The Falcon and the Book

by G.F. Brookings

Fourteenth-century France. Amiel, an apprentice bound to a brutal village miller, has never escaped the memory of his parents’ execution for heresy. When a local woman’s body is found on the miller’s land, suspicion falls on Amiel — and he’s thrown in prison for a murder he didn’t commit.

His desperate escape leads him to Rachel, a healer living at the forest’s edge, who hides him from those hunting him. What begins as survival becomes something deeper, a bond that holds even as fate pulls them onto separate, perilous paths across southern France and into medieval Spain.

Swept into a conspiracy to bring down a powerful bishop, Amiel finds himself among rogues and rebels fighting a system built on fear. Rachel, meanwhile, faces her own reckoning as whispers of witchcraft close in around her.

Set against the shadow of the Inquisition, The Falcon and the Book follows two people determined to survive a world ruled by corruption and zealotry — and to find, against all odds, a life beyond persecution.

Genres: Mystery, Historical Romance, Medieval, Suspense, France

400 pages, Paperback

Published February 24, 2026

About the author

G. F. Brookings is fascinated by the forgotten lives that shaped the modern world. Through richly researched historical fiction, he brings the past to life with depth, emotion, and humanity. His debut novel, The Falcon and the Book, transports readers to fourteenth-century France, where love and truth stand against fear and power. Brookings lives in Northern Virginia with his wife and his faithful dog, Harley. He is currently working on a sequel set in medieval Paris.

Reviews

[Kate]

I couldn’t put it down. This is such a gem and it deserves more recognition - so so much more recognition - I want to sit in front of a store and sell it to people. I would give more stars if I could. The writing is so immersive and the characters feel so alive (it’s hard to find realistic dialogue and actions in fiction - it reminded me so much of Christopher Paolini’s work). Each character’s perspective offered a critical piece of the story and the history of the world - everything built so beautifully off of each other. Amiel’s character development was perfect to me (his imprisonment in the Abbey and how his painful backstory was delivered was the best kind of heartbreaking amazing writing I live to read). The way the author demonstrated the power of the religious fear of the time period made it incredibly interesting and you’re constantly rooting for Amiel and the love story backing this incredible adventure that he is on driven by the memory of his family. Just trust and read it. Loved it!

[Stefanie Verhelst]

In this story Amiel’s life is one big challenge. Falsely accused, he has to survive in a world surrounded by rogues.

Brilliant character building and a story that grabbed me by the throat!

A must read!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Virginia]

This one really stayed with me. It’s a gripping, fast-moving medieval story that drops you straight into Amiel’s world and never lets up—from the trauma of his parents’ execution to his desperate flight after being falsely accused of murder. What makes it truly stand out is how vividly the author brings this historical moment to life. The sights, sounds, and tensions of the time are rendered with such detail that you feel transported into the heart of it, walking alongside the characters as events unfold.
I especially appreciated how the story follows both Amiel and Rachel, offering two distinct perspectives on life under the looming threat of the Inquisition—one harsh and perilous, the other restrained but no less suffocating. Through both, the novel captures the constant undercurrent of fear that shapes every choice and interaction.
At its core, this is a story about holding onto your humanity in a world designed to strip it away. If you’re drawn to intense, character-driven historical fiction that fully immerses you in another time and place, this is absolutely worth reading.

[Michael]

A Riveting Medieval Journey!
This fast-paced medieval thriller is packed with twists and multiple plotlines that make it both a deeply entertaining read and impossible to put down. The dual perspectives of Amiel and Rachel provide an immersive look at the terrifying realities of the Inquisition, balancing high-stakes danger with fantastic storytelling. Between the relentless tension and the vivid historical detail, I found myself constantly saying "just one more chapter." A powerful, highly recommended book!

[Robert]

An absolute masterpiece of medieval fiction! This hidden gem is a riveting, fast-paced historical thriller packed with twists that kept me turning the pages. The immersive writing, vivid historical detail, and realistic characters bring the terror of the Inquisition to life. Amiel’s unforgettable journey and remarkable character development make this a powerful, highly entertaining novel that I highly recommend to anyone who enjoys historical fiction and suspense.

[Julie Baker]

Well …… some of the characters were interesting and well developed. I finished this book and did not enjoy it. I kept reading to find out why it was named The falcon and the book. I did not become invested in the main characters nor did I enjoy the setting or story. My thought is don’t waste your time, pick another book.