Scan barcode
english_lady03's review
4.0
I liked this book very mich. It represented a lot of what I like in good historical fiction: lots of credible detail and colourful characters. It also focuses on a very unusual setting and historical events which few will be familiar with.
That setting in 14th century Greece, a relgion divided into small city states which were fought over by the rich and powerful of Europe. Venetians and Catalans, Spanish and Italians, as well as Turks all vye for power and control of territory or economic resources.
In the midst of all this, our heroes, Gillen from the last novel and his Moorish friend Rasheed struggle to find a kidnapped Eudosia, and Rashed struggles with his feelings for a Venetian woman. Rasheed was a fascinating character, a moorish convery to Christianity who was abandoned by his family and always had a strained relationship with his father. When his long-lost brother comes back on the scene, gaurding his heart and keeping those he loves safe gets harder.
My only issues with this story were the pacing. It was inconsistent, sometimes plodding sometimes rushing. There were times I got completely lost, when something would happen to one character in one place, but then only a sentence later another character was dying when I don't even remember him being in it. Or who they were.
That and a few modern Americanisms were the only things which really stood out with this story.
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for approving my request for an ARC of this title. I was not required to write a positive reivew an all opinions expressed are my own.
That setting in 14th century Greece, a relgion divided into small city states which were fought over by the rich and powerful of Europe. Venetians and Catalans, Spanish and Italians, as well as Turks all vye for power and control of territory or economic resources.
In the midst of all this, our heroes, Gillen from the last novel and his Moorish friend Rasheed struggle to find a kidnapped Eudosia, and Rashed struggles with his feelings for a Venetian woman. Rasheed was a fascinating character, a moorish convery to Christianity who was abandoned by his family and always had a strained relationship with his father. When his long-lost brother comes back on the scene, gaurding his heart and keeping those he loves safe gets harder.
My only issues with this story were the pacing. It was inconsistent, sometimes plodding sometimes rushing. There were times I got completely lost, when something would happen to one character in one place, but then only a sentence later another character was dying when I don't even remember him being in it. Or who they were.
That and a few modern Americanisms were the only things which really stood out with this story.
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for approving my request for an ARC of this title. I was not required to write a positive reivew an all opinions expressed are my own.
aballer314's review
adventurous
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
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
5.0
I’ve said it once but I’ll saw it again. A.L. Sowards is a masterful storyteller! Her books hook me from the beginning. Her characters are complex. This book was no exception. I loved getting to know Rasheed and to have some of Eudocia and Gil’s story continued. Rasheed is flawed but in a way that was relatable.
Sowards is able to write about difficult things (death, war, loss) and yet still give you a sense of peace. The trials her characters go through are not for nothing. It’s apparent that their imperfections and trials are what drive them.
Sowards is able to write about difficult things (death, war, loss) and yet still give you a sense of peace. The trials her characters go through are not for nothing. It’s apparent that their imperfections and trials are what drive them.
thebookedcookie's review
5.0
4.5 stars
I was excited to renter this world, Greece in the 1300. I loved the first book and found this book was equally compelling. It revolves around the same characters but focuses more on Rasheed and his romance.
There was plenty of action, great fight scenes, and multiple times people needed saving. In addition, there were some wonderful moments between Rasheed and his love interest Cecilia. I needed to know how their story needed.
The political maneuverings in this book were a little confusing. It may have helped to read it instead of listening to it. It didn’t hamper my enjoyment, but there were times I should have been more focused.
Rasheed is a convert to Christianity. There are several passages that talk about his beliefs. It was a little more pointed than I prefer, and it did take me out of the story. However, I still really enjoyed the entire storyline and would not let that deter me from reading this book.
This is a clean read with strong Christian elements.
I was excited to renter this world, Greece in the 1300. I loved the first book and found this book was equally compelling. It revolves around the same characters but focuses more on Rasheed and his romance.
There was plenty of action, great fight scenes, and multiple times people needed saving. In addition, there were some wonderful moments between Rasheed and his love interest Cecilia. I needed to know how their story needed.
The political maneuverings in this book were a little confusing. It may have helped to read it instead of listening to it. It didn’t hamper my enjoyment, but there were times I should have been more focused.
Rasheed is a convert to Christianity. There are several passages that talk about his beliefs. It was a little more pointed than I prefer, and it did take me out of the story. However, I still really enjoyed the entire storyline and would not let that deter me from reading this book.
This is a clean read with strong Christian elements.
talesuponmyshelf_'s review
4.0
A.L. Sowards does such a good job writing historical fiction. It was exciting, suspenseful, and thrilling with a little romance. I liked Rasheed and thought it was interesting that the whole book was in his perspective. It worked well.
thecleanreadbookclub's review
5.0
I was a fan of Swords and Shadows, but think I liked this book even more! This book is full of adventure, danger with a side of romance. I love a book that can immerse me in the time period, and I love it even more when it’s a new-to-me setting! Thebes was quite the place to start out this magnificent story and I felt like I was there. I loved the redemptive qualities that are discussed throughout, and thought it added such an incredible tone to the story. There is mention of violence in this book as it takes place in a war filled time and appreciated the content warning to let me know about it going in. I am pretty squeamish with violence and felt ready to take this book on and would recommend for mature middle graders and up. Last, but not least, this has one of my favorite epilogues I’ve read!
Thanks to the author for the copy. All thoughts in this review are my own.
Thanks to the author for the copy. All thoughts in this review are my own.
herliterarytravels's review
5.0
After finishing Of Sword and Shadow I was so excited to delve back into this world of mystery, intrigue, and adventure set in medieval Greece.
There were so many layers to this story. It is a book filled with heartache and hope, pain and healing, faith and redemption, love and loss, perseverance and sacrifice. Each moment kept me turning the pages as I couldn’t wait to see what would happen next.
Rasheed is definitely a new favorite character of mine. He is strong yet gentle and his deep rooted faith and goodness kept me cheering for him through the whole book. His sense of duty and loyalty to those around him was inspiring. Not to mention he is all kinds of
There were so many layers to this story. It is a book filled with heartache and hope, pain and healing, faith and redemption, love and loss, perseverance and sacrifice. Each moment kept me turning the pages as I couldn’t wait to see what would happen next.
Rasheed is definitely a new favorite character of mine. He is strong yet gentle and his deep rooted faith and goodness kept me cheering for him through the whole book. His sense of duty and loyalty to those around him was inspiring. Not to mention he is all kinds of
karenthornell's review
5.0
I can't tell you how excited I was to read this book... but still, I was a little wary--only because I NEVER read solely male perspective books.
But let me tell you... I had NO reason to worry! A.L. Sowards weaves a historically rich novel with fantastic pacing and not a detail overlooked. Her ability to bring history to life and to create characters that feel so real they may truly have existed is singular. Fans of historical fiction will devour this unique and captivating story—it is not to be missed!
But let me tell you... I had NO reason to worry! A.L. Sowards weaves a historically rich novel with fantastic pacing and not a detail overlooked. Her ability to bring history to life and to create characters that feel so real they may truly have existed is singular. Fans of historical fiction will devour this unique and captivating story—it is not to be missed!
melissasbookshelf's review
5.0
Of Daggers and Deception brilliantly transports the reader to late 14th century Greece where battles, intrigue, and romance capture the imagination. While I didn’t have the opportunity to read the previous book in the series Of Sword and Shadow, it didn’t stop me from really enjoying this book and wanting to immediately pick up the first. It definitely has something for everyone whether you like action, adventure, intrigue, or romance, this has it all.
The story begins in a bathhouse in Thebes where Rasheed and his friends Eudocia and Gil hope to eek out a profitable, quiet existence. However, the quiet doesn’t last long and they’re soon thrown into political intrigue, warfare, and deception. Rasheed’s long lost brother finds him which leads to some touching moments where the two carefully build a relationship sharing their differing faiths and earning each other’s trust.
When Rasheed meets the beautiful, intelligent Cecilia, it’s hard to know whether he can trust her. Literally forced to be together, a strong attraction grows between them. However, not all is as it seems and I honestly didn’t know until the last chapter what would happen.
Uniquely told from Rasheed’s perspective, I was immediately drawn in by his first person narration. He’s such a valiant, faithful character and I was charmed by his humor, his inner struggles, and his love for his friends/family and Cecilia. I also loved his wisdom and strength in character. One of my favorite quotes was “Living a life of faith doesn’t mean everything will be easy. It just means you have better perspective when the hard things come.”
Because I didn’t read the first book, it took a few chapters to really understand the plot, culture, and history. Thankfully, the author includes a fantastic reference guide to help the reader quickly familiarize themselves with 14th century Greece. I absolutely loved learning about this time period and fabulous location.
This definitely stands out as a truly memorable book. Whether you love romance, history, or action/adventure, I highly recommend this book!
Thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for advanced copies of this book. All opinions are my own and I was not required to provide a positive review.
Content: clean romance, some violence though not overly graphic, fighting scenes and battles, miscarriage.
The story begins in a bathhouse in Thebes where Rasheed and his friends Eudocia and Gil hope to eek out a profitable, quiet existence. However, the quiet doesn’t last long and they’re soon thrown into political intrigue, warfare, and deception. Rasheed’s long lost brother finds him which leads to some touching moments where the two carefully build a relationship sharing their differing faiths and earning each other’s trust.
When Rasheed meets the beautiful, intelligent Cecilia, it’s hard to know whether he can trust her. Literally forced to be together, a strong attraction grows between them. However, not all is as it seems and I honestly didn’t know until the last chapter what would happen.
Uniquely told from Rasheed’s perspective, I was immediately drawn in by his first person narration. He’s such a valiant, faithful character and I was charmed by his humor, his inner struggles, and his love for his friends/family and Cecilia. I also loved his wisdom and strength in character. One of my favorite quotes was “Living a life of faith doesn’t mean everything will be easy. It just means you have better perspective when the hard things come.”
Because I didn’t read the first book, it took a few chapters to really understand the plot, culture, and history. Thankfully, the author includes a fantastic reference guide to help the reader quickly familiarize themselves with 14th century Greece. I absolutely loved learning about this time period and fabulous location.
This definitely stands out as a truly memorable book. Whether you love romance, history, or action/adventure, I highly recommend this book!
Thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for advanced copies of this book. All opinions are my own and I was not required to provide a positive review.
Content: clean romance, some violence though not overly graphic, fighting scenes and battles, miscarriage.
thebookscript's review
5.0
Absolutely Satisfied. I was very excited for Amanda's latest book and it did not disappoint.
"I'm not sure I can trust my heart. It was an undisciplined solider that refused to obey orders and had failed to learn from the past."
Do you like historical settings? Strong heroes who know their way on a battlefield? Forbidden Romances? Pirates? What about adventure?
A.L. Sowards does it again. Of Daggers and Deception begins where Of Sword and Shadow left off. Rasheed and his friends after a hard fought victory have settled in Thebes and run a bath house, living the quiet life, but never leaving behind the scars they gained in battle to earn this peace. When one of his friends is abducted, Rasheed has no choice but to jump back into the life he once knew as a solider and a mercenary but a pretty face might make his journey all the more complicated.
What I love about Sowards work is that she doesn't scrimp on her research. This series is packed full of political intrigue and history between warring nations. She plants her characters in the midst of chaos and lets you cheer them on as they overcome obstacle after obstacle. This second installment is jam packed full of life or death high stakes, battle scenes and a romance between two people who are fighting their feelings amidst it all.
The politics and romance are evenly placed, and don't outshine the other. It does take some brain power to get the politics right but I always love to learn about history while i'm reading fiction. And I really adored this romance, it was a great pairing of two strong willed individuals who complimented each other very nicely.
There is a powerful theme of Christianity without at all being preachy. It is about God's hand in our lives and having the faith to go where he would have us go. "Living a life of faith doesn't mean everything will be easy. It just means you have better perspective when the hard things come".
Rasheed is the kinda man you want to bring home to meet your momma. Strong, God loving, persevering, loyal and one you'd like to have your back in battle.
"I'm not sure I can trust my heart. It was an undisciplined solider that refused to obey orders and had failed to learn from the past."
Do you like historical settings? Strong heroes who know their way on a battlefield? Forbidden Romances? Pirates? What about adventure?
A.L. Sowards does it again. Of Daggers and Deception begins where Of Sword and Shadow left off. Rasheed and his friends after a hard fought victory have settled in Thebes and run a bath house, living the quiet life, but never leaving behind the scars they gained in battle to earn this peace. When one of his friends is abducted, Rasheed has no choice but to jump back into the life he once knew as a solider and a mercenary but a pretty face might make his journey all the more complicated.
What I love about Sowards work is that she doesn't scrimp on her research. This series is packed full of political intrigue and history between warring nations. She plants her characters in the midst of chaos and lets you cheer them on as they overcome obstacle after obstacle. This second installment is jam packed full of life or death high stakes, battle scenes and a romance between two people who are fighting their feelings amidst it all.
The politics and romance are evenly placed, and don't outshine the other. It does take some brain power to get the politics right but I always love to learn about history while i'm reading fiction. And I really adored this romance, it was a great pairing of two strong willed individuals who complimented each other very nicely.
There is a powerful theme of Christianity without at all being preachy. It is about God's hand in our lives and having the faith to go where he would have us go. "Living a life of faith doesn't mean everything will be easy. It just means you have better perspective when the hard things come".
Rasheed is the kinda man you want to bring home to meet your momma. Strong, God loving, persevering, loyal and one you'd like to have your back in battle.