This was a new experience for me. At first as I read the glossary and explanations of war tactics, etc. I thought, “oh, what have I gotten myself into?” I was expecting a dry historical account. But don’t let that put you off from reading this. It was anything but dry.

The author really knows how to weave a story around these dramatic happenings. We learn from several different points of view to see the motivations for people participating as they did., their faith, their fears, triumphs and disappointments.

This was an engrossing account based on true events. You come to know and feel the main characters as they experience the horrors of war.

I enjoyed this story far more than I expected to. I would definitely recommend it for those with a love of history or just a love for people and what motivates them.

The love story was sweet, but not the main emphasis. There were depictions of violence, but tastefully done. Thank you to #netgalley for an advanced reader copy to review.

4 1/2 stars. This was a part of history I knew nothing about, so it was very eye-opening and I feel like I should have known this already!

Late 1600's Vienna hears that the Ottoman Empire is on their way to attack the city. Wilhelm von Schor and his family pack up and follow the emperor, fleeing the city. Katja impulsively decides to escape the carriage with her father's violin and return to the city. Her twin brother is part of the army and is sure to return. On her way she bumps into a childhood friend and that friendship is rekindled. Amidst the besieging of the city, there is fear, loss, hope, devastation, love and triumph.

What a whirlwind of a story. Again- I didn't know this part of history, so it was all new as I read it. Just reading about how warfare was conducted- especially the tunneling was fascinating and awful at the same time. It was interesting how they struggled to find allies to come fight with Vienna, what the battles looked like and how the different parts of the defenses were defended or fell. The map at the beginning was definitely a helpful reference! I also thought the perspective of many characters was a great addition to the telling of this story. While the story did start of slow for me, I'm glad I stuck it out, because it ended up being a wonderful story. Would recommend, with the understanding that there are somewhat graphic fighting scenes and references to the wounds of battle. I would probably allow my older teens to read this one- with that disclaimer included.

Thanks to NetGalley and Covenant Communications for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

This book is so well written. It is beautifully tragic and yet triumphant at the same time. I had not ever heard about the Siege on Vienna. This was such an interesting and pivotal event in history. I found the characters to be complex and relatable. Katja, Xavier and Wilhelm's relationship as siblings is touching and again, complex. Learning about the war efforts was so interesting and enlightening. The countermining would have been terrifying to me. Tobias, Baltha, Ahmed, King Sobieski and so many other characters were so interesting. I felt all of the emotions with this book. It is just what I'd expect from a book based on a terribly important but sad event. I would highly recommend this book.

Wow! This book was completely incredible, eye-opening, and so informative. As simple as it sounds, I am so happy with this book, and yes, even the parts that made me cry. This book was so heartbreakingly real and for that I love it all the more. The storyline, the characters, the developments, the setting, and the emotion all combine to create a beautiful story. Normally I love books overflowing with romance, and while this book did have some romance, that wasn’t the main storyline, and it was still absolutely perfect. This book gracefully portrayed the different sides of a significant historical event.
You get to follow different aspects and perspectives of those who went through the siege of Vienna. Amanda created wonderful narratives for each of her main characters that sucked you further and further into the story.
I absolutely love history and this story is filled with such great knowledge and material that helps you feel involved in the character’s lives and the events taking place. You can feel the effort and love that went into the research for this book. And even though Amanda states the holes in history in her author’s note, the facts that she does know she represented so well in a captivating literary tale.
Every time I read a book by A. L. Sowards I fall more and more in love with her style of writing and ability to make history come alive. This is another great addition to my list of favorite books and I look forward to future books by Amanda.

This was a fascinating look at an event in history I was less familiar with. A. L. Sowards has created a story, told from multiple viewpoints including a soldier of the opposing side, of people motivated by deeply held beliefs and desires to bless their families. The fear and difficulties of war are not glossed over, but the beauty of justice in the end and the faith that sustains one through the worst that life has to offer became a guiding light.

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

I've read a multitude of historical romances that take place during the Napoleonic Wars, the U.S. Civil War, World Wars I and II, and even the Norman Invasion. The unique backdrop here is the 1683 Siege of Vienna, an historical event heretofore unknown to me.

This meticulously researched work of historical fiction vividly portrays the brutal assault by the Turks on the walled city of Vienna, who look to expand the Ottoman Empire. Descriptions of battle methods and strategies are evocative. Some of the actions may disturb some readers; war is violent, after all.

