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The Falcons of Montabard
Barfleur, 1120. Sabin FitzSimon, bastard son of an earl, has acquired a reputation for wildness and trouble only matched by his abilities as a warrior. But when he is caught seducing the King's favorite mistress, not even his fighting skills can save him. Beaten by the King's soldiers and left behind in the Norman port, it seems that his notoriety has finally gotten the better of him.
Upon his eventual return to England, Sabin is given the opportunity to rebuild his career and salvage his reputation: The knight Edmund Strongfist is leaving for the Holy Land to offer his sword and services to the King of Jerusalem, and he wants Sabin to join him.
Accompanying Strongfist is his young, beautiful, convent-educated daughter Annais. Sabin, he warns, is to keep away from her. Being grateful for the chance that Strongfist has given him, Sabin does so, but not without a feeling of regret as he observes her spirit and courage, and enjoys her beautiful harp playing.
The Holy Land brings its own shares of trials for Sabin. If he succeeds in keeping his distance from Annais, he has less success with Strongfist's new wife, and the consequences prove to be painful. The land is suffering from constant warfare and following the capture of the King, Sabin is forced to take command of the fortress of Montabard and marry its recently widowed chatelaine. Now there is all to play for...and all to lose.
Upon his eventual return to England, Sabin is given the opportunity to rebuild his career and salvage his reputation: The knight Edmund Strongfist is leaving for the Holy Land to offer his sword and services to the King of Jerusalem, and he wants Sabin to join him.
Accompanying Strongfist is his young, beautiful, convent-educated daughter Annais. Sabin, he warns, is to keep away from her. Being grateful for the chance that Strongfist has given him, Sabin does so, but not without a feeling of regret as he observes her spirit and courage, and enjoys her beautiful harp playing.
The Holy Land brings its own shares of trials for Sabin. If he succeeds in keeping his distance from Annais, he has less success with Strongfist's new wife, and the consequences prove to be painful. The land is suffering from constant warfare and following the capture of the King, Sabin is forced to take command of the fortress of Montabard and marry its recently widowed chatelaine. Now there is all to play for...and all to lose.
473 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2003
82 people are currently reading
1544 people want to read
About the author
Elizabeth Chadwick
48 books3,260 followersBest selling historical novelist Elizabeth Chadwick won a Betty Trask Award for her first novel The Wild Hunt. She has been shortlisted for the UK's mainstream Best Romantic Novel of the Year Award 4 times and longlisted twice. Her novel The Scarlet Lion about the great William Marshal and his wife Isabelle de Clare, has been selected by Richard Lee, founder of the Historical Novel Society as one of the landmark historical novels of the last ten years.
When not at her desk, she can be found taking long walks with the dog, baking cakes, reading books (of course!) exploring ruins, listening to various brands of rock and metal music, and occasionally slaving over a steaming cauldron with re-enactment society Regia Anglorum.
When not at her desk, she can be found taking long walks with the dog, baking cakes, reading books (of course!) exploring ruins, listening to various brands of rock and metal music, and occasionally slaving over a steaming cauldron with re-enactment society Regia Anglorum.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 108 reviews
December 2, 2017
Historical fiction doesn't get much better than a Chadwick novel. This one is my third. I have 4 more in my TBR pile and when those are all read, I'll be off to find more, as many as I can, whether from the library or from Amazon.
I admit to being a longtime reader of paperback historical romances. Some people turn their noses up at that category, but I've found some really good books hiding there amongst the dreck. I also enjoy well-written historical fiction, like works by C.W. Gortner, Sharon Kay Penman, Bernard Cornwell, Margaret George, etc. So to find an author who supplies historical accuracy, excellent description of life in the time period of the book, actual historical events and people, and, in addition, manages to make it all romantic and entirely enjoyable and entertaining while being educational, well, that's like winning the lottery.
If you like to read about the 1100s, the Crusades, knights, Saracens, desert thieves, adventure, romance, and Bad Boys turned good, this is the book for you. Fictional hero Sabin FitzSimon, in his early 20s in the year 1120, is a bit of a restless fun-lover and womanizer. When he tries to seduce one of Henry I's chosen mistresses, that's the last straw. It's off to the Holy Land for him, as he joins the knight Edmund Strongfist, who is leaving England to serve the King of Jerusalem.
Strongfist's daughter Annais accompanies him and Sabin is told straight out that she is off limits. Sabin is able to comply, partly because he really does have hidden honor and partly because there's lots of warfare with the Saracens and intrigue to keep him busy.
This keeps the reader busy too and very entertained with a rip-roaring adventure in an exotic place and time. The book covers approximately 4 years and it's also very enjoyable to watch the disgraced and reckless Sabin become a mature family man.
I admit to being a longtime reader of paperback historical romances. Some people turn their noses up at that category, but I've found some really good books hiding there amongst the dreck. I also enjoy well-written historical fiction, like works by C.W. Gortner, Sharon Kay Penman, Bernard Cornwell, Margaret George, etc. So to find an author who supplies historical accuracy, excellent description of life in the time period of the book, actual historical events and people, and, in addition, manages to make it all romantic and entirely enjoyable and entertaining while being educational, well, that's like winning the lottery.
If you like to read about the 1100s, the Crusades, knights, Saracens, desert thieves, adventure, romance, and Bad Boys turned good, this is the book for you. Fictional hero Sabin FitzSimon, in his early 20s in the year 1120, is a bit of a restless fun-lover and womanizer. When he tries to seduce one of Henry I's chosen mistresses, that's the last straw. It's off to the Holy Land for him, as he joins the knight Edmund Strongfist, who is leaving England to serve the King of Jerusalem.
