Ironfire

A Novel of the Knights of Malta and the Last Battle of the Crusades

By: David Ball

Narrated by: George Guidall

Length: 31 hrs and 8 mins

Publisher's summary

Best-selling author David Ball has won widespread critical and popular acclaim for his sweeping novels, including Empires of Sand. With Ironfire Ball delivers a stirring historical epic of the Crusades. In the 16th century, only the Knights of Malta stand against the Ottoman Empire of Suleiman the Magnificent and his 40,000 brutal warriors.

©2004 David Ball (P)2004 Recorded Books, LLC

Critic reviews

“Ball brings the tail end of the Crusades to life in a substantial piece of historical fiction that sizzles with action, romance, and drama.” ( Booklist

Worth the time and the credit!

Fascinating novel of a time in history I did not know much about. Quite evenhanded when portraying both Christian and Muslim powers at that time, and the characters were strong ( especially the women) and well defined.

And I would purchase any book that allowed me to listen to George Guidell for 20+ hours, no matter what the topic was!

Excellent

What did you love best about Ironfire?

The gripping story woven into the historical events.

What did you like best about this story?

The fast paced story told in detail that just engrosses you.

What about George Guidall’s performance did you like?

George Guidall did an excellent job .. brought out the emotion and the mood of the moment..

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Oh yes.. I nearly did except for the inevitable time that I had to sleep, work for a living etc..

Any additional comments?

What more can one say except that it is just wonderful.

Will listen over and over

I wasn't expecting this to be one to be up there with the best when I first purchased, but what a nice surprise. The story is captivating, filled with accurate historical facts, and the narration was appealing. I hated for it to end. I know I will listen to this book many times. I put it up there with "Cutting For Stone" and "Shantaram" which were books I also wished would never end.
If you've read/listened to Roger Crowley's "Empires of the Sea", you know just how horrible the seige at Malta was for it's inhabitants as well as the Knights of St. John when they were attacked by the fighters of the Ottoman Empire. They were nearly abandoned by the rest of Europe until it was almost too late, for many it was.
If you like long, historical fiction with a great ending; a book you won't want to put down, this is it.

Decent history-bad novel

I did like the history and having it in novel form did help the time come to life- but that's all that saved it from it's cliches and tiered plot lines...

Immersive!

A fun, captivating read, on the order of “The Long Ships” or “Shogun.” If you enjoy being immersed in historical fiction, then this is a must-read. At times contrived, of course, in the manner of the genre, this book still provides a great transport to a colorful but brutal past. And as always, George Guildhall delivers a masterful performance. He is among the very best readers of recorded books.

Fantastic novel and reader. Could not have been better!

Having a detailed map of Malta in front of you really helps understand the Islamic siege.

Phenomenal book and magnificent reader

This book kept us spellbound- if you historical fiction- this is for you. Sure to become a classic. The multiple characters are relatable - and the reader does a fantastic job with them.

A MUST READ!

Would you consider the audio edition of Ironfire to be better than the print version?

Yes, this book is extremely well read. I loved every minute. The story line never dragged.

Awesome

I don’t listen to many books this long and this one was fantastic.
But it

Best Historical Fiction Ive heard in a while.

By far the best narrated and best written story Ive read in a while. An excellent historical fiction, during an interesting period.