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The Kiesha'ra #1
Hawksong
DANICA SHARDAE IS an avian shapeshifter, and the golden hawk’s form in which she takes to the sky is as natural to her as the human one that graces her on land. The only thing more familiar to her is war: It has raged between her people and the serpiente for so long, no one can remember how the fighting began. As heir to the avian throne, she’ll do anything in her power to stop this war—even accept Zane Cobriana, the terrifying leader of her kind’s greatest enemy, as her pair bond and make the two royal families one.
Trust. It is all Zane asks of Danica—and all they ask of their people—but it may be more than she can give.
Newer cover edition found here.
Trust. It is all Zane asks of Danica—and all they ask of their people—but it may be more than she can give.
Newer cover edition found here.
258 pages, ebook
First published July 8, 2003
157 people are currently reading
10232 people want to read
About the author
Amelia Atwater-Rhodes
35 books3,430 followersI grew up in Concord, Massachusetts, where I matriculated through the public Concord-Carlisle school district from kindergarten until my graduation in 2001. The best part of school, from fifth grade until the year I graduated, was definitely chorus. I love music, and I love to sing, and though I never had the courage or the talent to participate in any of the high school plays as a performer, I enjoyed being involved at other levels; the music and drama community at CCHS was the highlight of my high school career. I was also on the fencing team for two years, an experience that actually inspired a couple storylines, and regret that I did not continue with that sport.
I now live in Massachusetts with several pets... as well as, of course, my family. I am a student at the University of Massachusetts, with an English/psychology double-major. I hope to work either as an English teacher at the secondary level, or in special education. I have strong opinions about literacy, education, and how our educational systems are treated- strong enough that most of my friends know not to get me started on the subject.
My non-writing hobbies are eclectic, and cover everything from rather domestic pastimes like cross-stitch and cooking to aquarium keeping, playing piano, gardening, carpentry, Harley-Davidsons, driving, and arguing- there are few things I enjoy more than a good debate with someone who knows how to argue, which might have something to do with a best friend who works in politics. I love to learn, so if I have down-time and nothing to do, it is not at all unusual to find me pouring over some book, website or video designed to teach me some new skill, from belly dancing (something I desperately want to learn but have not yet been brave enough to sign up for classes on) to JavaScript.
I now live in Massachusetts with several pets... as well as, of course, my family. I am a student at the University of Massachusetts, with an English/psychology double-major. I hope to work either as an English teacher at the secondary level, or in special education. I have strong opinions about literacy, education, and how our educational systems are treated- strong enough that most of my friends know not to get me started on the subject.
My non-writing hobbies are eclectic, and cover everything from rather domestic pastimes like cross-stitch and cooking to aquarium keeping, playing piano, gardening, carpentry, Harley-Davidsons, driving, and arguing- there are few things I enjoy more than a good debate with someone who knows how to argue, which might have something to do with a best friend who works in politics. I love to learn, so if I have down-time and nothing to do, it is not at all unusual to find me pouring over some book, website or video designed to teach me some new skill, from belly dancing (something I desperately want to learn but have not yet been brave enough to sign up for classes on) to JavaScript.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,122 reviews
January 11, 2013
Although Atwater-Rhodes has garnered much-deserved attention from critics and received several awards for her young adult stories, here on GR and on several other book-reviewing websites, her positive feedback has been moderate at best. I believe this is partially because of the age of most of her stories/series: most of them began before the Twilight era swept the world, and thus don't have the swooning heroines and brooding heroes that everyone has become accustomed to in more recent years. (They must feel as if there's something missing!) The relationships are wholesome and intriguing, sexy and provocative, but not overblown like most today.
Hawksong's premise is simple: Danica Shardae, last living heir to the avian throne, and Zane Cobriana, last living heir to the serpiente throne, must marry despite their deferences --- the former being a hawk shapeshifter and the later being a cobra --- in order to put an end to the age-old war between their species that has dwindled their numbers drastically and caused much heartache among them. It is this little plot that drew me to it years ago and that has brought me back for a second time.
