The Falcon Confession

Raptors of Fate Trilogy #1

by John V. Norris

This historical thriller is a novel of layered secrets, fickle love, and tests of mettle. The story follows Edith, an ostracized noblewoman, and Aidan, a timid monastic novice, as they strive to protect a mysterious book from the conquering Normans. For this unlikely pair, the text with a golden falcon on the cover is more than just a precious treasure; it's the vision of an endangered future. Chasing them is the rapacious Norman Bishop Odo, who lusts for the book's destruction because the story contained therein would ruin him if it ever came to light. From the tranquil shores of Bosham, to the killing field near Hastings, and into the coronation hall of Westminster Abbey, the story shows how victims of history can persevere to forge lasting legacies of their own.

Firmly set against the backdrop of historical events, The Falcon Confession is a product of meticulous research, a wild imagination, and a belief that history books only tell half the story. Inspired by his grandmother's research that traced his roots back to the Norman Conquest, the author has worked on this novel for the past six years. The work included research trips to the British Library, interviews with cathedral archivists, attendance at the 2006 Battle of Hastings reenactment, and the handling of ancient manuscripts at Worcester Abbey.

Genres: Historical Fiction

448 pages, Paperback

Published August 1, 2016

Reviews

[Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Powerful book! It is a perfect show of the history of the time-- All of the fighting between the monarchies in England and Normandy. It's amazing to me the lengths that the leaders would go to put who they wanted in power and how crazy it got among families, fighting with each other for the right to rule. This book is also sad to see how so many of the men who were loyal to England were forced to fight for Normandy upon threat of their families lives. So the leaders and family in England thought these men were traitors, when in fact this wasn't true at all, in their hearts. It was a hard time in history. Hundreds of thousands of men dying in battle, over a fight for land and power. I always have thought this was foolish. Anyway, the book is an amazing story as it focuses on the english king Harold and his fight for power and his family: His strong wife Edith as she struggles to survive and raise her children as Harold is off fighting wars. And his adopted son Aidan who is studying to be a monk, and has gifts as a scribe. Aidan's story is crucial to the book, as his talents as a scribe end up being used in a powerful way, recording an important confession of the king, of his time of captivity in Normandy. I couldn't put this book down. It's a suspenseful story as you wait to see who survives this time of war. I highly recommend this book.

[Robyn Cramer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have a love/hate relationship with historical fiction. This story follows Edith, an ostracized noblewoman, and Aidan, a timid monastic novice, as they strive to protect a mysterious book from the conquering Normans. For this unlikely pair, the text with a golden falcon on the cover is more than just a precious treasure; it's the vision of an endangered future. Chasing them is the rapacious Norman Bishop Odo, who lusts for the book's destruction because the story contained therein would ruin him if it ever came to light. From the tranquil shores of Bosham, to the killing field near Hastings, and into the coronation hall of Westminster Abbey, the story shows how victims of history can persevere to forge lasting legacies of their own.

I loved this book. So many times with historical fiction, you get too much detail that you find yourself taking notes to keep track of people or events. This book is a great balance between historical facts and telling an amazing story. The flow of the book works well by introducing the characters in a way that distinguishes them without taking away from the historical facts of the book.

This is the first time reading a book from this author and I will definateley read him again. I received a free copy for an honest review.

[Chris Sanford · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel is an outstanding historical fiction. Told from the point of view of and following the life of a young novice monk Aidan, and his adopted family in a time of conflict between Normandy and England for the throne. The balance of power for the island is not the only struggle, with the churches involvement and conflict with Islam the fate of the lives of many throughout their world are at stake. This is a powerful book and the characters and story bring the history to life. not only do you become invested in their fight for their lives and country but also what drives them becomes a key element to the outcome. with all the fighting, loss of life, spying, war, love and sacrifices all surrounding a book that may alter the outcome and fate of many, this thrill ride shows all the sides of humanity. I found it intriguing how the powerful men and those striving for power even in the church play with sin and power manipulation and people's lives to meet their needs and how it only plagued a few of their conscious. I highly recommend this book and am excited to read the next in the series The Dove Rebellion.

[Pete Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have to admit I didn’t know what to expect of a book with the title “The Falcon Confession.” It sounds like it might be a “Da Vince Code” want-a-be. But I was pleasantly surprised. This is a very well researched historical novel. Though you will probably have to hit Wikipedia or your dictionary occasionally; it’s not chuck full of medieval terminology included in an attempt to impress you with the author’s knowledge.

This is an easy read and not only entertaining but educational.

[Isis Ray-sisco · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Falcon Confession by John V. Norris is an interesting read. I liked it and look forward to reading the next book in the series. I liked the characters and the story line. I liked the history that is laced throughout the pages as well. It is interesting to think of all the events that happened and what might not have been recorded. This book has religious aspects to it but it isn't the only focus within the pages. There is a lot to the story. The characters are well developed and interesting. Some were really great and others were not. I would recommend The Falcon Confession to those who enjoy historical fiction.