Amid all this turmoil, Katja Schor, her brothers Xavier and Wilhelm, along with childhood friend Tobias "Toby" Vischer, do their parts to keep Vienna from falling to the enemy. This is an intense read. Characters are well-drawn. Katja and Toby's sweet romance, while emotional and quite satisfying, is not the primary plot thread.

One of the positive notes of reading good historical fiction is learning more about the time period in which it's set. And learn, I did. The glossary greatly enhanced my understanding, as well. A.L. Sowards is a new author for me, and I plan to read more of her work. 4.5 stars

Thanks to NetGalley and Covenant Communications for an ARC of this absorbing novel.

I’ve been to beautiful Vienna a few times and had no knowledge of the historic siege this book brings to life. In 1683 the Ottoman Empire brings 300,000 Turkish soldiers to take down the Holy Roman Empire in Vienna. Wealthy families including the king flee the weakly fortified city. The remaining soldiers and civilians have to withstand the attacks until help can arrive from surrounding kingdoms. It takes a few chapters to get all the characters straight. And the maps at the front of the book are very useful.

The story is told from the POVs of five characters. Katja (Katharina) is the strong female lead. She chooses to stay in the city instead of fleeing with her elder brother. She ends up working in the hospital tending the wounded. Her brothers Wilhelm and Xavier are polar opposites. Wilhelm is part of the kings court and is sent to Poland to seek help from the King. Xavier is a soldier and fights to save the city. Toby is a childhood friend who is now a woodworker. He is recruited to help in the countermining which I had never heard about. Ahmed is one of the Turk soldiers.

This is very much about the battle and family relations. There is a romance but it isn't the focus of the book. I appreciate the care the author took to be authentic to the skirmishes, death and sickness of war without being overly graphic. She doesn’t shy from the brutality. On a personal note I had to put the book down a few times as the images coming from the bombardment of Ukraine filled my mind. It made the book too real.

I appreciate the notes from the author at the end explaining her research and numbers used. She also explains liberties taken in the story. This is an excellent read and honestly more than I was expecting. Thank you to NetGalley and Covenant Communications for an eARC in exchange for an honest review. (4.5 stars)

WOW! I was blown away by this book. One of my favorite things about an A.L. Sowards’ book is that I know I’m about to get one of the best history lessons ever. Her writing is both entertaining and informative.

I picked this one up with absolutely zero knowledge of the siege on Vienna and was swept away in every little detail. The mining and countermining aspect of this battle was extremely fascinating. With this being a book based on a battle you can expect violence, depictions of war, etc. I thought the author did a great job of not having to get into many detailed specifics and also not glorifying the violence that comes from war, and also accurately depicting the events. I would definitely recommend this book for a more mature audience.

The romance was sweet, and I fell in love with these characters. They jumped out of the pages and came to life while reading! The pacing was excellent and I had a hard time when I had to put the book down to take care of real life. I recommend some tissues and some snacks because once you pick it up, you won’t be putting it down!

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the copy. All thoughts in this review are my own.

Oh. my. word. This book is intense, powerful, and inspiring. Impossible to put down!

It is the gripping story of the siege of Vienna in 1683, a battle between the Ottoman empire and Christianity. Told through the POV of five characters - siblings Katja, Xavier, and Wilhelm, woodworker/family friend Toby, and Turkish soldier Ahmed - the story showcases the immense courage and sacrifice of the people of Vienna as they fought to maintain control of their city until reinforcements could arrive. One city against 300,000 Turkish soldiers.

The numerous battle and military strategizing scenes were so fascinating, but this was not just a story about war. This was also a story about family and healing, faith and miracles, and love and hope. These were intertwined with the historical scenes and the result was an emotional rollercoaster of the very best kind. This is an exceptional read that will stay with me long after I finished it.

Absolutely my favorite book so far from this author. Definitely 5 stars!

Things to know before you read:

The romance between Katja and Toby is very sweet but is a side story in the overall plot. If you go in thinking this is mainly a romance book, you will probably be disappointed.

There are a lot of battle scenes but nothing that was gratuitously bloody. The most graphic it gets is a few parts when heads are chopped off and placed on pikes.

The maps and terms at the beginning of the book were extremely helpful - I highly recommend you use them!

