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Sword and Scimitar
Bestselling author Simon Scarrow brings the Great Siege of Malta to vivid and unforgettable life in this gripping standalone novel.1565, a vital outpost between the divided nations of Europe and the relentlessly expanding Ottoman Empire. Faced with ferocious attack by a vast Turkish fleet, the knights of the Order of St John fear annihilation. Amongst those called to assist is disgraced veteran Sir Thomas Barrett. Loyalty and instinct compel him to put the Order above all other concerns, yet his allegiance is divided. At Queen Elizabeth's command, he must search for a hidden scroll, guarded by the knights, that threatens her reign.As Sir Thomas confronts the past that cost him his honour and a secret that has long lain buried, a vast enemy army arrives to lay siege to the island...
448 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 2012
106 people are currently reading
1124 people want to read
About the author
Simon Scarrow
171 books2,158 followersSimon Scarrow is a UK-based author, born in Nigeria, and now living in Norfolk. He completed a master's degree at the University of East Anglia, and, after working at the Inland Revenue, went into teaching as a lecturer at City College, Norwich.
He is best known for his "Eagle" series. This is Roman empire military fiction, starting with the second invasion of Britain, and continuing with subsequent adventures in every corner of the empire. The stories are told through the eyes of two centurions, Macro and Cato. To date there are eighteen books in the series.
Scarrow has also written a series of four novels on the Napoleonic wars, focusing on the lives of Wellington and Napoleon.
He is best known for his "Eagle" series. This is Roman empire military fiction, starting with the second invasion of Britain, and continuing with subsequent adventures in every corner of the empire. The stories are told through the eyes of two centurions, Macro and Cato. To date there are eighteen books in the series.
Scarrow has also written a series of four novels on the Napoleonic wars, focusing on the lives of Wellington and Napoleon.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 152 reviews
July 20, 2017
"We are all the prisoners of our history."
- Simon Scarrow, Sword and Scimitar
Typically, whenever I travel to a country I've never been before I try to read both historical and fictional books related to my destination. This summer I took my wife and kids to Malta. This book seemed to fit the bill for a good airplane read. Not too deep or nuanced, but good historical perspective on the Siege of Malta.
The problem was it was just a bit light. It reminded me of a lazy Ken Follett. And I'm not a big Follett fan. It didn't even begin to approach great historical fiction (Patrick O'Brian, Robert Graves, Hilary Mantel). It wasn't literary and when it tried to be literary the voice ended up sounding like a 20th century agnostic and not a 15th century skeptic. But still, it did provide a good basic understanding of the siege and wasn't overly melodramatic (oh, it did have its melodrama for sure...). Anyway, it didn't inspire me to stop reading nor inspire me to hunt out more Simon Scarrow books.
- Simon Scarrow, Sword and Scimitar
Typically, whenever I travel to a country I've never been before I try to read both historical and fictional books related to my destination. This summer I took my wife and kids to Malta. This book seemed to fit the bill for a good airplane read. Not too deep or nuanced, but good historical perspective on the Siege of Malta.
The problem was it was just a bit light. It reminded me of a lazy Ken Follett. And I'm not a big Follett fan. It didn't even begin to approach great historical fiction (Patrick O'Brian, Robert Graves, Hilary Mantel). It wasn't literary and when it tried to be literary the voice ended up sounding like a 20th century agnostic and not a 15th century skeptic. But still, it did provide a good basic understanding of the siege and wasn't overly melodramatic (oh, it did have its melodrama for sure...). Anyway, it didn't inspire me to stop reading nor inspire me to hunt out more Simon Scarrow books.
January 8, 2022
Read this book in 2012, and its a standalone book about the Siege of Malta of AD 1565.
Compared to Willem Napier's book about this great historical Siege, I have to say in all honesty that I find this encounter a little bit less exciting and convincing as a whole.
The Order of St John is facing annihilation when the Ottoman attack is on its way to Malta, in an attempt to bring the rest of Europe under Muslim rule.
In this maelstrom of activities is a certain disgraced former Knight called, Sir Thomas Barrett, and when summoned by the order he will fight for Christendom and its survival as never before, but hios loyalties are divided when he's ordered by Queen Elizabeth to retrieve a scroll, which is guarded by the Order, for it can threaten her reign.
With divided loyalties, Sir Thomas Barrett, fights for his own freedom of mind as well as for the rest of Christendom, and desperately with the rest of the Island and the former colleague Knights they will be able to repel the Ottoman Empire and sent them packing.
What is to follow is a very exciting Siege of Malta itself, but the part of Sir Thomas Barrett role and purpose is somewhat flat in my opinion, but still as a whole this is a very likeable read brought to us by the author in an entertaining fashion.
Very much recommended for any who like to read about the Great Siege of Malta where Christendom was saved by a small group of Knights and locals, and that's why I like to call this book: "A Very Enjoyable Sword And Scimitar"!
Compared to Willem Napier's book about this great historical Siege, I have to say in all honesty that I find this encounter a little bit less exciting and convincing as a whole.
The Order of St John is facing annihilation when the Ottoman attack is on its way to Malta, in an attempt to bring the rest of Europe under Muslim rule.
In this maelstrom of activities is a certain disgraced former Knight called, Sir Thomas Barrett, and when summoned by the order he will fight for Christendom and its survival as never before, but hios loyalties are divided when he's ordered by Queen Elizabeth to retrieve a scroll, which is guarded by the Order, for it can threaten her reign.
With divided loyalties, Sir Thomas Barrett, fights for his own freedom of mind as well as for the rest of Christendom, and desperately with the rest of the Island and the former colleague Knights they will be able to repel the Ottoman Empire and sent them packing.
What is to follow is a very exciting Siege of Malta itself, but the part of Sir Thomas Barrett role and purpose is somewhat flat in my opinion, but still as a whole this is a very likeable read brought to us by the author in an entertaining fashion.
Very much recommended for any who like to read about the Great Siege of Malta where Christendom was saved by a small group of Knights and locals, and that's why I like to call this book: "A Very Enjoyable Sword And Scimitar"!
October 15, 2015
In this novel Simon Scarrow brings the Great Siege of Malta back to life. I live in Malta, close to the places where the fighting took place. While and after reading this book, I just wanted to visit all these places and see the story unfold in front of me.
I also like the way the author involved Henry VIII into the story.
A clever blend of fact and fiction!
I also like the way the author involved Henry VIII into the story.