Let me just say this: I, despite having read over 300 books since late 2008 (I wasn't big on reading before then), can count on one hand how many books I've taken the time to read more than once. This isn't because I'm exaggerating when I say I love a book, but because I simply don't see any reason to read something twice unless it spoke to me on a certain level the first time around. Very few have done this, but Hawksong, regardless of the years that have passed since I last turned its pages, stuck in my mind enough to make me want to read it again. And, I can honestly say that it stood the test of time; I think I even enjoyed it more now than when I read it so long ago.
Danica is the kind of heroine I wish YA authors created more these days: she's independent and strong enough to sit by the dying, holding their hand as they draw their last breaths; she's resilient and self-sacrificing, even in a case where she must commit herself to a life-long marriage with someone whom she's been raised from birth to fear, all just to try and make peace and save the lives of her people.
Zane has a hard exterior with a soft heart underneath, and is just as determined to heal the damage caused by the war as Danica is. They go together very well, they just don't realize it until it's almost too late.
When I first read Hawksong, years back, I, for some reason that escapes me now, didn't take the time to continue with the series and follow it up with Snakecharm. Why, I'll never know; but in a way I'm glad I didn't, because now I get to follow these characters into their next chapter, for the first time.
Hawksong's premise is simple: Danica Shardae, last living heir to the avian throne, and Zane Cobriana, last living heir to the serpiente throne, must marry despite their deferences --- the former being a hawk shapeshifter and the later being a cobra --- in order to put an end to the age-old war between their species that has dwindled their numbers drastically and caused much heartache among them. It is this little plot that drew me to it years ago and that has brought me back for a second time.
Let me just say this: I, despite having read over 300 books since late 2008 (I wasn't big on reading before then), can count on one hand how many books I've taken the time to read more than once. This isn't because I'm exaggerating when I say I love a book, but because I simply don't see any reason to read something twice unless it spoke to me on a certain level the first time around. Very few have done this, but Hawksong, regardless of the years that have passed since I last turned its pages, stuck in my mind enough to make me want to read it again. And, I can honestly say that it stood the test of time; I think I even enjoyed it more now than when I read it so long ago.
Danica is the kind of heroine I wish YA authors created more these days: she's independent and strong enough to sit by the dying, holding their hand as they draw their last breaths; she's resilient and self-sacrificing, even in a case where she must commit herself to a life-long marriage with someone whom she's been raised from birth to fear, all just to try and make peace and save the lives of her people.
Zane has a hard exterior with a soft heart underneath, and is just as determined to heal the damage caused by the war as Danica is. They go together very well, they just don't realize it until it's almost too late.
When I first read Hawksong, years back, I, for some reason that escapes me now, didn't take the time to continue with the series and follow it up with Snakecharm. Why, I'll never know; but in a way I'm glad I didn't, because now I get to follow these characters into their next chapter, for the first time.
January 3, 2015
All right, what do we have here?
A conundrum, of course.
My mind kept oscillating between 3.5 or 4 stars and I'm choosing neither. This book is actually very difficult to rate! The reasons?
1) It has a splendid story line.
Who doesn't love shape - shifters with a history? I simply love history and ancient stories and this book had quite a lot of them. But I was so disappointed because the execution of this splendid story line sucked. A lot.
This story is about two warring sides who try their best to stop the never - ending war. Correction - the leaders of these two sides try their best to stop the war. Not the people. So, I was cool with the plot. It sounded interesting and it was interesting until everything dropped somewhere in between.
2) Existence of an awesome male lead made this book even more difficult to rate.
You're wondering who? It's Zane Cobriana! Okay, I simply loved him. Just because he sounded badass even though he has red eyes. But, like I mentioned he was awesome before everything dropped somewhere in between.
3) This book was addicting
Even though everything dropped somewhere in between, I couldn't put this book down. I was just drawn to this book or Zane to be exact but one character isn't enough for me to fall for this book.
So, what the hell happened somewhere in between?
If you really want to read this book, I would advise you to skip this part because it does contain one teeny tiny spoiler. But if you really want to know what you're getting yourself into, then I would advise you to read this part.
Okay. Remember two warring sides? Remember the leaders want to end this never - ending war? Okay, so how do they try to end it? Of course, the only conclusion they can come up with is marriage.
Alight, I was okay with that. Maybe, something interesting would happen. But no. NO! What does happen is...
