Secundus

Falls Ende #2

by Paul W. Feenstra

Falls Ende - Secundus, the second novel in the Falls Ende series, is a gripping, page-turning window into our storied past. This riveting sequel to Falls Ende - Primus, is Paul W. Feenstra's next installment of his fast-paced medieval saga that will leave you breathless.

When Mellester Manor, a small peaceful hamlet in southern England, is overcome by a catastrophic disaster, Odo and Charlotte's life is in absolute turmoil. With Sir Gweir, Lord of Mellester Manor, away in Ireland fighting alongside King Henry II, Mellester is left undefended and unprotected. The surprise arrival of Templar Knights isn't a mere coincidence; they want the old, wooden box that once belonged to Odo's father. It's the perfect time for the Church to lay claim to what they believe is theirs.

Can an ordinary herdsman stand up to a rapacious bishop and the unquestioned dominance of the Church? And can Odo and Charlotte find what they seek by risking everything to journey across the ocean to the small, coastal province of Frisia?

Emotional, twisty and dynamic, Falls Ende - Secundus is a discriminating novel that resonates with the best of Bernard Cornwall and Ken Follett.

Best read in sequence.

392 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2019

About the author

Paul W. Feenstra is a New Zealand historical fiction novelist whose character-driven stories are meticulously researched and deeply human — creating a dramatic and entertaining window into our complex past.

Born in Wellington to Dutch immigrants, Paul relocated to the United States in 1985 and spent over 27 years working in Hollywood as a multiple Emmy-nominated television post-production professional. Recognised for his contribution to his country, Paul was honoured by the New Zealand government and invited to join the prestigious World Class New Zealand network. He has been sought after as a public speaker by educational institutions, professional networks and organisations across New Zealand, sharing his unique experiences from a remarkable career.

His sixteen novels span medieval England, colonial New Zealand, Victorian London and WWI espionage. The Falls Ende series — seven books of medieval historical fiction set in 12th century England — is his most ambitious work. It is a completed series, from Primus through to Outlaw. The Leonard Hardy mysteries explore Victorian-era colonial Wellington. The Moana Rangitira novels examine early colonial New Zealand and its impact on native Māori. The Austin Willems series begins with A Gentleman at Heart in Victorian London, with a second novel, A Dangerous Game, currently in development.

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

Reviews

[Clara Whitman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Falls Ende Secundus is a gripping and emotionally charged continuation of Paul W. Feenstra’s medieval saga. When disaster strikes the quiet hamlet of Mellester Manor, Odo and Charlotte are thrust into chaos just as its lord departs to fight alongside King Henry II. Left vulnerable, the village becomes the target of Templar Knights seeking a mysterious wooden box tied to Odo’s past and the Church’s growing hunger for power.
As danger closes in, Feenstra skillfully explores faith, greed, and resistance against authority. Odo’s journey from ordinary herdsman to reluctant challenger of the Church is both compelling and believable, while Charlotte proves to be a strong and determined presence throughout their perilous journey to Frisia.
Fast paced, richly atmospheric, and full of twists, this sequel deepens the intrigue of the series while standing confidently on its own. Fans of Bernard Cornwell and Ken Follett will find much to admire here. Best read in order, Falls Ende Secundus delivers high stakes, strong character growth, and a vivid sense of history.

[SOMDReigel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Falls Ende Secundus is a novel centered around a simple herdsman, Odo and his wife, Charlotte. This story is all about characters. A story of good vs bad and the greed for coin & power. Odo lives by his honesty and dreams. A well-written, detailed medieval novel. Always thrilled to read a Paul Feenstra novel and this is another great read.
Note: Falls Ende – Secundus is the sequel to Falls Ende – Primus and should be read in order.

[Theresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sadly poor Odo finally gets some wins and some pleasant surprises. But, Fates be damned. This installment, is riveting and Odo is still on the Fates chopping block, it is full of twists and turns leaving you wonder what next and your mind wheeling!

*I received a free copy of this book from Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review