Interesting historical fiction albeit a bit light, Pataki, so good with weaving real characters and fictional ones, does so again in this novel about the French Revolution. She does perhaps take on too much- not giving the fictional characters enough room- but it's still one worth reading. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC.

While I didn’t personally enjoy this book I think it s a great historical fiction for fans of this genre.

I recommend this book on my blog Modern Mrs Darcy, in a post called "17 books everyone will be talking about this summer"

First line: He hears them before he sees them, a swell of thousands, young and old, male and female, clamoring from the other side of the prison walls.

Summary: Told from multiple view points we enter the world of the French Revolution. The king and queen have been imprisoned as well as much of the aristocracy. People are trying to find their way in this new world and the new regime.

Highlights: I have read books about the French Revolution and been completely terrified. The terror and bloodshed of the time are scary. However I did not get that in this. The prologue touches on it but after that the story, at least Andre’s part, reads more bland and like nonfiction.

Lowlights: I could not get invested in this. I stopped reading about 20% of the way into it. I only liked the chapters of the lawyer and started skipping the other ones. It’s not worth reading a book if you skip most of it.

FYI: Now a truly great novel of the French Revolution is Madame Tussaud by Michelle Moran.

Where the Light Falls is an interesting, well researched historical fiction, which takes place during the French Revolution. Great detail and authenticity of that era, conveying much turmoil and burning ideals. I found it a little difficult to relate to the characters, yet, I appreciate the story which is inspired by events of that time. Thank you NetGalley for this reader edition for my honest review.

After reading "The Traitor's Wife" by Allison Pataki I became a huge fan. I loved her take on Benedict Arnold and the circumstances around him, his wife, and his treachery against the United States. I forgave the minor historical inaccuracies in the book because I loved her storytelling. I forgave her again in The Accidental Empress about Empress Sisi despite the historical inaccuracies being even more severe but my forgiveness has run out and all I can say about Where the Light Falls is that it's a travesty of historical fiction. If Pataki sold her books as "alternative historical fiction" I'd be more lenient but the historical inaccuracies are so severe I can't overlook them.

The historical inaccuracy that bothered me the most was <spoiler>the beheading of General Christophe Kellermann</spoiler)>. Granted, she addressed it in the author's notes at the end of the book while insisting it was critical to the story but it wasn't. A good author could have found dozens of other ways to move the plot along without doing that and violating history. It was ridiculous but the fact that she did address that one thing is the only reason I gave this book 2-stars instead of 1-star.

I also had issues with the war and fight scenes. They were so bad! I mean, so bad. I could tell they were trying to create the scene but they were painful to read. In fact, they would a great example of what NOT to do when writing action scenes. Common advice says to "show, don't tell" the reader but those scenes were all tell, tell, tell and they were awful. By halfway through the book I was skimming them to get to the dialog although, in this book, that wasn't much better.

The female leads (Marie and Sophie) were boring as cardboard and served no purpose other than to move along the storylines of their male counterparts (Jean-Luc and Andre). The author notes talk about the 4 major leads but really, it was the men that drove the story. Both Marie and Sophie had so much potential for significance in the book but the only real focus on either of them was how beautiful and supportive they were. Ugh. In the end we learn that Marie was <spoiler>the writer Persephone that was writing the political pamphlets Jean-Luc was so fond of reading</spoiler> but it was revealed in the very last pages in a throwaway sentence a reader could easily overlook. That should have been HUGE and could have (should have) been revealed to the reader much earlier.

I'm not saying I'm no longer a fan of Pataki but I am saying I'll be far more hesitant about her next books and I know now not to expect historical accuracy from her or her brother (co-writer on this novel). I'm so sorely disappointed.

