The Falconer by Elizabeth May

The Falconer, Book 1

Synopsis: Heiress. Debutant. Murderer. A new generation of heroines has arrived.

Edinburgh, Scotland, 1844

Lady Aileana Kameron, the only daughter of the Marquess of Douglas, was destined for a life carefully planned around Edinburgh’s social events – right up until a faery killed her mother.

Now it’s the 1844 winter season and Aileana slaughters faeries in secret, in between the endless round of parties, tea and balls. Armed with modified percussion pistols and explosives, she sheds her aristocratic facade every night to go hunting. She’s determined to track down the faery who murdered her mother, and to destroy any who prey on humans in the city’s many dark alleyways.

But the balance between high society and her private war is a delicate one, and as the fae infiltrate the ballroom and Aileana’s father returns home, she has decisions to make. How much is she willing to lose – and just how far will Aileana go for revenge?

Review: I have a big weakness for Faes and the Victorian period and it’s therefore why I was very attracted by the novel. So after seeing a review of The Falconer, I was very curious to find out and see for myself how it was. And I must say that I had a great time.

Aileana is a young woman who has gone through many trials. Her mother died, murdered and everyone is convinced that she is the culprit. Yet this is not the case, and there are many very complicated and mysterious circumstances in this case. But since this event, the new Kam’s pastimes are to kill Faes to avenge the person they took from her. However, because of her condition as a young debutante, she is limited by her movements and the more she thrives in her new life, the more rumors are spread about her. And while she hoped not to have to think about marriage for a while, it seems that her father has decided otherwise. A bad time when we know that Aileana must find the portal between the two worlds to avoid an invasion.

As I said, I had a great time with the novel and it is true that it is always interesting to see the ideas of the authors about the Faes. Aileana is a girl driven by revenge, something that helps her to continue with her life, yet she always puts her life on the line, and her reputation every time she decides to save the life of a person from these creatures. Under a very strong and independent appearance, we perfectly see the flaws of our heroine who wants to be cared for, to be loved and believed. But she also hopes more than anything to confide in someone about what she has become. But very quickly, others will be aware of her secret and she will have to choose if she accepts them into her world or not. We also meet two men: Gavin and Karian, two completely different characters. Gavin is a seer and seems able to see things that others can not. And while he was her childhood love, it looks like that the time has changed her feelings. Yet, it seems that something binds them together whatever happens. Regarding Kiaran, it’s pretty difficult to really decide about him. There are moments in the story when we appreciate him, and others when we hate him, we see that he is trying to get something from the girl even if it is difficult to determine what. It is a dark and complex character that we learn to discover throughout the story. You’re probably wondering if we have a love triangle here, right? And it is true that it is quite difficult to say, but it is possible that this is the case. I think we will really see it in the next volume.

A lot of things are initiated here. We discover Aileana’s life and her world. A war is approaching and we remain curious about the purpose of all these events. The story was a nice discovery for me and I’m really curious now to learn more and discover the second novel of the trilogy.

4-5

mellianefini

40 thoughts on “The Falconer by Elizabeth May

  1. I was fortunate enough to read this book last year when I got a copy from a Gollancz giveaway. I just can’t resist anything to do with the fae.

    Thing is though, I seem to recall an infuriating, very abrupt cliffhanger. Just wondering what you thought of that 😀

  2. I have an odd love/hate relationship with fey-related stories, but a definite love for Victorian anything. This sounds like something I’d really want to try, plus that cover looks ahhhhmazing, right? 😀

    I loved your review, and I fully expect to have a crush on Kiaran because that’s how I roll, lol 😀

  3. WOO HOO!!!! I loved this one so much Melliane! You nailed Kiaran perfectly I think, he was dark and enigmatic and I was never sure about him other than knowing I wanted to know more. I’m still rooting for him in the romance department though, and I’ve got my fingers crossed we never venture into true triangle territory in the next book. Fantastic review!

  4. I don’t think I’ve come across a book that revolved around Fae and the Victoian era before. It sounds like an interesting combination, and the fact that you go out of your way to read these types of novels speaks volumes. Thanks for the recommendation!

  5. I just finished this over the weekend, and I really liked it right up until the cliffhanger which frustrated me to no end, still I am very much looking forward to the next book.

  6. I’m glad you liked this one so much-I’m anxious to read it now! The Victorian era is a favorite of mine as well, and I am kind of a sucker for a good love triangle 😉

  7. I have been waiting to read this book. I think I am more curious about the author who seems to be good at everything she turns her hand to. Photographer, cover model and now author. Wonderful review and two lads you say. I do love the cover art on this book too. I have seen a couple different covers.

    Mich

  8. I don’t know why, but I tend to avoid books with Fae. I honestly can’t say why, because it’s not like I don’t like them or anything. I’m just weird. This sounds interesting though, especially the time period.

  9. This book’s blurb is very interesting and I really like the cover! I dont read a lot of Fae stories but there was a time when all I hear is historical romance books so I understand the fascination about the Victorian era!

    I like that this book combines the two though, definitely intruiging. I think I’m open to try this once the series is complete 🙂

  10. Ha this is so weird it’s the 3rd review I read of this in the last hour while browing blogs! Guess it’s a popular pick for today! All the reviews are positive too so call me intrigued! Aileana sounds like she’s very realistic and easy to relate to, and others say about the same regarding Kiaran – he sounds very complex as a character that’s for sure. Awesome review, hun!

  11. You know, I do want to read this, and then I saw it’s about Fae and it did change my mind about it (I’m not all that Fae friendly- I find t really confusing) but since it’s mixed with Victorian times and seems pretty badass, with a strong heroine (the best kind). And yeah, okay, maybe we see the start of a love triangle, but for me they always depend on the characters whether I hate them or not. If I love both love interests and can’t pick myself, I don’t expect our MC to either, haha. 🙂 Glad you enjoyed it, I have been hearing mixed reviews, so glad there’s such a positive one!

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