A clever blend of fact and fiction!
August 17, 2014
A strong, richly detailed, immersive read that throws you right into the location and time in history. Scarrow takes the historical context with real life characters (and a handful of fictional) and throws in some extra, intriguing if underplayed elements such as the search for the scroll which could threaten the reign of Elizabeth back in England.
September 20, 2018
Uma boa história, bem contada. Chega a ser asfixiante. Obrigado, Simon. A qualidade a que estamos habituados.
March 31, 2024
4.5 stars
May 15, 2013
Disappointing
I wasn’t too sure about this book after reading the tagline ‘A battle that could not be lost. A love that could not win.’ And unfortunately my first instinct was right.
This book although having a promising setting – the great siege of Malta of 1565 – fails to deliver on many counts.
Firstly the characters are all very one dimensional with scant reference to who they are or how they feel, apart from the protagonist Sir Thomas Barrett having to quell his anger a great deal! There is no real depth to anyone – by the end I found I really didn’t care at all!
The plot itself is so thin and predictable it was all I could do to persevere to the end of the book. What meagre tension there was in the story wasn’t enough to enthral me and even the battle scenes seemed quite superficial.
Coming from a novelist whose supposedly ‘powerful novels have topped the bestseller lists’ I thought this book was weak, predicable and quite honestly did not do justice to what should have been compelling subject matter.
This may be just the thing for any readers who like to know what is likely to happen next or who don’t want to be absorbed by the characters and a sense of place but I for one will certainly not be in a hurry to read any Simon Scarrow again.
I wasn’t too sure about this book after reading the tagline ‘A battle that could not be lost. A love that could not win.’ And unfortunately my first instinct was right.
This book although having a promising setting – the great siege of Malta of 1565 – fails to deliver on many counts.
Firstly the characters are all very one dimensional with scant reference to who they are or how they feel, apart from the protagonist Sir Thomas Barrett having to quell his anger a great deal! There is no real depth to anyone – by the end I found I really didn’t care at all!
The plot itself is so thin and predictable it was all I could do to persevere to the end of the book. What meagre tension there was in the story wasn’t enough to enthral me and even the battle scenes seemed quite superficial.
Coming from a novelist whose supposedly ‘powerful novels have topped the bestseller lists’ I thought this book was weak, predicable and quite honestly did not do justice to what should have been compelling subject matter.
This may be just the thing for any readers who like to know what is likely to happen next or who don’t want to be absorbed by the characters and a sense of place but I for one will certainly not be in a hurry to read any Simon Scarrow again.
February 26, 2020
I've been reading the Wikipedia of the real events alongside this historical fiction - to be honest I find the personal story of Sir Thomas detracts from the larger struggle of the siege and battle. So many great historical events that are missed because of the focus on the characters and the romance. The arrival of 600 early reinforcements could have been a great scene/chapter/focus. The decapitation and floating of the bodies on the crucifixes could have been devastating if this was included and the fate of a character we cared about.
I'm surprised also that Scarrow didn't have any view of the Turkish leadership which had it's own challenges and strong characters. The political powerplay between Pasha, Dragut and Suleiman is missing (as their side is not included) and Dragut's death could have been quite a scene in focus not just an aside comment to produce a brief morale booster for the knights.
Scarrow as always turns out a readable yarn, I just would have liked to have seen a bit more. In a bygone era it would have made a decent Sunday evening period drama on the TV.
I'm surprised also that Scarrow didn't have any view of the Turkish leadership which had it's own challenges and strong characters. The political powerplay between Pasha, Dragut and Suleiman is missing (as their side is not included) and Dragut's death could have been quite a scene in focus not just an aside comment to produce a brief morale booster for the knights.
Scarrow as always turns out a readable yarn, I just would have liked to have seen a bit more. In a bygone era it would have made a decent Sunday evening period drama on the TV.
May 13, 2022
Emocionante novela histórica sobre el sitio de Malta por los turcos en 1565. Simon Scarrow narra con gran sentido del ritmo, realismo y detalle la heroica resistencia de los malteses y los Caballeros de la Orden de San Juan de Malta, bajo el liderazgo del Gran Maestre Jean Parisot de Valette. Cuando todo parecía perdido, la hazaña conseguida en Malta reavivó el empeño de frenar la ambición turca por dominar Europa. Seis años después, Lepanto inclinaría aún más la balanza.
Scarrow sabe transmitir la trascendencia del episodio histórico y la crudeza del conflicto a través de unos personajes con los que es sencillo identificarse. La novela es profundamente didáctica y de algún modo homenajea al código caballeresco, ya una antigualla en el siglo XVI tardío, y que no tardaría en desaparecer.
La compré y leí justo tras visitar Malta - ojalá lo hubiese hecho justo antes de ir.
Scarrow sabe transmitir la trascendencia del episodio histórico y la crudeza del conflicto a través de unos personajes con los que es sencillo identificarse. La novela es profundamente didáctica y de algún modo homenajea al código caballeresco, ya una antigualla en el siglo XVI tardío, y que no tardaría en desaparecer.
La compré y leí justo tras visitar Malta - ojalá lo hubiese hecho justo antes de ir.
June 14, 2018
I almost abandoned this early on because it was so poorly written in terms of cliched characters and stilted language. Simon Scarrow writes entertaining Roman "boys' own" adventures but this move into the Renaissance and the Siege of Malta was a poor move.
Now don't get me wrong, it had it's derring do bits, was awash with blood and guts and action... it was even educational (being an easy way of getting into the history of the Great Siege) and entertaining in its own way, but so much of it is cliche and so much is telegraphed well in advance so that you know exactly what is going to happen and who is who...
No, I'm glad this was a one-off.
Now don't get me wrong, it had it's derring do bits, was awash with blood and guts and action... it was even educational (being an easy way of getting into the history of the Great Siege) and entertaining in its own way, but so much of it is cliche and so much is telegraphed well in advance so that you know exactly what is going to happen and who is who...
No, I'm glad this was a one-off.
September 8, 2021
I felt like I'd read this book already and I realized a good ways in why that was. Scarrow took the historical story from Ernle Bradfords popular history "The Great Siege: Malta 1565" and imposed it onto the plot of "The Count Of Monte Cristo" and reworked the band of brothers speech from Shakespeare's "Henry V" midway through when the monk makes his sermon. Lazy lazy. Not to mention I didn't pick the book up for a corny love story but for a dramatization of one of the most epic battles in history. Less love, more war please.
