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The Falconbone Chronicles #1
The King's Regret
Jason is not a child anymore.
He hasn’t been a child since the King betrayed his family, but everyone still treats him like he is, tucked away and protected as the heir to the Falconbone family. He dreams of the day when he finishes his ship, The King’s Regret, and flies it to the capital to avenge his mother. When Father flies away to search for allies, a saboteur wreaks havoc on their refuge, and Jason is determined to find the traitor. The last thing he expects is to discover his family’s oldest enemy lurking in the shadows of their mountain hideaway. And for that man to be his only hope for bringing his Father home alive.
He hasn’t been a child since the King betrayed his family, but everyone still treats him like he is, tucked away and protected as the heir to the Falconbone family. He dreams of the day when he finishes his ship, The King’s Regret, and flies it to the capital to avenge his mother. When Father flies away to search for allies, a saboteur wreaks havoc on their refuge, and Jason is determined to find the traitor. The last thing he expects is to discover his family’s oldest enemy lurking in the shadows of their mountain hideaway. And for that man to be his only hope for bringing his Father home alive.
210 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 10, 2019
About the author
Philip Ligon
11 books569 followersPhilip Ligon’s love of fantasy began in earnest when he tried to read The Sword of Shannara for a book report in high school. Though he had to choose a different book for the report, he was forever hooked on epic adventures, quests, and fantastic realms. He proceeded to read every Terry Brooks book he could find, and soon discovered the works of Raymond Feist, Michael Moorcock, and threw in a heavy dose of Orson Scott Card, to name a few.
He has received numerous awards for his writings, including being a multi-year finalist in the Paul Gillette Writing Contest and a finalist in Colorado Gold. This Strange Engine was a finalist in the 2015 Zebulon writing contest and a quarterfinalist in the 2014 ABNA.
Philip calls the hills and valleys of north Alabama home.
He has received numerous awards for his writings, including being a multi-year finalist in the Paul Gillette Writing Contest and a finalist in Colorado Gold. This Strange Engine was a finalist in the 2015 Zebulon writing contest and a quarterfinalist in the 2014 ABNA.
Philip calls the hills and valleys of north Alabama home.
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
June 14, 2025
A story of adventure, loss, and coming of age, set in a steampunk world where pirates fly airships into combat around shifting mountains of towering stone!
The setting is fantastic. Richly imagined, and described in just enough detail to help the reader see the story in their mind. Ligon leans into the steampunk tropes without getting carried away, helping the impossible world he's created feel real.
The characters are generally likeable. Few of them show growth or change in this first book, which is to be expected. The main character, a young man, is written realistically - sometimes frustratingly so to the adult in me! (The child in me, however, cheered the main character on in his brashness, so that says something.)
The overall story contains themes of responsibility, ambition, injustice, and finding your identity when everything you know is gone. Such heavy themes could easily drag such a fantastical story down, but for the most part Ligon handles that tension well by briefly touching on the weightier subjects, then taking off like an airship to the next action- or conflict-oriented scene.
The prose is simple and straightforward, perfect for younger readers or those who enjoy less florid writing. Adults who prefer more complex prose might find the writing too plain, but even to those readers I would say the story more than makes the book worth the read.
Recommended for: steampunk fans, adventure fans, airship fans, middle-grade or YA readers.
The setting is fantastic. Richly imagined, and described in just enough detail to help the reader see the story in their mind. Ligon leans into the steampunk tropes without getting carried away, helping the impossible world he's created feel real.
The characters are generally likeable. Few of them show growth or change in this first book, which is to be expected. The main character, a young man, is written realistically - sometimes frustratingly so to the adult in me! (The child in me, however, cheered the main character on in his brashness, so that says something.)
The overall story contains themes of responsibility, ambition, injustice, and finding your identity when everything you know is gone. Such heavy themes could easily drag such a fantastical story down, but for the most part Ligon handles that tension well by briefly touching on the weightier subjects, then taking off like an airship to the next action- or conflict-oriented scene.
The prose is simple and straightforward, perfect for younger readers or those who enjoy less florid writing. Adults who prefer more complex prose might find the writing too plain, but even to those readers I would say the story more than makes the book worth the read.
Recommended for: steampunk fans, adventure fans, airship fans, middle-grade or YA readers.
June 21, 2021
No matter how old I get, I think I will always relate to the unheard children in books. I've lived a similar life, and had my world turned upside down after exploring trauma and health. I feel very personally Jason and Leah's struggles, particularly Jason's. In all his misbehaving, he only wanted to help, to be of use. This story is a wonderfully written sky pirate adventure with a young hero at its heart. And I cannot wait to read the next book.
January 7, 2020
This novel has it all, a great story line, character development and a fun read. I recommend it for everyone to read!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 2, 2019
Pirates and airships, oh my! I’m a fan of good steampunk and Philip Ligon is clearly a pro at writing it. As noted in the publisher’s blurb (which gives a very good and non-spoiling summary), The King's Regret (The Falconbone Chronicles Book 1) is his Young Adult debut. Well, I enjoy YA when it’s done well, and this one certainly is. Suitable (that’s a vast understatement) for young and old, this book is truly well written, with an excellent cast, strong world-building and a great plot (and story-arc start). Frankly, but for the fact that I’m literally dictating this review to my husband from my hospital bed I could go on and on with praises. The book definitely deserves it. Since I can’t do that I will simply note that the book is most definitely one to read, and it is easy to highly recommend. I’m definitely looking forward to the next book in this series.
September 22, 2019
I keep thinking that I am not a fan of steampunk but I am now thinking I have been wrong about that. I love this book, as I have loved previous books by this author. The Kings Regret is a wonderful tale of a young man, Jason who will prove he is an adult and worthy of making his own way. I love this book. Keeping an eye on this author for more from this series or other books.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 4, 2019
What a fabulous story that had me intrigued. Having your family killed is not good but Jason’s treated like a child. He knows he can help find out who. Totally gripping.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews