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Wilbur Smith

Bestselling Author • 11 Series • 68 Books

11
Series
68
Books
11
Active

🎯 Where Should I Start?

Best Starting Point
Publication Order of Courtney Books
Start with: When the Lion Feeds (1964)
Popular Choice
Chronological Order of Courtney Books
Start with: Birds of Prey (1997)
Popular Choice
Publication Order of Jack Courtney Books
Start with: Cloudburst (2020)

About Wilbur Smith

Various books of the well-known African writer became movies. The first one among them was The Dark of the Sun, originally published in the year 1965, which became the film The Mercenaries in 1968. Then it was the turn of Shout at the Devil, who appeared on the big screen with the same title of the literary work in the year 1976. Lee Marvin, Roger Moore and Barbara Parkins were the stars of the movie. Gold Mine, published in the year 1970, became Gold and was released in the year 1974. Once again, Roger Moore was the artist chosen to play the protagonist. Finally, the most recent adaptations: River God (published in the year 1993) and The Seventh-Scroll (published in the year 1995) were converted into a mini series titled The Seventh Scroll, which was released in 1999. Rising to prominence with the Publication Order of Courtney Books series, Wilbur Smith has since expanded their repertoire to include numerous successful works across various genres. Their writing style, characterized by compelling narratives and memorable characters, has earned them a dedicated global readership with millions of fans worldwide.

📚 All Book Series by Wilbur Smith

Publication Order of Courtney Books
13 books 1964–2009
1

When the Lion Feeds

When the Lion Feeds is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Courtney Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Wilbur Smith have come to expect.

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1964
2

The Sound of Thunder / The Roar of Thunder

The Sound of Thunder / The Roar of Thunder is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Courtney Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Wilbur Smith have come to expect.

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1966
3

A Sparrow Falls

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Courtney Books with A Sparrow Falls, another outstanding contribution from Wilbur Smith.

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1977
4

The Burning Shore

The Burning Shore continues the Publication Order of Courtney Books story arc with Wilbur Smith's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1985
5

Power of the Sword

Epic adventure awaits in Power of the Sword, a landmark entry in the Publication Order of Courtney Books series that raises the stakes across the realm Wilbur Smith has built.

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1986
6

Rage

Rage is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Courtney Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Wilbur Smith have come to expect.

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1987
7

A Time to Die

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Courtney Books with A Time to Die, another outstanding contribution from Wilbur Smith.

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1989
8

Golden Fox

Golden Fox continues the Publication Order of Courtney Books story arc with Wilbur Smith's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1990
9

The Triumph of the Sun

The Triumph of the Sun is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Courtney Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Wilbur Smith have come to expect.

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1992
10

Birds of Prey

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Courtney Books with Birds of Prey, another outstanding contribution from Wilbur Smith.

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1997
11

Monsoon

Monsoon continues the Publication Order of Courtney Books story arc with Wilbur Smith's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1999
12

Blue Horizon

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Courtney Books with Blue Horizon, another outstanding contribution from Wilbur Smith.

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2003
13

Assegai

Assegai is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Courtney Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Wilbur Smith have come to expect.

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2009
Chronological Order of Courtney Books
13 books 1997–1989
1

Birds of Prey

Readers dive deeper into the world of Chronological Order of Courtney Books with Birds of Prey, another outstanding contribution from Wilbur Smith.

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1997
2

Monsoon

Monsoon continues the Chronological Order of Courtney Books story arc with Wilbur Smith's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1999
3

Blue Horizon

Readers dive deeper into the world of Chronological Order of Courtney Books with Blue Horizon, another outstanding contribution from Wilbur Smith.

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2003
4

When the Lion Feeds

When the Lion Feeds is an essential installment in the Chronological Order of Courtney Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Wilbur Smith have come to expect.

Buy on Amazon
1964
5

The Triumph of the Sun

The Triumph of the Sun is an essential installment in the Chronological Order of Courtney Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Wilbur Smith have come to expect.

Buy on Amazon
1992
6

The Sound of Thunder / The Roar of Thunder

The Sound of Thunder / The Roar of Thunder is an essential installment in the Chronological Order of Courtney Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Wilbur Smith have come to expect.

Buy on Amazon
1966
7

Assegai

Assegai is an essential installment in the Chronological Order of Courtney Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Wilbur Smith have come to expect.

Buy on Amazon
2009
8

The Burning Shore

The Burning Shore continues the Chronological Order of Courtney Books story arc with Wilbur Smith's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

Buy on Amazon
1985
9

A Sparrow Falls

Readers dive deeper into the world of Chronological Order of Courtney Books with A Sparrow Falls, another outstanding contribution from Wilbur Smith.

