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ABOUT THE BOOK
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.
AUTHOR BIO
A. L. Sowards is the author of multiple historical fiction novels, with settings spanning the globe from the fourteenth to twentieth centuries. Her stories have earned a Whitney Award, several Whitney Finalists positions, and a Readers’ Favorite Gold Medal. She enjoys hiking and swimming, usually manages to keep up with the laundry, and loves it when someone else cooks dinner. She currently lives in the beautiful state of Alaska with her husband, three children, and an ever-growing library.
A.L. Sowards - This book all started with the history. I had heard of the two Turkish sieges of Vienna before, but I really wanted to take the 1683 events and turn them into a novel after learning some of the details of the siege and battle. My husband and I watched a series of lectures together called The Decisive Battles of World History. The 1683 Siege of Vienna was one of those decisive battles, and part of it reminded me of the battle of Helm’s Deep in The Lord of the Rings. I thought it would make a fascinating backdrop for a historical fiction novel.
AUTHOR INTERVIEW
Life Is What It's Called - What was your inspiration for this book?
A.L. Sowards - This book all started with the history. I had heard of the two Turkish sieges of Vienna before, but I really wanted to take the 1683 events and turn them into a novel after learning some of the details of the siege and battle. My husband and I watched a series of lectures together called The Decisive Battles of World History. The 1683 Siege of Vienna was one of those decisive battles, and part of it reminded me of the battle of Helm’s Deep in The Lord of the Rings. I thought it would make a fascinating backdrop for a historical fiction novel.
Life Is What It's Called - What were some interesting facts that you learned about this time period?
A.L. Sowards - This was a new time period for me, so I learned a ton of new things! I think what I found most fascinating was the type of warfare, especially the mining and countermining and how those played such important roles in the war.
Another interesting thing: coffee was introduced to Vienna at this time. The Ottomans left bags of it in their camp when they retreated, and it was brought into the city. One of the Capuchin monks added milk and honey to improve the flavor. The name and preparation have evolved over the last few centuries, but according to legend, that’s the origin of the cappuccino. I’m not a coffee-drinker myself, but I love learning little tidbits like that.
The croissant is also said to have originated during one of the Turkish sieges of Vienna (it’s uncertain whether it was the one in 1529 or the one in 1683). The shape of the roll, like the crescent moon on the Ottoman flag, reminded the inhabitants of the city the reason they were forced to live on rations.
A.L. Sowards - This was a new time period for me, so I learned a ton of new things! I think what I found most fascinating was the type of warfare, especially the mining and countermining and how those played such important roles in the war.
Another interesting thing: coffee was introduced to Vienna at this time. The Ottomans left bags of it in their camp when they retreated, and it was brought into the city. One of the Capuchin monks added milk and honey to improve the flavor. The name and preparation have evolved over the last few centuries, but according to legend, that’s the origin of the cappuccino. I’m not a coffee-drinker myself, but I love learning little tidbits like that.
The croissant is also said to have originated during one of the Turkish sieges of Vienna (it’s uncertain whether it was the one in 1529 or the one in 1683). The shape of the roll, like the crescent moon on the Ottoman flag, reminded the inhabitants of the city the reason they were forced to live on rations.
Life Is What It's Called - How is this book similar to your other historical fiction books?
A.L. Sowards - Readers will find a similar blend of history, adventure, and romance. I try to have complex, interesting characters in all my books, and I hope I achieve it. I also want my books to show faith as a meaningful part of life, and I hope readers put the book down knowing something new about history.
Life Is What It's Called - How does this book differ from your other historical fiction books?
A.L. Sowards - All of my books have historical settings, and all of them include at least reference to historical events, but this one is driven by history more than any of my previous books. I created a calendar with events that happened during the siege, and that’s what really drove the plot and even the character creation. I wanted characters who could be part of as many events as possible, so that often determined their social status and occupation.
This book is also a new time period, so I had to start from scratch to research the politics, fashion, warfare techniques, and worldviews of people who would have lived at the time. 6. What writing projects are you working on next?
I have a novel with a World War One/Russian Civil War setting scheduled to come out next year, called A Waltz with Traitors. It’s about the Czechoslovak Legion, so it’s another book driven heavily by the history. Right now I’m working on a spin-off novel with a character (Karl Lang) from Heirs of Falcon Point.
Life Is What It's Called - What has been your favorite time period to write about so far?
A.L. Sowards - That’s a hard question. There’s something really nice about being able to build on past research, like I’m able to do with the Second World War time period. But it’s also really fun to study something new. More modern settings are better documented, but sometimes those medieval times that are shrouded in legend offer more flexibility with history and plotting because so much is unknown. I guess there are pros and cons to any time period, so I love them all. 8. What do you want readers to know about you?
I currently live in Alaska with my husband, three kids, and an ever-growing library. We have the occasional moose or bear who shows up in the neighborhood, lots of snow, and stunning views. Sometimes a drive to the grocery store can take my breath away because Alaska is just magical. I enjoy hiking and swimming. I love it when someone else cooks dinner.