[Ben · Rating 3 out of 5]

I won a copy of this book from Goodreads to reD and review.
"The Falcon Confession"is an historical novel set at the time of the Norman Conquest of England in 1066. The historical record of those times, although almost 1000 years ago are as clear as they could be for an age of scant literacy, and this allows for the author to build his tale of dynastic warfare.
The Falcon Confession of the title is a book which is comprised of a secret conversation Harald, an English thane and prisoner of Willaim, overheard between William of Normandy, aka "The Conqurer" and his brother, the fearsome, conniving, ambitous Bishop Odo of Bayeaux. This was a plan hatched for William to invade England when the sickly English King Edward died. William's justification for this would be the lack of a strong, grown son as successor, as against William's own claim to the throne. With England in hand under his Catholic majesty, William, the Bishop Odo the odious( I just couldn't resist that) could push to lead an assault on the land of the Saracens to regain the Holy Land., not to mention his getting even richer.
Against his plot comes Harald, the putative successor to the English throne. Harald , while a" guest , that is prisoner, of William" escapes to England. He writes down all he heard in a " confession" or what we might call a manifesto justifying his own claim to the throne. This written confession is given to a Benedictine brother to be copied, a job done by a novice , Adian, skilled in calligraphy and decoration. The book is covered in leather embossed with a falcon; hence the title.
Form this comes the story of the novel. William, Odo and the expansionist Norman knights versus the good Harald, his faithful wife Edith, the monk Wulfstan and the novice Adian and Saxon thanes. It comes to a climax at the Battle of Hastings. Or , rather, climax interruptus. After his victory William and Odo must recover and destroy the book and Edith and Adian must protect it to use to rouse rebellion against William. What happens after William is enthroned culminates in a harrowing " trial by ordeal" i.e., by fire, with Adain accused of treason. Quite a scene.

Mr. Norris' has peopled his book with interesting characters and provides the reader with just enough historical fact to propel his fictional contrivance about the "Falcon Confession". It has all the required components of a historical novel: ambition, greed, duplicity and treachery versus abiding love, stalwart heroism, courage and faithful service. It is a bit wordy as the author sets up all his side issues, but that is offset by a good depiction of the great battle which brings William his sobriquet.
One other thing: this novel, as it turns out, will eventually be followed by a sequel, not yet published, so the reader is left wondering about the fate of Edith, Aidian and " The Falcon Confession" .
That cost it a half star in my rating ( it is an annoyance when a book leaves me hanging with a " buy the next installment in this thrilling tale") otherwise, a good book for fans of historical novels who are filled up on the Tudors and Plantagenets.
Violent hack and slash warfare. A bit of romance. No vulgarity except for a few common words from the Anglo-Saxon vocbluary.

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[Melisende · Rating 3 out of 5]

What he saw shocked him to the core. Harold Godwinson, the Earl of Wessex, the Subregulus of England, the commander of the royal army, and the man who rescued Aidan from certain death, shook like a Devil-possessed child. His chest raised and lowered in disjointed breathes and his blue eyes searched everywhere and nowhere at once.

If you are reading or have read this book it is due to the fact you have an interest in the history leading up to and including the Norman Conquest of England in 1066. Events here are taking place in the years before - Harold is not yet King but a powerful earl, the Normans are still on the other side of the Channel, plotting and planning.

So simply, the story of the invasion is told in alternating narrative: Odo, Bishop of Bayeux, half-brother to Duke William, and who comes across as truly odious; Aidan, a novice at Bosham (co-incidently the principal residence of Harold); Edith Swanneck, Harold's hand-fast wife and mother of a number of his offspring; and lastly, that of Harold himself, a man tormented, whose narrative is in the form of recollection or confession, as is dictated to Aidan in the presence of Bishop Wulfstan of Worcester.

And it is this shocking confession that is at the heart of the story - the Falcon Confession - what secret is slowly being revealed by Harold and what ruin will it bring. It is for Aidan and Edith to protect and at costs, not allow it to fall into the clutches of Bishop Odo..

The various alternating narratives given an overall picture of what was happening in both Normandy and England at the times from both the Norman and Anglo-Saxon perspectives. One character the was notable due to his absence was King Edward the Confessor - a man surely at the heart of the succession crisis that lead to the Conquest.

It is a complex and fascinating period of history, and this fictional tome will add another dimension.

[Kaija Rayne · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a fantastic representation of historical fiction. I loved it especially because it's told from the POV of Novice monk Aidan during the conflict between Normandy and England. It's a fascinating time period to read about and the history is spot on. Well done and worth the read!