An epic medieval adventure with a sprinkle of romance.

The medieval times are fascinating to me, and although I wouldn't want to live back then, I really enjoyed this tale that was very well-written and paced perfectly. Sowards does a great job of bringing history to life and immersing the reader in a dashing and dangerous story. Although this story can stand alone, it is all the better if Of Sword and Shadow is read first.

Rasheed, Gillen, and Eudocia are on yet another adventure, and not necessarily an adventure they would choose, but one they are compelled to embark on. I love the way Sowards captures the loyalties and familial bonds so well. While incorporating elements of mystery, sword fights, kidnappings, twists and turns, and more, these characters stay so strong and are so likable.

The adventure was riveting and the story line solid and I enjoyed every minute of it. This is a series I would highly recommend for those who love a good religious, historical adventure.

Content: kisses; mild-moderate violence (not super graphic death/injuries due to war, kidnappings, fights, etc); moderate religious elements

Holy Moly!! What a ride! I absolutely loved this book. The characters, the intrigue, the romance, the history. It was absolutely fantastic. A perfect follow up and resolution to the first book in the series "Of Sword and Shadow".

Of Sword and Shadow was so beautifully written, I was thrilled to be brought back into this world again. The characters, settings and plot are fantastically written with care and detail. Sowards is an amazing writer who pulls you into worlds. This book is second in the series, but is written as a stand-alone, but I would suggest reading the first to appreciate the characters and world even more. I loved every page Rasheed was on and what an adventure for all involved.

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

This is an exciting follow up to Of Sword And Shadow. It is full of adventure and suspense and love. Sowards gives us the perfect blend of new story among with a continuation of characters we feel in love with in the first book. I learned a lot about a point in history I was not very familiar with, which is always fun.

I read Of Sword and Shadow last year by A L Sowards and I LOVED it! It made me so happy to see that she had written a sequel. And it was so good!

I loved that the characters I had loved from Of Sword and Shadow were all back. Rasheed works with Gil and Eudocia at a bath house. I loved how these three had become family. They were there for each other during their darkest times and they continued to be there for each other in their best times.

Rasheed is such a great person. There were many chances for him to forgive in this book. And he forgave as often as he felt like he should. And seeing the way he treated Cecilia, and pretty much everyone around him, showed just the kind of person he is. His were excellent eyes to see the plot through.

There is so much to the plot of this one. So many dangers around every corner. The author kept the reader wanting to see more. I loved everything about this book!

You can't always escape your past, and the main character Rasheed knows this better than anyone. Eleven years after the story told in Sword and Shadow, the novel starts with Rasheed, Gil, and his wife Eudocia living a quiet but busy life running a bathhouse. A quiet life that is, until Venetian strangers try to hire Rasheed and Gil for a job. After their refusal, Eudocia's kidnapping, then the action begins. There is so much action and suspense that there are only a few moments where readers can catch their breath. Sowards knows how to write colorful characters and bring to life an exciting story through her words.

This time period of Greece in 1309 is so fascinating to me. It's not one that I've read a lot about. Sowards's fabulous research opens up this whole new/old world to her readers. The facts about the time period never boggle down the pace. The plot is detailed, a little romance, warfare, political maneuvering, spies, betrayal, and also forgiveness. I loved Rasheed's journey of finding love, and fulfillment in his life. Cecilia was also another great character, and I enjoyed Rasheed and Cecilia's moments together.

This second novel in the series could be read as a stand-alone, but as I always state, reading the first will give you a wonderful background on these characters. It was so nice to pick up this second book and be swept away back into ancient Greece and the lives of Rasheed, Gil, and Eudocia. This novel would make a great gift for those who like action books, a plot full of twists and turns, and strong, likable characters. This is 100% another winning novel by A.L. Sowards.

A. L. Sowards has a gift at bringing characters and historical periods to life.

I loved the first book in this series, Of Sword and Shadow. This book features one of the characters that I loved in the first book. Rasheed is a formidable soldier who has ended his time as a mercenary soldier. He has a place to call home and friends that he can count on.

Everything changes when strangers come to the bathhouse inquiring about their services. Everything changes when his friends are attacked and one taken hostage. It becomes a personal issue when they join forces with a group they do not trust.

I was very excited to revisit the characters in this series. A. L. Sowards wrote them in a compelling way that I wanted to find out what happened to them. This story carries the element of mystery, suspense, and romance that I have come to love in her books.

If you love stories that are intriguing, are historical fiction, and have great characters. You should pick it up. You can read this as a stand-alone, but I recommend reading them in order. You will be glad that you did.

