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The Sword and the Scimitar
From the cruelty of the slave markets of Algiers to the majesty of Topkapi, the sultan's seraglio in Istanbul, to the convent of the noble Knights of St. John in Malta, this is a novel of the timeless struggle between the religions and cultures of the east and west. Nico and Maria, Maltese brother and sister, are separated when young Nico is abducted by Moorish slavers. Taken to Algiers to be the personal slave of a wealthy merchant, he becomes a pawn in household politics and sets out to escape. Extraordinary events lead him to the court of Suleiman the magnificent, Sultan of the Ottomans. Maria, stranded in Malta with unsympathetic parents, makes her own plans to escape the island and find her brother. She joins a group of Jews - forced by their Christian rulers to renounce their faith - who continue their rituals clandestinely. French aristocrat Christien de Vries yearns to prove himself as a surgeon in the Order of St. John, to which he was pledged as an infant but joined only as a result of a life-altering oath. These unforgettable characters find themselves caught up in the sweep of history as the Ottomans confront the Knights in the historic Siege of Malta, and the fate of Europe hangs in the balance.
624 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2004
109 people are currently reading
2501 people want to read
About the author
David Ball
16 books111 followersDavid Ball has been to 60 countries on six continents. He has lived and worked in various parts of Africa. In the course of researching his novel Empires of Sand, he crossed the Sahara desert four times, and got lost there only once. Research trips for other novels have taken him to China, Istanbul, Algeria, and Malta - a little island where so far he hasn't gotten lost at all.
A former pilot, sarcophagus maker, and businessman, David has driven a taxi in New York City and built a road in West Africa. He installed telecommunications equipment in Cameroun and explored the Andes in a Volkswagen bus. He has renovated old Victorian houses in Denver and pumped gasoline in the Grand Tetons.
He has a master's degree in journalism from Columbia University and enjoys skiing, fishing, running (some have described it as more like hobbling), baseball, and opera.
His novels include Empires of Sand, China Run, and Ironfire. A short story, The Scroll, appears in the anthology Warriors, another, Provenance in the anthology Rogues.
David lives with his wife, Melinda, and their children, Ben and Li, in a house they built in the Rocky Mountains.
A former pilot, sarcophagus maker, and businessman, David has driven a taxi in New York City and built a road in West Africa. He installed telecommunications equipment in Cameroun and explored the Andes in a Volkswagen bus. He has renovated old Victorian houses in Denver and pumped gasoline in the Grand Tetons.
He has a master's degree in journalism from Columbia University and enjoys skiing, fishing, running (some have described it as more like hobbling), baseball, and opera.
His novels include Empires of Sand, China Run, and Ironfire. A short story, The Scroll, appears in the anthology Warriors, another, Provenance in the anthology Rogues.
David lives with his wife, Melinda, and their children, Ben and Li, in a house they built in the Rocky Mountains.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 200 reviews
April 8, 2014
This is historical fiction at its finest. It's the book I wish I had written. David Ball does a fantastic job not only with his characters, but setting them in a world which feels at once intimately familiar and alien. He breathes life into the setting and into the events that surround this epochal moment in western history.
The characters, be they Maltese or Turkish, nobleman or slave, pirate or Hospitaller, are equally alive and complex. Be warned that Ball is brutal with his characters and pulls no punches.
I cannot recommend this book enough. Fans of Cornwell and Iggulden who are longing for even greater depth of character must read this book.
The characters, be they Maltese or Turkish, nobleman or slave, pirate or Hospitaller, are equally alive and complex. Be warned that Ball is brutal with his characters and pulls no punches.
I cannot recommend this book enough. Fans of Cornwell and Iggulden who are longing for even greater depth of character must read this book.
August 18, 2014
In the middle of the 16th century, the battleground between Islam and Christianity waged throughout the Mediterranean narrows to a single point, the barren island of Malta, headquarters of the Knights Hospitaller. Having been driven from their bases on Rhodes and Tripoli, the Knights are determined to make their final stand, while the Ottoman Sultan, Suleiman the Magnificent, is bent on wiping them out.
That's what is promised on the back cover blurb anyway. But the actual attack on Malta doesn't begin until the final 20% of the book. The rest is taken up with an often tedious melodrama with love triangles and people struggling with inner turmoil and all that stuff. Which would be fine, but the characters aren't really strong enough to carry that sort of story. Despite the page count spent on them, I found the three protagonists pretty flat and uninteresting.
I did like that the story offered a bit of an uncommon perspective though. When people think of the past they like to imagine themselves as crusading knights, beautiful princesses, bold explorers, and the like. Ironfire has plenty of that, but it also gives a glimpse into what life might be like as a galley slave on a Barbary corsair's ship, a page in the Sultan's court, or just a Maltese peasant trying to survive in between famines and avoid the notice of the island's cruel nobility. And those experiences are worthwhile because the truth is, most of us would have just been peasants working in the dirt, like 99% of people throughout human history have been. But just when I would start appreciating that, the melodrama would resurface again and characters would fall in love at first sight (this happens four times in the book), or some unbelievable coincidence would cause dire, unintended consequences that always resulted in a situation designed to cause maximum drama (in big neon flashing lights)
That's what is promised on the back cover blurb anyway. But the actual attack on Malta doesn't begin until the final 20% of the book. The rest is taken up with an often tedious melodrama with love triangles and people struggling with inner turmoil and all that stuff. Which would be fine, but the characters aren't really strong enough to carry that sort of story. Despite the page count spent on them, I found the three protagonists pretty flat and uninteresting.
I did like that the story offered a bit of an uncommon perspective though. When people think of the past they like to imagine themselves as crusading knights, beautiful princesses, bold explorers, and the like. Ironfire has plenty of that, but it also gives a glimpse into what life might be like as a galley slave on a Barbary corsair's ship, a page in the Sultan's court, or just a Maltese peasant trying to survive in between famines and avoid the notice of the island's cruel nobility. And those experiences are worthwhile because the truth is, most of us would have just been peasants working in the dirt, like 99% of people throughout human history have been. But just when I would start appreciating that, the melodrama would resurface again and characters would fall in love at first sight (this happens four times in the book), or some unbelievable coincidence would cause dire, unintended consequences that always resulted in a situation designed to cause maximum drama (in big neon flashing lights)
July 24, 2011
Excellent story, but it definitely reminded me that I'm grateful to live in my own time. I would not have dealt well with things in the days of the Knights. But it also made me want to learn all I can about the history of Malta. I even went to visit the Infirmary built by the Knights of St. John - it's amazing! It was large and clean and quite scientifically advanced, but in such a way that patients were separated from one another with private "facilities", yet in the same spacious hall. I've never seen anything quite like it. Malta uses it now as a venue for concerts, feasts, etc. Such history is taken so much for granted here.
