1 Star

I saw this book and was immediately interested in getting to read it, but unfortunately it didn't turn out as clean as it ought to have been.

                ...................
Negative Content

A mention that a bad guy thought blood lust shown in a soldier's eyes, and that he wanted to slaughter a weak enemy.

Language: a mention of "cursed Turks", "cursed fortress", people swear to/about this or that, several uses of the word fool.
a “Speak of the devil”,a mention of rotting in hell now and later,

Later, it mentions the prisoner thought on it, but he thinks that he couldn’t make a promise with a demon like Radomir. God may have abandoned him(He didn't), but he would make no pact with a devil.

A mention of an icon of the Virgin Mary.(You are not to pray to or confess your sins to Mary, but rather to God and His Son Jesus).
It later mentions someone knelt in prayer in front of an icon, and there's other mentions of Catholic religious elements.

A man thinks that a woman matched the picture he had always had of Homer’s Helen: beautiful— and capable of creating chaos. He’d never liked Helen of Troy.
Later it mentions he says “Homer’s Helen must have looked like you. But you are kinder than she.” Pink spots appeared on Helena’s cheeks again. “You’re familiar with Homer?” “That’s how we practiced our Greek.” “Did you study The Iliad or The Odyssey?”“Both. And I used to favor the stories of Achilles. But now I think I prefer The Odyssey.”“Because it’s about going home?” He nodded. He felt a new kinship with Odysseus and his men— determined to go home but hampered and held up at every turn.

A man is captured and tied to his captor's horse, and his captors urinate on him.
(This was very unnecessary in the book, and will be the main reason for the lower rating.)

A kind woman comes to help a prisoner in a dungeon who is very sick, and the prisoner asks “Who is it?”His voice was raspy and weak. She knelt by his side. “Do you recognize my voice?” “Yes,”the man gasped. “It is the voice of an angel. But I must be dreaming, for angels don’t descend into hell.”He coughed as he finished speaking, hard tremors that shook his whole body.
(You can tell what he meant by that, but it still would have been better if he described it differently.)
Later, as she helps him out of the dungeon, she noticed his limp as they stepped into the corridor outside the cell. The bandage tied around his thigh was filthy. The first time she had wanted to examine his leg, he had protested. “Your leg wound. Will you let me look at it?”“Anything you wish, my angel.” She felt her face go hot. “I’m not an angel.”“Who else delivers lost souls from hell?” She felt his body shaking, either from cold or exhaustion.
Later, he says “While I was in the dungeon, Radomir told me that if I promised not to escape, he’d unlock my chains and give me warm clothes. I said I would make no pacts with devils or traitors.”He stared at the bread. “The promise I gave you is not so different, yet selling my soul to an angel does not seem like a sin.”

A woman remembers that the last time she had been inside the armory had been the day after her betrothal to Callinicus. He had offered to sharpen her knives for her, and she had met him there, not realizing there was no one else about until he’d held her against the wall and kissed her, fondled her, and demanded her cooperation as his bride-to-be. If a guard hadn’t happened upon them, she would have had to scream —or submit. Even now, she was grateful she didn’t have to go inside, where the memories themselves might be sharp enough to cut.

A woman asks a man, “What will you do with your wealth, Ivan?”she asked. “Keep the city safe, with a stone wall and a well-trained garrison. And build churches, hospitals, monasteries, convents, that sort of thing.” “To secure your spot in heaven?”He smiled softly. “I certainly hope so. But it’s not just that..." (Even though she was probably teasing, it was not a great thing to say, because you can't "secure your place in heaven" by works. (For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
Not of works, lest any man should boast. Ephesians 2:8-9 KJV)

A man touched a woman's hair with his other hand, and she sighed contentedly. His warm breath crossed her cheek. She wanted to be his completely, wanted his lips on her mouth, her neck, his fingers on her skin, wanted to sleep next to him in a soft bed in his far-off city. She was certain he was going to kiss her, and she longed for it, but he pulled away.

Mentions of men having more then one wife.