Strongfist's daughter Annais accompanies him and Sabin is told straight out that she is off limits. Sabin is able to comply, partly because he really does have hidden honor and partly because there's lots of warfare with the Saracens and intrigue to keep him busy.
This keeps the reader busy too and very entertained with a rip-roaring adventure in an exotic place and time. The book covers approximately 4 years and it's also very enjoyable to watch the disgraced and reckless Sabin become a mature family man.
March 8, 2011
This was my first Elizabeth Chadwick novel and all I can say is, wow! I wish I had discovered her books sooner. Where the heck have I been?!
Falcons is an amazing story full of adventure, love, and a few laughs. The characters are all wonderfully drawn, especially Sabin, Annais, and Strongfist...although I must say that Sabin takes the cake since he is a total hottie! ;) Chadwick's writing is smart, engaging, and quietly educational. She is a "shower" rather than a "teller"; you learn about the time and culture through the telling of the story rather than tedious passages of detail. She writes with the assumption that the reader is intelligent and can figure things out on his or her own, and I love her for that. I have already ordered a whole stack of her books. I'm a fan!
Falcons is an amazing story full of adventure, love, and a few laughs. The characters are all wonderfully drawn, especially Sabin, Annais, and Strongfist...although I must say that Sabin takes the cake since he is a total hottie! ;) Chadwick's writing is smart, engaging, and quietly educational. She is a "shower" rather than a "teller"; you learn about the time and culture through the telling of the story rather than tedious passages of detail. She writes with the assumption that the reader is intelligent and can figure things out on his or her own, and I love her for that. I have already ordered a whole stack of her books. I'm a fan!
October 10, 2008
Elizabeth Chadwick is an amazing author. This is the first of her books I have read and it will not be the last. The scenes are well written, right down to the smells -- you can picture every thing in your mind. A wonderful, exciting love story and a refreshing change to read about Outremer (Israel) during the crusades.
It was wonderful seeing Sabin grow and mature from a young hellion and womanizer into a caring, loving husband and father, while at the same time being a fierce and noble warrier. The fight between Sabin and the Arab where all Sabin had to defend himself was a wooden shield was heartstopping.
The final chapters were some of the most thrilling page turners I have ever read. An incredible rescue, and according to the author based upon true events, except that Sabin and Anais are fictional. An excellent read, I cannot recommend it enough.
It was wonderful seeing Sabin grow and mature from a young hellion and womanizer into a caring, loving husband and father, while at the same time being a fierce and noble warrier. The fight between Sabin and the Arab where all Sabin had to defend himself was a wooden shield was heartstopping.
The final chapters were some of the most thrilling page turners I have ever read. An incredible rescue, and according to the author based upon true events, except that Sabin and Anais are fictional. An excellent read, I cannot recommend it enough.
December 7, 2020
My first read from this author. An epic story that ranges over a number of years. At the start of the book, Sabin is young and reckless. Over time, his character matures and grows, and the relationship he forms with Annais is deep and long-lasting.
There is an excellent sense of place and time in the book. The settings are depicted in convincing detail, and as a reader you are transported to that different world. The story is long but interesting and full of drama, and kept my interest the whole way through, right to the gripping and moving ending.
The author's notes at the end of the book explain that some of these characters were real people, and some of the dramatic events actually did occur. I was a little surprised at the author's comments that she uses a "psychic consultant" to give her insight into the lives of past people "imprinted" on time. Seems a little hokey to me, but the wealth of historical detail and the characterisations in the book are excellent, so... *shrugs* I think I'll just choose to ignore that aspect of the writer's credentials, and take the book for what it is - a very well-written historical novel/ adventure/ romance.
There is an excellent sense of place and time in the book. The settings are depicted in convincing detail, and as a reader you are transported to that different world. The story is long but interesting and full of drama, and kept my interest the whole way through, right to the gripping and moving ending.
The author's notes at the end of the book explain that some of these characters were real people, and some of the dramatic events actually did occur. I was a little surprised at the author's comments that she uses a "psychic consultant" to give her insight into the lives of past people "imprinted" on time. Seems a little hokey to me, but the wealth of historical detail and the characterisations in the book are excellent, so... *shrugs* I think I'll just choose to ignore that aspect of the writer's credentials, and take the book for what it is - a very well-written historical novel/ adventure/ romance.
January 29, 2009
Okay, I'm going to be brutally honest about my impression of this book. I like Chadwick's highly detailed stories and that's why I read her books, but this time, oh, my, goodness! Someone stick toothpicks in my eyes to hold open my lids! This book started out with the best of intentions, but it seemed to finish halfway through. This is why I gave it two stars instead of one, because the first half of the book was a pretty good read. I was enthralled by Sabin (the hero), Strongfist (the heroine's father), Mariamne (the father's over sexed wife) and was more than mildly intrigued to see if Annais (the heroine) was about to erupt from her boring persona into a spirited, 'take-life-by-the-throat' kinda gal. I could imagine her developing into a powerful character. The inklings were there on the voyage over... I wanted so badly to see her riding across the Holy Lands, a wild born mare striding out beneath her, sand flaying the toughening skin of her Frankish cheek and a scimitar tucked through her belt, defending her realms with the passion and vehemence of her male counterparts.
