Birds of Prey (Smith novel) Birds of Prey (Smith novel) Birds of Prey is a 1997 novel by Wilbur Smith set in the late 17th century. The novel was the first in the third sequence of the Courtney series of novels, and as of 2013 was chronologically the first in the entire series. Smith says the book established the characteristics of the family: "Right from "Birds of Prey"... the Courtneys were pirates, merchants, looking to seize the main chance. They were very much driven by monetary considerations. But with the Ballantynes it was much more empire, patriotism, glory – the soldierly virtues." In 1667 Holland
Birds of Prey (Drake novel) between their various factions and sects - such knowledge of the Imperial society being needed in his professional capacity. When told by Calvus - who knew his future, which was her very ancient history - that a rump of the Roman Empire (i.e., the Byzantine Empire) would endure for a thousand years as a Christian theocracy, Perennius finds that unpalatable - but still prefers a Christian Empire to no Empire at all. Birds of Prey (Drake novel) Birds of Prey is a novel by science fiction / fantasy author David Drake, first published in 1984. It is related as a