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.

This story is so immersive! The details are so great and it kept me turning the pages. The only problem I have with it is the names were so hard to pronounce haha. I enjoyed it though!

This is another story about the Medieval Duchy of Athens. We're back in Thebes about a decade after Of Sword and Shadow takes place, and although it's about Rasheed we still get to see a lot of Gil and Eudocia in this adventurous tale. Rasheed, Gil and Eudocia have left behind their mercenary activities to lead quiet lives as owners of a bathhouse, until they're drawn into a scheme of political intrigue when Eudocia is kidnapped. Rasheed is forced to be with the beautiful Venetian Cecilia when he escapes to help find Eudocia, but can she be trusted?

We learn so much about Rasheed--his upbringing, why he's alone and not with his family, and why he hasn't married. I found it to be a really sad story, but it explains why Gil, Eudocia and Rasheed are so close--they're his chosen family. If you've ever lived far away from family or are not close to relatives for whatever reason, but have friends that are your chosen family, then you can better understand Rasheed's relationship with his close friends.

Rasheed is a wonderful character. He's kind and gentle, but is force to be reckoned with when the situation requires it. I liked that he was a man of great faith. This book kept me turning pages to see what would happen. I needed to know if Eudocia would be rescued, if Cecilia could be trusted, and much more. A.L. Sowards has written yet another wonderful historical that will whisk you away to a different land and time far away from the present.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher, Covenant Communications, via NetGalley. All thoughts expressed in this review are my own.

Do you love adventure, mystery, intrigue, and spies? This is the book for you. There were even elements of family, forgiveness, and a little romance for good measure..

Rasheed is a man without a country and the story comes from his perspective. He remains with Gil and Eudocia and runs a bath house, when a run in with Venetians and others changes their trajectory and forces them to try and rescue Eudocia from parties unknown.

What ensues is a high adventure fraught with danger as well as a story of faith and forgiveness.. Rasheed and his friends find themselves tentative allies with a group that they are unsure they can trust.

This tale was full of twists and turns and I felt that I was in the ride too, with less danger than the characters. There was a realism in this story that comes from a true understanding of people and of history. I would highly recommend this book to lovers of historical fiction where the history is well researched and even if an event didn't happen, you are left feeling it could have happened that way.


I feel blessed to have received an early copy and am happy to my thoughts in review.

I love historical romances! This one is so good! It amazes me the detail and research that Soward put into this novel. This is a lesser known period of time and the historical records are incomplete. But Soward fills in the missing bits so seamlessly that you are amazed at the end to learn what is believed to be fact versus what is her writing. That is what makes her writing so great!

I loved getting to know Rasheed. I love that the whole book is told from his perspective. He is quiet, kind, smart, determined, and broken. But I love that he finds healing throughout his story. Cecilia's story surprised me! I loved the adventure, the sword fighting, and the daring escapes! I felt like I couldn't read fast enough to see how it all worked out.

This is a great stand alone story and a great companion novel to Of Sword and Shadow. I highly recommend both!

I’m really not sure how I ended up reading A.L. Soward’s Of Sword and Shadow but I love historical fiction so I gave it a try and I’m glad I did. The medieval period is not a typical interest for me but found myself really looking forward to reading Of Daggers and Deception. I was definitely not disappointed. Ms. Sowards stories are well written and the history well researched. Her characters are deep and the storyline rich and full of intrigue, strategy, action, and love. Rasheed the main character and narrator is a loyal friend and a strong hero. You can’t help but hope the best for Gil and Eudocia. Fast paced and full of adventure this is a book not to be missed.
Thank you to NetGalley and Covenant for the opportunity to read and review.

I just went on the best adventure! I loved the pacing of this story, I loved the characters and I loved the storyline.

We know Gil, Eudocia and Rasheed, as well as some secondary characters, from the first book in this series. (which I also loved) Rasheed is the star of this show but I love that the other characters don't go away. They are very much a part of this whole story. It creates a feeling of family and purpose. The connections between these main characters are deep and unshakable. It feels really good as a reader.

There is mystery and intrigue, deceit and danger. I was fully invested in all ways the whole way through. Ugh, so invested. As the danger and intensity ramped up, so did my reading speed. I had to purposely slow down my reading and my heart. I love when that happens.

The author did some setting up at the end of her book for another, at least I hope she did! It makes me VERY excited!! This author is one of my favorites. I love her writing and I especially love her writing in this genre and time period. There aren't a lot of others doing it right now and it's filling a void for me.

Content: violence, some described. Peril. Kissing.

- I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

Of Daggers and Deception is the second book in the Duchy of Athens series, but the first that I’ve read. I will now be going back to read the first in the series. It had a little bit of everything: romance, intrigue, suspense, adventure, and an amazing setting. This book will keep you up at night wanting to know what happens. I will definitely be reading more from this author.

