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Felix Brooke #3
The Teeth of the Gale
At the request of the nun with whom he is in love, eighteen-year-old Felix embarks on a perilous rescue mission across the strife-torn countryside of Spain in the late 1820s. Sequel to "Go Saddle the Sea" and "Bridle the Wind."
307 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1988
8 people are currently reading
135 people want to read
About the author
Joan Aiken
331 books601 followersJoan Aiken was a much loved English writer who received the MBE for services to Children's Literature. She was known as a writer of wild fantasy, Gothic novels and short stories.
She was born in Rye, East Sussex, into a family of writers, including her father, Conrad Aiken (who won a Pulitzer Prize for his poetry), and her sister, Jane Aiken Hodge. She worked for the United Nations Information Office during the second world war, and then as an editor and freelance on Argosy magazine before she started writing full time, mainly children's books and thrillers. For her books she received the Guardian Award (1969) and the Edgar Allan Poe Award (1972).
Her most popular series, the "Wolves Chronicles" which began with The Wolves of Willoughby Chase, was set in an elaborate alternate period of history in a Britain in which James II was never deposed in the Glorious Revolution,and so supporters of the House of Hanover continually plot to overthrow the Stuart Kings. These books also feature cockney urchin heroine Dido Twite and her adventures and travels all over the world.
Another series of children's books about Arabel and her raven Mortimer are illustrated by Quentin Blake, and have been shown on the BBC as Jackanory and drama series. Others including the much loved Necklace of Raindrops and award winning Kingdom Under the Sea are illustrated by Jan Pieńkowski.
Her many novels for adults include several that continue or complement novels by Jane Austen. These include Mansfield Revisited and Jane Fairfax.
Aiken was a lifelong fan of ghost stories. She set her adult supernatural novel The Haunting of Lamb House at Lamb House in Rye (now a National Trust property). This ghost story recounts in fictional form an alleged haunting experienced by two former residents of the house, Henry James and E. F. Benson, both of whom also wrote ghost stories. Aiken's father, Conrad Aiken, also authored a small number of notable ghost stories.
She was born in Rye, East Sussex, into a family of writers, including her father, Conrad Aiken (who won a Pulitzer Prize for his poetry), and her sister, Jane Aiken Hodge. She worked for the United Nations Information Office during the second world war, and then as an editor and freelance on Argosy magazine before she started writing full time, mainly children's books and thrillers. For her books she received the Guardian Award (1969) and the Edgar Allan Poe Award (1972).
Her most popular series, the "Wolves Chronicles" which began with The Wolves of Willoughby Chase, was set in an elaborate alternate period of history in a Britain in which James II was never deposed in the Glorious Revolution,and so supporters of the House of Hanover continually plot to overthrow the Stuart Kings. These books also feature cockney urchin heroine Dido Twite and her adventures and travels all over the world.
Another series of children's books about Arabel and her raven Mortimer are illustrated by Quentin Blake, and have been shown on the BBC as Jackanory and drama series. Others including the much loved Necklace of Raindrops and award winning Kingdom Under the Sea are illustrated by Jan Pieńkowski.
Her many novels for adults include several that continue or complement novels by Jane Austen. These include Mansfield Revisited and Jane Fairfax.
Aiken was a lifelong fan of ghost stories. She set her adult supernatural novel The Haunting of Lamb House at Lamb House in Rye (now a National Trust property). This ghost story recounts in fictional form an alleged haunting experienced by two former residents of the house, Henry James and E. F. Benson, both of whom also wrote ghost stories. Aiken's father, Conrad Aiken, also authored a small number of notable ghost stories.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
June 28, 2013
The resourceful teenager of Bridle the Wind has, five years later, turned into the resourceful young man of this, the final volume in the Felix Brooke trilogy, but though its speedy, almost perfunctory ending seemed to suggest the way was open for a follow-up, this was sadly not to be. A pity, as Felix is an engaging if slightly humourless character, and well matched by the prickly Juana, the object of his attentions.
As with Bridle the Wind and its predecessor Go Saddle the Sea, this volume is set in early 19th-century Spain following the Napoleonic Wars, now riven with rival political factions (as the author’s own Afterword helpfully tells us). Felix is persuaded to go on a mission to rescue the kidnapped children of a nobleman, but all is not as it initially seems even though enough clues are presented to the honest young man along the way. The action ranges from Galicia in the north-west, across the Basque Country and Pamplona to the lands south of the central Pyrenees, thus covering some of the ground familiar from Felix’s earlier adventures, latterly with Juana. Joan Aiken captures much of the intrigue that 19th-century historical novels are rife with, not to mention the jeopardy inherent in climbing precipitous mountains, staying in isolated villages and coping with dangerous wild animals such as bears. Even for someone like me who is not over-familiar with this part of the world or is halting in the language, the colour she brings to her setting and plot seem authentic enough, and though we know this is fiction it has enough plausibility for the reader to believe it could almost be true. And, perhaps in a final nod to Jane Austen’s Northanger Abbey (which Go Saddle the Sea referenced) the climax of the tale is set in a ruined castle much as Catherine Morland imagined it: “What, is it really a castle, an old castle?” – “The oldest in the kingdom.” – “But is it like what one reads of?” – “Exactly – the very same.” – “But now really – are there towers and long galleries?” – “By dozens.”
