The Falcon and the Flower

Rating:
Summary: I got just plain tired...
Review: of Falcon's frustrated attempts to bring the "Flower" around...Jasmine sincerely seemed to detest him. I would have given up and couldn't understand why he didn't. When she finally decides to "submit"...I just didn't believe it. Jasmine is spoiled, stubborn and childish. Sorry! I am usually fond of her books/characters/story lines...this was not one of them.

Rating:
Summary: Spoiled brat blows off nice guy and he puts up with her
Review: Setting -- England/Wales/Ireland 1199 to 1202

The most interesting aspect of this book is the history element. It's set in the early days of the realm of King John - the king who was so bad that the barons forced the Magna Carta on him.

As for the romance, virtually every romance novel involves overcoming obstacles to finding true love. Usually the pair are from warring countries or he's killed a family member or something serious is in the way. In this book, there is no good reason for our heroine not to be willing, if not thrilled, to be betrothed to Falcon. He's young, handsome and even on the same side. Why he puts up with her running off to court and total self-centeredness is hard to understand.

Still, the pace is enough that I never doubted that I'd finish the book. It's the first of a trilogy (with The Marriage Prize and The Dragon and the Jewel). I doubt I'll go out of my way to read the other two volumes.

Rating:
Summary: Spoiled brat blows off nice guy and he puts up with her
Review: Setting -- England/Wales/Ireland 1199 to 1202

The most interesting aspect of this book is the history element. It's set in the early days of the realm of King John - the king who was so bad that the barons forced the Magna Carta on him.

As for the romance, virtually every romance novel involves overcoming obstacles to finding true love. Usually the pair are from warring countries or he's killed a family member or something serious is in the way. In this book, there is no good reason for our heroine not to be willing, if not thrilled, to be betrothed to Falcon. He's young, handsome and even on the same side. Why he puts up with her running off to court and total self-centeredness is hard to understand.

Still, the pace is enough that I never doubted that I'd finish the book. It's the first of a trilogy (with The Marriage Prize and The Dragon and the Jewel). I doubt I'll go out of my way to read the other two volumes.

Rating:
Summary: My favorite Virginia novel by far!
Review: She never seems to lose her touch. This was my favorite novel from Virginia. It kept me up all night turning page after page anxious to find out what happened next! I loved it!

Rating:
Summary: Fun but not great
Review: The book was entertaining throughout but I had a problem with the fact that Falcon hit Jasmine. From the descriptions, Falcon was a large man while Jasmine was small. I realized she could be infuriating but that wasn't a reason for him to hit her. Otherwise, I enjoyed the mysticism and the political intrigue of King John's court. Henley's research of Matilda DeBraose (sp ?) is supported by books written by Barbara Erskine. This book could have been better. I enjoyed Henley's recent releases (Dream Lover, A Year and A Day, and A Woman of Passion) much more.

Rating:
Summary: Exquisite Story of Love and Honesty
Review: This book is my personal favorite from Virginia Henley. The mysticism of white witchcraft and the courageous plights of Falcon de Burgh and Jasmine of Salisbury are enthralling. Henley manages to even add the legendary Robin Hood to the story for quite a fighting scene. She shows in her story how King's of the time, particularly King John, misused their powers for their own pleasure, making the people suffer. "The Falcon and the Flower" also reminds readers of the importance of honesty and communication in one's relationships, which was the conflict between Falcon and Jasmine

Rating:
Summary: Very good, but a bit aggravating
Review: This book was good. I bought two of her books to see how good she was and I would read more. She may be a little too graphic but not enough to be offensive. Theres a lot of attempted incest stuff that I could do without but other then that it was well written and entertaining.

Rating:
Summary: The Falcon and the Flower
Review: This book was good. I bought two of her books to see how good she was and I would read more. She may be a little too graphic but not enough to be offensive. Theres a lot of attempted incest stuff that I could do without but other then that it was well written and entertaining.

Rating:
Summary: More like 4 1/2...
Review: This is my second book of Virgnia Henley and once again, I was entertained and is impressed by her style. I am almost finished with The Dragon and The Jewel, the 2nd book of this PLANTAGENET TRILOGY. The last book is THE MARRIAGE PRIZE. Basing it on her books that I've read, Virginia Henley really knows her plot. She corporates history with romance in the most factual way. She is straight forward and doesn't use a lot flowery words even in the hero/heroine's story. I do enjoy flowery words from time to time but on this occasion, Her style was a welcome change to me that I didn't mind it at all.

The Falcon and the Flower affected me in the most bizarre ways. No doubt, I enjoyed this book. I find the PLANTAGENET interesting so the added history in this book thoroughly pulled me in. I love Falcon and Jasmine love story as well... but then I also felt guilty enjoying their story to the fullest because I don't like men hitting their wives. I feel if they did it once, they will do it again... and indeed, even towards the end of this book, Falcon did hit her again. ugh. Perhaps that is why I rated this book a four stars (4 1/2 if I could). That could have been omitted to proved he changed... I wanted to not like this book mainly for that reason but shamefully, i find my heart in spastic mode cuz I can see how much Falcon was drawn to Jasmine. He was VERY MUCH in love with her. It was a love at first sight. Jasmine didn't have a Title nor lands to offer, she wasn't trained to be a chatelain or a wife nor can she supposedly bore him sons or children... meanwhile, Falcon De Burgh could choose any bride he wants. There were many beautiful heiress who were fully trained to be chatelain and a submissive wife. There were many who could bring advantage to him but he chose Jasmine. Without Falcon realizing it, that alone says it all. Most of the books I've read have marriages cuz of convenience or with an advantage. However, Falcon's offer of marriage to Jasmine have no advantage to either of them. Love wasn't confessed in the beginning either so naturally it was confusing for both party, most especially for Jasmine who have ambition of her own to achieve. She feels that Falcon is ruining her life by marriage. I know a lot of reviewers here don't like Jasmine and I admit, I didn't particularly liked her in the beginning but this is also where I saw Ms. Henley's impressive talent. She wasn't afraid to put a flaw on her hero and heroine. Both Falcon and Jasmine have flaws of their own, which eventually made me liked them and admire them. Jasmine is also very young, only 18. She acted her age which is more realistic. I've read books where the heroine is only 18 or younger yet acted so maturely that it becomes too good to be true. Not Jasmine...Besides her beauty and her white magics, she WAS totally spoiled and useless as a wife! She likes nice clothes, to look her best and wants to be a Lady-in-Waiting for the Queen. She has her own plans and she's also living in a fantasy world, but mainly because of her grandmother ways of bringing her up. In the end, you will see her trying to be USEFUL, so to speak. That's when she becomes more lovable in my eyes.

