I found this book boring and difficult to get through. The plot wasn't very original, and to be honest, Aileana drove me nuts. She was just so self absorbed and irritating. I did not connect with her at all. The writing was decent enough, but the world building felt shallow and all over the place. Is this steampunk? Historical? Fantasy? Pick something. Yes, you can incorporate more than one thing into a book. But in this case it was not done well. It felt fragmented and inconsistent. It felt like it was trying really hard to be different, And it may have succeeded, but it wasn't entertaining or believable. I've had my eye on this book for a long while. The cover is particularly intriguing to me. Seeing it on NetGalley finally enticed me to finally read it. Unfortunately it just wasn't for me.

The book started off a little slow for me and I have to admit I was a little shocked when mechanical things were thrown into the mix. I wasn't expecting that. All together though, the writing was strong and the story was interesting once it got going. I love anything to do with the Fae so this was a good read.

Set in a Steampunk Scotland, The Falconer is probably the best book I’ve read in 2017. In other Steampunk novels there’s been less emphasis on the environment but in The Falconer the main character, Aileana Kameron, is deeply in tune with Scotland, with her nation. Because I have no time spent in Scotland I can only trust that the geography is true to that day. Rather than just name major cities, Aileana takes us on a tour of her neighborhood in both the rain and shine.

I kept forgetting that it was a Steampunk novel, even as Aileana was narrating. Not because it wasn’t well done but because it became part of the story. Where in some books it’s the emphasis, in The Falconer it’s just...there. It just is.

One of the reasons I forgot that it was a Steampunk novel was because there was so much emphasis placed on the supernatural elements of the story. Fae, perhaps my favorite group of otherworldlings, are escaping where they’ve been held and it’s up to Aileana and her partner, Kam, to stop them.

To learn that Kam was a Fae, early on in the book, came as a surprise to me, but only just. In the afterlight, it seems natural that this is how the story and the characters would play out. Who better to train this fair lady to kill the Fae than a rogue of their own kind?

Ah, the love triangles, possibly my favorite part of the novel was oh-so-juicy. While the way the story took a turn in this sense wasn’t surprising, the character of the men she must choose came as a total shock to me, when the second gentleman was introduced.

As a reviewer I know I should have paid more attention to the writing but that’s just the thing: I didn’t. I didn’t pay attention to it because it flowed down the stream and took me gently along with it.

I was so delightfully surprised by this book. I'll admit that I hesitated to pick up this book for the longest time SIMPLY BECAUSE OF THE NAME. I know, guys. I'm terrible. I thought for the longest time that this book was Historical, not Historical Fantasy, and that it was about an actual Falconer. My distaste for picking up this book led me to STILL not read it (even though Netgalley so generously provided for me a copy) until I read some other books first. Because I'm petty like that.

Okay, now to business.

I'll admit - I loved this book. It's probably because I was so sideswiped by the premise. It had everything I wanted to get me out of my book hangover - romance, non-stop action, SCOTLAND (I don't know if I've said this enough times, but I'm actually from Scotland, raised in Scotland, and I go back frequently for months at a time because I love/miss it so much), Victorian society, devious men that remind me so much of ACOMAF (YOU KNOW WHO I'M TALKING ABOUT DON'T BOTHER ASKING), a woman who invents and saves her damn self, and a fae that gets drunk on honey. I never knew I needed that last one in my life, but there it is.

I loved the characters, I loved the setting, and I loved basically everything about this book. All in all, check out this book!

Ohhhhh where has this book my whole life, well since 2014 anyway. I absolutely adored it, and even though I had book 2 and and ARC of 3 I was sad it was over.

Elizabeth May knows how to deliver a cliffhanger!

The idea of a Scottish debutante who is ladylike, but covered in scars and battles faeries on nightly basis is just what we need in our lives. There is a little bit of steampunk thrown in without it being overt and in your face. Everything about this book is subtle when it needs to be and dynamic when it needs to be. Much love!

Warning: Before you begin reading this book, make sure to have the sequel readily available because you will want it right away. I didn't have the second book and spent a few minutes staring at a wall after turning the last page. The Falconer originally lured me in with the promise of steampunk, Scotland, and fae. It absolutely delivered on every single one of those promises. This series is incredibly addictive and I cannot wait to see what happens next.

Aileana is such a wonderfully broken character. When we first meet her, her world has been torn apart by her mother's death and the knowledge of what she witnessed that night. Aileana revels in her nightly hunts of the fae, savoring the power and sense of revenge each death brings her. What I particularly liked about this book is that she still conformed to (or at least attempted to) the standard of high society. While she didn't like them, she still accepted the power they had over her life. Many books gloss over the social repercussions of being different in that time period and I loved that this one didn't.

The world building was a little skimpy and left me with many questions (and the need to read the second book to find out more). I hope to see the world fleshed out in the rest of the trilogy. Most of the explanations about the world came up as Aileana learned about them. Since she doesn't know much herself, the reader is left wondering about some things (such as her powers, what's special about her bloodline, etc). However, there was enough world-building to allow me to enjoy the novel without feeling as if I was missing essential pieces of information.

Onto my favorite character. Derrick was funny, warm-hearted, and good (as well as sassy and honey-obsessed). The inclusion of a good fae to contrast with the morally ambiguous and evil ones was a brilliant idea of the authors. I loved his relationships with both Aileana and Kiaran. Now I just need to figure out how to lure him (or a pixie like him) into my closet to take care of my clothes....

The romance was one of the weaker aspects of this book for me. Aileana seemed to flip-flop between her feelings for the two men in her life, occassionally giving me whip-lash. Also, Kiaran's romantic history was too shadowed in mystery to make me truly root for him. I can see the chemistry between them but would have liked a little bit more detail/fleshing out of their relationship.

The Falconer is definitely worth a read if you enjoy this genre. The author made some excellent character choices across the board that allowed it to stand-out from some similar novels I've read recently. I was so engrossed in the characters and the excellently paced plot that I didn't realize I had finished the book before turning the last page. I am definitely going to continue with this series (particularly after that absolutely brutal cliffhanger!!)

This is the quintessential book that I love: strong female character, tons of action, a budding romance, and Scotland. This book didn't have as vivid a picture of Scotland as I normally like, but the steampunk gadgets and fey lore was fun. I've read books with lots of fey stuff in it, and I thought I might be tired of it. However, The Falconer was fresh and I didn't roll my eyes at the ideas presented. This first installment in the trilogy was a wonderful start of a full story. It was a bit surprising because of the bloodiness and destruction in a background of 17-18th century ballrooms and etiquette. The story is expertly told with each part unfolding expertly. The writing was quick and to the point. The action moved rather speedily because of it. You will not be bored reading any of these pages. There are books I "cheat read" or skim to get through. But I never did that here. I was rather riveted.

This is a teen/YA read. The violence is pretty heavy. It only ramps up in the next book, so parents, be wary of kids below 14 reading it.

There’s a fresh voice in the YA fantasy world and Elizabeth May isn’t afraid to mix it up, including, old Scottish lore, some steampunk, a touch of grit and light romance and one heck of a heroine, a young lady far too independent for the mid-nineteenth century aristocracy. THE FALCONER is a highly intriguing tale filled with spirit and delightful twists!

While her father plans her betrothal, Aileana has plans of her own, plans of revenge against the faery that killed her mother right before her eyes and she is the only one that knows of their existence. A square peg being forced into the round hole of obedience and subservience, Aileana has a secret or two she keeps close to the vest. She has also discovered she is the last of her line, a Falconer, a female warrior born with the gift for hunting and killing the fae. Without her, humanity faces total inhalation as the hands of the fae.

Her mentor of sorts is one of fae, the exiled Kiaran, a moody and terse young man who knows no boundaries, is merciless on Aileana and has her heart in a complete uproar. Since when did Aileana get all soft over a male?

Add to the mix, the adorable little pixie, Derrick and a best friend who covers for her eccentric behavior while being clueless as to why, some brilliant steampunk creations made by Aileana, herself and one can hardly avoid being drawn into this fascinating tale. Has Aileana’s heart gone cold? Her quest for revenge is brittle and icy, her mission is clear, but life is never easy and this young woman’s life is split in two, the one she needs to live and the one the world expects her to love. Rather like David and Goliath, Aileana will have to stand tall against evil and not get caught by humanity.