Six years after the official end to the American Revolution, the Parisian peasantry stormed the Bastille, the symbol of royal oppression, sparking the beginnings of the French Revolution. Three years later, the king and queen of France are in prison, held by the very subjects who once beheld them as the earthly equivalent of God. Anyone with noble blood faces persecution, prosecution, and most likely death at the hands of the people and their favorite instrument of death, the guillotine. Where the Light Falls opens at this grim juncture, a period in history that has almost no historical precedence for its violence and volatility.

The one thing Where the Light Falls does correctly, in my opinion, is show just how dangerous and confusing the Reign of Terror actually was for royalty and regular citizens alike. There is no attempt to romanticize the time period; life is miserable for virtually everyone at this time, from the lack of food to the dearth of lawfulness. Similarly, as the power shifts from Robespierre to The Directory, we see even the most humble of civilians live in fear of denouncement and a potential trip to la Guillotine. It is a chilling portrayal of this period in French history and provides a good counterpoint to those familiar with the American Revolution.

Any novel of this length suffers from weak characters, and Where the Light Falls does indeed suffer. There is a lot of attention to action and to famous characters with whom the trio interacts, but actual character development is in scarce supply. Sophie never evolves beyond the ornamental beauty of the story and the cause of most of the conflict between André and others. Jean-Luc's idealism about the new republic follows a very predictable path of enthusiasm to concern to distrust as his career puts him courtside for the power struggle between Robespierre, his followers, and those who feel Robespierre is too lenient. André finds himself crossing paths with several real-life historical figures, all of whom have little to do with his story line outside of providing a fun diversion. There is no depth to these characters. What we know and understand about all three remains the same at the end as it does at the beginning.

There is a soap opera like quality to Where the Light Falls that diffuses the weightiness of the historical background, much to its detriment. André and Sophie's relationship is passionate but sudden, arising almost overnight through a brief conversation at a party and evoking more than one chuckle at how melodramatic it becomes. The jealousy subplot is perfect for "Days of our Lives," if it hasn't already been done ten times already, complete with battle scenes and unlawful imprisonment and usurpation of power. The culminating showdown between André and his nemesis feels like it was scripted by the famous Cecil B. DeMille himself with its grandiose backdrop and Charlton Heston dialogue. Jean-Luc's inner turmoil at his shifting sympathies towards the republic is worthy of any Erika Kane/Susan Lucci scene. While all three face danger, you never fear for their lives or worry that the various conflicts will not resolve themselves in any way but their favor.

The lack of character development and the lack of any real danger for the characters lessens the impact of the history lesson of the novel. We don't know the characters on an intimate level and therefore never establish a connection with them. Plus, their stories are so predictable that we know that they are never in any danger. Even when it appears that André is going to be found guilty for nothing more than the family into which he was born, we know he is not going to lose his head. He is the main character, and there was way too much of the story left for one of the main characters to exit the novel forever.

As such, while the Patakis do present the French Revolution in its grim glory, we are still left wanting more. The rest of the story is a lark that just happens to occur during one of the bloodier eras in French history, and we only get to superficially experience it. There is much made of the suffering of others, the lack of food and heat, the abject poverty of a majority of the citizens of Paris, but our heroes do not experience this firsthand. They have food and money to buy wood to burn for warmth. They hobnob with the republican elite and take carriages around the city. Their lives are not reflective of the reasons behind the Revolution, and they provide us with no way to truly understand the desperation that caused the civilian population to rise up against the crown.

Where the Light Falls is a long novel that interminably drags. Without a connection to the three main characters, you are not vested in their welfare, making the story feel longer than it is. The story covers five years, and you feel each one of those years. If anything, the Patakis were a bit too ambitious in what they were trying to accomplish; the scope of what was happening in Paris, in France, and in Europe was just too big to encompass in one novel with three characters. These three characters are involved in so many key moments in French history and meet and interact with so many real historical figures that you do have to suspend disbelief to be able to power through certain scenes. I wanted to love Where the Light Falls because the French Revolution and the years before Napoleon crowns himself emperor are a fascinating period of history, but there are just too many things wrong with the characters and their subplots for me to have enjoyed it.

