Upon my second reading of "Quest" I am starting to form a re-evaluate my opinion of this story.
I can still see the irrevocable "fantasy" elements that detract from the original essence of the series, but am now forming a picture of the ageing magus, and his personal belief in the magic that the story encompasses.
I see that as Taita grows older (as Wilbur Smith also grows into his later years) his belief in the spiritual elements of life increases, to the point of delusion(sic). I find this particular attribute present in many of the older people that I know.
I realise that many parts of the book breach reality, but I am finding that some of this is conceptual (not all of course).
The various aspects of the Magus taking credit for, or reading spiritual meanings in natural occurances (Lunar eclipse - drying of the nile etc) is still evident and consistant with the previous novels, but now can take on a deeper relevence given his greater understanding of nature and society. This can help me understand somewhat the direction of the novel and give me a different understanding of its meaning.
Again - I am only halfway through, and it was around here that my initial interest started to wane due to the inconsistency and fantasy aspects of the novel.
Of course a lot of the last chapters become a bit of a cryptic fantasy, but seem to be based, in some small way, in reality.
Please discuss.
Disclaimer!
These are ony opinions off the top of my head!