Beneath a Crescent Shadow {Book One in the Balkan Legends Series} by A.L. Sowards-Historical Fiction Book Review

 Book Synopsis

After an arranged marriage, Konstantin and Suzana must find a way to meet the demands of a conquering Ottoman sultan amid a torrent of setbacks and dangers much closer to their Balkan home.

The Balkans, 1373

A devastating battle claimed the lives of Konstantin’s father, uncle, and most of their Serb army, leaving Konstantin to rule as a vassal of the Ottoman sultan, a role he is wholly unprepared for. Between war, famine, and a persistent band of brigands, this young, new ruler is nearly bankrupt. He will need to find a wealthy bride if he is to have any hope of saving his lands and securing his future.

A betrothal to Suzana, the daughter of a prosperous merchant, is soon arranged, and upon meeting her, Konstantin immediately feels hope that their marriage could someday grow into love. Yet from the moment of Konstantin and Suzana’s betrothal, enemies threaten their lives, outlaws prey on their lands, and the terrors of Suzana’s abusive past haunt their fragile new relationship. As this onslaught of threats closes in, the two face challenges that will test their love, their faith, and their hope of saving their people from the heavy weight of Ottoman oppression.

Book Details

• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Shadow Mountain (June 4, 2024)
• Genre: Historical Fiction
• Series: The Balkan Legends
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 368 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1639932461

• ****I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, NetGalley, book tours, and or authors.  A review was not required****

My Review

Beneath a Crescent Shadow has become my latest "I couldn’t put this book down" read. Once you dive in, it’s nearly impossible to stop. The story combines themes of war, love, forgiveness, loyalty, and honor, all set against a rich historical backdrop. 

A.L. Sowards, the author, is known for her deep and accurate historical research and her ability to craft captivating historical fiction. In recent years, Sowards has explored periods of history that were unfamiliar to me.   

Set in the Balkans in 1373, the novel follows Konstantin, a vassal to the Ottoman Sultan, who has conquered Serbia with his powerful army. As a young Zupan, Konstantin inherits a struggling Zupa and aims for financial stability. His grandfather arranges a marriage to Suzana, who brings a significant dowry but also carries the scars of a trauma-filled childhood.  

I especially loved the development of Konstantin and Suzana's relationship. Suzana battled with trust issues stemming from her history of abuse, especially from her father. Konstantin was a supportive husband and gradually guided her out of the shadows of her past. Her path to healing was the favorite part of the story for me. The writing flows so smoothly that the shifts in POV feel seamless. There is also a good twist in the story that you won't see coming. 

Amid battle scenes, relationship struggles, and community conflicts, a tender romance grows. I look forward to reading the second book, as Beneath a Crescent Shadow has made a lasting impression on me. This story will stay with me for a long time.

****Meet Author A.L. Sowards****

A. L. Sowards is the author of multiple historical fiction novels, with settings spanning the globe from the fourteenth to twentieth centuries. Her stories have earned a Whitney Award, several Whitney Finalists positions, and a Readers’ Favorite Gold Medal. She enjoys hiking and swimming, usually manages to keep up with the laundry, and loves it when someone else cooks dinner. She lives in Alaska with her husband, three children, and an ever-growing library.

For more information, please visit her website, ALSowards.com

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