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The King's Falcon (Roundheads & Cavaliers Book 3) Kindle Edition

by Stella Riley (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.4 out of 5 stars 316 ratings
B.R.A.G. Medallion Honoree!
A tale of war and witchcraft … plots and playhouses … love and loyalty.
Charles the Second’s attempt to reclaim his throne ends in defeat at Worcester. With only the clothes on their backs, Ashley Peverell and Francis Langley flee to Paris where Ashley, known to some as the Falcon, resumes his secret work for the King.
Beautiful and street-wise, Athenais de Galzain has risen from the slums of Paris to become the city’s leading actress … but along with success comes the attention of a powerful nobleman, accustomed to taking what he wants.
Ashley and Athenais are drawn together with the force of two stars colliding. Ashley, lacking money and often forced to risk his life, has two priorities; to guard the King from a dastardly plot hatched in London … and to protect Athenais from the man who would destroy her. Both will test him to the limits.
The King’s Falcon follows the Cavaliers’ last crusade and poverty-stricken exile whilst taking us behind the scenes in the playhouse. There is danger, intrigue, romance … and more than one glimpse into darkness.
(The book contains a rape scene which is germane to the plot.)

What readers say of The King's Falcon:-
“Like the first two books in this series, The King’s Falcon is rich in period detail, whether it be the bloody Battle of Worcester, the unjust witches trials, the behind the scenes workings of the Théâtre du Marais or the plight of the exiled Royalists in Paris, Ms. Riley seamlessly blends fact and fiction, creating a strong sense of time and place.”

“If you like your historical fiction meaty and sweeping, and with a large cast of characters - and I do - then read this book. This is the third of Stella Riley's Roundheads and Cavaliers quartet of novels and fully lives up to the standards of The Black Madonna and Garland of Straw. These are big books, compelling and well researched.”
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  1. Book 3 of 4
    Roundheads & Cavaliers
  2. Print length
    558 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Publication date
    October 3, 2014
  5. File size
    5.2 MB
  6. Page Flip
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  7. Word Wise
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  8. Enhanced typesetting
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Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B00NC2H7BS
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ ; 1st edition (October 3, 2014)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ October 3, 2014
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 5.2 MB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 558 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.4 out of 5 stars 316 ratings

About the author

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Stella Riley

Stella Riley

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Winner of 4 gold medals (Readers' Favourite 2019, Book Excellence Awards 2020, Global Book Awards 2022, Book Excellence Awards 2023) and 14 B.R.A.G. Medallions, Stella Riley lives in the beautiful medieval town of Sandwich in Kent.

She is fascinated by the English Civil Wars and has written six books set in that period. These, like the 7 book Rockliffe series (recommended in The Times newspaper!) and the Brandon Brothers trilogy, are all available in audio, narrated by Alex Wyndham.

Stella enjoys travel, reading, theatre, Baroque music and playing the harpsichord. She also has a fondness for men with long hair - hence her 17th and 18th century heroes.

Visit Stella at https://stellarileybooks.co.uk for all the latest information on her books and her 'Who's Who' and Extras pages.

Customer reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
316 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers enjoy this historical romance that brings the English Civil War era to life with two love stories. The book features excellent characters, and one customer notes it's richer when read in order.

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15 customers mention "Romance"12 positive3 negative

Customers enjoy this historical romance, describing it as a masterpiece full of intrigue that brings the English Civil War era to life.

"...and the political discussions surround you and, mixed with the well-crafted fiction, makes the reading experience so much more than just..." Read more

"...Great story. Don't let yourself be discouraged by the slow start to it. It does pick up and then it's off and running...." Read more

"...In each book, the love story between strong and honorable if sometimes flawed characters intertwines with the historical reality: political intrigue..." Read more

"...Excellent characters and setting. The blend of human relationships and larger scale historical events makes this a fascinating and very satisfying..." Read more

9 customers mention "Enjoyment"9 positive0 negative

Customers find the book enjoyable and entertaining, with one customer describing it as a captivating means of delving into another world.