The story seemed to be building into some sort of crescendo as the trio arrived in Jerusalem. And yet, to my dismay, when the story moved to Montabard it fell flat on it's face. Did Annais find the life sucking spring of perpetual valium bubbling up out of the hills of Montabard? Still, there was some remnant strength in the lead and minor male charcters, but with a third of the book to go, those characters suffered a similar fate and dozed off under my nose. Truth be told, a few chugs of coffee was the only thing keeping me from doing the same. The story had died out and it felt as if the last third of the book was just page filler for the sake of thickening out the book. What a shame. This book and these characters could have really shone if the story hadn't been pulled out from underneath them.
I disliked this book so much that I virtually skipped over the last four or five chapters as they sounded exactly the same as the last four or five chapters before them and the last four or five chapters before that. I also disliked this book so much that it has turned me off Chadwick's novels. I hope this is only a temporary affliction because I have recently arrived copies of The Conquest & The Winter Mantle sitting on my shelf waiting to be cracked open. I'm sure I'll get passed it, though I will be reading Bernard Cornwall's The Last Kingdom next just to put The Falcons of Montabard far behind me.
The story seemed to be building into some sort of crescendo as the trio arrived in Jerusalem. And yet, to my dismay, when the story moved to Montabard it fell flat on it's face. Did Annais find the life sucking spring of perpetual valium bubbling up out of the hills of Montabard? Still, there was some remnant strength in the lead and minor male charcters, but with a third of the book to go, those characters suffered a similar fate and dozed off under my nose. Truth be told, a few chugs of coffee was the only thing keeping me from doing the same. The story had died out and it felt as if the last third of the book was just page filler for the sake of thickening out the book. What a shame. This book and these characters could have really shone if the story hadn't been pulled out from underneath them.
I disliked this book so much that I virtually skipped over the last four or five chapters as they sounded exactly the same as the last four or five chapters before them and the last four or five chapters before that. I also disliked this book so much that it has turned me off Chadwick's novels. I hope this is only a temporary affliction because I have recently arrived copies of The Conquest & The Winter Mantle sitting on my shelf waiting to be cracked open. I'm sure I'll get passed it, though I will be reading Bernard Cornwall's The Last Kingdom next just to put The Falcons of Montabard far behind me.
December 9, 2015
The Falcons of Montabard gives us a descriptive view about medieval life and crusading in the Holy Land, told mainly from the point of view of a young Norman knight named Sabin FitzSimon. He is the illegitimate son of Simon de Senlis (a major historical character from The Winter Mantle) whose life and exploits—as Elizabeth Chadwick professed—is woven from imagination as there have been no significant historical documents chronicling his life.
Sabin is a young, wilful and womanizing knight from Henry I’s retinue whose latest mischief has caused the king’s ire and inadvertently claimed a woman’s life. Shamed by his transgression, and upon the urging of his stepmother with whom he has always shared a stiff and distant bond, he agrees to go on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land with Edmund Strongfist, a former member of his stepfather’s household now in service to King Baldwin II of Jerusalem, and his lovely convent-raised daughter, Annais. Their arduous journey to Outremer, the genuine affection he has suddenly found and reserved for Annais, and the historic events that followed have radically transformed Sabin from an errant knight to a respectable man and warrior.
It is always fascinating to read about the medieval times and the personalities who had lived in that period, especially when it’s written by a talented author such as Elizabeth Chadwick. Miss Chadwick always gets her facts straight, adds flavorful dialogues to jazz up the story line, develops her characters like a log, and brings a reader’s subconscious to time travel with her lifelike recounting of actual historical events. One cannot help but get involved with her characters, immerse in the timeline she’s narrating, and get transfixed by how creatively and even-handedly she has rewritten historical accounts. Her description of the Saracens being formidable enemies but gracious hosts is the very same description I’ve read from a Sharon Kay Penman book. Everyone knows how extensive Miss Penman’s knowledge of medieval life is, so I know this isn’t just a case of over-the-top narrative.
I just thought that the plot went a bit dragging in some chapters where the battle scenes have played out, and the fictional story between Sabin and Annais got too predictable that I was merely waiting for the page where my conjecture would exactly turn out. Sometimes being able to guess what happens next in a story makes the succeeding sequences look nondescript and hollow for me, but trust Miss Chadwick to always ricochet from minor flaws such as these with her great story endings.
Overall, I enjoyed the plot and lessons in history and will seal it with 4 stars :-)
Sabin is a young, wilful and womanizing knight from Henry I’s retinue whose latest mischief has caused the king’s ire and inadvertently claimed a woman’s life. Shamed by his transgression, and upon the urging of his stepmother with whom he has always shared a stiff and distant bond, he agrees to go on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land with Edmund Strongfist, a former member of his stepfather’s household now in service to King Baldwin II of Jerusalem, and his lovely convent-raised daughter, Annais. Their arduous journey to Outremer, the genuine affection he has suddenly found and reserved for Annais, and the historic events that followed have radically transformed Sabin from an errant knight to a respectable man and warrior.
It is always fascinating to read about the medieval times and the personalities who had lived in that period, especially when it’s written by a talented author such as Elizabeth Chadwick. Miss Chadwick always gets her facts straight, adds flavorful dialogues to jazz up the story line, develops her characters like a log, and brings a reader’s subconscious to time travel with her lifelike recounting of actual historical events. One cannot help but get involved with her characters, immerse in the timeline she’s narrating, and get transfixed by how creatively and even-handedly she has rewritten historical accounts. Her description of the Saracens being formidable enemies but gracious hosts is the very same description I’ve read from a Sharon Kay Penman book. Everyone knows how extensive Miss Penman’s knowledge of medieval life is, so I know this isn’t just a case of over-the-top narrative.
