Beneath a Crescent Shadow by A. L. Sowards

Beneath a Crescent Shadow
by A. L. Sowards

ISBN-13: 9781639932467
Hardback: 360 pages
Publisher: Shadow Mountain
Released: June 4, 2024

Source: ebook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Book Description, Modified from Goodreads:
The Balkans, 1373. A devastating battle claimed the lives of Konstantin’s father, uncle, and most of their Serb army, leaving him 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, Konstantin is nearly bankrupt. He will need to find a wealthy bride to marry 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 to save their people and win their freedom from the heavy weight of Ottoman oppression.


My Review:
Beneath a Crescent Shadow is a suspense/romance set in 1373 in the Balkans. Vivid historical and setting details were woven into the story, bringing it alive in my imagination. The main characters were engaging, complex, and felt like real people. The suspense came from repeated attacks against Konstantin's people and strained resources needed to protect his people and his family.

A famine and defeat in battle left the area that Konstantin ruled short on fighting men and food. Then brigands started burning the fields and later set what were obviously traps to kill Konstantin. I wondered why it took so long (and others pointing out that he's a target) before Konstantin started to wonder who was behind the attacks. He wasn't proactive in trying to stop the attacks or to figure out how they were pulled off. I guess it's because he's young and inexperienced, but I had a fair idea of what was going on long before Konstantin. Anyway, I still really enjoyed the story.

Suzana grew stronger in her faith in God throughout the story. Konstantin felt he had failed his wife and God at one point by not standing against evil and thought that God was punishing him. He came to realize that both family and God would forgive him. There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this interesting, suspenseful historical novel.


If you've read this book, what do you think about it? I'd be honored if you wrote your own opinion of the book in the comments.