Reviews (38)

A must read
I read this book after I read On Fortune's Wheel and it made understand a lot better some details of the book, of course it is meant to be read prior to OFW. The book is great. If you love fantasy, adventure and a bit of romance, read this book.

One worth the reading and rereading and rereading....
Cynthia Voight is an Arachne of storyweaving!
Great start
I really enjoyed this book. It was a much stronger told story than Voigt's more experimental Orfe. All the characters get a chance to mature over the course of Jackaroo and enough loose ends are tied up by the conclusion to give the book a satisifying sense of closure while still leaving the Kingdom interesting enough to start off a series of book. I certainly will want to read more of the books in this series! The book would have been even better if Voigt had tightened up the first half of the book where she introduces Gwyn and her motivations for her adventures in the second half of the book. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Action & Adventure    2. Action & Adventure - General    3. Children's 12-Up - Fiction - General    4. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 7-9)    5. Fiction    6. Heroes    7. Heroes and heroines    8. Historical Fiction (Young Adult)    9. Juvenile Fiction    10. Love & Romance    11. Science Fiction, Fantasy, & Magic    12. Voigt, Cynthia    13. Adventure stories    14. Juvenile Fiction / Science Fiction, Fantasy, Magic   

Reviews (14)

This book gave me 3 lovely dreams!!!
Oh yesss! Dreams of handsome, heroic, brave, strong, romantic, dashing, yummy, etc. etc. guys! I think I'd better reread it right now; maybe I'll get some more nice dreams. Ladies, you need this book even if you have to put up with a cruddy used copy from Amazon resales. (I'll bet someone's stolen the copy from your local library!)

I have read it a million times!!!
This book is fantastic. I bought it about a year ago, and I have read it a million times. I loved the mystery behind the "falcon", and the touch of romance all around. The characters are fascinating and keep you hooked. READ THIS BOOK! YOU WILL LOVE IT!

Why Couldn't Be MAde into A Movie? One of My All Time Faves!
I have collected and read many of Barbara Michaels' Books and this one is My favorite. Set during the Italian Revolution, it gives you a different perspective of Italian History, through English eyes. It was very well written, so much so, that you feel as if the excitement in the book, is very real!! The main characters are intelligent, witty, and daring. You cheer for them throughout the book. I wish this were made into a movie, so visual people, like myself, could indulge in it further. Whether you're a closet romantic, history student, or mystery buff --- you'll want to read it twice....like I did!!! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Fiction    2. Fiction - Romance    3. General    4. Michaels, Barbara - Prose & Criticism    5. Romance - Gothic    6. Romance - Historical    7. Romance - Suspense    8. Romance: Gothic    9. Fiction / General   

Editorial Review

"The Volkking struggled, but his sickness attacked him both day and night, a war band giving the enemy no respite of sleep." With the first sentence of Read more

Reviews (35)

Good fantasy read, mature themes, best for older teens
This was a well written story, any fantasy lover will be captivated by the complete world presented.The characters are strong and memorable.Elske is a compelling heroine that sets out on her own and her wit charms many men, but only one "knows the sweet honey of her name..."
Voigt could and should have done much better
I believe that Cynthia Voigt's previous installment in her "Kingdom" series was "The Wings of the Falcon". This is the only other book out of the series that I have completely read as of yet; however, it gave me the impression that Voigt is capable of writing much, much better novels than she did this time around. In "Elske", Voigt goes way into detail with less interesting events- banquets, walking from point A to point B, and so on and so forth. She also seems far too enamored by the pretty brightness and cleverness of the protagonist she has created, making much of how quick-witted Elske is while failing to put in any significant internal conflicts or character flaws that would have made her more compelling.
Beware of mature subject matter
13-year-old Elske escapes rape and certain death at the hands of the leaders of her barbaric [Volkaric] society.She leaves her homeland and, through several contacts, finally becomes handmaiden to Beriel.Together they work to claim Beriel's rightful throne in the kingdom.
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Subjects:  1. Action & Adventure - General    2. Children's 12-Up - Fiction - Fantasy    3. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 7-9)    4. Fantasy fiction    5. Fiction    6. Girls & Women    7. Juvenile Fiction    8. Kings, queens, rulers, etc.    9. Science Fiction, Fantasy, & Magic    10. Juvenile Fiction / Action & Adventure   

