The Religion

A Novel

De: Tim Willocks

Narrado por: Simon Vance

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

Reseñas de la Crítica

“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)

Boring

This book starts out pretty well - action filled first scene. Then there's about an hour of waiting for something to happen. Another scene. More waiting. I stopped before I got through the first third.

Painfully Ignorant of Islam

With all the research that went into this book, one would think the author could at least try to get the Islam and the Arabic right. Otherwise, a very engaging read. I purchased the book in hard copy.

incredible

Tim Willocks is exquisite in his style and prose. This is a story of love, bravery, and beauty juxtaposed against a backdrop of the unimaginable horrors of midevil war.

The reader is more a performer than a narrator and is exceptional.

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.