Eight Pointed Cross

The Siege of Malta #1

by Marthese Fenech

The violent clash between the Ottoman Empire and the Knights of St John on the island fortress Malta serves as the backdrop to Eight Pointed Cross. Siblings Domenicus and Katrina Montesa grow up under the threat of a looming Inquisition by Rome and constant raids by corsairs loyal to the Ottoman Sultan. Hundreds of leagues away in Istanbul, young Demir’s dream of becoming an imperial horseman in the Sultan’s cavalry provides his only solace against relentless torment by his cruel older brother.

The 1551 Turkish invasion of Malta and the archipelago’s bloody defence will forever change the lives of these individuals, whose fates are intertwined not only with each other, but with nobles and peasants, knights and pirates, tyrants and galley slaves, on both sides of the religious conflict.

The story unfolds across the Mediterranean world of the sixteenth century—from Malta, a barren Christian outpost, to Istanbul, the glittering seat of Islam, from filthy prison cells to lush palace gardens. Against soaring sea cliffs and open sea lanes, the men and women of Eight Pointed Cross face corruption and oppression, broken vows and betrayal, as two great empires collide.

Surviving this battle-soaked world of swords and scimitars will test the limits of every character’s courage, loyalty, and love.

Genres: Fiction, Historical Fiction

640 pages, Paperback

First published July 31, 2011

About the author

AUTHOR BIO

Marthese Fenech is the bestselling author of epic historical novels set in sixteenth-century Malta and Istanbul. Research has taken her to the ancient streets her characters roamed, the fortresses they defended, the seas they sailed, and the dungeons they escaped.

Obstinate curiosity has led her to seventy countries across six continents. She does her best plot-weaving while hiking mountain trails, wandering local markets, paddle boarding cliff-sheltered bays, and sitting at home with her Siberian husky curled at her feet.

Reviews

[Karen Desira · Rating 5 out of 5]

By far one of the best books I have ever read! I loved the characters, and how the story is based on true events. It made me appreciate my country (Malta) so much more! I simply cannot wait for the second book to come out!

[Piehk · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best historical fiction books I've ever read. Full of suspence!

[Rox Burkey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Author Marthese Fenech presents the violent history of 16th century Malta with living breathing storytelling vignettes from one end to the other. The details of life for the Maltese people as they succumb to slave traders, bow to Christian Knights, and sometimes serve as common soldiers clearly conveyed the difficulty, harshness, and violence present in that era. The history is more digestible because of the character relationships within these interwoven tales; good and bad.

The myriad of stories within the book as a writing technique is awesome. It helped fill in the murky background and additional depth to the violence of the Ottoman Empire’s Muslim Turks. Many parts of this historical saga filled my eyes with tears, with the suffering of the Gozotain families particularly horrific. Wars and conquest are filled with terror and fear, but the heroes and heroines are often found in Eight Pointed Cross.

The siblings Domenicus and Katrina Montesa are so real and relatable as a family unit who grow up over the course of the book. I loved Katrina with her determination and independent thoughts, not common among females of the period. Yet her character is very relatable and sadly naive. Frankly, all the characters are well developed regardless of their role from the Montesa siblings to their father; Angelic overcoming her initial suffering; and Demir who knows right from wrong in his heart and mind. Ms. Fenech laces her extensive research into a compelling history brought to life because of her amazing characters and their interactions. The story has twists and turns that are more enjoyable with the concise bite-sized chapters.

I was concerned initially with the length of this novel, but I was immediately captivated by the clear expression filled voice of Simon Hester, as he embraced the superb prose. Simon’s voice adds a realistic richness to an historical fiction masterpiece. The overwhelming sincerity to his narration made me think he watched the scenes as they were occurring and related it just for me. Simon Hester is the ideal narrator for Eight Pointed Cross This audible book had no production issues and the quality was consistent from beginning to end.

I enjoyed listening to the comprehensive descriptions, richness of history, extensive character development, and personalization of this historical saga. I highly recommend it for those who enjoy listening to a story with unfiltered realism. Not for the squeamish, but then war and conquest never is.

[Randy Grixti · Rating 5 out of 5]

When the novel “Eight Pointed Cross” first arrived in my mailbox I was itching to get into the meaty tome but I was half way through another opus by Ken Follett “World Without End” so it took several weeks to get started.

