Of Sword and Shadow is an exciting adventure of intrigue and love. A girl with no name, sold into slavery as a child, and trained to a life of thievery finds herself in the middle of the overthrowing of a Grecian city in the 1300’s. Her skills are noticed by Gil, a man with a good heart and strength, who is part of the overthrow. She is hired, along with her owner, to help in the quest. Gil and the girl work well together, saving each other numerous times while falling in love. As the overthrow gets closer and more assignments are given, the two find themselves fighting for their lives and their hearts.
A.L. Sowards’ characters are magnetic and the story is poignant and addictive. It was a step into history that was not only exciting, but also something new to learn. I couldn’t put this book down.
(I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher for my honest review. Thank you Covenant Communications!)
#netgalley. #OfSwordandShadow

Of Sword and Shadow was one fo the hardest books for me to read. It took me a long time to get into it. At times it was very slow and then the action would happen but it was too quick and often unsatisfying to me. I wanted more details on the exciting parts and less on the everyday stuff. I also had a hard time figuring out the main character and what she really was like. The ending was mostly satisfying but I didn't love how long it took to get there.

What a fascinating book! Not my usual genre, but I’m so glad I decided to read it! The story is intense and compelling. I’m so impressed with the authors research of the time and the historical facts. The glossary and historical background is very helpful, especially since I didn’t know much about that time. The characters are deep and intriguing. The romance is sweet and endearing. The raw description of slavery, the sale of slaves, thievery and war are vital to the story. I thought they were handled with as much taste and decorum as possible. I am very interested in reading more from this author. Great read!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This book is not your normal romance or mystery book. The story has depth. It has some violence because it is about the life of a slave. I don’t want to say more because I don’t want to tell the story. I highly recommend this book if you are looking for a good well written book that is different from the norm.

I wasn't expecting to get so caught up in this story, but boy, was I ever! Even when I wasn't reading it, the storyline stayed in the back of my mind and I kept wondering just what was going to happen with Eudocia, Gillen, and the rest.

I found myself struggling a bit with a lot of the names, but I found if I gave them a Spanish flair, that helped. I appreciated the glossary at the start of the book, even though I forgot most of the descriptions by the time they were mentioned in the story.

I appreciate an author who does extensive research on the subject they’re writing about. It helps make the story flow so much better. This is definitely a story I recommend to anyone.

This was such an interesting book! I loved learning so much about this period in history-14th century Greece- through the main character's eyes. I loved the way the author turned this time and place into something so realistic. I felt like I was a part of the story.

I was so captivated by the main character. She is a slave and has no name, and yet she was so compelling. She begins to take on the name "Eudocia." As Eudocia becomes involved with several secret plots within the city, she befriends Gillen, and their connection is so beautiful. As the slave of a thief, she has been forced to do things she isn't proud of. Through her interactions with a lovely cast of background characters, she comes to recognize her innate worth.

This was a thrilling story, full of action and adventure. It kept me up late into the night- I had to know what came next! I loved the beautiful themes of redemption and kindness weaved within the action-packed plot. This was clearly a well researched novel and it made me want to go learn more about that time! Highly recommend.

Thank you net galley for the advance reader copy of this novel. This was a historical fiction set in ancient Greece in the 1300s. The author did TONs of research on all the people and history of Greece at this time period to make this story happen. The guide at the beginning to help explain terms, etc was very helpful. The attraction between main characters Eudocia and Gil was portrayed excellently and I appreciate that there was no sex. Eudocia life a slave was well developed. Great read with 4.5 stars. The half star deduction was the history was a bit much for me to follow at times.

Historical fiction is probably my favorite genre of books however medieval Greece is not something I would ever have felt drawn towards. When I started the book, wading through the list of unfamiliar medieval words and definitions I wondered if I really wanted to continue. But by the time I had turned the first few pages of the story I knew that quitting was not an option! I was immediately drawn into the beautiful, detailed telling of a young slave girl whose loyalty and character are evident, even though she makes her living as a thief. Lots of interesting history and characters both real and fictional. I’m so glad I didn’t miss out on Of Sword and Shadow because it is outside my typical book choice. If you like historical fiction full of twists and turns you are sure to enjoy this one.

I was enthralled with this one from the beginning. The main character simply not having a name and the world that came with was fascinating. A.L. Sowards has a winner in this story of intrigue and choices, namely the choices a slave has as circumstances change. Add a touch of romance, just to keep it interesting, and you have a perfect book to start the new year.

This was set in Greece during a time period that I was unfamiliar with, but that didn't prevent me from being unable to put it down. Of Sword and Shadow addressed things like honor, revenge, and shaping the destiny of a kingdom.

The characters were complex and well-written. There was an aspect of mystery and misdirection that I loved.. This is definitely one to be read more than once. I would love to go back and find what I might have missed.

I was given an early copy and this is my honest review.

