From #1 New York Times bestselling author Barbara Taylor Bradford comes the first book in a stunning new historical saga. Victorian England is a country of sharp divides between rich and poor, but James Lionel Falconer, who spends his days working at his father’s market stall, is determined to become a merchant prince. Even as a child, he is everything a self-made man should be: handsome, … should be: handsome, ambitious, charming, and brimming with self-confidence. James quickly rises through the ranks, proving himself both hardworking and trustworthy, and catching the eye of Henry Malvern, head of the most prestigious shipping company in London. But when threats against his reputation – and his life – begin to emerge, James will have to prove that he truly is the master of his fate.
Through scandal and romance, tragedy and triumph, the Falconer and Malvern family’s lives intertwine in unexpected ways in this expansive and intricately detailed new novel filled with drama, intrigue, and Bradford’s trademark cast of compelling characters.
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I have been a fan of Barbara Taylor Bradford since Woman of Substance. Master of His Fate is the first in a sweeping new family saga. The story is told from two viewpoints and I couldn’t wait to find out how the two intertwined. I was quickly transported back in time to Victorian England and pulled into the story of James and Alexis. I can’t wait for the next book!
I just finished reading Barbara Taylor Bradford’s Master of His Fate, I was excited to read this book when I saw that it was a “family saga.” The book did not disappoint! This book is her first in a series. I loved the story of James Falconer making his way in a rags to riches story and I also enjoyed Alexis Malvern’s story as a woman in a man’s world in the 1880s. Perfect book to cuddle up to on a winter day. I look forward to continuing the story in Barbara’s next book. I received this book ARC from NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press.
My first BTB book, and it just wasn’t for me. Considering how prolific she’s been as a writer, I was surprised that I almost bailed on this one.
The characters did not feel real to me, their conversations stilted and unnatural for the most part. There were stretches of encyclopedic prose defining things that were already clear to me…irritating and unnecessary. And to be honest, I didn’t particularly like any of the characters with the possible exception of Alexis and then only because she was written with a nod toward more independence than most women at the time (Victorian Era).
Beginning of a series that I probably won’t continue. No offense to her fans.
Not up to the caliber of other Bradford books I’ve enjoyed.
Good read
I can’t tell you how many books of hers I have read, but every one of them is special, the characters well formed, the plot excellent – enjoy!
A fantastic book that you cannot put down!!! I loved it.
Great story just like the rest of the author’s previous books. She is a terrific author!
I am a huge fan of Barbara Taylor Bradford. There are unfinished story lines that I hope will be answered in the following books. I love how she spins a tale with her straightforward writing and her knowledge of the period.
Easy read and entertaining. I do look forward to the coming books in the series.
Very good book!
Barbara Taylor Bradford weaves a multilayered story of the Falconer and Malvern families. Rich in characterization and period atmosphere, “The Master of His Fate” provides a glimpse into the Victorian era and its class strictures, as well as the growing desire for change. I can’t wait for the next installment in this new series.
Barbara Taylor Bradford is amazing. She takes a time that is so far into history and brings it to life. As a fan of hers, I know that when I pick up one of her amazing books I will be taken back in time to a land that I am not familiar with, customs that are not known to me, and a way of life that I’ve only heard about in a history lesson. Her books are the best history lessons I have ever read. I can picture the horse drawn carriages, the esteemed houses lit up by gas lights, the beautiful corset style dresses, and the rest of the wonders of the era.
I loved how involved James’ grandparents were in his life. They let him live while giving him the knowledge, the support, and once in a while a shove in the right direction to make his dreams come true. James’ knows what he wants to do and while he is not from a wealthy family he is taught manners and is educated to make it possible for him to reach his goal of being “Prince Merchant” for Malvern’s.
I would put Master of His Fates in the categories of historical fiction, women’s fiction with the twist of romance and suspense. All of the above categories are ones that I look to when I am in need of a book to read. Barbara Taylor Bradford does an amazing job of weaving together the storylines, making them come together seamlessly, and pulling the reader in.
This story is filled with historical lessons from the Victorian Age. It offers a close look at the culture and class structure that existed at that time. More than that it looks at the moral character and decency of human relationships and how it defined a he culture.
“Class doesn’t define abusive men, Claudia. I am afraid they are everywhere in society. In all classes and creeds.”
“For instance, a sociopath is someone who has no sense of remorse about what he does. He does not have the slightest empathy for other people and doesn’t understand their feelings.”
The book forces you to look beyond the superficial and see the why. It is well organized and the characters and very well developed. There is love, loss, anger, empathy, hope and grief. It is all the realities of life embodied in one place.
My favorite thing about this book is the beautiful, vivid descriptions. I could picture every single detail throughout the story. I also really enjoy the characters and the story itself – it’s so well written. I’m looking forward to more in the series!
My Review
Linda Zagon’s review Nov 10, 2018 · edit
it was amazing
Lindas Book Obsession Reviews ” Master of His Fate” by @Barbara Taylor Bradford, St. Martin’s Press, November 20, 2018
Barbara Taylor Bradford, Author of “Master of His Fate” has written an intriguing, intense, emotional, riveting, and captivating novel. Barbara Taylor Bradford is an amazing author that vividly describes her unique characters and dramatic settings. The Genres for this novel are Historical Fiction, Fiction, Women’s Fiction, with a touch of Romance and Mystery and Suspense. The timeline for this story is set in Victorian England where there is a huge diversity between the very wealthy and the very poor. The author describes her colorful cast of characters as complex and complicated possibly due to circumstances and events. This is the first in a series, and I look forward to the next book.
Alexis Malvern is a beautiful and intelligent daughter next in line to inherit her father’s extremely successful and lucrative business. Tragedy occurs that forces Alexis to step back, and recover.
James Lionel Falconer should credit his grandparents for bring up to learn the ways of a gentleman. James has excellent manners and is educated through books in his grandparents house, where they are the head servants given much respect. As a boy, James watches and helps his father in the market stalls. When James is asked what his dream is to be he will say a “Prince Merchant”. As James matures, he works his way up the ranks and is honest and hardworking. He is determined to make something of himself. When Alexis is recovering, James works at the Malvern company. James has a head for business and notices that there is something wrong with the books. There are twists and turns, danger, mystery, suspense and murder. I would recommend this book for readers who enjoy a book of substance.