Their fight for survival would change the course of history.
When rumors reach Vienna that an attack by the Ottoman army is imminent, Wilhelm von Schor, one of the emperor’s courtiers, prepares to evacuate his family—including his sister, Katja. But Katja’s reluctance to leave the city and the people she loves so well grows the farther the family carriage gets from her childhood home. When she learns that another brother, Xavier, is returning to Vienna with his musketeers, she decides to remain behind and face the shadow of war.
Katja soon reunites with Xavier and also with Toby, a dear friend from childhood. As Katja and Toby renew their friendship, an element of attraction builds on the comradery of their youth, and they quickly realize they have found something worth fighting for: love. But all too soon, the Ottomans encircle the city, blanketing its inhabitants in fear. Katja, Toby, and Xavier must each fulfill their new roles if they are to survive. In the overcrowded hospitals, below ground in the countermines, and on the ramparts defending the city walls, the three must fight for love, family, faith, and the survival of their city and everyone inside.
Title: Before the Fortress Falls
Author: A. L. Sowards
Release Day: April 1, 2022
Publisher: Covenant Communications
Formats: Print, ebook, audio
Genres: Christian Historical Fiction, Historical Fiction, War Fiction
REVIEW
Wow. This book is in a class by itself. The history and the imagery in this story is more than than meets the eye. This is a story of history, of family, and of love.
There are multiple perspectives, including the enemy. This is a story of life and death and living in the midst of death. It is the story of the human spirit and fighting for the people and places that you love.
A.L. Sowards has a beautiful way with history. She brings to life an era of history of which I was unfamiliar. I haven't explored the history with the Ottoman's. Katja, Xavi, Willhelm, and Toby are characters that I can relate to and feel honored to have read the story through their eyes. Ahmed was a character that made me see the hate, the arrogance, and the greed of the Ottomans. The Viennese fought for their homes and their lives, and that made all the difference in what they were willing to do.
Aside from the history, there is an element of faith in the face of overwhelming odds. There is looking into the face of fear. There is learning to trust in love when everything tells you that nothing is going to be right again.
I received an early copy through NetGalley and was blessed to have the chance to review it.