He has technical talent as a writer, but it was too unoriginal for me and left out all the best parts of the story for mediocre romance.
He has technical talent as a writer, but it was too unoriginal for me and left out all the best parts of the story for mediocre romance.
April 4, 2022
Simply not what I expected.
A kind of teenage book.
A kind of teenage book.
July 4, 2022
Most of the book reviews are somewhere between 1 and 5 stars. I gave it a grudging 3 stars. I think the love story detracted from the story of the Siege of Malta. I much prefer Scarrow's Roman books
January 25, 2017
As I love Malta and knew some of the history I found this fascinating as far as the epic battle was concerned. Liked the characters and there were some unexpected twists
April 19, 2013
A powerful historical masterpiece by an accomplished author, who brings history vividly to life in all its vibrancy and grittiness.
From bestselling author of ‘Under the Eagle’ and ‘the gladiator’ comes a refreshingly original tale that tells the definitive story of the great siege of Malta. The delicately interwoven narrative cleverly combines exquisite historical detail with inspired creative vision, ultimately capturing quintessentially the harshness of the times perfectly. Set within 1565 wherein the Ottoman Empire’s power threatens to dominate Europe, ‘Sword and Scimitar’ highlights the concentrated rift between the Islamists and Christians which raged relentlessly for centuries. Sir Thomas Barrett is a courageous Knight of Saint John, who despite being exiled from Malta is called upon to weild his sword once more in the name of justice. The threat of the Ottoman army, their power and mercilessness is encapsulated within richly detailed passages as the author’s extensive research and insight is disclosed. I was sucked into a compelling, dramatic saga of such substance and complexity with a main protagonist whose sense of honor, duty and sacrifice is commendable.
The narrative (surrounding one of the most powerful monarchs upon England’s throne; Queen Elizabeth) tells a sweeping tale of such epic proportions that’s breathtakingly impressive and mighty. As you are thrust into the heart of battle, reminiscent of Conn Iggulden or Bernard Cornwell, one gains a sense of understanding of the undeniably convincing connotation and profound meaning within. I am constantly in awe of how Simon Scarrow writes such starkly poignant and powerfully dramatic stories that reach out to your inmost core, touching you with authenticity, delicate ambience and realism. This gloriously assured and boldly ambitious story is so impressive, by an author who remains a true master of his craft. This has to be one of the most remarkable, tremendous historical novels I have encountered this year by one of the greatest writers of this genre and so I cannot praise nor commend ‘Sword and Scimitar’ more.
*I was sent a paperback copy of “Sword and Scimitar by Simon Scarrow” to read and review, for ‘Real Readers.*
www.realreaders.co.uk
From bestselling author of ‘Under the Eagle’ and ‘the gladiator’ comes a refreshingly original tale that tells the definitive story of the great siege of Malta. The delicately interwoven narrative cleverly combines exquisite historical detail with inspired creative vision, ultimately capturing quintessentially the harshness of the times perfectly. Set within 1565 wherein the Ottoman Empire’s power threatens to dominate Europe, ‘Sword and Scimitar’ highlights the concentrated rift between the Islamists and Christians which raged relentlessly for centuries. Sir Thomas Barrett is a courageous Knight of Saint John, who despite being exiled from Malta is called upon to weild his sword once more in the name of justice. The threat of the Ottoman army, their power and mercilessness is encapsulated within richly detailed passages as the author’s extensive research and insight is disclosed. I was sucked into a compelling, dramatic saga of such substance and complexity with a main protagonist whose sense of honor, duty and sacrifice is commendable.
The narrative (surrounding one of the most powerful monarchs upon England’s throne; Queen Elizabeth) tells a sweeping tale of such epic proportions that’s breathtakingly impressive and mighty. As you are thrust into the heart of battle, reminiscent of Conn Iggulden or Bernard Cornwell, one gains a sense of understanding of the undeniably convincing connotation and profound meaning within. I am constantly in awe of how Simon Scarrow writes such starkly poignant and powerfully dramatic stories that reach out to your inmost core, touching you with authenticity, delicate ambience and realism. This gloriously assured and boldly ambitious story is so impressive, by an author who remains a true master of his craft. This has to be one of the most remarkable, tremendous historical novels I have encountered this year by one of the greatest writers of this genre and so I cannot praise nor commend ‘Sword and Scimitar’ more.
*I was sent a paperback copy of “Sword and Scimitar by Simon Scarrow” to read and review, for ‘Real Readers.*
www.realreaders.co.uk
December 10, 2012
c2012. FWFTB: Malta, 1565, St John, Ottoman, scroll. Its always a pleasure to read a story about a period or episode in history that is not generally well known. Mr Scarrow has a deft hand when it comes to the descriptions of both land and naval battles and manages to catch the camaraderie and heroism of individual soldiers. I wish, though, that the denouement had not been so obvious and that the almost sole female character had not been such a caricature. And - really - Mr Scarrow - did you have to kill off the main character!!! Dash and bones.......Recommended to the normal crew. FCN: Sir Thomas Barrett (the 'old' and crusty hero), Richard (his supposed squire who really doesn't know his place), Jean Parisot de La Valette (a genuine historical character), Oliver Stokely (not a very nice person so the villian of the piece really), Maria (not a very inventive name) 'Powerful men never seem to take account of their servants.'
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 4, 2019
Having visited Malta a couple of years ago and learnt about the seige for the first time, I was intrigued to read this account of it. It was a very modern telling of the story, which told the basics of the events of the siege with rather a lot of romanticism and quite a contrived plot, particularly the Walsingham connection. The philosophical wonderings of the main character were something that seemed very 21st century, though I could almost imagine somebody seeing what he had seen and coming to the same conclusions. The battle scenes didn't shy away from the violence and realities of war, and I think this was one of its strengths - no glorification of battle here. Overall, this was fine, but not much more.
November 3, 2017
El asedio de Malta de 1565 contado de la mano de uno de los caballeros de la orden de San Juan. Esta vez Simon abandona el mundo romano para explorar una nueva historia. Al igual que sus conocidas obras de la serie del Águila, mucha acción, en algunos puntos con poca credibilidad, pero el hecho histórico está allí y alguno de los caballeros tuvo que realizar alguna hazaña del estilo. Acción y poca profundidad, enemigos acérrimos, algunas batallas, un poco de amor y un gran asedio completan la entretenida historia.
