The Siege of Malta (1565) - A Review of Ironfire by David Ball

I recently finished reading Ironfire by David Ball. It has been a while since I have read a book taking place during medieval times and while it chronologically falls into the Early Modern Period, it describes the Mediterranean World at the end of the Middle Ages. Ironfire presents a balanced view of the raging conflict between the Muslim Ottoman Empire and the Christian world. The author brilliantly places historic and contrived characters in historic events to provide a spellbinding look at Malta, a barren and yet strategically important island; Istanbul and the Court of Suleiman, the Supreme Ruler of the Muslim world; life and warfare on the Mediterranean; the medical and surgical practices of the time; the conflicting religious ideologies; and the clashing warfare between the Cross and the Crescent culminating with a riveting depiction of medieval siege warfare.

The book begins with the Nicolo Borg being taken as a slave from the island of Malta. He serves as a slave in Algiers, escapes, is recaptured and taken to Istanbul. He is reborn as Asha and becomes a palace page and later captain of his own galley. Through it all, he struggles between two worlds: the Christian world of his youth and the Muslim world that shaped him into adulthood. His galleys will help bring the war to Malta, but will they be under the leadership of Asha, the Ottoman, or Nico, the Maltese?

Maria Borg, Nico’s sister, remains on Malta, full of hate for the Knights of St. John who refused to rescue Nico. She is determined to educate herself and leave Malta. Her education leads to a tragedy that breeds tragedy. By the time of the Siege she is a respected leader of a builders crew and her hatred of the Knights is tempered by her feelings for one of their own.

Christien de Vries, born a noble and pledged at birth to the Knights of St. John, while schooled in the arts of war wants nothing more than to be a lowly surgeon. A difficult; howbeit, lifesaving decision forces him to pledge himself to God and the Order of St. John. On Malta, his surgical activities catch him up in events leading him to question his oath.  During the Siege, he and his lifelong friend Bertrand will rise to the heroism expected of the Knights.

Giulio Salvago is a priest who in one act destroys the innocence of a young girl and sets in motion a series of events that continue to bring tragedy through the years and who may find penance during the Siege.

There are many supporting characters that bring life and action to this narrative. Alisa is a young beauty sequestered in a harem who steals the heart of Nico and whose loss incites the wrath of Asha. Jacobus is a young hunter whose love drives him to an act of vengeance.  Dragut Rais is the valiant corsair who recaptures Nico, renames him Asha, and mentors him in galley warfare. Jean de La Valette is the Grand Master of the Knight of St. John whose obstinacy in all things regarding the Order and whose determination to stand against the might of the Ottoman Empire will eventually lead to the demise or survival of Malta.

The Siege of Malta was one of the bloodiest and most important battles in history, but is rarely discussed in history books and classes today.  The victory by the Knights of St. John and the residents of Malta blocked the western progression of the Ottoman Empire ensuring the survival of Christianity and potentially sparing Europe and even Rome from Muslim rule.

David Ball’s Ironfire captures you and holds you relentlessly in its grasp.   I was nearly unable to lay the book down and did not once the Siege of Malta began. I have now placed Malta on my list of European travel destinations.  I want to stand where the Knights heroically stood at St. Elmo, St. Michael, and St. Angelo. I want to walk the streets of Birgu, look out over the Grand Harbor, and reflect on the enormous sacrifice and heroic stand that took place nearly 450 years ago.

The image below shows Fort St. Michael in the center, Birgu and Fort St. Angelo to the right, and Fort St. Elmo in the top right corner.

The image below provides another view of Malta during the Siege.  Fort St. Elmo is top center, with Fort St. Michael and Fort St. Angelo and Birgu shown right center. This map also depicts the Ottoman army and navy surrounding the Maltese citadels on land and sea.

The images below are of current day, St. Elmo, St. Michael, and St. Angelo.