{Review} The Falconer by Elizabeth May
Labels:
4 Stars,
Book Review,
Fantasy,
Young Adult
·
Series: The Falconer #1
Author: Elizabeth May
Published: 12th Sept 2013
Age Group: Young Adult
Genre: Historical Fantasy / Steampunk
Source: Purchased
Rating: 4/5
BLURB:
One girl's nightmare is this girl's faery tale.
She's a stunner.
Edinburgh, 1844. Eighteen-year-old Lady Aileana Kameron, the only daughter of the Marquess of Douglas, has everything a girl could dream of: brains, charm, wealth, a title — and drop-dead beauty.
She's a liar.
But Aileana only looks the part of an aristocratic young lady. She's leading a double life: She has the rare ability to sense the sìthichean — the faery race obsessed with slaughtering humans — and, with the aid of a mysterious mentor, has spent the year since her mother died learning how to kill them.
She's a murderer.
Now Aileana is dedicated to slaying the fae before they take innocent lives. With her abilities and her knack for inventing ingenious tools and weapons — from flying machines to detonators to lightning pistols — ruthless Aileana has one goal: Destroy the faery who destroyed her mother.
She's a Falconer.
The last in a line of female warriors born with the gift for hunting and killing the fae, Aileana is the sole hope of preventing a powerful faery population from massacring all of humanity. Suddenly, her quest is a lot more complicated. She still longs to avenge her mother's murder — but she'll have to save the world first.
"Kiaran was . . . helping me."
"Was there something near your mouth that required such focused attention?"
REVIEW:
The story:
In 1844 Scotland, Aileana Kameron, is living a double life. After witnessing a faery violently murder her mother, she's has never been the same. She's seeking revenge, taking the the streets at night to take down any dangerous fae in her path. All the while searching for the one that cut her mother's life short. With the help of the mysterious and dangerous fae, Kiaran MacKay, she's becoming the warrior she was born to be. But as the sole remaining Falconer the responsibility of protecting the world from a deadly army of faeries rests of her shoulders.
What is great about this story is that it's perfect for both fans and newbies to the faery genre. It's such a different approach to the regular faery courts etc that fans will find this new and refreshing. While the storyline doesn't get to complicated or bogged down in faery lore to put off new readers.
The characters:
Aileana Kameron (or Kam as Kiaran calls her) is one feisty and kick ass heroine. Lady by day, fae slayer by night. She thrives on the power and thrill of killing deadly fae, and it's become a way of dealing with the anger of seeing her mother murdered by one. Not only is she strong, she's also intelligent, tinkering with gadgets to create new weapons for her hunts. But we do see a vulnerable side underneath her fierce exterior, something I hope we get to see more of in the next book.
Kiaran MacKay, a daoine sith, one of the most powerful and deadly type of fae, is an extremely mysterious character. He doesn't like to share anything personal about himself and it's clear he has secrets. He's closed off and very good and making it appear he doesn't care about anything or anyone, but there where a few moments and gestures that suggested otherwise.
I also have to make mention of the pixie fae, Derrick, who lives in Aileana's closet, mending her clothes and helping her hunt down the fae that killed her mother. Derrick is a scene stealer, he has all the best lines and the most vibrant personalities. FYI drunk pixies are hilarious!
The romance:
At first I was a little concerned that there was going to be a love triangle, but it never eventuated thankfully. The relationship between Aileana & Kiaran was all about the unspoken moments. Slow burning, with stolen glances and the occasional meaningful touch. The romance was not the centre of attention, but it was slowly developing in the background.
The writing:
The world building was really well done. With lot's of different types of Fae, it could have easily gotten confusing, but each Fae is slowly introduced over numerous scenes, meaning no major info dumping occurs. The pacing was steady throughout, apart from the ending, which felt rather abrupt, but it has me extremely excited for book two! I also loved the Scottish language and accents that where sprinkled throughout, such as "Aye", it gave all the characters excellent, realistic voices.
FINAL WORD:
The Falconer is an exciting new Fae series that stands out from the crowd of YA fiction. With a unique storyline and a strong heroine, this should appeal to both teens and older YA audiences.
CONTENT:
Sexuality: mild
Violence: medium-strong / several bloody far battles/murder scenes
Language: mild / occasional 'bastard'
Drugs & alcohol: mild / some secondary characters drink
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Oh wow, this is such a fantastic review! I vaguely remember hearing about this and not really being interested, but after reading your review I have already added it to my goodreads tbr! I loved the way you wrote this up and it really made me want to read the book, too, which I think I'm going to love! I can't wait to find out!
ReplyDeleteRomi.xx
It wasn't until today that I also took an actual look at this book thanks to you. Sounds like a book I want to read, thank you.
ReplyDelete88dreamers @ Seriesly Reading
Glad to hear you loved the Falconer, I have heard great things about it and your review really showed that it was an awesome all rounder. Aileana sounds like an interesting heroine! Lovely review.
ReplyDeleteJeann @ Happy Indulgence
Fantastic review Amy, I haven't actually heard of this one before, but I'm.super excited to grab a copy now. Fae books aren't usually my thing, but love a kick ass heroine. This one sounds brilliant.
ReplyDeleteAileana Kameron sounds very badass!
ReplyDelete