Courser

Falls Ende: Primus #2

by Paul W. Feenstra

Fans of acclaimed authors Bernard Cornwell and Ken Follett will love the rich, character-driven medieval 'Falls Ende' series. Just when life for Herdsman Odo Read and his betrothed, Charlotte, is returning to normal, the inconceivable happens.

Set during the tumultuous reign of King Henry II in feudal England, the quiet and peace of Mellester Manor is shattered by the discovery of a senseless, brutal double murder at Falls Ende. Odo's life is thrown into upheaval as he searches desperately for what he holds dear. Ignoring the warnings of Mellester's new reeve, his own life is suddenly in peril when he is hunted by a sadistic knight intent on revenge. For Odo, it's either leap or die even though the cold depths of 'Falls Ende' can only lead to dishonour and death.

Sir Gweir, Mellester Manor's inexperienced and new lord, faces his own challenges and risks upsetting King Henry II. Can he help Odo and Charlotte and provide justice, or will his own life be at risk?

'Falls Ende - Courser' seamlessly continues on from book one, 'Falls Ende - The Oath' and should be read in sequence.

150 pages, ebook

First published March 11, 2018

About the author

Paul W. Feenstra is a historical fiction novelist. His character-driven novels are meticulously researched and detailed and create a dramatic window into our chronicled and complex past.

Born in Wellington, New Zealand, to Dutch immigrants, Paul relocated to the USA in 1985 and worked in Hollywood as a multiple ‘Emmy-nominated entertainment industry professional. For over 27 years, he called the USA home and was fortunate to travel extensively throughout the country before returning home. His two grown children now reside in New Zealand.

Sought after as a public speaker by various learning institutions, professional member networks, and countless organisations, Paul has toured the length of New Zealand, lecturing about his unique experiences in the Hollywood film and television industry. Recognised for his contribution to helping his country, Paul was honoured by the New Zealand government and invited to join the prestigious ‘World Class New Zealand’ network. He has authored 12 character-driven historical fiction novels, which are meticulously researched and detailed, creating a dramatic and entertaining window into our complex past.

In his spare time, he enjoys photography and wrestling bears.

Reviews

[Hannah Ross · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once more, as in the first book of the Falls Ende saga, we encounter the medieval farmer Odo Read in his struggle against rich, powerful and corrupt nobility. Odo has nothing to pitch against his bitter enemies except his wits, courage and determination, which he uses to rescue himself and his betrothed, Charlotte, from the clutches of the evil and bitter Lady Constance. A quick, fast-paced read for lovers of medieval England that will leave you wishing to follow Odo on to the next book in the series.

[Jamie Bee · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is the second novella that I have read in this series, and I now find myself wondering if the author is making a mockery of medieval-inspired contemporary literature. Aspects of this book just didn't ring wholly true for me as straight-up historical fiction. For one thing, in this book (and to a lesser extent the previous one) he has odd names for some characters. In this book, it was Master Mason Morel Mundy, and yes, he did always capitalize it like that. When referring to people by their job, he always capitalized it. The author also makes some odd word choices, causing me more than once to refer to my Kindle dictionary and the internet (which is kind of annoying in and of itself). Some words did not appear to be used correctly by definition or by culture; I wonder if the author is just using some of these words for effect.

Like the last book, there are some very long stretches of describing setting and other straight-up narrative prose, especially at the beginning of the book; you know an author has gone on too long if you’re tempted to just skip over large blocks of text. Some details were needed, but the author went overboard far too often. This slows down the action of the book. I thought there was too much head-hopping in the book; sometimes, the point-of-view character changed from paragraph to paragraph. Though really much isn’t said about it in the book blurb, much of this book is about Charlotte, Odo’s betrothed, and her plight; the book isn’t all about Odo, which seems to be implied by the book description. Her scenes alternated with the parts about Odo, who is showing himself to be much more than a simple herdsman. I actually quite enjoy historical fiction and so was looking forward to this series of novellas, especially as I had seen some good reviews, but I find myself disappointed because of the deficiencies above.

I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.

Read my other reviews at https://www.readingfanaticreviews.com.

[SOMDReigel · Rating 5 out of 5]

“We’ll make a knight out of you yet”

Falls Ende: Courser is a well written, fast paced, compelling read. Medieval is not my go to genre, but Paul Feenstra has written such a compelling story centered around the simple herdsman that I’m drawn to this series. Odo is content to live a simple life but he receives more than his share of bad fortune usually at the hands of the powerful and corrupt. He survives using his brains, resources, guts, and his honest word. This also gains him respect from knights, sergeants, and lords. A nice touch to this story is the special bond between Odo and a courser. Paul Feenstra’s writing style draws me in with each book he writes and keeps me fascinated. I recommend starting with the prequel, Falls Ende: The Oath.

[Jann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Devastation at the thought at the loss of his Wife

I enjoyed this book ,Falls Ende: Couser
This is a fast pace right from the first page , Odo 's life was turned upside down when his wife Charotte failed to teturned home after her morning activies ,the characters are rich in description. I wasnt one for this genre , the medieval ,I have sense changed my mind after reading the OATH , and Now this one Falls Ende: COURSER , a must read , another five star review for this author and for his novel " Courser"

[Theresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

The suspense amps up in this second installment. And wow are there some twists. I'm curious to find out what is going to happen for number three. And how long can someone hold their breath before they are allowed to breath without getting blamed for something?

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

[Royce Watson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good read

In the time of kings and knights a young man and his fiancee are done wrong. Find out how things are put right for them.