A woman notes she had been jostled about by four women who had treated her like a doll to be ornamented, with no consideration for modesty or decorum. Her skin felt slippery after they’d threaded away all unwanted body hair, and she barely recognized her hands underneath the elaborate henna drawings. She dreaded the upcoming ceremony. Even more, she dreaded what would follow.
At least she had been spared marriage before the journey. Kasim had wished it, but she had begged for a reprieve. She couldn’t have endured the long travels while adjusting to life as a consort.
Later it mentions that one of a man's wives had ordered around his other wives as punishment for being young and fertile.

A woman asks another woman how old she was, and she said “Fifteen.” That meant the poor girl had been married to Kasim at age fourteen.

A man comes to help rescue a woman from her evil husband, and she says “The circumstances that compelled me to marry Kasim haven’t changed.” “Ivan predicted you would say something like that, but he wanted to offer you a final escape. He would have come himself, but he feared he’d sin by coveting another man’s wife.” “And if I agreed to go? Would he not covet me then?” “If you agreed to come, he would generously endow a convent or a monastery as penance. Or risk hellfire if he sinned in the process of taking you somewhere safe, where you could be happy.”

A man says to a bad guy, “Wrestling is not a tradition among my people.” “I insist.” “I’m a hostage, not a slave. I respectfully decline.” He turned to walk away. “It is your right to decline, of course.” Kasim matched Ivan’s pace. “But I am in the mood for a struggle. A violent one. If you won’t provide one against Cemal, I shall have to have one with my newest wife.” Ivan paused midstep and squeezed his eyes shut. He had neither the desire nor the time to wrestle Cemal, but he couldn’t leave Helena to suffer the consequences of his refusal. “And if I agree?” “If you agree, then the next time I wish to enjoy one of my wives, it will be as a contented man who has no reason to be rough.” Ivan’s fingers itched to grab his dagger from his boot and plunge it into Kasim’s chest, but if he struck Kasim, the surrounding guards would finish him. Ivan could do his brother and his people no good if he were dead, so he nodded his agreement. Across the field, Iskandar seemed thoroughly absorbed in one of the matches. With Iskandar distracted, Danilo was probably losing his guard and heading off to the horses. Ivan ought to be joining him, not playing Kasim’s games, but he didn’t have much of a choice. “My servant will see that you’re given the proper clothing.” Kasim motioned one of his men forward. “Make sure it is a good match, or my Greek beauty will writhe in pain.” He turned abruptly and sauntered away, his neck erect and his stride confident.
(This scene was more detailed then was appropriate).

It mentions two soldiers are talking, starting with the second, “You picked dangerous enemies.” “I didn’t pick them. They picked me. Well done back there. I fully expected to be displayed on a stake for Bayezid’s departure tomorrow.” “I couldn’t let us die like that. It’s not a dignified death. And what would become of our souls? You haven’t confessed, have you, to being in love with another man’s wife?” the first grunted. There were Christian priests in Adrianople, but they were Greek instead of Serb. He would have been more comfortable with the priest he’d grown up with in Rivakgrad or the one he knew from Sivi Gora. It wasn’t his fault Helena had been forced to marry someone else. Their love had been pure when it had blossomed. Now he wondered if those feelings, no longer so innocent, would ever fade. “Your soul would be fine. You haven’t done anything you need to confess, have you? Other than killing all those Turkish guards this afternoon?” “Was that a sin? Killing them?” “I don’t know. I’m not a priest.” “I’m sure Father Vlatko will travel with Kostya’s army. If it was a sin, he’ll prescribe the proper penance.” “If we’re going into battle, he’ll probably grant absolution. And then I’ll have to put Helena from my mind completely, or I’ll be in perpetual penance.”

It mentions that one of two Muslim midwives wrote something on a scrap of parchment, then washed the ink off and gave the water to a pregnant woman who was in labor in a cup. Another midwife didn’t think the ink water would help any more than the talismans they’d put under the woman’s cushion, but she didn’t think they would hurt either. The other midwife continued her incantations.

