Angels in Iron by Nicholas C. Prata

Genre: Historical Fiction
Length: 292 pages

Reviewed by: Kris Ryder

“I know my brothers’ sufferings,” he said. “But we are merely pawns between the Cross and Koran. Elmo will not be abandoned. Malta will not be abandoned. We shall all hold out until the last.” (pg. 111)

Angels in Iron is an inspiring book based on the story of the Siege of Malta. The book opens as Jean Parisot de La Valette, a 27-year-old Hospitaller Knight, sadly witnesses the surrender of a Christian fort to the forces of Suleiman the Magnificent. Forty years later, after having become the Grand Master of the Knights, La Valette once again finds himself in a desperate struggle with the Muslims. He is outnumbered, under-supplied, and implored on all sides to surrender without a fight. But the Grand Master is determined to stand firm, even against an army more than triple the size of his own. This book follows La Valette as he commits himself and his Knights to resisting the tide of Islam to the very last man.

The writing in this book is simple; Nicholas Prata is not interested in dazzling his readers. His style is grounded and practical, serving the story well. Prata describes the book’s numerous battles in a straightforward manner, and because of this I wouldn’t recommend it to people who are sensitive to violence. But while the book does not boast of perfection in writing, the story speaks powerfully for itself. It is a moving account of the bravery of those few Christian Knights who were willing to fight onward with little prospect of a happy ending.

Again and again, Prata makes it clear that the Knights are fighting for Christ and His Kingdom. La Valette recognizes the importance of the fortress he holds: if lost, it will open all of Europe to a full-scale Muslim invasion. The Knights always draw their comfort from the Lord during the long days of cannon fire, and fight assured of a place in heaven. I was encouraged to read of their strong faith. There is considerable violence and some language throughout the book, so I would recommend this as a book for mature readers.

This is truly a tale worth telling. It is rare to find a book with such a strong picture of Christian manhood, filled with examples of bravery and sacrifice. My younger brother read the book before I did, and I quickly noticed how much he appreciated it. I think it is an excellent choice for boys, though many girls will enjoy it as well.