An exhilarating historical adventure novel by Wilbur Smith, first published in 2009. It is the 13th novel in the Courtney saga and follows the exploits of Leon Courtney in the years leading up to World War I.

Set in British East Africa (present-day Kenya and Tanzania) in the early 20th century, the novel begins with professional hunter and former soldier Leon Courtney, who earns his living guiding wealthy Europeans and American aristocrats on big-game safaris. Leon's intimate knowledge of the African wilderness makes him one of the region's most sought-after hunters.

His peaceful life changes when he meets the beautiful and enigmatic Eva von Wellberg, a German countess. What begins as a romantic encounter soon entangles Leon in a dangerous web of espionage. German intelligence agents are secretly preparing for the coming global conflict, using East Africa as a base for covert operations against the British Empire.

As Leon becomes involved with British intelligence, he embarks on a perilous mission through vast savannahs, dense forests, and remote mountains. Facing enemy spies, ruthless assassins, wild animals, and political intrigue, he must stop a conspiracy that could alter the balance of power in Africa and beyond.

Rich in historical detail, Assegai combines thrilling safari adventures with espionage, military action, and romance. The novel vividly recreates colonial East Africa while exploring themes of loyalty, courage, survival, and the clash of empires on the eve of World War I.