FALCONS OF FIRE AND ICE

The new literary historical by a writer whose work has been described as "irresisible", "evocative page turner", "compelling" ...

Isabela’s father, the Royal Falconer of Portugal, has fallen foul of the Grand Inquisition. When the King’s prized white gyrfalcons die under mysterious circumstances, the Inquisition makes its move. The only way Isabela can save her father – and her family – is by replacing the rare, beloved falcons. Isabela covertly embarks on a treacherous voyage to the frozen mountains of Iceland. Determined to see her fail, the Inquisition sends an assassin on her tail.

Knowing only that she must seek the highest, most remote, volcanic peaks, Isabela is surprised to find she’s travelling with others who seem to share the same goal. With her senses on alert, she enlists the aid of an Icelandic family also hiding a dangerous secret. In a barren land of strangers, foreign tongues and religious persecution, Isabela finds she has an unlikely ally in two sisters whose unearthly gifts will guide her on this perilous path.

Karen Maitland is a full-time writer. She has an honours degree in Human Communication and a doctorate in Psycholinguistics. Her novels include: The White Room, which was short listed for The Authors' Club Best First Novel Award; Company of Liars; The Owl Killers; and The Gallows Curse.