Have some tissues handy. Trust me.

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

#beforethefortressfalls #alsowards
This is a story of bravery, courage and standing for whats right. This was a love story with some powerful bravery messages woven throughout. It was a story of doing what's right, even when everyone else is fleeing as fast as they can. Beautiful storyline.

Wow! I had no knowledge about the Siege of Vienna in 1683. Author A.L. Sowards really brought this time and event to life in Before the Fortress Falls. This is a story of war, and the danger, death, loss, and heartache that comes with war to families, communities, and military brothers in arms. "Their fight for survival would change the course of history."

Wilhelm von Schor, prepares to evacuate his family from Vienna—including his sister, Katja, in the face of an imminent attack by the Ottoman army. "Logic and Wilhelm told her to leave. But something stronger told her to stay." Katja decides to remain behind and face the coming war, she later encounters their brother Xavier, a soldier for the Holy Roman Emperor, and a dear friend from childhood Toby Vischer. "In the overcrowded hospitals, below ground in the countermines, and on the ramparts defending the city walls, the three must fight for love, family, faith, and the survival of their city and everyone inside." This was also a fight to save all of Christendom.

The inhabitants of Vienna are vastly outnumbered, and a growing fear threatens to drown out their faith as the vast Ottoman army surrounds Vienna. "They didn't have to defeat the Turks. They just had to keep the city safe long enough for reinforcements to arrive." As time went on, almost two months into the siege, they felt like their options would be to be martyrs for the faith, or slaves to an Ottoman master.

A sweet romance develops during this war, and one of the most romantic lines ever: "I can't promise to be there for you whenever you need me. But I can promise to love you until my last breath."

Music played a big part in the Schor family, their father was a professional and Katje inherited his instrument. This later plays a part in renewing the faith of Xavier and Katje.

I tell you, I am not one who turns to the back page and reads the end, and I didn't. Technically. But I did google the real battle and had to find out who won as I was reading this story.

Author A.L. Sowards did her research and her talented pen places you right there in the middle of the battle for Vienna and Christendom. I highly recommend this engaging historical fiction that had me turning pages into the wee hours of the morning!

Thank you to the author through net galley for allowing me to read an early copy. All opinions are my own.

A.L. Sowards has once again taken us to a unique setting. I had no knowledge of Vienna in 1683. The story is full of non-stop action, as the characters defend the city of Austria with all they can. I am so impressed with Sowards' ability to research an event and time and place and make it accessible to the readers!

I really enjoyed the character growth in this book as well. At first Katya seemed impulsive, but she proved herself loving, compassionate, and capable as she served at a makeshift hospital. Her brothers were also great characters who learned from the hardships that family is more important than status. And Toby was the sweetest, most hard-working man. I was interested in all the battle strategies, especially the mining and countermining. It was a fascinating bit of history! Toby was so brave to go into the tunnels with no experience and help defend his city.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves historical fiction, especially if you love learning about obscure moments in history!

Thanks to NetGalley, Covenant Communications, and A.L. Sowards for the opportunity to read this novel in exchange for my honest review.

This story is a must read. Based on true events that happened during the siege in Vienna in 1693. I throughly enjoyed this book. The story follows Katjia and her brothers, Wilhelm and Xavier, and close friend, Toby. The reader gets to experience the siege and the events of the war. The reader gets the feeling like they are actually there. This is my first experience reading a book by A.L. Sowards and I look forward to reading many more!