La espada y la cimitarra: Si te gustan las novelas ligeras de acción esta te puede entretener.
Nota: 6
La espada y la cimitarra: Si te gustan las novelas ligeras de acción esta te puede entretener.
Nota: 6
May 27, 2020
I'm taking advantage of lockdown to get through piles of books I amassed (some as far back as ten years ago) and haven't read yet, although I probably wouldn't bother to pick many of them up today. This was fine but I wish the actual book had gone more into how the Christian knights were just as fanatical and ruthless as the Muslim army (as the author did in the notes afterward) beyond Thomas having a few reflections on how barbaric war is in general.
November 9, 2017
For all that the book calls the siege of Malta a turning point in history, I have to admit I don't think I had heard of it before reading this novel. The author has clearly researched the subject thoroughly and it is all very vivid. That aspect of the book is very strong.
However, the subplot was rather predictable and melodramatic, like something out of a soap opera rather than a grand historical novel. It's a decent read, but could have been better.
However, the subplot was rather predictable and melodramatic, like something out of a soap opera rather than a grand historical novel. It's a decent read, but could have been better.
July 8, 2015
I loved the book!! It was the best historical fiction that I have read in a long time. It is also wonderful since we were just in Malta and toured the City of Valetta. The book has strategic warfare, history and romance. Great read!
July 17, 2018
Despite being a big fan of Scarrow , i found this book a burden to plow through , the love interest was just plain boring , not his best effort
November 15, 2024
On continue donc sur notre lancée de romans de genre historique avec cette fois-ci, non pas l'Empire Romain mais les guerres de religion. Il ne s'agit pas d'une saga mais d'un seul tome.
L'histoire débute en 1564, dans le dernier tiers du 16ème siècle sur l'île de Malte. On retrouve sir Thomas Barrett, un anglais, qui sert l'ordre des Chevaliers de Saint-Jean contre les ennemis de la Chrétienté. Depuis que l'ordre a été chassé de Chypre, ils défendent bec et ongle leur bastion. Sir Thomas Barrett sert sous les ordres de La Valette et ils attaquent des embarcations musulmanes pour diverses raisons et cela leur fait également des vivres en plus. Alors qu'ils attaquent une embarcation musulmane, ils libèrent bien sûr les prisonniers chrétiens qui servaient de rameurs et y mettent les musulmans à la place pour prendre les navires et parmi les prisonniers, ils trouvent une jeune femme, qui fait partie de la noblesse italienne. Après être revenu à Malte, sir Thomas Barrett tombe sous le charme de la jeune femme, Maria, et, malheureusement, il tombe sous le charme de la belle italienne mais cela va lui coûter son honneur et sa place dans l'Ordre.
On se retrouve par la suite vingt ans plus tard alors que Thomas Barrett est retourné en Angleterre, seul, dans son domaine avec quelques domestiques, vidant ses bouteilles et se morfondant également. Peu de temps après, il reçoit une lettre de la part du nouveau grand maître de l'Ordre, La Valette qui l'invite à venir rejoindre Malte pour une possible invasion de la part de Soliman. Il reçoit également une invitation de Walsingham, le ministre de la reine Elisabeth 1ère. Il ne faut pas oublier qu'à ce moment là, les protestants et les catholiques se tapent toujours dessus, depuis la séparation avec l'Eglise d'Henry VIII. Bref, Walsingham et un autre membre proche d'Elisabeth 1ère savent qu'ils va retourner à Malte ; il lui confie une mission ainsi qu'un jeune homme au service de ces derniers qui servira d'écuyer à Thomas Barrett. La mission en question : récupérer un document important qui pourrait compromettre la reine s'il n'était pas récupéré ou s'il tombait dans les mains des Musulmans. De plus, le dit document est protégé dans une espèce de coffre fort présent sur l'île. Entre intrigues, mensonges, tromperies, retrouvailles et révélations, la mission de sir Thomas Barrett ne s'annonce pas des plus facile.
L'histoire fut très intéressante, même si on reste toujours sur une histoire de document secret à récupérer. Néanmoins, j'ai décidé de laisser une chance à ce roman car j'adore déjà l'époque des Croisades ainsi que l'histoire des différents ordres militants et militaires de l'époque avec les Hospitaliers et les autres. J'avoue que certains passages auraient pu être plus courts ; certaines descriptions également mais dans l'ensemble, cela se lit assez bien et ça s'accélère assez vers les deux tiers de l'ouvrage. J'avoue que la fin laisse un petit goût d'inachevé mais soit, un seul tome est suffisant pour cette histoire. En conclusion, un très bon tome avec une bonne histoire et de bons personnages, avec des personnages que l'on apprécie et que l'on déteste.
L'histoire débute en 1564, dans le dernier tiers du 16ème siècle sur l'île de Malte. On retrouve sir Thomas Barrett, un anglais, qui sert l'ordre des Chevaliers de Saint-Jean contre les ennemis de la Chrétienté. Depuis que l'ordre a été chassé de Chypre, ils défendent bec et ongle leur bastion. Sir Thomas Barrett sert sous les ordres de La Valette et ils attaquent des embarcations musulmanes pour diverses raisons et cela leur fait également des vivres en plus. Alors qu'ils attaquent une embarcation musulmane, ils libèrent bien sûr les prisonniers chrétiens qui servaient de rameurs et y mettent les musulmans à la place pour prendre les navires et parmi les prisonniers, ils trouvent une jeune femme, qui fait partie de la noblesse italienne. Après être revenu à Malte, sir Thomas Barrett tombe sous le charme de la jeune femme, Maria, et, malheureusement, il tombe sous le charme de la belle italienne mais cela va lui coûter son honneur et sa place dans l'Ordre.
On se retrouve par la suite vingt ans plus tard alors que Thomas Barrett est retourné en Angleterre, seul, dans son domaine avec quelques domestiques, vidant ses bouteilles et se morfondant également. Peu de temps après, il reçoit une lettre de la part du nouveau grand maître de l'Ordre, La Valette qui l'invite à venir rejoindre Malte pour une possible invasion de la part de Soliman. Il reçoit également une invitation de Walsingham, le ministre de la reine Elisabeth 1ère. Il ne faut pas oublier qu'à ce moment là, les protestants et les catholiques se tapent toujours dessus, depuis la séparation avec l'Eglise d'Henry VIII. Bref, Walsingham et un autre membre proche d'Elisabeth 1ère savent qu'ils va retourner à Malte ; il lui confie une mission ainsi qu'un jeune homme au service de ces derniers qui servira d'écuyer à Thomas Barrett. La mission en question : récupérer un document important qui pourrait compromettre la reine s'il n'était pas récupéré ou s'il tombait dans les mains des Musulmans. De plus, le dit document est protégé dans une espèce de coffre fort présent sur l'île. Entre intrigues, mensonges, tromperies, retrouvailles et révélations, la mission de sir Thomas Barrett ne s'annonce pas des plus facile.
