An Excellent Reading Choice! - The Balkan Legends: Beneath a Crescent Shadow by A. L. Sowards

The Balkan Legends, Book 1: Beneath a Crescent Shadow by A.L. Sowards

My rating: 4.5 of 5 stars

Source: Received to review.

Genre: Historical Fiction

Book Description:  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.

My thoughts: Well Done! 

 It's emotionally hard when a good book comes to an end. I always wish for a little more, and it's never enough. Fortunately, this is the first book in a series. Hallelujah!


"Beneath a Crescent Shadow" took me through a full range of emotions. The beginning has Zupan Konstantin innocent in many aspects as he looks to an arranged marriage. He needs to save his people from starvation and pay tribute money to the sultan. He changes as he navigates love and war. It was heartbreaking to follow him on his journey, but worth it when he emerges at the end.

I loved this novel of love, loss, betrayal, and redemption.

Online Purchase Links:

Amazon * Barnes & Noble * Deseret Book * Seagull Book

About the Author: I love books, so that makes Goodreads my favorite social media site. As a reader, I enjoy a variety of books. As a writer, I create historical novels with a wholesome mix of action, adventure, and romance. My stories include a Whitney Award winner, several Whitney finalists, and a Gold Medal winner in the Readers' Favorite International Book Awards.

I'm a wife and a mother of three, and I've called Washington State, Utah, and Alaska home. I'm usually reading a couple books at once and working on multiple writing projects too. Other than that, my life is pretty ordinary. I'm grateful for that. I'll let the characters in my books have all the adventures.

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