Maria is an inspiring character - you can't help but love her. And her brother Nico, as well. The characters were well developed and so interesting. The settings were realistic, too. Sometimes gruesome, often gory, but realistic. The Sultan was also a sympathetic character - far more sympathetic than the Knights, I thought. The sophistication of the Ottoman Empire was so far beyond Europe, it makes one wonder how the Islamic world fell behind. The book is heartbreaqking, fascinating, captivating, but long. Be patient; if you're like me it will take a while to get into the story, but it's worth it. For a while I thought it would never go anywhere, but by the last chapter I found myself wishing the story could go on.
Maria is an inspiring character - you can't help but love her. And her brother Nico, as well. The characters were well developed and so interesting. The settings were realistic, too. Sometimes gruesome, often gory, but realistic. The Sultan was also a sympathetic character - far more sympathetic than the Knights, I thought. The sophistication of the Ottoman Empire was so far beyond Europe, it makes one wonder how the Islamic world fell behind. The book is heartbreaqking, fascinating, captivating, but long. Be patient; if you're like me it will take a while to get into the story, but it's worth it. For a while I thought it would never go anywhere, but by the last chapter I found myself wishing the story could go on.
April 30, 2013
Continuing my theme of reading books based in Malta whilst spending the winter there, this is a long story tracing the lives of a Maltese brother & sister in the 16th century. The brother is captured by corsairs as a child and ends up growing up in the Sultan's court in Istanbul, whilst his sister grows up in Malta. This results in them being on opposite sides of the famous Turkish siege of Malta in 1565.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Despite its length, the story moves along quickly, keeping your attention and is full of action. The descriptions of Malta, Istanbul (where I have also spent quite a lot of time) & Algiers are fascinating and the places depicted can still be seen to this day. The story of life as a Knight of St John was also interwoven into the tale, providing a third viewpoint of events.
All in all a highly recommended read, both for an excellent story, covering lots of themes without becoming unrealistic, and some very interesting Mediterranean history.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Despite its length, the story moves along quickly, keeping your attention and is full of action. The descriptions of Malta, Istanbul (where I have also spent quite a lot of time) & Algiers are fascinating and the places depicted can still be seen to this day. The story of life as a Knight of St John was also interwoven into the tale, providing a third viewpoint of events.
All in all a highly recommended read, both for an excellent story, covering lots of themes without becoming unrealistic, and some very interesting Mediterranean history.
February 15, 2015
Ένα από τα πιο αγαπημένα μου βιβλία....
Παρά τις τόσες σελίδες του,δε γίνεται στιγμή βαρετό,καθώς τα ιστορικά γεγονότα που αφθονούν,δένουν άψογα με τη ροή της υπόθεσης του βιβλίου.
Γίνονται εκτενείς αναφορές στη ζωή των κουρσάρων και των σκλάβων τους,δίνονται πληροφορίες που εντυπωσιάζουν για τις χειρουργικές και ιατρικές μεθόδους του 16 αι.,για τη ζωή στο Τοπ Καπί και τις συνήθειες του Σουλεϊμάν,του επιφανέστερου όλων των σουλτανων της Οθωμανικης αυτοκρατορίας(χαρακτηριστικά λέγεται οτι απ'όπου αυτός περνούσε,προπορεύονταν σφυριχτρες,οι οποίες προειδοποιούσαν τους σκλάβους να τρέξουν να κρυφτούν,για να μην πληγωθούν τα μάτια του Σουλτάνου από τη θέα των κοινών προσώπων!).Επίσης γίνονται αναφορές στους γενίτσαρους,στο τρόπο περισυλλογής τους από τους Οθωμανούς,αλλά και για τις σχέσεις αυτών με το παλάτι.Αναφέρονται βέβαια και οι ίντριγκες μεταξύ των Ταγμάτων των Ιπποτών,αλλά και γενικά οι διαταραγμένες σχέσεις μεταξύ των ευρωπαίων βασιλιάδων.
Το καλύτερο σημείο ωστόσο του βιβλίου είναι ο τρόπος με τον οποίο περιγράφονται οι σώμα με σώμα μάχες μεταξύ Ιπποτών και Οθωμανών κατα την τελική αναμέτρηση στη Μαλτα...είναι τόσο ζωντανές που σου κόβουν την ανάσα,και ταινία να παρακολουθούσα περισσότερο αποκλείεται να με καθήλωναν...ένοιωθα σα να ήμουν παρούσα κι εγώ στα τείχη της Μάλτας,δίπλα στους Ιππότες,μαζί με όλες τις γυναικες της, που περιέλουζαν τους Τούρκους γιαλαλαρ με ολόκληρα καζάνια καυτό λάδι!
Τελικά,το βιβλίο είναι ό,τι δηλώνει και ο αγγλόφωνος τίτλος του...μια επική ιστορία πολέμου και αγάπης....ένα πανέμορφο παραμύθι που δεν θέλεις να τελειώσει....
Παρά τις τόσες σελίδες του,δε γίνεται στιγμή βαρετό,καθώς τα ιστορικά γεγονότα που αφθονούν,δένουν άψογα με τη ροή της υπόθεσης του βιβλίου.
Γίνονται εκτενείς αναφορές στη ζωή των κουρσάρων και των σκλάβων τους,δίνονται πληροφορίες που εντυπωσιάζουν για τις χειρουργικές και ιατρικές μεθόδους του 16 αι.,για τη ζωή στο Τοπ Καπί και τις συνήθειες του Σουλεϊμάν,του επιφανέστερου όλων των σουλτανων της Οθωμανικης αυτοκρατορίας(χαρακτηριστικά λέγεται οτι απ'όπου αυτός περνούσε,προπορεύονταν σφυριχτρες,οι οποίες προειδοποιούσαν τους σκλάβους να τρέξουν να κρυφτούν,για να μην πληγωθούν τα μάτια του Σουλτάνου από τη θέα των κοινών προσώπων!).Επίσης γίνονται αναφορές στους γενίτσαρους,στο τρόπο περισυλλογής τους από τους Οθωμανούς,αλλά και για τις σχέσεις αυτών με το παλάτι.Αναφέρονται βέβαια και οι ίντριγκες μεταξύ των Ταγμάτων των Ιπποτών,αλλά και γενικά οι διαταραγμένες σχέσεις μεταξύ των ευρωπαίων βασιλιάδων.
Το καλύτερο σημείο ωστόσο του βιβλίου είναι ο τρόπος με τον οποίο περιγράφονται οι σώμα με σώμα μάχες μεταξύ Ιπποτών και Οθωμανών κατα την τελική αναμέτρηση στη Μαλτα...είναι τόσο ζωντανές που σου κόβουν την ανάσα,και ταινία να παρακολουθούσα περισσότερο αποκλείεται να με καθήλωναν...ένοιωθα σα να ήμουν παρούσα κι εγώ στα τείχη της Μάλτας,δίπλα στους Ιππότες,μαζί με όλες τις γυναικες της, που περιέλουζαν τους Τούρκους γιαλαλαρ με ολόκληρα καζάνια καυτό λάδι!