L'histoire fut très intéressante, même si on reste toujours sur une histoire de document secret à récupérer. Néanmoins, j'ai décidé de laisser une chance à ce roman car j'adore déjà l'époque des Croisades ainsi que l'histoire des différents ordres militants et militaires de l'époque avec les Hospitaliers et les autres. J'avoue que certains passages auraient pu être plus courts ; certaines descriptions également mais dans l'ensemble, cela se lit assez bien et ça s'accélère assez vers les deux tiers de l'ouvrage. J'avoue que la fin laisse un petit goût d'inachevé mais soit, un seul tome est suffisant pour cette histoire. En conclusion, un très bon tome avec une bonne histoire et de bons personnages, avec des personnages que l'on apprécie et que l'on déteste.
December 30, 2023
'I am a knight. It is my duty to fight'
An impending holiday to Malta prompted me to indugle in my first foray into a Simon Scarrow novel that wasn't about the Roman Empire, and I'm glad I did.
Being in Malta, and whether it was standing on the ramparts of Fort St Angelo, wandering the streets of Birgu, or taking in the Grand Harbour from the heights of the Lower Barrakka Gardens in Valetta, I was able to see the 1565 Great Siege of Malta unfolding in my mind's eye. In this respect Malta hasn't changed an awful lot, at least not enough to blot out one of the most important battles of the 16th century.
The story is one of love and redemption, set against the backdrop of the merciless battle between Christendom and Islam, that raged for four months on this tiny island in 1565. It was here that the island's rulers, the Knights of St John, led by the Frenchman, Jean Parisot de La Valette, with assorted mercenaries and locals to aid them, successfully repelled a huge Ottoman Turk army sent by Sultan Suleiman, to seize this strategic rock, just fifty-two nautical miles south of Sicily.
The central character of the novel is Englishman Sir Thomas Barrett, a one time Knight who had been banished from the island, and the Order, many years before after breaking his vows of chastity, and falling in love with the Italian, Maria de Venici, who he had rescued from a corsair galley. It is Barrett who is reluctantly recruited by the Secretary of State to Elizabeth I, Sir William Cecil, to go to Malta and re-join the Order in their hour of need, whilst helping Cecil's young agent, Richard Hughes, recover a scroll that could "tear this country apart" if it were made public.
So begins a rip-roaring Scarrow novel where blood, loyalty, love, faith and honour are intertwined, against the backdrop of a desperate battle for survival, where the future for the protagonists often looks bleak. It contains the standard graphic depictions of battle you often find in Scarrow's historical novels, and the intrigue that always seems to underpin them, as well as the meticulous research he always carries out. You kind of know what you're getting with a Simon Scarrow novel, so if you like all these elements, then you won't be disappointed.
If you are travelling to Malta anytime soon, then you could do worse than pick up this novel for a crash course in a period of Maltese history that helped shape this tiny Mediterranean nation. When you walk the streets of the capital named after the Grand Master of the Knights, gaze at the formerly ruined Fort St Elmo, or stand on the ramparts of the immovable Fort St Angelo, you can almost hear the echoes of history as the Knights of St John made their heroic stand against overwhelming odds, with only their sense of duty and faith to guide them.
An impending holiday to Malta prompted me to indugle in my first foray into a Simon Scarrow novel that wasn't about the Roman Empire, and I'm glad I did.
Being in Malta, and whether it was standing on the ramparts of Fort St Angelo, wandering the streets of Birgu, or taking in the Grand Harbour from the heights of the Lower Barrakka Gardens in Valetta, I was able to see the 1565 Great Siege of Malta unfolding in my mind's eye. In this respect Malta hasn't changed an awful lot, at least not enough to blot out one of the most important battles of the 16th century.
The story is one of love and redemption, set against the backdrop of the merciless battle between Christendom and Islam, that raged for four months on this tiny island in 1565. It was here that the island's rulers, the Knights of St John, led by the Frenchman, Jean Parisot de La Valette, with assorted mercenaries and locals to aid them, successfully repelled a huge Ottoman Turk army sent by Sultan Suleiman, to seize this strategic rock, just fifty-two nautical miles south of Sicily.
The central character of the novel is Englishman Sir Thomas Barrett, a one time Knight who had been banished from the island, and the Order, many years before after breaking his vows of chastity, and falling in love with the Italian, Maria de Venici, who he had rescued from a corsair galley. It is Barrett who is reluctantly recruited by the Secretary of State to Elizabeth I, Sir William Cecil, to go to Malta and re-join the Order in their hour of need, whilst helping Cecil's young agent, Richard Hughes, recover a scroll that could "tear this country apart" if it were made public.
So begins a rip-roaring Scarrow novel where blood, loyalty, love, faith and honour are intertwined, against the backdrop of a desperate battle for survival, where the future for the protagonists often looks bleak. It contains the standard graphic depictions of battle you often find in Scarrow's historical novels, and the intrigue that always seems to underpin them, as well as the meticulous research he always carries out. You kind of know what you're getting with a Simon Scarrow novel, so if you like all these elements, then you won't be disappointed.
If you are travelling to Malta anytime soon, then you could do worse than pick up this novel for a crash course in a period of Maltese history that helped shape this tiny Mediterranean nation. When you walk the streets of the capital named after the Grand Master of the Knights, gaze at the formerly ruined Fort St Elmo, or stand on the ramparts of the immovable Fort St Angelo, you can almost hear the echoes of history as the Knights of St John made their heroic stand against overwhelming odds, with only their sense of duty and faith to guide them.
November 3, 2023
This is a book of two halves. The first half is excellent, the second is mediocre to poor.
