I received a free copy of this story from Netgalley in
exchange of an honest review.
To survive a harsh reality, a slave give must use her skill
and whit to survive. She takes the names of the roles she is forced to play,
even though she does not have the privilege of her own name. A.L. Sowards is
another first-time author for me and reading Of Sword and Shadow is
an adventure I will not soon forget. The author weaved an exciting tale of
danger, romance, and faith from the first page to the last. Though the book is
not short, the gripping plot and strong characters took me on a face-paced historical
journey. I enjoyed the Biblical parallels that reminds readers of God’s
character, love, and the sacrifice He made to purchase our freedom. They story
was not only enjoyable, but also made me really think of the of freedom, what
is costs and what is taken for granted. If you enjoy historical, action-packed,
inspirational fiction I highly recommend this book. 4.7/5
"I don't remember the name my mother gave me. Nor can I recall each of the hundreds of names I've used since. But the morning I was to steal five sheets of paper from Don Paco de Folgueres, I would be Anna, if anyone asked." This first introduction to the protagonist made me want to learn more of her story and hooked me from the start.
"But he had things I envied, a birthday and a name." Things I never thought of taken for granted before.
"I was certain there were better ways to spend the money than on revenge." Smart. You're spending your money wrong.
"I lingered in the coolness, watching the light expose and conceal, soften and reveal." I loved this play on words.
"Didn't he realize that with a threat like death, I would run faster, not slower?" Funny and true.
"His things were a mess, much like mine were. But he never kept his room tidy, so I wasn't sure anyone had actually ransacked his chamber." This made me laugh.
"I can also feel something like a pair of stallions competing in a tournament inside my head." Best description for a headache ever!
"I smiled, but I didn't laugh. Laughter was a luxury reserved for others." Another thing I never thought about taking for granted.
"I glanced at the stars. They looked much as they always did, distant and cold. I supposed Gil was right, and they were beautiful too." I have never thought of stars as anything other than beautiful. It was interesting to read another point of view.
"I am happy because God made a beautiful world, and thanks to your help and the archbishop's antidote, I am still alive to see it.' He held his hand out, gesturing to the sky and the landscape. 'Look at the was the clouds move and the way the flowers bud and the way your hair catches the sunlight. There is beauty everywhere."
"There is beauty in a storm. Danger too. Just like a woman.' 'Women don't rain on you.' The first drops pricked against my skin. Gil's smile faded. 'Don't they?' 'No. Women do not rain.' But I wouldn't argue the dangerous part. 'It felt like it when my father dies. My mother's tears and my sister's. They were like rainstorms. Or your tears when you kissed my hands. Like a warm rain.' That was when I concluded that we should not split up."
"In the story, why didn't the man condemn the woman?" "Because He is a God of second chances."
"I hadn't met many people who could whisper a song, let alone do so while filling it with so much raw emotion, but Gild was unlike anyone else I'd ever met. It shouldn't have surprised me."
"Will you save me, God?"
"For the first time since setting out, I didn't feel frightened. Somewhere nearby, a swallow sang-lilting notes of hope and freedom."
"I've learned God is less concerned with the words that come from our lips and more concerned with the sincerity that comes from our hearts."
"Was I ready? To pull this off, I would need all the skills I had learned as a little mouse. I would need the wisdom of an Anna, the courage of a Theodora, the determination of an Irene, and the boldness on an Isabella. And I would need the confidence that had come, for a brief time, when I had been loved as a Eudocia."
"I think a future with you is the kind of future I want most."
"There was magic in that kiss-it was a healing balm, a promise, and a new beginning."
"I think your lips are my favorite kind of beauty."
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