4.5/5 I don't read a lot of books on the French Revolution but Les Miserables is one of my favorite musicals. So I wasn't sure what to expect picking this one up but I was pulled in immediately to the stories of Jean-Luc, Andre and Sophie. How they intertwined their stories was wonderful.

What hell the Revolution must have been. It shows that those calling for one don't always really have the best interest of the people at the heart.

I highly recommend this novel for all historical fiction fans, even if the French Revolution isn't your normal time period.

1792, Paris. Three years after the beginning of The French Revolution, more than half the population of Paris was still starving. Hunger, anger, and hatred created bloodlust on execution day at La Place de la Revolution. Based upon The Law of Suspects, "a mere rumor of a man's royalist leanings...was substantial enough to send him on a tumbril ride to the guillotine." The crowd cheered as heads rolled. Anyone could be seized, jailed and subsequently guillotined.

Andre Valiere joined the revolutionary cause by swearing allegiance to the new government. Born a nobleman, he hoped his royal birth would be overlooked since he denounced property, possessions and a royal title. Andre's father had been guillotined. Captain Andre Valiere fought alongside General Christophe Kellermann and Brigadier General Nicolai Murant in the Bois de Valmy. The French army was able to prevent a march on Paris that would have reinstalled Louis XVI on the French throne. Christophe Kellermann's status as a decorated war hero was short-lived. His suggestion that Louis XVI be given a fair and honest trial led to his denouncement and imprisonment in Le Temple Prison. Kellermann would be prosecuted by Guillaume Lazare, arguably the finest legal mind in Paris.

Jean-Luc St. Clair and wife Marie came to Paris to join the supporters of liberty, equality and fraternity. Jean-Luc worked as an administrative attorney for the new government. He catalogued property seized from wealthy families and managed "the spoils". He decided to defend Kellermann with the help of character witness Andre Valiere. Kellermann had saved Andre's life at Valmy. Jean-Luc, an inexperienced lawyer boldly challenged Lazare, adding to, and further complicating, an existing vendetta that attempted to expunge any and all persons, young or old, who possessed noble blood. The Reign of Terror continued to barrel out of control creating a chaotic web sweeping up Andre and Jean-Luc who were trying to live free from fear and oppression.

"Where The Light Falls" by Allison Pataki and Owen Pataki was an enlightening and enjoyable historical fiction rendering of the plight of nobles, clergy and commoners during The French Revolution. Although the ending seemed a little contrived, I would recommend this tome without reservation. An excellent read.

Thank you Random House Publishing Group-Random House and Net Galley for the opportunity to read and review "When The Light Falls".

Many thanks to Allison Pataki, Owen Pataki, Random House, and Netgalley for the free copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.

This is the trailer park version of A Tale of Two Cities and Les Mis . Set during the French Revolution it involves the values of fraternity and equality, but there was little in the plot that affected my emotions. Lawyers battle to outwit each other, soldiers strive to survive. Will love conquer all?

For those who are only interested in a good story set during this time of upheaval but don't care about a dose or three of history, then by all means read. I require more factual accuracy in my fiction and a little more pull on my heartstrings.

My knowledge of the French Revolution has been pretty much limited to Charles Dickens' A TALE OF TWO CITIES and Les Miserables. This historical novel had a much more significant impact on me than either of those two experiences.

I found myself in a profound state of nervous anticipation from the beginning to the end of this book.
The anger and desire for change that fed the French Revolution led to so much brutality and so much criminal activity (in the name of justice) that I was almost white-knuckled as I read this fictional account of the Reign of Terror.

The authors very deftly played the revolution's villains against a series of admirable, heroic men and women. As any student of history will know, this is not a period of history rife with happy endings, but the experience of reading this book reminded me of the fragility of democracy and the ease with which well-intentioned political leaders can lose site of the true objectives of public service.