Once started though it was a pleasure to read all the way through. Even though we are separated from the story by 500 years, Marthese manages to create characters that are not only unique and complex but very relatable and real. My favorite being Robert whose wit and bravery are only matched by his love for Kat and whom I see a little of myself growing up in my homeland Malta.

Ah Malta, how this novel makes me ache to return there. With the vivid descriptions of the land, people and weather Marthese manages to bring back feelings of homesickness that I thought were long gone. I find myself searching out pictures of Malta on the Internet to help satisfy that longing.

I’ve never been to Istanbul, well especially one from 500 years ago, but through the potent and expressive prose the author brings that city to life in such a way that I now feel I can say I’ve been there standing next to Demir watching Dragut’s magnificent fleet sailing out of the harbor.

All this would be enough to make any book an enjoyable read but then add all that wonderful history of that era; The Knights of Malta, the ship building, the Siege of 1551 and on and on. All this could have overwhelmed the story but like Ken Follett, Marthese manages to incorporate all that research and experience to enhance the story rather than distract.

These are just the backdrops for poignant tales of love, friendship and family. The Montesa, Tabone and Falsone families are the core of the story but every character comes to life, from the high and mighty Juan d'Homedes to the lowly prostitute Lilla. They are embodied with emotions and back stories allowing them to develop and change along with our heroes and heroins.

Oh and what tales, full of twists, turns, surprises, beauty, horror, love, hate, tears, joy and let's not forget laughter. And I can't wait until book two comes out!!!!

[Mary Yarde · Rating 5 out of 5]

“An army of one thousand sheep led by a lion is far more destructive than an army of one thousand lions led by a sheep. Suleiman the Magnificent led this attack—we faced an army of lions led by a lion.”

Domenicus Montesa would have preferred to have heard the story of how his mother and father met, but his sister Katrina adored her father’s stories of battles and warfare. Katrina’s one lament was that she had been born a girl and could never follow in her father’s footsteps and fight for the glorious Knights of St John.

For some, like Katrina’s father, Augustine, these Christian knights represented honour and nobility. But to others on the island of Malta, these knights were nothing more than Christian pirates who worshipped not God, but gold.

Thousands of miles away, in Istanbul, there was a young child who dreamed of two things. Firstly, Demir wanted to be an exceptional Muslim, and the second was that one day he wanted to become a Sipahi in the Sultan’s cavalry. But first, Demir had to survive the wrath of his father, Al Hajji Hamid al Azm, and the relentless torment of his elder brother. If he survived into adulthood, it would be a miracle, and if the secret that his mother hid ever come to light, his life would be over before it had begun.

With a lyrical narrative that is as rich in historical detail as it is in story and a prose that is poetically pleasing to the ear, Eight Pointed Cross by Marthese Fenech is the tautly gripping account of the clash of two great empires.

Eight Pointed Cross is astoundingly ambitious, but it is in all ways an absolute triumph. Fenech has penned not only a dazzling account of the Knights Hospitaller and what life was like in Malta during this time but also what it was like to grow up in Istanbul. And by writing this book in third person subjective, Fenech has assured that Eight Pointed Cross will definitely stand out in a crowded bookcase.

Fenech lavishly evokes the land in which her novel is set in, which gives this book not only authenticity but makes it unashamedly compelling. This historical detailing of this book has to be commended. Fenech has captured the very essences of this era while staying true to the period and the documented history. Fenech's depiction of the Knights of St. John is utterly sublime. With a keen eye on the history, Fenech also has a novelist intuition about what makes a book entertaining. Kudos, Ms Fenech. Kudos, indeed.

There are several protagonists in this book, and more than one antagonist. For most of this book, the Montesa’s family takes centre stage. When this novel begins, Domenicus and Katrina are children, by the end of this book they are adults. Watching them grow up in the pages of this book was a wonderful thing to behold. In the beginning, they think like children, but as their eyes are opened to the injustice and, in some cases, the cruelty of the world, they begin to see things differently to the way their father sees them. While Augustine seemingly accepts the way things are, Domenicus dares to question it. Whereas Katrina is determined to live the life that she wants to live and not the one that her sex demands of her.

