Of Daggers and Deception

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 <a href="https://goodreads.com/book/show/55922647.Of_Sword_and_Shadow" title="Of Sword and Shadow by A.L. Sowards" rel="noopener">Of Sword and Shadow</a> 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. <br /><br />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!<br /><br />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. <br /><br />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.<br /><br />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. <br /><br />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.<br /><br />I received a copy from the publisher, Covenant Communications, via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.<br /><br />Happy Reading!!!

I’m posting this review on release day, and I'm so excited to share this book with readers! <br /><br />This isn’t a straight-up sequel to <a href="https://goodreads.com/book/show/55922647.Of_Sword_and_Shadow" title="Of Sword and Shadow by A.L. Sowards" rel="noopener">Of Sword and Shadow</a>, but it has many of the same characters. You can read it without reading the first book, but the plot of this one, though independent, builds on events from the first book. This one features Rasheed as the protagonist, a character who first appeared in <i>Of Sword and Shadow</i>, and takes place eleven years later.<br /><br />I could have left <i>Of Sword and Shadow</i> as a single book. But I did an awful lot of research to only get one book out of the Medieval Duchy of Athens, and I really loved those characters, and there were several historical events to work with, so I wrote this one too. I hope you enjoy it! I had a lot of fun escaping the less-than-ideal reality of 2020 to work on this adventure novel with a side of romance.<br /><br />Included: history, Christian characters, Turkish pirates, forbidden love, revenge, betrayal, and lots of sword fights.<br /><br />As with all my books, more detailed content information is available on my website here: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow" href="https://alsowards.com/books/content/">https://alsowards.com/books/content/</a>

This story is filled with intrigue and sheer knuckle-biting suspense. For me, an added bonus was the author's attention to detail and medieval settings. A map of the Old World, a glossary, and historical details were provided to give the reader a comprehensive understanding of the political issues during this time. If you enjoy medieval stories filled with grit, loyalty, and intrigue with an added dash of romance, then this one is for you. The plot for Of Daggers and Deception is filled with unique twists and turns--a real page-turner.

Absolutely Satisfied. I was very excited for Amanda's latest book and it did not disappoint. <br /><br />"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."<br /><br />Do you like historical settings? Strong heroes who know their way on a battlefield? Forbidden Romances? Pirates? What about adventure?<br /><br />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. <br /><br />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. <br /><br />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. <br /><br />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". <br /><br />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.

As much as I liked the first book in the series, I think I liked this one even more. <br /><br />This is Rasheed's story, told in his POV, who's a friend to Gillen and Eudocia from book one. It's been a few years since and they've made a good life for themselves as owners of a bathhouse. But their past brings them problems and soon they're involved in a fight for their lives. <br /><br />What a fascinating historic time period! I appreciate how well written and research this story is. <br />There's adventure, action, treason, combat, friendship, and romance. I had a hard time putting it down. <br /><br />I received a copy from the publisher via NetGalley and this is my honest opinion. <br /><br />

I just went on the best adventure! I loved the pacing of this story, I loved the characters and I loved the storyline. <br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />Content: violence, some described. Peril. Kissing. <br /><br />- I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

Daggers of deception was a high adventure Christian historical fiction. There were Muslims, spies, sword fights, slave ships and lots of battles. <br />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. <br />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. <br />Thanks Covenant Communications via NetGalley. <br /> #OfDaggersandDeception #NetGalley.

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. <br /><br />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. <br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.”<br /><br />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. <br /><br />This definitely stands out as a truly memorable book. Whether you love romance, history, or action/adventure, I highly recommend this book!<br /><br />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.<br /><br />Content: clean romance, some violence though not overly graphic, fighting scenes and battles, miscarriage.

Take a dose of danger and excitement combined with twists and turns aplenty, then add a dash of romance and one has a rollicking great read! <br /><br />Read full review in the <a href="https://indtale.com/reviews/historical/daggers-and-deception" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">2021 Holiday issue of InD'tale Magazine.</a><br />

This is another story about the Medieval Duchy of Athens. We're back in Thebes about a decade after <a href="https://goodreads.com/book/show/55922647.Of_Sword_and_Shadow" title="Of Sword and Shadow by A.L. Sowards" rel="noopener">Of Sword and Shadow</a> 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?<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />I received a complimentary copy from the publisher, Covenant Communications, via NetGalley. All thoughts expressed in this review are my own.