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caaleros's review against another edition
5.0
Hawksong is a high-fantasy YA novel with a slow-burn romance and political intrigue that manages to do more in a little over 200 pages than many 600 page novels. It focuses on two shapeshifter kingdoms and their war that has lasted so long no one even knows how it began. Danica Shardae, the last remaining heir to the avian throne, and Zane Cobriana, the heir to the serpiente throne, are desperate to end the war between their kingdoms. Both have lost many family members and loved ones over the years and there is no righteous side, only a cycle of revenge. When a third-party mediator suggests that Danica and Zane unite their warring kingdoms through marriage everyone is skeptical, but Danica and Zane’s love for their people make them consider the unimaginable.
This book is amazing in terms of character, plot, and world-building. Danica and Zane are steeped in their respective cultures and this creates complex and dynamic characters as they are challenged to overcome their prejudice and learn to live in each other’s world. Their successes and failures at adapting is what adds the tension to the plot—oh, and assassination attempts. Those cause tension too.
One aspect of the world building that I would critique is that Atwater-Rhodes decided to set this novel in our world without any explanation or connection. There is a Chinese pillow mentioned, then later we learn the origins of the shapeshifters are from Egypt, and they briefly mention the human world. Besides these puzzling moments, there’s no real explanation of how these large and complex kingdoms of animal shapeshifters exist inside the human world. That being said, it’s rarely mentioned and doesn’t affect anything, so while it is puzzling I choose not to let it bother me.
One reviewer remarked that since this book is pre-Twilight the way the romance is written perhaps wouldn’t feel as exciting to current YA readers. That may be true, but I’m fascinated how each era tells stories in a different way. We can’t tell a story like they did in the early 2000s just like they couldn’t tell a 2010s story. It’s not good or bad, it’s just the nature of storytelling. For better or worse, the publishing world today wouldn’t print such a short high fantasy novel. From my perspective, because pre-Twilight YA is so different from now, that makes this story even more refreshing.
One of the most astounding things about this novel is that it stands the test of time. There are books that I loved as a teen that just weren’t as good on a second read, but this book—the characters, the cultures, the plot—is still as addicting as it was when I first read it during the ice storm that hit the Midwest more than a decade ago.
This book is amazing in terms of character, plot, and world-building. Danica and Zane are steeped in their respective cultures and this creates complex and dynamic characters as they are challenged to overcome their prejudice and learn to live in each other’s world. Their successes and failures at adapting is what adds the tension to the plot—oh, and assassination attempts. Those cause tension too.
One aspect of the world building that I would critique is that Atwater-Rhodes decided to set this novel in our world without any explanation or connection. There is a Chinese pillow mentioned, then later we learn the origins of the shapeshifters are from Egypt, and they briefly mention the human world. Besides these puzzling moments, there’s no real explanation of how these large and complex kingdoms of animal shapeshifters exist inside the human world. That being said, it’s rarely mentioned and doesn’t affect anything, so while it is puzzling I choose not to let it bother me.
One reviewer remarked that since this book is pre-Twilight the way the romance is written perhaps wouldn’t feel as exciting to current YA readers. That may be true, but I’m fascinated how each era tells stories in a different way. We can’t tell a story like they did in the early 2000s just like they couldn’t tell a 2010s story. It’s not good or bad, it’s just the nature of storytelling. For better or worse, the publishing world today wouldn’t print such a short high fantasy novel. From my perspective, because pre-Twilight YA is so different from now, that makes this story even more refreshing.
One of the most astounding things about this novel is that it stands the test of time. There are books that I loved as a teen that just weren’t as good on a second read, but this book—the characters, the cultures, the plot—is still as addicting as it was when I first read it during the ice storm that hit the Midwest more than a decade ago.
a_larks_nest's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
I read this book all the back in 2007 when I was in middle school. It was the first romantasy book I’ve ever read. While I couldn’t remember the individual names of characters, the story itself always stuck with me and would pop up in my brain for time to time. I was scared to reread it now as an adult because I worried it wouldn’t hold up, but I’m glad I did. It was such a fun, quick read.
While on paper it is an enemies-to-lovers relationship as the FMC and MMC come from two different races- the avians and serpiente- that have been at war for generations, the two are trying to bring peace by uniting their people via marriage. So there isn’t much hatered on either side, just fear and distrust.
My only complaints might be that 1) some of the time skips kind of breeze past things. I would have love to read more about Danica’s healing process after the attempted assassination that happens in chapter 19. Especially since during that time in the last 2 chapters, her and Zane’s relationship strengthens to the point that they love one another . And 2) I would love to see more world building focusing on lore and their different cultures. However, I know the other was young when she wrote this, so I’m not complaining too harshly.
heabooknerd's review against another edition
5.0
I first read HAWKSONG back in high school and it's stuck with me all these years as one of my favorite reads. I've always loved books about shifters but there's something unique and different about what Amelia Atwater-Rhodes has created. While the writing does have a very formal feel, it still pulled me in from the very beginning and I became invested in the peace these war groups were seeking. Both Danica and Zane are willing to sacrifice everything to stop the killing and protect their people and this desire clearly comes through in their actions and words. They do not have an easy start, especially Danica, who has known nothing but hate and fear for the serpiente and the royal family in particular. While Zane does not care for the avians either, he's had a few opportunities over the years to see Danica's compassion and realize she might be more than she appears.
It takes a while for Danica and Zane to learn to trust each other and begin to understand the other's culture. While the main characters are older, 19 to 20, this is still a young adult novel and the steam is very low. However, they still had great chemistry and the pace of their relationship made perfect sense considering they've been mortal enemies up to this point.
In addition to loving the world and the story, I also adored Danica and Zane as individual characters and as a couple. HAWKSONG is told completely from Danica's point of view and I enjoyed her as a narrator. Danica was the perfect mix of gentle and compassionate alongside strong and brave. She was born to lead her people but that doesn't mean she isn't afraid she'll make mistakes. Danica is also conflicted on choosing her alastair, or pair bond, because her chosen alastair was killed several years before and she doesn't want to put anyone else at risk. On the outside Danica's the perfect avian lady, reserved, calm and always in control but on the inside you can tell she yearns for more. In contrast, the serpiente are loud, fiery, and passionate and Zane is no exception as their ruler. As a sweet and innocent 14 year old first reading HAWKSONG Zane was my first bad boy crush and he'll always hold that special spot in my heart. There's no doubt that Zane is an alpha male used to leading but he also wears his heart on his sleeve a lot of the time. Zane might be quick to anger but he's also honorable, loyal, and genuine. I loved the edge of danger that Zane always had, even when he was trying to hide it behind his more charming side.
HAWKSONG will always be one of my favorites that I find myself rereading over and over again. Danica and Zane's forbidden romance is filled with tension and slow burn that always keeps me engaged from the first page to the last.
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Favorite Quotes:
“May I join you tonight?” My nervous expression made him continue quickly, “I'm not asking for anything beyond your company in sleep. Just let me rest with the sound of your heartbeat beside mine.”
It takes a while for Danica and Zane to learn to trust each other and begin to understand the other's culture. While the main characters are older, 19 to 20, this is still a young adult novel and the steam is very low. However, they still had great chemistry and the pace of their relationship made perfect sense considering they've been mortal enemies up to this point.
In addition to loving the world and the story, I also adored Danica and Zane as individual characters and as a couple. HAWKSONG is told completely from Danica's point of view and I enjoyed her as a narrator. Danica was the perfect mix of gentle and compassionate alongside strong and brave. She was born to lead her people but that doesn't mean she isn't afraid she'll make mistakes. Danica is also conflicted on choosing her alastair, or pair bond, because her chosen alastair was killed several years before and she doesn't want to put anyone else at risk. On the outside Danica's the perfect avian lady, reserved, calm and always in control but on the inside you can tell she yearns for more. In contrast, the serpiente are loud, fiery, and passionate and Zane is no exception as their ruler. As a sweet and innocent 14 year old first reading HAWKSONG Zane was my first bad boy crush and he'll always hold that special spot in my heart. There's no doubt that Zane is an alpha male used to leading but he also wears his heart on his sleeve a lot of the time. Zane might be quick to anger but he's also honorable, loyal, and genuine. I loved the edge of danger that Zane always had, even when he was trying to hide it behind his more charming side.
HAWKSONG will always be one of my favorites that I find myself rereading over and over again. Danica and Zane's forbidden romance is filled with tension and slow burn that always keeps me engaged from the first page to the last.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Favorite Quotes:
“May I join you tonight?” My nervous expression made him continue quickly, “I'm not asking for anything beyond your company in sleep. Just let me rest with the sound of your heartbeat beside mine.”
tuttidolci's review against another edition
4.0
4.5 stars.
I've been intrigued with this story for a while but had always put off reading it in favor of other books. Thankfully, I had a few hours time to kill today and finally decided to read it to completion.
Am I glad that I did!
I was pretty much swept away.
The writing isn't anything majestic or exquisite, but what I found compelling was how Amelia Atwater-Rhodes was able to weave this magical human/shapeshifter world and turn it into a somewhat Romeo and Juliet-ish type of tale. I was sucked in from chapter 1 and didn't put it down until I was done.
I'm dying to read the next books in the series and if I didn't have to sleep I'd be plowing through them right now. :)
I've been intrigued with this story for a while but had always put off reading it in favor of other books. Thankfully, I had a few hours time to kill today and finally decided to read it to completion.
Am I glad that I did!
I was pretty much swept away.
The writing isn't anything majestic or exquisite, but what I found compelling was how Amelia Atwater-Rhodes was able to weave this magical human/shapeshifter world and turn it into a somewhat Romeo and Juliet-ish type of tale. I was sucked in from chapter 1 and didn't put it down until I was done.
I'm dying to read the next books in the series and if I didn't have to sleep I'd be plowing through them right now. :)
enniroc's review against another edition
5.0
Probably my favorite of the Kieshaa'ra books. The romance between the characters is delicious and the plot is filled with sorrow and love and hate. There is a tension and throughout the book it is readily felt. A superb addition to my Atwater-Rhodes shelf.
shareen17's review against another edition
4.0
A people who are hawk changelings have been at constant war with people who are snake changelings. A new queen of the hawks will do anything to find peace for her people. A little court drama, a little fantasy, a little romance equals an entertaining book.
rukistarsailor's review
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
stephcandy's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
This book is down right phenomenol. I was worried I was going in with nostalgic glasses but this is better than most of the books I've read in the last couple years. Amelia Atwater-Rhodes has created a fantasy world that most people dream of. The amount of life and character development she achieves in 240 pages is mind blowing.
Read the book. Just read it. It has everything you want. Fantasy, slow burn, passion, tension, excitement.
Read the book. Just read it. It has everything you want. Fantasy, slow burn, passion, tension, excitement.
katkilgannon's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
I read Hawksong for the first time in 2006 and it has held a special place in my heart ever since as one of my hands down favorite books.