The son of an unknown father and a mother who is one of Great Britain's foremost swordmakers circa 1184 (Ellenweore, the heroine of the prequel "The Copper Sign), William dreams of becoming a falconer, but his mother believes his crippled foot and class mean he would be more suited to following in her footsteps. But when William happens upon a loose falcon and presents her to King Henry with the brash request that he be allowed to follow his dream, he finds his world broadened, as he eventually gets an apprenticeship with a falconer. There he meets Robert, another trainee, with whom he forges a friendship that will last though be tested over time. Though William's gifts are evident early on, his path to success will be rocky: full of scandal, violence and attempts by his archenemy Odon to destroy his reputation, though on the way, he will find true friendship and love.

Pros: You can read and enjoy this book without needing to read the prequel, though it's equally as good. (A third book, "The Golden Throne," featuring the knight William Marshal, a character in this one, is forthcoming.) There are likeable secondary female characters, even though they aren't given much to do (in keeping with gender roles of the times). William is easy to root for, even when he acts less than honorably, and his relationships with Robert and Marguerite are complex but sweet. Odon also makes a satisfyingly mustache twirling villain.

Cons: There was some repetition, and also, some telling instead of showing. The end, in which it seemed all the major secrets were revealed at once, seemed rushed.

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