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 The Falconer is an exciting, compelling novel from debut author, Elizabeth May and it's one of my favorite novels of the year so far. I can definitely see why so there's much buzz surrounding this book among my blogger friends and why so many people have fallen in love with this book. This book is a perfect mix of steampunk, paranormal, and historical elements; needless to say, I loved The Falconer and I'm extremely eager to read the next book in this series. 
 Aileana is the falconer and it is her duty to curb the faery population in Scotland and to protect humans from the paranormal world. When Aileana's mother is murdered, Aielana swears to get revenge on the murderer and she is determined to complete her mission. With the weapons that Aileana has created and her need for vengeance, Aileana is ready to combat an army of fae. 
 The Falconer takes place in Scotland during the 1800's and May successfully incorporates this backdrop to create an intriguing, historical-fiction novel. There's an emphasis on society and status in this novel as the case usually is with these types of novels; Aileana struggles with maintaining her "lady-like" image and avoiding public shame. I loved how Aileana doesn't really fit the part of the docile maiden who needs to rely on a man and her character doesn't fit in with the traditional gender roles of that time period. 
 I personally feel that steam-punk is such an under-appreciated genre and so, I was so glad that May decided to integrate steampunk elements in the world she created in The Falconer. Aileana creates so many intricate inventions in this novel and I absolutely loved seeing how each invention had it's own unique purpose; I especially loved the scene in which Aileana decided to go for a flight in the flying machine she created. I would love to see even more steampunk inventions in this series and I truly hope that automatons make an appearance in the next book. 
 The love triangle in The Falconer was much better than the romances in a majority of the YA novels I've read this year. I actually have an inkling why Kiaran and Gavin each appeal to Aileana, but personally I don't feel like I prefer either character enough to choose who I think Aileana should end up with. I definitely enjoyed how the romance didn't overshadow the plot and action scenes; in so many novels the romance seems to be driving the plot forward, but in The Falconer, that's not the case. 
 There are tons of action scenes in The Falconer and May truly knows how to write make these scenes so fast-paced and engaging. I truly loved how kick-ass of a character Aileana was and how she was incredibly strong and powerful. I did want to see more of Aileana's training because I felt that would've been an interesting addition to the plot-line. The ending ends on a painful cliffhanger and I know that I'll immediately read the sequel once I can get my hands on it. 
 The Falconer took everything I love about Buffy: The Vampire Slayer and Clockwork Angel and combined these elements into one incredible novel. I really enjoyed The Falconer and I really look forward to read more of May's future novels. I truly hope that there's more steampunk elements in the sequel and I'm definitely prepared for all of the feels in book 2.