My thanks for the ARC goes to NetGalley and Shadow Mountain Publishing. I'm voluntarily leaving a review, and all opinions are my own.

Genre: Historical Fiction, Historical Romance.
Content Warnings: Nothing is on the page, but it is explained that rape is part of war.
Readability: Though second in the series, I think you could read them out of order and still make sense.

BEYOND THE CRESCENT SKY is the second book in the Balkan Legends series and follows Ivan and Helena. It's interesting because we see the conflict between the Greeks, Serbs, and the "Turks" (the Ottoman Empire). I actually think this is a romance first and a historical fiction novel second. I loved seeing how Ivan fell for Helena. And the obstacles to keep them apart are heart-wrenching!

If you're interested in the Ottoman Empire, historical romance, or sweeping series without too much gore or sex, this is the book for you.

Happy reading!

A. L. Sowards does it again in this sequel to the Balkan Legends series, it had that element that I was looking for and enjoyed the feel of the world. It continued the story perfectly and was engaged with what was happening. The characters felt like they belonged there and was glad I read this.