King of the Khyber Rifles is a thrilling tale of espionage, honor, and high adventure set against the dramatic backdrop of British India and the treacherous terrain of the Khyber Pass. First published in 1916, this gripping novel by Talbot Mundy immerses readers in a world of tribal intrigue, imperial politics, and spiritual mysticism. The story follows Captain Athelstan King, an officer in the British Indian Army, who is tasked with a dangerous mission to prevent an uprising in the volatile North-West Frontier. To succeed, King must navigate a complex web of alliances and loyalties, encounter fierce Pathan warriors, and face the enigmatic Yasmini-a mysterious woman of immense power and beauty whose influence extends across the region. Blending action, romance, and philosophical depth, Mundy's novel explores themes of cultural respect, moral courage, and the clash between East and West. King is not a typical hero-he is reflective, adaptable, and often questions the motives of empire, making the novel far ahead of its time in tone and perspective. An enduring classic of colonial-era adventure fiction, King of the Khyber Rifles remains a captivating read for those who enjoy high-stakes missions, exotic settings, and characters driven by both duty and conscience.