Finally a good book about the Boer war. It shows both sides of the Zulu vs British conflict. Simon Fonthill is a young man who is accused of being a coward for fainting when it was announced that his regiment is being sent to South Africa. He meets a Scott (Jenkins 352) who serves as his servant when they set off to South Africa.

You will enjoy the relationship that develops between the two men, as they have adventure after adventure culminating in an exciting battle which is the first of the war between Zulu and English. No spoilers here...read it and enjoy.

I will hunt out the rest of the series ( )

bookshelves: winter-20132014, tbr-busting-2014, published-2004, fraudio, historical-fiction, under-100-ratings, afr-s-africa, britain-wales, first-in-series, newtome-author, victoriana, series, palate-cleanser
Read from February 13 to 14, 2014

Book..................The Horns of the Buffalo
Author................John Wilcox
Series................Simon Fonthill
No....................01
Narrator..............Graham Padden
Abr/Unabr.............Unabridged
Genre.................Adventure
Source................20 Tapes

COVER BLURBS:In 1879, the British redcoats are universally regarded as the finest fighting force in the world. Among them is Lieutenant Simon Fonthill, dispatched to South Africa with much to prove: for Colonel Covington, his former Commanding Officer, has slanderously branded him a coward. In the Cape, tension is high. The Zulus, an independent nation of magnificently militant tribesmen, threaten the colonial government’s vision of a united South Africa. And Simon has been chosen for a particularly dangerous mission: to travel deep into Zululand to discover the intentions of the king. Simon encounters violence and imprisonment before he is faced with his greatest challenge. Escaping from the massacre at the Battle of Isandlwana, he must warn the tiny garrison at Rorke’s Drift of the threat posed by advancing Zulu impis. He has a chance to prove Covington a liar, but he may pay the ultimate price.

About The Author: John Wilcox. An inability to do sums and a nascent talent to string words together steered me towards journalism - that and the desire to wear a trenchcoat, belted with a knot, just like Bogart.

About The Reader: Graham Padden. Graham's work on screen includes Doctor Who, Casualty, The Kindness of Strangers, Why We Went to War, Derailed, Casanova. He has been heard in many radio dramas, including David Edgar's Playing with Fire, Lorna Doone, Blake's 7, and The Archers. He has recorded 60 audio books. He has had 3 plays produced.

A story of Rourke's Drift. Excellent writing, lovely narration and I especially liked 352 Jenkins.

3* The Horns of the Buffalo

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I enjoyed the historical backdrop and details of the Zulu War, but the story line was a bit cheesy. In addition, John Wilcox's writing is a bit cliche at times. However, it was a quick read filled with some good action scenes that moved the story along. I do own the second book in the series, and will likely pick it up at some point. ( )

When I found a copy of John Wilcox’s “The Horns of the Buffalo” at one of Seattle’s Half-Price Book’s I was jubilant to say the least. Mr. Wilcox comes recommended by various readers across the web, so much so that I felt I should definitely dive in to his Fonthill series as soon as I could. Imagine my surprise and disappointment when it turned out to be a bore-fest with TV serial storylines, ho-hum action and a lady’s “coming of age” thrown in for good measure. As opposed to exciting characters within an African backdrop, Mr. Wilcox’s characters were, using two words he oh-so-loved, languid and lugubrious. At the time I purchased Mr. Wilcox’s first novel I also acquired two others he’s penned. Will I read them? At this time I don’t think I will unless some other daring (and reliable) reader suggests otherwise. ( )