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The Blue Falcon
Twelfth-century England is the setting for this story of honor, betrayal, and the forces that thwart the love of Conan de Corbney, a knight of King Richard, and Lady Chandra
498 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1981
About the author
Robyn Carr
170 books12.8k followers Robyn Carr is a RITA® Award-winning, eleven-time #1 New York Times bestselling author of over sixty novels, including the critically acclaimed Virgin River series and Sullivan's Crossing series. Robyn's new women's fiction novel, THE FRIENDSHIP CLUB, will be released in January 2024. The new hit Sullivan's Crossing TV series (season 1) inspired by Robyn's book series was released in the USA in the fall of 2023! Plus, season 5 of the worldwide fan-favorite Virgin River TV Series is now streaming on Netflix (July 2023) with two holiday episodes coming November 30, 2023. Both TV series have been renewed for another season!
Robyn is a recipient of the Romance Writers of America Nora Roberts Lifetime Achievement Award 2016, and in 2017, VIRGIN RIVER was named one of the HarperCollins 200 Iconic Books of the past 200 years. Robyn currently resides in Las Vegas, Nevada. You can visit Robyn Carr's website at https://www.robyncarr.com/.
Robyn is a recipient of the Romance Writers of America Nora Roberts Lifetime Achievement Award 2016, and in 2017, VIRGIN RIVER was named one of the HarperCollins 200 Iconic Books of the past 200 years. Robyn currently resides in Las Vegas, Nevada. You can visit Robyn Carr's website at https://www.robyncarr.com/.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
June 6, 2026
Read: 5/11/26 - late review
Setting: 1100s King Richard, England
Trope: forbidden love, fate
3.5 stars
While this isn't my favorite RC book, it was still a riveting story! The star-crossed couple face betrayal, separation, and turmoil of being bound by duty.
Plot:
Lady Udele learns from her seer that her son will marry a strong, beautiful woman. Udele cannot allow Conan to marry any woman that would take away her power. When she sees Conan take the favor of Lady Chandra, she knows she must move fast! Udele manipulates Conan into choosing Chandra's weaker older sister instead.
Chandra is heartbroken! She has loved Conan forever and knows, even at 14, that she's the best wife for him. During an outburst, Conan overhears her scream her love for him and suddenly he realizes the horrible mistake he has made, but it's too late.
Chandra tries to accept this new reality and puts on a brave face for her sister's sake. She loves Margaret (forgot name) and has always taken care of her. Her sister has always had frail health. It takes all her strength to watch them marry. Chandra vows she will never marry!- Boy, is she in for a surprise!
Conan tries to be a good husband to Margaret. She's so gentle and frail. Poor Margaret has a hard time controlling the servants and taking care of the castle. Conan tries to be patient with his wife, but he can't stop comparing her to Chandra. Sadly, Margaret also keeps miscarriaging. It doesn't help her MIL says cruel things to her when Conan is not around. When around, Conan stands up for his wife, much to Udele's disdain. Udele also doesn't like how many times Chandra and Conan are in each other's company. Even though Conan is still married, Udele fears Chandra. So she schemes and plots to marry Chandra to Sir Tedric.
Sir Tedric is a true enemy to Conan. He was supposed to have married Margaret before Conan stole her. Tragically, Chandra's father agrees to the match. Chandra pleads and recites all the evil deeds Tedric has committed, but her father turns a blind eye, even after Chandra witnesses Tedric kill an innocent man. Her father discounts her claims because he cares more for the money Tedric paid him. Taxs and war have emptied his coffers.
Sir Tedric doesn't care about Chandra. He just wants to take her away from Conan. He also wants her lands, but plots for more. When Margaret dies from a fall (Udele's doing), Conan decides to join the Cursades, leaving his late wife's lands unprotected. Sir Tedric quickly takes advantage of his absence and soon his FIL mysteriously dies. Conan is needed at home now! Sir Tedric has figured out that his son is really Conan's bastard. Can Chandra keep herself, her son, and her people safe before it's too late?