I just thought that the plot went a bit dragging in some chapters where the battle scenes have played out, and the fictional story between Sabin and Annais got too predictable that I was merely waiting for the page where my conjecture would exactly turn out. Sometimes being able to guess what happens next in a story makes the succeeding sequences look nondescript and hollow for me, but trust Miss Chadwick to always ricochet from minor flaws such as these with her great story endings.
Overall, I enjoyed the plot and lessons in history and will seal it with 4 stars :-)
February 6, 2017
Unlike most of Elizabeth Chadwick’s other novels I read, this is not about court life, kings or queens that once were, although different it was nevertheless an incredible read and I loved it.
The Falcons of Montalbard is a tale of adventure to Outremer and the story of the transformation of a bastard son, Sabin FitzSimon, from a wild womanizer youth into a loving husband, father and a worthy man. It is about the love of Sabin and Anais, the woman he was supposed to stay clear of. It is also an entertaining review of a fertile period in medieval times.
It all started when having involved himself with King Henry I’s mistress, Sabin is attacked by the king’s men and wakes up to find out that he has narrowly avoided going down with the White Ship. After more misadventures, his mother and stepfather weary of his rowdy ways send him, as the last chance, with Lord Edmund Strongfist to the Holy Lands. Thus begins his new life.
Anais and Strongfist are fictional, and not much is known of the real Sabin, nevertheless is compelling portray of a colorful period of history. Based on established facts, it spotlights on the conflicts between Europeans and Muslims during the time of the Crusades and capture of King Badwin of Jerusalem.
As always, Chadwick writing is superb. An overall immensely enjoyable read. Recommended.
The Falcons of Montalbard is a tale of adventure to Outremer and the story of the transformation of a bastard son, Sabin FitzSimon, from a wild womanizer youth into a loving husband, father and a worthy man. It is about the love of Sabin and Anais, the woman he was supposed to stay clear of. It is also an entertaining review of a fertile period in medieval times.
It all started when having involved himself with King Henry I’s mistress, Sabin is attacked by the king’s men and wakes up to find out that he has narrowly avoided going down with the White Ship. After more misadventures, his mother and stepfather weary of his rowdy ways send him, as the last chance, with Lord Edmund Strongfist to the Holy Lands. Thus begins his new life.
Anais and Strongfist are fictional, and not much is known of the real Sabin, nevertheless is compelling portray of a colorful period of history. Based on established facts, it spotlights on the conflicts between Europeans and Muslims during the time of the Crusades and capture of King Badwin of Jerusalem.
As always, Chadwick writing is superb. An overall immensely enjoyable read. Recommended.
November 7, 2022
At the beginning I didn't figure out that Simon from The Winter Mantle was Sabin's father. It isn't important but if you read 'The Winter Mantle' it it is interesting to be aware of it.
About 'The Falcons of Montabard'.
Well, it was Elizabeth Chadwick so what can I say? I have looked at my other reviews of her books and I can repeat from them.
The perfectly balanced descriptions of those times and world, with interesting details but not too much.
The real characters, like they probably were in those times, without much modern correctness.
An eye to details: small gestures, moves of a body, facial expressions. They smoothly and beautifully showed real emotions and thoughts.
So, it was first of all another great historical fiction that showing us a glimpse at that part of the history and those people and through it a deeper view about humans.
There was a love story too, very satisfying, but you should always remember that in Chadwick's novels historical fiction isn't just a background for a romance. So, if you look for just historical romance you will be overwhelmed with Chadwick's books.
Now, I must write one tiny complaint. Like with The Champion through the last hundred pages, I lost a bit thrill. I was still interested but I wasn't reading it with the big eyes and a held breath like I read her novels.
For more I recommend a short review by Misfit.
Also, Kimberly summarized it perfectly: Falcons is an amazing story full of adventure, love, and a few laughs. The characters are all wonderfully drawn, especially Sabin, Annais, and Strongfist...although I must say that Sabin takes the cake since he is a total hottie! ;) Chadwick's writing is smart, engaging, and quietly educational. She is a "shower" rather than a "teller"; you learn about the time and culture through the telling of the story rather than tedious passages of detail. She writes with the assumption that the reader is intelligent and can figure things out on his or her own, and I love her for that.
About 'The Falcons of Montabard'.
Well, it was Elizabeth Chadwick so what can I say? I have looked at my other reviews of her books and I can repeat from them.
The perfectly balanced descriptions of those times and world, with interesting details but not too much.
The real characters, like they probably were in those times, without much modern correctness.
An eye to details: small gestures, moves of a body, facial expressions. They smoothly and beautifully showed real emotions and thoughts.
So, it was first of all another great historical fiction that showing us a glimpse at that part of the history and those people and through it a deeper view about humans.
'It is interesting, the difference,' he said, picking up a chess piece of his own with which to toy. 'The Franks think of the Saracens as oily-tongued and false because they prefer drawn-out diplomacy to plain speaking. The Saracens think the Franks uncivilized because they grunt out their demands on the instant and fail to observe the courtesies.'
She tensed. 'A whore sells herself for money,' she said. 'Never in my life have I done that, but I have often enough been sold by men. Does that make them pimps?'[sold by men - in the meaning of the arranged marriages]
There was a love story too, very satisfying, but you should always remember that in Chadwick's novels historical fiction isn't just a background for a romance. So, if you look for just historical romance you will be overwhelmed with Chadwick's books.