I feel rather cheated now I've finished this book. It promised so much, but somehow, despite a cracking start, managed to be quite a let down. The set up is good - the Siege of Malta is a highly significant siege, full of heroism and a fantastic story of the Order of St John, and the Maltese, fighting against overwhelming odds. Given this setting, you'd think it would be hard to mess up such a story. Not only that, but Scarrow adds in additional layers of intrigue with a secret mission to be carried out during the siege, which adds an interesting additional dimension to the book. There's also a forbidden romance, which again, initially adds depth to the novel. Scarrow also provides some interesting layers of detail about the Order of St John.
And then - spoiler alert - it all comes crashing down. For starters, romance isn't Scarrow's forte and it feels rushed and clunky. Secondly, the book pretty much resolves all plotlines by halfway to two thirds in, making for a weird, long drawn out conclusion with very little interest, never mind tension. The romance, the secret mission, even the focus on the siege all peters out about two thirds of the way through the book. Really after the fall of Saint Elmo's all tension and practically every strand of plot simply evaporates. What makes this even more bizarre is especially on the siege front, if anything the tension should ratchet up. Even the interplay/journey from hostility to warmth between the two main characters feels whoppingly rushed.
In fact rushed is the best way to describe this book. Everything rushes to the conclusion far too early and easily. Everything is too quick, adding an unnatural brusqueness to proceedings, which is all the more galling after a solid set up and first third of the book. It's still an ok read but you can't help wondering what on earth was going on with the pacing in the book and be left feeling disappointed. Perhaps Scarrow was eager to get on with another project, and then realised he had to bump up the novel. Two stars at best.
I feel rather cheated now I've finished this book. It promised so much, but somehow, despite a cracking start, managed to be quite a let down. The set up is good - the Siege of Malta is a highly significant siege, full of heroism and a fantastic story of the Order of St John, and the Maltese, fighting against overwhelming odds. Given this setting, you'd think it would be hard to mess up such a story. Not only that, but Scarrow adds in additional layers of intrigue with a secret mission to be carried out during the siege, which adds an interesting additional dimension to the book. There's also a forbidden romance, which again, initially adds depth to the novel. Scarrow also provides some interesting layers of detail about the Order of St John.
And then - spoiler alert - it all comes crashing down. For starters, romance isn't Scarrow's forte and it feels rushed and clunky. Secondly, the book pretty much resolves all plotlines by halfway to two thirds in, making for a weird, long drawn out conclusion with very little interest, never mind tension. The romance, the secret mission, even the focus on the siege all peters out about two thirds of the way through the book. Really after the fall of Saint Elmo's all tension and practically every strand of plot simply evaporates. What makes this even more bizarre is especially on the siege front, if anything the tension should ratchet up. Even the interplay/journey from hostility to warmth between the two main characters feels whoppingly rushed.
In fact rushed is the best way to describe this book. Everything rushes to the conclusion far too early and easily. Everything is too quick, adding an unnatural brusqueness to proceedings, which is all the more galling after a solid set up and first third of the book. It's still an ok read but you can't help wondering what on earth was going on with the pacing in the book and be left feeling disappointed. Perhaps Scarrow was eager to get on with another project, and then realised he had to bump up the novel. Two stars at best.
July 9, 2013
Sword and Scimitar is author Simon Scarrow's stand-alone epic about the Great Siege of Malta. It's 1565 and the known world is ablaze with religious conflicts. Protestants and Catholics throughout Europe are girding themselves for the wars of religion that would continue into the 17th century. In the East, Christendom is under threat as Suleiman the Magnificent - Sultan and leader of the Ottoman Empire - intends to sweep aside the Mediterranean's last bastions of the West. He's done it before in Rhodes and only the island fortresses of Malta and the knights of the Order of St. John remain in his path. It's against this backdrop that Sir Thomas Barrett, an English knight who had left the Order due to a scandal, finds himself called back into service.
But his youthful certainty has given way to doubts (about faith, purpose in life, lost loves) that have simmered and festered during his exile in England. Sir Thomas is an anomaly: a Catholic knight in an Elizabethan England that would gladly execute him just for being part of the Church of Rome. A member of an ancient military order on the wane, in a cynical world where chivalry and duty have become less convenient in an era where Machiavelli's The Prince and its realpolitik lessons would hold more truths. He's a man who, when faced with a lifetime of regrets, could simply choose to remain at leisure in his estate. Or, he could risk it all to redress some of the injustices he believes he's caused.
Sir Thomas is given such an opportunity. He has been summoned by his former mentor - now Grand Master of the Order, La Valetta - to defend Malta against the infidel hordes. William Cecil and Sir Francis Walsingham, Elizabeth I's chief ministers, see an opportunity to use the knight and exploit his real fear of persecution to pressure him into cooperating. Hidden in the Order's fortress is a document from Henry VIII that (according to them) could either save England from disaster or plunge it into chaos. They also provide him with Richard, a spy in their employ, to assist him. What is the knight to do? Should he fulfill his duty to the Order at all costs -- or complete his new duty to England first?
His crisis of conscience is compounded by his desire to correct the wrongs of his past relationship with Maria, a noblewoman with whom he'd had an illicit affair during his youth and was the cause of his exile from the Order.
Scarrow has painted a gripping portrait of what it must be like to be one of a few hundred knights of St. John who, when faced with almost certain annihilation at the hands of the Ottoman Turks (at this time a world power in their own right), rises to the occasion and still find purpose in duty and self-sacrifice. Some still believe in the justness of their cause - for faith and for God. Others fight to defend the West against foreign invaders. By the end of the siege, Sir Thomas finds his reasons to fight.
While the author's previous novels about Roman soldiers Macro and Cato lean heavily on action and intrigue (enemies are literally in their faces, it's kill-or-be-killed), there is more introspection and pause for thought with Sir Thomas and his comrades. The story is a slower read. Part of the reason for this is that warfare has changed since Rome ruled the known world. The knights and the Maltese must wait for the Turks' ships to arrive, then they must endure constant bombardment from their cannons. It's also the new era of firearms and men can now kill one another at a distance.
During the lulls in fighting, Sir Thomas must unravel the conspiracy around Henry VIII's document and why it's so important. There's also his search for the lost love of his life and whether he has enough time to set things right, even while the world expects the knights and Malta to fall under the heel of the Ottoman superpower.
This is a great read for those who are into world history, and especially for those of us on this side of the Atlantic who get limited exposure to what happened in the Old World. The 1500s and 1600s in North American history tend to be about the explorers: Henry Hudson, Samuel de Champlain, etc. and the Spanish conquistadors who forged an empire in the Americas. We learn little of Renaissance Europe's battle for survival against the Ottoman Empire: one of the world's great empires (it existed until the end of WWI). The Ottomans, not unlike their Christian rivals, wished to spread its faith along with its influence around the world.
