The Seventh Scroll By Wilbur Smith Book Review
Diving headfirst into a high-stakes treasure hunt through the deserts of Egypt and the wilds of Ethiopia sounds like an adventure, right? That’s exactly what Wilbur Smith delivers in The Seventh Scroll.
So, what’s this book about? It’s an action-packed historical thriller set mostly in modern times, following British aristocrat and adventurer Nicholas Quenton-Harper alongside the brilliant Egyptologist Royan Al Simma. Together, they’re racing to uncover the lost tomb of Pharaoh Mamose, a king driven from Egypt by ruthless invaders thousands of years ago. The quest kicks off with the discovery of a mysterious seventh scroll, written millennia ago by the clever slave Taita, which holds clues to the tomb’s location. As Nicholas and Royan crack puzzles and face off against various enemies, including a crazed German billionaire collector bent on grabbing the treasure, the story delivers plenty of danger, suspense, and some unexpected romance. Think Indiana Jones meets The Da Vinci Code, but with a strong Egyptian vibe and a bunch of twists.
What really makes The Seventh Scroll stand out is Wilbur Smith’s talent for vivid settings and fast-paced action. His descriptions of desert nights, ancient tombs, and bustling villages pull you right into those exotic places. The characters range from noble heroes to unforgettable villains, striking a good balance of historical detail without getting bogged down, though, fair warning, some parts can slow down or get a bit too detailed. Also, Smith writes with a classic British wit and a slightly old-school adventure feel that his fans enjoy.
Reader reactions have been pretty mixed. Many praise it as a thrilling, page-turning adventure that locks you in with life-threatening dangers and clever puzzles. Others point out some clunky moments, like awkward author references within the story and some uneven romantic and character stuff, especially how certain relationships develop, or don’t, in ways that don’t always feel believable. Some even find the villain portrayals, especially the sexual elements, a bit over the top or off-putting. But overall, if you like your adventure with history, mystery, and desert danger, this one delivers.
From my perspective, if you’re into classic adventure stories with a solid archaeological mystery at the heart, this could be your kind of book. Wilbur Smith’s storytelling gives you that satisfying treasure-hunt thrill, complete with exotic locations and a cast of sharp characters. But if you’re after deep romantic plots or super-polished prose, or if uneven pacing and some outdated tropes bother you, it might not be the best fit. The ending, in particular, has left some readers scratching their heads, which could annoy you if you want everything tied up neatly.
Overall, The Seventh Scroll is like settling in for an old-school adventure movie, sometimes a bit cheesy, sometimes intense, but with enough intrigue and excitement to keep you hooked. If you’re curious about ancient Egypt and love a treasure hunt packed with real danger, this could be a fun ride.
If that sounds like your kind of story, definitely check it out. And hey, let me know what you thought if you’ve read it too!