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drearyletters's review against another edition
I liked the setting and concept of the story, but the pov switches were too frequent and took me out of the story. It felt like every chapter was a summary. In the end, I set it down for a few days and couldn’t make myself pick it up again.
thebookshelfofrat's review
2.0
Pretty sure this book was only written so the author could rave about an underappreciated medieval Italian artist and go into detail about how paints were made in this period. Which, honestly, fair enough, good for her. At least she managed to make the interesting historical infodump relevant to the plot.
adeperi's review against another edition
5.0
Mary Hoffman is brilliant! I read this after reading the Stravaganza series, and it was just as good! It's rare for an author to have so many books that are original, interesting, and constantly leaving you on the edge of your seat. I have so much respect for this author.
jbojkov's review against another edition
2.0
Not sure what all the fuss was about with this one. In fact, to be fair, I only read about half b/c I have a really long list and don't want to waste any time on things that don't catch me at least halfway thru!
fiona_readerly's review against another edition
hopeful
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
I really enjoyed this YA historical fiction. I wish it had been a bit longer and more in depth perhaps. However, a well written introduction to historical fiction for younger readers.
abigailbat's review against another edition
5.0
A rich historical fiction novel about a sixteen-year-old nobleman named Silvano who is in love with the beautiful Angelica. Angelica is married to a man she does not love and one day her husband is found murdered - stabbed with Silvano's dagger. Silvano claims that he didn't do it and his father sends him to take sanctuary at a friary in a nearby town while they figure out who the real murderer is. Meanwhile, the pretty, young Chiara is sent to the nextdoor convent because there is not money enough for her dowry. She knows that she has no calling to be a nun, but she feels trapped by her situations. When Chiara and Silvano meet, there are instant sparks. But a murder at the friary throws everything into disarray...
I don't like mysteries, but I loved this book. The detailed historical setting was really appealing to me and it has several nice romantic elements. Hoffman creates a world that it is easy to get lost in and characters that are unforgettable.
Highly recommended for fans of historical fiction.
Readalike suggestions: If you like this one, try Hoffman's other series, the Stravaganza books. I've also heard this book compared to Umberto Eco's Name of the Rose.
I don't like mysteries, but I loved this book. The detailed historical setting was really appealing to me and it has several nice romantic elements. Hoffman creates a world that it is easy to get lost in and characters that are unforgettable.
Highly recommended for fans of historical fiction.
Readalike suggestions: If you like this one, try Hoffman's other series, the Stravaganza books. I've also heard this book compared to Umberto Eco's Name of the Rose.
saraza3's review against another edition
challenging
informative
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death and Murder
Moderate: Mental illness
Minor: Infidelity, Rape, and Death of parent
ladylondonderry's review against another edition
5.0
Compelling story! I loved it, although it took quite a while to get through, that was probably because of college life and having no time for anything.
holtfan's review against another edition
5.0
2019 Review-5 Stars
It is always delightful to come back to a book you used to love and find it just as good as you remembered. It doesn't always happen. But I was cautiously and pleasantly delighted by what I found re-reading this one. The characters remain flawed but lovable. More important, I think, I really appreciate how the author characterizes the monks and the spiritual and secular nature of a calling. The revolving viewpoints worked well for keeping the story going and I really like that a range of male and female characters get POVs.
Earlier Review-4 Stars
How do you get around to reviewing a book you've read over and over again? You just don't. There is no way I could ever do justice to a book that has brought such pleasure and amusement, but I'm gong to try anyway because YOU need to read it.
Silvano da Montacuto has everything going for him: he is the only son a wealthy family, handsome, smart, and in love. Of course, the fact that said woman doesn't realize he exist (and is married to boot!)fazes him not a bit! He is certain he will win her love. When the woman's husband is murdered and Silvano's dagger is found in the man's chest, things don't look so good. Forced to flee to a monastery, his only hope is that his father can clear his name.
Meanwhile, Chiara, a young woman from a poor family, is unwillingly given to the Poor Claires (a group of nuns) because her brother refuses to pay for a dowry. Unhappy with the idea of becoming a nun and spending the rest of her life in one place, she doesn't believe for a moment that the new 'brother' in the monastery next door is any true monk.
When people start dying at the monastery Silvano is staying at, things take an even worse turn.
With humor, suspense, and romance, "The Falconer's Knot" is a book I have truly enjoyed many, many times.
It is always delightful to come back to a book you used to love and find it just as good as you remembered. It doesn't always happen. But I was cautiously and pleasantly delighted by what I found re-reading this one. The characters remain flawed but lovable. More important, I think, I really appreciate how the author characterizes the monks and the spiritual and secular nature of a calling. The revolving viewpoints worked well for keeping the story going and I really like that a range of male and female characters get POVs.
Earlier Review-4 Stars
How do you get around to reviewing a book you've read over and over again? You just don't. There is no way I could ever do justice to a book that has brought such pleasure and amusement, but I'm gong to try anyway because YOU need to read it.
Silvano da Montacuto has everything going for him: he is the only son a wealthy family, handsome, smart, and in love. Of course, the fact that said woman doesn't realize he exist (and is married to boot!)fazes him not a bit! He is certain he will win her love. When the woman's husband is murdered and Silvano's dagger is found in the man's chest, things don't look so good. Forced to flee to a monastery, his only hope is that his father can clear his name.
Meanwhile, Chiara, a young woman from a poor family, is unwillingly given to the Poor Claires (a group of nuns) because her brother refuses to pay for a dowry. Unhappy with the idea of becoming a nun and spending the rest of her life in one place, she doesn't believe for a moment that the new 'brother' in the monastery next door is any true monk.
When people start dying at the monastery Silvano is staying at, things take an even worse turn.
With humor, suspense, and romance, "The Falconer's Knot" is a book I have truly enjoyed many, many times.