Buy on Amazon
1977
10

Power of the Sword

Epic adventure awaits in Power of the Sword, a landmark entry in the Chronological Order of Courtney Books series that raises the stakes across the realm Wilbur Smith has built.

Buy on Amazon
1986
11

Rage

Rage is an essential installment in the Chronological Order of Courtney Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Wilbur Smith have come to expect.

Buy on Amazon
1987
12

Golden Fox

Golden Fox continues the Chronological Order of Courtney Books story arc with Wilbur Smith's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

Buy on Amazon
1990
13

A Time to Die

Readers dive deeper into the world of Chronological Order of Courtney Books with A Time to Die, another outstanding contribution from Wilbur Smith.

Buy on Amazon
1989
Publication Order of Jack Courtney Books
3 books 2020–2022
1

Cloudburst

Cloudburst continues the Publication Order of Jack Courtney Books story arc with Wilbur Smith's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2020
2

Thunderbolt

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Jack Courtney Books with Thunderbolt, another outstanding contribution from Wilbur Smith.

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2021
3

Shockwave

Shockwave is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Jack Courtney Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Wilbur Smith have come to expect.

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2022
Publication Order of Ballantyne Books
5 books 1980–1992
1

A Falcon Flies / Flight of the Falcon

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Ballantyne Books with A Falcon Flies / Flight of the Falcon, another outstanding contribution from Wilbur Smith.

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1980
2

Men of Men

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Ballantyne Books with Men of Men, another outstanding contribution from Wilbur Smith.

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1981
3

The Angels Weep

The Angels Weep is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Ballantyne Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Wilbur Smith have come to expect.

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1982
4

The Leopard Hunts in Darkness

The Leopard Hunts in Darkness continues the Publication Order of Ballantyne Books story arc with Wilbur Smith's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1984
5

The Triumph of the Sun

The Triumph of the Sun is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Ballantyne Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Wilbur Smith have come to expect.

Buy on Amazon
1992
Chronological Order of Ballantyne Books
5 books 1980–1984
1

A Falcon Flies / Flight of the Falcon

Readers dive deeper into the world of Chronological Order of Ballantyne Books with A Falcon Flies / Flight of the Falcon, another outstanding contribution from Wilbur Smith.

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1980
2

Men of Men

Readers dive deeper into the world of Chronological Order of Ballantyne Books with Men of Men, another outstanding contribution from Wilbur Smith.

Buy on Amazon
1981
3

The Triumph of the Sun

The Triumph of the Sun is an essential installment in the Chronological Order of Ballantyne Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Wilbur Smith have come to expect.

Buy on Amazon
1992
4

The Angels Weep

The Angels Weep is an essential installment in the Chronological Order of Ballantyne Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Wilbur Smith have come to expect.

Buy on Amazon
1982
5

The Leopard Hunts in Darkness

The Leopard Hunts in Darkness continues the Chronological Order of Ballantyne Books story arc with Wilbur Smith's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

Buy on Amazon
1984
Publication Order of Ancient Egypt Books
6 books 1994–2016
1

River God

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Ancient Egypt Books with River God, another outstanding contribution from Wilbur Smith.

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1994
2

The Seventh Scroll

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Ancient Egypt Books with The Seventh Scroll, another outstanding contribution from Wilbur Smith.

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1995
3

Warlock

Conflict and courage define Warlock, an action-packed entry in the Publication Order of Ancient Egypt Books series by Wilbur Smith that puts the heroes through their toughest challenges yet.

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1995
4

The Quest

Epic adventure awaits in The Quest, a landmark entry in the Publication Order of Ancient Egypt Books series that raises the stakes across the realm Wilbur Smith has built.

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2007
5

Desert God

Desert God continues the Publication Order of Ancient Egypt Books story arc with Wilbur Smith's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2014
6

Pharaoh

Pharaoh continues the Publication Order of Ancient Egypt Books story arc with Wilbur Smith's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

Buy on Amazon
2016
Chronological Order of Ancient Egypt Books
6 books 1994–1995
1

River God

Readers dive deeper into the world of Chronological Order of Ancient Egypt Books with River God, another outstanding contribution from Wilbur Smith.

Buy on Amazon
1994
2

Warlock

Conflict and courage define Warlock, an action-packed entry in the Chronological Order of Ancient Egypt Books series by Wilbur Smith that puts the heroes through their toughest challenges yet.