"...The side characters of the book (real or fictional) are just off the charts good, and I particularly liked Athenais father, the strong Deborah, and..." Read more

"...stories will end up meeting and there will be lots of great action, adventure and romance...." Read more

"...I especially enjoyed seeing beloved and honorable characters on both sides of the conflict..." Read more

"...and larger scale historical events makes this a fascinating and very satisfying read...." Read more

6 customers mention "Character development"6 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the character development in the book, with one mentioning how it brings back old characters.

"...Athenais and Pauline are their perfect matches and so very brave and wonderful in their own particular ways...." Read more

"...I especially enjoyed seeing beloved and honorable characters on both sides of the conflict..." Read more

"...As always though Stella Riley has built up strong characters and sensible plots that result in satisfying endings. Enjoy!" Read more

"This 3d book in the series about 1650s England brings back old characters and introduces new ones...." Read more

5 customers mention "Depth"5 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the depth of the book, with one describing it as detailed and another noting it provides a richer experience when read in order.

"...not to mention the characters from previous books, all complex and full of depth...." Read more

"...human relationships and larger scale historical events makes this a fascinating and very satisfying read...." Read more

"...this book could be read independently, it makes for a richer experience to read them in order...." Read more

"...It's a very long and detailed book which I like but may not be for everybody." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Lu
    5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing characters mingle with historical figures bringing history to life!
    Reviewed in the United States on June 17, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    Ashley and Francis are two wonderful heroes. One all duty and honor and the other all fun and beauty. Athenais and Pauline are their perfect matches and so very brave and wonderful in their own particular ways. The side characters of the book (real or fictional) are just off the charts good, and I particularly liked Athenais father, the strong Deborah, and Cyrano de Bergerac, not to mention the characters from previous books, all complex and full of depth.
    What makes this series really special is that it brings history to life. One moment you are privy to a chat between the king and his man of business, the next you are breaking into the King’s mistress house to retrieve his love letters. The battles and the political discussions surround you and, mixed with the well-crafted fiction, makes the reading experience so much more than just entertaining.
    I recommend reading the previous books in the series before reading this one, as all books are intensely interconnected.
    Please note that there are a few scenes of sexual abuse and violence in the book.
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  • OLT
    5.0 out of 5 stars Oh, no. I need the next book and it isn't written yet.
    Reviewed in the United States on March 11, 2015
    Verified Purchase
    (Caveat: If you are a reader of historical romance, which is usually light on history and heavy on romance, you may find the reading of Riley's Roundheads and Cavaliers heavier on history than you are used to. Just a heads-up.)

    How beautifully Stella Riley makes history come alive. Even when I think she's giving me too much information and detail and feel overload coming on, she manages to give a reprieve by getting more into the personal lives of her fictional characters to spare my brain for a while.

    I have to confess that at the beginning of this third book of the series I was somewhat intimidated and a bit disappointed in the story. Too much background and history and then the Battle of Worcester, although exciting, seemed to go on somewhat overlong. But once the Cavaliers and the Scottish army are defeated at Worcester and Charles II has to sneak back to the Continent and our two main characters have to flee to France, all becomes just the way I like a Stella Riley novel to be. And the romance lover should be happy to know that this is a twofer, as far as romance goes.

    Ashley Peverell and Francis Langley, Cavalier soldiers readers may know from previous books, are in exile in Paris, with no money and no way to make a living at the moment. Meanwhile, we have a parallel story running about people working at the Marais Theatre. Most importantly there's Pauline Fleury, formerly the theatre's leading lady but now working as dresser since an accident left her with a limp and a scarred face, and there's up-and-coming talented and beautiful Athenais de Galzain, Pauline's protegee and friend.

    Naturally the two parallel stories will end up meeting and there will be lots of great action, adventure and romance. There will be intrigue and spying on behalf of Charles II (Ashley is, after all, the King's Falcon, right-hand man), and a more personal issue with poor Athenais being pursued by a jaded, amoral Frenchman who's set on having her and wanting nothing or no-one in his way.

