Falls Ende - Primus

Falls Ende #1

by Paul W. Feenstra

Falls Ende – Primus is a full-length novel, seamlessly compiled from the Falls Ende short story series, ‘The Oath,’ ‘Courser’ and ‘The King.’

In mid-eleventh century England, the picturesque and peaceful hamlet of Mellester Manor is devastated by the unthinkable, and the effects are lasting. Created in a similar style as acclaimed authors Bernard Cornwell and Ken Follett, ‘Falls Ende' pits Herdsman Odo Read against vengeful knights and the Church. They seek more than revenge, they want Falls Ende.

Odo is enjoying the benefits from years of hard work and happiness when everything goes awry and his lifelong dream comes to a sudden end. For Odo, there is more at stake than just his dignity and pride because they’ve already been taken; all he has left is his life. Can he regain what is closest to his heart or will Falls Ende claim him too?

Falls Ende – Primus is a full-length novel, seamlessly compiled from Falls Ende ‘The Oath,’ ‘Courser’ and ‘The King.’

438 pages, Paperback

First published June 22, 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

[TDCbookreviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Falls Ende- Primus by Paul Feenstra

Genre: Historical Fiction

About the book: Godwin, Odo's father, makes a decision that ultimately affects his home and his life. A choice he makes without hesitation. How will this pan out for Odo?

Review: I enjoyed this story. I appreciated the historical notes at the bottom so one not familiar could understand certain words even though I didn't need the notes. The writing was eloquent and this is certainly a book I would have bought and enjoyed on my own. I am glad all of these writings were combined into a larger story because one wouldn't have been enough.

Link to the book:  https://www.amazon.com/Falls-Ende-Pri...


Overall Rating (Out of 5 stars): 5 out of 5 stars

[SOMDReigel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Falls Ende: Primus is the complication of the first three books in the Falls Ende series - 'The Oath', 'Courser' and 'The King'. This full-length novel is set in medieval times. It follows the life of a herdsman, Odo, who leads a very simple life. His life is often disrupted in major ways, often by the very rich and powerful. Odo is the ultimate underdog, no fighting ability and poor, but what he does have is his smarts and his truth. This is a wonderful series that really focuses on the characters. Well-written with well-developed characters, and interesting storyline. A fast-paced, action-packed, compelling read. I have read the three books separately and having them compiled into one books will be a treasure on my bookshelf.

[Natalie Stevens · Rating 5 out of 5]

This Author has made me a fan of Historical Fiction. I loved this book! It’s a tale set in medieval times with age old themes of good vs evil, love and loyalty, power & and abuse of power. You’ll find yourself empathizing with the plight of the protagonist and there are many other colorful characters in this book to keep you engaged until the very end. This writer has a gift for setting the scene and making it easy to visualize what life was like in those times. Highly recommended!

[Steve Fraser · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent read which I highly recommend. Paul Feenstra has researched the history of this era very carefully and captures this in detail within this fantastic work of fiction. The characters are wonderful and the reader will connect immediately with Odo in this classic under-dog tale. It is high paced and very difficult to put down.

[Eleanor Seth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was completely absorbed in Primus from start to finish. It’s rare to find a historical novel that captures both the raw brutality and quiet humanity of its time, but Paul W. Feenstra nails it. The setting Mellester Manor and the surrounding countryside, feels alive and real, filled with small details that make you believe you’re there.

The main character, Odo Read, is the kind of protagonist who grows on you slowly. You watch his world crumble piece by piece, and even when everything is taken from him, his inner strength shines through. The story deals with betrayal, faith, and survival in a way that feels personal and grounded, not over-dramatic.

What I loved most was the emotional honesty. Feenstra doesn’t sugarcoat life in the 11th century it’s hard, unfair, and often cruel yet there’s hope running quietly underneath it all. By the end, I felt like I’d truly lived through Odo’s journey. An exceptional read for anyone who loves realistic historical fiction.

