30 review for The Falcon of Siam

1. 

   4 out of 5

   Brad VanAuken – Sep 22, 2011

   I picked this book up at the Peninsula Hotel Bangkok on my most recent trip to Bangkok. Not since the latest Harry Potter book have I been so engrossed in a book. I could not put it down. The story is set in the late 1600s in the Kingdom of Siam. It is the story of an English (born Greek) trade merchant rising to power in the Kingdom of Siam. He loves his adopted country and does whatever it takes to rise through its ranks to increasing positions of power. The book provides a wonderful view into I picked this book up at the Peninsula Hotel Bangkok on my most recent trip to Bangkok. Not since the latest Harry Potter book have I been so engrossed in a book. I could not put it down. The story is set in the late 1600s in the Kingdom of Siam. It is the story of an English (born Greek) trade merchant rising to power in the Kingdom of Siam. He loves his adopted country and does whatever it takes to rise through its ranks to increasing positions of power. The book provides a wonderful view into the country (Thailand today), its culture and world around it in that day. It is at the same time a love story, an adventure, a view into a culture, a view into politics and statesmanship and just a very entertaining story. I highly recommend this book for anyone who loves Thailand, its people and its culture. You will find this book to be a very rewarding read.

2. 

   4 out of 5

   Anne Charlotte LE DIOT – Jan 29, 2017

   FASCINANT : un vrai bon roman d'aventure basé sur un personnage historique à la destinée météorique et la chute terrible. Mais c'est aussi plus que ça... Le roman est plein de rebondissements, négociations, manipulations, intrigues, mensonges et c'est une vraie leçon de stratégie, témoignages de l'imagination fertile de l'auteur, et de son érudition. Il est également truffé de références, explications et scènes décrivant de multiples aspects de la culture thaïlandaise. On y apprend beaucoup aussi FASCINANT : un vrai bon roman d'aventure basé sur un personnage historique à la destinée météorique et la chute terrible. Mais c'est aussi plus que ça... Le roman est plein de rebondissements, négociations, manipulations, intrigues, mensonges et c'est une vraie leçon de stratégie, témoignages de l'imagination fertile de l'auteur, et de son érudition. Il est également truffé de références, explications et scènes décrivant de multiples aspects de la culture thaïlandaise. On y apprend beaucoup aussi sur le fonctionnement de la Cour, et des guerres commerciales que les puissances coloniales se livraient pour dominer l'Asie. Un vrai page turner pour les amateurs de fiction inspirée de faits réels, d'histoire, de culture et pour les passionnés de l'Asie, et notamment la Thaïlande. Chaudement recommandé ! Mon rêve : un mois de vacances dans une maison de teck quelque part entre la forêt et la mer, et les 3 tomes dans ma valise !!!

3. 

   4 out of 5

   Shannon – May 20, 2012

   A great historical novel by an author who obviously knows something about old Siam and has a deep love and respect for the country. It is based on a real character in seventeenth century Siam at a time when European merchants were keenly interested in trade and relations with Siam and the area in general.

4. 

   4 out of 5

   Powersamurai – Aug 10, 2010

   An excellent book for lovers of historical novels with great attention to detail. Aylwen's description of court life in 17th century Siam draws you in and takes hold. An excellent book for lovers of historical novels with great attention to detail. Aylwen's description of court life in 17th century Siam draws you in and takes hold.

5. 

   5 out of 5

   Gill Morris – Nov 17, 2017

   This is a fabulous book and I struggled to put it down, not that I would have wanted to. If you love historical novels you will love this book. A story of a young Greek adventurer, Constantine Phaulkon, comes to be employed in the Ministry of Trade in Siam during the 16th century. He's a lovable character who is smart and cunning and gets into strife quite a few times. The book, as the author explains at the beginning, is drawn from history and because all records were destroyed in the 18th cent This is a fabulous book and I struggled to put it down, not that I would have wanted to. If you love historical novels you will love this book. A story of a young Greek adventurer, Constantine Phaulkon, comes to be employed in the Ministry of Trade in Siam during the 16th century. He's a lovable character who is smart and cunning and gets into strife quite a few times. The book, as the author explains at the beginning, is drawn from history and because all records were destroyed in the 18th century there are many conflicting accounts of what really happened. I have to say that, knowing what (allegedly) happened to Phaulkon, I was slightly disappointed that the author didn't continue with the story (not that I have a morbid need to hear of the characters demise) but in the fact that it left me feeling like there was a whole lot more to come which, according to some, there is. Perhaps this is why the author chooses to end the book on a happy note. Either way I loved this book and would recommend reading it to anyone who loves a good story, particularly an historical one.

