Cruelty of Fate: The Fight for Khambula

The Anglo-Zulu War, Book 4

By: James Mace

Narrated by: Jonathan Waters

In late January 1879, following news of the terrible disaster to befall British forces at Isandlwana, Colonel Henry Evelyn Wood, commanding officer of the northern No. 4 Column, withdraws his forces to Khambula, near the Natal and Transvaal borders. Adding to their woes, the southern No. 1 Column finds itself trapped under siege at the abandoned mission station of Eshowe. The general officer commanding, Lord Chelmsford, orders Wood to continue harassing the Zulus, keeping the pressure off their central and southern forces while he rallies reinforcements to relieve Eshowe. In light of the disaster at Isandlwana, Wood knows he must temper aggression with caution, as he does not have the numbers necessary to face the entire Zulu amabutho.

Facing the British in the north are the semi-autonomous abaQulusi tribe and their venerable ally, an exiled Swazi prince named Mbilini. A master of guerrilla warfare, Mbilini harries the British invaders relentlessly while awaiting reinforcements from the Zulu king, Cetshwayo. Fifty miles to the east, at the royal kraal of Ulundi, Cetshwayo’s triumphant albeit terribly bloodied regiments return home to take in the harvest following their victory at Isandlwana. The king’s subsequent overtures of peace are soundly rebuffed by Lord Chelmsford, and he knows he must soon summon his regiments once again. With shouts of "we are the boys of Isandlwana!" the Zulus turn their attention north, seeking to join with Mbilini and send another British invasion column to oblivion.

©2019 James M Mace (P)2019 James M Mace

very good listening

Historical fiction ala James Mitchener, or Irving Stone at it's best. Got to learn about battles that were not Isandlwana or Rorke's Drift for a change. I had a little trouble following the Khambula fighting, but looking at a map helped. A John Mace was conspicuously mentioned several times. A possible ancestor?

Gripping Retelling

Ive been so impressed with this entire series. Although every book in the series really lays out the painful loss of life, this last book was especially hard for me to listen to. The vast numbers of brave warriors slaughtered brought me to tears.
Once again, the amount of research James Mace puts into this series is absolutely mind-boggling.
He brings every single person whose story is told back to life.
And also, once again, Jonathan Waters does an incredible job telling this story and putting color into every character.
I was provided this book to review

not as expected

was a little long but i enjoyed. was not expected to enjoy what i heard.

Outstanding!!

For almost 50 years I have researched and studied the rise and fall of the Zulu Empire from the time of Shaka to the rule of Ceteswayo and this series is the most complete and detailed depiction of the Zulu Conflict I have ever come across. Both compelling and insightful as well as fair and balanced. James Mace is to be commended for his blending of historical fact with a brilliant use of fictional creativity. If you have any interest in the Anglo-Zulu War you will enjoy these works immensely!!

The 4th in the series

Cruelty of Fate.
The Anglo Zulu Wars. Told in such a personal terms your heart goes out to both sides.
The Zulu's who are brave beyond belief in the face of "modern weapons".
And the British line infantry - uneducated illiterate and enduring unimaginable hardships inflicted by terrain and climate also the hard discipline metered out by there officers.
Superb narration.
I received a free copy of this audio book at my own request and voluntarily left this honest review