[Isabel Hartman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Paul W. Feenstra’s Primus: Falls Ende #1 is the kind of historical fiction that doesn’t just tell a story, it immerses you in it. From the first page, I could smell the wood smoke, hear the clash of swords, and feel the weight of injustice pressing down on Odo Read. The author’s prose is crisp yet evocative, and his attention to period detail rivals Bernard Cornwell’s best.
Odo isn’t your typical medieval hero, he’s flawed, stubborn, and heartbreakingly human. Watching him lose everything and still fight for what remains is equal parts gut-wrenching and inspiring. The politics, the brutality, the unflinching look at faith and power, it all felt real.
Feenstra doesn’t romanticize history; he resurrects it. By the end, I felt like I’d lived in the eleventh century myself, mud, blood, and all.

[Athena Josie · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s been a long time since a book made me feel as connected to a character as Primus did. Odo’s journey is filled with hardship, but it’s also full of small, meaningful moments that show the power of endurance. Paul W. Feenstra has a gift for making history emotional, you don’t just learn about the time period, you feel it.

The way he builds the world of Falls Ende is fantastic. You sense the weight of the Church, the corruption of power, and the quiet desperation of ordinary people just trying to live. The language feels authentic without being heavy, and the pacing kept me turning pages late into the night.

I especially liked how the story doesn’t rush, it lets you sit in Odo’s pain, his faith, his fight to rebuild what he’s lost. It’s beautifully written and deeply human. If you enjoy stories about resilience and redemption, this book is unforgettable.

[Valentina Leah · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the first few pages, I knew Primus was something special. Paul W. Feenstra doesn’t just write a story, he builds a world that you can step into. The 11th-century setting is rich and detailed without ever feeling forced, and the emotions at the heart of the story hit hard.
Odo’s fall from a peaceful life into chaos and betrayal broke my heart. What I loved most was how Feenstra shows the quiet strength it takes to survive when everything is gone. The Church’s influence, the cruelty of revenge, the weight of lost honor, all of it is written with realism and emotional depth.

The pacing flows beautifully, with moments of tension balanced by reflection. By the end, I wasn’t just reading Odo’s story I was living it. Feenstra captures the soul of what makes historical fiction powerful: real emotion, moral struggle, and humanity.

[Rowena Callister · Rating 5 out of 5]

Falls Ende - Primus by Paul W. Feenstra is one of those rare historical novels that don’t just describe a bygone era, they transport you there. Feenstra’s mid-eleventh century England feels tangible, with its earthy textures, smoke-filled hearths, and the constant tension between loyalty, faith, and survival.
Odo Read, the humble herdsman turned reluctant hero, is written with such emotional depth that you feel every ounce of his loss and grit. What impressed me most is how Feenstra balances the grand sweep of history with the intimate pain of one man’s life unraveling. Fans of Bernard Cornwell and Ken Follett will recognize the same precision and emotional stakes but Feenstra’s storytelling voice is uniquely his own.
An absolutely gripping, heartfelt read that deserves far more attention than it gets.

[lila hulls · Rating 5 out of 5]

As someone who devours medieval fiction like it’s a feast, Falls Ende – Primus hit every note I crave in a historical saga. Paul W. Feenstra has this rare gift of transporting you right into 12th-century England you can almost smell the smoke of the hearths and hear the clang of swords echoing through the mist. The level of authenticity is astounding; it’s obvious he’s done his research on feudal hierarchies, church politics, and the daily lives of commoners. Odo Read, the dairy farmer turned reluctant hero, is such a refreshing protagonist. His courage is humble, not grandiose, and that’s what makes his story so compelling. This isn’t just a tale of rebellion, it’s about dignity, moral strength, and the quiet defiance of ordinary people standing against oppression. I’d recommend this to anyone who loved Pillars of the Earth or The Archer’s Tale.