I loved this book by A. L. Sowards. I really enjoyed the first book in this series but I think I liked this one even more. I loved the characters and I loved how they worked together to accomplish their goals. I also loved learning more about this time period and what was happening in Greece and other parts of the world. I also liked seeing the romance between the main characters bloom.

I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, and or authors.  A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.

Wow! This book was incredible. A.L. Sowards has found her niche writing and bringing to life medieval Greece. I was a fan of her first book in this series, Of Sword and Shadow, and as such was very excited for this book. It above and beyond met my expectations and I highly recommend it!
Taking place 11 years after Of Sword and Shadow, this is Rasheed's story though I love that Gil and Eudocia are key parts of this book as well. The history is rich and I feel like I learned so much about the area during this time and the way of life for the people. War and turmoil were common, but Rasheed and his friends were seeking a peaceful life. When they get dragged into a fight they did not want, they must do all they can to protect one another and maintain their family. The themes in this book were so inspiring and I loved the Christian messages that never felt preachy, but more like great reminders. There is violence, but the author did such a tactful and tasteful job of being true to reality, but never being graphic or overly gruesome. I think the emotional impact was very strong. I also love that I couldn't predict things and that the plot had me turning page after page, holding my breath, wondering how everything was going to turn out. There were some ups and downs, but the overall optimism and message of hope was fantastic and I loved the ending as well as the epilogue!
I received an advance reader copy of this novel. All thoughts and opinions are my own. This is a must read and a book not to be missed.

“Some family you’re born with. … Some family you collect along the way.”

“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, Gil, and Eudocia have been living a quiet life running their bathhouse for the last eleven years. That quiet life is threatened when a group of Venetians comes in asking questions about the small group of people who took the city eleven years ago. Rasheed, Gil, and Eudocia are content with the lives they have built and don’t want to admit to anything…until they are forced into it when the bathhouse is attacked and hostages are taken.

I loved this! Of Daggers and Deception is full of suspense, mystery, friendship, and romance, and it is so good! I haven’t read many books that take place in medieval times, and I’m glad I took a chance on this one as well as Amanda’s previous book, Of Sword and Shadow. If the time period is the only thing stopping you from picking these up, I encourage you not to let it and get them both!

Of Daggers and Deception is the follow-up novel to Of Sword and Shadow, but I think you could read them as standalone novels and not feel like you were missing anything. But they are both so good, so you should probably just get both!

Content note: violence (sword fighting and battles, wounds, etc are mentioned, but not described in gory detail)

Because I read Of Sword and Shadow, reading Of Daggers and Deception was like visiting old friends. The second story in the Duchy Of Athens series can be read as a stand-alone, but will be more appreciated if you have read book 1 first. The story is fast paced and never held a dull moment. The rich characters and history added depth to the suspense and adventure. Medieval Greece is not normally a time period I would choose to read, but I am so glad I gave this series a chance. The true treasures shared in these pages were the messages of faith, family, and forgiveness. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Christian Historical Fiction.

When I heard the announcement that the author was writing this book, I may have squealed. These characters won a piece of my heart after I read Of Sword and Shadow and I was so very happy to know that there would be more to their lives and stories in this book. This is the second book but is written in a stand alone manner if you aren't able to read the first book. But I will tell you that both books are amazing and I do recommend reading the first book. But if you choose to just read this one, you'll be able to do so without feeling lost or confused.

Rasheed is one of those characters that you just are drawn to. You can't help but want the best for them. He is so good and caring. He's had some hard struggles and had to leave behind his family, with them believing and saying the worst of him, even though all of their beliefs are not true. I really loved the theme of family in this book as well as the first book. And sometimes it isn't the cookie cutter mould of family. I loved how the author portrayed family and the words she wrote about it. So, so beautiful!

Gillen, Eudocia and Rasheed are off on another adventure. Not necessarily one of their choosing but one to save their family. And let me tell you, it is an adventure full of unexpected surprises, danger, unraveling mysteries and corruption, finding more family and fighting for their hearts.

I couldn't turn the pages fast enough while reading this book. A.L. Sowards brings aspects of this time in history to life and I loved learning what I did from this book. Her dedication to history and sharing that through her books is wonderful. (Read her WWII books as well...WOW!!!) The kidnapping, the sneaking into different locations, the dungeon, the sword fights, the traveling, the ships on water...all of it was so well written.

I will admit that I did shed several tears while reading. I was pulled in and connected with these characters, their plight, their friendships, their familial ties, their love and their dedication to doing what's right.