******
I have to talk about Udele! Udele was a worthy opponent! She definitely kept things interesting. All she cared about was gaining power through her son. She would destroy anyone who got in her way, including her own daughter. Crazy thing is, Conan was never a momma's boy, so I don't know why she thought her strong son would fall for her manipulations. Udele became so obsessed with the seer's prophecy, that she became the architect of her own destruction. As all Greeks know, you can't outrun fate.
Conclusion: Even though the couple are separated through most of the book, this was still an engrossing story! I was on pins and needles wondering how this couple were going to get their happy ending.
Setting: 1100s King Richard, England
Trope: forbidden love, fate
3.5 stars
While this isn't my favorite RC book, it was still a riveting story! The star-crossed couple face betrayal, separation, and turmoil of being bound by duty.
Plot:
Lady Udele learns from her seer that her son will marry a strong, beautiful woman. Udele cannot allow Conan to marry any woman that would take away her power. When she sees Conan take the favor of Lady Chandra, she knows she must move fast! Udele manipulates Conan into choosing Chandra's weaker older sister instead.
Chandra is heartbroken! She has loved Conan forever and knows, even at 14, that she's the best wife for him. During an outburst, Conan overhears her scream her love for him and suddenly he realizes the horrible mistake he has made, but it's too late.
Chandra tries to accept this new reality and puts on a brave face for her sister's sake. She loves Margaret (forgot name) and has always taken care of her. Her sister has always had frail health. It takes all her strength to watch them marry. Chandra vows she will never marry!- Boy, is she in for a surprise!
Conan tries to be a good husband to Margaret. She's so gentle and frail. Poor Margaret has a hard time controlling the servants and taking care of the castle. Conan tries to be patient with his wife, but he can't stop comparing her to Chandra. Sadly, Margaret also keeps miscarriaging. It doesn't help her MIL says cruel things to her when Conan is not around. When around, Conan stands up for his wife, much to Udele's disdain. Udele also doesn't like how many times Chandra and Conan are in each other's company. Even though Conan is still married, Udele fears Chandra. So she schemes and plots to marry Chandra to Sir Tedric.
Sir Tedric is a true enemy to Conan. He was supposed to have married Margaret before Conan stole her. Tragically, Chandra's father agrees to the match. Chandra pleads and recites all the evil deeds Tedric has committed, but her father turns a blind eye, even after Chandra witnesses Tedric kill an innocent man. Her father discounts her claims because he cares more for the money Tedric paid him. Taxs and war have emptied his coffers.
Sir Tedric doesn't care about Chandra. He just wants to take her away from Conan. He also wants her lands, but plots for more. When Margaret dies from a fall (Udele's doing), Conan decides to join the Cursades, leaving his late wife's lands unprotected. Sir Tedric quickly takes advantage of his absence and soon his FIL mysteriously dies. Conan is needed at home now! Sir Tedric has figured out that his son is really Conan's bastard. Can Chandra keep herself, her son, and her people safe before it's too late?
******
I have to talk about Udele! Udele was a worthy opponent! She definitely kept things interesting. All she cared about was gaining power through her son. She would destroy anyone who got in her way, including her own daughter. Crazy thing is, Conan was never a momma's boy, so I don't know why she thought her strong son would fall for her manipulations. Udele became so obsessed with the seer's prophecy, that she became the architect of her own destruction. As all Greeks know, you can't outrun fate.
Conclusion: Even though the couple are separated through most of the book, this was still an engrossing story! I was on pins and needles wondering how this couple were going to get their happy ending.
December 24, 2018
Why I gave it 5 stars
I had to ask myself why 5 vs 4 stars...and although the first chapter doesn't scream excitement, the prologue let's you know there is so much more to come. The patience required of the reader is almost a prophesied parallel to the story. You watch it unfold, angry at what transpires yet honor bound by the reasons to stay true...until you can stay true to only your own self preservation.
