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The King's Falcon

Roundheads and Cavaliers, Book 3

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The King's Falcon

By: Stella Riley
Narrated by: Alex Wyndham
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Summary

A tale of war and witchcraft, plots and playhouses, love and loyalty....

Following his coronation in Scotland, Charles ll leads an army south to reclaim his throne, but the dream ends in a crushing defeat at Worcester, leaving no alternative but flight.

With little more than the clothes on their backs, Ashley Peverell and Francis Langley manage to reach Paris, where Ashley, known to some as The Falcon, resumes his under-cover and unpaid work for the King.

Beautiful, stubborn, and street-wise Athenais de Galzain has risen from the slums of Paris to become the Marais Theatre's leading actress. Unfortunately, this brings her to the attention of the Marquis d'Auxerre - an influential nobleman of an unsavory reputation who is accustomed to taking what he wants.

While the Prince's Fronde flares up anew, and turns the city into a battle-ground, Francis is bullied into helping his sister, Celia, obtain a divorce from Eden Maxwell. Currently working as a cryptographer in the Commonwealth's intelligence service, Eden watches Cromwell creating a king-sized space for himself, and begins to question the cause to which he has devoted a decade of his life.

From first chance, Ashley and Athenais are drawn together with the unstoppable force of two stars colliding; a force which Ashley, lacking both money and prospects, and aware of the frequency with which he's required to risk his life, cannot deny, but resolves to conceal. He has only two priorities: His work for Charles ll, and his determination to protect Athenais from the Marquis. Both are to test him to his limits.

The King's Falcon follows the Cavalier's last crusade, and the bitter, poverty-stricken exile that followed it. There is danger, intrigue, and romance in this sequel to The Black Madonna and Garland of Straw.

©2014 Stella Riley (P)2022 Stella Riley
Fiction Historical Historical Fiction Romance Royalty Divorce
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Lords of Misrule By: Stella Riley
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The King’s Falcon, Stella Riley’s 3rd book in her R&C series, has always been one of my favourites. With impeccable research, a well-constructed plot and a wealth of outstanding characters, it brings both fact and fiction together in the period following the end of English Civil War and prior to the restoration of Charles II in 1660.

However, Alex Wyndham’s outstanding performance has transported this excellent novel to a new level.

Mr. Wyndham handles all the characters adroitly, whether male or female, young or old, English or French. His pace, transitions and sense of feeling throughout are perfect plus his myriad of both English and French accents is superb - and at times, beyond my comprehension.

From the battle of Worcester and escape of Charles II plus Riley’s two male leads, Ashley and Francis, one is drawn into the complexities of those troubled times. Escaping to Paris we follow the trials and tribulations of Ashley (known as ‘The Falcon’) and Francis as they try to make a living in order to survive. While there they meet the two leading ladies of the book Athenais and Pauline who complement each other so well. I especially liked Pauline who has a razor-sharp tongue and does not suffer fools gladly.

And so, in Paris the scene is set, the leading players take their place, the curtain is raised and the story proceeds with twists and turns throughout.

Ms. Riley’s fictional characters interact with real ones including Cyrano de Bergerac who is instrumental to the clever plot.

Back in London Eden Maxwell, still suffering from the break-up of his marriage to Celia in 'The Black Madonna' immerses himself into the world of cryptography while serving in Oliver Cromwell’s unpopular administration and finds himself becoming disillusioned by the situation.

And thus, the denouement brings together the protagonists in a finale that is both satisfying, rewarding, uplifting and very moving especially just before the Epilogue.

The pace Alex Wyndham sets is perfect throughout and his delivery is faultless.

I’ll not add anything further but I highly recommend you relax and immerse yourself into the world of 'The King’s Falcon'. You’ll not be disappointed.

I can find no other words to describe this outstanding Audio book so I’ll finish by saying thank you Stella Riley and Alex Wyndham, ‘Perfection Personified'.

Perfection Personified

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Having re-read (and listened to) all of Stella Riley's books many times, the Civil War series is still my favourite and, as usual Alex Wyndham's narration is spot on.

Excellent as always!

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Once again this is an engrossing and detailed story of characters caught up in the aftermath of the civil war. The love stories are beautifully crafted. Can't wait for Alex Wyndham to provide the fourth instalment in Audible. Thank you Stella Riley.!

Thoroughly enjoyed

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Lots of great characters, it is great to see them all interact. Narrator is brilliant. I have listened to a lot of historical romances, but this is the best I’ve heard.

Best historical romance I’ve read

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This is a wonderfully absorbing listen, a richly woven story narrated, nay, performed by the talented Alex Wyndam. His range of accents covers all the diverse characters seemingly effortlessly. The historical details are meaty & a perfect backdrop to one of the best romances I've ever read.

Outstanding in it's genre

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