The fate of a city rests in the hands of a thief.
Greece, 1379
She is known by many names, none of them her own. In truth, she is an unnamed slave, nothing more than a weapon in the hands of her owner in his attempts to provoke political mayhem. When she encounters a handsome young man while on an assignment, she thinks little of him—until he attempts to take what she has stolen. But in her line of work, failure is not an option.
Gillen is intrigued by the mysterious woman who thwarts his mission. But when his path crosses hers again, his intrigue turns to gratitude as the thief he comes to call Eudocia saves his life. The two form a bond of friendship and join forces to wrest control from a group of ruthless rulers. But as their camaraderie blossoms into something more, Gillen and Eudocia must fight for love even as they wage war for a better future.
Published by Covenant in paperback, ebook, and audiobook, February 2021. Available in book stores and online at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Deseret Book, and Seagull Book
Of Sword and Shadow was the Gold Medal winner for Christian Historical Fiction in the 2021 Readers’ Favorite International Book Awards. Also a finalist in the 15th Annual Whitney Awards for General and Historical Fiction.
Praise for Of Sword and Shadow
I will never cease to be amazed by writers like A. L. Sowards who can create incredible fiction from history as she has done in Of Sword and Shadow, a story set in 14th-century Greece. This fascinating tale of a beautiful slave who doesn’t know her own name, nor her parentage, grabbed me from the first chapter and kept me reading page after page. . . Of Sword and Shadow is brilliantly written. Sowards presents authentic settings, captivating characters, excellent dialogue, and a high-action plot. Add this one to your reading list today.
–Readers’ Favorite Book Reviews
A. L. Sowards has combined her incredible attention to historical accuracy and detail with a gripping tale of love, loss, and redemption. Heart-pounding action, a sweet love story, and a fascinating setting come together to make this novel truly unforgettable.
–Sian Ann Bessey, author of Heart of the Rebellion and For Castle and Crown
A. L. Sowards brings the world of medieval Greece to vibrant life in her story of a slave girl’s journey to freedom, faith, self-discovery, and love. Of Sword and Shadow will touch your heart and inspire you.
–Joyce DiPastena, author of The Lady and the Minstrel
Sowards weaves a masterful tale full of romance, suspense and fascinating history–all the things we read historical fiction for.
–Jennifer Moore, author of Solving Sophronia and Charlotte’s Promise
I love A. L. Sowards’ grasp of history. I know when I open her books, I’m in for a fascinating dive into the past. This book, true to the author’s norm in that regard, was also full of suspense and intrigue. I was immersed and fell in love with the beautiful heroine. A must buy for 2021.
–Jen Geigle Johnson, author of A Foreign Crown
The Duchy of Athens series: 
A. L. Sowards 