Before the Fortress Falls by A.L. SowardsMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
Source: Received to Review
Genre: Historical Fiction
Book Description: Their fight for survival would change the course of history.
When rumors reach Vienna that an attack by the Ottoman army is imminent, Wilhelm von Schor, one of the emperor’s courtiers, prepares to evacuate his family—including his sister, Katja. But Katja’s reluctance to leave the city and the people she loves so well grows the farther the family carriage gets from her childhood home. When she learns that another brother, Xavier, is returning to Vienna with his musketeers, she decides to remain behind and face the shadow of war.
Katja soon reunites with Xavier and also with Toby, a dear friend from childhood. As Katja and Toby renew their friendship, an element of attraction builds on the comradery of their youth, and they quickly realize they have found something worth fighting for: love. But all too soon, the Ottomans encircle the city, blanketing its inhabitants in fear. Katja, Toby, and Xavier must each fulfill their new roles if they are to survive. In the overcrowded hospitals, below ground in the countermines, and on the ramparts defending the city walls, the three must fight for love, family, faith, and the survival of their city and everyone inside.
My thoughts: History is fascinating. A.L. Sowards always writes a well-researched novel taking a small period of time and crafting a compelling novel.
Before the Fortress Falls takes place during a siege of Vienna in 1683. The Ottoman empire waged war to gain control of the city. The manner of warfare is very interesting. Today, bombs are launched from a distance whereas, in the 17th century, it was hand-to-hand combat.
The story focuses on three siblings who all play pivotal and different roles in defending the city. Wilhelm is a diplomat who is working behind the scenes and securing help, Katja is a young woman who helps in various ways, including taking care of the wounded, and Xavier is a warrior working with the musketeers.
The story also has two other characters with a POV, Toby who is a counterminer, and Ahmed who is with the Ottoman empire. The five characters create a complete picture of the war and the events surrounding it. Toby is also a love interest for Katja.
This book is well-written and the pacing is wonderful. It is one story that captures you from the beginning and holds your interest throughout the whole story. It is a story of hope in the midst of war and adversity. It does contain violence that is non-graphic. I highly recommend this book.
Source: I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
%20(1).png){kind=icon}
Online Purchase Links:
Watch the Book Trailer:
About the Author: 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 currently lives in the beautiful state of Alaska with her husband, three children, and
an ever-growing library.
Visit her WEBPAGE!
Enter the Giveaway: a Rafflecopter giveaway
Visit the Tour Stops!
Monday, April 4
Holly's Book Corner
Books and Everyday Life
Tuesday, April 5
Getting Your Read On
Literary Time Out
Min Reads and Reviews
Wednesday, April 6
My Book a Day
Book Looks by Lisa
Our Book Confessions
Thursday,
April 7
Why Not? Because I Said So!
Bookworm Lisa
Friday, April 8
Books Are Sanity
Life Is What It's Called
LDS and Lovin' It
Saturday, April 9
Reading with Emily
sounds so good.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds wonderful. Thank you for sharing. Blessings
ReplyDelete