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Matthew Hawkwood #5
The Blooding
Hawkwood finds himself behind enemy lines in America during the war of 1812—for fans of Bernard Cornwell, Conn Iggulden and Patrick O'Brien
1812: Matthew Hawkwood, soldier turned spy, is stranded behind enemy lines, in America, a country at war with Britain.
Heading for the safety of the Canadian border, Hawkwood’s route takes him to Albany, where the chance sighting of a former comrade-in-arms—Major Douglas Lawrence—within a consignment of British prisoners stymies to his plans. For as the two men make their escape they uncover an American plot to invade Canada. If it is successful, the entire continent will be lost. The British authorities must be warned.
Pursued by a relentless enemy, Hawkwood and Lawrence set off across the snow-bound Adirondack Mountains; the land the Iroquois call "The Hunting Grounds." But they are not alone.
Buried deep in Hawkwood’s past is an old alliance – one that could save both their lives and help turn the tide of war…
1812: Matthew Hawkwood, soldier turned spy, is stranded behind enemy lines, in America, a country at war with Britain.
Heading for the safety of the Canadian border, Hawkwood’s route takes him to Albany, where the chance sighting of a former comrade-in-arms—Major Douglas Lawrence—within a consignment of British prisoners stymies to his plans. For as the two men make their escape they uncover an American plot to invade Canada. If it is successful, the entire continent will be lost. The British authorities must be warned.
Pursued by a relentless enemy, Hawkwood and Lawrence set off across the snow-bound Adirondack Mountains; the land the Iroquois call "The Hunting Grounds." But they are not alone.
Buried deep in Hawkwood’s past is an old alliance – one that could save both their lives and help turn the tide of war…
496 pages, Hardcover
First published July 3, 2014
14 people are currently reading
507 people want to read
About the author
James McGee
49 books119 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
James McGee was born into an army family. He was educated in Gibraltar, Germany and Belfast, giving him a love of travel, which is evident in his meticulous, vivid portraits of diverse people and places. His career has encompassed banking, bookselling and thirteen years in the airline business. He has also presented book reviews for BBC local radio and several independent stations.
James McGee was born into an army family. He was educated in Gibraltar, Germany and Belfast, giving him a love of travel, which is evident in his meticulous, vivid portraits of diverse people and places. His career has encompassed banking, bookselling and thirteen years in the airline business. He has also presented book reviews for BBC local radio and several independent stations.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
October 10, 2014
Another very enjoyable adventure with Matthew Hawkwood. This time the action moves to America during the war of 1812, which for many a reader may be something of an unknown as Britain and the young United States take up arms against each other once again.
Hawkwood's situations and predicaments are like previous volumes filled with danger and death but in this story James McGee gives the reader more detail on his hero's background, as well as placing the events in a rough and raw landscape much like the with characters who appear along the path to the book's end.
Aside from the swashbuckling action, what I really like about the Hawkwood stories are the author's attention to detail. From military equipment to the mundane minutiae of 18th Century life they are all wrapped up in the context and history of the time; down to actual events and to characters who it transpires have much truth in both actions and life.
For an enjoyable and fast paced action story written into strong historical setting then Hawkwood is always a good turn.
Next please James.
Hawkwood's situations and predicaments are like previous volumes filled with danger and death but in this story James McGee gives the reader more detail on his hero's background, as well as placing the events in a rough and raw landscape much like the with characters who appear along the path to the book's end.
Aside from the swashbuckling action, what I really like about the Hawkwood stories are the author's attention to detail. From military equipment to the mundane minutiae of 18th Century life they are all wrapped up in the context and history of the time; down to actual events and to characters who it transpires have much truth in both actions and life.
For an enjoyable and fast paced action story written into strong historical setting then Hawkwood is always a good turn.
Next please James.
December 15, 2017
This is great
I read the earlier ones in the series a few years ago and enjoyed them, realised this had been released and decided to come back to the series. That was a good idea.
This is a bit different, more military in nature and set in revolutionary America in Napoleonic times. It is a bit of a spy drama but mostly a wilderness adventure where we find out about our protagonist's history and childhood balanced against the "present day" adventure as he comes back to his roots.
