I am thrilled to be taking part in the Random Things blog
tour for The Falcon’s Eyes today. I received a copy of this book as part of the
tour.
I have been fascinated by Eleanor of Aquitaine for many
years and jumped at the chance to read this book.
The Falcon’s Eyes is set in the twelfth century in France
and England. Lady Isabelle is sixteen years ago and longs for adventure and the
chance to get away from her family in Provence. When she is betrothed to the
immensely rich Gerard de Meurtaigne and travels to live at the beautiful Chateau
Ravinour, it seems like her prayers have been answered.
At first the marriage appears a success and before long
Isabelle is pregnant with the long for heir. However, Gerard is controlling and
obsessive and wants Isabell’s every move to be watched. At first Isabelle longs
to please Gerard, but soon she makes some impulsive decisions that have far reaching
consequences.
The book takes you from vividly depicted locations in France
and later to England to the exiled Queen Eleanor’s court. It is a beautifully written book and is spellbinding
to read. It is a long book, but I flew through it and became so emotionally
invested in Isabelle’s character that I did not want it to end.
I particularly loved the way that the characters – from Lady
Isabelle and Queen Eleanor to the servants and courtiers – are brought to life.
This is easily one of my favourite books of the year so far
and I am looking forward to reading Francesca Stanfill’s next book.
A must read for fans of historical fiction.
5 stars