WHERE THE LIGHT FALLS is a riveting, well-written historical novel that is a very relevant book for today. NetGalley provided me with a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I thoroughly enjoy historical fiction and I can’t remember ever reading a novel set around the French Revolution. I was not disappointed. Allison and Owen Pataki have created an incredible cast of characters to depicting life in France.

What once was bourgeoisie and acceptable has been deemed vulgar. The people have risen up in the name of liberty, quality, and fraternity. Heads roll as a new era immerges.

My favorite character, Citizen Jean-Luc an idealistic attorney believes greatly in the cause. He uproots his wife from their comfortable life in Marseille to a bustling blighted area of Paris. He is thrilled to be a part of the new France. He soon realizes that while some things change, some things always stay the same.

I received an advance review copy of this book from Great Thoughts Ninjas. All opinions are my own.

Fascinating! I didn't really know much about the French Revolution, and Allison and Owen Pataki have provided a vivid description of life during the Reign of Terror. I loved the look at life in Paris and the French military during that time period. While the main characters are fictional, many are based on real persons and real events. I was disappointed to read at the end that some things had been changed to further the story, but overall I really loved this book. Well written, great storyline, and I learned a lot! The main story is about the son of an executed nobleman who continues serving in the military; the woman he falls in love with; her uncle, an evil man with a vengeful goal; and an honorable attorney who comes to Paris to work for the Revolution, and inadvertently endangers his family by always trying to do the right thing. Robespierre, Bonaparte, and more all play their part. Just a great story! I am going to have to read more by this author. Many thanks to NetGalley and Random House/the Dial Press for allowing me to read an ARC. Loved it!

I received this book through NetGalley and its publisher, The Dial Press, and sure am glad I did. I enjoy historical genre books and I learned facts about the French Revolution and General Napoleon Bonaparte in an entertaining way. This book provided much more insight into life and trials during these times. In the epilogue, the authors share changes made in the story to actual facts. These changes did not impact the storyline. The authors were successful in a goal to “tell a compelling story that managed to capture the feeling and spirit of this momentous and tumultuous period.”

The book contained was suspense (Jean-Luc and his missing family), educational (French Revolution, Jacobin, Bourbon Court, Council of Five Hundred, Period of the Directory), romance (Andre and Sophie) and actual historical locations (Tuileries Gardens, Place de la Revolution).

I found myself checking for more detailed facts as I progressed through the book on items such as The Law of Suspects, Revolutionary Tribunal, and Terror (which was “halted in the Thermidorian Reaction of July 1794 when 22 political allies were executed”).

The Prologue leads you to believe a beheading will occur for a main character, Andre. Not sure the purpose of this…. Throughout the book, I expected Andre to end up with the guillotine. This was a bit misleading and I’m unsure of its purpose.

Often it felt like the people of France were living on edge. The few people in control had too much power – threats, beheadings, confiscation of property, and imprisonment with a simple denouncement. “This was a land where people in power made the choices, and people without power paid – often with their lives.” “Reason and its sisters, Mercy and Integrity, were poor pillars upon which to build a defense these days.”

The reader gains an understanding of the challenges for King Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette who were falling out of favor with the French people and eventually faced the guillotine. An example of factual detail the authors share: “The all-powerful monarchy, King Louis XVI and his family tried to flee the country. This action, known as the failed “Flight to Varennes,” sealed the king’s fate.”

All of my senses were utilized. The book did a great job making me see and feel the guillotine area:

“… he had no stomach for the throngs on an execution day; he did everything he could to avoid that blood-soaked square.”

I could see what it was like during times of battle:

“Several other Prussians were hit. A handful of Frenchmen dropped below the tall wheat their own bodies catching bullets…”

I could smell the battle:

“…layer of smoke had begun seeping over the field, so that it filled Andre’s nostrils, He coughed once…”

Hear the battle:

“The massive French squares began to march. As the drummers and fifes kept time, the soldiers moved in perfect unison, the great squares advancing forward in one massive body. Dust churned at their feet as they moved toward their enemy; Andre marveled at the discipline required…”

Felt the fear during battle:

“The survivors, seeing the carnage all around them, turned and fled, leaving their screaming comrades in the grass as the onslaught of Austrian bayonets turned the wounded into corpses.”