Readers should keep in mind that it is the perspective of Western Europe that holds sway here. The siege is a microcosm of what Christendom at the time would have felt. They had seen the Sultan's men at the gates of Vienna or been victims of Ottoman-allied corsair pirates and feared that the Turks (and Islam) would sweep into Europe. But with Europe preoccupied with asserting national identities and defending conflicting versions of the true faith, the situation in Malta would have been a mere footnote had the knights and the Maltese failed.
The Ottomans weren't mindless barbarians and also contributed much to modern society, including architecture, the arts, science and the development of bureaucracy and governance. Their martial skills were also without equal and they made the best cannons in the world. Regrettably, the Turks' culture and perspective is often lost amidst the boom of cannon and lunge of scimitars. Scarrow does raise a fair point in the novel that both sides had their zealots and the Christian-Muslim conflicts throughout history have wasted resources, times and many lives. To what purpose continues to confound both East and West to this day.
[It would be to your benefit to read up about the Ottomans or even Google a YouTube documentary about them. I felt I needed to because I knew so little about them.]
Having read four of Scarrow's novels, I'd say that Sword and Scimitar is his best novel. He has grown as a writer and this novel is proof of it. It has something for everyone: battles galore, political intrigue, philosophical debates, romance and backs-to-the-walls, fight-or-die adventure for the Macro and Cato loyalists out there.
At its heart, the novel is a David-and-Goliath story about what drives men under conflict to rise to the occasion and - if fate, determination (or faith) allows - to do heroic deeds against impossible odds.
P.S. - The paperback edition I purchased had a more "pastoral" cover image of a lone knight on horseback from afar, cantering along the palm tree-lined coast of Malta. For this novel, the image set a more appropriate tone: the knights were waiting - never sure if/when the Ottoman fleet would arrive to conquer the island before reinforcements arrived.
But his youthful certainty has given way to doubts (about faith, purpose in life, lost loves) that have simmered and festered during his exile in England. Sir Thomas is an anomaly: a Catholic knight in an Elizabethan England that would gladly execute him just for being part of the Church of Rome. A member of an ancient military order on the wane, in a cynical world where chivalry and duty have become less convenient in an era where Machiavelli's The Prince and its realpolitik lessons would hold more truths. He's a man who, when faced with a lifetime of regrets, could simply choose to remain at leisure in his estate. Or, he could risk it all to redress some of the injustices he believes he's caused.
Sir Thomas is given such an opportunity. He has been summoned by his former mentor - now Grand Master of the Order, La Valetta - to defend Malta against the infidel hordes. William Cecil and Sir Francis Walsingham, Elizabeth I's chief ministers, see an opportunity to use the knight and exploit his real fear of persecution to pressure him into cooperating. Hidden in the Order's fortress is a document from Henry VIII that (according to them) could either save England from disaster or plunge it into chaos. They also provide him with Richard, a spy in their employ, to assist him. What is the knight to do? Should he fulfill his duty to the Order at all costs -- or complete his new duty to England first?
His crisis of conscience is compounded by his desire to correct the wrongs of his past relationship with Maria, a noblewoman with whom he'd had an illicit affair during his youth and was the cause of his exile from the Order.
Scarrow has painted a gripping portrait of what it must be like to be one of a few hundred knights of St. John who, when faced with almost certain annihilation at the hands of the Ottoman Turks (at this time a world power in their own right), rises to the occasion and still find purpose in duty and self-sacrifice. Some still believe in the justness of their cause - for faith and for God. Others fight to defend the West against foreign invaders. By the end of the siege, Sir Thomas finds his reasons to fight.
While the author's previous novels about Roman soldiers Macro and Cato lean heavily on action and intrigue (enemies are literally in their faces, it's kill-or-be-killed), there is more introspection and pause for thought with Sir Thomas and his comrades. The story is a slower read. Part of the reason for this is that warfare has changed since Rome ruled the known world. The knights and the Maltese must wait for the Turks' ships to arrive, then they must endure constant bombardment from their cannons. It's also the new era of firearms and men can now kill one another at a distance.
During the lulls in fighting, Sir Thomas must unravel the conspiracy around Henry VIII's document and why it's so important. There's also his search for the lost love of his life and whether he has enough time to set things right, even while the world expects the knights and Malta to fall under the heel of the Ottoman superpower.
This is a great read for those who are into world history, and especially for those of us on this side of the Atlantic who get limited exposure to what happened in the Old World. The 1500s and 1600s in North American history tend to be about the explorers: Henry Hudson, Samuel de Champlain, etc. and the Spanish conquistadors who forged an empire in the Americas. We learn little of Renaissance Europe's battle for survival against the Ottoman Empire: one of the world's great empires (it existed until the end of WWI). The Ottomans, not unlike their Christian rivals, wished to spread its faith along with its influence around the world.
Readers should keep in mind that it is the perspective of Western Europe that holds sway here. The siege is a microcosm of what Christendom at the time would have felt. They had seen the Sultan's men at the gates of Vienna or been victims of Ottoman-allied corsair pirates and feared that the Turks (and Islam) would sweep into Europe. But with Europe preoccupied with asserting national identities and defending conflicting versions of the true faith, the situation in Malta would have been a mere footnote had the knights and the Maltese failed.
The Ottomans weren't mindless barbarians and also contributed much to modern society, including architecture, the arts, science and the development of bureaucracy and governance. Their martial skills were also without equal and they made the best cannons in the world. Regrettably, the Turks' culture and perspective is often lost amidst the boom of cannon and lunge of scimitars. Scarrow does raise a fair point in the novel that both sides had their zealots and the Christian-Muslim conflicts throughout history have wasted resources, times and many lives. To what purpose continues to confound both East and West to this day.
[It would be to your benefit to read up about the Ottomans or even Google a YouTube documentary about them. I felt I needed to because I knew so little about them.]
Having read four of Scarrow's novels, I'd say that Sword and Scimitar is his best novel. He has grown as a writer and this novel is proof of it. It has something for everyone: battles galore, political intrigue, philosophical debates, romance and backs-to-the-walls, fight-or-die adventure for the Macro and Cato loyalists out there.
At its heart, the novel is a David-and-Goliath story about what drives men under conflict to rise to the occasion and - if fate, determination (or faith) allows - to do heroic deeds against impossible odds.