The level of detail is what makes the book, this has clearly been researched to the nth degree and it is also informative as well as being entertaining.
I read the earlier ones in the series a few years ago and enjoyed them, realised this had been released and decided to come back to the series. That was a good idea.
This is a bit different, more military in nature and set in revolutionary America in Napoleonic times. It is a bit of a spy drama but mostly a wilderness adventure where we find out about our protagonist's history and childhood balanced against the "present day" adventure as he comes back to his roots.
The level of detail is what makes the book, this has clearly been researched to the nth degree and it is also informative as well as being entertaining.
August 18, 2014
This is the fifth novel in the Matthew Hawkwood series. Set in the Regency period, this started as a Bow Street Runners story with Hawkwood and his trusty Sergeant very much in the Sharpe mould but as the books have gone on, the stories have taken steps away from that original premise.
In the previous book Hawkwood was in France and trying to get home, in The Blooding we find that circumstance has not been kind and he has ended up in America. Important to note that at this time (1812) Britain was at war with America on the borders between the newly formed US and Canada. Well worth looking the conflict up before you read the book as it does help position the story.
Anyway, on his way towards British held Canada Hawkwood rescues a fellow officer and the pair of them are chased towards the border. When they find details of a proposed American invasion it makes their escape even more crucial.
Through the series Hawkwood has been a mysterious character with a secret past, this book explains about his origins and how they may help him in his current predicament. I thought this was very good, if not the best of the series. Placing the character in America at a time that is not well known to many readers was interesting, but the story and the involvement of the native American Indians added a lot too. The Hawkwood back-story is something we have long waited for and doesn’t fail to please and this wrapped into the wider story delivers a very satisfying and enjoyable book.
In the previous book Hawkwood was in France and trying to get home, in The Blooding we find that circumstance has not been kind and he has ended up in America. Important to note that at this time (1812) Britain was at war with America on the borders between the newly formed US and Canada. Well worth looking the conflict up before you read the book as it does help position the story.
Anyway, on his way towards British held Canada Hawkwood rescues a fellow officer and the pair of them are chased towards the border. When they find details of a proposed American invasion it makes their escape even more crucial.
Through the series Hawkwood has been a mysterious character with a secret past, this book explains about his origins and how they may help him in his current predicament. I thought this was very good, if not the best of the series. Placing the character in America at a time that is not well known to many readers was interesting, but the story and the involvement of the native American Indians added a lot too. The Hawkwood back-story is something we have long waited for and doesn’t fail to please and this wrapped into the wider story delivers a very satisfying and enjoyable book.
December 21, 2014
The most recent book (at the time of writing) in James McGee Matthew Hawkwood series, this is primarily set during the 'forgotten war' of 1812 between Great Britain and the fledgling USA, with Hawkwood newly arrived in the country while trying to get home to London from his escapades in France in the previous novel (Rebellion).
I say mostly as, for approximately the first half, the novel actually flits back and forth - almost chapter about - between current events and those of Hawkwood's childhood (also in the States).
I also have to say that, as the series has progressed, it has seemingly moved further and further away from it's original Bow Street Runner in the Regency period: moving closer, perhaps, in mold (IMO) to the classic Sharpe stories of Bernard Cornwell, and - as a consequence - becoming in danger of losing it's own flavour that originally made it stand out.
Having said that, however, this - I felt - was an improvement on the previous book, which I personally struggled somewhat to connect with.
I say mostly as, for approximately the first half, the novel actually flits back and forth - almost chapter about - between current events and those of Hawkwood's childhood (also in the States).
I also have to say that, as the series has progressed, it has seemingly moved further and further away from it's original Bow Street Runner in the Regency period: moving closer, perhaps, in mold (IMO) to the classic Sharpe stories of Bernard Cornwell, and - as a consequence - becoming in danger of losing it's own flavour that originally made it stand out.
Having said that, however, this - I felt - was an improvement on the previous book, which I personally struggled somewhat to connect with.
