Books by Jean Van Hamme

Book SynopsisThorgal has been gone for three years. Now, the last raiding expedition organised by the men of his village is late in returning. When a single survivor stumbles in to announce that their drakkar was boarded by the dreaded Shaigan, he also reveals that Shaigan is actually...Thorgal! Outraged, the grieving, vengeful Viking women banish Aaricia and her children and brand her an exile. All that's left for them is to try to find Thorgal again.

Read more less

Book SynopsisXIII and his friends, still in hiding from the NSA, now have the riddle from all three silver watches - and Maximilian's gold is within their reach. But the treasure is well hidden. Not to mention that $15 million is enough to attract a lot of unwanted attention. Meanwhile, in Washington, an increasingly desperate Frank Giordino can feel the noose tightening around his neck - and men are at their most dangerous when desperate. All he needs is someone to bring him the right information...

Read more less

Book SynopsisLittle by little, XIII has reconstructed most of his life and figured out who he is. With one exception: There is still a gap in his college years, when Jason McLane became Kelly Brian. A gap that may mean the amnesiac adventurer is in fact an Irish terrorist, Seamus O'Neil. This flashback brings us back to Boulder, Colorado and Northern Ireland, where the last piece of the XIII puzzle and his final identity are revealed.

Read more less

Book SynopsisA proposed deal between one of Winch's companies and a Chinese group would require that the young billionaire come sign the contract himself in Hong Kong. But there is a problem: In his youth, Largo tangled with Chinese justice in occupied Tibet. He escaped from prison with the help of a Chinese arms smuggler, whose triad later helped rescue Simon from a Burma prison. But that help came with a price, and the triad will one day call in their favour.

Read more less

Book SynopsisXIII and his friends have failed to recover Maximilian's gold and are tired of hiding, running and struggling. When two books come out in the USA relating all the events of the amnesiac's life and the details of the Conspiracy of the XX, they see it as a possible chance to come out in the open and trust in their country's justice. But they still have enemies, at home and abroad, and everyone is set on a collision course...

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe triads of Hong Kong are about to be introduced to the Tao of the Billionaire. Largo has disappeared. His friends and employees are trying to find him while they keep the W Group ticking, but no one seems to know what has happened to him-not even the Chinese authorities. It will be up to the billionaire, locked in a cell with a corpse as his only companion, to escape on his own before he can begin reassessing who are his allies and who are his enemies. KEY SELLING POINTS: *More than 10 million French-language copies sold*Two feature-length films starring Tomer Sisley as Largo Winch, with Kristin Scott Thomas and Sharon Stone, were released in France in 2008 and 2011.*Hugely popular series that has been translated into at least 8 languages The 12th adventure of the reluctant tycoon! Largo Winch is a rare breed of man: a multi-billionaire who distrusts money. Being rich does have advantages, but it also brings headaches, troubles, conspiracies, murder attempts and other despicable behaviour in competitors and underlings. Largo has to stay on top of it all...

Read more less

Book SynopsisMeet Wayne Shelton, the man you call when you want the impossible done. When a high-ranking official of a small nation in the Caucasus is killed in a car accident, the plans of a massive multinational corporation are derailed by one man: the unfortunate French trucker who caused the accident. Pressure from the unions in France and the military in Khalakjistan prevents a quick diplomatic solution. So, to secure its own interests, the corporation calls upon the one man who can break the trucker out of prison and disarm the confrontation: Wayne Shelton.

Read more less

Book SynopsisWhat better place to forget the murky world of international spies than - Washington, amid the murky world of politics? Suzan, still her adopted father's assistant, is now working at the White House, where she becomes the unwilling central figure in a nefarious plot to discredit the president of the United States. After bodies start turning up, Suzan's life is turned upside down once again, leaving her no choice but to run. Will she ever be able to stop?

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe scene is set for the breakout of the century. Wayne Shelton is ready to proceed with the mission and spring his quarry from a Khalak prison. There is a small concern over Madrier, the Frenchman who talked his way onto the team - only to abandon them after he was revealed to be the son of a Khalak dissident...A job's a job, though, and Shelton gave his word to his employer. But what if there are other separate, secret interests among the little band that could jeopardize everything?