Katrina is, without a doubt, one of my favourite characters in this book. She is so incredibly feisty and determined to do her own thing. However, as confident as she is, Katrina can also be blind to the obvious. Her faith in Franco di Bonfatti, a Knight of the Order, is absolute. Franco becomes a trusted friend who teaches Katrina to use a bow, but Katrina is completely oblivious to Franco’s growing, forbidden, attraction to her. I thought this naivety made Katrina incredibly human in the telling. On the other hand, Katrina’s relationship with Robert Falsone is tender and beautiful. I really enjoyed reading about Katrina. She is a wonderful heroine for readers to get behind.

Another fabulous heroine is Angelica. Angelica suffers a great loss at the beginning of this book, but she somehow rises above it and carries on with her life. Her relationship with Domenicus was depicted with great skill and care. I enjoyed reading about Angelica very much.

Demir is another one of the characters that I simply adored. He is this bright little boy who is smart, loving and, above everything else, kind. He is a complete contrast to his brother and his father. Demi suffers terrible abuse at their hands, and yet his strength of character is never toppled or shaken. He knows right from wrong, and he despairs at injustice, whether that be towards another human or an animal — a fabulous portrayal of a truly unforgettable character.

There are several antagonists in this book, from the corsairs to the Grand Master of the Knights. They are all, of course, products of their time and their beliefs, which made for a fascinating account. There is one character in particular who does not start out as an antagonist. I don’t want to give away any spoilers, so I am not going to name him, but his depiction was masterly drawn, and he really helped, in the latter part of this book, to drive the story forward.

There are many great historical fiction books, and Eight Pointed Cross by Marthese Fenech is one of them. Fenech is the ideal commentator for this story of empires, families, and war. This is a book where I found myself reaching for the Kleenex one moment and laughing out loud in the next. This is a book which made my heart-rate speed up as the heroes found themselves in increasingly desperate situations. This is a story that is filled with cliff-hanger tension and engrossing battle scenes. This is a story that horrifies, impresses and fascinates in almost equal measures. Eight Pointed Cross is a book of monumental scholarship. It is absolutely irresistible and one I could not put down.

If you are looking for your next great historical fiction read, then look no further than Eight Pointed Cross by Marthese Fenech — this book has it all, and then some.

I Highly Recommend.

Review by Mary Anne Yarde.
The Coffee Pot Book Club.

[Crissy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love getting lost in the tales of intrigue, battles, and everyday life from so long ago. It's fascinating to imagine what it was like to live during such pivotal times. If you're looking for a historical escape, I highly recommend diving into Eight Pointed Cross (Siege of Malta)

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

While I tend to enjoy historical fiction, I generally stick to the periods I focused on in university (post-1800 and ending after WWII, mainly British). Upon reading Eight Pointed Cross I realize that this is likely a bad idea as I’m missing out on some great novels, specifically this one.

I was recently introduced to the author but I didn’t read her novel out of some sort of obligation - it honestly sounded very interesting. And it was. This novel is wonderful. It has the perfect blend of historical detail, emotional depth, and action/intrigue.

The novel is set in the mid-1500s, on the island of Malta, during military aggression between the Ottoman Empire and the Knights of St John (two factions I had limited knowledge of before this novel, I will admit - I had to keep reminding myself it wasn’t the Crusades). The story features some battle scenes but mainly follows the life of two siblings (Domenicus and Katrina), who are well-off peasants who live on Malta. There are also some chapters devoted to Demir, a young boy living in Istanbul under a powerful and tyrannical father.

As much as the battle scenes are exciting and uncensored for violence, the regular life of the two siblings is the most fascinating part of the novel, as we are shown in detail how “regular” people lived in that time period. We are exposed to how they are constrained by the Order of Knights socially (in terms of gender roles and class) and physically threatened by raiding pirates and the Turkish invaders. Yet, the Turks are not vilified - both cultures are shown to be suffering from militant ideology and corruption.

What I particularly enjoyed was how the female characters were given as much attention and depth as the male ones. How the different women defied or adhered to the extreme patriarchy they are forced to exist in was realistic and relatable. The male characters were well-developed and likeable, even the tormented Franco.

There is just enough exposition of the culture, landscape and historical data to paint a vivid picture but not enough to get boring. Despite the length of the book, I couldn’t put it down.

This novel makes me want to visit Malta.

[Christine Grabowski · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t rate a lot of books as five stars, but this one was well deserved.

I love a thick novel that I can escape into for weeks at a time, and if I can learn a bit of history at the same time, all the better. (In this case it was 16th century Malta and Turkey when the Christian knights of the Order of St. John fought the Muslim Turks of the Ottoman Empire and was researched well.)

