About the book

Beneath the sunlit stones of Malta lies a secret older than civilization—one that could rewrite history. For Ceti, a sharp-witted orphan drifting through life, a routine delivery plunges him into a hidden world of ancient relics and dark conspiracies.

Shadowed by unseen enemies, Ceti’s journey sweeps him from the neon chaos of Paceville to the depths of Malta’s catacombs, where whispers of a forgotten power pulse through the underground. As he uncovers a secret stretching across the island, Ceti learns that his own past is deeply entwined with mysteries hidden for millennia.

But he’s not the only one seeking the truth. Ruthless forces are on the hunt, and as Ceti races to stay ahead, he must confront the question: Will he risk everything to unlock Malta’s darkest secret?

Fast-paced and riveting, The Lost Guardian of Malta plunges readers into a Maltese labyrinth of myths and revelations, where every twist brings them closer to a truth buried deep beneath the island’s ancient bones.

My honest review & opinion

As a Maltese woman who’s lived her whole life surrounded by the beauty and mystery of these islands, I can honestly say The Lost Guardian of Malta made me fall in love with my home all over again.

From the first chapter, I was hooked—not just by the suspense and pace of the story, but by how vividly the author brings Malta’s ancient sites to life. Ħaġar Qim, the Hypogeum, St. Paul’s Catacombs… they’re not just mentioned, they breathethrough the pages. It was like walking familiar paths with completely new eyes.

The story itself is thrilling, with a perfect mix of modern intrigue and deep historical echoes. I especially loved how the narrative balances fiction with respect for Malta’s real heritage. You can tell the author has done his research HERE, but also that he has a real emotional connection to this place.
If I had one complaint, it’s that I’m left wanting more. I truly hope there’s a sequel coming—I’m thirsty for the next chapter in this story!

Highly recommended to anyone, local or tourist, who loves stories that linger with you—and to every local or visitor who wants to see Malta through a lens of wonder and ancient memory.

Book details

• ISBN: 978-9082716221
• Print length: 318 pages
• Other info: see tags below (author, location language & year of publication)

The post The Lost Guardian of Malta – Steven Bogaerts appeared first on ReadMalta.

About the book

Unputdownable’ – GUARDIAN

‘Gripping’ – SUNDAY TIMES

Behind the locked doors of the Sistine Chapel, 118 cardinals are meeting in conclave to cast their votes in the world’s most secretive election.
They are holy men. But they are ambitious. And they have rivals. Over the next 72 hours, one of them will become the most powerful spiritual figure on earth. Who will it be?

My opinion & book review

When I first came across Conclave by Robert Harris, I had already seen the film. Usually I prefer to read the book before watching the movie, but this time it happened the other way around. And I have to say, while the film was fine, the book is in another league entirely. Harris manages to create a story that feels both suspenseful and intimate, and it stayed with me long after I turned the last page.

Living in Malta, Rome feels very close. As a Catholic, the setting of the book felt familiar in a way I think readers from our part of the world will understand. The Vatican, the rituals, the secrecy of the conclave… it’s a world we often see on television, but Harris takes you right inside it, behind the closed doors. I could almost hear the bells of St. Peter’s when I was reading.

What struck me most is how believable it all felt. The cardinals are not cardboard figures in red robes; they’re men with ambitions, fears, and flaws. Harris doesn’t mock the Church, but he doesn’t idealize it either. Instead, he gives us a story about power, faith, and human nature.

Compared to the film, the book has so much (much much much) more depth. Unlike the movie, which leans on visual trickery, the book evolves slowly and thoughtfully, layering politics, faith, and personal stuff with a tension that builds.

I enjoyed Conclave much more than I expected. It’s a smart, fast read that still leaves you thinking about big question about faith, about leadership, about what makes someone truly worthy. Oh my God, My Nanna shoot hear me talk now.

If you’ve only seen the film, I’d strongly recommend reading the book. It’s richer, sharper, and gives you a real sense of being inside the Sistine Chapel during one of the most secretive processes in the world. If you haven’t seen the film, just read the book. The final twist struck me harder in print than on screen. Reading it after the film felt like uncovering the roots of a story I thought I already knew, but… the book is better :-).

Book details

• ISBN: 978-1804947814
• Print length: 400 pages
• Other info: see tags below (author, location language & year of publication)

The post Conclave – Robert Harris appeared first on ReadMalta.