The Falconer by Elizabeth May

The Falconer (Falconer, #1)

by Elizabeth May

Set in Victorian-era Scotland and filled to the brim with fae, this is an historical steampunk fantasy adventure that will sweep you away.

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?

Readers love The Falconer:

'I LOVED IT. I swallowed this book. Plain and simple. The quick pace was captivating, the descriptions and landscapes breathtaking and the heroine really badass!!' Goodreads reviewer, ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

'This book is so different in terms of what's out there in the YA market. I loved the historical aspect . . . Besides the bloody awesome fight scenes, if you guys know me, I'm all about the romance and the romance in this book is one of my favourite kinds' Goodreads reviewer, ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

'I found the storyline unique . . . I liked everyone in this book which usually doesn't happen . . . I loved the relationships . . . Overall, this was a great book' Goodreads reviewer, ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

'I was only a few pages into this book when I knew it was going to become a part of me . . . Elizabeth May has such a way with words, and she has woven a gorgeous tale full of adventure, magic, and romance' Goodreads reviewer, ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

'Annnnnnnd this book enters my top ten of favourites . . . Read this for the angsty fae goodness' Goodreads reviewer, ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

'THE FALCONER was PHENOMENAL!!! From its Scotland lure, to its vengeance and murder, to its THRILLING, action-packed adventure, and heart-pounding, slow burning romance' Goodreads reviewer, ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

'This book is action-packed with excellent character and relationship development, world-building, and witty repartee' Goodreads reviewer, ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

Reviewed by Stephanie on

3 of 5 stars

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I'm not the biggest fan of faerie books, but this one interested me enough, considering the main character is killing the faeries instead of finding out she's one of them like most faeries books I've read are about AND it's set in Scotland in the 1800's. This book was pretty much screaming at me to read it because I have a slight obsession with Scotland.

I have to say my favorite part of the book was Derrick. He is the best and I want him as my pixie. He is definitely the comic relief and I love him for it. I also feel like he made the book a lot more interesting for me. I found myself thoroughly enjoying the book when he was in a scene.

My one problem was that I didn't really connect with the story all that well. It's a good story, I just was distracted by all the other books I wanted to read. I can't really explain why I feel somewhat 'meh' towards the book, because I did enjoy it for the most part. I think I read it at the wrong time.

I am glad I pushed through, because it is very good, even though the ending leaves you hanging. It's a serious cliffhanger. It pretty much ends in the middle of a scene, which is quite annoying.

I want to note that right after finishing this book I loaned it to a friend and she loved it, read it in 2 days. I do think I would have loved the book if I concentrated on this book alone and wasn't reading 2 other books at the same time.

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Reading updates

  • Started reading
  • 17 September, 2014: Finished reading
  • 17 September, 2014: Reviewed