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.
Before the Fortress Falls is a historical fiction account of the epic 1683 Siege of Vienna.
Book Trailer:
Rorie's Review:
Have you ever stopped reading a book after the first few chapters so you could go research the event that's taking place in the book because you know nothing about it? Well, that's what I did. I had to go find out what I could about the siege of Vienna and who the Tatars were, all while trying to make sure I didn't find out how it ended, because I didn't want to spoil the book. (Hint to anyone who does crazy stuff like that...read the book FIRST, then go do the research. Just in case.)
I am so glad a map was included, with descriptions of what all of the different defensive areas are (ravelins, etc.) I was reading an e-book, so couldn't easily flip back and forth, but I am looking forward to getting the hard copy so I can look back at the map frequently.
This story is one that is full of heartbreak, despair, fear - really any emotion you can imagine during a war. But it is also full of peace, faith, love, endurance, and so many other good things. It can be a difficult story to read - war is ugly, there is no way to sugarcoat that - but it is oh, so worth it. Toby, Katja, Xavier, and Wilhelm were wonderful, inspiring characters. The author does an amazing job at research and bringing historical events to life. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and recommend it to anyone.
Giveaway:
Title: Before the Fortress Falls
Purchase: Amazon Deseret Book
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