Against a Crescent Storm (The Balkan Legends #3) By A.L. Sowards- Medieval Historical Fiction Review

 Book Synopsis

The Serbs defied the world’s most powerful ruler, and now Danilo and Maja must fight to save their people and their newly forged love before the sultan exacts his revenge.

The Balkans, 1389

Three years ago, Danilo’s people won their freedom from the hated Ottoman Empire, but with enemies on every side, the Serbs’ hard-earned peace remains fragile. Knowing the sultan will soon come for revenge, Danilo sets out to gain key allies for the coming war—and to escape the haunting grief of personal loss.

War has orphaned Maja and her brother, but they’ve moved forward from tragedy by crafting religious mosaics. Yet after being cheated and robbed, they are desperate for help. Rescue comes from Danilo, the man who once saved them from slavery to the Turks.

Danilo and Maja are soon drawn together by shared grief and affection, but complications arise on every side. A Hungarian noble suspects them of conspiracy. An Ottoman spy, Iskandar, is consumed by a vendetta against Danilo and a dangerous obsession with Maja. And a pending marriage alliance pits Danilo’s heart against his duty. As rumors of treason weaken Christian unity, hope of victory in the Balkans grows dim. Allies and enemies converge on the fields of Kosovo, where an epic battle will shape the destiny of nations for centuries to come.

Book Details

• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Shadow Mountain Publishing
• Series: The Balkan Legends #3
• Genre: Medieval Historical Fiction
• Publication date ‏ : ‎ November 4, 2025
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Print length ‏ : ‎ 368 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1639934537

• ****I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, NetGalley, book tours, and or authors.  A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.****

My Review

I was thrilled to learn that the third book in The Balkan Legends series was being released. Author A.L. Sowards shines at making history jump off the page. I've been impressed over the years as each book has become stronger and better. Against a Crescent Storm is truly icing on the cake.

The book begins in 1389, three years after the Serbs gained their newfound freedom from the Ottoman Empire. With peace being fragile, they need to unite with strong allies against the Sultan and his armies. 

Danilo ranks as my top side character from past books. He's a fierce, Serb fighter, cousin to two Zupans from the first tales. He proves his love and loyalty best to his Zupan and cousin Ivan. This novel amps it up. Scenes like that brought tears to my eyes more than once. Danilo also finds fresh love and it comes from Maja, the sweet and pretty mosaic artist he once saved. Their romance is a beautiful thing and pulls at heartstrings.

The battles that took place in the Kosovo lands were heartbreaking and fierce. Sowards has a way of writing realistic war scenes without being too graphic. During these chapters, I found myself walking away, not wanting to see the fate of Danilo and Ivan, as I was so invested in these characters and their well-being. I also loved the growth that I saw in Ivan's wife, Helena, as she became a great leader in her husband's absence. 

To wrap it up,read the earlier books first for the full impact. It can be read as a standalone, but the emotional payoff won't be the same. I love this series, and I don't want to let it go.The best part? I can return anytime. Audiobooks will be my next adventure with The Balkan Legends series. If you want your own escape, jump to the 1300s and immerse yourself in The Balkan Legend Series.  

****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

~*~*~*~*Purchase Against a Crescent Storm ~*~*~*~*

HERE:

Hardcover-https://a.co/d/eB0OWMr

Kindle-https://a.co/d/hq1UKss