This is a powerful historic romance. I loved the tension it brought me and the togetherness and just deserts I was rewarded. For this reason give it 5 stars because any book that cNn move my emotions like a richter scale deserves FIVE!
I had to ask myself why 5 vs 4 stars...and although the first chapter doesn't scream excitement, the prologue let's you know there is so much more to come. The patience required of the reader is almost a prophesied parallel to the story. You watch it unfold, angry at what transpires yet honor bound by the reasons to stay true...until you can stay true to only your own self preservation.
This is a powerful historic romance. I loved the tension it brought me and the togetherness and just deserts I was rewarded. For this reason give it 5 stars because any book that cNn move my emotions like a richter scale deserves FIVE!
August 12, 2024
This is an old school historical romance with a copyright of 1981 and was it a doozy! I really don't like age gaps and these older men marrying 13-14 year old girls really leaves a bad taste in my mouth and always has, but considering the setting was the late 1100's, it was the way things were.
Udele was just 14 when she gave birth to her first child, Conan. Her husband was 37. Ugh! They went on to have two more children, but Conan was the heir and definitely her favorite. She was consumed by everything he did. She pushed him, made his decisions for him that always benefited her, and smothered him. She was so greedy and used everybody to get ahead, especially Conan. She even chose his wife when he was in love with his wife's sister, Chandra. None of that mattered to Udele. All that mattered was what she wanted and what would add land and money to the family coffers. I despised her. She was mean, conniving, and everything I despise in a person and she had her greedy fingers into everything.
The story really starts when Conan is 20-years-old. He's already a gifted knight and meets his nemesis, Tedric, in a tournament, which is supposed to be just for fun, but they've hated each other for years and it got personal quick and only increased as the story progressed. Chandra gives Conan her colors, just wanting to get his attention, but is in love with him at the ripe old age of 13. Udele hates Chandra and sees her as a threat and does everything she can to destroy her.
There is no steam in this book, but there's plenty of strife, treachery, and murder to keep the story moving along. A possible trigger to some is Antisemitism plays a big part in this. I do not subscribe to that mindset and don't hate anybody, but it was necessary to the plot.
I wanted Conan and Chandra to end up together and I wasn't sure that was going to happen until the very last pages of the book. It was a wild ride that had me up until 3:00 AM reading.
Great book!
Udele was just 14 when she gave birth to her first child, Conan. Her husband was 37. Ugh! They went on to have two more children, but Conan was the heir and definitely her favorite. She was consumed by everything he did. She pushed him, made his decisions for him that always benefited her, and smothered him. She was so greedy and used everybody to get ahead, especially Conan. She even chose his wife when he was in love with his wife's sister, Chandra. None of that mattered to Udele. All that mattered was what she wanted and what would add land and money to the family coffers. I despised her. She was mean, conniving, and everything I despise in a person and she had her greedy fingers into everything.
The story really starts when Conan is 20-years-old. He's already a gifted knight and meets his nemesis, Tedric, in a tournament, which is supposed to be just for fun, but they've hated each other for years and it got personal quick and only increased as the story progressed. Chandra gives Conan her colors, just wanting to get his attention, but is in love with him at the ripe old age of 13. Udele hates Chandra and sees her as a threat and does everything she can to destroy her.
There is no steam in this book, but there's plenty of strife, treachery, and murder to keep the story moving along. A possible trigger to some is Antisemitism plays a big part in this. I do not subscribe to that mindset and don't hate anybody, but it was necessary to the plot.
I wanted Conan and Chandra to end up together and I wasn't sure that was going to happen until the very last pages of the book. It was a wild ride that had me up until 3:00 AM reading.
Great book!
January 29, 2020
Historical romance with Chandra and Conan as the main characters. Chandra has known Conan most of her life and is in love with him however Conan mother splits the 2 apart where she organises the marriage of Conan and Chandra's older sister as she wants to control Conan and gets more land and power through him.