A woman thinks the Muslims gave great honor to their mothers. She admired that in them even more than she appreciated their fine soap or the melodious call to prayer that sounded five times a day. She smiled at two women's dance. The movements were supposed to benefit a women’s abdomen so she was better able to bear children, but there was also something seductive about the dance. Desislava, still recovering from her unconventional delivery, made her dance steps conservative, but Saruca swayed her hips and rolled her stomach with a dramatic flair. Her condition showed now, and she was hoping for another son. The woman had felt relief when her menses had come six days ago. But as she thought of Rebekah’s words, she realized she ought to adjust her hopes.

A man and woman are talking, starting with the woman, “Marriages are rarely about love.” “Ours could be. As a widow, you are free to make your own decisions. You’ve already done everything you can for your people. Now you’re free to do something for yourself.” She looked away and said “In the eyes of the church, it would be my third marriage.” First, she had been betrothed to Callinicus, then married to Kasim. “Third marriages are frowned upon.” “But they’re not forbidden. Few priests would stand against it. Your first was merely a betrothal, and your intended died in war. Either of those circumstances alone would argue for allowing another marriage. Together it’s a certainty. And your second marriage was entered under threat—and to an unbeliever—so it can also be dismissed. And you’re still young. No priest would tell a childless woman of twenty and one that she must stay a widow the rest of her life. There will be a waiting period, and perhaps a penance, but in my lands, we follow the requirements set by St. John the Penitent, and he is more merciful than St. Basil. Will you not think on it?” She blinked away tears. “I am changed since you last saw me.” “Did you come to love Kasim?” She shook her head. “No. I feared him and cowered at his touch. But you cannot want me now. The marriage was consummated.” “I did not expect to find matters otherwise.” He was silent for a moment...

                        .......
Violence-

Many mentions of injuries and wounds in battle, fatal and non-fatal,  and where they were, like the abdomen and neck.(Not all of it is detailed).

-A mention that a soldier saw that there was one bad guy that was alive, though he doubted that would be true for long. Part of his bowels hung from his abdomen.

-A few mentions of someone being beheaded, slipping in pools of blood, being impaled and inpaling, a man threatens to cut out a mans tongue if he doesn't stop lying. (He was not and he did not). A mention of ravaged women screaming, and men threatening to beat and abuse their wives.
             
(The beheading especially was more detailed than it should have been and it would have been better left out altogether).

  Later it mentions, other observers didn’t hide their interest as they followed the two disgraced hostages. The executions wouldn’t take place on the Kırkpınar field, but they would be public. “Here.” Several of the guards held the onlookers back as more pressed in from behind. Other guards, three on each prisoner, forced the two prisoners to their knees again. The bad guy in charge picked up a long wooden pole. One end had been sharpened into a point and lubricated with oil. “This one will suit you nicely. If we follow your spine, perhaps you will still be alive to watch Bayezid ride out tomorrow.”He waved the sharp end in the first prisoner's face. The bad guy nodded to the guards, and they pushed the first prisoner to the ground on his stomach and held him so he couldn’t move. One straddled his back and one held each of his arms. The second prisoner had other plans. The first heard him roar as he barged his way to his feet and threw one of his guards into the tip of the pole. The second ripped a spear from the other guard’s hands and struck down the man kneeling on the first’s back, then jabbed his elbow into another guard’s face. The first rolled and twisted from the grasp of the two guards who’d been holding his oil-slicked arms. He grabbed a fallen guard’s spear and gutted the nearest man, then stole that one’s weapon. “Come on,...!”
Later it says, They pushed through the last of the bystanders to where the crowd thinned. Men still rushed toward the group, drawn to commotion like vultures to carrion. The prisoners kept their spears in hand and fled for their lives across the fields of Kırkpınar. The first wore no shoes, and bits of rock struck his feet. Better for his foot to be impaled with gravel than for his intestines to be skewered on a pike.