    Great story. Don't let yourself be discouraged by the slow start to it. It does pick up and then it's off and running. 650 pages that will have you so absorbed that you'll be at the last one before you know it and wishing the next story were ready to pick up and start reading.

    BTW, there's a turn of events for Eden Maxwell in this that will have his fans feeling a little better for him. Unfortunately, Eden's story, which is to be the next, will not be finished any time soon, according to Riley's blog, but she says, "I'll try to keep the wait down to less than 20 years".
    10 people found this helpful
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  • noagnes
    4.0 out of 5 stars Love and intrigue in the English Civil War era
    Reviewed in the United States on March 26, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    I love Stella Riley's historical series set during the English Civil War. In each book, the love story between strong and honorable if sometimes flawed characters intertwines with the historical reality: political intrigue, military campaigns and sieges, friends and families split by the political and religious conflicts. This book is set after King Charles I’s execution, as King Charles II tries to regain his kingdom but so far, he fails and lives in exile. The hero, Ashley Peverell, is a soldier involved in secret intelligence work who was introduced in Book 2 (The Garland of Straw). The heroine is Athenais de Galzain, a young actress in Paris. The secondary couple in the series is Francis Langley (also known to readers from the beginning of the series) and Pauline Fleury, another actress and Athenais’s mentor. Ashley gets involved in more and more secret intelligence work for the King,, Athenais is threatened by an evil Marquis who doesn’t take no for an answer, Francis, disturbed by his war experiences and by his family’s shattering (his extremely selfish sister Celia causes much pain before she gets her comeuppance) finds a new vocation in the theatre and tries to woo Pauline. Int he end, they all become embroiled in foiling an attempt on King Charles’s life. During these adventures, two shining and strong love relationships are formed which triumph int he end, after much suffering.
    I especially enjoyed seeing beloved and honorable characters on both sides of the conflict (Ashley, Francis and their friend Nicholas among the Cavailers and Eden Maxwell on the Parliamentary side). The appearance of Cyrano de bergerac was a welcome addition, and I enjoyed the description of the theatre life in the era.
    However, I had trouble with the extreme dark violence in the story. I knew to expect it to some degree as the previous boks also contained some dark themes (revenge, betrayal, loss of pregnancy due to the actions of a villain, torture, unnecessary and cruel killing of the defeated by the victors etc.)
    However, I have to warn sensitive readers: details under spoiler alert (scroll down). This is the reason of my 4-star rating, otherwise it deserves 5 stars in every aspect.

    *****************************************SPOILER ALERT**************************************
    There is an instance of a woman being raped in captivity as she is suspected with witchcraft – this isn’t described, the scene fades into darkenss and she is a secondary character later saved and reaches some measure of happiness. However, later on, the heroine gets raped by the villain and this is described in some detail – not graphic but explicit enough to know what’s happening, and his cruel emotional taunts are also shown. This is integral to the story and the aftermath is also described realistically, but the scene is still avery painful one.
    7 people found this helpful
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  • DailyReader
    5.0 out of 5 stars another excellent addition to the series.
    Reviewed in the United States on September 18, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    I have enjoyed every book of this series. Excellent characters and setting. The blend of human relationships and larger scale historical events makes this a fascinating and very satisfying read. The villains are truly awful so be prepared as the realities of society in the time become painfully apparent through the ability of these characters to wreak their havoc. As always though Stella Riley has built up strong characters and sensible plots that result in satisfying endings. Enjoy!
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Top reviews from other countries

  • Beatrix Fitze
    5.0 out of 5 stars Fascinating story
    Reviewed in Germany on June 12, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    Another fascinating story in this series. In this story we read what happened to Francis and Ashley, two of the characters from the previous book, Garland of Straw. After being fortunate enough to survive the battle at Worcester the two manage to escape to France. Stella Riley gives us more details of the politics of the time wrapped in a compelling story. I hope there’s more!
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  • Carol Cork
    5.0 out of 5 stars A superbly written story that perfectly blends history, politics, intrigue, drama and romance.
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 2, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    The King’s Falcon, the third book in the excellent Roundheads and Cavaliers series, is everything I have come expect from Ms. Riley - a superbly written and totally absorbing story, which perfectly blends history, politics, intrigue, drama and romance.

