide. His books are now translated into twenty-six languages. For all the latest information on Wilbur visit his website: www.wilbursmithbooks.com  To learn about the Wilbur and Niso Smith Foundation visit: www.wilbur-niso-smithfoundation.org

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    Reviews for Those in Peril

    3/5

    132 ratings36 reviews

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    • 3/5
      Exciting high seas and desert adventure with kidnapped heiresses, a blood feud, lots of guns and guts, and, of course, a gizzled hero. Hector Cross is the security head of a large oil-based company headed by the attractive widow, Hazel Bannock. When her luxury yacht, the Amorous Dolphin (!), is pirated with daughter, Cayla, aboard, Hazel seeks help from the U.S. and Royal Navy without results. It's up to Hector to save the girl from the brutal Arab pirates. Little does he know that he is up against the Sheikh who has already lost two sons to Heck and has engineered this kidnapping to draw Heck into his sights. The rescue is one of two climaxes in this story. The first is carried out on land in a fictitious emirate named Abu Zara. The second on board the natural gas carrier called the Golden Goose which is used to lure the evil Arabs into Heck's sights.Full of stereotypical Arabs, Smith doesn't paint the 'civilized' Americans much more civilized as they end the blood feud bloodily. Lots of action, this book is a real page turner.
    • 2/5
      Wilbur Smith's Those in Peril would make a pretty decent spy novel. The problem is, he tries to make it more than that. He tries to add a romance that just doesn't work; his female characters are painful to read. And there should be a law: that he never writes another sex scene. The other problem for me was that this was an audiobook, and the reader, Rupert Degas, did not enhance the experience of this book.The story centers around Hector Cross, owner of Crossbow Security and his boss, Hazel Bannock. Hazel is the head of Bannock Oil; Crossbow provides security for their oilfields, shipyards and personnel, in dangerous Middle East locations. Hector is tough and worldly-wise. Hazel is beautiful and tough, worth millions, and absolutely devoted to her daughter, Cayla.Cayla is a spoiled little bitch, and everyone but her mother can see it. She's blowing off her college classes to spend her time in bed with her boyfriend, Rogier. While she is ensconced on the family's luxury yacht, sailing off to visit her grandmother on her vineyard estate in Capetown, the yacht is overtaken by pirates and Cayla is kidnapped. There are no simple ransom demands, as this is no simple kidnapping. There is far more involved here -- and far more at stake -- than Hector and Hazel realize.Now, for the good stuff. The story is interesting, although it would have been better without the romance angle. The inside look at Middle Eastern pirates and radical Islamic blood feuds definitely makes an interesting read. There are some good plot twists that keep you going. However...The female characters are terrible. Hazel Bannock does not sound like an oil company executive. Some of the things she says are so ridiculous, I literally groaned to hear them. No one addresses their college-age child by saying, "Oh, my darling daughter!" Does. Not. Happen. And the sex scenes? My god, they were painful to read. I felt bad for the Rupert Degas, the audiobook reader, for having to suffer through them.I could have done without the detailed descriptions of torture that Smith keeps repeating. When the group is on the run and stumble upon an Islamic village where the residents are rounded up to watch the "public punishment," I had to fast forward. There are also detailed rape scenes that were difficult to read (or listen to, in my case). Not for the faint of heart.As for listening to it, this is one case where the audiobook doesn't improve the story. Degas, the reader, does not do women's voices well. Hazel sounds bad, but Cayla is even worse. I don't know how you could hear her whiny little voice and not hate her.All around, Those in Peril was not a good experience.
    • 4/5
      another wonderful adventure romp by Wilbur Smith. Found this one a tad violent. maybe I'm just getting old. however I still am glued to the pages and Mr Smith can still tell a rivoting story like no one else.
    • 2/5
      If you like lots of action and a fast paced story, you will like this book. I like a good adventure story, full of action and well plotted, as much as anyone. If you are turned off by explicitly detailed, often violent sex scenes as well as descriptions of brutality and torture, you should probably skip this one. I felt this crossed the line a couple of times, before I decided to put it aside. I haven't read any of the author's other books so I don't know if this is typical of his writing style or an exception. This book was provided by the well read folks at Amazon Vine.
    • 3/5
      This book made a nice afternoons read. The first third and the last third were filled with gory and fast action but the middle third was slow, made up of YA mush, could have done without this part. I would be interested in reading more by Wilbur Smith to see if he gets any better.
