The Queen’s Falconer (The Tudor Throne #5)

Once a Pretender to the throne, Lambert Simnel now serves the man he tried to depose. As King Henry VII’s royal falconer, he lives in the shadow of the gallows, content with his quiet life. But when a mysterious inheritance from a dead nobleman throws him under the scrutiny of the king’s ruthless spymaster, Lambert is unwillingly drawn into a deadly game of spies and conspirators.

At the heart of the plot is a beautiful white falcon, a treacherous gift to the beloved Queen Elizabeth of York. As Lambert unravels the conspiracy, he finds himself aligned with the clever Princess Margaret Tudor, who is fighting her own battles against the court’s vipers. From the boisterous revelry of a Twelfth Night feast to the secret passages of Richmond Palace, they discover that every smile can hide a dagger and every gift can be a weapon.

With the Tudor throne threatened by enemies both at home and abroad, Lambert must embrace the cunning he learned as a boy king to survive. But in a court where loyalty is a commodity and secrets are worth more than gold, the price of the truth may be his own life. The Queen’s Falconer is a gripping historical thriller where the fate of a kingdom rests in the hands of the one man who was never meant to be its hero.

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Included Tropes

The Pretender: A character who falsely claims a royal identity or right to the throne. Lambert Simnel, a historical figure, is explicitly identified as having been groomed to impersonate Edward Plantagenet to seize the throne. His past as a Pretender heavily influences his current status and the king’s perception of him.

The Enforcer/Spymaster: A loyal, often ruthless, agent responsible for intelligence, security, and carrying out the monarch’s less savory commands. Sir Thomas Lovell serves as King Henry VII’s chief enforcer, tracking traitors, uncovering conspiracies, and executing justice. He is fiercely loyal and highly effective.

Political Marriage: A marriage arranged for political alliances, power, or stability rather than love. The historical marriage of Henry VII and Elizabeth of York united the houses of Lancaster and York. Princess Maggie is destined for a similar union with King James of Scotland to secure an alliance.

Conspiracy/Treason: A secret plot by a group of individuals to overthrow or undermine the ruling power. The central plot involves a network of traitors attempting to destabilize Henry VII’s reign and potentially fund an invasion.

Duty vs. Love: A conflict where characters must choose between personal affections/desires and their responsibilities or obligations, often to a larger cause or institution. Henry VII constantly balances his deep love for Elizabeth with his duty to protect and secure his throne. Maggie faces this with her impending marriage and her loyalty to her family.

The Oracle/Seer/Prophecy: A character or object that foretells future events, often with ambiguous or misleading results. Signor Parron, the court astrologer, presents a prophecy book predicting a long and prosperous life for Queen Elizabeth and a successful future for Prince Harry. Elizabeth’s subsequent death discredits him.

The MacGuffin: An object that serves primarily as a plot device to drive the narrative forward, often sought after by multiple characters. The silver trunk containing gold and deeds, left by Marquis Grey, is the object of the conspiracy. It is intended to fund Suffolk’s invasion and is pursued by both the traitors and Lovell.

The Unwitting Accomplice: A character who unknowingly aids a villain or a plot due to manipulation or lack of information. A character is manipulated into retrieving the key to the treasure.

The Noble/Moral Queen: A queen consort who is portrayed as virtuous, compassionate, and a positive influence on her husband and court. Elizabeth of York embodies this trope. She is kind, wise, and consistently advocates for mercy and understanding, often tempering Henry’s harsher impulses.

The King’s Confidant: The most trusted advisor and friend to the king, often privy to his deepest thoughts and secrets. Sir Thomas Lovell is Henry VII’s closest friend and most reliable confidant, having served him for decades in exile and during his reign.

Forbidden/Star-Crossed Love: A romantic relationship hindered by significant external obstacles, such as social status, political implications, or existing commitments. Nan Browne and Charles Brandon’s mutual attraction is complicated by Brandon’s debts, reputation, and existing affair, as well as the king’s political maneuvering regarding Nan’s inheritance.

The Scapegoat: A character who is unfairly blamed or punished for the actions or mistakes of others. Lambert Simnel is initially blamed and punished for Snowfell’s escape and Prince Harry’s injury, even though Harry was truly responsible. This is part of Lovell’s plan to protect Lambert.

Masked Ball/Masquerade: A social event where guests wear masks, allowing for anonymity, secret encounters, and often, hidden agendas. The Twelfth Night revels feature masked guests, which two characters use for a tryst, and which provides cover for Lambert’s attacker.

The Hidden Passageway/Secret Room: A concealed route or chamber used for clandestine activities or observation. A secret listening closet behind the king’s throne, unknown to most, is used by Henry and Lovell to gather information.

