"The Religion" is the first book in Tim Willocks' trilogy about Matthias Tangezer. In general, the main part of the plot takes place in Malta, around the city-fortress of the Religion (as far as I understand, it was a knightly order), besieged by a Turkish army.
It is worth noting the completely open narrative in terms of the literary language in which it is presented - quite cruel and realistic moments are described. There is a vivid, pathos-filled description of the battles.
What can be said about the main character?
He is excellent with all kinds of melee and firearms, an EXCELLENT ALCHEMIST, MERCHANT, SPY, SCOUT, LADIES' MAN, LOVER, well, you get the idea (oh, I should have just rewritten the description of this character for the expedition, then he could have performed any role). In the end, this disappointed me a little. Oh yes, the only thing he can't do is SWIM.
Overall, if you don't pay attention to this minor flaw, the book is very interesting and engaging.