Τελικά,το βιβλίο είναι ό,τι δηλώνει και ο αγγλόφωνος τίτλος του...μια επική ιστορία πολέμου και αγάπης....ένα πανέμορφο παραμύθι που δεν θέλεις να τελειώσει....
October 10, 2010
The level of research that went into this book is astounding. It can plainly be seen by the descriptive nature in which David Ball, the author, presents the scenes to you. It combines a factual account of a siege with several character journeys, all taking different paths yet each one as exciting as the next. The page count is not a hinderance, but instead a promise that the hundreds and hundreds of pages are needed to contain all the energy and excitement from the novel.
March 8, 2011
In my opinion, easily one of the best fictional stories centred around the great siege of Malta. Being Maltese myself it was a wonderful insight into that very significant part of our history! I shall never look at the Valletta and Birgu bastions without imagining all that action every again! Excellent read.
January 19, 2011
What I liked: Good plotting, generally page-turner pace. Lots of interesting historical detail. Good characters. I didn't know how it would end (not an era I've read much on).
What I didn't like: I'm generally not a big fan of books in which characters recognize their eternal soul mates before a word is spoken. This book did that not once, but twice. The title is terrible. I think the book probably spends more pages telling about being an Ottoman warrior than on being a "Knight of Malta" and if this was the last battle of the Crusades what was the siege of Szigeth the next year which is mentioned at the end of the book? And I'm pretty sure the word Ironfire never appeared in the book though there was some kind of reference to iron and fire relared to the Janissaries, I think.
Though I used more space talking about what I didn't like than what I did like, it's because those things detracted from a book I otherwise liked quite a lot. I think this is one of the best fiction books I've read in quite a while.
What I didn't like: I'm generally not a big fan of books in which characters recognize their eternal soul mates before a word is spoken. This book did that not once, but twice. The title is terrible. I think the book probably spends more pages telling about being an Ottoman warrior than on being a "Knight of Malta" and if this was the last battle of the Crusades what was the siege of Szigeth the next year which is mentioned at the end of the book? And I'm pretty sure the word Ironfire never appeared in the book though there was some kind of reference to iron and fire relared to the Janissaries, I think.
Though I used more space talking about what I didn't like than what I did like, it's because those things detracted from a book I otherwise liked quite a lot. I think this is one of the best fiction books I've read in quite a while.
May 26, 2020
This was a wonderful work of historical fiction. It's alternately grim and beautiful, haunting and glorious, tragic and uplifting. Bell's extensive research shines in the details of this epic tale about the (unfortunately still continuing) conflict between the Abrahamic religions as played out on the medieval 16th century stage of the Mediterranean sea.
January 4, 2025
Τον 16ο αιώνα η Μάλτα λυμαίνεται από πειρατικές εφορμήσεις, ανυπεράσπιστη από τους Ιωαννίτες ιππότες. Σε μια από αυτές ο Νίκο πιάνεται αιχμάλωτος και πουλιέται σκλάβος. Η αδερφή του δεν μπορεί να συγχωρήσει τους υπαίτιους. Όταν ο Νίκο επιστρέφει, μουσουλμάνος πλέον, και ένας Ιππότης* την ερωτεύεται, η κατάσταση χειροτερεύει. Στο μεταξύ, ο σουλτάνος(Σουλεϊμάν) αποφασίζει να καταλάβει τη Μάλτα και ανάμεσα στους καπετάνιους του στόλου είναι και ο Νίκο, ο οποίος παλεύει με τα ισχυρά συναισθήματα που τον δένουν με τον τόπο του…
Τρεις άνθρωποι με διαφορετικές θρησκείες και πολιτισμό συγκρούονται. Η συμπλοκή είναι σφοδρή, η συγκίνηση είναι δεδομένη!
Ένα επικό μυθιστόρημα αγάπης και πολέμου για την τελευταία μάχη των Σταυροφοριών.
Ξεκίνησα ένα παραμύθι που δεν θέλω να τελειώσει.
******************************************
Δυστυχώς όμως όλα τα όμορφα πράγματα στη ζωή φεύγουν και μάλιστα γρήγορα. Και μας αφήνουν κενούς για πάαρα πολύ καιρό. Τι να γράψω τώρα για αυτό το έπος. Δε χορταίνεις να το διαβάζεις από την αρχή ως το τέλος. Οι χαρακτήρες είναι σκιαγραφ��μένοι με εξαιρετικό τρόπο. Από τη μιά οι μεγάλες προσωπικότητες της ιστορίας (Ιππότης-Σουλτάνος-Πειρατής) που δέσποσαν στην εποχή τους, από την άλλη τα τρία κεντρικά πρόσωπα της μυθοπλασίας (Κριστιάν-Μαρία-Νίκο) που θα κερδίσουν την έγνοια μας, θα αιχμαλωτίσουν τη σκέψη μας, θα μας δώσουν χαρά & πόνο. Ο τρόπος γραφής του συγγραφέα διαθέτει τόση επιδεξιότητα που όχι μόνο οι παραπάνω χαρακτήρες αλλά και πλήθος δευτερευόντων αποκτούν οντότητα μπροστά μας, τόση αληθοφάνεια και αμεσότητα που έχει το κείμενο.
Σαν ελάχιστο φόρο τιμής παραθέτω ένα παράδειγμα αυτού του υποδειγματικού "παντρέματος" εγκλεισμένο μέσα σε spoiler παρόλο που δεν προδίδει κάτι ιδιαίτερο από την πλοκή (Η στάση μου δεν αλλάζει: Στις παρουσιάσεις μου σέβομαι τον μελλοντικό αναγνώστη αλλά περισσότερο το ίδιο το βιβλίο. Δεν αποκαλύπτω τίποτα άρα διαβάστε άφοβα :)
Να συμπληρώσω επίσης πως η γραφή είναι τρίτου προσώπου ενώ υπάρχουν προσθήκες ανάμεσα στα κεφάλαια (όχι βέβαια και στα 47 αλλά σε αρκετά) καθαρά ιστορικές, εύληπτες και σύντομες. Είναι ένα εμβόλιμο κείμενο μόλις 1-2 σελίδων, πλήρως κατατοπιστικό, που συνδέει τα ιστορικά γεγονότα με την υπόθεση του μυθιστορήματος, άκρως πολύτιμο για τον αναγνώστη και γι'αυτό ευπρόσδεκτο. Ε, να δώσω μια γεύση κι από αυτό:
Πολιτισμοί συγκρούονται και μοίρες συναντιούνται κατά τη διάρκεια της πολιορκίας της Μάλτας το 1565. Ο Μπολ καταφέρνει να ζωντανέψει το τέλος των Σταυροφοριών σ’ ένα ιστορικό μυθιστόρημα το οποίο κοχλάζει από δράση, έρωτα και δράμα. Άψογο, αριστουργηματικό, τέλειο!
