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thepagelady's review
4.0
The Falconer's Apprentice is a fast, easy and engaging read! The setting of Medieval Europe in the 13th century was wonderful! It was interesting reading and learning about the culture, tradition and laws. The characters were fun and easy to like! I really enjoyed the friendship between Andreas and Richard. At first I wasn't sure how to feel about Richard but I ended up really liking him! Overall it's a fun adventure story full of interesting and entertaining facts! Thank you Book and Wine Lovers and Malve von Hassell for sharing this book with me!
leahsbooks's review
3.0
I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher. I am providing an honest review voluntarily.
I liked how the book included snippets from a 13th century text on the care of falcons. The book is a historical fiction story set in the 13th century. It centers around the life and coming of age of a young boy, as he makes the decision to save the life of a young falcon that is sentenced to die. As Andreas makes his way away from the castle, he learns a lot about the world and his own place in it. The writing was straightforward and it wasn't overly flowery, and while there were many unfamiliar terms used to describe things about that era in time, they were defined clearly, making this an easy book to read. I learned a lot about the politics of 13th century Italy, and I was so surprised to learn that women were able to teach and practice medicine in those days.
Unfortunately, the characters were one-dimensional, and I would have really liked to see a bit more development of their personalities. The action and the story itself weren't very suspenseful, and it just seemed to drag a bit, especially for such a short book.
Overall, it wasn't a bad story, and I found it to be fairly interesting.
I liked how the book included snippets from a 13th century text on the care of falcons. The book is a historical fiction story set in the 13th century. It centers around the life and coming of age of a young boy, as he makes the decision to save the life of a young falcon that is sentenced to die. As Andreas makes his way away from the castle, he learns a lot about the world and his own place in it. The writing was straightforward and it wasn't overly flowery, and while there were many unfamiliar terms used to describe things about that era in time, they were defined clearly, making this an easy book to read. I learned a lot about the politics of 13th century Italy, and I was so surprised to learn that women were able to teach and practice medicine in those days.
Unfortunately, the characters were one-dimensional, and I would have really liked to see a bit more development of their personalities. The action and the story itself weren't very suspenseful, and it just seemed to drag a bit, especially for such a short book.
Overall, it wasn't a bad story, and I found it to be fairly interesting.
julie_embleton's review
5.0
I wasn’t sure what to expect coming into this book, but from the first chapter I knew it was one that demanded I relax into the story and wander back in time. From the opening scenes where Andreas makes a brave choice in order to protect a beloved falcon, I was drawn in, curious to know what adventures his stealthy escape from Castle Kragenberg would bring.
Malve von Hassell has done extraordinary work in researching this era and she weaves this history into her tale with ease, expanding the story far beyond the frame of Andreas and his travels with Richard of Brugge and his daughter Gemma as they cross Europe in a colourful caravan. Packed with atmosphere and details that brought 13th century Europe alive in the pages, this is a book that deserves more than one read in order to catch all the treasures von Hassell describes.
Andreas is an endearing character that I rooted for from the start, his gentle interactions with the falcon Adele my favourite parts. The enigmatic Richard also stood out for me, and I would happily read a book based solely on his travels and adventures. Andreas’s time with the healer was especially interesting. I loved reading about the different herbs and balms that would have been used as medicine at the time. Overall, I found the author’s insertion of medieval life into the story very appealing. Although aimed at teens and young adults, it kept my attention from start to finish and I was genuinely surprised to learn the intended audience.
The Falconer’s Apprentice is a book that demands quiet deliberation. Take yourself to a secluded, cosy corner for this one and allow yourself to slide into the pages. An enchanting, engaging read that deserves a solid five stars.
Malve von Hassell has done extraordinary work in researching this era and she weaves this history into her tale with ease, expanding the story far beyond the frame of Andreas and his travels with Richard of Brugge and his daughter Gemma as they cross Europe in a colourful caravan. Packed with atmosphere and details that brought 13th century Europe alive in the pages, this is a book that deserves more than one read in order to catch all the treasures von Hassell describes.
Andreas is an endearing character that I rooted for from the start, his gentle interactions with the falcon Adele my favourite parts. The enigmatic Richard also stood out for me, and I would happily read a book based solely on his travels and adventures. Andreas’s time with the healer was especially interesting. I loved reading about the different herbs and balms that would have been used as medicine at the time. Overall, I found the author’s insertion of medieval life into the story very appealing. Although aimed at teens and young adults, it kept my attention from start to finish and I was genuinely surprised to learn the intended audience.
