REVIEW: After The Crescent Strike: The Balkan Legends, Book 0.5 by A. L. Sowards
The Balkans, 1371
After conquering the Serbian army in battle, bands of Ottoman warriors terrorize the land, leaving a trail of death and destruction in their wake. As one of the few survivors of a deadly attack on her village, Magdalena is determined to protect her newly orphaned niece. When a group of battle-weary Serb warriors offers to lead Magdalena and her charge to safety, a flame of hope flickers to life for the desperate woman, burning brighter when she spots a familiar face among the group: Miladin, the man she once loved—and lost.
Following a devastating defeat on the battlefield, Miladin resolves to return home to Rivak and pledge his loyalty to the new župan, Konstantin, the young son of the slain leader who led Miladin to war. As Miladin travels back from the Maritsa River Valley to offer aid and allegiance to the inexperienced youth, he expects the way will be fraught with danger, but he never dreams that the journey will reunite him with his first love.
Even as Magdalena and Miladin rekindle a romance once doomed by youth and circumstance, hidden threats draw ever closer. Before they can truly be safe, they must face a ruthless enemy who will stop at nothing to seize power.
CW – the heroine has suffered several miscarriages
Dear Ms. Sowards,
I had skipped ahead to read “Beneath a Crescent Shadow” but figured it was time to go back and read this short novel before the next full length book in the series is released. Although I knew ahead of time that Miladin and Lenka would get back together, I don’t think it’s much of a spoiler.
Ten years ago, Miladin asked Magdalena’s father for her hand in marriage as the two had grown up together and were in love. Instead, Lenka’s father arranged a marriage for her with a widower that proved to be painful for Lenka. Glebu wasn’t physically abusive but his constant criticisms and lack of concern for his wife’s health after her numerous miscarriages made Lenka’s life a misery. Even though she still has feelings for Miladin, I like that they don’t immediately fall into each other’s arms or try to pick up where they left off. They are both now different people than they were ten years ago and will be coming to any potential relationship in a changed way.
With no reason to stay in their destroyed village (and it would be almost suicidal anyway given the dangers of the times) for the first time, Lenka finally gets a say in where she goes. Anywhere will be starting over and her two choices both have pros and cons but Lenka thoughtfully decides on the best place for herself and her young niece. Luckily Miladin’s mother is a joy and more than willing to welcome them into her house after their tough journey there.
Of course all dangers aren’t past after the travelers reach the town and zupa where Miladin now lives and is a warrior. The disaster that has fallen on Serbia after the destruction of much of its army and leaders has created a bit of a power vacuum and free-for-all and some men are willing to chance making a hostile takeover where they scent weakness. These scenes set the stage a bit for events that will take place in the next book.
There is quite a bit of fighting and action sequences in the book. The times are hard and this isn’t shied away from. As in the following book, religion is important to these people and I like that it’s shown as they would experience it then rather than with modern sentiments. As the Author’s Note points out, quite a few things were considered “sins” then and “penance was normal.” It’s hard to read but again, in a historical, I’d prefer historical attitudes. Now that I’m totally caught up, I’m looking forward to the next book. B
~Jayne
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