Books Should Be Free
Loyal Books
Free Public Domain Audiobooks & eBook Downloads
Search by: Title, Author or Keyword

Long Odds   By: (1856-1925)

Book cover

Long Odds by Henry Rider Haggard is a gripping adventure novel that takes readers on an exhilarating journey through Africa. Set in the late 19th century, the story follows Allan Quatermain, an experienced hunter and explorer with a reputation for bravery and resourcefulness.

The narrative begins with an unexpected encounter between Quatermain and two strangers who offer him a substantial amount of money to undertake a daring expedition. Intrigued by the proposition, the protagonist soon finds himself amidst a treasure hunt, as he and his companions search for a hidden fortune that could change their lives forever. The quest takes them deep into uncharted territories, forcing them to confront various challenges, from treacherous landscapes to hostile tribes.

Haggard masterfully weaves together elements of action, suspense, and romance to create a thrilling reading experience. The author’s vivid descriptions bring the African wilderness to life, immersing readers in a world filled with danger and excitement. Quatermain's character is particularly compelling – his humility, intelligence, and unwavering determination make him an instantly likable protagonist. His relationships with the other characters, especially the fiery and enigmatic Lady Ragnall, add depth and complexity to the story.

Throughout the plot, Haggard explores several themes, such as honor, greed, and the pursuit of wealth. He also addresses the tensions between colonizers and native populations, shedding light on the cultural clashes and power dynamics at play during that period in history. While some aspects of the novel may feel dated, Haggard's ability to depict human emotions and create intense, heart-pounding moments remains timeless.

Long Odds is a true page-turner, with its fast-paced plot and unexpected twists keeping readers hooked until the very end. Haggard's writing style, though slightly verbose at times, flawlessly transports readers into the heart of Africa, captivating them with its beauty and dangers. The plot's thrilling climax and resolution tie up loose ends, leaving a satisfying sense of closure.

Overall, Long Odds is a classic adventure novel that stands the test of time. With its memorable characters, evocative descriptions, and exhilarating plot, it is sure to satisfy fans of the genre. Haggard's distinct storytelling ability and deep understanding of human nature make this book a must-read for anyone seeking a thrilling tale of courage and discovery.

First Page:

LONG ODDS

by H. Rider Haggard

This is the second PG version of Long Odds, also see Etext 1918.

The story which is narrated in the following pages came to me from the lips of my old friend Allan Quatermain, or Hunter Quatermain, as we used to call him in South Africa. He told it to me one evening when I was stopping with him at the place he bought in Yorkshire. Shortly after that, the death of his only son so unsettled him that he immediately left England, accompanied by two companions, his old fellow voyagers, Sir Henry Curtis and Captain Good, and has now utterly vanished into the dark heart of Africa. He is persuaded that a white people, of which he has heard rumours all his life, exists somewhere on the highlands in the vast, still unexplored interior, and his great ambition is to find them before he dies. This is the wild quest upon which he and his companions have departed, and from which I shrewdly suspect they never will return. One letter only have I received from the old gentleman, dated from a mission station high up the Tana, a river on the east coast, about three hundred miles north of Zanzibar. In it he says they have gone through many hardships and adventures, but are alive and well, and have found traces which go far towards making him hope that the results of their wild quest may be a "magnificent and unexampled discovery... Continue reading book >>




eBook Downloads
ePUB eBook
• iBooks for iPhone and iPad
• Nook
• Sony Reader
Kindle eBook
• Mobi file format for Kindle
Read eBook
• Load eBook in browser
Text File eBook
• Computers
• Windows
• Mac

Review this book



Popular Genres
More Genres
Languages
Paid Books