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dayamarie's review against another edition
4.0
I’ve never read a book from this time period or place. It took me a little bit to get into it because of that but worth the read. It was well done. The main character was scrappy and clever. Loved her. Looking forward to reading the next book.
english_lady03's review against another edition
4.0
I really enjoyed this book. I requested it on Netgalley last year, mostly because of the Medieval setting. Unusual enough, but to be set in Medieval Greece? I don't think I've ever seen that before in the technically Isnpy fiction genre. Most other novels set in that part of the world take place in the Roman period, or the 1st century AD.
I never knew anything about parts of Greece having been settled by Spain in the 14th century, and I think the author handled the political atmosphere well, withut getting bogged down.
Although the novel was a little slow at first, it soon picked up in terms of pace and action when a slave girl without a name given the name Eudocia, and her friends get caught up in major political events. That said, it wasn't one of those novels that featured constant non-stop action and gets rather over the top.
There were some parts allowing for character development and personal relationships. In some parts, there seemed to be vague echoes of Ben Hur, making the story read like an old style advenventure, biut others are more moder. There is, perhaps inevitably a romance subplot, but its not always central to the story.
The only things I didn't link were that Eudocia's religious attitudes seemed a little too modern (i.e thinking Muslims and Christians worship the same God), and there were a few actions which seemed a little incredible. I.E. there was one scene where she was fighting on the outskirts of a city during a major battle.
Honestly, she's a former slave and a thief. How on earth did she learn to use more than a dagger? let alone use a sword competently?
Aside from that though, I was able to get into, and above all get immersed in the story without having to suspend my disbelief too much. I understand there is another book in the series, and I really want to read that one.
Thanks to Covenant Communciations via Netgalley for approving my request for this title. I was not required to write a positive review and all opnions expressed are my own.
I never knew anything about parts of Greece having been settled by Spain in the 14th century, and I think the author handled the political atmosphere well, withut getting bogged down.
Although the novel was a little slow at first, it soon picked up in terms of pace and action when a slave girl without a name given the name Eudocia, and her friends get caught up in major political events. That said, it wasn't one of those novels that featured constant non-stop action and gets rather over the top.
There were some parts allowing for character development and personal relationships. In some parts, there seemed to be vague echoes of Ben Hur, making the story read like an old style advenventure, biut others are more moder. There is, perhaps inevitably a romance subplot, but its not always central to the story.
The only things I didn't link were that Eudocia's religious attitudes seemed a little too modern (i.e thinking Muslims and Christians worship the same God), and there were a few actions which seemed a little incredible. I.E. there was one scene where she was fighting on the outskirts of a city during a major battle.
Honestly, she's a former slave and a thief. How on earth did she learn to use more than a dagger? let alone use a sword competently?
Aside from that though, I was able to get into, and above all get immersed in the story without having to suspend my disbelief too much. I understand there is another book in the series, and I really want to read that one.
Thanks to Covenant Communciations via Netgalley for approving my request for this title. I was not required to write a positive review and all opnions expressed are my own.
aballer314's review
adventurous
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
thestagedstory's review against another edition
5.0
Loved this book! I started yesterday and finished it this morning. It flowed and kept my attention. It had a nice variety of characters but not so many that you couldn’t keep track of them. The story was easy to follow and enjoyable. Not too intense but definitely not boring either.
I loved the depth of the characters. Each of their stories came together so well to weave a great story that I just couldn’t put down!
I loved the depth of the characters. Each of their stories came together so well to weave a great story that I just couldn’t put down!
thebookscript's review against another edition
5.0
This book immediately had me at 14th Century Athens. I’m always craving HF from different time periods and the author has done SO much homework in making this feel true to the times so that you become easily transported.
Our main character is an unnamed thief and a slave who has no identity of her own and has lived most of her life in bondage. When she interferes with a mission and meets a handsome stranger her life gets thrown of course for sometimes the worst and also for the better.
This book has political intrigue, language/descriptions pulled from that time period which I loved, a dash of romance, battle/war, secret identity missions and so much more. I always wanted to know where the story was going to go next. I loved the growth the main character goes through as she discovers that she is more than just one thing and there is so much power in that.
If you enjoy historical fiction with a Christianity element this is a choice I would not pass over. I maybe would have wanted a bit more romance but that’s me being choosy! Thank you to covenant pub for the ARC and AL Sowards for writing an amazing story.
Our main character is an unnamed thief and a slave who has no identity of her own and has lived most of her life in bondage. When she interferes with a mission and meets a handsome stranger her life gets thrown of course for sometimes the worst and also for the better.
This book has political intrigue, language/descriptions pulled from that time period which I loved, a dash of romance, battle/war, secret identity missions and so much more. I always wanted to know where the story was going to go next. I loved the growth the main character goes through as she discovers that she is more than just one thing and there is so much power in that.
