A.L. Sowards

Beneath a Crescent Shadow is a perfect example of why historical romantic fiction is my favorite genre—I can learn about diverse places and different time periods while enjoying an entertaining story. Set against the backdrop of the Balkans in the late 1300s, a place and era I was quite unfamiliar with, this tale showcases talented author A. L. Sowards’s creative imagination and impeccable historical research. I enjoyed the carefully-crafted, multi-layered characters and the rich historical detail.

When young Konstantin is made a ruler due to his father’s demise in battle, he is unprepared for the role. As a Serb, he is a vassal to the Ottoman sultan, but he and his people long for freedom. To save his lands, a marriage is arranged between him and Suzana, the daughter of a rich merchant. His trouble isn’t over, though, as danger seems to threaten them on every side.

“Sometimes we have no good choices, only ones that lead to different kinds of pain.”

With lots of twists and turns, danger, suspense, and a lovely dose of romance, this novel is a journey of courage, forgiveness, hope, and the healing only God can provide. It is part of a series, The Balkan Legends, but can easily be read alone. There is a prequel called After the Crescent Strike, and there will be more books in the series. I appreciated the glossary and map the author posted at the front of the book. They were a big help in understanding the terms and territory.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from Shadow Mountain. All opinions are my own.… (mehr)

“Love was something to be protected, relished, and used as a source of strength, even when everything else felt hard. Maybe especially then.”

Beneath a Crescent Shadow is a masterpiece of storytelling! Full of romance, intrigue, betrayal, war, forgiveness, and reconciliation, this sweeping story was impossible to put down. I love the way A.L. Sowards brings history to life. She infuses her stories with compelling characters, fascinating historical detail, and a touch of faith that pulls me in every time.

Set in the Balkans in the late 1300’s, this story portrays the struggles of Konstantin, a Zupan (Serbian Lord), and his people as they survive famine, arson, attacking brigands, and oppression from Ottoman overlords. On the verge of bankruptcy and needing to come up with funds to pay the Sultan, Konstantin agrees to an arranged marriage to fill his empty coffers. Suzana, the beautiful stranger he marries, soon becomes his treasured wife as he gently breaks down her walls and offers her love, acceptance, faith, and family. But, Kostantin is forced to fight for the Sultan and the fierce battles and aftermath leave him shaken. Facing unimaginable losses and betrayals, he and Suzana must work together to save their marriage and their people from the onslaught of rivals and the Ottoman Empire.

I loved Konstantin’s & Suzana’s love story. Suzana has a troubled past and I enjoyed how tender and patient Konstantin was with her. Their marriage is filled with ups and downs as they face moments of joy & sorrow. I loved how they learned to face trials together and grew in their love. I loved the messages of forgiveness, reconciliation, and faith. I also loved the side characters and the richness they added to the story. Young Ivan & Danilo provide some fun, lighter moments and I can’t wait to read their stories.

The tumultuous battles were portrayed in such a realistic yet tasteful way. I felt like I was right there and found myself furiously turning the pages during these action packed scenes. I appreciated that although the battles are fierce, the author doesn’t include unnecessary graphic detail. Beyond the Sultan’s battles, there are traitors in their midst and I was shocked and surprised by the depth of the betrayal.

All the stars for this brilliantly written, beautiful story! Highly recommend to historical fiction/romance fans! I can’t wait to read the next book in the series. Though this is the first book in the series, I recommend reading the prequel After the Crescent Strike which provides more insight into these characters and the history. I received an advanced complimentary copy from the author & publisher. All opinions are my own and voluntarily provided.

CW: (Note that all of these are mildly portrayed.) Violence of war & its aftermath, assault, loss of a child, physical abuse, drunkenness, suggested off page intimacy between a married couple.… (mehr)

*I read an eARC of this book. This does not affect my review. This review is voluntary.*

I had the blessed honor to read this one early, and ya'll, you don't want to miss this one if you enjoy Historical Fiction, WWI era stories, Russian/regional history, and an unforgettable found family with a precious slow-burn to boot! I loved these characters from the opening pages, literally from the first 'meeting' I knew I was going to adore this cast!

I wasn't wrong, and I can easily say this is one of my favorite reads of 2022 and one of the 2023 releases I'm most excited about! I just happened upon this one, and knew I couldn't pass the opportunity to read it, and am so very glad I did! I haven't read many WWI reads, and have yet that really told it with a more Russian-centric focus, both things that I loved about this one, and I adored getting to see it from the perspective of yet another side, that of the Czechoslovakia Legion a group that made their mark on history, but is rarely talked about only a century later. (Wow, a hundred years sounds so long, but our daily lives are still affected and made possible by events that happened during both WWI & WWII, time is such a fascinating thing!)

