Wilbur Smith · 2005 · overland

Wilbur Smith's 2005 historical adventure, set during the Mahdist War and the fall of Khartoum in 1885, weaving together his Courtney and Ballantyne families amid one of the British Empire's great catastrophes. Battle, siege, captivity and escape carry the story up the Nile and across the deserts of Sudan toward Abyssinia and the sea. Big, bloody, page-turning adventure spanning much of northeast Africa.

1. 1
   Cairo

   As the Mahdist revolt sweeps Sudan, a British relief expedition gathers in Egypt and starts up the Nile toward besieged Khartoum.

2. 2
   Khartoum

   In the doomed city at the meeting of the two Niles, Gordon and a handful of defenders hold out against the Mahdi's vast army until the walls are stormed.

3. 3
   Gallabat

   Survivors and captives are dragged into the wilderness, and a desperate flight begins east toward the Abyssinian highlands.

4. 4
   Suakin

   Across hard country to the Red Sea coast and the British garrison at Suakin, and the slim hope of deliverance.