History is another of my loves, and after researching and studying so many wars in Europe, the war in Ukraine has really pulled at my heartstrings. I want to help, so I am going to donate all my earnings for Before the Fortress Falls through the end of April to relevant charities.
Life Is What It's Called - What do you hope readers will gain from this story?
A.L. Sowards - Hard things happen. I wrote this book during the early phases of the Covid-19 Pandemic. Now it’s being released and Europe is at war. But hope can still be found during tough times, and family, friendship, and faith in God can all be a source of strength.
Life Is What It's Called - What will readers like most about this book?
A.L. Sowards - Most of the reviews I’ve read thus far are excited about the characters, about learning something new in history, and about the emotions they’ve felt while going through the events with Katja, Toby, Xavier, Wilhelm, and the other characters. I try to make my novels immersive, so readers can look forward to a trip into the 17th century that will include moments that are harrowing and moments that are exhilarating. So far, those who have read it are glad they have taken the journey.
A.L. Sowards - Readers will find a similar blend of history, adventure, and romance. I try to have complex, interesting characters in all my books, and I hope I achieve it. I also want my books to show faith as a meaningful part of life, and I hope readers put the book down knowing something new about history.
Life Is What It's Called - How does this book differ from your other historical fiction books?
A.L. Sowards - All of my books have historical settings, and all of them include at least reference to historical events, but this one is driven by history more than any of my previous books. I created a calendar with events that happened during the siege, and that’s what really drove the plot and even the character creation. I wanted characters who could be part of as many events as possible, so that often determined their social status and occupation.
This book is also a new time period, so I had to start from scratch to research the politics, fashion, warfare techniques, and worldviews of people who would have lived at the time. 6. What writing projects are you working on next?
I have a novel with a World War One/Russian Civil War setting scheduled to come out next year, called A Waltz with Traitors. It’s about the Czechoslovak Legion, so it’s another book driven heavily by the history. Right now I’m working on a spin-off novel with a character (Karl Lang) from Heirs of Falcon Point.
Life Is What It's Called - What has been your favorite time period to write about so far?
A.L. Sowards - That’s a hard question. There’s something really nice about being able to build on past research, like I’m able to do with the Second World War time period. But it’s also really fun to study something new. More modern settings are better documented, but sometimes those medieval times that are shrouded in legend offer more flexibility with history and plotting because so much is unknown. I guess there are pros and cons to any time period, so I love them all. 8. What do you want readers to know about you?
I currently live in Alaska with my husband, three kids, and an ever-growing library. We have the occasional moose or bear who shows up in the neighborhood, lots of snow, and stunning views. Sometimes a drive to the grocery store can take my breath away because Alaska is just magical. I enjoy hiking and swimming. I love it when someone else cooks dinner.
History is another of my loves, and after researching and studying so many wars in Europe, the war in Ukraine has really pulled at my heartstrings. I want to help, so I am going to donate all my earnings for Before the Fortress Falls through the end of April to relevant charities.
Life Is What It's Called - What do you hope readers will gain from this story?
A.L. Sowards - Hard things happen. I wrote this book during the early phases of the Covid-19 Pandemic. Now it’s being released and Europe is at war. But hope can still be found during tough times, and family, friendship, and faith in God can all be a source of strength.
Life Is What It's Called - What will readers like most about this book?
A.L. Sowards - Most of the reviews I’ve read thus far are excited about the characters, about learning something new in history, and about the emotions they’ve felt while going through the events with Katja, Toby, Xavier, Wilhelm, and the other characters. I try to make my novels immersive, so readers can look forward to a trip into the 17th century that will include moments that are harrowing and moments that are exhilarating. So far, those who have read it are glad they have taken the journey.
REVIEW
Before the Fortress Falls takes place during a siege when the Ottoman empire attacks Vienna. This book is a little hard to read in that I saw parallels between what happened in that time period and what's happening with Ukraine. It also gives you glimpses into what people face during attack - hunger/food scarcity, buildings of historical significance being destroyed, families separated, death, fear of disease, fear of the enemy and just trying to figure out what it's happening. Before the Fortress Falls also delves into some of the tactics used during the siege such as mining underground and countermining. The characters in the book is interesting and you get swept away with their emotions and drama. I liked that the backdrop shares a bit of history that might not be well-known. I learned about historical figures I wasn't familiar with and other bits of history that I didn't realize. The romance is sweet and clean in the book. The author is also donating 100% of her shares in the book profit to benefit charities in Ukraine during the month of April to learn more click here. Overall, I would suggest checking out this book and adding it to your read pile. This book was well-researched and well-written. To learn more, click here.
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Please note that I received a free ebook of this book to review, however, this is my honest opinion. This post is in cooperation with the author and publisher. This post also contains affiliate links that help support this blog. Any proceeds received from affiliate links from this blog post will be donated to charities to support Ukraine.
I love good, clean books!
ReplyDeleteI have been wanting to read this one!
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