Reviews (50)

Absolutely awful
Clearly, not many people share my opinion of this book, but I couldn't bring myself to even finish this one.It was probably the worst book I have ever tried to read.One can only take so much of Voigt's undeveloped and tiresome characters, unoriginal storyline and the book's painfully dull structure before giving up on reading it entirely.Birle, the main character, is a colorless and dull Mary-Sue, fated to marry some older man she doesn't love, when she is whisked away by Orien (or was it Oriel?Voigt's choices of names from book to bookare way too similar if you ask me) a 19-year-old noble with, apparently, gold-tipped eyelashes and "bellflower eyes." Whatever that means.The flawless, handsome hero of the story, Orien is a noble who is just trying to get away from the pressures of noble life.Wow, you've never heard that one before.Soon Birle has fallen for him and theyare escaping to the "Kingdom" together.Predictable, but how can you blame her?The man has gold-tipped eyelashes.That pretty much sums it up.
On Fortune's Wheel
Compelling. Engrossing. Enlightening. These are only a few words that describe Voight's excellent book, `On Fortune's Wheel'. Birle, the main character, is instantly one you can relate to, which makes the development of her character throughout the book even more intimate for the reader. If you are interested in books following the lives of people during the Middle Ages, this book is set in a fictional land of a similar time period, describing the conditions aptly. A tale of love spun into an adventure like no other, "On Fortune's Wheel" is a must read for lovers of all genres.

One of my favorites!
I first read this book when I was in junior high.I loved it then and checked it out of the library over and over again.I found it in a used book store when I was about 21 and have read it many more times since.This is a book that I can read, re-read, and re-re-read and never get tired of it.It is a great romantic story full of adventure and excitement.It is a well-written page turner that I am never able to put down until I finish it.Highly recommended!!! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Action & Adventure    2. Action & Adventure - General    3. Children's 12-Up - Fiction - Fantasy    4. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 10-12)    5. Juvenile Fiction    6. Love & Romance    7. Science Fiction, Fantasy, & Magic    8. Juvenile Fiction / Science Fiction, Fantasy, Magic   

Reviews (13)

better but much, much worse
WARNING: PLOT EXPOSURE. While it is true that Norman's writing ability increased from the first, her characters are poorly developed - neither Kusak or Carrie, the two main characters, experience any growth throughout the book.The plot is also extremely contrived.I knew the moment it said she was pregnant that the fact she would lose the child was as much a certainty that she would survive for the next installment of Norman's series.Norman didn't disappoint - or did, by showing that she wasn't below using lame plot devices and contrived events to make sure Carrie isn't "burdened" by a child.Other events within the book carry (pun not intended) a similar quality.

The Sholan Side
Fortune's Wheel is the second novel in the Sholan Alliance series, following Turning Point.In the previous volume, Kusac uses illusion to get Carrie and himself into the Valtegan base to use their transmitter to alert the Khalossa, the Sholan mothership.After Carrie and Kusac enter the base, his Sholan shipmates and the Keissan resistance attack the Valtegan base as a distraction.Once the message is sent, the attackers destroy as much of the base as possible, including the main antennas, to preclude the Valtegans from detecting the approach of the Khalossa. Pretty good, much better than the first
This follow up to "Turning Point" shows dramatic improvement in Norman's writing ability. But she still needs to improve on pacing and character development.Read more

Subjects:  1. Fiction    2. Fiction - Science Fiction    3. Science Fiction    4. Science Fiction - Adventure    5. Science Fiction - Series    6. Fiction / General   

Reviews (20)

Definitely worth reading
I've just finished Wheel of Fortune by Susan Howatch.(1171 pages in 5 days it was so good!)What a fascinating book.The book starts with one person's point of view and then the story picks up at the end of that section with someone else's point of view.When they reflect back on something you already know about it gives you another perspective.I don't think I've ever read a book written like this one.What is so interesting about it is that it shows that what is seen by others is not the reality in the mind of the person being looked at.What we perceive to be an ideal situation is really not so ideal at all if we knew the truth of the matter.Behavior that seems dreadful from the outside makes perfect sense when we can look inside and see why someone behaved the way they did.If we knew what others really think of us we would probably be shocked at how far off the mark they are from what we think of ourselves.It's remarkable how things from past generations that we may not even know about effect us in ways that we are not even aware of.
A modern day Trollope?
Susan Howatch is probably the closest approximation we have to a modern day Anthony Trollope in her character driven style of writing, and plot development.Howatch, like Trollope, is fascinated by the moral choices people make, and the reasons for making them (eg. religious belief, guilt, envy, etc.).However, where Trollope tends to use more wry sarcasm, Howatch relies on (often deceptively) romantic scenes, and generational bonds.
Wheel of Fortune--The Plantagenets
I have just finished reading "Wheel of Fortune" and frankly I am exhausted.I literally couldn't put it down and by the time I was finished I felt emotionally drained.The best book I've read in many a moon.
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Subjects:  1. Fiction    2. Fiction - Historical    3. Historical - General    4. Fiction / Historical   

Reviews (8)

Great story revolving around a rarely revealed part of WW2
On Falcon's Wings is terrific story telling.The story and characters bring to life a period and place I knew very little about -- despite being a World War II history aficionado.
Engrossing
This book drew me into a relationship with each character and ultimately I was living their anxiety-ridden, bleak existance with them every step of their journey. Absolutely one of the best books I have ever read.

Real and Relevant
If you like historical fiction, you'll love this fast-paced, compelling story about five teen-age boys whose lives take a disastrous turn during the Nazi occupation of Prague.The author very wisely chooses to focus on teenagers whose naive, impulsive, and rebellious nature is in constant tension with the Nazi troops.Their journey reveals the absolute cruelty of war and the psychological domination that occupation gives the occupiers -- not unlike what we've recently witnessed at Abu Ghraib prison.
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Subjects:  1. Fiction    2. Fiction - Historical    3. Historical - General    4. Fiction / Historical    5. Historical fiction   

Reviews (41)

The Lord of the Rings it's not, but still fantastic!
The Wings of a Falcon is the third book in a series of highly acclaimed heroic adventures that began with Jackaroo and continued in On Fortune's Wheel. This book was written by Cynthia Voigt who is a renowned author of books that revolve around the heroic theme. Although relatively difficult at places, The Wings of a Falcon shouldn't be missed by anyone who is remotely interested in a book that illustrates friendship, courage, and loyalty. The Lord of the Rings it's not, but still fantastic!
The Wings of a Falcon is the third book in a series of highly acclaimed heroic adventures that began with Jackaroo and continued in On Fortune's Wheel. This book was written by Cynthia Voigt who is a renowned author of books that revolve around the heroic theme. Although relatively difficult at places, The Wings of a Falcon shouldn't be missed by anyone who is remotely interested in a book that illustrates friendship, courage, and loyalty. Sadly disappointed
Having read On Fortune's Wheel and Jackaroo, I expected great things of Voigt. Instead I was reading about a boy with no name, no feelings, and a disappointing ending.In fact, I was more then disappointed at that 'unexpected twist'.You really, really should never do that to a main character, without some very special back-up characters, which Voigt never developed. I was saddened by such a poorly written book.Read more