Later, it says that Ottoman swordsmen spread out to make certain the prisoners/soldiers couldn’t bypass them. They raised their scimitars in disciplined unity, ready to strike. As they converged, the first prisoner skewered one and pushed him into another. The second used his spear shaft to block his opponent’s blade, then thrust the tip into the man’s neck. The first yanked at his spear, but it wouldn’t pull free of its victim. He grabbed the scimitar from the dying man’s hands. He blocked a strike from the other guard, shoved him back, and ran on.

A bad guy says “You may have drawn blood, but I’ll take your head and carry it from the field in my horse’s oat bag.” (He does not).

A bad guy is talking about a woman he forced to marry him, and says “I first saw her not long after your failed siege in Byzia, when I was gathering a hostage and ensuring Župan Konstantin made no military alliance with the Greeks. And I saw the way she looked at the župan’s brother when they thought they’d be betrothed.” He folded his arms across his chest. “She has never looked at me that way. Instead, I find her pillow wet with tears, and if she trembles in my arms, it is with fear, not pleasure. But perhaps if I strike down Župan Ivan in battle and show her his severed head, his memory will finally disappear. Only then will I own her completely.”

A mention that the pattern of screams reminded a bad guy of a wave, rising as the alarm spread, then falling as ghazis silenced those who fought and as the cries of ravaged women faded into sobs.

A bad guy thinks that when they’d marched against Byzia, Kasim had told him of the first time he’d seen a certain woman. He’d known he had to have her. The bad guy hadn’t understood then, but he understood now. The golden-haired girl was more than beautiful. She was bewitching. “Secure the boy. The girl is mine.” Even if he took no other booty from this village, he was content with his prize. The time had come to take a bride, and if she resisted, the bad guy would find pleasure in the required taming.

“Most of Kasim’s men are dead as well.” What could Iskandar say to convince his enemy to spare him? He would do anything, anything to stay alive. “Even if they don’t take her, others might. Do you trust every man in the pasha’s army to treat her with respect? And what of your army? Will they see a Greek lady? Or will she be another item to plunder from the enemy? Ravished at will until their violence it satiated?”

       .......
Triggers-

Birth related...

Several mentions of violent miscarriages, births, and deaths of the mother and/or the child, lots of blood and blood loss, mentions of body parts, and one instance where a baby got stuck being born, and both the mother and child perish.

"But nothing she did could change what had happened. She had hesitated too long, and she had saved neither mother nor child. She laid the baby on a cloth. It would have been a son. The mother's wails filled the room, blood soaked the mat and floor, and the pregnant woman's lifeless eyes stared at the ceiling. She knew she should start washing the bodies, preparing them for burial. But all she could do was weep."

(This scene was too unnecessarily detailed in multiple spots, and will also be one of the main reasons for the lower rating.)
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I liked parts of the book, but to be honest the negative content and inappropriate stuff out weighted the good parts, and I probably won't be finishing this series.

I received a complimentary e-book to review from Shadow Mountain Publishing through Netgalley.
I was not required to write a positive review, and the thoughts above are my own.

This second book in the series is delightful! I love how with the prequel, first book and second book they are all different events that greatly impact each other. This book was interesting because it covers such a long time period, but it didn't feel rushed or out of place. I was frustrated with what happened to the happy couple, but I'm glad it resolved successfully. I received a copy of the audiobook and the narration was delightful and engaging!

This series is an epic stand out in the historical fiction genre. It's beautiful, intense, captivating, complex, heart-achingly romantic, impeccably researched, and exquisitely written.

After finishing this book I had to sit with it for a bit before writing this review. This is definitely a book/series that will stay with me.

Beyond the Crescent Sky is set in the Balkans in the 1300's and chronicles one family's fight for freedom. In this book we follow Ivan, who is taken captive while fighting for the Serbs and Helena, a Greek midwife who is tasked with his care. When they fall in love they need to decide what's worth fighting for.

This book kept me riveted and turning pages late into the night. It is a story I will not soon forget.

I really appreciated the author's inclusion of the glossary and historical background as well as the character list. It was helpful in immersing myself in the story and the time.