Book is set over a few years and involves the manifests of Conan's mother and the surrounding people she involves in her keeping her power. Conan and Chandra are split where he is married to her sister and Chandra is married to his enemy and the divide that is forced to them.
Loved the book, her historical reads are very descriptive of the times, people and the land.
Book is set over a few years and involves the manifests of Conan's mother and the surrounding people she involves in her keeping her power. Conan and Chandra are split where he is married to her sister and Chandra is married to his enemy and the divide that is forced to them.
Loved the book, her historical reads are very descriptive of the times, people and the land.
May 7, 2023
I almost dnf this one. The MCs were so stupid at the beginning. h came out as a spoiled girl unable to get rid of her infatuation and believed she has every right to have all her wishes granted. H was easily manipulated as honourable people usually is. Their reactions easily anticipated and managed.
The two villains were good but nothing to write home about. They wreaked havoc easily with so witless MCs.
It surprised me that h got married to the villain. I thought that like in every romance plot she was going to be saved so she could be kept a virgin for H. Also stories during Richard and John days are a dark background to romance and chivalry.
And I like happy endings so 4 starts
The two villains were good but nothing to write home about. They wreaked havoc easily with so witless MCs.
It surprised me that h got married to the villain. I thought that like in every romance plot she was going to be saved so she could be kept a virgin for H. Also stories during Richard and John days are a dark background to romance and chivalry.
And I like happy endings so 4 starts
July 29, 2021
Theirs was a love for all time
This isn't my first time reading this book and I guarantee it won't be the last. The details of the era, the characters plights and the romance were immeasurable.
This isn't my first time reading this book and I guarantee it won't be the last. The details of the era, the characters plights and the romance were immeasurable.
February 18, 2018
Amazing love
From the very beginning I did not like nor trust Lady Udele. How could any mother be so selfish? I cried. Sir Conan and Lady Chandra had an amazing love.
From the very beginning I did not like nor trust Lady Udele. How could any mother be so selfish? I cried. Sir Conan and Lady Chandra had an amazing love.
October 12, 2011
A long but captivating story set around 1190 covering politics and warring of that era. It had plenty of action and romantic intrigue but the bad guys prevailed through most of the book so my rating is 3.5* Sir Conan accepts Lady Chandra's favor during a tourney but his greedy mother and envious rival plot against them.
September 24, 2012
This historical is written at the time of Richard the Lionhearted and the Crusades. The storyline is strange in the fact that a lot of it involves a 'fortune teller' and what is fated in life. There's a lot of cruelty and madness in the storyline; but there's also a lot of honor and truth too.
March 31, 2014
This historical romance is set in the time of knights, crusades, and chivalry.
Carr does a good job fleshing out her characters so the book doesn't become simply another romance. This book is exciting and adventurous as well
Very enjoyable for those who like romance
Carr does a good job fleshing out her characters so the book doesn't become simply another romance. This book is exciting and adventurous as well
Very enjoyable for those who like romance
November 26, 2009
Unforgettable story
August 23, 2010
A quick, light, fun read. Nothing really stood out, it is predictable, but in a nice way. I quite enjoyed the airline link.
October 24, 2010
Another old-skool but fun romance with plenty of scenery chewing, impossible situations, but still entertaining. My favourite of Robyn Carr's novels.
November 10, 2011
Uno dei primi romance che ho letto, secoli fa... E ancora me lo ricordo! Anche perché mi è piaciuto così tanto che è uno dei pochi libri che ho riletto con piacere!
April 18, 2013
Richard the Lionhearted & the Crusades, politics, & romance .... Story held my interest, very good
April 15, 2015
kindle
August 1, 2014
I love Robyn Carr, but this is probably one of my most favorite of hers that I have read.
January 6, 2017
Altro libro letto da ragazzina che mi è rimasto nel cuore e che ho anche riletto, cosa strana per me.
August 5, 2013
3.5 Stars
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews