In Wilbur Smith's The Sound of Thunder, the year is 1899. The British Empire is at the height of its power. But in South Africa, proud Dutch colonists defy the Queen and her army—and a lush, wild world is torn apart by guns, spears, and swords. Sean Courtney had been tragically separated from his family, but the Boer War has brought him back to his homeland—and into the sights of his enemy's guns. It has also returned him to Ruth Friedman, the only woman Sean can love, even though he shouldn't. As Sean's loyalties—to nation, man, and blood—are tested, a saga of duty and betrayal unfolds....