Can you imagine working with a bird-like this at a young age?
First, I want to say this book is great for all to read; it is especially outstanding for a young adult who is starting to figure out life as they come into their own. It is a great way to relax, curl up with a blanket and a cup of hot cocoa — let the journey begin.
This story about a young man named Andreas, he has been allowed to live within the castle walls, to get an education as well as to be Falconer’s Apprentice. As he works in the mews with these falcons, he learns to love them without regard to the consequences for him or others.
The treatment Andreas receives from the higher-up’s kids within the castle walls is becoming unbearable. It’s only a matter of time before he loses his cool — thus, possibly ensuring dismissal from the castle, if not his death sentence.
Andreas decides it’s time with the death sentence hanging over a young peregrine falcon, as well as his own trailing not far behind. He takes matters into his own hands. Stows away in a colorful wagon, being his means to get out of the castle with his newfound friend Adela — praying they don’t get caught.
Upon Andreas being discovered by a trader who is the owner of the wagon, there a turn of events. Andreas is shocked he will now be traveling within the countryside of Germany. He will learn more than just falconry from Richard the tradesman and his daughter Gemma, but a whole new way of life. There is a secret to be learned which intrigues the young man.
Along Andreas’ travels, he makes new friends. Who helps him grow within as he learns to be more self-confident as well as the understanding of what family and friendship could mean in one’s own life.
You wouldn’t think this book is a historical fiction, so don’t let that verbiage deter you by that fact. This book may have the setting of the 13th Century, but the writing is far from it, with its crisp, clear, easy-to-read narrative that makes fore a very smooth reading.
This book sucked me in; I started it per the request of doing a review for this book from Henry Roi, PR Manager of Odyssey Books. I have to say I am very grateful I got this opportunity to read such a fantastic story. Interesting how the author Malve von Hassell took a young apprentice. Into a situation; where he could meet not only with a King Enzio but with the Holy Roman Emperor Frederick II von Hohenstaufen.
The author of this story did some intense research about this timeframe, plus as to the people within this period. I think it helped greatly that she was born in Italy. Along with the fact that she lived in Belgium as well as Germany during her childhood, which exposed her to the knowledge of the area within this story.
Now living in the United States, Malve has written several more books please feel free to check her out at http://www.malvevonhassell.com.
Karen Carnahan 