Reviews

The Falcon's Eyes: A Novel by Francesca Stanfill

ashleybenbow's review against another edition

challenging emotional informative slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.25

courtneyreadsbooks's review against another edition

challenging reflective slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.5

I really wanted to DNF this one, but just can’t bring myself to DNF books. It’s very uneventful until about 2/3 of the way in, which is no small feat for a book that’s over 800 pages long. There’s only one good plot twist. I wouldn’t recommend this one. I thought it would be interesting as a historical fiction but

the protagonist doesn’t even meet Eleanor of Aquitaine until 500-something pages in

.

ashwise360's review against another edition

adventurous challenging dark slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.0

jmeehan's review against another edition

Where's the drama 

thewoollygeek's review against another edition

5.0

I admit this isn’t my usual genre, I have read a little bit of historical fiction in my time, but it’s not generally my go to, but I was drawn in by the fact it’s called a novel of Eleanor of Aquitaine and I adore anything I can read on Eleanor (and several other strong women in history) I am so glad I was drawn because judging by Francesca’s wonderful book, I need to be far more generous in my genre choosing and not so self limiting.

This book was beautiful, from the very first few chapters I knew I was obsessed by Isabelle’s character and world, it becomes evident very quickly how much of an expert the author is in Medieval history, which I love because it just makes this so much more. I really enjoyed that you go on the journey with Isabelle as she grows, from a child to a mature woman, navigating her world which is so treacherous for a woman, knowing what words to say or actions to take when taking the wrong ones could literally end your life. So many more people need to read about life for women prior to the last 50 years and how hard everything we have was fought for, century by century.

Although this is called a book of Eleanor of Aquitaine, it is via Isabelle we get to know the Queen, this is Isabelle’s story in every way and it’s through Isabelle’s narration we experience everything she does. I was so invested in this I found myself chastising myself early on when she marries that it seemed to be going well, that I’d forgotten the synopsis had told me Gerard was controlling, I love when a story is so engaging that I forget even the synopsis.

Francesca brings the medieval world well and truly to life in the pages of this book, I could have been walking the courtyards of France and England in the twelfth century, if you want a read where you will care about the characters (and get emotional) , one that is beautifully written, one you won’t want to put down even in the early hours, this book is definitely for you.

noahd's review against another edition

adventurous informative inspiring medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

I really enjoyed the majority of this book, although would have loved an epilogue to tie the story up. A cliffhanger ending after 800 pages isn’t very satisfying, especially with the plot twist being predictable. Ultimately though the writing was good, the characters interesting and well developed, and it was an informative book. My biggest issue was at the beginning, when it mistakenly says that Helen of Troy was sent to Troy to marry Menelaus… not sure how that goes past the editor. 

libraryofretellingsandstars's review against another edition

3.0

Thank You Harper Collins for this arc in exchange for an honest review.
"The Falcon's Eyes" by Francesca Stanfill follows the story of a young women who is close to Eleanor of Aquitaine.

I would give "The Falcon's Eyes" by Francesca Stanfill a 3-star review because, 1; the story is vivid 2; the story is vividly long and 3; it was interesting to read this novel but just I didn't really enjoyed it as much as I hoped.

caroline_the_reader's review against another edition

adventurous hopeful informative slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character

4.25

Fascinating portrait of a 12th century noblewoman in France.  The last third of the novel was somewhat lackluster, but I enjoyed it regardless.  

bethvalencia_'s review against another edition

3.0

Thanks to the author/publisher for the goodreads giveaway!

I barely know what to say about this one, I have so many mixed feelings. The first 5/7 was awesome. I tore through it and loved every second. Then suddenly I began to feel like I just wanted it to be over - maybe it was slow, maybe I just ran out of stamina (with over 800 pages there’s bound to be some slow parts and fatigue). Things picked back up for me towards the end and came to a screeching halt that left me wondering how the story actually ends and how on Earth I got to this kind of ending in an 800 page book?!? I would have loved for there to be an epilogue or SOMETHING to truly end the storyline.

My only real concern/complaint is that the cover states the is “a Novel of Eleanor of Aquitaine” and she is only introduced about halfway through and is only a supporting character. This is a novel of a character named Isabelle in which Eleanor of Aquitaine makes an appearance.

greywolf1081's review against another edition

adventurous challenging inspiring lighthearted mysterious reflective sad tense slow-paced

4.0