[Emma Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Paul W. Feenstra delivers an absolute triumph with Falls Ende – Primus. I’ve read many medieval novels, but few capture the grit and humanity of 12th-century England quite like this. The story of Odo Read, an ordinary dairy farmer forced into extraordinary circumstances, pulled me in from the first page. Feenstra paints his world with rich historical texture muddy fields, smoke-filled halls, the constant tension between faith and survival.
What I loved most was how real it all felt. The knights aren’t romanticized; they’re brutal, pragmatic, and shaped by the politics of the age. The bishop is terrifyingly believable in his corruption. And Odo’s quiet strength feels like a hymn to every forgotten soul who ever stood up to tyranny. This book doesn’t just tell a story, it makes you live in that century. Absolutely riveting and unforgettable.

[Claire Whitman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Paul W. Feenstra’s Falls Ende – Primus is the kind of historical novel that doesn’t just transport you back in time—it drops you into the mud, smoke, and moral confusion of the 12th century. The attention to detail is staggering; I could almost feel the chill of the English countryside and smell the fires of Mellester Manor as chaos brewed.
Odo Read is not your typical hero. He’s ordinary, a dairy farmer but that’s what makes his courage extraordinary. His quiet resilience in the face of tyranny reminded me of why I love historical fiction: it shows how history is shaped by those who refuse to bend.
The writing is muscular yet poetic, the pacing sharp, and the political intrigue perfectly balanced with human emotion. Feenstra captures the era’s brutality without losing sight of its humanity.

[Stacey Keith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Primus is a brilliantly crafted historical novel that completely drew me into its world. Paul W. Feenstra has a remarkable way of blending vivid historical detail with a compelling and emotional storyline. Set in mid-eleventh century England, the story of Odo is both powerful and heartbreaking, a man’s fight to protect what’s closest to his heart against overwhelming odds.

The writing is immersive and cinematic, making you feel like you’re right there in the midst of the action, surrounded by knights, political intrigue, and the timeless struggle for land and honor. The pacing is excellent, and the characters feel layered and real, especially Odo, whose journey is both inspiring and tragic.

[Maria Eden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Primus completely took me by surprise. I went in expecting a standard historical story, but what I got was so much more, a gripping tale of loss, honor, and perseverance set in a world that feels strikingly real. Feenstra has this incredible way of writing that makes you see and feel every moment, the quiet of the countryside, the fear in battle, the heartbreak when Odo’s peaceful life is destroyed.
Odo isn’t some perfect warrior or saint, he’s human, flawed, and deeply relatable. Watching him go from comfort to devastation, then claw his way back through pain and faith, was emotional in ways I didn’t expect. The historical accuracy is impressive too, it’s like stepping straight into 11th-century England, full of dirt, danger, and dignity.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Paul W. Feenstra masterfully recreates the grit, blood, and beauty of 12th-century England in Falls Ende – Primus. Every page is steeped in authentic medieval atmosphere muddy roads, cold hearths, the clang of swords, and the oppressive weight of feudal duty. Odo Read’s journey from simple dairy farmer to reluctant hero feels as real as anything I’ve encountered in historical fiction. Feenstra’s attention to the harsh realities of the era its cruelty, faith, and fragile loyalties reminded me of early Bernard Cornwell. The plot moves with relentless pace, and by the end, I was utterly immersed in Odo’s fight for justice and freedom. This isn’t just a story about rebellion; it’s about human endurance and courage in impossible times.

[Emliy · Rating 5 out of 5]

As someone who has read almost every piece of historical fiction set in medieval England, I can confidently say Falls Ende – Primus deserves to stand alongside the works of Bernard Cornwell and Ken Follett. Feenstra captures 12th-century England with such authenticity the mud, the markets, the clanging of armor, and the stench of corruption from both church and crown.
Odo Read’s journey from humble farmer to reluctant hero is steeped in realism and moral depth. He’s not your typical sword-swinging protagonist, he’s a man driven by love, justice, and the desperate need to protect his land and family.
Feenstra’s prose is muscular but poetic, and his grasp of medieval politics feels effortless. A triumph of research and heart. I’ll be waiting impatiently for the next installment.