Buy on Amazon
1995
3

The Quest

Epic adventure awaits in The Quest, a landmark entry in the Chronological Order of Ancient Egypt Books series that raises the stakes across the realm Wilbur Smith has built.

Buy on Amazon
2007
4

Desert God

Desert God continues the Chronological Order of Ancient Egypt Books story arc with Wilbur Smith's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

Buy on Amazon
2014
5

Pharaoh

Pharaoh continues the Chronological Order of Ancient Egypt Books story arc with Wilbur Smith's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

Buy on Amazon
2016
6

The Seventh Scroll

Readers dive deeper into the world of Chronological Order of Ancient Egypt Books with The Seventh Scroll, another outstanding contribution from Wilbur Smith.

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1995
Publication Order of Hector Cross Books
2 books 2011–2013
1

Those in Peril

Those in Peril continues the Publication Order of Hector Cross Books story arc with Wilbur Smith's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2011
2

Vicious Circle

Vicious Circle continues the Publication Order of Hector Cross Books story arc with Wilbur Smith's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2013
Publication Order of Standalone Novels
11 books 1965–1991
1

The Dark of the Sun / The Train from Katanga

The Dark of the Sun / The Train from Katanga continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with Wilbur Smith's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1965
2

Shout at the Devil

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with Shout at the Devil, another outstanding contribution from Wilbur Smith.

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1968
3

Gold Mine

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with Gold Mine, another outstanding contribution from Wilbur Smith.

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1970
4

The Diamond Hunters

The Diamond Hunters is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Wilbur Smith have come to expect.

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1971
5

The Sunbird

The Sunbird continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with Wilbur Smith's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1972
6

The Eye of the Tiger

The Eye of the Tiger continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with Wilbur Smith's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1974
7

Cry Wolf

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with Cry Wolf, another outstanding contribution from Wilbur Smith.

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1976
8

Hungry as the Sea

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with Hungry as the Sea, another outstanding contribution from Wilbur Smith.

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1978
9

Wild Justice / The Delta Decision

Wild Justice / The Delta Decision is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Wilbur Smith have come to expect.

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1979
10

Eagle in the Sky

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with Eagle in the Sky, another outstanding contribution from Wilbur Smith.

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1980
11

Elephant Song

Elephant Song continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with Wilbur Smith's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1991
Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books
1 books 2018–2018
1

On Leopard Rock

On Leopard Rock is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Wilbur Smith have come to expect.

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2018
Publication Order of Prey Zone Books
3 books 2022–2024
1

Prey Zone

Prey Zone continues the Publication Order of Prey Zone Books story arc with Wilbur Smith's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2022
2

The Serpent's Lair

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Prey Zone Books with The Serpent's Lair, another outstanding contribution from Wilbur Smith.

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2023
3

The Scorpion's Sting

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Prey Zone Books with The Scorpion's Sting, another outstanding contribution from Wilbur Smith.

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2024

? Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Wilbur Smith?

Wilbur Smith is a bestselling author known for 11 book series containing over 68 books. Popular series include Publication Order of Courtney Books, Chronological Order of Courtney Books, Publication Order of Jack Courtney Books. Their work spans multiple genres and has captivated millions of readers worldwide.

What is the best Wilbur Smith series to start with?

For readers new to Wilbur Smith's work, the Publication Order of Courtney Books series is the ideal entry point. It showcases the author's signature style and contains 13 books. Begin with When the Lion Feeds to start from the very beginning.

How many books has Wilbur Smith written?

Wilbur Smith has written over 68 books across 11 series. This prolific output covers multiple genres, making them one of the most versatile authors in contemporary fiction.

Should I read Wilbur Smith books in order?

Yes, reading Wilbur Smith's series in publication order is strongly recommended. Most series feature evolving character arcs, ongoing story threads, and references to earlier events that are most rewarding when experienced in sequence. Our complete reading order guides are listed above.

What genre does Wilbur Smith write in?

Wilbur Smith writes primarily in fiction. With 11 series across 68 books, the author has explored a wide range of themes and storytelling approaches throughout their career.

Are Wilbur Smith's books standalone or must they be read as a series?

Most of Wilbur Smith's books are part of ongoing series and deliver the most satisfying experience when read in order. However, several standalone novels and short story collections provide excellent entry points without requiring prior knowledge of other series.

What is Wilbur Smith's most popular book?

Based on reader reviews and sales data, Wilbur Smith's most celebrated works come from the Publication Order of Courtney Books series. The first book, When the Lion Feeds, is widely considered the ideal starting point and consistently receives outstanding reader ratings.