Falls Ende: Primus by Paul Feenstra
Mellester Press (June 22, 2018)
Historical Fiction/Medieval
In mid-eleventh century England, the picturesque and peaceful hamlet of Mellester Manor is devastated by the unthinkable, and the effects are lasting. Created in a similar style as acclaimed authors Bernard Cornwell and Ken Follett, ‘Falls Ende’ pits Herdsman Odo Read against vengeful knights and the Church. They seek more than revenge, they want Falls Ende.
Odo is enjoying the benefits from years of hard work and happiness when everything goes awry and his lifelong dream comes to a sudden end. For Odo, there is more at stake than just his dignity and pride because they’ve already been taken; all he has left is his life. Can he regain what is closest to his heart or will Falls Ende claim him too?
Falls Ende – Primus is a full-length novel, seamlessly compiled from Falls Ende ‘The Oath, ‘ ‘Courser’ and ‘The King.’
REVIEW
Falls Ende: Primus is the complication of the first three books in the Falls Ende series – ‘The Oath’, ‘Courser’ and ‘The King’. This full-length novel is set in medieval times. It follows the life of a herdsman, Odo, who leads a very simple life. His life is often disrupted in major ways, often by the very rich and powerful. Odo is the ultimate underdog, no fighting ability and poor, but what he does have is his smarts and his truth. This is a wonderful series that really focuses on the characters. Well-written with well-developed characters, and interesting storyline. A fast-paced, action-packed, compelling read. I have read the three books separately and having them compiled into one book will be a treasure on my bookshelf.
Reviewed by Comfy Chair Books/Lisa Reigel (August 1, 2018)
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Paul W. Feenstra is a historical fiction novelist. He has authored five novels, ‘Boundary’, ‘The Breath of God’, ‘For Want of a Shilling’. He just completed the ‘Falls Ende series – ‘The Oath’, ‘Courser’ and ‘The King’ novella series and compiled all 3 into Falls Ende – Primus.
Meticulously researched, Paul’s novels are masterfully written and similar in style to Ken Follett and Bernard Cornwell. “History is about the untold story, and writing historical fiction is a wonderful way to present the past in a compelling and entertaining way.”
Born in Wellington, New Zealand, in 1959, to Dutch immigrants, Paul still commutes frequently to Los Angeles, California, where he worked as a multiple ‘Emmy’ nominated entertainment industry professional. For over 25 years he called the USA home and was fortunate to travel extensively throughout the country. His two grown children still reside in Los Angeles.
Sought after as a public speaker by various learning institutions, professional member networks, and countless organisations, Paul has toured the length of New Zealand lecturing about his unique experiences in the Hollywood film and television industry. Recognised for his contribution in helping his country, Paul was honoured by the New Zealand government and invited to join the prestigious, ‘World Class New Zealand,’ network.
In his spare time, he enjoys photography and wrestling bears.
https://www.paulwfeenstra.com/
https://www.facebook.com/Author.Feenstra/?ref=bookmarks
https://twitter.com/pwfeenstra
Falls Ende: Oath
“A man has his word, even when he has nothing else to give.”
A story of greed and integrity. The difference of behaviors and way of thinking between the corrupt and revengeful Sir Wystan and the honorable herdsman Odo who has been punished and charged for crimes he did not commit. An interesting read that kept me captivated. Fantastic storytelling.
Falls Ende: Courser
“We’ll make a knight out of you yet”
A well written, fast paced, compelling read. Medieval is not my go to genre, but Paul Feenstra has written such a compelling story centered around the simple herdsman that I’m drawn to this series. Odo is content to live a simple life but he receives more than his share of bad fortune usually at the hands of the powerful and corrupt. He survives using his brains, resources, guts, and his honest word. This also gains him respect from knights, sergeants, and lords. A nice touch to this story is the special bond between Odo and a courser. Paul Feenstra’s writing style draws me in with each book he writes and keeps me fascinated. I recommend starting with the prequel, Falls Ende: The Oath.
Falls Ende: The King
“When a man has lost everything, he still retains the most important thing of all – his word.”
The third book in the Falls Ende series, The King, continues with herdsman Odo finding himself once again an underdog. A secret from the past is discovered and now Odo’s livelihood is at stake. We are taken out of Falls Ende as Odo is off to meet with King Henry II to plead his case. This is a wonderful series that really focuses on the characters. Well written, well developed characters, and interesting storyline.
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