*Thank you to NetGalley and Shadow Mountain Publishing for the ARC, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

I loved the first book so so so much so I was so excited to see Ivan in the second!!! I fell in love with Ivan in the first book and ugh he just gets better in this one! He is a the ultimate hero oh my gosh. I want him to save me. Then the romance ugh I loved that too!! Until it wasn't a romance anymore and instead just sadness really which left me... sad. But it was so beautiful to see all they had to go through to finally get their happily ever after. And their love *sigh* heart-wrenching.

I loved following Helene as a midwife throughout the book and it highlights one of my favorite parts of these books which is the culture and history we get to live in! I loved seeing what midwifery looked like in the 1300s and wow did it make me happy I am not living in that time (though for the heros *cough* Ivan *cough* maybe). I could read this series forever if I could. And the length of the books!? DIVINE. I need more books that I can just stay in for days instead of ending fast.

I will read any book A L Sowards writes and I am dying for Danilo but my heart made me give this 4.5 stars because it broke (rounding up to 5 though because my reasons are petty)

Ivan yearns to see his only brother again. Kostya has been leading the Serbian army for a long time and when Ivan became the heir of his grandfather title, they will live separated. So, he and Danilo, his cousin, decided to find Kostya. When they near Kostya, they find an unexpected ambush from the Greeks. There, in the battlefield, Ivan is badly injured and taken captive, leaving him in the care of Helena, a midwife. Using her medical knowledge she becomes a nurse for him. At first, Helena sees him as an enemy, a stubborn man, a menace for her family and her people. Ivan is reluctant to accept her taking care of him, but he also notices her gentleness and good heart. The close proximity with each other creates a connection that not only puts to test their loyalty but also their hearts.

Meanwhile the Ottoman Empire extends its hard hold into the Balkans, and some developments beyond their control force Ivan and Helena to choose
between loyalty to their families and people, or following what their hearts want the most.A new author to me,

Amanda Sowards shows great attention to details and an impressive amount of research, delivering a jewel of a book that contains adventure, drama, and a beautiful romance.Cant wait for Danilo's story in Again a Crescent Storm!

Wow! That was a roller coaster ride of a read and it. was. so. good! I love how Ms Sowards weaves her historical tales. Excellent writing!

Fantastic story that will move you with its heart wrenching and heartwarming storyline! An epic story that will take you on a captivating story with all the emotions. There is beauty within the hard!

This book. How do I pronounce all of these names? I wish I could but that's okay. This book isn't the fastest one I've ever read but the story is intriguing and made me keep wanting to come back for more. This is a period of time I know just about nothing about and it was fascinating to learn more!

If you like medical content, forbidden romance, war, historicals, and loyal main characters, I absolutely recommend this.

TW: war violence, childbirth, loss of child, loss of mother, miscarriage

How can one possibly be expected to put into words how amazing this book is?! This book will cut your soul open and you will be torn apart. I cried, and grieved, and cried again. But she still gives so much hope and love, and it was heart wrenchingly beautiful. I will not be the same for a long time. I don’t know how I’ll be able to read another book again any time soon!!

This is a historical fiction with a healthy dose of romance. Ivan and Helena are so perfect, and their relationship buds from the most complicated of situations and grows into the sweetest love. They face SO many challenges along the way, and I was genuinely concerned the author may be branching from her usual HEA 🙈😂 But just like in real life, there had to be trials before the reward.

I always love the Christian themes in her books too. They bring so much hope and comfort amidst even their hardest of trials. It was so beautifully done.

Content warning: this book is featured in the 1300’s. The historical accuracy is so well done, but does come with hardships, war, torture, and baby struggles. Message me if you have questions about any of this.

Thank you the author and publisher for an advanced copy. All opinions are my own!

