
As an Amazon Associate and affiliate partner, Menrva Books earns from qualifying purchases. Learn more
The wind struck another hammer-blow. The whaler wheeled away stern-on, and then came up with a sickening thump forrard. 'One anchor cable gone!' Minnaar shouted about the roar of the wind. 'The other...' he never finished. the whaler sprang free as the second cable parted. She had been secured facing south-west and now she plunged back into the maelstrom. The water poured ankle deep on the bridge... 'Killer deserts, grizzled prospectors, mass suicides, savage nomads... and a vanishing U-boat patrol. I enjoyed it more than any other novel for ages." -Daily Telegraph 'Top-class, fascinating, scientifically plausible... a brilliant example of how to mix the mundane and the fantastic.' -Observer
A desperate struggle for survival unfolds when a vessel is cast adrift in a lethal, storm-ravaged environment, setting the stage for a high-stakes hunt for lost treasure. The protagonist must navigate the treacherous intersection of unforgiving natural elements and the remnants of a mysterious wartime past. Opposing forces include the brutal, shifting geography of the desert coast and the lingering, dangerous secrets of a vanished U-boat patrol. The narrative utilizes a high-tension, third-person perspective to track the physical toll of the environment on the characters as they pursue their elusive objective.
Contemporary critics praised the work for its ability to blend mundane technical details with fantastic, high-stakes adventure. The Daily Telegraph highlighted the novel's capacity to keep readers engaged through its unique combination of desert settings and historical enigmas. The Observer noted the scientific plausibility of the narrative, which grounds the more dramatic elements of the plot in a believable reality. Readers often point to the visceral descriptions of the environment as a standout feature that elevates the tension throughout the story. The book remains recognized for its effective pacing and its successful execution of the classic adventure thriller format.
Page Count:
221
Publication Date:
1973-01-01
Publisher:
Fontana
ISBN-10:
0006132707
ISBN-13:
9780006132707
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!