After the Crescent StrikeSeries: Balkan Legends 0.5
Author: A.L. Sowards
Genres: World History
Pages: 182
Published: March 5, 2024
Publisher: Shadow Mountain
Source: Purchased
The Balkans, 1371
After conquering the Serbian army in battle, bands of Ottoman warriors terrorize the land, leaving a trail of death and destruction in their wake. As one of the few survivors of a deadly attack on her village, Magdalena is determined to protect her newly orphaned niece. When a group of battle-weary Serb warriors offers to lead Magdalena and her charge to safety, a flame of hope flickers to life for the desperate woman, burning brighter when she spots a familiar face among the group: Miladin, the man she once loved—and lost.
Following a devastating defeat on the battlefield, Miladin resolves to return home to Rivak and pledge his loyalty to the new župan, Konstantin, the young son of the slain leader who led Miladin to war. As Miladin travels back from the Maritsa River Valley to offer aid and allegiance to the inexperienced youth, he expects the way will be fraught with danger, but he never dreams that the journey will reunite him with his first love.
Even as Magdalena and Miladin rekindle a romance once doomed by youth and circumstance, hidden threats draw ever closer. Before they can truly be safe, they must face a ruthless enemy who will stop at nothing to seize power.
Content Rating: Moderate. Mild crude humor. Some substance use. Mild kissing. Mild sensuality. Moderate violence or horror. Includes themes of Christianity, infertility, miscarriage, domestic abuse.
Spectacular Start to New Series
A. L. Sowards is a great author and she’s really done a spectacular job this time. This prequel to a series does exactly what a prequel is supposed to do—make you anticipate the release of book 1! I cannot wait!!
This is a historical medieval novella, set during the war between the Turks and the Serbs. I love the writing style. From page one, I was captivated by the characters and plot. There are moments that are sweet and others that are heartbreaking. It covers the gamut of human experience: love, fear, faith, despair, grief, courage, cowardice, community, loyalty, betrayal, shame, and more.
What did I think?
The characters are well-written and realistic. I can see them so clearly when I read. The plot was complex but believable, the pacing just right. The historical setting was clear and, I believe accurate.
There is a lot of violence—some domestic abuse, but mainly the atrocities of war and conflict. Sometimes it’s descriptive. While I don’t like a lot of violence in books, some stories just can’t be told without an understanding of the brutality of the situation. This is one of those stories.
I give this book 5 stars and recommend it to older readers (18+?) who enjoy historical accuracy and a story that grips your heart and won’t let go.
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