Zane isn't happy with Danica (By the way, she's the main character and I would say she was quite boring)
Zane is making out with someone else because he's lonely
Zane is trying to love Danica
Zane finally in the end, has fallen for Danica
That's all that happened. I was crushed beyond words. I mean, why couldn't Zane remain badass till the end?
Was it so hard to remain badass, Zane? Was it all a ruse to pull readers in and then, kick them so hard in the end making them realize how just not badass you are?
I thought they'd be a lot of kidnapping involved in this book. I don't know why. I thought Zane would kidnap Danica and threaten her side and stuff like that but alas all that is left up to my imagination :( Also, I don't think I'd read the next installment. My poor heart can take only so much.
A conundrum, of course.
My mind kept oscillating between 3.5 or 4 stars and I'm choosing neither. This book is actually very difficult to rate! The reasons?
1) It has a splendid story line.
Who doesn't love shape - shifters with a history? I simply love history and ancient stories and this book had quite a lot of them. But I was so disappointed because the execution of this splendid story line sucked. A lot.
This story is about two warring sides who try their best to stop the never - ending war. Correction - the leaders of these two sides try their best to stop the war. Not the people. So, I was cool with the plot. It sounded interesting and it was interesting until everything dropped somewhere in between.
2) Existence of an awesome male lead made this book even more difficult to rate.
You're wondering who? It's Zane Cobriana! Okay, I simply loved him. Just because he sounded badass even though he has red eyes. But, like I mentioned he was awesome before everything dropped somewhere in between.
3) This book was addicting
Even though everything dropped somewhere in between, I couldn't put this book down. I was just drawn to this book or Zane to be exact but one character isn't enough for me to fall for this book.
So, what the hell happened somewhere in between?
If you really want to read this book, I would advise you to skip this part because it does contain one teeny tiny spoiler. But if you really want to know what you're getting yourself into, then I would advise you to read this part.
Okay. Remember two warring sides? Remember the leaders want to end this never - ending war? Okay, so how do they try to end it? Of course, the only conclusion they can come up with is marriage.
Alight, I was okay with that. Maybe, something interesting would happen. But no. NO! What does happen is...
Zane isn't happy with Danica (By the way, she's the main character and I would say she was quite boring)
Zane is making out with someone else because he's lonely
Zane is trying to love Danica
Zane finally in the end, has fallen for Danica
That's all that happened. I was crushed beyond words. I mean, why couldn't Zane remain badass till the end?
Was it so hard to remain badass, Zane? Was it all a ruse to pull readers in and then, kick them so hard in the end making them realize how just not badass you are?
I thought they'd be a lot of kidnapping involved in this book. I don't know why. I thought Zane would kidnap Danica and threaten her side and stuff like that but alas all that is left up to my imagination :( Also, I don't think I'd read the next installment. My poor heart can take only so much.
Read
January 27, 2023Read back in middle school & decided to finally write my review. I still love this book to this day. Amelia was a 16-year old prodigy when her first book got published and I enjoyed her take on vampires far more than Stephanie Myers's. This book doesn't have vampires but it had shape shifters & one of my favorite tropes done right: arranged marriage between enemies. It's a very sweet read & I look back on it fondly, this was my favorite of the series!
March 11, 2016
Ever since I've arrived at GoodReads, I've wanted to write a review for this book. It deserves a review. But every time I tried, the proper words wouldn't come, and so I just stuck with a completely insufficient paragraph outlining my thoughts in a nutshell. But I'm going to try again, and this time, I'm going to get it right, damnit! So, here goes:
Hawksong is vastly unique and different from most of YA. Its set long in our past (and the past of the Den of Shadows world), and it focuses entirely on shapeshifters. Specifically, the avians, who are at war with the serpentine, and have been for as long as anyone can remember. The cause of the war is lost to time (not a cop-out on the author's part - we get an explanation in Falcondance), but the two sides are ready for peace. In order to do this, Danica, a shapeshifter royalty, agrees to marry Zane, a cobra royalty.
If you're thinking that this would create a slow, boring plot, I'm sad to say that you're mostly correct. Amelia tries to create some tension with subplots, but the main plot is purely an emotional one. Now, don't get me wrong, the emotional plot is certainly interesting. But in an epic fantasy (essentially) book about shapeshifters, I sort of expected something more, and I never got it.