A perfect read for young adults, there is attitude, the quest for independence and being trapped in a world filled with “rules” she can only try to abide by. From the steampunk to the fae, this feisty heroine is a fresh change from angst-filled young adult fantasies in every way!


I received this copy from Chronicle Books in exchange for my honest review.

Series: The Falconer - Book 1
Publisher: Chronicle Books LLC (May 6, 2014)
Publication Date: May 6, 2014
Genre: YA Fantasy | Steampunk
Print Length: 323 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com

I decided to read this book because I LOVED the cover and the premise sounded great. I've read very few steampunk books but I thoroughly enjoyed the elements in this. I loved the Sithichean guide in the back of the book. I did wish we had a vocabulary guide of all of the Gaelic words though. The overarching plot of The Falconer was intriguing. You could feel the anger and hurt coming off of Aileana in the story. The fighting scenes were done just right; it was bloody & messy, and I loved it. The writing was nothing to sneeze at; it was consistent and solid.

I disliked the beginning of this book; Aileana was kinda annoying but she really grew on me. (Pet peeve: Aileana acts like girls her age didn't marry older men.)
The romance in this book was obvious but I adored it anyways. (I also adore Kiaran) I didn't appreciate the love triangle, it was unnecessary added drama. I hope it doesn't go deeper in the next book. Kiaran's and Aileana's banter was highly amusing. Every scene with them, I wanted more.

I felt for Aileana. She's torn between her facade and who she really is; from fae murder to meek Victorian young lady. I did find her constant talking about revenge and 'crimson suits you best' tiresome but I understand why it need to be in the book. Aileana suffers from survivor's guilt and she hasn't grieved for her deceased loved one, like AT ALL

Once again I ADORE KIARAN ! He's dark and mysterious with a hidden soft side. You can see Kiaran has respect for Aileana and doesn't treat her any less because she's a woman. He doesn't coddle her when they're sparring; he expects nothing less than her best when they fight.

The ending was irritating, I mean genuinely irritating. Aileana melted all of her badassness by that last scene. I was screaming at my computer. Like YOU HAD FRICKEN JOB . Cliffhangers are disgusting :( . I really need the next book. NOW!

Amazing book and beautiful writing! I'm thrilled to read the next one.

I'm not reading often YA so this was a nice surprise for me.I loved the storyline and I find it interesting and captivating.I couldn't put it down!!

I enjoyed this book! It had action, steampunk, a female protagonist, and Scottish folklore. I give 4/5 stars. You can read my full review on my blog.

Thanks to the publisher and netgalley for the ecopy of this book!

The Falconer by Elizabeth May
Published by Chronicle Books on September 19, 2013
378 pages
YA, fantasy, steam punk, historical
Tags: girls who kick ass, swoony boy alert, fairies, cover love, magic
Cover: 5
Characters: 5
Writing: 5
Plot: 4
Swoon: 4
Overall: 4.6
The 411:
Lady Aileana Kameron is the daughter of a Marquess. But instead of attending balls, shopping for fancy gowns or searching for her future husband she would rather be crafting her own weapons and hunting faeries. Aileana witnessed her mother’s death at the hands of a vicious faery and has made it her duty to hunt them tirelessly since that fateful night.
What We Loved:
Strong female heroine not looking for a man to come to her rescue! Aileana forges her own weapons for faery hunting and even more inventions besides that. She was mighty impressive for a Lady and I loved her independence despite the times she lived in. Aileana was fierce and fearless and a heroine that I was rooting for.
I did love Aileana’s banter with Derrick and Kiaran. The steampunk Victorian era is always a delight to read as well.
As soon as I finished I was dying to start the second book because it ended on a bit of a cliffhanger, so many questions!
All in all I just really enjoyed this book.
Um…Not So Much:
The ending left so many questions and if I hadn’t read the synopsis of book 2 I would probably have been pretty confused as to what was happening next *spoiler alert* though it was obvious that things hadn’t happened as they were supposed to and there’s lots of hell to come in book 2.