Content: I would say that this book is clean. There are some aspects of it that not all readers will want to or be able to read. There might be some triggers for some readers. This book does deal with battles, war, espionage, kidnappings, fights, sword fights and more. Some of the scenes, although not extremely graphic do show battles and injuries. The book does not have any sex scenes in it, nothing more than some kisses.

I received a copy from the publisher, Covenant Communications, via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.

Happy Reading!!!

Held my interest and the story was unique. I loved all the history that was in this book- it was really educational for me (in a good way).
Some parts were confusing since I’m not familiar with all the different groups and who was enemies with who.
The main characters were likable and believable. The story had plenty of action and some romance. Best of all it had happy ending.

This was a fascinating book with engaging characters and a thrilling plot! Of Daggers and Deception is the sequel to A.L. Sowards book, Of Swords and Shadows. I have heard so many great things about this book and the first book that I had to try it out. Of Daggers and Deception is set 11 years after Of Swords and Shadows and it follows Rasheed as he takes up his sword to save his friend.
Rasheed was such a complex character, it was so interesting to read from his perspective. He was such a deep character, he had been through a lot and he was still learning how to create a new life for himself. I loved his loyalty and kindness, he was loyal to his friends and would do anything for them, they had become his family. Although his family had been horrible to him, he was still kind and he still tried to be considerate of others. Rasheed was learning how to see past his mistakes and how to care for himself. He had been looking out for others so much that sometimes he got lost in the crossfire.
Cecilia was also interesting, she was smart and she wasn’t afraid to speak up for herself. However her uncle had trained her that she must be loyal to her family and that a woman’s place was to be quiet and assist her husband. But Cecilia still tried to be herself. It was sweet to read about her connection with Rasheed. But there were times I was frustrated with her because she seemed to be resigning herself to whatever fate her uncle chose for her. Cecilia will have to make a choice, will she allow her uncle to control her life or will she stand up for what is right?
The plot was so interesting, I didn't know what was going to happen. I enjoyed this book, however I did have to get myself to read it. Every time that I started Of Daggers and Deception, I loved it and didn’t want to put it down. However once I put it down, it was harder to pick it back up again. But it definitely was a great book! The characters felt real and I loved reading about them connecting and interacting. The side characters were a great addition to the book
Of Daggers and Deception is a great book if you love historical fiction, action, and lovable characters. It is a bit more violent because they are in 14th Century Greece, but nothing felt too gory or like it was written in too much detail. I did enjoy Of Daggers and Deception and I would recommend it to at least 13 and up.
Content Warning: fighting, blood, wounds, mentions of slavery, mentions of whipping, etc.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the publisher through Netgalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, a positive review was not required.

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.

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.

Of Daggers and Deception is a sequel to Of Sword and Shadow, but can easily be read as a stand alone. This is a fast paced, Greek medieval story with romantic elements. This will easily appeal to many different readers.

I loved that it was written in first person, told through Rasheed’s point of view. It’s not often you get a completely male perspective in a romance book, but A.L. Sowards pulled it off!

I absolutely loved the action and suspenseful elements in the book. Readers will be swept away and left gasping for air as this story takes off! I was left gripping the pages of this book till the very end! My jaw was on the floor and my eyes almost popped out. Don’t stop reading till the very end! It’s totally worth it!!

Definitely recommend this book to all the action adventure lovers, and romance readers alike. It’s seriously got something for everyone!

Thank you so so much to the author and publisher for my Netgalley copy. All opinions are my own and unbiased.

This book had many good things going for it - daring adventures, cities under siege, pirate attacks, kidnapping, courageous rescues, and sneaky escapes.....everything you could wish for in an adventure book, amiright?! It was also told completely from a male's point of view, which was pretty unique.

All that said, though, the first half of the book was very slow to me, and it felt very repetitive on a couple of things, so it was hard for me to get into the excitement of the book. Throughout the story there were also several words/phrases that were more modern and not medieval, which took away from the authenticity of the story for me.

All things considered, it was an alright book, just not my favorite. I think that people who loved the first book in the series, who also love suspense books with a dash of romance, will really like this one as well.

Thank you to the author and publisher for an advanced copy of this book; all thoughts are my own.

Other intriguing story in this series. Rasheed thought his life had become quite and content. Running a bathhouse with his dear friends Gill and Eudocia. But when Eudocia is abducted, Rasheed was one of the first to rush to her aid. The conflicts and danger ahead, force Rasheed back into warrior mode. When he meets the beautiful Cecilia, he has to choose if he should trust her. A suspenseful story, engaging characters, espionage and battle scenes, all tastefully described. The historical accounts are well researched and enhanced to hold your attention. This is the second book in the series, but can be read as a standalone. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.