This book deals with themes of war but also deals with some other sensitive topics that might not be suitable for all. There's a brief instance of attempted assault early on, and another instance later that we as the reader know happened, but is never detailed or shown but is talked about briefly as the survivor questions their worth/future after facing such horrors.

Throughout the book, we are met with beautiful reminders and themes of love, hope, family, friendship, and a longing for a better future. I loved meeting Filip and his friends, and getting to know Nadia as well! The tone and atmospheric writing used in the story is absolutely breathtaking and I loved it for this story! It fit the themes and era so well, and kept me reading late into the night!

Merged review:

*I read an eARC of this book. This does not affect my review. This review is voluntary.*

I had the blessed honor to read this one early, and ya'll, you don't want to miss this one if you enjoy Historical Fiction, WWI era stories, Russian/regional history, and an unforgettable found family with a precious slow-burn to boot! I loved these characters from the opening pages, literally from the first 'meeting' I knew I was going to adore this cast!

I wasn't wrong, and I can easily say this is one of my favorite reads of 2022 and one of the 2023 releases I'm most excited about! I just happened upon this one, and knew I couldn't pass the opportunity to read it, and am so very glad I did! I haven't read many WWI reads, and have yet that really told it with a more Russian-centric focus, both things that I loved about this one, and I adored getting to see it from the perspective of yet another side, that of the Czechoslovakia Legion a group that made their mark on history, but is rarely talked about only a century later. (Wow, a hundred years sounds so long, but our daily lives are still affected and made possible by events that happened during both WWI & WWII, time is such a fascinating thing!)

This book deals with themes of war but also deals with some other sensitive topics that might not be suitable for all. There's a brief instance of attempted assault early on, and another instance later that we as the reader know happened, but is never detailed or shown but is talked about briefly as the survivor questions their worth/future after facing such horrors.

Throughout the book, we are met with beautiful reminders and themes of love, hope, family, friendship, and a longing for a better future. I loved meeting Filip and his friends, and getting to know Nadia as well! The tone and atmospheric writing used in the story is absolutely breathtaking and I loved it for this story! It fit the themes and era so well, and kept me reading late into the night!… (mehr)

Dear Mrs. Sowards,
How it is that you write book that completely destroy me, and yet I love with every part of my soul, I’m not sure I’ll ever understand. But I do. I’d read this again in a heartbeat, and do plan to reread it one day. It’s a powerful, beautifully told story. I would recommend this to anyone who likes a good WWII fiction.
I really loved Karl’s character arc. The way he progresses and grows through this book is just phenomenal. It’s the kind of character growth we always want to see in the MCs of the stories we love. I loved how it took many experiences, people, and his faith to help him grow and change. He had a steadiness about him, and a desire to be the person his father knew he could become. And I admired his ability to be adaptable through the struggles he had.
Millie was such a dear, and I adored her from the beginning. I liked her tenacity, her desire to help with the war effort, her intelligence, and her ability to put her best into everything. And the code breaking bits were so good! She wasn’t afraid to speak her mind and I loved that. The relationship between her and Karl was so sweet and lovely. Their letters made me smile, and I thought they were a clever way to share the passage of time.
Your addition of Rolf really rounded out the story and gave it some added depth. It made the entire war more human, not just the side I always root for.
Did I cry while reading this book? Yes. I did more than cry. I sobbed uncontrollably, for the final 60 or so pages. I knew what was coming. I read Heirs of Falcon Point, and remembered vividly what Karl’s story was. I knew what was coming, and I still sobbed. And yet, I finished the book feeling hope, seeing the beauty in love and family, and amazed at how you brought everything together at the end. You are truly a master storyteller, and I relish the opportunity to enjoy your stories. Thank you for giving me the chance.
Ever yours,
Jessica

*CW/TW: This is not a book for those who can only enjoy books with an HEA. While this book does end with some happiness, there are still details that could leave you quite bereft if HEA. This is not a romance story a much as it is a WWII fiction, and it’s best enjoyed if that is remembered. (Reading Heirs of Falcon Point prior to this, though not required to enjoy, could also help with some details.) Also contains typical wartime details, such as bombings, sinking boats, death at sea, deprivations of Jewish peoples mentioned, hatred toward various groups, and focus on machines instead of lives.

**thanks to the publisher and author for the copy. These are my own thoughts.… (mehr)