*
Τρεις άνθρωποι με διαφορετικές θρησκείες και πολιτισμό συγκρούονται. Η συμπλοκή είναι σφοδρή, η συγκίνηση είναι δεδομένη!
Ένα επικό μυθιστόρημα αγάπης και πολέμου για την τελευταία μάχη των Σταυροφοριών.
Ξεκίνησα ένα παραμύθι που δεν θέλω να τελειώσει.
******************************************
Δυστυχώς όμως όλα τα όμορφα πράγματα στη ζωή φεύγουν και μάλιστα γρήγορα. Και μας αφήνουν κενούς για πάαρα πολύ καιρό. Τι να γράψω τώρα για αυτό το έπος. Δε χορταίνεις να το διαβάζεις από την αρχή ως το τέλος. Οι χαρακτήρες είναι σκιαγραφ��μένοι με εξαιρετικό τρόπο. Από τη μιά οι μεγάλες προσωπικότητες της ιστορίας (Ιππότης-Σουλτάνος-Πειρατής) που δέσποσαν στην εποχή τους, από την άλλη τα τρία κεντρικά πρόσωπα της μυθοπλασίας (Κριστιάν-Μαρία-Νίκο) που θα κερδίσουν την έγνοια μας, θα αιχμαλωτίσουν τη σκέψη μας, θα μας δώσουν χαρά & πόνο. Ο τρόπος γραφής του συγγραφέα διαθέτει τόση επιδεξιότητα που όχι μόνο οι παραπάνω χαρακτήρες αλλά και πλήθος δευτερευόντων αποκτούν οντότητα μπροστά μας, τόση αληθοφάνεια και αμεσότητα που έχει το κείμενο.
Η σύνδεση των ιστορικών γεγονότων με την υπόθεση του μυθιστορήματος είναι απαράμιλλης ποιότητας και δεξιοτεχνίας.
Σαν ελάχιστο φόρο τιμής παραθέτω ένα παράδειγμα αυτού του υποδειγματικού "παντρέματος" εγκλεισμένο μέσα σε spoiler παρόλο που δεν προδίδει κάτι ιδιαίτερο από την πλοκή (Η στάση μου δεν αλλάζει: Στις παρουσιάσεις μου σέβομαι τον μελλοντικό αναγνώστη αλλά περισσότερο το ίδιο το βιβλίο. Δεν αποκαλύπτω τίποτα άρα διαβάστε άφοβα :)
Να συμπληρώσω επίσης πως η γραφή είναι τρίτου προσώπου ενώ υπάρχουν προσθήκες ανάμεσα στα κεφάλαια (όχι βέβαια και στα 47 αλλά σε αρκετά) καθαρά ιστορικές, εύληπτες και σύντομες. Είναι ένα εμβόλιμο κείμενο μόλις 1-2 σελίδων, πλήρως κατατοπιστικό, που συνδέει τα ιστορικά γεγονότα με την υπόθεση του μυθιστορήματος, άκρως πολύτιμο για τον αναγνώστη και γι'αυτό ευπρόσδεκτο. Ε, να δώσω μια γεύση κι από αυτό:
Από την «Ιστορία της Μέσης Θάλασσας»
Την έγραψε ο Δαρείος, ο επονομαζόμενος Συντηρητής, ιστορικός στην αυλή του σουλτάνου Αχμέτ,
σκέπη και καταφυγή όλων των ανθρώπων
Τρεις γίγαντες δέσποζαν πάνω από την ανθρωπότητα τα δραματικά χρόνια πριν από τη μεγάλη μάχη
της Μάλτας. Ο ένας ήταν ο σουλτάνος Σουλεϊμάν, ηγέτης των Οθωμανών, ο άλλος ο Ζαν Παριζό ντε
Λα Βαλέτ και ο τρίτος ο Ντραγκούτ Ρεΐς, κυρίαρχος της Μέσης Θάλασσας. Νομίζω πως ο καλύτερος
τρόπος για να περιγράψω τον τρίτο είναι να παραθέσω το απόσπασμα μιας επιστολής του δεύτερου.
«Ο διάβολος έχει στείλει μιαν αλεπού στη θάλασσα, πονηρή, πανούργα και σβέλτα. Λέγεται
Ντραγκούτ Ρεΐς. Είναι καθήκον των κυνηγητικών σκυλιών του Χριστού να εξοντώσουν τούτο το
κακόβουλο πλάσμα προτού τα εξοντώσει αυτό.
»Τον έχω συναντήσει δύο φορές στη ζωή μου. Τη μια ήταν εκείνος με αλυσίδες και την άλλη εγώ.
Η συμπεριφορά του είναι ευγενική και σχεδόν πρόσχαρη. Ωστόσο, στη θάλασσα και στη μάχη μάς
έδειξε πως είναι έτοιμος να διαπράξει κάθε είδους λεηλασία και ατιμία. Είναι άνθρωπος με πολλές
αντιθέσεις. Ζει με λιτότητα και είναι ευσεβής. Ταυτόχρονα είναι ένας αιμοδιψής φονιάς, ένα
κακοποιό πνεύμα αυτής της κίβδηλης πίστης. Στη θάλασσα δεν υπάρχει μεγαλύτερος ειδικός στην
τακτική, ούτε και πιο αρπακτικός».
–Από γράμματα του Λα Βαλέτ που ανακτήθηκαν σε μάχη δεκατέσσερα χρόνια μετά το θάνατό του
από τη φρεγάτα Σαν Τζοβάνι
Πολιτισμοί συγκρούονται και μοίρες συναντιούνται κατά τη διάρκεια της πολιορκίας της Μάλτας το 1565. Ο Μπολ καταφέρνει να ζωντανέψει το τέλος των Σταυροφοριών σ’ ένα ιστορικό μυθιστόρημα το οποίο κοχλάζει από δράση, έρωτα και δράμα. Άψογο, αριστουργηματικό, τέλειο!
*
January 14, 2019
Ξεκινάει σαν ένα παραμύθι που όμως είναι γεμάτο με άφθονα ιστορικά γεγονότ�� που δένουν με τη ροή της υπόθεσης και εξελίσσεται σε μια επική ιστορία πολέμου και αγάπης. Ο συγγραφέας έχει κάνει πολύ καλή ιστορική έρευνά και κατορθώνει να σε μεταφέρει σε εκείνη την εποχή και να σε κάνει να αισθανθείς ότι είσαι μέρος του βιβλίου.
July 18, 2020
This was a fun adventure anchored in Malta leading up to the great siege of 1565, but spanning characters from French aristocrat surgeons to members of the court of the Ottoman Emperor Suleiman. The author developed each character very realistically -- for instance, there is often a trope in historical fiction of women who are feisty and modern and the world just sort of works out well for them. In this case, the female lead, Maria Borg, is feisty and modern, and she suffers the consequences of her actions over and over throughout the book. The author also did a great job populating the world with mostly morally ambiguous characters, so you found yourself rooting for multiple sides in the conflict. While I think the author was trying to craft a few epic love stories, as other reviewers note, love generally seems to be obsessive and happen from first glance in this world, and those sequences were probably my least favorite part of the book.