As with all my favorite books, I never felt like I was reading a history text. Instead, I was engrossed in the story and its well-developed characters, so I was easily able to absorb the rich historical setting, little by little.

Don’t be alarmed by the length. The chapters are very short and most have many section breaks making it easy to read this novel in short, manageable chunks if you prefer. But be warned, there are many chapters where you will have a tough time putting it down and will want to immediately move on to the next one.

I’m looking forward to buying her sequel when it comes out.

[Anthony · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really waiting for the next book. to see what happened to the main charactors.

Well done keep on writing

[Mia Vella · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eight Pointed Cross is immersive historical fiction at its finest—richly researched, emotionally grounded, and utterly gripping.

Set against the brutal beauty of the sixteenth-century Mediterranean, the novel balances sweeping historical events with deeply human stakes. The siege warfare is visceral without becoming gratuitous, the politics feel lived-in rather than explained, and the setting is so vividly rendered it feels tactile—stone, dust, smoke, faith, and fear all pressing in at once.

What truly elevates the book, though, is its cast of characters. They are flawed, stubborn, compassionate, and brave in ways that feel earned rather than heroic by default. The sibling bond at the heart of the story is especially powerful, anchoring the larger conflict in love, loyalty, and loss. Every choice carries weight; every victory comes at a cost.

This is not just a war novel—it’s a story about endurance, identity, and what people cling to when everything familiar is being stripped away. Fans of serious historical fiction will find Eight Pointed Cross both devastating and deeply rewarding.

Highly recommended.

[Jason Muscat · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this read. When I jump into a book, especially fiction, i want to feel like I am or could be one of the characters. And here, in Eight Pointed Cross, author M Fenech has done just that. Experiencing the story, you can feel the heat of the Mediterranean sun on your face, smell the salt air of the sea, taste the dust of the Maltese streets on your lips. With the author's depth of character and scene description, one really does feel like they are living the story along side the characters, and I loved being able to experience that. And what I appreciate even more is that we get an opportunity to both root for and root against characters from both sides of this ancient conflict between Islam and Christianity. We get to see that there are heroes and villains on both sides. Good and bad is not innate in one's religious belief, and the author does a marvelous job of showing that to us. Just a fun read, and one that I highly look forward to seeing the rest of the story unfold.

[aldo malatesta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marthese Fenech is the new wave of immensely talented Canadian authors, many of whom are children of immigrants. Eight Pointed Cross and the two equally impressive books in the trilogy are a homage to the richness of her cultural heritage. Thoroughly researched, the novel flows with poetic eloquent pros that flow from one page to the next and yet never wavers. The only disappointment being the final sentence of the last page, but the anticipation of another release. There are moments which are hilariously crude, signs of an author who is confident in her craft. Mar has the rare gift of making even the most despicable of characters somehow appealing. I love Findley, Atwood, and Davies, and Fenech deserves a place right beside them, and quite possibly one shelf above.


Aldo Malatesta (author of Growing Up Immigrant...Ignorant)

[Melissa Micucci · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant read. Eight Pointed Cross stands out as more than just historical fiction—it is a story about endurance in the face of overwhelming odds and the strength of the human spirit when confronted with unimaginable adversity. It will appeal not only to readers interested in history, but also to those who appreciate character-driven storytelling and morally complex narratives.

What makes this novel exceptional is its balance between historical accuracy and emotional storytelling.
This is a compelling, thoughtful, and unforgettable novel that leaves a lasting impression long after the final page.
Highly recommend.

[Jason Muscat · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved the entire trilogy of Fenech's The Siege of Malta. The writing is so warm and rich that you are instantly drawn into the novel's scenery - be it the warm fields of Malta or the extravagance of Istanbul. Characters that made me want to root for and throw something at all at the same time. A real sense of building true and relatable characters - ones with nuance and depth that are never one-sided. After finishing Eight Pointed Cross I could not wait to get my hands on Falcon's Shadow. A truly wonderful story.

[I.M. Pauley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eight Pointed Cross is a marvel. Marthese Fenech blends meticulous research with vivid storytelling to create a novel that is both emotionally gripping and historically immersive. From the very first chapter, the world of 16th-century Malta springs to life.
Fenech’s characters are extraordinarily well-drawn: flawed, courageous, and deeply real. Their intertwined journeys pull you in with such force that you feel every triumph and heartbreak as if you were living their experiences for yourself.
I highly recommend this book.

