James Jackson "Blood Rock"

Blood Rock takes place in 1565 during the Great Siege of Malta. This book, having read two other excellent novels about the Great Siege, Ironfire and The Religion, is 80% fact in reference to the events of the siege and 20% fiction. The 20% being the romance, the spy subterfuge and heroics of the main character Christian Hardy, I found the book very well written and kept me interested throughout.
The Great Siege of Malta and was the ultimate victory for the Knights of Malta and the heroic Maltese people over the unbeatable Ottomans Empire was a turning point in the history of the world to this day. Reading this historic event on its own would have been interesting but with the intertwined romance and intrigue it made the siege come to life and very exciting. The author describes for the reader what the populous went through during the 101 days defending their island and living through the unspeakable horrors of war.
Following the bravery of the Knights of Malta and the Maltese people who were out numbered 30 to 1, with the loss of over 70% of the island inhabitants they emerged victorious because of their faith in themselves and God proves you can do anything if you just believe.
Had it not been for this victory, life as we know it today would be very, very different. To me Blood Rock is a must read. I was on Malta when I read this book and visited the forts and massive fortress walls which were built over 500 years ago and still stand, it was truly a magical feeling just touching the walls which brought the factual story to another level.
Malta where hundreds of thousands died not just for possesion of a "rock" ( as it was referred to) in the Mediterranean Sea but for the future of all Christendom.
A trip to Malta will transport you back into time 500 years , the harbours and forts are still in tact. Well worth the visit.

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