BOOK BRIEF

The Falconer

Elizabeth May
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The Falconer

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2014

Book Brief

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Elizabeth May

The Falconer

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2014
Book Details
Pages

378

Format

Novel • Fiction

Genre
Fairy Tale & Folklore

Fantasy

Historical Fiction
Setting

Edinburgh, Scotland • 1840s

Topic
Religion & Spirituality

World History
Publication Year

2014

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

15-18 years

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Super Short Summary

In The Falconer by Elizabeth May, a young woman in 19th-century Edinburgh embarks on a mission to hunt down faeries after they assassinate her mother. Balancing her aristocratic life and supernatural calling, she navigates challenges, alliances, and her own emerging powers in a richly detailed historical setting infused with elements of fantasy and action.

Adventurous

Fantastical

Romantic

Suspenseful

Dark

Reviews & Readership

4.0

21,839 ratings

65%

Loved it

25%

Mixed feelings

10%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

The Falconer by Elizabeth May fuses steampunk with Scottish folklore, drawing praise for its strong, rebellious heroine and vividly crafted world. Critics commend the action-packed plot and romantic tension, though some note pacing issues and predictability. Overall, it's a thrilling YA fantasy debut that captivates despite minor flaws.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Falconer?

A reader who enjoys The Falconer by Elizabeth May is likely a fan of young adult fantasy with strong female leads, rich historical settings, and intricate plots. Fans of Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas and Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo would appreciate its blend of action, romance, and supernatural elements.

4.0

21,839 ratings

65%

Loved it

25%

Mixed feelings

10%

Not a fan

Fun Facts

The Falconer is set in an alternative 1844 Scotland, blending historical elements with fantasy and steampunk, creating a rich and unique world.

Elizabeth May began writing The Falconer while pursuing a Ph.D. in anthropology, showcasing her interdisciplinary interests in culture and storytelling.

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The book explores themes of feminism and empowerment, featuring a strong female protagonist who challenges societal norms during the Victorian era.

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Book Details
Pages

378

Format

Novel • Fiction

Genre
Fairy Tale & Folklore

Fantasy

Historical Fiction
Setting

Edinburgh, Scotland • 1840s

Topic
Religion & Spirituality

World History
Publication Year

2014

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

15-18 years

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