Title: Of Daggers and Deception
Author: A.L. Sowards
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Review: Dear Mrs. Sowards,
This book is so fantastic! Rasheed is now of my favorite male book heroes. A man who is humble, wicked strong, can fight off pirates and assassins and traitors, be patient with a rude, petulant brother, kind to friends who are suffering, romantic, AND uses good body hygiene? Is there even any contest?? No. The answer is no. Rasheed is the best.
I experienced a lot of pendulum swinging emotion regarding Cecilia. I vacillated between liking her, not so sure I liked her, liking her, hating her, being shocked, and back to liking her again. Wow!
Your story kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time I was reading. I could not have predicted how anything would have gone. Not once! There were so many twists and turns, so many great swashbuckling and sword fighting and captivating moments, I had to force myself to put the book down whenever life came calling. (“What? I have to pick up my children from school or fix dinner? What an incredibly frustrating prospect! I need to know how Rasheed will get out of this latest mess!”)
I was so pleased that you ensured Gil and Eudocia had important roles to play in Rasheed’s story. I came to adore both of them in Of Sword and Shadow and I loved seeing them together in other ways in this book.
I loved the unique element of having a book written entirely from a male’s perspective. I don’t feel like that’s very common and it provided for a really interesting narrative. And the romance is just so sweet. It felt believable, as though a man really had written those words.
I also loved how much history you were able to fit into this book without making me feel as though I were being pummeled by historical facts. I came away having learned new things and researching even more.
You’ve written another hole-in-one, hit-it-out-of-the-park, knockout, incredible book, and you’ve earned a life-long fan and supporter in me. I’ll sing your praises and tell everyone to read your books. You deserve it with that masterpiece.
Until your next book,
Jessica
P.S. Your epilogue was the cutest of all epilogues! When I finished I found myself grinning like a big buffoon and not the least bit embarrassed about it. *le sigh* So cute.

*Note: contains mild violence, including mentions of blood and killing in hand-to-hand combat; this is a Christian fiction story, with some indications of religious prejudices;

**Many thanks to the publisher and author for the advance copy, which I was offered with option to review. These are my very own thoughts.

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I first fell in love with these characters when reading book one, “Of Swords and Shadows” about a month ago // Other than knowing this book told Rasheed’s story, I did the same thing as I did the first and read it without reading the full summary // and I am so glad I did!

Rasheed // the relationship he has with Gil and Eudocia, with his brother, and with Cecilia are written so perfectly amidst the journeys and battles they all face throughout the story // however, the moments he shared with Aban, his brother, were some of my absolute favorites as they talked about what it truly means to have faith in Jesus regardless of life circumstances // and can we talk about that epilogue.

If you are a fan of historical fiction, medieval times, and a sweet romance then you should put this on your TBR immediately

Daggers of deception was a high adventure Christian historical fiction. There were Muslims, spies, sword fights, slave ships and lots of battles.
But even more than that there was a more personal thing going on. People finding there way through spiritual true. Understanding of what Gods way looks like through prayer and forgiveness. Living out faith in such a way that you can become more of a community (family) the way God longs for us to be.
Although it’s was light on romance I recommend this novel if you like a good adventure story. This was my first book by the author and I loved the writing.
Thanks Covenant Communications via NetGalley.
#OfDaggersandDeception #NetGalley.

Rich is historical details of the time, page-turning suspense, pirates, sword fighting, a little romance, love of family, and lots of twist and turns! I look forward to continuing the coming series, following these beautiful characters in such an intriguing time period. 4.5 ⭐️

Whoa! What an epic tale of adventure and romance! I loved Of Sword and Shadow, the first book in this series, and this one was just as fantastic.

This is told from the POV of Rasheed, a friend of Gill and Eudocia from the first book. He is a warrior who enjoys peace but when his loved ones are threatened, he risks everything to save them. I loved the new character Cecilia and their forced proximity romance. Lots of plot twists and reveals along the way and the epilogue was amazing.

If you enjoy books full of epic adventure, strong friendships, nonstop action, turn the page suspense, and a thread of romance, this book is for you! I was completely engrossed in the story and the pages literally turned themselves. Highly, highly recommend!

I received a complimentary copy of the book but a positive review was not required.

The sequel to the award-winning novel Of Swords and Shadow was just as adventurous and thrilling as the first book. Though this has more romance than the first, I feel that guys will still enjoy it just as much. The historical setting of the book was a nice change from other historical books.

This book can be read without reading the first book, but I recommend reading Of Sword and Shadow first to fully understand the characters better.