[Sophia Ramirez · Rating 4 out of 5]

If Bernard Cornwell and Ken Follett had collaborated on a single volume, Falls Ende – Primus would be it. Feenstra’s command of historical realism is masterful, the clanging of swords, the creak of wooden carts, the prayers whispered in cold chapels everything feels alive.
But beyond the setting, it’s the character work that elevates this novel. Odo is no larger-than-life hero; he’s a man of the soil, driven by justice and moral conviction. His rise from humble beginnings mirrors the best kind of historical fiction arcs. The pacing is spot-on, balancing action with introspection. By the end, I felt both exhausted and exhilarated, a hallmark of truly great storytelling. Highly recommended for anyone craving depth, danger, and medieval authenticity.

[Natalie Brooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having taught medieval history for three decades, I can confidently say Paul W. Feenstra has done his homework. The political atmosphere under King Henry II, the feudal tensions, and the Church’s power struggles are all represented with accuracy and nuance.
Falls Ende – Primus succeeds where many historical novels fail, it makes history breathe. Feenstra writes in a voice that respects both the scholarship and the storytelling. His depiction of rural England’s hardships is both sobering and inspiring. Odo Read is the perfect lens through which to witness the era humble, moral, and caught in forces far larger than himself. This book deserves a place beside Cornwell’s The Last Kingdom on any historian’s shelf.

[Isabella Monroe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Paul W. Feenstra writes with a rare kind of authenticity. Falls Ende – Primus doesn’t romanticize the medieval world, it exposes its brutality, faith, and fragile humanity. Odo’s journey from contentment to despair and redemption unfolds with the rhythm of a life lived hard and fast under the shadow of violence and vengeance.
The writing is cinematic, the pacing tight, and every chapter ends with a pull that keeps you reading just one more page. I couldn’t help but feel for Odo as he faced betrayal and heartbreak, all while clinging to a moral compass in a world that had lost its way.
If you crave realism with emotional resonance, this book will stay with you long after you close it.

[Rowan Bennett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m a lifelong historical fiction reader, and I rarely come across a story that feels this complete. Feenstra’s Falls Ende – Primus is what happens when a writer truly understands the time period he’s writing about. The religious politics, the class structures, the earthy dialogue, it all feels lived-in and earned.
Odo Read might start as a simple herdsman, but his evolution into something more something heroic yet human, is deeply satisfying. There’s a quiet nobility in how he faces unimaginable loss and yet still holds onto hope.
I would recommend this book to anyone who loves historical drama rooted in humanity rather than spectacle.

[Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading Falls Ende – Primus felt like stepping into a medieval tapestry that suddenly came alive. Every thread from the political tension of King Henry II’s England to the quiet desperation of the peasantry, is woven with skill and empathy. Feenstra has an astonishing ability to balance historical realism with emotional storytelling.
Odo Read begins as a man just trying to survive, but the injustices he faces force him into moral awakening. The arc of his transformation is nothing short of epic. I could feel his anger, his doubt, his heartbreak. The villains the corrupt bishop, the ruthless knights aren’t cartoonish; they are chillingly believable products of their world.

[Alicia Waitley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m not usually into historical fiction, but wow this book changed my mind! I picked up Falls Ende – Primus out of curiosity and couldn’t put it down after the first few chapters. The pacing is perfect: enough action to keep you hooked, and just enough emotional depth to make you care about every character. I loved how Feenstra didn’t make the story all about knights and battles; he focused on people, their struggles, fears, and hopes. Odo’s journey from an ordinary farmer to someone who stands up for what’s right was inspiring. It’s gritty and raw, but also surprisingly uplifting. Easily one of the best medieval stories I’ve read this year.

[Janet Patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a literature teacher, I’m always looking for novels that not only entertain but also teach. Falls Ende – Primus is a treasure trove for discussing themes of power, faith, loyalty, and social injustice. It brings 12th century England to life in a way that’s both educational and deeply emotional. Feenstra’s prose is rich yet accessible, making it suitable for older students or book clubs interested in historical fiction. Odo’s moral evolution reminds me of classical tragic heroes flawed, determined, and human. I’ve already recommended this to a few of my history colleagues, and we’re considering using excerpts for our medieval studies unit.