4.5 stars
Wow! This was a stunning book. This book started off a bit slower for me but I knew that it could happen. My brain takes a while to process things so it took me a little while to read, but it was a great book! Before the Fortress Falls is by A.L. Sowards. The characters were so engaging and the story was beautiful. It was fun to read from different perspectives and I think it really made the story interesting.
Katja was a strong character who was trying to do what she thought was best. Although the Ottoman army was coming, she chose to stay in Vienna. I thought that Katja was an interesting character, she felt so real. Life was hard, they were in the midst of a siege and yet she did not give up. However I liked how there were still times when she was afraid or when she felt overwhelmed, but how she still pressed on and looked to God.
Toby was also a wonderful character, his life had not been easy but he worked hard. I liked his strength and his willingness to help serve his home city. Although he was afraid, he still wanted to protect his home. He was human though and there were times when he got discouraged. However though it all he still worked hard and he even encouraged Katja when she got down.
Toby and Katja had a sweet romance. They had been old friends,and it was sweet to read about them. I liked how their romance was a slow burn, it was definitely cute to read about them interacting and helping each other. They had their troubles and an invasion to fight off, but they worked together.
Xavier and Wilhelm were some of the other perspectives that you got to see. I really liked reading from both of their perspectives. Tgey had a few different views on life, but they both wanted to save their home city. Although they fought and disagreed, they were still family. I really liked the family feel of this book. Katja, Wilhelm, and Xavier all had different views on life and ideas, but they still cared for each other even when things got hard.
The action was very exciting in this book and it was definitely fascinating to read about. I felt as if I learned a lot from the battle scenes and from what the soldiers did to try and prepare for battle. It was really engaging. There are some more gruesome wounds and deaths mentioned but it fits the book and the scene.
Before the Fortress Falls is a wonderful book and I would definitely recommend it! Before the Fortress Falls is a historical romance book.

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.

Thank you net galley for the advance reader copy of this novel. This was a great historical fiction about a time period often overlooked. The battle/seige of Vienna was well researched. ...and even a bit too true to life in the authors words. Good characters and dialogue.

Another amazing historical novel from A. L. Sowards! This is a rich and compelling look at the siege of Vienna in 1683.

I was quickly drawn into the harrowing atmosphere of a city preparing for siege, simmering with apprehension yet determined to stand against the Ottoman army to the last breath. Each day that passes without reinforcements, the threat of defeat grows nearer and the hope of victory retreats, but the people trapped in the city show a remarkable courage and tenacity of spirit.

I love our cast of characters. They may be fictional, but they are also heartbreakingly real; they hope, they fear, they love, and they grieve. The hope that shines through each of their actions in such an uncertain, perilous time is simply inspiring.

My favorite part of this book was the sheer relief of reading the words “The army was coming to save Vienna.” After two long months of siege, it was emotional to read that simple sentence promising deliervance from almost an almost inevitable destruction.

As always, I love how A. L. Sowards weaves her characters into real historical events, impeccably researched and imaginatively written. This is the perfect book for readers who love novels about little-known corners of history!

#BeforeTheFortressFalls #NetGalley

This book was so unexpectedly good., it is based on true events. The story takes place around the siege of Vienna in 1683.
There is a graphic details of war, between Christiandom and the Ottoman Empire.
There is also, so much more, to get caught up in. The story has five narrator's, Katja Schor and her two brother's Wilhelm and Xavier, Toby Vischer and Ahmed one of the Turks. Each voice is clearly marked, so it is not confusing.
This story isn't just about the seige, there are family relationships, working relationships, forgiveness and of course romance. This is one of A. L. Towards best books. I highly recommended reading this story.

BEFORE THE FORTRESS FALLS by A L SOWARDS tells a story of courage and sacrificial love that takes place during the seige of Vienna in 1683. It ia an inspirational and nail biting read and one I highly recommend. The author has obviously done a great deal of research and makes the history of the time come alive for us. It is interesting to see how class distinction and pride of position fall away in the face of this horrific war, and how people work together to stay alive and save their beloved Vienna. As Christendom is challenged, the author shows us the difference between the pomp and ceremony of the “not so holy” Roman Emperor as opposed to the faith, love and service shown by Katja, Zavier and Toby as they trust the Lord in these frightening times.
I found the book most interesting and loved the characters and the sweet romance.
I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Covenant Communications. The opinions in this review are completely my own.

What an amazing book! So impressed with the story, the characters, and the tone through all of it.

Before the Fortress Falls is based on the historical fact of the siege of Vienna in 1683 by the Ottoman Empire forces for almost two months. The story follows Katjia, her two brothers, Wilhem and Xavier, and her childhood friend Toby (it even includes a few scenes in Ahmed's POV, one of the Turks).

As the siege continues, day after day, week after week, we see the characters prove themselves almost beyond what they can take. The stakes keep climbing, and we're witnesses to their struggles and wonder how much longer they can go like this.

The writing is excellent and the historic elements are so expertly woven in that I felt I was there, watching from the sidelines.

It's not all about the siege and the war. There's also a sweet romance, family relationships, friendships, loyalty and hope. The ending was satisfying and well done.

I highly recommend, especially to those tired of Regence romance.

I received a copy from the publisher via NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.