    For me, one of Ms. Riley’s greatest strengths lies in her ability to create multi-faceted and realistic characters. In The King’s Falcon, we have not just one but two male protagonists, and my response to Pauline’s question...

    “I’ve rarely seen one man as pretty as that – let alone a pair. So which took your fancy?”

    would be that they are both sigh-worthy in their own way.

    The outrageously good-looking Royalist agent, Ashley Peverell, made a brief appearance in Garland of Straw, but now we discover that behind his seemingly carefree nature and amiability lies a very different man. Most know him as a colonel in the Royalist army, but only a select few know him as the Falcon. His keen mind and ruthlessness have served him well in his covert work for the king, work that is often ‘neither honourable or pretty’ but necessary. Although Ashley doesn’t see himself as a man of honour and integrity, it’s clearly shown in his determination to protect Athenais, his unswerving loyalty to his friends, and his willingness to risk his life for the king.

    When we were first introduced to Francis Langley in The Black Madonna, he was a charming, frivolous young man who preferred writing poetry to fighting. However, as a captain in the Royalist army (Garland of Straw), his experiences of war have given him maturity and a self-awareness, and his willingness to put his life on the line in the service of the king speaks volumes for his character. I have always had a soft spot for Francis and it was lovely to see him fulfil his true potential as a writer. I also loved his sharp, witty responses when talking to his sister, Celia, particularly as she’s not one of my favourite characters. Anyone who has read The Black Madonna will understand why.

    The illegitimate daughter of a retired mercenary and a laundress, Athenais de Galzain was born Agnes Stott in a dingy back-street of Paris. It had taken her six long years of struggle, hard work, and a change of name, to forge a successful career in Théâtre du Marais, rising to become one of its leading actresses. I admire how she achieved her success not just because she was beautiful, but through sheer determination and natural talent. Unfortunately, she has caught the eye of the Marquis d’Auxerre, who is determined to make her his mistress. Athenais is pragmatic enough to know that, one day, such a step would be necessary to protect her career, but there is something about the Marquis that she finds unsettling.

    I found Pauline Fleury such an interesting character. She had once enjoyed a dazzling acting career herself, until an accident left her with a scarred left cheek and a slight limp and she is now Athenais’ dresser and mentor. Beneath the prickly surface and forthrightness, she is clever and astute, and she is such a loyal, protective friend to Athenais. I like how supportive Pauline is of her protégé, never showing any jealousy of the younger woman’s success.

    The two romances run concurrently but develop in very different ways. Ashley and Athenais have an instant attraction but, as an ex-soldier with little money and no prospects, who is frequently called upon to risk his life, Ashley knows he has nothing to offer Athenais and is determined to keep his distance while ensuring that Athenais is safe from the Marquis d’Auxerre. It’s not long before their all-consuming passion can no longer be denied, but dramatic events will test the strength of their relationship. Ms. Riley deals with a very difficult subject and handles it well. I could feel the deep emotional turmoil Athenais goes through and I love how Ashley allows her time to heal and shows such empathy, encouragement and patience.

    I enjoyed seeing the slow building romance between Francis and Pauline. Francis is surprised to find that he has come to enjoy Pauline’s company and is forced to admit that the reason he had written his play was because he found her fascinating. He saw beyond her scarred face and limp to the attractive, intelligent and competent woman beneath. He even liked her sharp tongue. Although Pauline has feelings for Francis, she knows that nothing can come of it

    Good-looking titled gentlemen didn’t belong with scarred, one-time actresses past their first blush.