Read more less

Book SynopsisLargo must seek proof of his innocence in Turkey. Fresh from his old pilot Freddy's wedding, Largo is back in New York for more celebrating - the departure of one of his employees. But during the party, a Turkish national permanently retires Sir Basil with a couple of bullets. Shortly thereafter, the shooter himself is killed by a sniper before he's had a chance to say a word. When the FBI finally gets involved, they come with accusations of gun trafficking and hiring assassins...Accusations levelled at Largo himself! The 13th adventure of the reluctant tycoon! Largo Winch is a rare breed of man: a multibillionaire who distrusts money. Being rich does have advantages, but it also brings headaches, troubles, conspiracies, murder attempts and other despicable behavior in competitors and underlings. Largo has to stay on top of it all...

Read more less

Book SynopsisA decades-old vengeance against Winch is about to bear fruit. Largo is stuck on a boat with Silky. But this isn't the end of a James Bond story: the vessel's a container ship that belongs to Winch's enemy, a Georgian arms dealer who seems to be behind all the billionaire's current problems. And the crew are armed and trigger-happy...Not entirely surprising, since this time the plot is not just about money - it's also very personal! Poor Largo; things were so much simpler before he stopped being an orphan...The 14th adventure of the reluctant tycoon! Largo Winch is a rare breed of man: a multi-billionaire who distrusts money. Being rich does have advantages, but it also brings headaches, troubles, conspiracies, murder attempts and other despicable behaviour in competitors and underlings. Largo has to stay on top of it all...

Read more less

Book SynopsisSomeone is intent on making XIII's life "interesting" again...After all his adventures across the American continent, after defeating his many enemies, XIII is trying to live a simple life in the house he inherited, where it all started. It's not always easy-not everyone is happy to have such an infamous man in the area, and his skills are in high demand with some people of varying integrity. His memories are still locked away, too, and some people want to keep it that way...

Read more less

Book SynopsisXIII is hiding in France at the Preseaus, after a past more nebulous he even believed possible caught up to him again. But the organization that's after him hasn't said its last word, and has considerable means at its disposal. It lures Jones, on duty in Afghanistan, into a terrible ambush, for the sole purpose of serving as bait for the amnesiac-who immediately rushes to her rescue. Meanwhile, Betty Barnowsky-Preseau is off to Maine to dig into XIII's past...

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe threads of multiple fates intertwine around Largo. Largo is in London for a board meeting with his group's various CEOs. At the same time, he's negotiating with a French aeronautics firm for a deal based upon a groundbreaking new technology. But the British capital seems to be the centre of a curious convergence: people with no apparent links to each other gravitate towards Largo and his inner circle. Old lovers, new flames, intelligence agencies, terrorists...Will the billionaire recognise his true allies amidst such a tangled web?

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisIn the future, the entire population is under a de facto dictatorship because of cerebral implants invented by one F.G. Wilson. Nolan Ska, an engineer, manages to travel back in time, with the intention of changing history by encouraging Wilson first career: novelist. But the man who will eventually become a seemingly immortal despot turns out to be a poor writer, and it will be up to Nolan to use his own memories to be his ghost writer...

Read more less

Book SynopsisThorgal and his family have left Arachnea's island to continue seeking a place to live in peace. As they sail along unknown shores, they're attacked by pirates, then rescued by Prince Zarkaj, who takes them to his palace and pampers them - especially Aaricia. But when Jolan and his mother turn out to have caught the terrible Blue Plague, the prince has them thrown into a guarded pit to die - and it's up to Thorgal to escape in search of a cure.

Read more less

Book SynopsisPoor Largo is beside himselfwith worry. The lovely Saidee, with whom he's fallen madly in love, hasvanished. In fact, she's being held prisoner by a CIA agent who'd forced her toinfiltrate a fundamentalist network hell-bent on blowing Winch up - but whichis actually being manipulated by a Russian businessman...Phew. Nothing is eversimple with Largo!How is he supposed to save his love, keep his group going - while also stayingalive, if at all possible?

Read more less

Book SynopsisIt's been two years now since Thorgal and his family left the north to look for some hypothetical country where men might live in peace and harmony. They are sailing along a deserted and inhospitable stretch of land when Aaricia and the children convince Thorgal that enough is enough. But before they have a chance to turn around, they come across two strange characters who seem fascinated with Thorgal, and that night their boat is mysteriously torched...