Subjects:  1. Adventure and adventurers    2. Adventure fiction    3. Children's Books - Young Adult    4. Children's Books - Young Adult Fiction    5. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 7-9)    6. Fiction    7. General   

Subjects:  1. Juvenile fiction    2. Racing   

Subjects:  1. Fiction    2. Richard   

Subjects:  1. Fiction    2. Fiction - Western    3. Westerns    4. Westerns - General   

Subjects:  1. Fiction    2. Fiction - General    3. General   

Reviews (2)

A Wonderful Story Of Bomber Pilots In WWII
You can tell from the detail that the author actually flew bombing missions during the second world war. You feel as if you are right in the aircraft as the author details what aviation warfare was like from the German side and from the American side. The characters are solid and the plot fascinates. I must get the follow-up book, "Hawks." Can't recommend this too highly.

Great adventure in an important time in American History
The author puts you in the air with the rest of the crew and makes you live the drama of the air war over Europe during WWII. Great story. Great writing. A book worth keeping after you have read it. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. History: World    2. Fiction / War    3. World history   

Subjects:  1. Fiction   

Subjects:  1. General & Literary Fiction    2. Historical fiction    3. Sagas   

Editorial Review

On a mission to map the migration of the peregrine falcon, Alan Tennantand his friend George Vose logged thousands of miles in a rattletrapCessna. Read more

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Reviews (14)

On the Wing - High Drama over the Americas
What drew me to this book was its Title. I am a keen falconer and have kept various birds of prey for many years. This book combines the authors undoubted love and fascination for the natural world with a powerful personal drama - two mens quest to answer an ornithological question in the most direct way imaginable. Beautifully written at times Alan Tennant touches upon the very essence of what fascinates mankind about the Falcons it is a great read!

would have been nice to have some dates
The author seems to be striving for a timeless quality in his prose, but it is really annoying that there aren't any dates in the book.Did he take these trips in the 1970s?1980s?1990s?He says "we knew that in the future birds will be tracked by satellites", but when was that?
Be prepared to be amazed
I loved this book!I have been following the Operation Migration program re-building the Whooping Crane population for years.This book adds a whole new dimension to the use of man made wings and bird migration.Alan Tennant writes in a way that the reader feels they also can see and hear the thousands of birds as he and George Vose fly through and with them.
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Subjects:  1. Birds & Birdwatching - General    2. Migration    3. Nature    4. Nature / Field Guide Books    5. Nature/Ecology    6. Peregrine falcon    7. Western Hemisphere    8. Fiction   

Subjects:  1. Modern fiction   

Subjects:  1. American Science Fiction And Fantasy    2. Fiction - Science Fiction    3. Science Fiction    4. Science Fiction - Anthologies    5. Science Fiction - General   

Reviews (2)

Remarkable Book
"The Falcon's Wing" is Dawna Lisa Buchanan's first children's novel. It's about a twelve-year-old girl named Bryn Cameron who moves from Circleville, Ohio, to Kenmore, Ontario, Canada, with her father. Bryn's mother has died recently and her father and her are coming to live with her mother's sister (Aunt Pearl) and her aunt's fourteen-year-old mentally handicapped daughter (Winnie) on their farm. The first really interesting book.
This had to be the first really interesting book that I had ever read.I got the book on a whim and couldn't put it down once I had opened it.No book had ever moved me the way this one book had.The way that Bryn eventually opened up to her Aunt Pearl and cousin Winnie.How she showed that there was nothing to fear or laugh at about a child with Down's Syndrome.Everything can trully work out if you give it time.A distant father can come back out of the shelled he sealed himself in.A cousin can learn to accept their cousin for who they are.And a neice can realize that a seemingly bitter aunt can be one of the best friends that you could ever ask for. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's 9-12    2. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Fiction    3. Children: Grades 4-6    4. Down syndrome    5. Family life    6. Farm life    7. Fiction    8. General    9. Juvenile Literature    10. People with mental disabilitie    11. People with mental disabilities