The Falconer
by Elizabeth May
Falconer series, book one
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? (Description from
Goodreads.com)
This book gripped me from page one and never let go. It's action-packed with a good side of "feels." Exactly the type of book that I love most - steampunk with dark faeries and a little romance. The best thing is that this book reads like a great historical fiction, with just elements of steampunk to give May's world atmosphere without being overwhelming.
The main character, Aileana, is a great heroine. One who can act the part she's supposed to play while still being true to herself. At first, she wants to deny both parts of herself, embracing neither, but then she realizes that she has to acknowledge both what is expected of her and what she wants and NEEDS for herself. She will not let anyone, not even the men who seem to want the best for her, stand in her way. Spunky through to the end.
Dark faeries. Oh how I love dark faeries. There are some great ones in this book. Beautiful and destructive. Bold and dangerous. Looking to destroy the world.
I *CANNOT* wait until book two comes out. Definitely worth a big 'ol GOLD STAR.
Full disclosure: Borrowed from my Library