But once you get past this... holy shit. I don't even know where to start. First off, the worldbuilding. Both the Avian and the Serpentine have incredibly detailed cultures, including customs, religion, rulers, and terminology (not slang, thank God). This becomes a major plot point, when Danica and Zane have to make adjustments to each others' cultures. And it's done flawlessly. Each society feels real, and each feels beautifully contrasting. Moreover, everything about it is genuinely original - there's no default to imitating customs or religions we already have. And why should there be? The avians and serpentine are completely separate from the humans, and there's no reason that there would be any overlap.
It seems I can't dwell on the aspects that are the most objective without diving into something that you may or may not feel for the book. What I'm referring to is a connection to the characters that inhabit this world, and an emotional investment in their plight. It helps that Danica and Zane both felt completely real, and their personalities were completely utilized in making an emotional conflict. Danica is put in a position that she's never been in before, that she doesn't want to be in, but that she has to fill, in order to stop the war. She wants so badly to trust Zane, but she doesn't know if she can, or should. And last but not least, she has to pretend to be in love with him, when she is in fact in love with Rei, a childhood friend of hers. Her reactions to this all feel so real and so poignant that I couldn't help crying at several points in the book. This is real life I was looking at here, and there's not a thing about it that feels superficial or caricaturey.
With all this realism, it's only natural that a social commentary should accompany it. The message is a strong anti-war message. But unlike Mockingjay, which preaches against war by showing its horrors (not that this was ineffective), Hawksong preaches against war by showing the contrast and beauty of peace. Danica is definitely shell-shocked by the war, and by the death of her friends and family over the years, but this is a book about growing beyond that, about the wonderful afterthoughts of peace, and the ways that we would be bettered if war was a thing of imagination.
Goddamn, I love it so much that it's got me spouting poetry.
As usual, Amelia's writing style is flawless. Her language is beautiful and complex, never awkward or simplistic. Looking back, I cannot believe that she wrote this book when she was only eighteen. The writing is so mature, so brilliant, that it can't be the work of someone with only high school lessons in writing.
After all this, you're probably wondering why my rating is only four stars. Is it because of the slow plot? Nope. I'd forgive that in a heartbeat, what with all the other awesome abound. It's because of the ending. That FUCKING ENDING!
Still, that's no reason to pass up a beautifully written, wonderfully unique book. I'll say it again: the Kiesha'Ra series was genuinely unlike anything that came before it, and this book in particular. If you enjoy any sort of YA, it's you must read this. You owe it to yourself.
Hawksong is vastly unique and different from most of YA. Its set long in our past (and the past of the Den of Shadows world), and it focuses entirely on shapeshifters. Specifically, the avians, who are at war with the serpentine, and have been for as long as anyone can remember. The cause of the war is lost to time (not a cop-out on the author's part - we get an explanation in Falcondance), but the two sides are ready for peace. In order to do this, Danica, a shapeshifter royalty, agrees to marry Zane, a cobra royalty.
If you're thinking that this would create a slow, boring plot, I'm sad to say that you're mostly correct. Amelia tries to create some tension with subplots, but the main plot is purely an emotional one. Now, don't get me wrong, the emotional plot is certainly interesting. But in an epic fantasy (essentially) book about shapeshifters, I sort of expected something more, and I never got it.
But once you get past this... holy shit. I don't even know where to start. First off, the worldbuilding. Both the Avian and the Serpentine have incredibly detailed cultures, including customs, religion, rulers, and terminology (not slang, thank God). This becomes a major plot point, when Danica and Zane have to make adjustments to each others' cultures. And it's done flawlessly. Each society feels real, and each feels beautifully contrasting. Moreover, everything about it is genuinely original - there's no default to imitating customs or religions we already have. And why should there be? The avians and serpentine are completely separate from the humans, and there's no reason that there would be any overlap.