May 6, 2015
Stranded in America after his escape from France at the end of Rebellion, all Matthew Hawkwood wants is to get home to England. Easier said than done, however, as England and America are at war and he finds himself stuck behind enemy lines. And when he spots an old friend among a group of English prisoners, all attempts to keep his head down and unobtrusively makes his way towards British lines are moot: Resourceful and unwilling to leave a friend in danger as ever, he engineers a prison break, drawing a lot of unwanted attention that leads to wanted posters, a price on his head and a massive manhunt. A second storyline unfolds in a series of flashbacks, in which a young boy takes his first steps towards becoming the man we met as a Bow Street Runner in Ratcatcher. Every bit as intriguing and fascinating as the character himself, Hawkwood's origin story made for a great addition to series. James McGee has once again delivered an outstanding, action-packed historical adventure - I can only hope there'll be many more to come!
August 11, 2015
This book remins me of the "Blooding of Jack Absolute" by C.C. Humphries. Both take English officers and out them into an American War with native allies. Jack's war is the American Revolution, Hakwood's War of 1812(& in flashbacks the Revolution)The Blooding Of Jack Absolute
It is interesting to see another English Historical Fiction Author's take on conflicts between America & England.
It is interesting to see another English Historical Fiction Author's take on conflicts between America & England.
June 13, 2015
I rather miss Hawkwood's adventures as a Bow Street Runner, and when I started this one I thought at first it was too big a setting - but as I read on, I once again got caught up in Hawkwood's life and adventures, and raced through it. Here we learn Hawkwood's history, which gives more depth to an already familiar character; and the story is exciting. Great story-telling, well written, and an engaging lead character - but please send Hawkwood back to London!
November 22, 2014
It's been a long wait for the latest Hawkwood instalment but generally worth it. The time-split narrative works very well and the reader finds out a lot more about what made Hawkwood the man he is. Have to say I prefer the stories in London, but the North American setting here is well evoked and covers a relatively unknown period of history. Looking forward to the next adventure.
August 20, 2014
top notch another very good Hawkwood novel
March 7, 2021
The Blooding is the fifth Matthew Hawkwood novel. Hawkwood is a Bow Street runner with a mysterious past that we finally get to explore. I've enjoyed the four previous novels I have read in this series-they are full of action and a sense of fun even when things get grim-and I enjoyed this one too. However, I had a little problem with The Blooding-and there is no wat to talk about it without committing a spoiler. So....
SPOILER WARNING!
My problem with the fifth entry in this book is, believe it or not, structural. As the book opens we are presented with two stories-Hawkwood as a young adult and then Hawkwood many years later. These tales alternate chapters which is a common enough practice. There is enough material here for two novels, and I wish author James McGee had made that choice. Instead about midway into the book the "young Hawkwood" story, which has become increasingly interesting, is totally dropped. We get around ten pages of narration that fills in the intervening years to bring us up to the "current day" adventure. I found this incredibly dissatisfying.
END SPOILER!
The Blooding was still a grand adventure and still fun to read but you can see why I felt a little let down. I can unhesitatingly give this book four stars-it has a lot of entertainment value plus the historical backstory is fascinating-but no way can I stretch four stars to five.
SPOILER WARNING!
My problem with the fifth entry in this book is, believe it or not, structural. As the book opens we are presented with two stories-Hawkwood as a young adult and then Hawkwood many years later. These tales alternate chapters which is a common enough practice. There is enough material here for two novels, and I wish author James McGee had made that choice. Instead about midway into the book the "young Hawkwood" story, which has become increasingly interesting, is totally dropped. We get around ten pages of narration that fills in the intervening years to bring us up to the "current day" adventure. I found this incredibly dissatisfying.
END SPOILER!
The Blooding was still a grand adventure and still fun to read but you can see why I felt a little let down. I can unhesitatingly give this book four stars-it has a lot of entertainment value plus the historical backstory is fascinating-but no way can I stretch four stars to five.
January 29, 2019
I was undecided as to whether this book rated three or four stars. I settled on three, because of three factors. First, I found it very annoying the way the author jumped between the events of 1780 and 1812 with the first eight chapters jumping back and forth between those years. Secondly, the plot seemed to drag with the two main characters running into problems (aka capture) over and over and then being rescued by events or friends that turned up at just the right moment. Lastly, the author tends, on occasion, to spend too much time dwelling on the violence - tomahawks being driving into skulls, blood flowing from wounds, etc. It reminded me of "The Saxon Stories" series by Bernard Cornwell which I dropped after three books due to that author's fixation on violence rather than plot. All that being said, however, I enjoyed this book and certainly plan to read the next book in the Matthew Hawkwood series.
