Blood Rock

Other than an interesting side plot about the poisoning of he Grandmaster, this is a mediocre historical action tale. Had a better sense of the locales because I've just visited Malta, but I would rate this book as simply readable, but good enough if you want history mixed with action.

The historical basis of the novel provides a solid basis for a story that provides an, at times, powerful insight into living through a siege. The characters are at times a bit thin and the Christian Hardy, the main character stretches belief by having a major role to play in every aspect of the siege defense.[return][return]It's an understandable twist of facts, but there's only so many close calls / heroic victories that a single person can go through before you feel that maybe, just maybe, things are being pushed a tad too far.[return][return]Even with the need for more solid character building and perhaps with more characters taking on some of the more core roles, Blood Rock is an entertaining read and well worth a go.