Best-selling author Simon Scarrow brings the Great Siege of Malta to vivid and unforgettable life in this gripping standalone novel.
Malta, 1565: a vital outpost between the divided nations of Europe and the relentlessly expanding Ottoman Empire. Faced with ferocious attack by a vast Turkish fleet, the knights of the Order of St John fear annihilation.
Amongst those called to assist is disgraced veteran Sir Thomas Barrett. Loyalty and instinct compel him to put the Order above all other concerns, yet his allegiance is divided. At Queen Elizabeth's command, he must search for a hidden scroll, guarded by the knights, that threatens her reign. As Sir Thomas confronts the past that cost him his honour and a secret that has long lain buried, a vast enemy army arrives to lay siege to the island....
©2012 Simon Scarow (P)2012 Headline Digital
"Good story of a great moment in history"
I have enjoyed all Simon Scarrows books, including this one, but I think his roman "Under the Eagle" series is better.
The main character, Sir Thomas is by far the favorite as he is the main character and so most complete.
No I have not listened to him before
Sit Thomas
"Not what I expected, but still a good listen."
This book starts slow, builds slow, but ends with a bang. The narration is neither great nor terrible. At best, it doesn't interfere with the storytelling, at worst, it can be dry.
The story isn't particularly intricate, you can predict most of the twists before they occur, but intrigue isn't really why people read Scarrow's novels. The reason fan's do is the action, and the action is up to the usual standard... when it starts.
There is a brief battle in the prologue, and a few skirmishes here and there to keep narrative momentum, but the final few hours are an addicitve listen.
You don't bond with the characters like Macro or Cato, but the beginnings of attachment form by the end of the story.
All in all not great, but still well above average for this genre of fiction.
Enjoy :)
"A solid story and performance."
Do I have to write a frickin' review? What if I just want to rate it? Give me a break...