Familiar from most of Joan Aiken’s fiction is the delight a mature reader may garner from all the little period details that could pass by a younger or less experienced reader: the flavour of 19th-century writing, the use of Spanish terms and phrases, the references to local history and topography, the ordinariness of much of the everyday events which renders the extraordinary, when it happens, less incredible. She also does not avoid the reality of unhappiness and death by shielding the target audience from their existence so be warned: some characters you might invest empathy in do not survive. In common with her more whimsical tales, such as the Dido Twite novels or the fairytale short stories, there are recurring motifs, such as death by falling from a great height, but unlike, say, Bridle the Wind there is little magic realism, Aiken here preferring to simply narrate an exciting tale of adventure and derring-do.
It’s evident that Aiken was keen to resolve some of the loose ends left dangling at the close of Bridle the Wind, especially whether Felix manages to re-connect with Juana. It’s not a modern romance, and Aiken doesn’t choose to sugar-coat the relationship; it’s not as unresolved though as the situation in the Wolves of Willoughby Chase sequence where we are left to wonder if Dido and Simon marry.* If not as strong a work then as the previous two in the trilogy there is still much to enjoy; and if the mark of a good novel is that it is worth reading again, I shall certainly be keeping The Teeth of the Gale on my shelves for a re-visit, along with the others in the trilogy.
____________________________________
* Charles Kingsley also refused to unite Tom and Ellie in nuptial bliss in The Water-Babies, on rather spurious grounds: “And of course Tom married Ellie?” – My dear child, what a silly notion! Don’t you know that no one ever marries in a fairy tale, under the rank of a prince or a princess?
http://wp.me/s2oNj1-gale
As with Bridle the Wind and its predecessor Go Saddle the Sea, this volume is set in early 19th-century Spain following the Napoleonic Wars, now riven with rival political factions (as the author’s own Afterword helpfully tells us). Felix is persuaded to go on a mission to rescue the kidnapped children of a nobleman, but all is not as it initially seems even though enough clues are presented to the honest young man along the way. The action ranges from Galicia in the north-west, across the Basque Country and Pamplona to the lands south of the central Pyrenees, thus covering some of the ground familiar from Felix’s earlier adventures, latterly with Juana. Joan Aiken captures much of the intrigue that 19th-century historical novels are rife with, not to mention the jeopardy inherent in climbing precipitous mountains, staying in isolated villages and coping with dangerous wild animals such as bears. Even for someone like me who is not over-familiar with this part of the world or is halting in the language, the colour she brings to her setting and plot seem authentic enough, and though we know this is fiction it has enough plausibility for the reader to believe it could almost be true. And, perhaps in a final nod to Jane Austen’s Northanger Abbey (which Go Saddle the Sea referenced) the climax of the tale is set in a ruined castle much as Catherine Morland imagined it: “What, is it really a castle, an old castle?” – “The oldest in the kingdom.” – “But is it like what one reads of?” – “Exactly – the very same.” – “But now really – are there towers and long galleries?” – “By dozens.”
Familiar from most of Joan Aiken’s fiction is the delight a mature reader may garner from all the little period details that could pass by a younger or less experienced reader: the flavour of 19th-century writing, the use of Spanish terms and phrases, the references to local history and topography, the ordinariness of much of the everyday events which renders the extraordinary, when it happens, less incredible. She also does not avoid the reality of unhappiness and death by shielding the target audience from their existence so be warned: some characters you might invest empathy in do not survive. In common with her more whimsical tales, such as the Dido Twite novels or the fairytale short stories, there are recurring motifs, such as death by falling from a great height, but unlike, say, Bridle the Wind there is little magic realism, Aiken here preferring to simply narrate an exciting tale of adventure and derring-do.
It’s evident that Aiken was keen to resolve some of the loose ends left dangling at the close of Bridle the Wind, especially whether Felix manages to re-connect with Juana. It’s not a modern romance, and Aiken doesn’t choose to sugar-coat the relationship; it’s not as unresolved though as the situation in the Wolves of Willoughby Chase sequence where we are left to wonder if Dido and Simon marry.* If not as strong a work then as the previous two in the trilogy there is still much to enjoy; and if the mark of a good novel is that it is worth reading again, I shall certainly be keeping The Teeth of the Gale on my shelves for a re-visit, along with the others in the trilogy.