Beyond the Crescent sky is the second book in the Balkan Legends Series and in my opinion just as good if not better than the first book. It isn’t necessary to read the books in order, but I would highly recommend it. This book is about Ivan who is the Zupan Konstantin’s younger brother. He is just a young man of 19, but has been trained and guided to inherit his grandfather’s title, Zupa of Sivi Gora. Ivan is an extremely strong willed and impetuous young man. But when he is captured and held hostage, he learns quickly how to become a strategic warrior. During his time of captivity, he is cared for by a beautiful, compassionate young woman by the name of Helena. This book is the tender love story of two people that overcome war, trials, and tribulation's. Can their love survive years of separation of torture and vileness. This story is alive with drama, strife, and suffering. There are many wounded and dying battle scenes, woman and children accosted and horses maimed. But the wonder of this book is the compassion, selflessness and fortitude to uphold the legacy, birthright and security of their people. It is a historical fiction based on true conflicts and events. It is a gripping drama with a touching love story. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Wow, this book did not disappoint as another book in the Balkan series. I was thrilled to get Ivan's story as he grew up. After reading the first book and getting a sneak peek, I was so excited to see how he would do if he was raised by his grandfather and not with Kostya. As with the first novel, this such a fascinating time of history with epic battles, fierce soldiers, loyalty, spies, family, suspense and love. I throughly enjoyed being back. Sowards has done so much research to make this place feel alive for the reader, her attention to detail is wonderful. A truly wonderful historical fiction book. Although this book could be read as a standalone, you will get more out of it if you read the prequel and the first book about Ivan's brother.

"You have been captured, and I have been rescued."

Ivan and his cousin Danilo are young, but desperately want to help Kostya fight. As they battle the Greeks, Ivan is captured and kept as a prisoner. Helena is the midwife/nurse who helps to heal Ivan. Although they start as enemies, their feelings and thoughts change. They both grow and become better people, but at what cost? Can they both protect their family and the people they love, while trying to love each other? So deep and so many little twists and changes. I mean, who doesn't love a forbidden romance, no matter the time period?

“Perhaps I care more about what is right than about what is wise”

As mentioned, the time period of the Balkans in the 1300's was a time of war and fighting. This book does have many battles and descriptions, but not that is done poorly or to descriptive. And of course they get their HEA, which is good...because I don't think I could handle more distance and being forced to be apart. I can't wait for Danilo's story.

A.L. Soward’s Beyond the Crescent Sky, the second book in The Balkan Legends series, is an enthralling work of historical fiction that captivates from start to finish. Set against the backdrop of medieval Balkan conflicts, the story weaves action, suspense, and a tender romance into a richly immersive narrative.

The novel follows Ivan, an Ottoman warrior, and Helena, a strong-willed midwife. Their journey from enemies to friends to forbidden lovers is beautifully crafted, filled with tension, heartbreak, and moments of quiet triumph. Soward skillfully balances thrilling escapes, betrayal, and revenge with themes of faith and redemption, creating a story as emotionally resonant as it is exciting.

The historical setting is meticulously detailed, bringing the era to life without ever feeling heavy-handed. The Christian themes add depth and hope, making the novel both thought-provoking and inspiring.

Narrated by Lameece Issaq, the audiobook experience is exceptional. Issaq’s performance, perfectly suited for both Helena’s fierce determination and Ivan’s inner conflict, brings every character vividly to life.

With unforgettable characters, riveting action, and a wholesome romantic subplot, Beyond the Crescent Sky is a triumph of historical fiction. It’s a must-read for fans of adventure, faith-based stories, and heart-stirring romance.

This is a wonderfully written book. It is longer than I normally read: about 10 hours. If you like a good war story with plenty of death on page, fighting scenes, betrayal, plundering and all that goes with, this is the book for you! It has an underlying love story. I would say for all the violence this would be a PG-13 or R rated movie depending on how graphic they portrayed the fight and death scenes. I was not aware it was so heavy on the gore and war as this is the first book I've read in the series. It seemed pretty accurate for the time period.

Despite all the unexpected war descriptions etc., I was so enthralled in the story I had to finish it!

There are no modern day swears of course and only a kiss or two. It doesn't contain any on-page bedroom intimacies. Multiple POV.

Warning: war scenes, death on page, beheadings, and violence etc.

I absolutely love this series! Beyond the Crescent Sky was the perfect blend of action, history, romance, faith, and a compelling story! I absolutely loved Ivan and Helena. Their kindness, loyalty, and just overall goodness made them a perfect match! I love learning more about this time in history, since there aren't as many historical fiction books set during the Medieval time.

