Title: The Falconer
Author: Elizabeth May
Publisher: Gollancz
Release Date: 26th September 2013
Source: Bought
Rating: 4 out of 5
Description: 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?
The Falconer by Elizabeth May was dark, blood thirsty and
fierce. It was a story that had everything I was looking for. It had a fierce
heroine out for blood, murderous fairies and plenty of steampunk elements. As a bonus it was all set in historical
Scotland. Right from the start
this book was fresh and entertaining with its subtle combination of bloodshed
and sarcastic humour. This book packs a punch especially with the ending with a
dozy of a cliffhanger that leaves you right in the middle of the action. If you
like steampunk and fae then this book is a must read.
The tone of this book is quite dark as the book focuses on
vengeance and revenge. Aileana is an aristocratic whose life revolved around balls
and finding a husband. But that
all changes when she witnesses her mother being killed by the fae. Now Lady
Aileana is out for blood as she wanders Edinburgh at night stalking and
brutally killing faeries. There
are no rainbows and sunshine in this book. Aileana is a very stubborn and
fierce girl but her mother’s death changes her into a killer. She prefers to
bask in the power surrounding a kill.
Helping her along the way are Kiaran, Derrick, and Gavin.
Aileana was a very complex character as her actions were
driven by intense emotions. She has to deal with the death of her mother, soul crushing
guilt and sadness, a tumultuous relationship with her father and her future as
an aristocratic lady. The struggle
Aileana goes through is compelling as she tries to reconcile her past with the
person she is now. She tries to balance her aristocratic life with her secret
one which complicates her life and gives rise to unexpected and sometimes funny situations. Here is a girl who fights to the death in a ball gown.
May has incorporated steampunk elements into the story,
which were fascinating. I would like to have a bit more information about how
they work, but they fit in well with the world building. Aileana is also an inventor and comes
up with very ingenious ways to create weapons. This is one lady you really
should not piss off. The setting
was also wonderful. You get to quite a bit of Scotland as Aileana runs around
giving the book a great atmosphere.
The romance in this book is done well, although there are hints at a love triangle. It does not overpower the story as it is
woven in subtly. Kiaran MacKay is
a mysterious principled male counterpart. He pushes Aileana and trains her to
be the best she can be. Their relationship is often combative but filled with
unresolved feelings. What I loved about their relationship is that Alieaana
doesn’t trust Kiaran for the most part and is acutely aware of the consequences
of getting close to him. She’s very guarded but doesn’t forgive his ways and
make excuses for his behaviour. She see’s him for what he is. If was refreshing
compared to other books where the heroine always ignores the true nature of the
love interest and falls in love with him. Aileana knows what she’s getting
into. However the person I adored in this story was Derrick the pixie. He was
such a standout character for me. He was protective of Aileana and I loved his
arguments with Kiaran. I just want more Derrick especially drunk Derrick.
The Falconer is a blood thirsty, dark fantasy about fairies
in Scotland. It’s a great read with a fantastic protagonist and a compelling
story.
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