    Francis certainly has his work cut when it comes to persuading Pauline to marry him because she’s the most stubborn woman he has ever met. Slowly, but surely, he breaks down her defences, and I love how he tells her that her head, heart and spirit far outweigh her imperfections.

    Eden Maxwell has been an important secondary character since he first appeared in The Black Madonna, when his wife’s betrayal had such a devastating affect on him. It was satisfying to see that he has finally come to terms with what happened, and events in The King’s Falcon leave him free to find the happiness he deserves in Lords of Misrule. He is also instrumental in saving the lives of two people.

    Among the other secondary characters are...

    - Sir Nicholas Austin, a Royalist captain, who is taken in by Eden after he loses an arm at the Battle of Worcester.

    - Deborah Hart who is saved by Eden when she is falsely accused of being a witch, and becomes his housekeeper and mistress.

    - Celia Maxwell, Francis’s sister, who elicits Francis’s help in obtaining a divorce from Eden.

    - Jem Barker, Ashley’s loyal servant and a former highwayman.

    - The evil Marquis d’Auxerre who, I’m pleased to say, meets a suitable end.

    Like the first two books in this series, The King’s Falcon is rich in period detail, whether it be the bloody Battle of Worcester, the unjust witches trials, the behind the scenes workings of the Théâtre du Marais, the Fronde in Paris, or the plight of the exiled Royalists in Paris, Ms. Riley seamlessly blends fact and fiction, creating a strong sense of time and place. Charles II, the Duke of Buckingham, and Cyrano de Bergerac are among the real people in the story, but the fictional characters are so well drawn that it was difficult to distinguish the real from the fictional. The various plot twists and turns are skilfully handled culminating in an exciting conclusion.

    MY VERDICT: Another superb book from Stella Riley. Highly recommended.
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  • avidreader
    5.0 out of 5 stars The latest in an excellent series based around the English Civil War period.
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 3, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    Having only recently discovered this author, I have bought and read all those books [Kindle] relating to the English Civil War and the restoration of the monarchy - and thoroughly enjoyed them. This last book [although I believe there is one due out, called 'Lords of Misrule'] deals with the period when Charles II was in exile in France, and the people who followed him into exile. This gives us a cast of characters which includes Colonel Ashley Peverell and Francis Langley. The former is a career soldier who has a double role as an agent for the king-in-waiting and the latter is a poetic, sensitive soul with no taste for war and fighting. Together they follow the king to France, after the disastrous battle of Worcester, without any money to their names and barely enough clothing. Ashley, in particular, continues with his business for his king without any financial recompense, and thus lives hand-to-mouth. Neither have anything to return to England for, Ashley because he is a younger son with no prospects and Francis because although he inherits a title, he has no lands [they have been seized] and also no prospects.

    The two men eventually take lodgings with an up-and-coming young actress and her friend and mentor, an actress who retired from the stage following an accident that damaged her looks. Inevitably, this is where and how the romance between the two couples develops, whilst there is intrigue both in the court-in-exile, plots against the king and his brother, and domestically, a situation concerning the young actress who is being pursued ruthlessly by a Marquis who won't take no for an answer. There is an insight into theatre in Paris at that time, and a cast of characters who round out the central characters.

    Francis is an immensely lovable character - by his own rather wry description, a light-weight dilettante in former times. What he goes through and how the author keeps his insouciant, fliratatious character intact, while he willingly becomes embroiled in situations for which he is not entirely suited, is written with great insight. Pauline, his love interest, had been the toast of Parisian theatre until her accident, and is one of the finest female characters Stella Riley has written - strong, clever, acerbic, sarcastic, capable, insightful - and very much a loner. Slightly reminiscent of Kate Maxwell, but without the support of a close, loving family. In my opinion, these two characters have almost equal billing with the two central characters