Another part which actually amuses me more than anything is Falcon's lusty appetite towards Jasmine. Testosterone Machine, Indeed! I know others are annoyed by this but not me. I enjoyed the idea of Falcon's strong desire for his wife, and I mean strong! To top it all, Jasmine is PRUDE and won't have anything of that! Perhaps it's the challenge and the anticipation that makes Falcon even more lustful for his wife. I tell you, I've never read such a book. Most of my books have mutual desire and enjoyment when it comes to their lovemaking. Once again, Ms. Henley proves her unique ideas and implemented it well. I don't know if I should envy Jasmine or feel sore for her... oh I mean, SORRY for her. lol.

My sister suggested this trilogy to me. I didn't check the rating before reading it which I am glad I didn't, I might have been discourage and would have missed a good novel. I was surprise the overall rating of this book is only 3 1/2. In my opinion, THE FALCON AND THE FLOWER is full of NEW concepts and representation for me. It is a unique read and I totally enjoyed it.

Rating:
Summary: More like 4 1/2...
Review: This is my second book of Virgnia Henley and once again, I was entertained and is impressed by her style. I am almost finished with The Dragon and The Jewel, the 2nd book of this PLANTAGENET TRILOGY. The last book is THE MARRIAGE PRIZE. Basing it on her books that I've read, Virginia Henley really knows her plot. She corporates history with romance in the most factual way. She is straight forward and doesn't use a lot flowery words even in the hero/heroine's story. I do enjoy flowery words from time to time but on this occasion, Her style was a welcome change to me that I didn't mind it at all.

The Falcon and the Flower affected me in the most bizarre ways. No doubt, I enjoyed this book. I find the PLANTAGENET interesting so the added history in this book thoroughly pulled me in. I love Falcon and Jasmine love story as well... but then I also felt guilty enjoying their story to the fullest because I don't like men hitting their wives. I feel if they did it once, they will do it again... and indeed, even towards the end of this book, Falcon did hit her again. ugh. Perhaps that is why I rated this book a four stars (4 1/2 if I could). That could have been omitted to proved he changed... I wanted to not like this book mainly for that reason but shamefully, i find my heart in spastic mode cuz I can see how much Falcon was drawn to Jasmine. He was VERY MUCH in love with her. It was a love at first sight. Jasmine didn't have a Title nor lands to offer, she wasn't trained to be a chatelain or a wife nor can she supposedly bore him sons or children... meanwhile, Falcon De Burgh could choose any bride he wants. There were many beautiful heiress who were fully trained to be chatelain and a submissive wife. There were many who could bring advantage to him but he chose Jasmine. Without Falcon realizing it, that alone says it all. Most of the books I've read have marriages cuz of convenience or with an advantage. However, Falcon's offer of marriage to Jasmine have no advantage to either of them. Love wasn't confessed in the beginning either so naturally it was confusing for both party, most especially for Jasmine who have ambition of her own to achieve. She feels that Falcon is ruining her life by marriage. I know a lot of reviewers here don't like Jasmine and I admit, I didn't particularly liked her in the beginning but this is also where I saw Ms. Henley's impressive talent. She wasn't afraid to put a flaw on her hero and heroine. Both Falcon and Jasmine have flaws of their own, which eventually made me liked them and admire them. Jasmine is also very young, only 18. She acted her age which is more realistic. I've read books where the heroine is only 18 or younger yet acted so maturely that it becomes too good to be true. Not Jasmine...Besides her beauty and her white magics, she WAS totally spoiled and useless as a wife! She likes nice clothes, to look her best and wants to be a Lady-in-Waiting for the Queen. She has her own plans and she's also living in a fantasy world, but mainly because of her grandmother ways of bringing her up. In the end, you will see her trying to be USEFUL, so to speak. That's when she becomes more lovable in my eyes.

Another part which actually amuses me more than anything is Falcon's lusty appetite towards Jasmine. Testosterone Machine, Indeed! I know others are annoyed by this but not me. I enjoyed the idea of Falcon's strong desire for his wife, and I mean strong! To top it all, Jasmine is PRUDE and won't have anything of that! Perhaps it's the challenge and the anticipation that makes Falcon even more lustful for his wife. I tell you, I've never read such a book. Most of my books have mutual desire and enjoyment when it comes to their lovemaking. Once again, Ms. Henley proves her unique ideas and implemented it well. I don't know if I should envy Jasmine or feel sore for her... oh I mean, SORRY for her. lol.

My sister suggested this trilogy to me. I didn't check the rating before reading it which I am glad I didn't, I might have been discourage and would have missed a good novel. I was surprise the overall rating of this book is only 3 1/2. In my opinion, THE FALCON AND THE FLOWER is full of NEW concepts and representation for me. It is a unique read and I totally enjoyed it.