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"Medieval with a touch of faerie"

In 1154 England, Lord Mark informs his beloved daughter Alista that he must attend Henry's coronation to insure the monarch does not give away their castle to William Brinlaw, son of a traitor. In front of Henry, Mark and Will argue and threaten violence. That night, Mark dies. Henry decrees William will gain Brinlaw only if he marries Alista.

Will leaves immediately for Brinlaw where he bluntly informs Alista that her beloved father is dead and that the King wants them married. She refuses until she considers the safety of her people. They marry even though neither trusts the other. When Will is accused of killing Mark, he goes to London to stand trial. Meanwhile, Alista returns to her matriarchal home, the ruined Falconskeep. She feels the need to follow her Faerie heritage of her mother by flying away as a falcon. Only Will's love might keep her on this plane if he can prove his feelings are real.

A FALCON'S HEART is an exciting medieval romance with paranormal elements though the Faerie segments seem more of an add-on not explained to the reader. The story line is fast-paced and Jayel Wylie delivers a feel for King Henry's early years as ruler. The lead characters are a charming pair with a history that makes them unlikely partners while the support cast propels the plot forward so that the audience never rests. Ms. Wylie has written a effective historical romance that sub-genre fans will appreciate.

Harriet Klausner

Reviewed by PNR Group Member
Posted June 19, 2001

This promising debut novel is the first in a series of paranormal historicals centering on the mysterious Brinlaw family. It's never a good idea to begin a marriage with a lie, but William of Brinlaw is determined to regain his birthright by fair means or foul. That's why, when the lord who usurped William's rightful place dies mysteriously, and King Henry II decrees that William may have the estate if he marries his enemy's daughter, William presents his bride-to-be with a false proclamation offered by the king. It declares that the proposed marriage was the lady's father's last wish. Lady Alista quickly complies with William's plans, offering him both trust and passion as they hastily wed. Though the deception that lies between them was unquestionably the easiest way to win the lady and the land, William must now dread the time when the woman who now so enchants him will learn the truth. But, all too soon, he discovers that his marriage and his love face an even greater peril. For his grieving new bride is irresistibly drawn to the ruins of Falconskeep, and to her destiny. And there, the power of William's love may be the only means to save Alista from her mysterious heritage.