Though Voltaire allegedly said "Nothing is better known than the siege of Malta," I had no idea whether the Knights of St. John or the Ottoman Empire would be victorious at the end, and recommend reading it that way if you don't know the outcome already.
Though Voltaire allegedly said "Nothing is better known than the siege of Malta," I had no idea whether the Knights of St. John or the Ottoman Empire would be victorious at the end, and recommend reading it that way if you don't know the outcome already.
November 14, 2023
I normally start preparing my reviews mentally as I go reading any book, so I don’t miss on my early impressions and how they evolve throughout the book.
But with the Sword and the Scimitar of David BALL, I changed this “mental review” several times, here is why.
a- Expectation, I am a fan of The Templars and anything that goes around that subject, so the story being about the Knights of St John, The Hospitallers, was enough to attract me, intrigue me to embark in this reading adventure. For my dismay the first third part of the storytelling was more focused on two Kids, brother & sister (Maria & Nico) most annoying, irritating and honestly, I never understood what value did they add to the storyline other than being the eyes through which the Author transports the reader to the time and place of any of the events, because otherwise the storyline won’t change much if they never existed in the first place, except for giving us, the readers, less pages to read.
I even reached a point where I wanted to put the book back on the shelf and move on. But there’s where the power of DAVID BALL as an author kicks-in, and that’s when I understood the quote of Jean M. Auel on the cover page of the book stating “I couldn’t put it down” ……Well, me neither! Something, despite all my annoyance with these two characters, was pushing me to keep going and see what’s next!!!
b- The implausibility,
Again, Maria & Nico. I agree that Novels are meant to make the Reader dream, live inside the storyline, and portray or project him/herself as one of the characters of the story, however I think the author of a book or a movie script should avoid falling in the implausible, what do I mean? Let me walk you through this scenario: We are currently in the 21st century, where citizens have more rights than the 12th, 13th or any previous century, more freedom of speech, more civil rights…etc. Imagine a 15-year-old girl, standing in front of 10th Dawning Street or the White House or The Elysee and shouting and the guards “I DEMAND to see the Master of the House” …. “Call him/her out I want to speak to him/her” …. What do you think will happen? ……. Right!
And yet, in the 15th Century, a 15-year-old girl called Maria, shouting, and demanding, invading spaces, intruding into Forts, Castles, Churches, yelling at the Grand Master of the Order, at the bishop and at whoever does not act as she thinks he/she should, and nothing happens to her, not even arrested for disturbing the peace…. In the Fifteeeeeeeeeenth Century!
Here is where my struggle of “should I abandon ship or keep going a few pages more” was at its outmost…… David Ball won…I kept reading….and I am glad I did!
c- History,
While most would describe the storyline as the fate and endeavors of two siblings struggling to survive in a turmoiled world, the book is far more than such a shallow narration (see above), it is very much richer with Historical facts and events.
It describes the conflict between a rising nation and religion, the Ottoman Empire against the Centuries-Old and well-established dynasties of the old continent: the clash between Islam and Christendom. The reader is carried through real historical events, personages, Heroes from both sides (depending on which side of the spectrum you stand), in a narrative way which makes it both interesting and instructive. Instead of just dates and a plain historical description, the reader submerges himself/her/they in the day-to-day life of the different protagonists, their way of life, their habits, their culture, their beliefs.
d- War, Bravery & Courage
The siege of Malta! NAIL-BITER, EXCITING & BRILLIANT
This is where in my opinion, David Ball goes from being an author to becoming an artist, a painter, a movie director. The way he describes the battles, the causalities, the destruction, he transforms words into master paintings by the likes of Eugene Delacroix, Mateo Perez D’Aleccio or movie director the likes of Steven Spielberg or Clint Eastwood. The reader can live the clash, the binding of the swords in battle, every roaring gun, every order for attack or retreat…
Beyond the above artistic “Tableau”, BALL manages to create a form of emotional contagion between the reader and all the characters in the Siege. You, as a reader, are taken on a ride on a rollercoaster of mindsets and emotions leading to bravery, hatred, conviction, courage, devotion, respect, heroism, readiness and acceptance of the ultimate sacrifice. So, well written that the reader identifies with the Knights, their heroic stands in what looks to be a suicide war, their commitment to the Order, to their Grand Master, the Island, its People.
e- The Guidebook of MALTA (this has nothing to do with the novel, it is about Malta)
Eventhough it is a Novel that takes place in the 15th century: places, neighborhoods, Forts are still there in today’s modern Malta. I had the chance to visit the island for the first-time last August 2023, and wandered around in most places named or referred to in the book, it was so overwhelming.
Malta is a beautiful country, with its three islands Malta, Gozo, and Comino. Nice beaches (you must know where they are though), rich with history and historical places. The people are extremely friendly.
Last but not least, if you are a scuba diver, there you will find nice and unique dive sites!
But with the Sword and the Scimitar of David BALL, I changed this “mental review” several times, here is why.
a- Expectation, I am a fan of The Templars and anything that goes around that subject, so the story being about the Knights of St John, The Hospitallers, was enough to attract me, intrigue me to embark in this reading adventure. For my dismay the first third part of the storytelling was more focused on two Kids, brother & sister (Maria & Nico) most annoying, irritating and honestly, I never understood what value did they add to the storyline other than being the eyes through which the Author transports the reader to the time and place of any of the events, because otherwise the storyline won’t change much if they never existed in the first place, except for giving us, the readers, less pages to read.
I even reached a point where I wanted to put the book back on the shelf and move on. But there’s where the power of DAVID BALL as an author kicks-in, and that’s when I understood the quote of Jean M. Auel on the cover page of the book stating “I couldn’t put it down” ……Well, me neither! Something, despite all my annoyance with these two characters, was pushing me to keep going and see what’s next!!!
b- The implausibility,
Again, Maria & Nico. I agree that Novels are meant to make the Reader dream, live inside the storyline, and portray or project him/herself as one of the characters of the story, however I think the author of a book or a movie script should avoid falling in the implausible, what do I mean? Let me walk you through this scenario: We are currently in the 21st century, where citizens have more rights than the 12th, 13th or any previous century, more freedom of speech, more civil rights…etc. Imagine a 15-year-old girl, standing in front of 10th Dawning Street or the White House or The Elysee and shouting and the guards “I DEMAND to see the Master of the House” …. “Call him/her out I want to speak to him/her” …. What do you think will happen? ……. Right!
And yet, in the 15th Century, a 15-year-old girl called Maria, shouting, and demanding, invading spaces, intruding into Forts, Castles, Churches, yelling at the Grand Master of the Order, at the bishop and at whoever does not act as she thinks he/she should, and nothing happens to her, not even arrested for disturbing the peace…. In the Fifteeeeeeeeeenth Century!
