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The Vultures   By: (1862-1903)

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The Vultures, written by Henry Seton Merriman, is an enthralling and suspenseful novel set in colonial Africa during the late 19th century. The story begins with a captivating description of the African landscape, which immediately transports the reader into an exotic and mysterious world.

The protagonist, Lieutenant Granville, a British military officer stationed in Africa, finds himself caught in a complex web of political intrigue and personal vendettas. As he struggles to maintain his duty and integrity in this unforgiving environment, Granville becomes entangled with a group of ruthless diamond smugglers known as "the vultures."

Merriman skillfully weaves together a thrilling narrative, filled with vivid descriptions, multifaceted characters, and unexpected plot twists. The author's meticulous attention to detail brings the African landscape to life, enabling readers to immerse themselves in the sights, sounds, and smells of the continent.

One of the book's strengths is Merriman's ability to create a sense of tension and suspense that builds steadily throughout the story. From the first page, the reader is drawn into a world of danger and uncertainty, never knowing whom to trust or what lies ahead. This constant state of suspense keeps the reader captivated and eagerly turning the pages.

Furthermore, Merriman's characters are well-developed and relatable. Lieutenant Granville, in particular, is a complex and morally upright protagonist who undergoes a transformation as he confronts the harsh realities of colonial exploitation and searches for justice. This journey of self-discovery adds depth to the story and allows the reader to empathize with Granville's struggles.

While The Vultures is primarily a gripping adventure novel, it also raises thought-provoking questions about the ethics of colonization and the impact of greed on both individuals and societies. Through Granville's experiences, Merriman explores themes of corruption, loyalty, and the clash of cultures, shedding light on the complexities of the colonial era.

Overall, The Vultures is a thrilling and thought-provoking novel that transports readers to a different time and place. Henry Seton Merriman's ability to create a vibrant and suspenseful narrative, combined with his exploration of deeper themes, makes this book a must-read for fans of historical fiction and adventure.

First Page:

THE VULTURES

A NOVEL

By Henry Seton Merriman

I

ALL AT SEA

Mr. Joseph P. Mangles, at his ease in a deck chair on the broad Atlantic, was smoking a most excellent cigar. Mr. Mangles was a tall, thin man, who carried his head in the manner curtly known at a girls' school as "poking." He was a clean shaven man, with bony forehead, sunken cheeks, and an underhung mouth. His attitude towards the world was one of patient disgust. He had the air of pushing his way, chin first, doggedly through life. The weather had been bad, and was now moderating. But Mr. Mangles had not suffered from sea sickness. He was a dry, hard person, who had suffered from nothing but chronic dyspepsia had suffered from it for fifty years or so.

"Fine weather," he said. "Women will be coming on deck hang the fine weather."

And his voice was deep and low like a growl.

"Joseph," said Miss Mangles, "growls over his meals like a dog."

The remark about the weather and the women was addressed to a man who leaned against the rail. Indeed, there was no one else near and the man made no reply. He was twenty five or thirty years younger than Mr. Mangles, and looked like an Englishman, but not aggressively so. The large majority of Britons are offensively British. Germans are no better; so it must be racial, this offensiveness... Continue reading book >>




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