'...there is love at first sight - so the troubadours say - and there is the love that you take on piece by piece - like armouring yourself . . .' A thoughtful look crossed his face. 'Or perhaps like removing your armour. How many people would you allow within the space between your heart and your shield?'
Now, I must write one tiny complaint. Like with The Champion through the last hundred pages, I lost a bit thrill. I was still interested but I wasn't reading it with the big eyes and a held breath like I read her novels.
For more I recommend a short review by Misfit.
Also, Kimberly summarized it perfectly: Falcons is an amazing story full of adventure, love, and a few laughs. The characters are all wonderfully drawn, especially Sabin, Annais, and Strongfist...although I must say that Sabin takes the cake since he is a total hottie! ;) Chadwick's writing is smart, engaging, and quietly educational. She is a "shower" rather than a "teller"; you learn about the time and culture through the telling of the story rather than tedious passages of detail. She writes with the assumption that the reader is intelligent and can figure things out on his or her own, and I love her for that.
June 19, 2011
Chadwick writes history that takes you there, from the major events to the day to day life, it's engrossing, interesting and feels very much THERE! One is rarely disappointed with her books.
This one takes you to Outremer and the crusades, as we follow Sabin through his journey to becoming the man he is, and Sabin I have to say is the PERFECT hero (as perfect as Chadwick writes them, she writes really realistic characters complete with faults).
I really enjoyed the setting and the characters and the events, but I have to say that since I belong to the other side of the crusade I kept waiting for Sabin and Annais to realize that they have to go back home, to England! I never saw Montabard as they're home, or the war as they're war! To me they just didn't belong there and had they actually left at the end to England the book would have probably gotten 5 stars from me, but that IS a personal issue that didn't take away from how good the book was, or how much I enjoyed reading about Sabin!
Chadwick at the end of the book suggests books for further reading, one of which (Osama's autobiography) I'm very much interested in.
One last thing, I wish there was a map somewhere, the old names did not make it clear where exactly events where happening.
This one takes you to Outremer and the crusades, as we follow Sabin through his journey to becoming the man he is, and Sabin I have to say is the PERFECT hero (as perfect as Chadwick writes them, she writes really realistic characters complete with faults).
I really enjoyed the setting and the characters and the events, but I have to say that since I belong to the other side of the crusade I kept waiting for Sabin and Annais to realize that they have to go back home, to England! I never saw Montabard as they're home, or the war as they're war! To me they just didn't belong there and had they actually left at the end to England the book would have probably gotten 5 stars from me, but that IS a personal issue that didn't take away from how good the book was, or how much I enjoyed reading about Sabin!
Chadwick at the end of the book suggests books for further reading, one of which (Osama's autobiography) I'm very much interested in.
One last thing, I wish there was a map somewhere, the old names did not make it clear where exactly events where happening.
November 13, 2012
Young Sabin FitzSimon narrowly avoids the sinking of The White Ship because he’s with one of the mistresses of the king. King’s men find him and after his beating he wakes up finding out the ship has went down and the woman died. Sabin goes to a tavern to drown his sorrow and he gets into a fight where one man dies.
His mother and stepfather has had enough of his wild ways and send him, as a last chance, with Edmund Strongfist to the Holy Lands. Sabin is strongly advised to stay away from Strongfist’s daughter but it might not be the only trouble he has problems staying away.
Another great book from Chadwick and I believe you can never go wrong with her books :)
I loved watching Sabin grow up from being young wild womanizer to loving and caring husband and father and learning honour.
I wouldn’t mind either :D
While not being her best book I really loved this book and it’s been some time since I’ve read something from her.
His mother and stepfather has had enough of his wild ways and send him, as a last chance, with Edmund Strongfist to the Holy Lands. Sabin is strongly advised to stay away from Strongfist’s daughter but it might not be the only trouble he has problems staying away.
Another great book from Chadwick and I believe you can never go wrong with her books :)
I loved watching Sabin grow up from being young wild womanizer to loving and caring husband and father and learning honour.
Annais laughed. “You would rather have a honeyed date than a man?” she asked.
Aiesha chuckled. “That depends on the man,” she said. “Your husband could make fat any time he chose!”
pg. 398
I wouldn’t mind either :D
While not being her best book I really loved this book and it’s been some time since I’ve read something from her.
January 29, 2022
There were moments of this book that were really good but others that dragged. I liked the setting and the story between Sabin and Annais. I just wished it had bee a little shorter.
March 12, 2015
Wow. This is a stunning novel that kept me enraptured throughout. I expected to love it, it is written by Elizabeth Chadwick after all, but this was much more than that; I became completely caught up in it. I didn't race through this book, I savored it. I found myself relishing each beautifully crafted description of medieval life in Outremer. The landscape that is painted within these pages truly came to life for me and I became besotted by it in much the same way that the central characters found themselves. Both Sabin and Annais created new homes for themselves in the Frankish territories of the Holy Land, leaving their old lives behind for two very different reasons. They both face numerous trails and ordeals and yet they continue to grasp at their chance to live a life that they want and enjoy.
This is not your typical romance story. Sabin has been told to keep his distance from Annais by her over-protective and yet lovable father and Annais is married to someone else before her relationship with Sabin blossoms. I had hoped that the pair would find love in this novel and yet it wasn't written in a way that pointed to that directly. It is much more true to life than that; sometimes you just don't know where life is going to take you.