I felt like I was on the battlefield:

“The smoke from the cannon fire had billowed forward and now settled like a rain cloud, darkening the field with its shadow and stink as the melee unfolded all around him.”

Much factual history is provided: “[Bastille] a fortress in Paris built in the 14th century and used in the 17th-18th centuries as a state prison. Its storming by the mob on July 14, 1789, marked the start of the French Revolution.” It was interesting to learn the negative a noble lineage carried during these times. For example, Andre dropped the “de” that had preceded his last name and denounced his nobility.

You gain insight into Napoleon Bonaparte and his military expertise. ”… Bonaparte is unlike anyone I have ever seen. He fears nothing and yields to no one. He moves his armies faster than many men would think possible.” You gain an understanding how countrymen viewed Napoleon” “We are here not merely to advance the cause of France or the Republic of our people. No, we are here to enhance the glory of all of civilization.” “ …a counterattack. Like sheepherders, Bon’s division fenced in the disoriented and scattered Mamelukes, funneling them and their horses toward the river. This was the tactical genius of Napoleon Bonaparte at work; he had harnessed not only thousands of men and tons of steel, but even nature itself in his purposes.” “…--Napoleon’s desire to take his glory beyond France. Plans to conquer England, Austria, and even the vast lands beyond.”

A great quote still true today: “People are like the apples you find in a harvest bushel… Some are right and good, and some are rotten.”

I have to admit I don't read a lot of historical fiction but I was drawn to join this book's launch team when I read a review that said this book picks up where Led Mis leaves off. You see I loved seeing that show live in Chicago many years ago and it is on my bucket list of books to read.

The prologue to this book sucked me in right away. The descriptions were amazing. After that I'll admit it took me while to get into the story. But once I got to know the characters and the setting I quickly was engaged and ready to see what happened next

I enjoyed the appearance of familiar historical characters as well as fictional characters from the time period. I also enjoyed getting to know more about the time even while understanding that some liberties were taken with the historical timeline. That didn't bother me since it is fiction.

I would recommend this to anyone who liked Led Mis!

I received an advanced copy of this book. All! Opinions are my own

Where the Light Falls was about the French Revolution, which was a new topic for me. There were several characters that you loved because of their optimistic view on how their world could change for the better. All they needed and wanted were patriotic people who could help each other and work for the common good. Unfortunately, this didn't happen too often because of new greedy, controlling leaders.

The story took me awhile to get into, but then about a third of the way I couldn't put it down. The complex characters overlapped behind the scenes manipulating the others developed into a fight between good and evil. The characters were strong, determined humans that either wanted to survive to see that France could become a better place through a revolution, or they wanted to control and profit from the war. Some became heroes and others were defeated.

I appreciated the history through this historical novel and learned that I wanted to read more about this period of time.

I received an advance review copy of this book from the Great Thought's Ninja Review Team. All opinions are my own.

Allison Pataki has done it again! I loved her two books on Empress Sissi (“The Accidental Empress” and “Sissi”) and her book on Benedict Arnold’s wife (“The Traitor’s Wife”). With “Where the Light Falls” Allison, along with her brother Owen, has written a compelling saga of life during the French Revolution.

The story begins with the aftermath of the people’s rebellion and the storming of the Bastille. Royalty has been abolished. Noblemen have been imprisoned. It is a bit slow at first as the back-story of the characters is laid out. But once you know who everyone is, the story takes off and never slows down. The Pataki siblings obviously did extensive research to lay out such a well written, detailed story that made you feel you were right there in the midst of the turbulent time. I could feel the disgust and anger the people had toward the nobility. The revolution brought feelings of hope and patriotism for some, but inescapable fear for others. Each drop of the infamous guillotine resulted in a frenzied public becoming more and more blood-thirsty. King Louis XVI – “off with his head”. Marie Antoinette – “off with her head”. The slightest offense to the wrong person could result in imprisonment or execution.

André Valiere is a nobleman’s son who denounced his wealth and status to fight for his people. The Pataki’s took me right into the battles with Valiere. I felt the intensity of the battle at Valmy against the Austrians and Prussians, and then later alongside Napoleon in Malta against the Mamelukes. And even in times of such uncertainty love can be found; thus it was when André met Sophie, a young aristocratic widow. However, a very powerful person is determined to keep them apart, and he doesn’t care who he has to kill to do so.

Also in such times can be found those who are determined to help the “underdog”. Such a man is Jean-Luc who selflessly takes on legal cases for those who cannot pay him. He knows he is fortunate to have the moral support of his wife Marie. But little does he know just how brave his adored wife is.

I studied the French Revolution is school but remember little of it as it was taught in such a dry manner. I learned so much more from reading this book. Historical fiction is such a wonderful way to make learning more fun. The first few times I read historical fiction I was concerned about the accuracy of the stories, so I checked the books against historical documentation and found that the major premise behind the stories stayed true to the documentation. Such a pity that history lessons focus on the dates and not the people. I know that since this book was so engrossing I will remember what I read. And while Jean-Luc, Marie, André, and Sophie are fictional characters, I am sure they are composites of brave people who did really exist.

NOTE: Also posted a review on Edelweiss.

Great historical fiction about the French Revolution! This was such a readable book. From the very first chapter I was pulled into the drama, the hate, and the desperation that was France at that time. The characters, both historical and fictional, were well-drawn, interesting, and easy to connect to. I have read several books on the same subject/time period and was worried that might affect my reading experience, but my fears were in vain. The writing really was so good! Clear, colorful, atmospheric. You felt like you were there living through all the brutality and fear. You could almost smell the blood spilled by the guillotine. Strong women feature strongly here as well. My only complaint are some inconsistencies with the actual historical figures. I'm kind of a purist, I like everything to be as accurate as possible. But, this is a novel, and there are great notes at the end which cover what is true & false. (That is also important to me. Authors who take the time to let their readers know fact from fiction earn bonus points). I would recommend this book without hesitation to anyone looking for a fictional account of the French Revolution!

**Many thanks to NetGalley, Dial Press, and Allison and Owen Pataki for an ARC to read and honestly review!**

What is the definition of Liberty? Equality? Fraternity? When standing up for what is just can get you killed without proof, it's a dangerous time indeed. When terror reigned, and the revolutionary spirit was on the edge of madness, one must ask, where does it stop? Where does the punishment end, and the transformation to a new, truly enlightened Republic begin? This is that story.
A French Revolution novel of testing and standing for one's beliefs, even when those are the very things that could get you killed. Set entrenched in the Reign of Terror, the Law of Suspects is alive and well, with hunger, anger and fear as the rule of the day.
Jean-Luc, an idealistic, cunning and compassionate lawyer does a dangerous dance with the devil as he defends those who are in need. Andre, a soldier of former nobility, literally has fought for France and his life, as the French nobility continues to be cut down by Joseph Guillotine's contraption. Their stories intertwine to show the many facets of Parisian life in the late 1700's.
The Revolutionary that dwells within all of us, of defending freedoms and righting wrongs, will come to the surface while reading this. The controversy of the use of fear that has the citizens surrounding these main characters giving each other up in order to save themselves, will stir your blood and anger you, for there has to be an end to the madness . Thankfully, there is, as Pataki delivers some sweet, poetic justice, and through the grueling terror, there is a shard of hope.
Truly a thought and spirit provoking historical novel. As a history buff, it kept my interest and propelled me to seek facts that I had forgotten regarding this time period. The plot, characters and spirit of the story kept me a rapt and spellbound audience. Thank you for this intelligent and captivating novel!