December 31, 2017
So I thought this was the first in the series, but it was no problem to jump into the series here (although I understand he was a Bow Street Runner in the previous books, so I'll have to read those). I enjoyed it. The beginning was a bit slow, but the pace picked up as the book went on. It was unbelievable the way that thrillers always are, but I'm happy to suspend disbelief to enjoy a thrilling tale.
January 27, 2021
I havent read a McGee book in a few years and had forgotten how vividly he writes and captures the period. This story was excellent and the nuance of including the Mohawks was brilliant. I felt the story was so simple but captivating as two people aim to reach their people with the help of the indiginous people. Brilliant. Hawkswood as ever lives onto the next book. Great plot and brilliant story telling. Loved the forest battle ending.
October 7, 2022
I read the first four Hawkwood books between 2006 and 2011. I found all bar the fourth brilliant. The Bow Street runner then departed into other adventures. I've just rediscovered and resumed the series. The Blooding took me a while to reconnect and to contextualise where Matthew was in this novel and the British colonial war in America wasn't an interest of mine. However, I persevered, remembered McGee's ability to put me in the middle of a fight and enjoyed the latter part of this book.
October 8, 2020
I really prefer his London adventures but this was still a good read, with Hawkwood escaping death numerous times, as usual...and we learn about Hawkwoods younger years which were quite interesting...of course!
December 30, 2017
Although some of the action in this is a little hard to believe, it is still a great story and well written.
December 13, 2020
Best in the series so far got a god insight into Hawkwoods early life and plenty of action with the native Americans and the fighting with the Canadians
October 28, 2021
Informative, Brilliant and Gripping
Anybody familiar with James McGee’s Hawkwood sagas know exactly what they are getting. Never fails to entertain at a very high level.
Anybody familiar with James McGee’s Hawkwood sagas know exactly what they are getting. Never fails to entertain at a very high level.
March 13, 2017
Gave this up half way through. I see this is said to be the 5th in the series about Matthew Hawkwood. Well, I wouldn't have guessed since hal ths book is set in 1780 when he is a child and the rest in 1812.I find this current habit of swopping between time lines a little irritating and all the more so when there have apparently been a number of previous books. His rescue and adventures while escaping from the 'colonists' would have made a book on its own. Not that I am likely to want to read it. I don't find his character either appealing or well rounded. The war of 1812 is interesting, but not made so in this telling. The prose I found pedestrian and not such as to make me want to pick up the book and read on.
December 23, 2015
You know that feeling you get when you've just eaten three slices of pepperoni/sausage pizza and a piece of chocolate cake? All full and slightly warm and just a tad sleepy? That's called satisfaction, folks, and that's exactly how I feel after reading The Blooding. Why? Because finally -- finally! -- we get some backstory on Matthew Hawkwood. Wait a minute. Did I say some? Nope. LOTS of backstory. Ahh. Satisfaction indeed.
Author James McGee sheds a whole new light on the War of 1812, especially for a Yankee like me. In his usual style, there's tons of action and heart-wrenching moments that make you sweat and cry and gasp for air. Be forewarned, though . . . if violence makes you queasy, you probably won't like this book.
I especially loved finding out about Hawkwood's past. Don't worry, I won't give any spoilers. Let's just say it's the best possible past this character could've had. Fits him perfectly.
Now then, I hope the next book in the series (please God, let there be more) provides him with a lady love that's every bit as gritty as him.
Author James McGee sheds a whole new light on the War of 1812, especially for a Yankee like me. In his usual style, there's tons of action and heart-wrenching moments that make you sweat and cry and gasp for air. Be forewarned, though . . . if violence makes you queasy, you probably won't like this book.
I especially loved finding out about Hawkwood's past. Don't worry, I won't give any spoilers. Let's just say it's the best possible past this character could've had. Fits him perfectly.
Now then, I hope the next book in the series (please God, let there be more) provides him with a lady love that's every bit as gritty as him.
August 21, 2015
When last we left Matthew Hawkwood he was on a ship heading for England, surprised to learn his destination was actually the USA, which as luck turns out was at war with England...lets just call it the War of 1812.
It took along time for Mr. McGee to write this book and it was well worth the wait. This is a fabulous book, full of everything a good historical fiction novel should be. Not only do we get Hawkwood (former Bow Street Runner and spy for England) in a running fight to get to Canada and the English lines, which would have a story in itself but we also get Hawkwood' past and that story begins in 1780 during the American Revolution.
Great stuff. Can't wait for Hawkwood's return...which I hear won't be till 2017 (?) say it ain't true. Nevertheless I'll be in line for it.
Highly Recommended
It took along time for Mr. McGee to write this book and it was well worth the wait. This is a fabulous book, full of everything a good historical fiction novel should be. Not only do we get Hawkwood (former Bow Street Runner and spy for England) in a running fight to get to Canada and the English lines, which would have a story in itself but we also get Hawkwood' past and that story begins in 1780 during the American Revolution.
Great stuff. Can't wait for Hawkwood's return...which I hear won't be till 2017 (?) say it ain't true. Nevertheless I'll be in line for it.
Highly Recommended
February 16, 2015
Mr Hawkwood is taking the long route back to England from France, the route that goes through America and Canada. Not so bad you'd think, but when you're at war with two of those countries it's not so much fun. However this is Matthew we're talking about ex soldier and bow street runner, so think James Bond in 1812.
Slow to start but it does pick up, and I found myself wondering how he was going to get out of trouble.
Now can the next book have Hawkwood safely back in London.
Slow to start but it does pick up, and I found myself wondering how he was going to get out of trouble.
Now can the next book have Hawkwood safely back in London.
June 13, 2015
I rather miss Hawkwood's adventures as a Bow Street Runner, and when I started this one I thought at first it was too big a setting - but as I read on, I once again got caught up in Hawkwood's life and adventures, and raced through it. Here we learn Hawkwood's history, which gives more depth to an already familiar character; and the story is exciting. Great story-telling, well written, and an engaging lead character - but please send Hawkwood back to London!
January 24, 2016
The Blooding by James McGee was a nice diversion read for me. It is Historical Fiction during the early years of the American Republic. The story is told from a native born American that has loyalty to the King and the Mohawk Tribe. This novel is a good stand alone, as I wasn't aware that this is actually the fifth in the series. Think James Bond, but in the Revolution... It works for me... No spoilers provided.
October 14, 2015
was a bit boring, travelling from a-b constantly, not really doing much. Highlight was the rescue of Lawrence and that happens in the first third.
Book did pick up again after the final flashback scene - flashbacks were boring, half of them were the escape north, travelling, then Matthew runs off to follow dog
Book did pick up again after the final flashback scene - flashbacks were boring, half of them were the escape north, travelling, then Matthew runs off to follow dog
September 1, 2014
Reading this was like being on a rollercoaster. It just didn't stop until the end. Bits were a bit gory, but I guess the French and Indian Wars and the War of 1812 were a bit gory. Good fun and I learned a bit. Matthew Hawkwood is finally becoming a bit less cardboard!!
April 15, 2016
Excellent historical fiction putting Matthew Hawkwood back with people from his past on the North American continent. The only difficulty for this book was that it is told entirely from the British perspective. The Americans are the bad guys.
August 19, 2016
I enjoyed this book much more than the previous book. The War of 1812 is a very obscure war for both Americans & British. As much as I enjoyed Hawkwood's adventures as a "spy" I still prefer him as a Bow Street Runner & miss the supporting characters from the first 3 books.
December 29, 2022
Another great tale in the adventures of Matthew Hawkwood. It picks up right where our hero was left at the end of his last adventure; having headed off in the wrong direction! Turns out there was a good reason for this, as well as an opportunity for readers to learn more of Hawkwoods back story.
October 8, 2015
I loved this book. The story was very interesting and the settings very atmospheric. I would recommend highly
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews