Series hub
The Falconer
The Falconer is Elizabeth May's historical fae fantasy romance trilogy, now reimagined and rereleased for adult romantasy readers, with Victorian Scotland, fae hunters, vengeance, action, and romantic tension.
Author: Elizabeth May | Last checked: August 25, 2026.
Books in the series
| Book | Type | Where it fits |
|---|---|---|
| The Falconer | Main book | Book one; start here. |
| The Vanishing Throne | Main book | Book two. |
| The Fallen Kingdom | Main book | Book three; trilogy conclusion. |
Reading path
Read the trilogy in order. Elizabeth May's official Falconer page says new readers should start with the reimagined new editions, while Bloomsbury lists all three books in the series.
Reader fit
Choose it if you want historical romantasy, Victorian Scotland, fae hunters, action, vengeance, and a completed trilogy with updated adult-romantasy positioning. It is one of the better fits for readers who want fae danger without another royal-court setup.
What readers tend to notice
The Falconer gives the fae lane a different texture: not a royal court, not an academy, but a historical Scotland revenge story with a mechanically gifted heroine and dangerous fae. The updated editions matter because Elizabeth May explicitly positions them for first-time readers now, so this page should steer new readers toward those rather than making them sort through old covers and editions alone.
It is best for readers who want fae action, vengeance, and a completed trilogy with older YA roots refreshed for romantasy shelves. It is less ideal for readers who want cozy folklore or a primarily domestic romance arc.
Before you start
If you are choosing between editions, May's official site recommends the new reimagined editions for first-time readers.
Best browsing paths
This belongs with historical romantasy, fae, completed trilogy, and older-series rediscovery pages.
Choose this over...
Choose The Falconer over Emily Wilde when you want action and fae warfare rather than academic fieldwork; choose Emily Wilde when you want softer folklore and lower heat. The Falconer also works better than The Crimson Moth when the reader wants a completed trilogy instead of a two-book witch-hunter cat-and-mouse.
Quick decision guide
| Reader question | Best answer |
|---|---|
| Choose it if | You want fae action in Victorian Scotland. |
| Skip it if | You want contemporary voice or cozy fantasy. |
| Best mood | Stabby heroine, fae assassin, historical fantasy, vengeance. |
| Best next click | Folklore Romantasy Books. |
Audiobook format
| Format | What it means | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Standard audiobook | Check current retailer listings by edition and title. | Listeners comparing original and rereleased editions. |
| Dramatized adaptation | No GraphicAudio listing verified for this hub. | Use ebook, print, or standard audio where available. |
Where to buy or listen
Check current editions for The Falconer. Availability, narration, price, and retailer listings can change by country.
Some links may be affiliate links. Always confirm the exact edition and format before buying.
Reader FAQ
Where should I start The Falconer?
Start with The Falconer.
How many books are in The Falconer?
The trilogy is The Falconer, The Vanishing Throne, and The Fallen Kingdom.
Which edition should new readers choose?
Elizabeth May's official page recommends the reimagined new editions for first-time readers.
Who should read it?
Readers who want historical fae action, romance, vengeance, and a completed trilogy.
What to read next
Try Emily Wilde, Folklore Romantasy Books, or The Crimson Moth.