____________________________________
* Charles Kingsley also refused to unite Tom and Ellie in nuptial bliss in The Water-Babies, on rather spurious grounds: “And of course Tom married Ellie?” – My dear child, what a silly notion! Don’t you know that no one ever marries in a fairy tale, under the rank of a prince or a princess?
http://wp.me/s2oNj1-gale
May 23, 2025
three stars and a half,
I didn't enjoy this one as much as the previous too, I think in this one the adventure was less wild, and as much as it has a happy ending, It was summed up in one paragraph, I wanted a more proper epilogue , and a glimpse of the future of the character, Alas , that was not given.
I didn't enjoy this one as much as the previous too, I think in this one the adventure was less wild, and as much as it has a happy ending, It was summed up in one paragraph, I wanted a more proper epilogue , and a glimpse of the future of the character, Alas , that was not given.
June 15, 2020
Loved loved LOVED this historical series by Joan Aiken. Highly recommended!
January 31, 2009
The main character jumps from age thirteen in the preceding book of this series to eighteen in this, so I suppose it should be YA, but the earlier books seemed clearly middle grade, so I'd still call it middle-grade, though I think it would appeal more to slightly older readers. I still love Felix, but I loved him more as a twelve- and thirteen-year-old than eighteen. Oh, well, children do grow, and he needed to be older for this one to end the way it did, but I won't spoil it. Again, Aiken pulls off great adventure with lots of danger and surprise, really enjoyable to read while I was sick. But, like Saddle the Sea, the last page just stops without a feeling of ending. Weird last sentence, I thought, almost like she didn't quite finish the final draft. Well, some writers are great at beginnings and middles, some better at endings. Still a delightful read.
February 14, 2017
Loved this.
It was a bold move to move on several years and make Felix a young man in this book. I was surprised, and then delighted.
The multilayered characters are wonderful. The setting and attention to historical detail (whether faithful or not) is engrossing.
It was a bold move to move on several years and make Felix a young man in this book. I was surprised, and then delighted.
The multilayered characters are wonderful. The setting and attention to historical detail (whether faithful or not) is engrossing.
April 12, 2020
A good read at any age.
I read this trilogy as a teen in the 1990 and over 20 years later it is still a good read I feel as if I was in Spain during that time and am part of the culture. Once I started reading I could not stop.
I read this trilogy as a teen in the 1990 and over 20 years later it is still a good read I feel as if I was in Spain during that time and am part of the culture. Once I started reading I could not stop.
December 31, 2021
Oh, Joan Aiken. Your trilogy hurt me so much, I couldn't bring myself to write this review for months after finishing this last installment.
"The Teeth of the Gale" is set a few years after the previous book, "Bridle the Wind." We find Felix, now a young man getting through his studies, called to his grandfather's side on urgent business. Political turmoil is in the air. His family's position is uncertain, and treachery lurks nearby. Felix, however, has a seemingly simple task. His beloved Juana, now in a nunnery, has called on him to help a relative of hers whose children have been kidnapped by their reportedly mad father. Felix and his grandfather sense a trap, not from Juana so much as from the timing and the odd circumstances. But Felix would never fail Juana, so he leaves with his family's brave servant, Pedro.
There's something indescribably excellent about Aiken's writing. Is it the tone? The mood? The subtle care that Aiken put into crafting a believable 19th century Spain at the onset of dark, unsettling period of turmoil? I couldn't say. But the net result is that her characters are brave, kind, and faced with difficult decisions that I don't often see portrayed in children's fiction but is, well, very typical of Aiken's work. Did I cry at the tender moments as well as the horrifying ones? I sure did. Why do you think this review is so late?
Recommended if you like Joan Aiken's work, or simply enjoy excellent historical fiction with compelling characters and a plot that isn't afraid to be bittersweet (or downright dark at time). I'll be rereading this trilogy for years to come.
"The Teeth of the Gale" is set a few years after the previous book, "Bridle the Wind." We find Felix, now a young man getting through his studies, called to his grandfather's side on urgent business. Political turmoil is in the air. His family's position is uncertain, and treachery lurks nearby. Felix, however, has a seemingly simple task. His beloved Juana, now in a nunnery, has called on him to help a relative of hers whose children have been kidnapped by their reportedly mad father. Felix and his grandfather sense a trap, not from Juana so much as from the timing and the odd circumstances. But Felix would never fail Juana, so he leaves with his family's brave servant, Pedro.
