Review - The Falconer (The Falconer #1) by Elizabeth May

Title: The Falconer

Author: Elizabeth May

Series: 1st

Pages: 378

Published: May 6th 2014 by Chronicle Books 

ISBN:  9781452114231

Source: Publisher via Edelweiss

 

Description: 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? 

I Give This ...

I really liked the description on this one.  Historical fiction set in Scotland, the fae, and the hit of steampunk has all the right elements.  This book ended up being just what I needed.

I thought Aileana was fantastic.  She makes no apologies for who she is, no matter the rumors that may be flying around.   It's not like she can tell anyone what she's really doing when she stopping all over protocols and proper behavior for a young women.  I think she feels guilty for lying to her friends, but that's about as deep as it goes.  In fact, I think she gets a little bit of pleasure from tracking down bad fae and killing them.  Especially if she can save a human life while doing it.  The problem is that I don't think anybody bothered to explain all the rules to her.  She setting herself up for immense danger.

I particularly enjoyed Aileana relationships with her pixie friend Derrick.  Who though a sidekick like this could be so much fun.  He's just the right mix of humor to give the story a lighter tone in certain places.  But, you can also tell he really cares about Aileana.  Overall though, I was must drawn to Aileana's relationship with Kiaran.  He gives off the impression that it's all business with Aileana.  But, you can tell there's something smoldering underneath.  There's something about the fae that just draw you, especially when it's done right.

The story seems so fast paced at times, that I didn't get a real feel for the world they live in.   It feels steampunk, but not to the point were I end up having problems with it.  And, in very few instances could I actually tell that this book was suppose to be set in Scotland.  However, in the end those things didn't really effect how I felt about the story.   I'm ready for the next one!