The Falconer by Elizabeth May, Book Review & Giveaway

The Falconer

By: Elizabeth May
Published by: Chronicle Books
Released on: May 6, 2014

Series: The Falconer #1
Rating: 5 Stars - I Loved It!
Source: arc/book from the publisher to review
Ages: 14 and up
Purchase from: Amazon | B&N

Add it to Goodreads

Edinburgh, 1844. Beautiful Aileana Kameron only looks the part of an aristocratic young lady. In fact, she’s spent the year since her mother died developing her ability to sense the presence of Sithichean, a faery race bent on slaughtering humans. She has a secret mission: to destroy the faery who murdered her mother. But when she learns she’s a Falconer, the last in a line of female warriors and the sole hope of preventing a powerful faery population from massacring all of humanity, her quest for revenge gets a whole lot more complicated. The first volume of a trilogy from an exciting new voice in young adult fantasy, this electrifying thriller blends romance and action with steampunk technology and Scottish lore in a deliciously addictive read.

A must read debut! Elizabeth May's The Falconer has it all. A fierce heroine, an exciting storyline, unforgettable characters, romance, a rich history, and an enchanting faery lore. Unlike any other fae book I've before, this book is just awesome! I LOVED it!

Lady Aileana has become one of my favorite heroine's from this year. She is fierce, loyal, and will do whatever it takes to protect those she loves, as well as avenge the murder of her mother. In the process, this brave fighter risks her life, her status in high society and so much more. Aileana would much rather be out hunting faeries than be stuck in a stuffy ball room, or attend picnics in the park. She has an incredible gift, she's a Falconer. The last in line of incredible women who were also faery assassins. One of the things I loved about Aileana is how strong she is. Despite the fact that she's a women in a society where choices were made for them, her gift/power allows her a secret freedom to do otherwise.

The characters in this book are fabulous! Lady Aileana has three men who all play important, and very different roles in her life. Her ever present side kick, Derrick, a pixie and lives in her dress room,  is often times her voice of reason, but more importantly he's helped her see that not all fae are bad. Then there's Gavin, the brother of her best friend, and the boy she's grown up with. No, there's no love triangle in this story, but I loved how these two came back into each other's lives, and the love they have for each other. Both have secrets, with Gavin being a Seer, someone who can see the far, and Aileana's abilities, these two learn to rely on each other in a much different way. Then there's Kiaran.

Oh Kiaran! I loved his character. There's so much to him. He's the complex character we learn enough about in this story, and yet there's so much more I'm dying to find out. There's this element of danger, and excitement about Kiaran. Being a fae, who not only trains Aileana, he also hunts fae with her. The chemistry these two have is awesome! It's intoxicating as it leaves me feeling satisfied and leaves me wanting more of them. I love finding out about the history he and Kam (Lady Aileana) have. It was evident from the moment he's introduced into the story, that these two have something unique. There's also a mutual respect, and a bit of danger mixed into it.

 Oh my romantic heart. I loved the romance! It's one that makes you yearn to have the characters together, and when they are, I wanted more. It's a slow burning romance that has snark, sizzling chemistry, history, and danger. It's the kind of romance that fans of Cassandra Clare and Jennifer L. Armentout will love!

You know you've read the perfect book for you when you get to the end and find yourself craving more. The Falconer has a beautiful mix of paranormal, steampunk, and historical elements. Elizabeth May does such an awesome job at mixing all these elements together. I loved how they were all infused to tell Aileana's story. The setting was fabulous! Steampunk historical Scotland! I absolutely loved it! The rich history this beautiful country has was the perfect back drop for the story and the romance. I can not wait for book two. I NEED MORE!

Be sure to check out my interview with Elizabeth May here. Watch the trailer below.

  

Thank you Chronicle Books, I've got one copy of the book to giveaway! To enter, please fill out the form below:

a Rafflecopter giveaway