Here is where my struggle of “should I abandon ship or keep going a few pages more” was at its outmost…… David Ball won…I kept reading….and I am glad I did!
c- History,
While most would describe the storyline as the fate and endeavors of two siblings struggling to survive in a turmoiled world, the book is far more than such a shallow narration (see above), it is very much richer with Historical facts and events.
It describes the conflict between a rising nation and religion, the Ottoman Empire against the Centuries-Old and well-established dynasties of the old continent: the clash between Islam and Christendom. The reader is carried through real historical events, personages, Heroes from both sides (depending on which side of the spectrum you stand), in a narrative way which makes it both interesting and instructive. Instead of just dates and a plain historical description, the reader submerges himself/her/they in the day-to-day life of the different protagonists, their way of life, their habits, their culture, their beliefs.
d- War, Bravery & Courage
The siege of Malta! NAIL-BITER, EXCITING & BRILLIANT
This is where in my opinion, David Ball goes from being an author to becoming an artist, a painter, a movie director. The way he describes the battles, the causalities, the destruction, he transforms words into master paintings by the likes of Eugene Delacroix, Mateo Perez D’Aleccio or movie director the likes of Steven Spielberg or Clint Eastwood. The reader can live the clash, the binding of the swords in battle, every roaring gun, every order for attack or retreat…
Beyond the above artistic “Tableau”, BALL manages to create a form of emotional contagion between the reader and all the characters in the Siege. You, as a reader, are taken on a ride on a rollercoaster of mindsets and emotions leading to bravery, hatred, conviction, courage, devotion, respect, heroism, readiness and acceptance of the ultimate sacrifice. So, well written that the reader identifies with the Knights, their heroic stands in what looks to be a suicide war, their commitment to the Order, to their Grand Master, the Island, its People.
e- The Guidebook of MALTA (this has nothing to do with the novel, it is about Malta)
Eventhough it is a Novel that takes place in the 15th century: places, neighborhoods, Forts are still there in today’s modern Malta. I had the chance to visit the island for the first-time last August 2023, and wandered around in most places named or referred to in the book, it was so overwhelming.
Malta is a beautiful country, with its three islands Malta, Gozo, and Comino. Nice beaches (you must know where they are though), rich with history and historical places. The people are extremely friendly.
Last but not least, if you are a scuba diver, there you will find nice and unique dive sites!
March 14, 2015
Picked up this book because it was so highly recommended on Goodreads, and I'm a fan of the Siege of Malta... (largely because of Tim Willocks' book The Religion, which is SO GOOD!)...
I listened to 75% of this (Guidall narrator, monotone of excitement) and read about 25%. For me, everything up until the Siege, which starts 80% of the way in, was tedious. The love stories of both Maria and Nico were trite. Nico's education in Topkapi was also not particularly interesting - though I did enjoy his interaction with Leonardus the drunk ship builder, and with Dragut Rais (who is incredibly interesting - see The Religion and Dorothy Dunnett's Lymond series). His romance with a slave in the Topkapi harem was beyond ridiculous. Maria's path to reading and being basically a superwoman was the usual beautiful girl abused by Catholic priest. Christien da Vries (Maria's beloved) had promise as a surgeon, but again, none of it was particularly believable. There was not one character that I much cared about.
The Siege was well done, and that's why I have given 3 stars. That being said, the world is full of different types of readers, no disrespect to those who loved this book. But folks should try The Religion (the priest villian in this book was convincingly evil), the main character, Mattias Tannhauser, unforgettable!
I listened to 75% of this (Guidall narrator, monotone of excitement) and read about 25%. For me, everything up until the Siege, which starts 80% of the way in, was tedious. The love stories of both Maria and Nico were trite. Nico's education in Topkapi was also not particularly interesting - though I did enjoy his interaction with Leonardus the drunk ship builder, and with Dragut Rais (who is incredibly interesting - see The Religion and Dorothy Dunnett's Lymond series). His romance with a slave in the Topkapi harem was beyond ridiculous. Maria's path to reading and being basically a superwoman was the usual beautiful girl abused by Catholic priest. Christien da Vries (Maria's beloved) had promise as a surgeon, but again, none of it was particularly believable. There was not one character that I much cared about.
The Siege was well done, and that's why I have given 3 stars. That being said, the world is full of different types of readers, no disrespect to those who loved this book. But folks should try The Religion (the priest villian in this book was convincingly evil), the main character, Mattias Tannhauser, unforgettable!
March 11, 2015
In 1565, the Ottoman launched an attack on the tiny island of Malta. It was a battle whose outcome could have changed our current religious landscape tremendously ... and not currently well-known. Why can't someone look into creating a movie for this courageous, riveting conflict?
During this time Elizabeth I was wrestling with Spain, Mary, Queen of Scots, and even Grace O'Malley .... and this part of history is relatively well-documented. The islands of England were the center of our attention ... center of our universe Not the tiny island of Malta.
The story begins with a sibling pair, Maria and Nico Borg. On one fateful night the two would be separated and cross paths again years later at the Ottoman siege of Malta.
The book intimidates at 688 pages. The first half of the book I was amazed I was able to keep up with all the characters told from four different story lines. We also meet Christien de Vries, the noble knight who wants to be a doctor, and Father Salvago, a priest carrying a dark secret. I was impressed the author gave Father Salvago so much conflicted dimension rather than a bland religious type.
Huge thumbs up to the author for researching so much for this book.
November 13, 2015
A great read. David Ball delivers exactly what I desire from a historical novel. He lets me live back then, back there, seeing, smelling, tasting those times, those places. Much of the criticism of this novel seems borne of cultural beliefs rather than an objective assessment of storytelling. Depending on which review one reads, Ball is guilty of siding with the Christian West or the Muslim Middle-East. And, as usual, both sides of the argument are adamant of their truth. Yet, the only truth that really matters for the average reader is that Ball is a gifted storyteller, who creates vivid characters, and places them at the center of a historically significant event, allowing the reader to experience the high emotions of those moments without winding up, like many of the characters, buried in a shallow grave. If you enjoy historical novels for immersion into history rather conversion to someone's particular view of history, then you'll love this story.
January 8, 2010
Not quite what I expected, this novel is less about the siege itself but more a historical epic of the mid 16th century with several coming of age stories, romance, epic adventure and much more; a page turner and a fast read despite its size, the only complaint I have is that I really want to read the story of *** and *** implied at the end by the chronicler
Highly, highly recommended, let's hope that Mr. Ball's apparition in the high-visibility Warriors anthology implies a new novel will be soon out
Highly, highly recommended, let's hope that Mr. Ball's apparition in the high-visibility Warriors anthology implies a new novel will be soon out
September 8, 2014
This book was far from being a good historic novel. It was an ok love story but nothing more. The plot was somewhat predictable and I did not get attached with the characters so much.
