The Falcon Throne is Karen Miller’s first book in a new fantasy series called The Tarnished Crown. The book tells of two rival duchies — one led by deposing bastard Roric, and the other by a dying duke with an evil, ambitious heir named Balfre. Roric is unsure of himself and makes many mistakes, including his consideration of a betrothal with a foreign duchess’s daughter. In addition, Liam, son of the duke deposed and killed by Roric, though believed dead, is waiting his opportunity to kill Roric and retake the duchy.
Meanwhile, Balfre plots and schemes not only against Roric’s duchy, but also against his own family. There is magic involved, of course, as in any good fantasy novel, but this time, most of it stems from a witch who seems to be serving all sides, but really has her own, unseen agenda.
This is a marvelous epic tale of three families and well-told. It’s the first of Ms. Miller’s books that I have read, but it won’t be the last. I really enjoy her writing style. It is neither too verbose nor too elementary. She weaves a great story from multiple perspectives, allowing us to understand everyone’s motives, desires, strengths and weaknesses.
The Falcon Throne is well worth a read. It will keep you entertained throughout. The ending, while not precisely a cliff-hanger, positions the story well for the next book. Let’s hope it comes out soon.