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mar immerses the reader in this tragic time in history. Although they live in a different era, the characters are very relatable to any generation. I especially related to Angelica Tabone and found myself rooting for her from beginning to end. The themes of love and separation tug at your heart strings, making the reader long for loved ones to reunite. Mar has a unique writing voice and her vivid descriptions draw the reader in. A must read for all.

Dangel (Domenicus and Angelica) forever <3 <3 <3

[Paul Brous · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marthese Fenech's "Eight-Pointed Cross" takes readers on a captivating journey through the intricacies of the medieval world, filled with political intrigue, religious conflicts, and personal quests for redemption. With meticulous attention to detail, Fenech masterfully weaves a complex tapestry of characters and events that will keep historical fiction enthusiasts engrossed from the very first page.

[Anna · Rating 1 out of 5]

Netgalley ARC- I wanted to like this one, I really did. It was clear that the author did lots of research. It was also obvious they were very eager to write a sweeping epic novel, however, the writing itself, the characters, and the dialogue were horrible. I almost didn't finish because I kept rolling my eyes at the absurdity and how it felt like a hallmark movie where history was sanitized to make it palatable.

[Franco Davies · Rating 5 out of 5]

As Historical novels go, this is as good as it gets !
First part of a gripping trilogy of real events, this novel sets the foundations, introduces the characters and makes you feel what they feel! Excellently researched, it throws you into the past into a gripping personal storyline. And what's great is that the sequels just get better and better!

[Jaclyn Haber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eight Pointed Cross is outstanding and suitable for readers of many ages. It is historically accurate in depicting an epic era in Maltese history. The writing is vivid and the imagery is described with expert skill. The character are delightfully developed, making them easy to connect with emotionally.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved falling into this historical world. It felt like the start of an epic journey that is heartfelt and is incredibly brutal at times, which is probably a very accurate reflection of where humanity was at the time. It left me excited for the next chapter and to find out where these characters were heading.

[Patience · Rating 1 out of 5]

I tried, but I just couldn't stand it. It's both too gritty and romanticized and seemed to be looking down upon the native Maltese, all of which made me uncomfortable. I only made it to chapter 3, though. Maybe it gets better.

[Kerin Marks · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing read! Marthese takes you on a ride where you feel like you are living alongside the characters. You can tell Marthese has done her research and thoughtfully portrays a fictional yet historical period of Malta. Very well written. Highly recommend.

[Darcie Friesen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marthese Fenech is a writers’ writer. Her impeccable research and deep empathy for her characters allows the reader to simply slip into her narrative. And we do so with such complete belief that, never for a second, do we question whether we’re in 16th century Malta. We simply begin to sweat!

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book set in the Mediterranean we share, Eight-Pointed Cross tells a powerful story from a time that shaped both Malta and Greece. An engaging and extremely well-researched historical novel.

[Daniele · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great characters and historical connection. A lot of details that allow the reader to enjoy the whole book!

[Joanna Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is utterly amazing. It grips you into the story right away and will leave you wondering what comes next for the characters once you’re done reading. Buy it. You won’t regret it.

[Ioannis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed The Eight-Pointed Cross. The author explains things in a clear and easy way. It’s a good book and well written.

[Joyce · Rating 4 out of 5]

A historical novel. Enjoyed the historical background, which, I think, was well researched. Great depiction of the various relationships, treatments, and contrasts, among the different groups such as knights versus Maltese, corsairs, Turkish warriors, the Maltese elite versus the common people, men versus women, slaves, etc. Just one example: only men were allowed to be treated in the 'infermeria', as if women did not matter. At the same time, women were allowed in the infermeria to do mundane chores like laundering the hospital bedding.

The way things were, was described through what happened to one family and their friends and acquaintances, which kept things interesting. The book is well written, with a few surprises along the way. However, I thought the ending was predictable, and there were some aspects that were quite unbelievable, such as Domenicus's recovery after a bullet went right through him, or rescuing Robert in the nick of time, or concluding that Augustine is still alive based only on the finding of the eight pointed cross.

All in all, I enjoyed reading the book and am looking forward to the next book in the trilogy.