I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to read a love story with small fractions of history but not to a person who loves reading historical fiction books. It kind of missed to offer an in depth historic background and facts that would intrigue me to go on combined with the story.
Moreover, the Greek version of the book contained mistakes and was overpriced.
I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to read a love story with small fractions of history but not to a person who loves reading historical fiction books. It kind of missed to offer an in depth historic background and facts that would intrigue me to go on combined with the story.
Moreover, the Greek version of the book contained mistakes and was overpriced.
November 1, 2018
If legendary historical fiction is one of your preferred genres, you'll be wholly swept up and absorbed by Ironfire. Thinking I was about to engage in a little light reading on Malta before a visit, I found myself engulfed in epic sagas of empires, dynasties and families. The perfect balance of hope, yearning, brutality, romance and mystery keep you reading for 'just one more page' long after bedtime.
June 29, 2010
Beautiful historical fiction set around the great siege of Malta (1565). Must read for any history buffs and mildly curious, the siege is considered a turning point in the Ottoman advance on Europe.
June 8, 2021
This is the book that made me fall for the genre called historic fiction hook, line and sinker. It was truly amazing and absolutely breathtaking.
October 10, 2023
If you love lengthy historical fiction tomes set in the Middle Ages (think Ken Follett) then you’ll likely devour David Ball’s Ironfire. This was my pick for Malta on my “Around the World” challenge. I knew nothing about Malta (couldn’t even find it on a map other than knowing it was in the Mediterranean) before reading this book - and now I know a lot, so it was a good read.
What I liked:
I got a great feel for the strategic importance of this island nation. On top of the book I dived down a Google rabbit hole to learn even more.
The sense of place and time gave me a thorough immersion into the daily lives of 16th century people - rich/poor, Christian/Muslim, male/female, and more. I particularly enjoyed all the descriptions of routine matters of all the various households.
I appreciated the in depth exploration of Christian,Muslim, and Jew in the region. I learned a lot. This would be a good companion to People of the Book by Geraldine Brooks.
What I struggled with:
There are a lot of battle scenes. A lot. That’s not my favorite subject matter, but was essential to this book. It wasn’t overdone, I just wasn’t in the mood for religious war carnage. This was the last Crusade after all. I was finishing this book as the Israeli-Hamas war broke out which just made me feel desolate that we are still fighting over the same.
This book is long. It’s a 31 hour audiobook. I was ready for the to end.
The romances were a bit fanciful on the one hand, and probably the least realistic to the times, but they did help me follow the story and engage with the characters.
It seems like these long form historical fiction books are rarely written these days so if this is a genre you enjoy this is a perfect back list title to pick up. No hold waits. I found it for free on Audible - I’m still not sure why it was free but I’m glad.
What I liked:
I got a great feel for the strategic importance of this island nation. On top of the book I dived down a Google rabbit hole to learn even more.
The sense of place and time gave me a thorough immersion into the daily lives of 16th century people - rich/poor, Christian/Muslim, male/female, and more. I particularly enjoyed all the descriptions of routine matters of all the various households.
I appreciated the in depth exploration of Christian,Muslim, and Jew in the region. I learned a lot. This would be a good companion to People of the Book by Geraldine Brooks.
What I struggled with:
There are a lot of battle scenes. A lot. That’s not my favorite subject matter, but was essential to this book. It wasn’t overdone, I just wasn’t in the mood for religious war carnage. This was the last Crusade after all. I was finishing this book as the Israeli-Hamas war broke out which just made me feel desolate that we are still fighting over the same.
This book is long. It’s a 31 hour audiobook. I was ready for the to end.
The romances were a bit fanciful on the one hand, and probably the least realistic to the times, but they did help me follow the story and engage with the characters.
It seems like these long form historical fiction books are rarely written these days so if this is a genre you enjoy this is a perfect back list title to pick up. No hold waits. I found it for free on Audible - I’m still not sure why it was free but I’m glad.
October 1, 2023
Published as Ironfire in the USA. Supposedly focused on the Siege of Malta of 1565. Interesting premise. I wanted to learn more about Malta and the political history of that time, but this was not the book to do this. At 700+pp it was much too long. I had to give up at page 400, the actual siege doesn't happen until page 520! A good editor could have cut the length in half. There was too much time dedicated to the personal stories of a few fictional characters. Someone in my book group described this part as "too Disney". A good non-fiction book would be a better way to learn about Malta history. LL USA 09-2023)
September 26, 2025
Lo que es propiamente el asedio de Malta lo trata en las últimas doscientas páginas. Tiene una narración que engancha; los personajes están muy bien logrados así como la ambientación de la época. Disfruté leyéndolo
June 26, 2025
Read this while traveling in Malta, and it really helped me appreciate this country's rich history. If only more historical fiction novels were at this level of writing! I consider myself a social historian, so I was also impressed that the author could devote a decent chunk of the book to military history and still keep me engaged.
September 1, 2020
Μου το πρότεινε ένας εύσωμος κύριος, υπάλληλος των εκδόσεων Ψυχογιός στην Έκθεση Βιβλίου της Θεσσαλονίκης, αρκετά χρόνια πριν (ο ίδιος ένα χρόνο αργότερα μου πρότεινε και το "Το Κορίτσι με το Τατουάζ", όταν είχε πρωτοκυκλοφορήσει). Πιθανότατα δεν θα τον ξαναδώ ποτέ, θα τον ευχαριστώ για πάντα...
ΥΓ: Ευγενικέ κύριε, αν με κάποιο απίθανο τρόπο διαβάζετε αυτό το σχόλιο, περιμένω κι άλλες προτάσεις.. :)
ΥΓ: Ευγενικέ κύριε, αν με κάποιο απίθανο τρόπο διαβάζετε αυτό το σχόλιο, περιμένω κι άλλες προτάσεις.. :)
September 26, 2014
Amazing and educational. A superbly researched novel which en passant delivers some explanation for the current turmoil in the Levant caused by ISIS/ISIL including the Sunni-Shi'ite schism.
Set over 500 years ago, it has richly developed characters of Jewish, Muslim and Christian persuasions (plus some closet atheists too) who are engaged in an epic struggle which culiminates in the Great Siege of Malta.
I've spent a lot of time in Malta over the last few years (still working on Sicilian Channel), and to see the settings of the siege every day is eerie. For example, I drive daily past the hill over which the Ottomans hauled 80 galleys (ships). But then, that is what is great about the Med - it's just all history (I never thought I'd ever say that).
The story moves all around the Mediterranean (more properly called The Middle Sea), from the Maghreb to Istanbul, from Tripoli to Sicily and of course, Malta.
The cultural aspects of the times (day to day life, entertainment, etiquette) are thoroughly described. There is a lot of detail about medicine, physicians and surgery too, particularly in battle settings, with much detail about weapons and warfare of the time.
