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The Falcons of Fire and Ice

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The Falcons of Fire and Ice

By: Karen Maitland
Narrated by: David Thorpe
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About this listen

1564, Lisbon. The Inquisition displays its power and ruthlessly spreads fear. Heretics are tortured and burned. Isabela, daughter of the Falconer at the Royal Court, is about to be caught in the Church’s terrifying schemes. The slaughter of two of the King’s precious white falcons sees her father arrested and imprisoned.

He and his family will be killed unless the birds are replaced. Isabela decides only she can save her father. These birds are impossibly rare, and she will have to travel far - to strange lands - to find them. Unfortunately the Church has sent a companion to ensure she never returns...

©2013 Karen Maitland (P)2013 Oakhill Publishing Historical Fiction Fiction

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Critic reviews

"A tour de force: dark and woven with the supernatural" ( Daily Mail)
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It is an unusual plot, taking place between Portugal and Iceland in the 16th Century. I am not a fantasy fan and was not aware that this was a fantasy story when I bought it. The plot was interesting and the narrator excelled himself devising different voices from both countries. However, saga is a true description. I thought it would never end and admit to skimming past the endless reminiscences of the main characters. A great idea but too long by far.

Much too long

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I've read a number of Karen Maitland's books and enjoyed all of them and this is my favourite. I really liked the characters and was sorry to leave them.

Didn't want it to end

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Takes a long time to get into...but worth it in the end. interesting story.

Takes a long time

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Like many I loved company of liars - and have enjoyed several more Karen Maitland books. This one is my least favourite and it was harder for me to follow at times. I still think it was really worth a listen and some elements I loved. The female characters are great, strong and with agency, and the rogues were as entertaining as I would expect. The inquisition is just terrifying, and I found the antagonist particularly horrific.

Interesting time and location

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Honestly - everyone sounds like Speedy Gonzales. C'mon it's Portugal - it shouldn't be that difficult to research! About halfway through it was beyond irritating.

Ridiculous Portuguese accents

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The narrator was excellent, as was the tale. I love Karen Maitland’s mix of history and mysticism and I feel this is the best one I have listened to yet.

Thoroughly Good Listen

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A brilliant performance by David Thorpe of a terrific story. Loved the open ending too.

Dark, intriguing and, at times, funny.

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One of my absolute favourite narrators for one of my favourite authors...this audiobook is just brilliant!

David Thorpe Rocks!!

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Excellent story, and sense of place. I really enjoyed it. The narration is really fantastic.

Fabulous narration.

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Another brilliant story very well read. If you liked the other books you'll like this.

Brilliant as always

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