The most gripping part of the novel is the final third when the King of Jerusalem is taken hostage and then returned in exchange for partial payment of a ransom. Hostages are then sent in his stead until the remainder of the ransom is paid. As Ms. Chadwick writes in her author's note, this situation did indeed occur. However her characters of Sabin and Annais are fictional and she uses this piece of history to create a story to surround them. It was gripping. I literally read each page with baited breath until the very end, as I truly had no idea how things were going to turn out for them.
Overall this was an immensely enjoyable read. This novel has found it's way up there as one of my all-time favourite Elizabeth Chadwick novels. They're all great, but this one will stay with me for a very long time.
This is not your typical romance story. Sabin has been told to keep his distance from Annais by her over-protective and yet lovable father and Annais is married to someone else before her relationship with Sabin blossoms. I had hoped that the pair would find love in this novel and yet it wasn't written in a way that pointed to that directly. It is much more true to life than that; sometimes you just don't know where life is going to take you.
The most gripping part of the novel is the final third when the King of Jerusalem is taken hostage and then returned in exchange for partial payment of a ransom. Hostages are then sent in his stead until the remainder of the ransom is paid. As Ms. Chadwick writes in her author's note, this situation did indeed occur. However her characters of Sabin and Annais are fictional and she uses this piece of history to create a story to surround them. It was gripping. I literally read each page with baited breath until the very end, as I truly had no idea how things were going to turn out for them.
Overall this was an immensely enjoyable read. This novel has found it's way up there as one of my all-time favourite Elizabeth Chadwick novels. They're all great, but this one will stay with me for a very long time.
August 20, 2008
Elizabeth Chadwick is an amazing author. This is the first of her books I have read and it will not be the last. The scenes are well written, right down to the smells -- you can picture every thing in your mind. A wonderful, exciting love story and a refreshing change to read about Outremer (Israel) during the crusades.
It was wonderful seeing Sabin grow and mature from a young hellion and womanizer into a caring, loving husband and father, while at the same time being a fierce and noble warrier. The fight between Sabin and the Arab where all Sabin had to defend himself was a wooden shield was heartstopping.
The final chapters were some of the most thrilling page turners I have ever read. An incredible rescue, and according to the author based upon true events, except that Sabin and Anais are fictional. An excellent read, I cannot recommend it enough.
It was wonderful seeing Sabin grow and mature from a young hellion and womanizer into a caring, loving husband and father, while at the same time being a fierce and noble warrier. The fight between Sabin and the Arab where all Sabin had to defend himself was a wooden shield was heartstopping.
The final chapters were some of the most thrilling page turners I have ever read. An incredible rescue, and according to the author based upon true events, except that Sabin and Anais are fictional. An excellent read, I cannot recommend it enough.
November 2, 2014
This is an enthralling story. We follow Sabin, the bastard son of Simon the Senlis of whom we learned about in The Winter Mantle. As Sabin reaches the Holy Land in his father name, he also seeks to change his life which by now, in his mid twenties has been full of craziness, rebellion and lust. His path converge with Anais the daughter of lord Edward Strongfist, who's taken care of Sabin at the request of his father's widow and her new husband. In his quest Sabin finds much more than he was seeking, he finds Anais, who teaches him of honor and protection to the love ones and a home at Montabard.
October 11, 2025
I can't believe it's taken me this long to read Elizabeth Chadwick. Many thanks to my local public library for recommending this book!
The Falcons of Montabard is historical fiction at its core but with a slow burning romance that will genuinely put any popular romantasy to shame. After picking up and putting down far too many disappointing and overly-hyped romantasies, sinking into this novel was a balm.
Chadwick offers impeccably researched medieval historical fiction with knights, castles, crusades, and the kind of sparse, timeless writing style that really allows you to feel like you're time traveling. (fwiw: I do like intentionally modern takes on history or classics, but I also find that modern sentimentality/language superimposed over history can really distract and pull a reader out of a story. Elizabeth Chadwick does none of that. When you're reading her books, you really feel like you could be meeting people who lived in 1123.)
I will be reading more works by Elizabeth Chadwick!
The Falcons of Montabard is historical fiction at its core but with a slow burning romance that will genuinely put any popular romantasy to shame. After picking up and putting down far too many disappointing and overly-hyped romantasies, sinking into this novel was a balm.
Chadwick offers impeccably researched medieval historical fiction with knights, castles, crusades, and the kind of sparse, timeless writing style that really allows you to feel like you're time traveling. (fwiw: I do like intentionally modern takes on history or classics, but I also find that modern sentimentality/language superimposed over history can really distract and pull a reader out of a story. Elizabeth Chadwick does none of that. When you're reading her books, you really feel like you could be meeting people who lived in 1123.)
I will be reading more works by Elizabeth Chadwick!
March 11, 2021
A very enjoyable historical period novel .
April 6, 2010
I really enjoyed Falcons of Montalbard. It opens with a hedonistic young knight, Sabin, caught in a compromising position with a favored mistress of King Henry I of England on the eve of the departure of the White Ship. What appears at first to be misfortunte saves Sabin's life. Sabin's dissolute lifestyle leads his family to send him to Outremer (modern Israel) on Crusade to redeem himself and to avoid further embarassment at home. Sabin travels to Outremer with the beautiful, convent-raised Anais and her father Edmund Strongfist, where they encounter substantial danger and adventure as they seek to make a life for themselves in Outremer.