If you’re looking for a new novel to start 2021 off right, then look no further than A.L. Sowards, Of Sword and Shadow. This novel is a unique work of Historical Fiction that will take you on an intriguing journey back in time through the streets of Thebes during Medieval times. There you will meet a beautiful young slave, a Greek woman referred to only as mouse or girl, trained to do or be whatever her owner asks of her. A thief, a warrior, a political spy, the young woman complies with what is demanded of her, for she is not free and has no life of her own.

When her master is commissioned to steal papers from a prominent gentleman, the young woman is ordered to perform the theft. It is on this particular mission she meets a handsome stranger named Gillen and her life will never be the same. As the two are thrown together time and again, a bond of friendship develops and grows to something more. When the young woman, who Gillen has taken to calling Eudocia, finds themselves involved in a dangerous political plot to change the future of Thebes, Eudocia can’t imagine being anywhere, but Gillen’s side. As their last journey together grows dark and perilous, only time will tell if their love can survive.

Of Sword and Shadow has everything you would want in a historical fiction novel. It’s a book filled with intrigue, suspense, danger and romance. There were times when I could not put it down. The characters were so well written and the story-line flowed from one chapter to the next. One of my favorite characters was Eudocia. She was so well written that you felt her fear, her joy and her pain. My favorite character was Gillen. He was a gentleman, a warrior and a protector, especially when it came to Eudocia. All the supporting characters were wonderful, especially Rasheed and the archbishop. It was a cast of characters I won’t soon forget.

So, if you like Christian or Historical Fiction, Of Sword and Shadows by A.L. Sowards will be a novel that you’ll really enjoy. It has plenty of action, suspense and emotion to keep the pages turning. A great novel to help chase those winter blues away!

I want to thank NetGalley and Covenant Communications for an advanced reader copy of Sword and Shadow by A.L. Sowards. “Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.”

I'd never read Sowards before, but the time period seemed interesting. Wow, I had no idea it would be so fast paced and adventurous. I absolutely loved this book from start to finish.
Set in 1379 Greece it follows the story of an unnamed slave in Thebes. Talk about unique! I've never read anything like it. I knew nothing of the Catalans and Navarrese fighting over Thebes.
The story is nonstop action about a slave trained to be a thief by her owner. She's an expert at disguises, climbing walls, picking pockets, and creating characters she can act as. I don't want to give away too much, but she does gain some allies, encounters some men of faith, and many wealthy people.
If you like Thief of Corinth by Tessa Afshar or anything adventurous , sword fighting, and dangerous then this is your book. I highly recommend.

I received this book from netgalley for my honest opinion and was not disappointed.

A. L. Sowards transports us back in time to Greece in 1379. It is a time of turmoil and almost constant fluctuations of power.
An unnamed slave is seen only as a tool. How well she does her job determines what she eats, and whether or not she is punished. She has been owned for 15 years by Thomas, a mildly successful thief, wealthy people seek him out when they need information, items, or leverage. Lately he's been seeking revenge, which is dangerous and breaks the rules he's laid out for his crew.
She at first thinks little of the handsome stranger who almost catches her on a job, but realizes that he is more intelligent and that means more dangerous than she thought. She is able to throw him off her tracks for a while, but when they are suddenly thrust together on another job she is forced to make a decision; save his life or let him die.
Gillen is intrigued by the beautiful thief with no name who continues to surprise him. She is cunning, smart, and a slave. Together the two of them will try to take power from the ruthless Catalans who have controlled their city for the last 70 years.
This was such a fun read! The characters are engaging and provocative, while the setting is realistic and fantastic at the same time. Many of the people mentioned are from history, others are fiction. The circumstances the occur in the book are for the most part historical. This would be a great read for someone interested history, mythology, romance, and adventure.

4.5*  This story had heavy themes and undertones, balanced with the light of hope and second chances.  A. L. Sowards has woven history that I was not familiar with into her story, fleshing out circumstances and characters as expected in historical fiction, with exciting plot and fascinatingly complex characters.  She gives thorough explanations of historical terms and known facts, providing insights from her detailed research and lending depth to her descriptions. This was an exciting story to see where the narrative led!

I received a complimentary copy of this book.  Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Of Sword And Shadow
I really liked this story. I didn’t want it to end. The characters were very well developed and very believable. The main character is a girl who has been taught to steal, sneak in and out of buildings and rooms, and not to think about what it might be like to be free since she is a slave with no name. There is romance when she meets Gillen. He gives her a reason to believe she is not a worthless, nameless slave. There is a little bit of a dark side as both are caught and beaten. God is a light thread throughout the story but still important. Thankfully I started this early in the day and was able to keep reading till I finished. It was that good! I have never read a book by this author but will be looking for more of her books.
I received a complimentary copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. The opinion expressed here is completely my own.

This book deserves 10 bright stars from me.