    Much of the subject matter is this book - probably more than in the previous ones - makes for uncomfortable reading, but is nevertheless an accurate depiction of life, morals and social behaviour in that period of time. My own opinion is that if a reader embarks on a story that is historical fact blended with some historical suppositions [such as the attempt on Charles' life], blended with an historical romance [two, in fact] then you have to read it as the author intended it to be portrayed. I'm not giving anything away since it has been mentioned previously in reviews - I, too, found the rape scene and the physical and psychological aftermath difficult reading - but also the episode concerning Deborah Hart, the woman accused of being a witch; from what I've read, not only in this book, this was so shocking because men and women were complicit in damning 'witches', on the flimsiest of pretexts, knowing that by doing so they were condemning them to a barbaric death - and some authority figures seem to have got a perverted sexual gratification from these terrible investigations. Thankfully we have moved on from this in our society - but rape, sexual violence, and how victims are dealt with, hasn't changed as significantly as it should have. Likewise, the description of the battle of Worcester and events immediately thereafter is gritty and told in a very straightforward way, warts and all. In all these situations, the author has laid out for us life [and death] as it was then.

    I would recommend this book and this series unreservedly to anyone with an interest in the history of the Civil War period who enjoys good writing coupled with an engrossing insight into historical events and some lovely romances [and a happy conclusion, too!]. Like others, I'm looking forward to Eden's story.
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  • Mrs Elizabeth A Ward
    4.0 out of 5 stars Interesting historical background.
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 30, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    I read the first 2 books in this series more than 25 years ago and waited impatiently for the continuation. Eventually I gave up looking for them. A few months ago, whilst browsing on Amazon, I discovered that books 3 & 4 of the quartet had been published some 4 or 5 years ago. I have read 'The King's Falcon' with enjoyment although unable to comprehend how the youngest Maxwell brother has become Tobias instead of Felix, particularly as a minor character like Ashley's companion Jem has managed to retain his name. I found the style of the writing somewhat different to the first 2 books of the series. However I would strongly recommend the book to lovers of historical fiction.
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  • Sue Payne
    5.0 out of 5 stars A real page-turning read
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 11, 2015
    Verified Purchase
    ‘The King’s Falcon’, the third instalment in Stella Riley’s Civil War series, is the follow up to ‘Garland of Straw’ and ‘The Black Madonna’ but could easily be read as a stand-alone book, bringing forward as it does a number of characters who were bit parts in the earlier books to form the central roles.

    As with ‘Madonna’ and ‘Garland’ the storyline is well developed with a good mixture of historical accuracy and believable characters which, although lighter on historical facts than the first two books, is crafted in a way that draws the reader into a very real sense of the period. The tension, instability and unpredictability of living through a time of great uncertainty is captured well and the author has done a wonderful job of fleshing out her characters and making them vibrant while keeping them true to their reality.

    At the heart of the story are the two intertwined romances of Ashley and Athenais and Francis and Pauline. Ashley and Athenais have an easier path to tread than Francis and Pauline who are the more complex characters with more issues and obstacles to overcome. I particularly liked Pauline who is sharp, loyal, clever and courageous; Francis has his work cut out to win her heart.

    Ms Riley writes with a sense of authenticity around the lives, actions and experiences of her characters and this is particularly well evidenced in her handling of the rape scene. She writes realistically and allows the character to grow and change in response to her experience of the assault in a very real way; showing how, for a considerable time, the rape defines the character and everything she does as she struggles to cope with the initial shock and dissociation of the attack, followed by the residual mental and physical effects of a sexual assault which can permeate the daily lives of survivors, making it difficult to heal. She demonstrates the impact on interpersonal relationships and the difficulties with communication, intimacy and trust that rape victims often experience and does not try to ‘fix’ it for her character. – Well done, not an easy subject to write about.

    All in all an excellent sequel to ‘Black Madonna’ and ‘Garland of Straw’ which I would recommend to anyone who has an interest in historical novels, and this period of history in particular. Could I also just add my voice to others in asking for a happy outcome for Eden, my favourite character in the series?
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