I really enjoyed this book. It kept me interested and created an atmospheric world combining Victorian Steampunk and Scottish folklore. The heroine was someone worth rooting for, as was her quest. I did feel as though jumping right into the action and just mentioning important past events made it seem like I was missing part of the story. I wish some things had been introduced to the reader in a prologue or something like that. I think that would have made the story even richer and more deep. I cannot wait to read the next book, and would recommend this to others.

After reading so many high fantasy YA, you get to recognize thinly-veiled tropes that happen all.the.time. And to be frank, it gets boring and expected and dry, until you don’t see the point of continuing now with the story, when the romantic interest takes over the thoughts and sensibilities of the main character. Here’s a washed out synopsis of this book: the “Chosen One” is going to have to fight out an event that the “end of the world.” There is a love triangle between the “bad boy” and “childhood best friend” and both are extremely protective of our capable female protagonist.

Aileana is just an average character, who was actually unlikeable in my eyes. Did she need to be so extremely stubborn? She was not the bad-ass heroine character type that I was expected; she was very much clothed in privilege and kept on bragging about what number/how many faeries she had killed and her many battle wound scar. Like lady, this is not a contest and no one really cares what the exact number is, okay?

The romance was almost non-existent and I was never on board anyways, because I never really knew if what she felt was actually legitimate. At the beginning she was so opposed to falling in love with a dark powerful Fae, because after all they are monsters without feelings. But as the story goes on and she sees “glimpses or flashes into his emotions” she realizes that there’s more to him then at first view. Obviously the romance happens and a love triangle develops, but I could never feel the chemistry between her and Kiaran. Doesn’t she know that she could be faestruck this whole time, or that it would be less complicated if the relationship stayed strictly platonic like it had for the past year?

I would say that there are two elements that redeem this book in the slightest. The setting in Scotland is enchanting, although I still thought that the author could have gone farther with that to describe the specific colors, senses, smells, etc. Also I love me a revenge plot, because this whole book was essentially fueled by the death of Aileana’s mother by an evil faery which triggered her darkness and thirst to kill along with her thirst for revenge. At least the author made her motivations crystal clear.

The steampunk element was overlooked by me personally, I actually didn’t even recognize it until a reviewer pointed this out, and I’d rather that the author wanted to overdo do it then underwhelm it, which is exactly what ended up happening here. I always knew that the character liked fixing and tampering with things, but I just didn’t think that it was anything more than a hobby.

The buildup to the climax and then that horrible cliffhanger ultimately ruined this book for me. Why does the character literally do nothing, only sits around and waits for days to countdown for this “thing” to happen? There is no action except a couple of fights at the beginning, and then later on it was all her going to balls and keeping up appearances. Then that horrible cliffhanger, I thought that it had just cut off my galley early. Nope, that was the real ending which was literally in the middle of the climax scene. If this is a ploy to get me to read book two, it’s not going to work.

**Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a copy in exchange for my honest review.**

I love this book, and I am not someone who searches our Steampunk. In fact, this is the first of the genre I have read and enjoyed. I read this book in hardcover from England, and raved then. I reread and will rave again. This book is beautifully written and has intense action scenes. The plot line is feasible within the constraints of the world building, this is something I'm very touchy about. Highly recommended!

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 sìthichean, 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 FACONER is a beautiful blend of steampunk and fantasy! Aileana was like any other young lady of the upper classes until she sees her mother being murdered by one of the sithichean. Now her goal is to kill as many of them as she possibly can while still playing at being a lady.



This book quickly swept me back to the 1800s but an 1800s with a couple of twists. Aileana.or Kam as she is sometimes called, is easy to emphasize with and she will keep the readers on their toes. The secondary characters be they her human or fairy friends add much to the story from needed humor to a touch of wild darkness.


The writing in this book is tight with excellent pacing, the dialogue witty and the conclusion satisfying while making me anxious to get my hands on the second book in the series. I do recommend THE FALCONER to any of my readers who enjoy fantasy or streampunk.


*** I received this book at no charge from NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions expressed within are my own.