Wilbur Smith writes a lot of fantastical stories set in exotic locations--I remember picking up his books about Ancient Egypt in middle school and devouring them over the span of a week. His latest book, co-written with Tom Harper, is set in India during the 1700s. The first chapter is very descriptive, although they seem unduly focused on descriptions of the female characters' bodies than the beautiful location and customs of the country. The story does seem to be written with the male gaze in mind, but I'm hoping that will change as the story develops.