If you love history and a good story, then I highly recommend this series!

Thank you to NetGalley, Shadow Mountain Pubishing, and A.L. Sowards for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my honest opinions.

Ivan only planned to go and meet his brother as he returned from war with his men, but when they're caught in a skirmish, he ends up a most unwilling hostage of the Greeks. Helena is initially reluctant to treat their captured enemy, but as she gets to know the injured Serbian youth, she comes to see him as a person rather than an enemy - a dangerous step to take. Because soon her heart is more involved than she wants to admit. But they have a common enemy, whether they realise it or not, and the Turks are far more dangerous - and ruthless - than either Greeks or Serbs. As they work together to survive the winter and what it brings, the problem of romance between enemies becomes secondary to the question of whether they'll survive till spring - and spring itself will bring difficulties neither could have foreseen...

A great mix of history, action and romance. If you're only interested in the romance, this may not be for you, but if you like a bit more meat to your books, this does a great job of intertwining a sweet love story with character development through not only the difficulties and hardships of life, but also its joys - and action to improve life as much as possible. There's also sacrifice, and thankfully it's rewarded in the end - though not without suffering first. However, while the book isn't all sweetness and light, it also doesn't feel dark (which, thinking about the story, is an impressive feat). And the ending is wonderfully satisfying to make up for the hardships along the way. The one complaint I would make was that this was a little on the long side. I enjoyed it, but it did start to drag a little by the end (maybe I was just in too much of a hurry?). Nevertheless, a really good read, just don't expect it to be a one-stage story. Honestly, most authors would probably split it in two, and then I'd complain about a cliffhanger - so good on the author for not doing that! All in all, a great addition to the series, though it can be read as a standalone story - I'm looking forward to the next book already! Recommended. 4.5 stars.

Note that I received a complimentary copy of the book from NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review and this is my considered opinion of the book.

My first read for 2025 is maybe a bit of a surprise. I love historical fiction, which I how I became acquainted with this author. I’m not really interested in battles and strategy and war in general and medieval Serbia is way outside my typical time frame. However, I have yet to pick up a book by A.L. Sowards where I didn’t myself fully engrossed in the story. Her characters are always multifaceted, interesting and engaging and this series is no exception. I look forward to the next book in the series. Beyond a Crescent Sky is not a quick, easy read because of unfamiliar terminology and history, but is so worth the effort. If you like a story with in-depth historical research along side adventure, rebellion, loyalty, longing, forgiveness, faith, family and love this very well written book may be just the one for you.

One thing I have learned is that when I sit down to read a novel by A.L. Sowards, I need to set aside a decent block of time because I absolutely will not want to put the book down until I have completely finished reading it! Book 2 in the Balkan Legend series is no exception to that rule. It hooked me in quickly and it wasn't long before taut action scenes had me hoping for the best for Ivan and Danilo, two of the characters that I had come to know through the previous books in the series and waiting with bated breath to see how the story would develop..

What started out as a simple trip to catch up with a brother quickly turned into a battle between Serbs and Greeks thanks to a nefarious character who manipulated the Greeks into attacking the men from Rivak. In the ensuing fierce battle, Ivan is captured by the Greeks and held as a potential prisoner for ransom. Due to his injuries, he needs the help of local midwife, Helena, who with the death of the local doctor suddenly has a huge amount of work on her hands with little experience with battle injuries. As Ivan heals, he gets to know Helena better and better and she is able to protect him from some of the seamier side of local prisoner experiences. His determination to return home to family is intense and the treatment he receives is at times overly aggressive. As a reader, I wanted to hold him back at times, but that isn't who Ivan is.

Sowards has done her usual meticulous job of researching for this book which focuses on mediaeval history in Serbia. Readers will definitely finish the novel with a better understanding of what the life and times were like for people. Each book in the series builds on the source material so that it all comes together beautifully. Told from multiple characters viewpoints, a very full picture of the greater story is laid out to discover.