Read more less

Book SynopsisThorgal, his family, and his new friends Tiago and Ileniya have been captured by slavers while attempting to cross the desert. The two adult men are sold to the local governor as fodder for a cruel blood game, where young nobles in chariots practice their archery skills on fleeing slaves. Turning the tables on them, Thorgal earns his and Tiago's freedom, but not the women's - and he has made a mortal enemy in the governor's son...

Read more less

Book SynopsisA plane from a South American company crashes in the jungle and only half of the passengers and crew survive. Businessmen, a university professor, a steward, an aging movie star, a banana republic general, a young boy and his nanny... All these varied personalities will have to find a way to unite and work together to survive. But who should they listen to? Who should they follow? Who can they trust? And is relief even on its way?

Read more less

Book SynopsisTwenty years have passed since the survivors of the Corsair crash emerged from the jungle - but they're suddenly dropping like flies. Rafalowski, the cowardly pianist, vanishes. Miss Taylor, the nanny, drowns. Draillac, who was 12 at the time of the accident, is kidnapped and believed dead... One by one, someone is trying to eliminate the survivors.

Read more less

Book SynopsisWhen society pushes the ideals of social equality to their breaking point, the result can easily become plain absurd. For example, in order to avoid the chronic budget deficit of social security, what better way is there but to forbid people to take any chances with their health? Even if it leads to a Medical Police and fines for anyone not watching the weather forecast... Three Kafkaesque stories that paint a frightening picture of an over-regulated world.

Read more less

Book SynopsisA single card to access all the details of a man's life - personal data, medical history, bank details - now that would make everything simpler, wouldn't it? But what if the card stops working - would the person still exist within society? And in a world where births are regulated, how can children born illegally survive in said society if it doesn't even recognise they exist and won't let them have access to anything?

Read more less

Book SynopsisSuperintendent Carelli is getting old, and has already lost most of his illusions. But a routine case catapults him into the middle of a profound mystery: a young girl with no official existence gives him a photograph of a group of people... who don't exist either! As he doggedly digs deeper despite the pressure, obstacles and threats that soon pile against him, he comes across a terrible secret that threatens the very foundations of his world...

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe province of Kivu in the Congo is rich in rare and precious minerals such as coltan, which is vital to our modern technology. However, that wealth is coveted by so many, within the Congo or abroad, that the entire region is a permanent bloodbath. Francois Daans, a young Belgian engineer working for an unscrupulous corporation, arrives in Kivu. His encounter with a young girl, survivor of the latest massacre, will be an eye-opening experience and force him to pick a side...

Read more less

Book SynopsisIn the wild and inhospitable far north, in the land of Scandinavian myths and runic legends, Viking warriors discover a child in a space capsule. Leif Haraldson adopts him and gives him the names of his gods: Thorgal aergisson, son of Thor (god of lightning) and son of Aegir (master of the sea). The tale takes place in the seventh centur and draws its narrative power from the imaginary world of magic spells and legends, where men and gods mix.

Read more less

Book SynopsisParis 1793: Marie Crossholz manages the wax museum set up by her father. Against remuneration, some executioners allow her to mould the faces of guillotined aristocrats. After the French revolution, Marie Crossholz became Mme Tussaud. Disappointed by the marriage, she left for London with the ambition to create a wax museum. 30 years later, in 1835, she inaugurates the famous Tussaud which, since them, has not ceased to grow and has attracted millions of visitors. This is her amazing life story, beautifully illustrated.

Read more less

Book SynopsisTaken aback by Aaricia's disappearance, Thorgal is a shadow of his former self. Eaten away by remorse, the young Shania offers to accompany him in his quest to find his wife. They discover that Aaricia is still alive but held captive by Brek Zarith. Braving all the dangers ahead of him, Thorgal is determined to penetrate Brek Zarith's fortress to save his wife and son.