There's something indescribably excellent about Aiken's writing. Is it the tone? The mood? The subtle care that Aiken put into crafting a believable 19th century Spain at the onset of dark, unsettling period of turmoil? I couldn't say. But the net result is that her characters are brave, kind, and faced with difficult decisions that I don't often see portrayed in children's fiction but is, well, very typical of Aiken's work. Did I cry at the tender moments as well as the horrifying ones? I sure did. Why do you think this review is so late?
Recommended if you like Joan Aiken's work, or simply enjoy excellent historical fiction with compelling characters and a plot that isn't afraid to be bittersweet (or downright dark at time). I'll be rereading this trilogy for years to come.
August 27, 2023
Such a fun adventure/light romance set in a fascinating time of history. I admit I had no idea of what was going on in this time period of history in Spain (1820s) but I sure learned a lot from this adventure. The emphasis is usually on Napoleon and France and England and it was so interesting to read about the Spanish wars and troubles and struggle for a Constitution and more freedoms.
I didn’t know there were 2 previous books in this series but it read fine as a stand alone as well.
I didn’t know there were 2 previous books in this series but it read fine as a stand alone as well.
October 4, 2020
Not quite as engaging as the first two, but had a satisfying conclusion.
July 26, 2022
Another practically perfect adventure. With one of the very best reveals of any book ever which I DID NOT SEE COMING.
April 2, 2025
It was so lovely to read the whole Felix trilogy again as an adult, Joan Aiken is such a good writer.
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March 3, 2017I'm so sad that there aren't any more books in this series! I love Felix and his companions, his grandfather, and the beautiful countries that are much of the charm of this series. So much adventure and drama, and even a touch of sweet romance. :-)
They just don't publish books like these anymore--but hey, at least this series is still in print!
They just don't publish books like these anymore--but hey, at least this series is still in print!
February 27, 2013
Another "young adult" novel, this one set in early nineteenth century Spain, and also part of a trilogy (in this case, the last). The series follows the (mis)adventures of orphan Felix Brooke, bastard? son of an English soldier (who turns out to have been the second son of a duke) and a Spanish noblewoman, in a Spain wracked by poverty, crime, war, political problems, and evil of all stripes (warning: there is a lot of disturbing content, like severe child abuse, random murders for no particular reason, for whom no one is ever punished, and torture). Aiken is a wonderful writer, and it is fascinating to follow Felix's psychological development from a callow 13-year-old to a mature young man ready for grave responsibilities (as a husband, father, and manager of large estates). This book is the weakest of the series (the best is the second one, Bridle the Wind), but still excellent. Grade: A-.
August 2, 2013
This final book in the series just didn't do it for me like BRIDLE THE WIND. However, it's important to note that a 3-star Joan Aiken book still has the power to surprise and to shock. This writer is not afraid to go to very dark places, but it's still quite appropriate for younger readers. There were some excellent musings about the injustices that people suffer in this world.
I felt that the historical details were mostly meaningless to me, and they weighed sections down like lead. The character interactions were bland, except for Pedro, who was always entertaining. I felt like you could see the plot twists from far away EXCEPT when Joan pulls the rug out from under you. At least twice!
I felt that the historical details were mostly meaningless to me, and they weighed sections down like lead. The character interactions were bland, except for Pedro, who was always entertaining. I felt like you could see the plot twists from far away EXCEPT when Joan pulls the rug out from under you. At least twice!
December 4, 2015
A fine conclusion to a set of fine adventures. I love how Felix consults with God in all his adventures. It's so natural and instinctive. I think the middle novel was the best in construction and execution, but if you read one, you have to read them all. They are quick reads.
January 13, 2011
not as good as the second one. the ending was a bit unsatisfactory. :( left me wanting more, though there is not.
March 28, 2011
Superb conclusion to the Felix trilogy. Highly recommended.
November 22, 2011
I'm still not sure why I enjoyed this trilogy so much, but I did. Immensely readable, although I would have enjoyed one more chapter in this book.
May 29, 2012
Okay, so I bought this series hardbound (used) from Amazon. That's how much I liked them, and want my kids to read them. Can I give it any better rating?
August 29, 2013
Probably more like a 3.5.
February 15, 2014
Felix Brooke #3. Still has the talking to God stuff, and adds a fair bit romance stuff (which was to be expected from the end of "Bridle the Wind").
October 3, 2014
Enjoyable and fast-pased
February 7, 2015
A fitting conclusion to the Felix Brook trilogy. Lots of action, some sadness, an occasional twist, and a satisfying conclusion.
February 10, 2022
This trilogy is thoroughly enjoyable. This is my second time through, and I think it was even more delightful the second time around!
December 15, 2024
TIME JUMP and now Felix is no longer a child and there are ADVENTURES and CONSPIRACIES and LOVE and revisiting old characters and Spanish history I knew nothing about.
March 29, 2015
Another excellent book. Must read everything this author has written.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews