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.
I have been writing since early childhood, and I illustrated and completed a little book of fairy tales by the age of eleven. I first became intrigued by Constantinople in my early twenties when I read mention of the mysterious light phenomena that plagued the city in the last days of its existence – phenomena that still baffle modern scientists! All I knew then about the ancient city of Constantinople was that it had been the seat of the Roman Empire and was all that remained of the great civilization that had dominated the world for most of its seventeen-hundred-year existence. Decades later, after that first mention, I came across another reference to Constantinople's last days and an image of fire, death, and crumbling walls flashed into my mind. I was overcome with a moment of intense emotion. I began to read about the period, and the more I read, the more involved I became. I knew I had to tell that story. After my husband’s death to cancer, I polished what I had begun. New York publishers loved it, but wouldn’t touch it, convinced that it couldn’t sell. Here it is, finally, my tribute to my husband, and to the emperor I will never forget, TOMORROW WE WILL KNOW.
Reviewed by Rabia Tanveer for Readers' Favorite
Tomorrow We Will Know: A Novel of Imperial Constantinople 1453 by Sandra Worth is set in the last days of the Byzantine Empire, specifically during the siege of Constantinople in the early 1450s. The story follows Emperor Constantine XI and his struggles to keep the Ottoman invaders out while his life falls apart. Constantine becomes the emperor when his brother Theodore passes away. Suddenly, Constantine has to let go of everything he loves to serve his people, even his love Zoe Notaras. Zoe is the daughter of a grand duke with big dreams that somehow become bigger than her feelings. To make matters worse, they cannot disclose their love for each other, considering the new Ottoman ruler Mehmet is getting ready to take over Constantinople right from under their feet. Constantine tries to fight for his people, but he is not prepared for losing Zoe. Can he keep her and his empire too?
Very few historical novels have the effect that Tomorrow We Will Know had on me. It is rich with diverse characters, has incredible details, and provides a magical experience that we expect from a well-written novel. The story delivers a vivid depiction of the fall of Constantinople and the conflict, while also doing justice to Zoe, Constantine, and Justiniani, whom you will discover as you get into the story. I love how Sandra Worth explores themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the clash of civilizations between the East and the West and does justice to them all. I also love that there is romance, suspense, and constant action that creates an immersive experience unlike any other. No historical fiction novel has been successful in holding my attention as this story did. It is a history lesson and entertainment all rolled into one.