P.S. - The paperback edition I purchased had a more "pastoral" cover image of a lone knight on horseback from afar, cantering along the palm tree-lined coast of Malta. For this novel, the image set a more appropriate tone: the knights were waiting - never sure if/when the Ottoman fleet would arrive to conquer the island before reinforcements arrived.
April 9, 2023
Scarrow left ancient Rome and travelled to the early modern age to bring us one of the major events in Western Europe – the siege of Malta of 1565.
A magnificent author with such material to write on, it will be an excellent read for sure, I thought. And that is the problem with the mismanagement of expectations.
The book is actually quite fun, exciting, brutal and visceral. But it is so inferior to the amazing stories of Cato and Macro that you will probably feel disappointed.
The author studied the siege carefully, but obviously his knowledge of the era isn’t compared with the one he has about the Early Roman Empire. He also created a very interesting background story to justify the espionage mission and religious tensions.
But unfortunately the drives that lead the story makes no sense. If you're interested to know more and you don't mind some pretty heavy spoilers, please check the following hidden sentences:
It is a light read about a momentous event. Interesting, but it would be so much better without the romantic story line.
A magnificent author with such material to write on, it will be an excellent read for sure, I thought. And that is the problem with the mismanagement of expectations.
The book is actually quite fun, exciting, brutal and visceral. But it is so inferior to the amazing stories of Cato and Macro that you will probably feel disappointed.
The author studied the siege carefully, but obviously his knowledge of the era isn’t compared with the one he has about the Early Roman Empire. He also created a very interesting background story to justify the espionage mission and religious tensions.
But unfortunately the drives that lead the story makes no sense. If you're interested to know more and you don't mind some pretty heavy spoilers, please check the following hidden sentences:
It is a light read about a momentous event. Interesting, but it would be so much better without the romantic story line.
July 30, 2023
When I think of the juggernauts of Historical Fiction I think of Bernard Cornwell and Conn Iggulden. I find myself judging every other Historical Fiction author by how close they can get to these two. They are my Historical Fiction Mount Rushmore.
I have read two other novels by Simon Scarrow, the first two novels of his long-running Eagles of the Empire series. The first book was ok. The second book was an improvement on the first and enjoyable. It excited me to see improvement from book 1 to book 2. For whatever reason, I decided to pick up this book, Sword and Scimitar. All I expected was a little bit of fun Historical Fiction.... what I got was a story that completely absorbed me!! Not only did I enjoy this book... I downright LOVED this book. I'm writing this about 5 minutes after finishing it so I might just be on a book high, but... man... I'm here asking myself "is this book in my top 20 favorite novels?"
This book was written 10 years after the last Simon Scarrow book I read. I am now beyond excited to see that his progression as an author continues to this!... and to think he's still writing now and it's been over 10 years since he wrote this book!! If this represents where he has gone as an author... make room Conn Iggulden and Bernard Cornwell, there is a third face on my Historical Fiction Mount Rushmore!! I can't wait to read more Simon Scarrow!!!
I have read two other novels by Simon Scarrow, the first two novels of his long-running Eagles of the Empire series. The first book was ok. The second book was an improvement on the first and enjoyable. It excited me to see improvement from book 1 to book 2. For whatever reason, I decided to pick up this book, Sword and Scimitar. All I expected was a little bit of fun Historical Fiction.... what I got was a story that completely absorbed me!! Not only did I enjoy this book... I downright LOVED this book. I'm writing this about 5 minutes after finishing it so I might just be on a book high, but... man... I'm here asking myself "is this book in my top 20 favorite novels?"
This book was written 10 years after the last Simon Scarrow book I read. I am now beyond excited to see that his progression as an author continues to this!... and to think he's still writing now and it's been over 10 years since he wrote this book!! If this represents where he has gone as an author... make room Conn Iggulden and Bernard Cornwell, there is a third face on my Historical Fiction Mount Rushmore!! I can't wait to read more Simon Scarrow!!!
October 26, 2019
Per pura combinazione , ho letto praticamente di seguito due romanzi storici incentrati sullo stesso avvenimento: l'assedio di Malta da parte di Solimano a metà del 1500. A differenza di "Religion" di Willocks, però questa opera di Scarrow non mi ha soddisfatto appieno, come invece è successo per le altre opere di questo autore. Certamente la lettura è agevole e la trama si svolge senza incidenti, con un giusto bilanciamento tra azione ed interazione tra i vari personaggi, ma manca quel "quid" in più che tutti i romanzi della serie di Macrone e Catone hanno. Quello che è certo è che Scarrow si trova più a suo agio tra caligula e gladi, piuttosto che tra armature ed archibugi. Mi aspettavo molto da questo testo e ne sono rimasto un po' deluso. Forse colpa anche del magnifico "Religion" letto qualche giorno prima ? Agli altri lettori l'ardua sentenza. Resta comunque un ottimo romanzo storico, che consiglio a tutti gli amanti del genere.
October 7, 2023
This book is standard issue fare for lovers of historical fiction like myself. Touching on an event I knew next to nothing about, the 1565 Great Siege of Malta by the Ottoman Empire.
Having read only one of Scarrow's earlier books from his Macro and Cato series I was impressed with this book, but if you're looking for something akin to Steven Pressfield's Gates of Fire then this isn't it.
The battle scenes are engrossing and Scarrow does a sterling job of setting the scene, including the history of the Order of St. John and the wider strategic picture leading to the Ottoman Empire's siege.
However, the love interest in the book I felt was largely unnecessary, the book in parts is a bit rushed and the twist about two thirds in is, although clever, felt abit clichè.
However, books like these are amongst my favourite genre to read and it was a genuinely entertaining book for me. I just felt it could have been a lot grittier and epic in parts.
Having read only one of Scarrow's earlier books from his Macro and Cato series I was impressed with this book, but if you're looking for something akin to Steven Pressfield's Gates of Fire then this isn't it.
The battle scenes are engrossing and Scarrow does a sterling job of setting the scene, including the history of the Order of St. John and the wider strategic picture leading to the Ottoman Empire's siege.
However, the love interest in the book I felt was largely unnecessary, the book in parts is a bit rushed and the twist about two thirds in is, although clever, felt abit clichè.
However, books like these are amongst my favourite genre to read and it was a genuinely entertaining book for me. I just felt it could have been a lot grittier and epic in parts.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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