“When rumors reach Vienna that an attack by the Ottoman army is imminent, Wilhelm von Schor, one of the emperor’s courtiers, prepares to evacuate his family—including his sister, Katja. But Katja’s reluctance to leave the city and the people she loves so well grows the farther the family carriage gets from her childhood home. When she learns that another brother, Xavier, is returning to Vienna with his musketeers, she decides to remain behind and face the shadow of war.
Katja soon reunites with Xavier and also with Toby, a dear friend from childhood. As Katja and Toby renew their friendship, an element of attraction builds on the comradery of their youth, and they quickly realize they have found something worth fighting for: love. But all too soon, the Ottomans encircle the city, blanketing its inhabitants in fear. Katja, Toby, and Xavier must each fulfill their new roles if they are to survive. 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 book was so phenomenally written. The timing of the book was a little bit kismet. There were so many portions of the book that resonated with things going on in the world. A.L. Sowards wrote in such a way that you gained perspective and emotion from all sides of the conflict then, granting the readers of today a greater compassion.
I was worried at first about the multiple points of view. However, I never felt lost or like things were head hopping. Everything flowed in a natural way giving layers and depth to the story. Each point of view brought us into the conflict on a personal and emotional level that grips your heart and stays there with days after you finish reading.
Though there was romance in this book, I wouldn’t necessarily label it a romance. Just life. A beautiful portrayal of life continuing to turn in the middle of commotion and the choices and consequences that would entail.
I was fascinated with every turn of the page. Her knowledge of the historical event and her descriptions of the moments was incredibly real. The author also had a way of easing the almost constant tension and heartache with moments that made you cheer, swoon and smile.
This book is emotionally gripping, beautifully descriptive and wonderfully told. It has quickly jumped to one of my all time favorite historical fictions.
***** Low Language, Low Romance, High Violence (This is a book about war, though I never felt like the author was gory, and I was never uncomfortable with her descriptions, she was accurate and detailed in her depiction of the events), Moderate Religion (This is also a religious war. The author was extremely respectful of both sides, but didn’t hesitate to bring in the beliefs and convictions of both sides.)
Blog Tour Schedule:
Monday, April 4
Holly’s Book Corner , Books and Everyday Life
Tuesday, April 5
Getting Your Read On , Literary Time Out, Min Reads and Reviews
Wednesday, April 6
My Book a Day , Book Looks by Lisa , Our Book Confessions (you are here)
Thursday, April 7
Why Not? Because I Said So! , Bookworm Lisa
Friday, April 8
Books Are Sanity , Life Is What It’s Called , LDS and Lovin’ It
Saturday, April 9
Reading with Emily