The Falconer’s Apprentice is a book that demands quiet deliberation. Take yourself to a secluded, cosy corner for this one and allow yourself to slide into the pages. An enchanting, engaging read that deserves a solid five stars.
jeanmrobertsauthor's review
4.0
The Falconer's Apprentice by Malve von Hassell
Published by: Namelos
Publication date: February 2015
Genre: Young Adult, Historical Fiction, Coming of Age
Pages: 224
Reviewer's note: I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The Plot: The Falconer's Apprentice is the engaging coming-of-age story of an orphaned youth, Andreas. An impulsive decision to spare the life of a beautiful falcon, Adela, sets him on a course to find his destiny. Andreas and Adela fall in with Richard, a trader who specializes in falcons and his daughter Gemma, on their journey from Northern Germany to Southern Italy. Along the route Andreas encounters counts, kings and emperors, simple country folk, jugglers and healers. As Andreas experiences the world around him, his life is changed and he realizes his ultimate destiny.
The Characters: The main characters; Andreas, Richard and Gemma, are well drawn. Andreas is an intelligent youth with limited options. Richard, subtly tutors him and opens his eyes to the world at large. The author includes several historical figures including the Holy Roman Emperor, Frederick II and his son Enzo of Sardinia. I appreciated learning more about these men and their life.
The History: I enjoyed the historical setting for this book, mid-13th century Europe. The character Richard instructs, not only Andreas, but the reader as well. I found myself pulled into their world and appreciated the authentic feel of the story. Including such tidbits as the story of the pasta known as tortellini was a bonus.
The Writing: The writing is very good with lots of great descriptive language. The pace is however, very slow. This is a story to savor, not to zip through. I did not spot any grammatical errors. Kudos to a great editor.
Overall opinion: I must admit that when I began this book, I was not aware that its target audience was children (age 11-15). As an adult reader, I enjoyed the slow-paced tour of medieval Europe from Germany through the Alps and down into Italy. I felt like I was sitting beside Gemma in her colorful caravan, while being pulled along a dusty track by two plodding mules. I had time to look around and see the countryside as it gently passed. Are there kids out there who will take the time to appreciate this book, free of wizards, dragons or vampires? I hope so.
Recommendation: Any reader, young or old, who enjoys history will appreciate this delightful book.
My Rating: I give this book ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4 stars
******************************************************************************
My Ratings:
1 Star: Not good at all, do not read!
2 Stars: Read only as a last resort, no other books available
3 Stars: Good, enjoyed it, will recommend with reservations
4 Stars: Really good, read this book!
5 Stars: So good, I might read it again sometime! Highly recommend
Published by: Namelos
Publication date: February 2015
Genre: Young Adult, Historical Fiction, Coming of Age
Pages: 224
Reviewer's note: I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The Plot: The Falconer's Apprentice is the engaging coming-of-age story of an orphaned youth, Andreas. An impulsive decision to spare the life of a beautiful falcon, Adela, sets him on a course to find his destiny. Andreas and Adela fall in with Richard, a trader who specializes in falcons and his daughter Gemma, on their journey from Northern Germany to Southern Italy. Along the route Andreas encounters counts, kings and emperors, simple country folk, jugglers and healers. As Andreas experiences the world around him, his life is changed and he realizes his ultimate destiny.
The Characters: The main characters; Andreas, Richard and Gemma, are well drawn. Andreas is an intelligent youth with limited options. Richard, subtly tutors him and opens his eyes to the world at large. The author includes several historical figures including the Holy Roman Emperor, Frederick II and his son Enzo of Sardinia. I appreciated learning more about these men and their life.
The History: I enjoyed the historical setting for this book, mid-13th century Europe. The character Richard instructs, not only Andreas, but the reader as well. I found myself pulled into their world and appreciated the authentic feel of the story. Including such tidbits as the story of the pasta known as tortellini was a bonus.
The Writing: The writing is very good with lots of great descriptive language. The pace is however, very slow. This is a story to savor, not to zip through. I did not spot any grammatical errors. Kudos to a great editor.
Overall opinion: I must admit that when I began this book, I was not aware that its target audience was children (age 11-15). As an adult reader, I enjoyed the slow-paced tour of medieval Europe from Germany through the Alps and down into Italy. I felt like I was sitting beside Gemma in her colorful caravan, while being pulled along a dusty track by two plodding mules. I had time to look around and see the countryside as it gently passed. Are there kids out there who will take the time to appreciate this book, free of wizards, dragons or vampires? I hope so.
Recommendation: Any reader, young or old, who enjoys history will appreciate this delightful book.
My Rating: I give this book ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4 stars
******************************************************************************
My Ratings:
1 Star: Not good at all, do not read!
2 Stars: Read only as a last resort, no other books available
3 Stars: Good, enjoyed it, will recommend with reservations
4 Stars: Really good, read this book!
5 Stars: So good, I might read it again sometime! Highly recommend
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