The author's treatment of Jew, Christian and Muslim is impartial and illuminating. The most memorable aspect for me was the clear illustration of how people of good moral character can be so challenged by belief in their God and the day to day struggle of avoiding becoming a 'sinner'.
Most people fail the challenge and there is sin aplenty, from sex to hashish and from duplicity to murder. The Inquisition plays its part too and the ways in which religion is cynically used as a tool of power, even today, is all to familiar to many of us. The cheapness of life is clearly apparent and unfortunately that is being demonstrated strongly today in Syria and Iraq - among other places. Plus ça change...
So much for the context. The story itself is riveting and the characters very real (as best I can judge 500 years later) with plenty of action, some mild eroticism and multiple threads. I couldn't put it down (and it's well over 700 pages).
A tremendous book and well worth 5*
Set over 500 years ago, it has richly developed characters of Jewish, Muslim and Christian persuasions (plus some closet atheists too) who are engaged in an epic struggle which culiminates in the Great Siege of Malta.
I've spent a lot of time in Malta over the last few years (still working on Sicilian Channel), and to see the settings of the siege every day is eerie. For example, I drive daily past the hill over which the Ottomans hauled 80 galleys (ships). But then, that is what is great about the Med - it's just all history (I never thought I'd ever say that).
The story moves all around the Mediterranean (more properly called The Middle Sea), from the Maghreb to Istanbul, from Tripoli to Sicily and of course, Malta.
The cultural aspects of the times (day to day life, entertainment, etiquette) are thoroughly described. There is a lot of detail about medicine, physicians and surgery too, particularly in battle settings, with much detail about weapons and warfare of the time.
The author's treatment of Jew, Christian and Muslim is impartial and illuminating. The most memorable aspect for me was the clear illustration of how people of good moral character can be so challenged by belief in their God and the day to day struggle of avoiding becoming a 'sinner'.
Most people fail the challenge and there is sin aplenty, from sex to hashish and from duplicity to murder. The Inquisition plays its part too and the ways in which religion is cynically used as a tool of power, even today, is all to familiar to many of us. The cheapness of life is clearly apparent and unfortunately that is being demonstrated strongly today in Syria and Iraq - among other places. Plus ça change...
So much for the context. The story itself is riveting and the characters very real (as best I can judge 500 years later) with plenty of action, some mild eroticism and multiple threads. I couldn't put it down (and it's well over 700 pages).
A tremendous book and well worth 5*
September 26, 2015
During my first trip to Malta some years ago I was woefully unaware of the story of the Knights of St.John and the Great Siege of 1565. But I needed a new book to read on the flight home and picked up Ernle Bradford's book about the siege at the airport shop. Now I was finally heading back to Malta for some proper sightseeing and thought it would be nice to read some historical novels that were set during/around the siege.
It was this one I chose and another one (The Religion, by Tim Willocks, which I'll review separately) based on their ratings on Amazon. Can I just say I consider myself lucky that I read this one first while I was still in Malta?
The books have some similarities. Both feature a Christian/Western hero who spents some years among the Turks before finding themselves on the Christian side during the siege and both feature a Catholic priest as a baddie. Sure, the church is always an easy target - perhaps too easy, but at least Ball succeeds in giving his baddie Salvago a human side, making his actions if not forgiveable, then at least to some extent understandable.
Overall I found Ball's characters far more interesting and well-crafted, especially Maria, the plucky Maltese heroine, who always remains realistic and never the usual over-the-top female superheroine or damsel in distress that seem par for the course in historical novels. I also 'bought' the young French knight Christien although it seemed a bit far-fetched that his father would so oppose him becoming a doctor while pushing him to be a Knight of St. John, an order based on taking care of the ill and sick. Ah well. Maria's brother Nico was another interesting character, the boy abducted to spend years in Constantinople, rising through the ranks thanks to his photographic memory. The love story was a bit silly and unbelievable, but since it didn't take up much room, I didn't mind it either. Overall, I cared for these characters and everything - the island of Malta itself, life at court in Constantinople and finally the siege - were well-described with an eye for detail without becoming boring.
If anyone is looking for a good historical novel to read on a holiday in Malta, this is definitely the one to read.
It was this one I chose and another one (The Religion, by Tim Willocks, which I'll review separately) based on their ratings on Amazon. Can I just say I consider myself lucky that I read this one first while I was still in Malta?
The books have some similarities. Both feature a Christian/Western hero who spents some years among the Turks before finding themselves on the Christian side during the siege and both feature a Catholic priest as a baddie. Sure, the church is always an easy target - perhaps too easy, but at least Ball succeeds in giving his baddie Salvago a human side, making his actions if not forgiveable, then at least to some extent understandable.
Overall I found Ball's characters far more interesting and well-crafted, especially Maria, the plucky Maltese heroine, who always remains realistic and never the usual over-the-top female superheroine or damsel in distress that seem par for the course in historical novels. I also 'bought' the young French knight Christien although it seemed a bit far-fetched that his father would so oppose him becoming a doctor while pushing him to be a Knight of St. John, an order based on taking care of the ill and sick. Ah well. Maria's brother Nico was another interesting character, the boy abducted to spend years in Constantinople, rising through the ranks thanks to his photographic memory. The love story was a bit silly and unbelievable, but since it didn't take up much room, I didn't mind it either. Overall, I cared for these characters and everything - the island of Malta itself, life at court in Constantinople and finally the siege - were well-described with an eye for detail without becoming boring.
If anyone is looking for a good historical novel to read on a holiday in Malta, this is definitely the one to read.
December 3, 2014
This is my kind of book. It falls under the heading of what I would call historical fiction. I liked the format of a short chapter giving historical background, followed by a much longer chapter which centers mainly on the fictional characters, but also includes real historical people. The story takes place in the middle of the 16th century in the Mediterranean Sea area of the world, primarily on the island of Malta (actually two islands). The two primary characters are a brother and a sister named Nico and Maria. They are devoted to each other, and are aged about 10 and 12 when the story begins, and in their early 20s when the story ends. There is a Christian order of monks, called the Order of St. John on the island, the Order not being particularly well-liked by the native islanders. An important factor in the story is the force of Islamic pirates, called corsairs, operating off the Barbary Coast of North Africa. They swoop down periodically and capture people (especially children) and sell them as slaves. One such raid captured Nico and Maria, but Maria managed to escape before being carried off to sea. Nico is sold to the Ottoman Turks and taken to Istanbul. He grows up a Muslim, but still thinks of Maria and Malta. The culminating historical event is the Siege of Malta in 1565, in which hundred of Turkish ships surround the island and appear certain to conquer it. The siege goes on for about 4 or 5 months, and finally relief comes from Christian Europe and Malta is saved. Nico has acquired status as a Turk, and seems to be able to move from ship to Malta during the siege. In the end, he goes back to Istanbul and finds the girls he has fallen in love with. In a surprise ending, the author of the historical chapters is revealed to be the son of Nico. I give this book an 8 on my personal rating scale of 1 to 10.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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