Read more less

Book SynopsisLargo Winczlav, born in Yugoslavia, is an orphan. Thousands of miles away from his native town, one of the richest men in the world will change his destiny. He has the same name as him, only slightly different: Winch. This man, Nerio Winch, wants to find an heir to his empire. He adopts Largo and, when Nerio disappears in dramatic circumstances, Largo inherits the biggest conglomerate of multinationals ever owned and managed by a single man. He is now worth 10 billion dollars, which is not to everybody's taste...

Read more less

Book SynopsisA veritable secret war for power takes place behind the scenes in big financial groups. One of the most common methods of attack is the takeover bid: a would-be buyer offers to acquire all available shares of a rival at a determined price in order to control it. The W group is attacked by FENICO, a business conglomerate. As if this were not enough, the U.S. Internal Revenue Service also takes on Largo Winch. Will he lose his entire fortune? This two-volume book includes "Business Blues".

Read more less

Book SynopsisScandal breaks in the London press: There is a mole in the Intelligence Service! And it appears without a doubt, on a photograph taken by agents of MI 5, that the mole wears the face of Francis Blake! Mortimer is determined to believe that his friend has been forced to act against his will. But the initial investigations sweep away this hypothesis: Blake has opened, under an assumed name, an account fed by payments coming from the Bahamas. In a few months, he has withdrawn 30,000 - more than 10 times his annual pay! With MI 5 agents planning to try Blake for high treason, or to kill him if needed, Mortimer decides to find his friend before they do. A long hunt begins.

Read more less

Book SynopsisA cup of tea? A drop of milk? A spoonful of poison? At first sight, nothing would make the very select club called Green Manor stand out from any other English club. Yet behind its thick walls, sunk into its deep chairs, hides the biggest bunch of con artists, bandits and murderers that Queen Victoria's England has ever seen.

Read more less

Book SynopsisJolan has become a robust kid who is interested in everything. The strange signs he draws without knowing their meaning thoroughly intrigue his parents. During one escapade, he makes friends with a boy his age. The child seems to be lost and is terrified of adults. Along with being deaf and mute, he cannot answer questions raised by his mysterious presence. Surprised by a storm, Thorgal has been taken in by an old couple. Without boat or money, he can't return to his village. Perhaps an archery competition will allow him to buy a new boat. Of all the competitors, the beautiful Kriss de Valnor is without any doubt the most formidable. This two-volume book includes "Alinoe".

Read more less

Book SynopsisAdopted daughter and principal collaborator of James Fitzroy, roving ambassador, special correspondent for the American Secretary of State in Europe, Susan is a clever, multilingual young woman, in full bloom and perfectly happy in the eyes of an attentive father. But this too-perfect happiness hides many faults, sorrows and mysteries. Trapped by her past, Susan will have to play her most dangerous role in a life already rich with adventure: Lady S, high-class spy in a diplomatic environment. This two-volume book includes "Na Zdorovie, Shaniouchka!"

Read more less

Book SynopsisBlake and Mortimer head to the United States to investigate the mysterious circumstances surrounding the discovery of a 177-year-old body, which appears to have died very recently. The body is that of a Scottish major, Mortimer's forebear, who was leading a British military expedition to the US in 1777, where he was swallowed up by a strange multi-coloured light-beam shining down from the sky. Blake and Mortimer fight men in black armed with green-laser guns and soldiers emerging from the past in order to save the Earth from complete obliteration.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis two-volume book includes "HA".H : Largo Winch gives a cocktail party to launch his foundation for war orphans when a waiter brings out one of his colleagues' severed head on a tray. He has been murdered by the drugs traffickers Largo is after. In a matter of hours, the billionaire's life is turned upside down. Dutch Connection : Two policemen are shot down as they arrest Largo Winch and he is charged with the murders. On top of that, he is accused of being part of the international heroin trade. Largo flees to Paris and ends up in the homeless community, with little hope of escaping the dire fate that awaits him : a lifelong jail sentence...

Read more less

Book SynopsisLargo's best friend, Simon Ovronnaz, is being targeted by the secret services of Myanmar (formerly Burma). Simon and his girlfriend are wrongfully convicted of murder and imprisoned. After a very flawed trial, Simon is condemned to death and transferred to the infamous Fort Makiling. Blissfully ignorant of his friend's fate, Largo is enjoying a romantic adventure at the top of the world, while the plot against him deepens dangerously.

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less