[Stella Reynolds · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve read my fair share of medieval fiction, but Falls Ende – Primus stands apart for one reason authenticity. Paul W. Feenstra doesn’t just set his story in 12th-century England; he resurrects it. You can practically smell the earth of Mellester’s fields, hear the clang of swords in the mist, and feel the weight of injustice pressing down on humble people like Odo Read. His transformation from simple farmer to reluctant hero is breathtaking in its realism. Every page pulses with moral conflict, political intrigue, and raw courage. Feenstra writes with the authority of a historian and the heart of a storyteller. It’s not just a book, it’s an experience that stays with you.

[Lyra · Rating 4 out of 5]

alls Ende – Primus is both sweeping and intimate, a rare combination in modern historical fiction. Feenstra’s writing balances epic scope with personal tragedy, giving readers a story that feels both grand and deeply human.
The dialogue is sharp, the descriptions immersive, and the pacing masterful. I particularly admired Feenstra’s ability to portray the feudal hierarchy not as a backdrop, but as a living force shaping every choice and consequence.
This is storytelling with moral weight, beautifully executed. Highly recommended for readers who appreciate historical fiction that respects both history and the human heart.

[Grace Mitchell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn’t expect to cry over a medieval story but here I am. Falls Ende – Primus tore at my heart in the best way possible. Odo’s courage, the quiet pain of betrayal, and the sheer beauty of his loyalty reminded me why I love stories set in hard times. Feenstra writes not just about knights and battles, but about the human spirit’s endurance.
The emotional weight of Odo’s choices protecting those he loves, standing up against injustice left me deeply moved. It’s rare to find a historical novel that balances brutal realism with tenderness, but Feenstra does it with grace. This is more than a medieval adventure. It’s a story about integrity, hope, and what it means to be truly free.

[Maya Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an adventure! Falls Ende – Primus gripped me from page one and refused to let go. Every scene — from the storm-lashed fields to the candle-lit monasteries, is described with cinematic vividness. I could smell the rain, feel the steel, and hear the distant cries of war.
Odo’s journey reminded me that true heroism isn’t about birthright or nobility, but the choices we make when faced with darkness. The writing is lyrical yet raw, balancing action and emotion beautifully. This isn’t just a story about survival; it’s about the price of defiance and the power of ordinary men to change the course of history. I closed the book breathless, and I’m already craving the sequel.

[Bob · Rating 5 out of 5]

Falls Ende – Primus is a finely wrought tapestry of medieval life, its power structures, its fragility, its violence, and its rare glimmers of grace. Feenstra demonstrates remarkable restraint; his prose is clean, deliberate, and evocative. He lets his characters carry the emotional load without melodrama.
The moral complexity of this novel impressed me most. There are no absolute heroes, only people doing their best in a system designed to crush them. The result is a story that feels both epic and intimate. It’s not just a medieval saga, it’s a meditation on power, faith, and the resilience of conscience. A brilliant addition to modern historical fiction.

[Emily Sharp · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’re after sword fights, castle intrigue, and underdog rebellion, Falls Ende – Primus delivers in spades. The pacing is relentless, and the sense of danger never fades. But it’s not mindless action Feenstra grounds every battle and betrayal in emotion.
I loved the moral dilemmas Odo faces, how far can one man go to protect what’s right? The stakes feel enormous, not just for him but for everyone caught in the chaos. The atmosphere is gritty and authentic without being depressing. Think Game of Thrones realism, but with a beating human heart. I can’t recommend this enough for fans of epic, character driven adventure.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Paul W. Feenstra’s Falls Ende – Primus took me by surprise in the best possible way. From the opening pages, I was transported into a world that felt utterly alive the creak of leather armor, the chill of English mist, the quiet desperation of a farmer who dares to challenge the powers that crush him. Odo Read is not your typical hero. He’s ordinary, flawed, reluctant yet his courage and humanity make him unforgettable.
What I loved most is Feenstra’s balance between sweeping history and intimate storytelling. The battles are brutal and realistic, but they never overshadow the emotional heartbeat of the book.