The Shadow of God: Summary and book reviews of The Shadow of God by Anthony Goodman, plus links to an excerpt from The Shadow of God and a biography of Anthony Goodman.

In the year 1522 A.D., twenty-five-year-old Suleiman the Magnificent ruled the mighty Ottoman Empire, the largest military force in the world. Bent on annihilation, his army of more than 100,000 men set ashore on the tiny Greek island of Rhodes. Inside the fortressed city, Philippe de L’Isle Adam, the battle-hardened Grand Master of the Knights of St. John and his small band of five hundred European knights prepared to defend their home against the massive attack. Both men, leaders of their people and defenders of their faiths, prepared for battle, each aware that victory would require great sacrifice…but unaware of just how great that sacrifice would be. The Shadow of God is the true story of the clash between the West’s greatest cultures and religions on a battlefield that would test their courage and resolve. Anthony A. Goodman’s masterful storytelling brings you into the center of the action as Suleiman’s Muslim army tries to force its way over, through and under the walls of Rhodes. Scimitars clash against broadswords and burning oil cascades down on advancing troops while days turn into weeks and months of fear, death and unshakeable faith. This gripping saga comes to life through an unforgettable cast of historical characters, including Jean and Melina, forbidden lovers trying to protect their new family in the wake of the attack; Gabriele Tadini, the wily mercenary whose clever ploys hold off the invading army against all odds; two Jewish doctors caught on different sides of the fight; a furtive spy behind the knights’ walls; Philippe, the wise and determined leader of the Knights of St. John; and the great Sultan Suleiman, a young man struggling to live up to his title as the Shadow of God on Earth. An epic of bravery and courage, The Shadow of God weaves a tapestry of terror and triumph set in a forgotten time of brutality, loyalty and honor.

Media Reviews

Kirkus Reviews A good telling of a true story,readable, diverting, but not a standout.   Publishers Weekly ....so vividly rendered that historical fiction fans and medieval history enthusiasts will be crossing their fingers for a follow-up.   Library Journal - Jean Langlais Goodman's first novel is an engaging and well-written fictional account of the Ottoman Turks' 145-day siege of the Greek island of Rhodes ... highly recommended for all public libraries.

Recent Reader Reviews

Rated of 5 by Drew
I really enjoyed this novel! I'm not much of a reader and never can quite read a book to its finish, however I read and reread this one. It's a subject and time that appeals to most people and many ages, well written up to the very end, and a...   Read More

Rated of 5 by Glen
A good first book by the writer. There are some definite hints of greater writing ability. However the characters, while believable are fairly two dimensional. At times while building a scene, or plot point the writing becomes a bit pedantic....   Read More

Rated of 5 by harvey
fantastic -- reminded me of a real-life lord of the rings - two towers... but more vivid, dynamic, and emotional. super.

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Books with similar themes

• Historical Fiction
  
• Asia 
  
• Middle-East (West Asia) 
  
• 17th Century or Earlier 
  
• 1st Books/1st Novels 
  
• Religious or Spiritual Themes