This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Free Book Program, which is open to all readers and is completely free. The author will provide you with a free copy of their book in exchange for an honest review. You and the author will discuss what sites you will post your review to and what kind of copy of the book you would like to receive (eBook, PDF, Word, paperback, etc.). To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email.
This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Review Exchange Program, which is open to all authors and is completely free. Simply put, you agree to provide an honest review an author's book in exchange for the author doing the same for you. What sites your reviews are posted on (B&N, Amazon, etc.) and whether you send digital (eBook, PDF, Word, etc.) or hard copies of your books to each other for review is up to you. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email, and be sure to describe your book or include a link to your Readers' Favorite review page or Amazon page.
This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Donation Program, which was created to help nonprofit and charitable organizations (schools, libraries, convalescent homes, soldier donation programs, etc.) by providing them with free books and to help authors garner more exposure for their work. This author is willing to donate free copies of their book in exchange for reviews (if circumstances allow) and the knowledge that their book is being read and enjoyed. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email. Be sure to tell the author who you are, what organization you are with, how many books you need, how they will be used, and the number of reviews, if any, you would be able to provide.
Reviewed by Jennifer Ibiam for Readers' Favorite
Of Daggers and Deception by A. L. Sowards is a fantastic historical novel. In medieval times, near the Iberian Peninsular, when young Rasheed frolicked with a betrothed woman and converted to Christianity, he was disowned and exiled by his family. Rasheed became a renowned mercenary, retired, and built a bathhouse in Thebes with his friends, Gil and Eudocia. A beautiful day brought in some Venetians named Cecilia, Querini, and Bertaldo. They needed mercenaries to help extract a prisoner with links to Greek lands they wanted. Rasheed and his friends were not interested in helping them but had little choice when an unknown group kidnapped Eudocia. The quest to find her caused them to work with the Venetians, and Rasheed fell for Cecilia. But when layers of a plot come to light, he doesn't know who he can trust.
Of Daggers and Deception by A. L. Sowards is a tale of survival, deception, battles, scheming, love, faith, sacrifice, and betrayal. It had a very realistic plot and beautiful character development. Rasheed was the perfect main protagonist, and I loved his many facets. He was strong yet vulnerable, wise and yet seemingly foolish at times. His character was imperfect and relatable. I also fell in love with Gil for his outstanding personality. Aban brought another flavor to the storyline as the two faiths were opposed and someone had to grow up. I wish everyone could worship God the way they choose with no need for religious supremacy. Sowards wrote a gripping historical novel, infusing it with much-needed humor. I hope little Sebastie gets his wish in another ten years. Of Daggers and Deception would do well on the big screen.
