The Serbs defied the world's most powerful ruler, and now Danilo and Maja must fight to save their people and their newly forged love before the sultan exacts his revenge.
The Balkans, 1389
Three years ago, Danilo's people won their freedom from the hated Ottoman Empire, but with enemies on every side, the Serbs' hard-earned peace remains fragile. Knowing the sultan will soon come for revenge, Danilo sets out to gain key allies for the coming war--and to escape the haunting grief of personal loss.
War has orphaned Maja and her brother, but they've moved forward from tragedy by crafting religious mosaics. Yet after being cheated and robbed, they are desperate for help. Rescue comes from Danilo, the man who once saved them from slavery to the Turks.
Danilo and Maja are soon drawn together by shared grief and affection, but complications arise on every side. A Hungarian noble suspects them of conspiracy. An Ottoman spy, Iskandar, is consumed by a vendetta against Danilo and a dangerous obsession with Maja. And a pending marriage alliance pits Danilo's heart against his duty. As rumors of treason weaken Christian unity, hope of victory in the Balkans grows dim. Allies and enemies converge on the fields of Kosovo, where an epic battle will shape the destiny of nations for centuries to come.
About the Author :
A. L. Sowards is the author of more than a dozen historical fiction novels, with settings spanning the globe from the fourteenth to twentieth centuries. Her stories have earned multiple awards and nominations, including a Readers' Favorite gold medal, and an Editor's Choice selection from the Historical Novel Society. Sowards grew up in Washington State, spent a few decades in Utah, and now resides in Alaska with her husband, three children, and an ever-growing library. She likes hiking and swimming, usually manages to keep up with the laundry, and loves it when someone else cooks dinner. Sowards enjoys connecting with readers and can be found online at ALSowards.com and on Facebook, Goodreads, and Instagram. Readers can sign up for her newsletter at ALSowards.com/newsletter.
Review :
"This is a richly layered novel with an unusual setting, multiple intersecting plotlines, and a wide cast driven by conflicting loyalties. . . . The unexpected romance is tender, the stakes immense, and the overall achievement remarkable."
-- "Historical Novel Society" (2/3/2026 12:00:00 AM)
