The Falcon: The Falconbone Chronicles (Book 3) by Philip Ligon tells the tale of Jason Falconbone, the young son of a courageous leader. Jason and his community are displaced from their homeland, Airendale, after it was attacked and seized by King Cornelius, a tyrannical ruler. This event forced Jason and his people to seek refuge in Rock Castle, a floating mountain. While Jason is celebrating his thirteenth birthday, his life is thrust into deep turmoil once more. He is unexpectedly kidnapped and taken far away from his family and community, only to be flaunted as a political trophy by his enemies. Jason endures failed rescue missions, plans to break his spirit, and attempts to turn him against his people. Each harrowing experience gradually forges his identity. Will he ultimately rise to become the leader his people desperately need?

The Falcon by Philip Ligon is a coming-of-age YA fantasy novel overflowing with steampunk elements, adventure, action, political intrigue, and intense drama. Jason is a resilient main character whose profound journey is marked by themes of self-discovery, bravery, trust, duty, and steadfastness. His character and those of the supporting cast are illustrated with incredible emotional depth, drawing readers further into a narrative that is stimulating and unforgettable. The pacing is well-executed, skillfully maneuvering through moments of action and tension. Aside from character development and conflict evolution, the steampunk world-building is possibly one of the most alluring aspects of the book. Ligon pulls it off beautifully! Fans of epic fantasy stories that portray the resilience of their protagonists and the quest for justice will be thrilled.

In The Falcon by Philip Ligon, Jason Falconbone is kidnapped on his thirteenth birthday by agents of King Cornelius IX, who wants him as leverage against his family. While held prisoner, Jason is moved through dangerous territories and confined in Airendale Fortress, witnessing the devastation of his ancestral home. Despite strict surveillance and attempts to extract information, he resists cooperating. After months, a rescue team led by Captain Trenfeld and Derrick infiltrates the city ruins to free him. They face attacks from hostile creatures and enemy forces in a damaged airship piloted by Jason. After crash-landing, Jason is helped by a nomadic group called the Peerless People, who aid his recovery. As Jason wades through shifting alliances and threats, he strives to reconnect with his family and reclaim his place amid ongoing conflicts with the king’s forces.

The Falcon by Philip Ligon is a really thrilling and fast-paced adventure that dives in from almost the word go. The airships are absolutely brilliant, and Ligon includes such detailed descriptions on what identifies them, down to the types of metal, class, and model they are, with the resilient airship The Falcon being the standout. Ligon also amps up the suspense with some hard-boiled espionage and wall climbing, or clinging, depending on how positive your outlook is. I love the almost cinematic scenes that include city ruins, tense encounters with masked attackers, and high-flying aerial maneuvers. More than just a backdrop, Ligon employs these effectively and makes the entire story feel alive and more than a little dangerous. Overall, this is a solid third book in The Falconbone Chronicles, and its ending promises more to come. Very highly recommended.