Loyal Animal Companion: An animal that is devoted to its owner, often reflecting aspects of the owner’s personality or providing comfort. Lancelot, King Henry VII’s greyhound, is constantly by his side, sensing his moods and offering quiet companionship, especially during times of grief.

Grief-Induced Illness: A character falling physically ill or experiencing a severe decline in health due to intense emotional distress or sorrow. After Queen Elizabeth’s death, King Henry VII falls into a deep illness, experiencing delirium, fever, and a profound will to die, reflecting his intense grief.

The Long Game: A strategic approach where characters plan and execute actions over an extended period, often with many small steps leading to a major goal. Henry VII and Lovell patiently gather evidence against the conspirators, allowing them to act, rather than making premature arrests that would scatter the remaining traitors.

The Underestimated Servant: A character of low social standing whose intelligence, skills, or loyalty are often overlooked by those in power, but who proves to be invaluable. Lambert Simnel, despite his past as a Pretender and his current role as a falconer, proves to be a keen observer and a brave agent in uncovering the treasonous plot.

Sibling Rivalry: Competition or animosity between siblings, sometimes subtle, sometimes overt. Prince Harry feels overshadowed by his deceased older brother, Arthur, and struggles with the pressure to live up to his memory, impacting his relationship with his father.

The Mentor/Student Relationship: An experienced character guides and teaches a less experienced one, often in practical skills or wisdom. Sir Thomas Lovell, the seasoned spymaster, subtly guides Princess Maggie in understanding court intrigue and strategy, particularly through their chess games and discussions.

The Distant/Absent Father: A father figure who is emotionally or physically removed from his children, often due to responsibilities or personality. King Henry VII, consumed by the demands of kingship and shadowed by grief, initially struggles with emotional connection to his children, particularly Harry, leading to a more formal relationship.

The Rescue Mission: A plot element where characters embark on a quest to save someone from danger or captivity. Sir Edward Howard and his men undertake a mission to rescue two men imprisoned by a villain.

The Martyr (subtle): A character who makes a significant sacrifice, often of their life or well-being, for a greater cause or for others. Queen Elizabeth’s decision to become pregnant again after Arthur’s death, despite the known dangers of childbirth in her era, to provide Henry with another heir, ultimately costs her life.

The White Falcon as a Symbol: An animal, often exotic or rare, that holds symbolic meaning within the narrative. Snowfell, the exquisite white falcon, is initially presented as a gift and a symbol of beauty and prosperity (linked to the prophecy). Later, it becomes a crucial signal for the conspirators, and its well-being is tied to the unraveling plot.

The Lost Princes: A historical reference to young princes who mysteriously disappeared or were murdered, often used to create suspense or underscore the precariousness of royal succession. The fate of Elizabeth’s brothers, the Princes in the Tower, is a recurring dark memory for her and is referenced when Lambert fears a similar fate.

Similar Books in the Same Genre

The Other Boleyn Girl by Philippa Gregory

Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel

The Constant Princess by Philippa Gregory

Bring Up the Bodies by Hilary Mantel

The Winter King: Henry VII and the Fight for England by Thomas Penn (While non-fiction, it is a primary source for the author and covers the exact historical context, figures, and many of the political intrigue elements and personal characterizations found in the novel.)

Prominent Themes

The Weight of the Crown: The immense responsibility and personal sacrifice demanded of monarchs.

The Precariousness of Power: The constant threat of usurpation and rebellion in Tudor England.

Loyalty and Betrayal: The steadfast devotion of figures like Lovell and Lambert contrasted with the treachery of characters like Courtenay and Greene.

Love and Loss: The profound impact of death and separation on personal relationships, particularly Henry’s grief for Elizabeth.

Duty vs. Desire: The struggle between personal happiness and the obligations imposed by one’s station, especially for royalty.

Justice and Mercy: The king’s balancing act between harsh punishment for traitors and compassion for the innocent or misguided.

The Nature of Truth: The difficulty in discerning facts amidst court intrigue, secrets, and deception.

Redemption and Second Chances: Lambert Simnel’s journey from Pretender to trusted servant.

Parental Love and Protection: The fierce desire of parents (Henry, Elizabeth, Sir Anthony) to shield their children from harm and political danger.

The Illusion of Prediction: The failure of astrology and prophecy in the face of unforeseen events and human agency.

The Power of Influence: How individuals, particularly Queen Elizabeth, can subtly shape the actions and decisions of those in power.

The Enduring Legacy of History: The shadow of past conflicts (Wars of the Roses, Princes in the Tower) continuing to affect current events and characters.