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

fantastic

Excellent piece of historical fiction. The best tale I've read regarding the events of Malta, second only to Tim Willocks "The Religion" which is more engrossing in its battles scenes and its narrator is second to none. However, Ironfire has a broader scope of characters and fleshes out the world of the story slightly better.

A book to ruin all other books.

DO NOT LISTEN IF YOU EVER WANT TO ENJOY ANOTHER BOOK AGAIN!!!! I have listened to the classics, (Guidalls narration of Don Quixote is especially note worthy) and I have worked through modern works such as the bleeding pain of George R.R. Martin, yet I have never so thoroughly enjoyed a novel as much as this. The characters are painfully human, the story arcs wonderfully poignant and the vivid recreations of a turning point in history breathtakingly real. I only regret that I must leave Maria, the knights, and the turks for the gray abyss of whatever else Audible's other libraries can find me. Maybe this D Ball strikes gold twice in some other work.

Great book

I love the story of the siege of Malta and I love historical fiction rooted in facts by a skillful historian telling the tale.

Excellent. It’s absolutely excellent

Read it. First and foremost it’s is a story about people. The characters contain the vast and true spectrum of humanity. I cared greatly about some and feared others. The pace is exciting. There are ups and downs, love and loss, violence and healing.

My review doesn’t do it justice. I loved it. Read the first chapter and you’ll be hooked.

Good build up but not a great finale, entertaining

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

Yes. History told balanced with fictional and entertaining characters

What was your reaction to the ending? (No spoilers please!)

The build up and the development of the characters were great, however, their influence on the finale failed a bit. I think that keeps this book from becoming an all time classic.

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

Great performance

Exciting adventure into the past.

Very well written chronicle of history of Malta and the Knights of St John. Wonderfully enjoyable history lesson! Love, despair, honor, courage, battles on sea and land, all combined to keep you enthralled throughout. Narration #1.

Really enjoyable listen!

If you could sum up Ironfire in three words, what would they be?

Great story, characters, and descriptions of the age. I haven't enjoyed a book this much since I finished Ken Follet's 'Pillars' saga. David Ball is now on my short list of favorite historical fiction writers. I highly recommend this book.

Great Book!

I loved this book. it is so long that I was afraid that I would get bored. But that didn't happen. The story was not only entertaining but it was educational and enlightening about that period of time.

Excellent novel. G Guidall: best reader-period

An epic tale of love, war, betrayal and hope. Surrounded with many historical themes this novel is not only interesting but enlightening. Personally, I believe George Guidal the best reading performer in the business.

this was delightful

the history part was not perfect but the wonderful story made up for that. there are some great moments during The Beach that did not get the attention it deserved.