Ironfire

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

By: David Ball

Narrated by: George Guidall

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

Phenomenal

The story is excellent. There are several characters that are well developed and transitions from one subplot to another is extremely clear. The story is told from the point of view of several people and each tale is extremely captivating. David Ball is an excellent writer and George Guidall...... well, you can't go wrong listening to ANYTHING that he reads.

Historical fiction based on fact... Excellent

This was one of the best books I have listened to in a long time. I write very few reviews but had to for this. It is an epic story in a little known part of history. Some have complained about the pedophilia and the homosexuality in the book. In that time it was super common and is only a very small part of the book. This book was good the way a good Terry Brooks book is and epic like Ben Hur was. If you are at all interested in history this is a great book. It was a very rough time in history and the Battle for Malta was especially brutal. The many perspectives given in the book are fantastic. I cannot recommend the book enough. George Guidall is fantastic as usual. A great epic story.

I love this so much I’ve read twice

If anyone is interested in history. Read this book. If the events/characters are based on real events, the lives they lived are truly inspiring. I will be recommending this book to everyone I know!

Other side of the world

To hear and understand the happenings of history so far from my own is astonishing and educational. Yo better understand the total history of this now small world we reside is priceless.

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.

History come alive

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

Great story and narration. Ok, that is four words, but sums up the book

What other book might you compare Ironfire to and why?

Empires of Sand. Also a great book by this dynamic duo! Similar reasons for greatness history made real.

What about George Guidall’s performance did you like?

His outstanding range , character differentiation, and his ability to enunciate in any language and make it believable he is a great talent

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Both, there was humor and heart wrenching sadness, and awful brutality all in proper proportion

Any additional comments?

Well worth the time and credit