The Sword and the Scimitar

About The Sword and the Scimitar

Immerse yourself in the epic historical saga, "The Sword and the Scimitar" by acclaimed author David Ball, a sweeping tale set against the tumultuous 16th-century backdrop of the Mediterranean. This gripping narrative follows the intertwined fates of Maltese siblings, Nico and Maria, whose lives are irrevocably altered when young Nico is brutally abducted by Moorish slavers. His harrowing journey takes him from the cruel slave markets of Algiers to becoming a pawn in household politics, ultimately leading him to the opulent yet dangerous court of Suleiman the Magnificent, Sultan of the formidable Ottoman Empire.

Meanwhile, back on Malta, Maria must forge her own path to survival, finding unexpected solace and strength among a group of Jewish refugees forced to practice their faith in secret. As the desperate conflict between Christian Europe and the Islamic Ottoman Empire escalates, their individual struggles converge with the grand sweep of history. French aristocrat Christien de Vries, a surgeon pledged to the noble Knights of St. John, also finds himself caught in the maelstrom. All these unforgettable characters are drawn into the historic Siege of Malta, where the fate of Europe hangs precariously in the balance, promising a fast-moving world of adventure, war, treachery, and enduring love. Discover this vivid portrayal of a timeless struggle between cultures and religions.

Key Details

• Author: David Ball
• Publisher: Random House
• Format: Paperback, 786 pages
• Language: English
• Published: 2004
• ISBN: 978-0-099-45795-4

Order from BookClub.com.mt — Malta and Gozo's online bookstore.