The Religion

A Novel

By: Tim Willocks

Narrated by: Simon Vance

Length: 25 hrs and 17 mins

Publisher's summary

May 1565. Suleiman the Magnificent, emperor of the Ottomans, has declared a jihad against the Knights of Saint John the Baptist. The largest armada of all time approaches the Knights' Christian stronghold on the island of Malta. The Turks know the Knights as the "The Hounds of Hell." The Knights call themselves "The Religion."

In Messina, Sicily, a French countess, Carla la Penautier, seeks a passage to Malta in a quest to find the son taken from her at his birth twelve years ago. The only man with the expertise and daring to help her is a Rabelaisian soldier of fortune, arms dealer, former janissary, and strapping Saxon adventurer by the name of Mattias Tannhauser. He agrees to accompany the lady to Malta, where, amidst the most spectacular siege in military history, they must try to find the boy— whose name they do not know and whose face they have never seen—and pluck him from the jaws of Holy War.

The Religion is Book One of The Tannhauser Triology, and from the start of epic account of the last great medieval conflict between East and West, it is clear we are in the hands of a master. Not since James Clavell has a novelist so powerfully and assuredly plunged listeners headlong into another place and time. Anne Rice transformed the vampire novel. Stephen King reinvented horror. Now, in a spectacular tale of heroism, tragedy, and passion, Tim Willocks revivifies historical fiction.

©2006 Tim Willocks (P)2006 Audio Renaissance, a division of Holtzbrinck Publishers LLC

Critic reviews

“The ideal man to do justice to the conflict...gripping...a classic of its kind.” —The Mail on Sunday

"A novel of high adventure, blood, guts and romantic love...as master craftsman, [Willocks] tells his story with extraordinary pace.” —Literary Review

“An epic in which we can see the seeds of our all our modern woes.” —The Times (of London)

Great Characters

I thouroughly enjoyed this book tape. It grabbed me from the beginning. The reader is fantastic and the characters are very well developed. I can't wait for the second book in the trilogy.

Awesome

One of the best books I have ever had the pleasure of reading.

The background of Malta was a perfect place to learn about the characters, and the tale of love, friendship and honor was well done.

historical fiction at its best

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

This novel appeals to both men and women. Vivid battles, touching relationships and conflicting cultures are all explored and will leave you wanting more.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Religion?

The night Carla played her music at the waters edge and Tannhauser was able to hear it through his fevered and weakened state in the Islamic camp.

Have you listened to any of Simon Vance’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

This was the first time I ever listened to Simon Vance, but he truly captured the characters.

If you could rename The Religion, what would you call it?

I would not rename this book. At first I was put off by the name thinking that it another book with endless religous dogma. But within just a few pages I knew this novel's title meant much more.

Any additional comments?

I want a sequel!

one of my favorite books of all time

This book is a very good read I have downloaded well over 900 tittles and I have listened to this book at least 3 times. I also have the hardback copy of this book and have read it at least twice. it is well written and full of adventure and history. I've given it as a gift and I'm sure most people will enjoy this book. If the folks at HBO are looking for something to replace Game of Thrones this could be it. It's not fantasy but I think it would appeal to the same audience.

Awesome

Great writing, great narrator and great story. Grand slam. Get it now and then wait for part two.

Excellent narration

This is an interesting, adventure story that exposed me to a period in history I had not previously explored. I agree with previous reviewers that character development is somewhat lacking and I found the "love scenes" to be quite unimaginative, despite the detail. Like others, I too tired of the overly long and gory battle scenes. I understand that this is the first book of a trilogy and I hope that future volumes are a bit more fully realized and not so bloody.

Ups and downs

This a great way to tell a historical tale. A man split between two worlds, and his adventures. But there were times that I could barely stay awake. Too much of something, i just can't put my finger on it.

Not for the squeamish

"The Religion" is at first glance a classic action-adventure novel on a grand scale. The kind of story like those of Samuel Shellabarger or Thomas Costain that I read as a teen and which captured my imagination. Stories where the heroes were larger than life, defeated the villains and always got the girl. The difference here is that "The Religion" is written with a screenwriter's eye for imagery and a historian's passion for accurate detail that the aforementioned authors were never encumbered by. It's that imagery and detail that makes the author's scenes of battle and battle's aftermath so viscerally vivid and, for some I'm sure, disturbing. The Siege of Malta was fought in an age when steel blades overlapped with gunpowder and the author does not flinch when describing the horrific effects of edged weapons and low velocity firearms on the human body. Nor does he spare us scenes of the human suffering resulting from the virtually nonexistent medical care available to the wounded at the time. In that respect. the novel often reads like an extension of John Keegan's book "The Face of Battle".
What is also remarkable is the author's evenhandedness in his portrayal of the two combatant sides. There are many things to admire in both the Christian and Muslim camps but religious fanaticism, of which both sides are guilty, is portrayed as the unreasoning and frightening force it can be. All in all it makes for some intense and, I found, thought provoking listening.
That aside, students familiar with the history of the Great Siege of Malta will recognize all of the key actions of the struggle and the author can be forgiven the device of having his main character present at, or even the instrument of, most of them.
As always, the narration of Mr Vance breathes life into the text and makes for a throughly enjoyable experience.
Highly recommended.

More please?!?!?

I hear there's a Tannhauser trilogy! I pray Audible get the other books!!! I LOVE this one!

Incredible!

One of the best books i have had the fortune to read and listen to Shame no other books are available on Audible from the author. Worth 10 credits.