The Eye of the Falcon

Book 2 in the al-Andalus trilogy

Captured by slavers and brought to Córdoba as a child, Subh has risen to become the most powerful woman in the realm. A woman of great intelligence, beauty and ambition, she does not intend to let her enemies win.

When the caliph of al-Andalus, al-Hakim II, dies leaving an eleven-year-old boy as his heir, Queen Subh knows that her son is in danger—other members of the Omayyad court have their eyes on the throne.

Now she must use her wits and beauty to ensure that her son comes to no harm and that she remains Queen Mother. She sets up a Regency to rule in his place until the child comes of age.

But she has underestimated the ruthlessness and ambition of their enemies. Keeping the seat of power under her control is not as simple as she thought. In the end she has to choose between her own ambitions and her son’s safety.

A story of intrigue, betrayal and murder set in the royal court of 10th century Andalusia.

‘Based around real events, this book magically and effectively brings a story rich in intrigue, to life.’ Historical Novel Review Society

The Scottish novelist Joan Fallon, currently lives and works in the south of Spain. She writes both contemporary and historical fiction, but has also written a work of non-fiction which has proved the inspiration for at least two of her subsequent novels. Two aspects of Joan's life particularly influence her writing. The first is being a woman who grew up during the sixties and seventies, at a time when it was harder for a woman to gain recognition in a man's world. Consequently almost all her books have a strong female protagonist. The second influence is the fact that she has lived in Spain for the last twenty years. Spanish history and culture fascinate her and have provided some of the most exotic settings in her historical novels.