As a reader I could not help but be moved by the developing love between Ivan and Helena and all the obstacles that they faced both together and apart before they could really commit to each other. One has to wish that release date for book 3 in the series would be just a little closer!

If you have not read the earlier books in the series, you can still read this one as a stand alone, but the others are so good that I can't imagine people would not want to read them too. BEYOND THE CRESCENT SKY is available in hardcover, ebook, and audio. It's Book Two in The Balkan Legends Series (following the prequel, AFTER THE CRESCENT STRIKE, and Book One, BENEATH A CRESCENT SHADOW).

Many thanks to #NetGalley, @shadowmountainpub and @a.l.sowards for allowing me to read and review this wonderful story. All opinions are my own

MY HEART.

I feel like I barely survived this book y’all. It took my heart out of my chest, smashed it on the ground a few times, and then picked up all the pieces and put it back together. So you know, YOU SHOULD READ IT TOO. This really took me on a historical journey. I love that the author doesn’t shy away from the hard truths of life in a different time period. It is not a linear path. The crossroads are imminent and the valleys are deep. But I loved how Helena and Ivan climbed the mountain together. As many times as it took, to find each other again.

It’s a slower paced book that really builds the journey. I loved the multiple points of view. There’s something about getting the antagonist POV that helps seal the deal on a great read. I loved seeing the mindsets and interpretations of the time period and setting. It’s gritty and the emotions are raw and also incredibly romantic.

I loved seeing how everything came together in the end. The hits kept coming and the characters kept rising. And that’s what it is all about. I CAN’T WAIT for book three!!!

Overall audience notes:

Historical Romance
Language: none
Romance: closed door
Violence: moderate
Content Warnings: miscarriage (from a fall), many childbirth scenes (and loss of mother/child moments as well), war violence and battle themes, blood/gore/injury depictions

The Balkans 1383 finds Helena as a healer and Ivan as a prisoner in a very war torn region.

This book was an action packed roller coaster. What I love about Amanda’s writing is that she keeps it real. She shows you a period of history and doesn’t hold back. She shows you the good and the bad, but I also know I can count on her to give me a satisfying ending. With that trust I keep reading as her characters go through so many unexpected trials!

I loved Helena’s passion for healing and how she is a good judge of character. I love how brave she is in several different situations. She’s not easily broken by the hard in life. She’s strong and courageous. She’s the perfect match for Ivan.

Ivan is a warrior very committed to his family. He dreams of his own lands in a season of peace, but isn’t afraid to fight his way to peace by defending his people and those he loves. I loved his grit, his integrity, and how he could be both fierce and gentle.

If you love an action packed adventure with realistic set backs set in a historic time, this is the book for you. I loved that it combined some of my favorite things: history, integrity, and love. A perfect addition to this series.

Beyond the Crescent Sky -A.L Sowards
An excellently written piece of historical fiction set in the Balkans in the late 1380s when tensions between the Ottoman Empire expanding outwards and the Serbs and Greeks and other East European peoples was escalating.

This is a period and location of history I know nothing about and it was fascinating to learn about it. It's jam packed with action: battles, skirmishes, fighting... After all it was a period of war. In the midst is the tender love story of Helena, a Greek healer and the seriously injured captive Serb, Ivan Miroslavevic. Some of the action that follows is not pretty, as Ivan is "mistreated" quite badly.

Despite it all, he keeps his values and his high character. Helena is all that a healer ought to be: practical, clear eyed, empathetic, compassionate but one who doesn't shy away from needed treatment no matter how painful. As they grow to love each other, complications get more complicated with the schemes of the meddlesome spy of the Ottoman Empire, Iskandar, that threw them together in the first plaçe

Eventually, after many unforeseen twists in the tale, comes the final battle again with its twists and turns of fortune. What happens in international relations between the East European nations, most of whom are Christian and the Ottoman Empire bent on outward expansion is superbly woven into individual lives by A.L.Sowards.

A fine novel of love, loss, and international relations in 14th century Eastern Europe. I received an e-ARC for my reading pleasure with no commitments. The opinions expressed here are my own and are freely expressed.