The continuing saga of the Duchy of Athens. Eudocia and Gil are in this, but it follows Rasheed from the bath houses in Thebes to being chained and abandoned on a beach with the clever Cecilia who showed up at the bath houses previously, but whose uncle can't be trusted. A tale of adventure, action, deception, and yes daggers too. This novel kept me on my toes from the start.
If you're looking for a different time period, but enjoy tales of Greece you'll enjoy it. It sorta reads like some of Tessa Afshar's novels, even though this is not Biblical Fiction at all.

Although this is a sequel to Of Sword and Shadow, it holds it own and can be read as a standalone. I’ve been anxiously awaiting this release since I devoured the first book. I didn’t know how much I wanted Rasheed’s story until I was fully immersed in medieval Greece. I haven’t read much about 14th century Thebes, but A.L Sowards has caused me to crave more from this time period. I hope she continues to write about these characters, they have burrowed into my heart and I don’t want to say goodbye.
There are several relationships being developed and nurtured in Of Daggers and Deception. Some of my favorites are Rasheed and his brother, Aban, and of course the romantic interests of Rasheed and Cecelia. Although Sowards does a wonderful job of redemption between family, I love that there is a lot of emphasis on choosing your family relationships. Rasheed comes from a pretty broken past, he is a strong character and has risen from the ashes of being burned by family, but he also is willing to give a second chance to what is left of his family.
I wish there were more scenes of Rasheed and Cecilia, but that’s because I’m greedy and love romance. I love that we get a bit of a forced proximity trope, so there are still quite a few of one on one scenes that will having you craving more of this blossoming relationship.

If you love a good adventure story that has a ribbon of romance woven in, this is the story for you. This is one of my favorite series that has come from 2021 and I cannot wait to see what A.L. Sowards releases next!

*I was given an advance copy of this novel after begging for it ;) these are definitely my own opinions and I will continue to sing praises until I’m hoarse.

This book was just as addicting as the first. I could get lost in the names of the cities and the history, but it didn’t ever pull me out of the story. The way the A.L. Sowards wrote, it just made me hungry for more history and more story.

The book had a wonderful balance between adventure, growth, love and honor. I felt like the pull of duty and honor was done really well. We understood Cecilia’s duty, but the extent of it was given to us in small doses. Thus increasing the odds against them and the tension in the story in a delightful way.

There are quite a few suspenseful moments where you suspect you know what’s going to happen, and you’re pretty sure everyone’s going to get their happily ever after. But, the emotions the author writes with is enough to pull at your heart and leave just enough doubt to make you turn every page with anxiousness.

There is an underlying theme of spirituality that was so impressively done. With Rasheed being a Christian convert and Aban being a Muslim, their differences in belief was both relevant historically and compelling in conversations. The author wrote both with raw emotion and respect. I never felt like she was pushing one religion over the other, but expressing what each of them found good or hard respectively.

I am now one hundred percent invested in this family and this time, and am really hoping we get Lucia and Sebastie’s story!

Rasheed’s story was phenomenal. Sowards crafts a world full of family and the fight for freedom that the reader is transported to. I felt the physical and emotional love and pain alongside Rasheed. I felt his joy, his hurt, his love, his faith, and his desire to do the right things. It was like I was experiencing everything with him through the entire story. I was rooting for his success in every venture he sought out! Rasheed is one of those characters that feels like a real person. I felt like I knew him personally by the time the book was done. Sowards is gifted when she puts pen to paper that takes you into the medieval times and the ruthlessness that abounded there. If you are a fan of suspense, romance, and faith, then this is an absolute must read! I am still reflecting on the story days later. This one will stay with you. I received a copy of this book for free; all thoughts and opinions are my own.

I thoroughly enjoyed Of Sword and Shadow, so I was happy to see that Rasheed would be getting his own story, and not only that, but we still get to keep up on Gil and Eudocia's lives as well. They are an interesting family, and I love their interactions.
Side note: There are a LOT of different groups of people in this book. Catalans, Florentines, Turks, to name a few. I can't even begin to imagine the constant fighting that took place between all those factions back then. Actually, I can imagine it a bit, thanks to this book. This is one of the things I love about this Sowards' books - you not only get a great story, but you get a history lesson as well.
My heart ached for all the trials Rasheed went through, but he still stayed strong in his faith, which is a great example for the rest of us. Trials can either make us bitter or make us better. It's always good to read examples of people who choose the latter route, even if they are fictional characters.
Definitely a book I'm happy to put on my keeper shelf, and I look forward to reading it over and over again.

This is a great sequel to Of Sword and Shadow! I liked Rasheed’s character and was happy to see what the crew was up to. There are a lot of historical details that require attention so you can keep everything straight, but it helps bring the story to life! It’s such a unique time period for a historical fiction book, and I really enjoyed it!