Just look at the book cover, isn’t it calling for you to turn the pages and unearth the adventures within?

What an interesting adventure into the plot. The author’s imagination is so great and real.


I love the main protagonists. Gillen and Eudocia made me to return back to this book at any spare time in my hands.

You will feel your heart thumping and beating at each scene that seems dangerous.
It was like an action movie.


The settings of this book intrigued me.


In summary, I love this book and I highly recommend it to anybody seeking for an exciting book that captures all your whole emotions.


I would love to read other works by this same author.


I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher, Covenant Communications through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are mine.

I absolutely loved this book. It was fun to see the dark ages from the poor man's perspective. The main character was well written and easy to relate to. I loved her power in a powerless position. She made me want to be the best me I can, and make my own choices, even when I feel there are no choices. Thank you A.L. Sowards. You have inspired me.

#ofswordandshadow #netgalley

This book was truly a delight. It was full of adventure, romance, and action. The plot was engaging and not predictable.

Other readers have rated this book very highly and while it's a good book, I could not rave about it so easily. I appreciated the historical knowledge and the story of a strong young woman, but I found myself bored. The girl/mouse was a great character, but she seemed like she was missing some pieces to round her out.

I was provided with an ARC of this book by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

One thing you can be sure of when reading a book by A.L. Sowards – you will come away having learned a lot about a time period different from your own. Of Sword and Shadow is no exception to this rule. I have always been interested in the history of early Greece, but until I started thinking about reading this book, I don’t think I had ever considered the medieval history of the country at all. In reading about England during this time period I knew about “serfs” but perhaps hadn’t thought of them explicitly as “slaves”. The main character and story teller of this book set in 1379 Thebes is indeed a slave.

Of particular impact to me while reading this story, was that a person who was a slave might not even have a name other than “girl” or maybe “mouse”. They might know nothing about their background and have no choice whatsoever about the activities they must perform even if they involve theft or fraud. If they chose not to obey or failed in a command – punishment of some type was bound to follow, perhaps even being sold to a slave master who will use her in a brothel. It is hard to imagine how an individual could ever develop a healthy level of self-esteem under such circumstances or how they could live without hope of freedom at some point in the future.

Our nameless slave is forced to take on many different names and characters throughout the novel. In doing so she learns new skills and meets new people and yet her natural intelligence and the “skills” that her owner Thomas raised her to have, make her the perfect person to have around in many dangerous circumstances. As the novel begins she is supposed to steal the seal of an important Greek personage. Through no fault of her own, she fails, but in failing she meets a man named Gillen who sees her as a person and gives her hope that maybe one day she will be able to buy her freedom and perhaps become an apprentice to a silk maker. He gives her some money that is intended to be just for her, and yet slaves own nothing. Anything that is given to them is automatically the property of their master.

We hear the story through the voice of this slave girl and it is the kind of story that just grabs you and pulls you in to go along for the ride. I learned a whole new vocabulary and was thankful that Soward put in a handy glossary to help me master all the new words and a map too! Thebes was in a time of political upheaval. In a way it reminded me of modern history. Many people were unhappy with their current living circumstances and as a result, plots were underway to try and change leadership. These were the actions that our slave girl was drawn into. Her life and the lives of those she worked with were often at high risk. The book includes a description of torture.

This is also a story of faith. When or slave girl first met the Gillen, the man who gave her hope, she didn’t know that she would meet him again and again – even having a chance to work with him. She learned his story, about the trials he had faced and how in surviving them he had made a promise to God, a promise that ultimately affected her and led her to make a promise of her own. This is not a book that screams religion at you, but the strength of the lives led by certain characters have an impact that is lifechanging for one young slave. It is a story of how she discovers who she is and what she wants her name to be. I loved it and if you like a book that includes action, adventure, love and a good ending all set in a fascinating time period, then I think you will enjoy this book too.

I’m very grateful to the author and to #NetGalley and Covenant Communications for allowing me to read an advance copy of this book. All the opinions expressed are mine and mine alone.

OF SWORD AND SHADOW

A. L. SOWARDS

I received this from Net Galley for the purpose of review. I so enjoyed this book and found it quite interesting.

A slave girl in Greece, 1379, has no. name except "Mouse". She has been with the same man basically her entire life. He is desiring to create political mayhem and she is used to be a thief of info and items to help his cause. She is quite good and he depends on her tremendously. Failure is not an option and will lead to severe treatment should that happen.

She encounters a man who treats her as a person and not just a tool for helping him in his pursuits of political mayhem. He is kind and her head tells her she cannot like him because of her owner. But she greatly appreciates his thoughtful and respectful behavior.

Some times goes by and "Mouse" meets the nice man again and actually saves his life. From that point on there are many adventures to be had and life changes with her owner and Gillen, the nice man, gives her a name Eudocia. She ultimately tries to save him again and now things change again