6. 

   5 out of 5

   Pete Miller – Sep 11, 2019

   A stirring story of old Siam This tale of trade between 16th century nations is a nice slice of South East Asian history. The author knows well the inscrutable Thai character and uses this as a foil against the completely different and somewhat awkward way of the West. It’s the same now. Nothing much has changed. The story demonstrates how the ancient Siamese tradition of strict obedience to the King is still respected today in modern Thailand.

7. 

   5 out of 5

   Bill Kronberger – Mar 11, 2018

   Poor Editing The Kindle edition of this book is very poorly done with errors throughout. Spelling, grammar, punctuation-you name it. Very distracting and a difficult read. It’s difficult to assess the book itself due to the lack of editing. It seems worthwhile but was so hard to read I doubt I’ll continue with the balance of the trilogy.

8. 

   5 out of 5

   Daniel – Nov 22, 2017

   This historical fiction tells the story of how a young trader from the English East India company contributes to maintaining the independence of the ancient kingdom of Siam. Although the protagonist's many talents are a bit over the top for making it realistic, the plot is captivating. It certainly gives an interesting insight into the making and executing of realpolitik. Warning: The book contains many spelling and punctuation errors. This historical fiction tells the story of how a young trader from the English East India company contributes to maintaining the independence of the ancient kingdom of Siam. Although the protagonist's many talents are a bit over the top for making it realistic, the plot is captivating. It certainly gives an interesting insight into the making and executing of realpolitik. Warning: The book contains many spelling and punctuation errors.

9. 

   4 out of 5

   Randolph Breschini – Jan 05, 2020

   I thoroughly enjoyed this fictional account of 16th century Siam (Thailand). It was a fun and interesting account of the first European discoveries of Siam. Thank you Patrick Donohue for leaving the book for me to read!!

10. 

    4 out of 5

    Manuel Finelli – Oct 10, 2020

    Excellent work, efficient synergy between historical text, fascinating novel and intriguing plot. Perhaps could have been shortened a bit, but it is never boring and the contextualisation is really captivating.

11. 

    4 out of 5

    Kevin Glt – Dec 04, 2019

    Excellent roman d'aventure !!! Captivant du début à la fin! Excellent roman d'aventure !!! Captivant du début à la fin!

12. 

    5 out of 5

    Steve – Aug 11, 2011

    The rise of Constantine Phaulcon. I should have read this book first. Anyway, he worms his way up to position of Barcalon of Siam. Based on fact. Great read.

13. 

    4 out of 5

    Jessie Ryan – Oct 14, 2015

    great book, fun read. I felt like I learned a lot about Thai culture and general assassin history of trade from a fun engaging perspective

14. 

    5 out of 5

    Jack Laschenski – Aug 20, 2008

    The first of 3 - an epic trilogy about Thailand in the 17th century. A Greek cabin boy become Prime minister of Thailand! True story.

15. 

    5 out of 5

    Andrew Clark –

16. 

    5 out of 5

    Yung –

17. 

    4 out of 5

    Santiago Amuchástegui –

18. 

    4 out of 5

    Charli –

19. 

    4 out of 5

    Moni –

20. 

    5 out of 5

    Steve Langford –

21. 

    5 out of 5

    Holly –

22. 

    5 out of 5

    David Miraut –

23. 

    5 out of 5

    Gabriela Kozlowski –

24. 

    5 out of 5

    Margarita –

25. 

    5 out of 5

    Emily –

26. 

    4 out of 5

    Tremblay –

27. 

    5 out of 5

    Meredith Williams –

28. 

    4 out of 5

    David Jones –

29. 

    5 out of 5

    Quentin –

30. 

    5 out of 5

    Jason –