If you enjoy historical fiction with a Christianity element this is a choice I would not pass over. I maybe would have wanted a bit more romance but that’s me being choosy! Thank you to covenant pub for the ARC and AL Sowards for writing an amazing story.
deshie5055's review against another edition
5.0
Set in Greece during the late 1300s, this unique story dives into the history of the city of Thebes from the eyes of a slave and thief, Little Mouse, or as she later goes by, Eudocia. There is so much to love about this story, from the plot twists, the romance, and the history woven into the story to the writing itself. I loved that Eudocia took on various names and used these names' meanings to become someone different.
A.L. Sowards always does a masterful job writing her stories, but this may be my favorite of hers yet! This is a story that will stick in your head for weeks to come.
A.L. Sowards always does a masterful job writing her stories, but this may be my favorite of hers yet! This is a story that will stick in your head for weeks to come.
katiemayveil's review against another edition
5.0
A. L. Sowards transports us back in time to Greece in 1379. It is a time of turmoil and almost constant fluctuations of power.
An unnamed slave is seen only as a tool. How well she does her job determines what she eats, and whether or not she is punished. She has been owned for 15 years by Thomas, a mildly successful thief, wealthy people seek him out when they need information, items, or leverage. Lately he's been seeking revenge, which is dangerous and breaks the rules he's laid out for his crew.
She at first thinks little of the handsome stranger who almost catches her on a job, but realizes that he is more intelligent and that means more dangerous than she thought. She is able to throw him off her tracks for a while, but when they are suddenly thrust together on another job she is forced to make a decision; save his life or let him die.
Gillen is intrigued by the beautiful thief with no name who continues to surprise him. She is cunning, smart, and a slave. Together the two of them will try to take power from the ruthless Catalans who have controlled their city for the last 70 years.
This was such a fun read! The characters are engaging and provocative, while the setting is realistic and fantastic at the same time. Many of the people mentioned are from history, others are fiction. The circumstances the occur in the book are for the most part historical. This would be a great read for someone interested history, mythology, romance, and adventure.
An unnamed slave is seen only as a tool. How well she does her job determines what she eats, and whether or not she is punished. She has been owned for 15 years by Thomas, a mildly successful thief, wealthy people seek him out when they need information, items, or leverage. Lately he's been seeking revenge, which is dangerous and breaks the rules he's laid out for his crew.
She at first thinks little of the handsome stranger who almost catches her on a job, but realizes that he is more intelligent and that means more dangerous than she thought. She is able to throw him off her tracks for a while, but when they are suddenly thrust together on another job she is forced to make a decision; save his life or let him die.
Gillen is intrigued by the beautiful thief with no name who continues to surprise him. She is cunning, smart, and a slave. Together the two of them will try to take power from the ruthless Catalans who have controlled their city for the last 70 years.
This was such a fun read! The characters are engaging and provocative, while the setting is realistic and fantastic at the same time. Many of the people mentioned are from history, others are fiction. The circumstances the occur in the book are for the most part historical. This would be a great read for someone interested history, mythology, romance, and adventure.
heather_pluim's review against another edition
5.0
I couldn't put it down. Definitely a new favorite!
talesuponmyshelf_'s review against another edition
4.0
3.5 stars. This was so well written and the history was fascinating but I had a hard time getting into the story. I still enjoyed reading it and some bits I loved. I loved Gill's character. His character arc was very good. The girl was a strong character as well. I felt like there was a lot of capture, injured, and escape on repeat.
Content warning: slave trade, battle scenes, talk about bedding women, mistreatment
Content warning: slave trade, battle scenes, talk about bedding women, mistreatment
thecleanreadbookclub's review against another edition
4.0
Where to start! The research in this historical novel had to have been extensive. I was intimidated by the glossary in the front of the book when I first picked it up, but A.L. Sowards was able to incorporate all terms, descriptions, customs, groups of people, and individual characters in a way that kept me following the story easily.
I’m not sure I’ve ever read a book from this time period and setting. It was so intriguing and informative that my history loving heart soaked it all up. The characters were original and interesting. I felt like I was sucked right in and didn’t come up for air until I finished. I enjoyed the spying and thieving elements and was excited for every twist and turn. I also loved the christian aspect to this novel and discovering what that looked like for these characters.
History lovers are sure to love this book. I would recommend this book for a more mature audience as it deals with slavery and written very true to the reality of a slave and owner/master relationship. There is nothing crude; and the scene is extremely minimal, but it did have an element of humiliation that I would want to make sure the reader would be able to maturely understand in it's contextual setting.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I’m not sure I’ve ever read a book from this time period and setting. It was so intriguing and informative that my history loving heart soaked it all up. The characters were original and interesting. I felt like I was sucked right in and didn’t come up for air until I finished. I enjoyed the spying and thieving elements and was excited for every twist and turn. I also loved the christian aspect to this novel and discovering what that looked like for these characters.
History lovers are sure to love this book. I would recommend this book for a more mature audience as it deals with slavery and written very true to the reality of a slave and owner/master relationship. There is nothing crude; and the scene is extremely minimal, but it did have an element of humiliation that I would want to make sure the reader would be able to maturely understand in it's contextual setting.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.