Although Anais and Strongfist are fictional and little is known about the real Sabin, the novel is rooted in fact, centering on the politics between the Muslims and Europeans relating to the Crusades and the capture of King Baldwin of Jerusalem. Falcons of Montabard is definitely an interesting look at this period of history.
For me, though, the best part of the novel was Chadwick's ability to create a human Sabin who was able to grow and change, despite his faults, into a loving father and husband and a loyal subject of King Baldwin. Sabin really was a great character. Anais was interesting too - she grew a lot in the novel, starting out as a somewhat dull, convent-raised young girl and blossoming into a brave and sensual woman. I also thought Chadwick did a great job giving the reader a glimpse into Outremer society and social mores.
Overall, I thought this was a 4.5 star read.
Although Anais and Strongfist are fictional and little is known about the real Sabin, the novel is rooted in fact, centering on the politics between the Muslims and Europeans relating to the Crusades and the capture of King Baldwin of Jerusalem. Falcons of Montabard is definitely an interesting look at this period of history.
For me, though, the best part of the novel was Chadwick's ability to create a human Sabin who was able to grow and change, despite his faults, into a loving father and husband and a loyal subject of King Baldwin. Sabin really was a great character. Anais was interesting too - she grew a lot in the novel, starting out as a somewhat dull, convent-raised young girl and blossoming into a brave and sensual woman. I also thought Chadwick did a great job giving the reader a glimpse into Outremer society and social mores.
Overall, I thought this was a 4.5 star read.
December 1, 2009
This is the third novel I've read by Elizabeth Chadwick. I recently read 'The Champion' and awhile ago read 'The Greatest Knight'.
This story starts out a bit on the slow side. I was ready to give it up at a hundred pages but thought perhaps I should give it one last try. I did and found the story had taken an interesting turn with a rivalry between two characters that added tension to the story. Unfortunately the tension didn't last.
Sadly these characters seemed flat and stereotypical and the story just wasn't that interesting to me. It reminded me a lot of Roberta Gellis' Rosylnde series but not as well done.
I also thought there was a bit of redundancy with the descriptions I found a few too many things like a puppy and too many jewels the size of bird's eggs.
I don't think this is Chadwick's best. I really enjoyed 'The Champion' and I'm looking forward to reading more of her novels. But sadly this one just didn't thrill me.
This story starts out a bit on the slow side. I was ready to give it up at a hundred pages but thought perhaps I should give it one last try. I did and found the story had taken an interesting turn with a rivalry between two characters that added tension to the story. Unfortunately the tension didn't last.
Sadly these characters seemed flat and stereotypical and the story just wasn't that interesting to me. It reminded me a lot of Roberta Gellis' Rosylnde series but not as well done.
I also thought there was a bit of redundancy with the descriptions I found a few too many things like a puppy and too many jewels the size of bird's eggs.
I don't think this is Chadwick's best. I really enjoyed 'The Champion' and I'm looking forward to reading more of her novels. But sadly this one just didn't thrill me.
April 8, 2011
I was shelf-browsing in the library when I came across Elizabeth Chadwick, a best-selling historical fiction writer. I picked this one because it had won an award. I admit that the Crusades are not really my favorite time period, though I love historical fiction. She had obviously done her research with regards to the details along the way. I was also interested to read in the afterword that many of the incidents in the book were based on actual events. However, I found it difficult to adjust to the flowery language at the start of the book. I'm a romantic, but I couldn't really see the two main characters falling in love, even though the premise sets them up so. The pacing was also strange, as I felt some parts moved slowly. Still, I wanted to know what would happen next. Overall, it wasn't perfect, but it was a good read.
October 23, 2011
Forced to flee England, Sabin Fitzsimon offers his sword and services to Sir Edmund Strongfist who is headed to the Holy Land with his train and young daughter Annais. The story is full of adventure, some good, some not so good such as being held for ransom. We get a glimpse into the Saracen way of life and meet Saracen characters one of whom is a good guy. If you do not like battle, killings, blood and core, this is probably not the book for you. In this time, a man has to keep his sword and dagger about him and have eyes in the back of his head. The romance is somewhat predictable. The plot twists all lead to violence and more problems for the characters. In the end, all is resolved but this certainly was a violent century.
October 15, 2011
This along with Shadows and Strongholds is my favorite Chadwick book so far. I liked the characters and I liked the history that went along with it.
It took my my mind off things happening in my life and brought me to a different place for a bit. That is how I know I really liked a book. It transports me. Falcons did just that.
It took my my mind off things happening in my life and brought me to a different place for a bit. That is how I know I really liked a book. It transports me. Falcons did just that.
December 7, 2011
I LOVED THIS BOOK!!!!!!
February 14, 2015
4* for the writing and history, 3* for the story
January 6, 2013
4.5/5
Only one more EC book left to read :sadface:
Only one more EC book left to read :sadface:
January 23, 2020
The Falcons of Montabard
By Elizabeth Chadwick~
The book takes place in medieval times during the crusades and the fight for the Holy Land. Sabin FitzSimon, the bastard son of a earl, has always been a ladies man and the black sheep of the family. With both his mother and father dead the responsibility falls on his step mother’s shoulders. After a series of very unfortunate incidents, she convinces Sabin to go on a mission to the Holy Land and atone for his actions. He joins Edmund Strongfist and his daughter Annais. Strongfist is a knight who is traveling to the Holy Lands in search of a better life and to volunteer his service to the King of Jerusalem. Annais, fresh from convent life, is both naive and wise beyond her years. Strongfist threatens Sabin to keep his distance from Annais and worries what effect he may have on his daughter. Once arrived in Jerusalem, they soon realize that life is full of mysteries that can never be predicted. What began as an adventure quickly turns into somewhat of a love story and ends with a tale of finding oneself, with the history of the fight for Jerusalem and the Kings life playing in the background. Exciting read that keeps you in suspense and the pages almost seem to be turning themselves as you continue to read wondering what will be the outcome. Highly recommend for anyone who loves history, adventure and a bit of romance.