    • 3/5
      Formulaic, pronographic in parts and totally predictable with wooden characters and little imagination. The basic plot is fairly predictable, but actually not too bad. Unfortuanately WS's recent works have gradually succumbed to the tendency of many modern authors (of little imagination) to describe exactly the function of our body parts during sex or rape. Wilbur Smith used to do this sort of stuff without going into all the gory detail, but describe enough to let your imagination build the picture. I've read all but one of Wilbur Smith's novels and apart from "Assegai", "Warlock" and the "Quest" this is without doubt his worst yet.If you can stomache an anachronistic story about a beautiful, super rich, super talented, super athletic, godess like female called Hazel, teamed with a super tough, super handsome, super ruthless hero called Hector seeking vengeance against the tyranny of some dastardly Islamic Somalian Pirates, mixed with predictable treachery and barbarism then this is the story for you.
    • 4/5
      Sorry,its taken so long to review this book,through I had lost it but my brother took it and loved it so much gave it to a friend.Hope to get it back soon,the way he talked about it,can't wait.Was told the story line was exciting and the hero is so believable,not stop action.
    • 4/5
      Piracy off the Horn of Africa is at the heart of this novel. Hector Cross is the owner/operator of Crossbow Security. His main client is Bannock Oil, now run by Hazel Bannock since her husband's death. Hazel thinks that Hector is a violent, racist man and has come close to firing him. All this changes when Bannock's daughter is kidnapped by Somali pirates and held for a large ransom. Hector has had clashes with this clan before and has killed two of the clan leader's sons. A blood feud is now directed against Cross. They know that Hector Cross will likely be involved in a rescue attempt. There is plenty of action in the book. I found it to be a touch unrealistic and somewhat predictable, but still entertaining. One episode strains credulity in my mind. Bannock's daughter has been spirited from her captors and is about to be picked up by a rescue helicopter when Hazel herself leaps out of the helicopter and runs to embrace her liberated daughter. This causes a crucial delay and the helicopter is shot down and the crew killed, leaving Cross and his surviving team members stranded in Somalia their only avenue of escape now overland to Ethopia or by sea through pirate controlled waters. Cross had told Mrs. Bannock that she could not be in the rescue mission because of the danger but does Cross get upset? No.
    • 4/5
      A thrilling book of piracy and terrorism off the coast of Africa. It involves the daugher of a beautiful oil heiress and the secretive man she hires to get her daughter back from pirates controlled by muslim terrorists. Hector Cross is the new hero of suspense filled thrillers. A good read for everyone!
    • 4/5
      Having never read a book by Wilbur Smith, I was excited to have the opportunity to read his newest called "Those in Peril". The book is about the kidnapping of an oil executives daughter and the elaborate methods used for her eventual return. But this book goes well beyond that premise and the readers will have their share of mouth dropping surprises.At times, this book resembles a flow chart where what happens has been expected. These parts take away from the parts of the book that leaves you glued to your chair. As I ended the book I was appreciative of the authors efforts and enjoyed my time reading.
    • 1/5
      Profoundly disappointing! I have read and enjoyed a great many of Wilbur Smith's books and was looking forward to reading this one. I almost can't believe this book is by the same author! This book is totally formulaic, with one dimensional characters and a very predictable plot (if that is what it is). His descriptions of raw , graphic brutality seem designed for one reason only - to sell the book. And that is a very sad commentary on a formerly good author.I do not recommend this book. It was a waste of my very valuable reading time!
    • 4/5
      This is my third Wilbur Smith book (I've read the first two in the Egypt series and loved them). I was a bit apprehensive at first given the subject matter: oil, pirates, shipping. I thought it might bore me with a lot of language and subject matter I didn't understand or wasn't interested in. I should have known better. Wilbur Smith is an amazing author.This book takes you on a fast paced, dramatic, often graphic adventure in the race to save Hazel Bannock's kidnapped daughter...and so much more. Hector Cross is exactly what a hero should be: fearless, strong, determined, brilliant, and he has a heart.I connected with the characters in this book, and I felt Hector's pain at the betrayal of one of his most trusted men; I felt Hazel's anguish as she received messages from her daughter's kidnappers. It was an intense book and definitely worth reading.
    • 4/5
      Hector Cross owns and runs Cross Bow, a private security company. Their main client is Bannock Oil in the Middle East. The daughter of the owner of Bannock Oil is kidnapped and held for ransom. Hector and his men, along with the owner if Bannock Oil go after the daughter. The book is full of action. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys lots of action and adventure.
    • 5/5
      Hector Cross, security specialist, is asked by his boss to rescue her hi-jacked daughter. The ensuing chase across oceans and continents is chocked full of peril and intrigue. The action is non-stop with edge-of-your-seat tension that only makes you wish for more. The characters are fully realized and work together with the obvious frisson that would be expected in such precarious circumstances. This book is just absolute terrific. I was so sorry when it came to an end. This was my first read from Mr. Smith. I look forward to reading his other books.
    • 4/5
      Great read. This was a book that was a roller coaster from the get go. The characters were well developed and the story line was pretty good. There were many highs and a few lows. I struggled a bit with some of the terminology throughout...Author seems to be from another country. Worth the read very enjoyable.
    • 4/5
      Those in Peril is a great thriller that keeps your interest and excitement up throughout the entire story. Exciting plot that gets everyone involved, characters that are well developed and keeps your interest. IT was two stories in one, The first was an unabashed thriller, revenge seeking plot line that works for what it is. His story has you rooting for the good guys and keeping your anxiously awaiting the finale. The second, is a love story of 2 diametrically opposed forces of nature. While just as unbelievable as the first plot line, I found it a bit tedious and less germane to the whole story. If you are looking for a great summer beach read, this book is it.
    • 4/5
      One really gets their money's worth with this book. Two main plot lines and a host of lesser stories. Of course, the characters are pretty much the same but it just doesn't stop, ignoring an excellent place. It is also rather brutal. The two principal characters are the stuff of Superman and Superwoman with hardly a human flaw between them. Still, I would read more work of Mr Smith
    • 2/5
      Terrific, and timely, plot idea: daughter of a wealthy female American oil oligarch is kidnapped by fanatical Islamic sea pirates. And the plot unfolds in surprising but plausible ways. A good story, and yet...I was somewhat disappointed. It's kind of picky, I know, but the main character, Hector Cross, is pushed at us just a little too aggressively. He is a little TOO perfect at absolutely everything. And we learn this not so much by seeing it played out in the story but just being told, like in a press release. In a few paragraphs, our "security expert" becomes the brilliant, innovative force behind the resurgence of Bannock Oil.""Bannock Oil's affairs had been lagging of late but now they took an upward turn, not entirely because of the increasing price or oil. Hector flew to Abu Zara and after five days of discussion with the Emir he obtained the offshore drilling rights foe the entire coastline of the Emirate abutting the Zara no. 8. They brought in the first productive gas well eleven months later. It was a storming success." (pp. 244-245.)A couple of pages later:"At Hector's urging the Bannock management started to take seriously the exploration of alternative energy. Hector acquired five patents from a young engineering savant that nobody else had ever heard of. The patents had such potential for cheaper and more efficient production of wind energy that both Shell and Exxon were soon bidding for a share in the venture. At the end of the second financial year since Hector had come on board, Bannock was able to declare an increase of seven and a half per cent on their dividend. The share price, which had been drifting in the doldrums for several years, shot up to $255." (pg. 249)Not enough that our guy knows his weapons and tactics, is a beloved leader of his crew, an affectionate and lusty lover and has the wits and daring to overcome a powerful enemy. He is the second-coming of Warren Buffet, too. These "resume buffers" were completely unnecessary and were a side trip that killed the momentum of the story.It is a rousing tale. And Wilbur Smith creates a fascinating antagonist who is easy to loathe. I enjoyed it, to a degree, but it was a little like watching a good adventure movie be interrupted by presidential campaign ads every half-hour. You remember what that's like, don't you?
    • 3/5
      The premise of this book sounded promising, but it was more graphic than I enjoy reading. The story never caught my interest and I didn't enjoynit as much as I thought I would.
    • 4/5
      Reading Those In Peril was my first Wilbur Smith book. It won't be my last either. His writing style is a good bit more graphic than what I find in most books, but I liked it. It's more of a "guy" book. His storyline kept me coming back for more, wondering what was around the bend or over the next sand dune. His "Superman" character, Hector Cross, does everything and anything, but that's what a good character is supposed to do in an adventure. Makes for a good yarn. I would recommend this book to anyone who has not read Wilbur Smith. Think you'll find his style "different," but entertaining.
    • 3/5
      I haven't read any of Wilbur Smith's books in several years. I am glad that I had the opportunity to read his latest book, "Those in Peril". It was an exciting story, once I got thru the first few chapters - I didn't want to put it down. I really enjoyed the main character, Hector Cross, and hope to see him in future books. I would highly recommend this to readers who enjoy adventure type stories. I am now going to go back and look for other books written by this author.
    • 4/5
      This was my introduction to author Wilbur Smith. He grabs the readers attention from the first and holds it to the end of his book. I enjoyed reading "Those in Peril" and look forward to reading more of his works. If you are an action book fan then this book fills that role extremely well.From the outset one becomes a fan of Hector Cross and his security firm. With Cross, Smith has a character that does what many of us wish could be done to the pirates that we hear about in the press today. We read the news and see the pictures on television and want to end the senseless violence that we see. In Cross and his employees we find a group that are willing to fight these battles.The action scenes are good and the chase through the countryside is exciting and interesting. For those interested in action then there is plenty of action through the first part of the book. I did find that the book drags toward the end when the final confrontation is being set up. The final battle and the end of the book is worth the wait.I look forward to reading more of Mr. Smith's books. "Those in Peril" is a good exciting read and is well worth the time.
    • 2/5
      One of my favorite adventure writer is Wilbur Smith. When he writes an action scenes he is second to none. Now to 'Those in Peril". Wilbur has given us characters that are so perfect, that they are impossible to like. The villians felt cartoonish, they use their manhood more that their swords. I'm am far from a prude, but what is with all the graphic sex? If Wilbur needed filler, why didn't he concertrate on his strong points, better character devolpement or more action scenes? If you want to read Wilbur Smith at his best try 'When Lions Feed". and pass on ' Those in Peril".I really enjoy Wilbur Smith, no one wanted to like his newest novel more than me, I just couldn't.
    • 4/5
      I thought this book started strong, lagged in the middle, and ended okay. The story involves terrorists in the middle east and their vendetta against a rich American family who owns an oil company. There is a lot of action, and I could definitely see this book being made into an action-thriller movie.I thought the basic idea of the story was good. However, some of the events that happened were just too unbelievable, and some of the relationships were just too sappy. I particularly found it annoying that an 18-year old girl and her mother would basically talk baby talk to each other.The book does move quickly and keeps the reader engaged.
    • 5/5
      This book grabbed me on page one and did not let go...not even on the final page. The action and detail are fantastic, the characters well written and interesting. It left me breathless! Can't believe I'd never encountered this author before but you can be sure I'll be reading more Wilbur Smith in the future. This book is scheduled for release in May...grab it!
    • 5/5
      Wow. This book is awsome .It grabs you from page one. the storyline excelent. I havent read a book this good in a long time. Highly recommend
    • 4/5
      This was basically a very good book, but there were a few things that dropped it down to four, instead of five, stars. For instance, it was a given from the start that the two main characters, who started out being antagonistic toward each other, would fall in love and be together before it was all over. That's surely not a spoiler because it is so formulaic. Another thing is the too-detailed descriptions of sexual torture. In addition, Mr. Smith would have you believe that women are ready for sex at the drop of a hat, or the pulling down of underwear. No getting ready of any kind. I thought the ending was rather weak. There's one statement in the ending that just does not ring true. Yes, I know this is fiction, but there are some things that, even in fiction, must be. I cannot tell you what that statement is because it definitely would be a spoiler.My dislikes aside, this book is still worth a read. The characters are well-developed, and the action moves at a pretty rapid pace. There's enough suspense to keep you turning the pages. It's a very good plot. Have you ever found yourself while watching a movie or a television program saying almost out loud something like "Oh, no, don't do that!" This book had me reacting that way more than once. Mr. Smith is a master at drawing in the reader and keeping him or her under his spell.This book does present a frightening picture of the cruelty of some Muslim pirates and Sheiks. It also has a few quotes from the Koran that will give you chill bumps. I know enough about Mr. Smith's work to know that he does extensive research; therefore, I trust any observations he made about the nature of the Beast. This is not to say all Muslims are of this ilk, but the ones who are involved in piracy and other acts of terrorism certainly fit that category.
    • 1/5
      It's time for Wilbur to lay down his pen and stop writing! His books are getting increasingly formulaic and shallow. This one adds pornography to the mix. Whilst his early books were fast paced, one got an idea of the author's engagement with the protaginists and their South Africa. This book on the other hand has cardboard characters where to be caucasian means you are intrinsically good and all arabs are naturally and essentially evil.
    • 2/5
      I have to agree with BobH1 's review.
    • 3/5
      I happen to really like most all of Wilbur Smiths books but I really didn’t fancy this one for some reason … until my parents sent the book to me with high praise indeed from both of them…. Having said that, the fact that my parents are in their late seventies reading a book by an author in his late 70s is rarely going to light my fire … and the idea of an immensely wealthy lady mixing it up with an ex SAS operator kind of sums it all up in my mind. This is simply NOT going to be a Wilbur Smith classic but …I didn’t like the fact that the bad guys were all dangerous Muslim Arabs as that rides the sad but recent tide of negative anti-Islamic press I didn’t like the fact that the sharia law was shown up sensational, yes people are beheaded but not in the numbers Wilbur Smith implies and certainly not on one dayI didn’t mind the occasional graphic sex because for an old man it was well written … though I question why it was there The book did stun me with one twist and turn in events that I didn’t see coming and that takes some doingI kind of hope Wilbur Smith doesn’t write too much more. This feels like a book that has sat on a back burner for some years and the publishers suggested, let’s bring it up to date, make the woman immensely wealthy and the bad guys pirates etc BUT … if its mind candy you are looking for this is without doubt a seriously good, old-fashioned gripping yarn but that’s all it is; escapism, adventure