By Elizabeth Chadwick~
The book takes place in medieval times during the crusades and the fight for the Holy Land. Sabin FitzSimon, the bastard son of a earl, has always been a ladies man and the black sheep of the family. With both his mother and father dead the responsibility falls on his step mother’s shoulders. After a series of very unfortunate incidents, she convinces Sabin to go on a mission to the Holy Land and atone for his actions. He joins Edmund Strongfist and his daughter Annais. Strongfist is a knight who is traveling to the Holy Lands in search of a better life and to volunteer his service to the King of Jerusalem. Annais, fresh from convent life, is both naive and wise beyond her years. Strongfist threatens Sabin to keep his distance from Annais and worries what effect he may have on his daughter. Once arrived in Jerusalem, they soon realize that life is full of mysteries that can never be predicted. What began as an adventure quickly turns into somewhat of a love story and ends with a tale of finding oneself, with the history of the fight for Jerusalem and the Kings life playing in the background. Exciting read that keeps you in suspense and the pages almost seem to be turning themselves as you continue to read wondering what will be the outcome. Highly recommend for anyone who loves history, adventure and a bit of romance.
September 22, 2019
Everyone I know well knows I'm a gamer, and one of my favorite video games of all time is Crusader Kings (I and II) by Paradox. This book basically brings Crusader Kings to life. We follow Sabin, bastard son of an English earl, from disgrace to finding his place in the world in Outremer. He's semi-historical and his love interest and her father are imaginary, but pretty much everyone else in the story was real. I love how Elizabeth Chadwick's books bring to life what history could have been without huge infodumps. The story progresses naturally and I end up learning a lot of little details (such as how Jerusalem bathhouses worked back then) while just enjoying the story. She cites a biography of one of the Muslim lords of the region as one of her references (Usamah ibn-Munqidh) and I'm really interested in reading it now. At least here in the US, we get a lot of information from the Christian lords and knights' points of view and not so much from the people who were being invaded.
The only reason I don't give this 5 stars is because it dragged a bit about 2/3 of the way into the book. King Baldwin of Jerusalem was also being an idiot around that same time in the story, but I can't fault the writer because he literally did that in real life.
The only reason I don't give this 5 stars is because it dragged a bit about 2/3 of the way into the book. King Baldwin of Jerusalem was also being an idiot around that same time in the story, but I can't fault the writer because he literally did that in real life.
August 2, 2017
I listened to the audio version of this book. The story itself is well-written and -researched and is a typical example of E. Chadwick's lovely European medieval period fiction. The audio book was well-read. The reader used different voices for the characters w/o being jarring or off-putting and did a great job of conveying the narrative. The only negative thing about the audio book was the totally random bursts of music sprinkled throughout the recording--these were not scene breaks or changes, the music would come randomly in the midst of an action scene or conversation, after which the narrative would pick up again. After the music ended there would often be a lengthy period of silence, once lasting for over ten minutes and through a "chapter" break on the audiobook title. Exceedingly random, off-putting, and strange. The only reason the audiobook gets 4 stars. I hope this might help other audiobook productions avoid this error!
April 10, 2018
So, the good thing I have to say about this book is: it was ok enough to make me finish it. Sadly, that is about all that I feel compelled to say. The premise of the book sounded promising enough, and while Chadwick's style is by no means bad, it is also not particularly good or compelling. The same can be said about character exposition: did I like Annais or Sabin? I suppose. Did I want to know how their lives continued after these (incredibly cramped) adventures? Hell, no. Given how many pages went into depicting their lives, I feel astoundingly little for any of the characters that popped up in this book. The historical setting was what initially drew me to this novel, but even though a lot of research seems to have gone into devising its plot, I don't feel particularly encouraged to check out any of its finer details, either. "The Falcons of Montabard" was an ok book, no more, no less - but it utterly failed to grip me. Which is a shame, considering its potential.
August 14, 2025
ones reputation is rarely ones character.
The BEST of Chadwick. Such a gift (wrapped gold) and running the remarkable story is the use of very original figurative language. Joyful! The enemy never far from deceit and dishonor while their victims grow more decent and more strong. So many surprising turns, so many sacrifices. Living in the 1100s - their religion, food, medicine, living standards and the environment- the dependence on weather…just do yourselves a favor and free up your time to emerge totally in The Falcons of Montabard
The BEST of Chadwick. Such a gift (wrapped gold) and running the remarkable story is the use of very original figurative language. Joyful! The enemy never far from deceit and dishonor while their victims grow more decent and more strong. So many surprising turns, so many sacrifices. Living in the 1100s - their religion, food, medicine, living standards and the environment- the dependence on weather…just do yourselves a favor and free up your time to emerge totally in The Falcons of Montabard
May 30, 2017
I have been eyeing this book to read for awhile, I am so glad that I finally did. Set in a time and place in history I don't know anything about there was so much to learn and to hold my interest. This is the second book I have read by this author and I am looking forward to reading more, I really like her writing style.
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