It seems I can't dwell on the aspects that are the most objective without diving into something that you may or may not feel for the book. What I'm referring to is a connection to the characters that inhabit this world, and an emotional investment in their plight. It helps that Danica and Zane both felt completely real, and their personalities were completely utilized in making an emotional conflict. Danica is put in a position that she's never been in before, that she doesn't want to be in, but that she has to fill, in order to stop the war. She wants so badly to trust Zane, but she doesn't know if she can, or should. And last but not least, she has to pretend to be in love with him, when she is in fact in love with Rei, a childhood friend of hers. Her reactions to this all feel so real and so poignant that I couldn't help crying at several points in the book. This is real life I was looking at here, and there's not a thing about it that feels superficial or caricaturey.
With all this realism, it's only natural that a social commentary should accompany it. The message is a strong anti-war message. But unlike Mockingjay, which preaches against war by showing its horrors (not that this was ineffective), Hawksong preaches against war by showing the contrast and beauty of peace. Danica is definitely shell-shocked by the war, and by the death of her friends and family over the years, but this is a book about growing beyond that, about the wonderful afterthoughts of peace, and the ways that we would be bettered if war was a thing of imagination.
Goddamn, I love it so much that it's got me spouting poetry.
As usual, Amelia's writing style is flawless. Her language is beautiful and complex, never awkward or simplistic. Looking back, I cannot believe that she wrote this book when she was only eighteen. The writing is so mature, so brilliant, that it can't be the work of someone with only high school lessons in writing.
After all this, you're probably wondering why my rating is only four stars. Is it because of the slow plot? Nope. I'd forgive that in a heartbeat, what with all the other awesome abound. It's because of the ending. That FUCKING ENDING!
Still, that's no reason to pass up a beautifully written, wonderfully unique book. I'll say it again: the Kiesha'Ra series was genuinely unlike anything that came before it, and this book in particular. If you enjoy any sort of YA, it's you must read this. You owe it to yourself.
July 20, 2013
Hawksong is possibly one of the most under-rated fantasy novels I've come across. In fact, this book simply seems to fall under everyone's radar - much to their own loss, I must say. Atwater-Rhodes is a brilliant writer, creating a world rich in lore, myth, and tradition. Danica, the queen of her hawk people, and Zane, the king of the cobras, are shapeshifters who marry to end the centuries-old feud between their people. Both Danica and Zane are tired of war, but their marriage will prove more difficult than either can imagine. Both the hawks and cobras share different traditions and as Zane and Danica grow to fall in love with one another, they also learn to assimilate their cultures and their people. Atwater-Rhodes writes world-building as a mere extension of her story, not as an overwhelming portion of info-dumping. With subtle legends and traditions, she manages to create and encompass the depth of these two races. Although I felt as if Hawksong ended a little too early, with both Danica and Zane falling in love slightly faster than I wished, I cannot deny that this is solid fantasy, full of the characters and type of complex world I love. Atwater-Rhodes, my friends, is not to be missed.
March 19, 2020
It’s been a while since I read YA. I’m so glad my friend recommended this one!
Hawksong tells the story of Danica, a shapeshifter who takes the second form of a hawk, and her efforts to end an ancient war between her people and the snake shapeshifters known as the serpiente.
The story is well-crafted, the world building is original and enthralling, and the characters are delightfully mature and capable of growth. Excellent work!
Hawksong tells the story of Danica, a shapeshifter who takes the second form of a hawk, and her efforts to end an ancient war between her people and the snake shapeshifters known as the serpiente.
The story is well-crafted, the world building is original and enthralling, and the characters are delightfully mature and capable of growth. Excellent work!
June 10, 2023
#1.) Hawksong: ★★★★
#2.) Snakecharm: ★★
Ah-ha! Finally! An answer to my tireless search for the next Warprize-arranged-marriage-between-two-feuding-clans story! I've skimmed lots of trashy books in order to get to where I am today and lemme tell ya - it is no easy feat trying to find a good action/romance/medieval fantasy story that doesn't feature bodice-ripping and quivering members within the first few pages.
THE STORY
We have two main groups of humans/shapeshifters: Hawks and Serpents. Avians can fly and are more dangerous with their advantage of fighting from the air whereas Serpientes are poisonous/deadlier on the ground and can entrap your mind once they hold your gaze. Avians hide their emotions; Serpientes wear their passions and anger on their sleeves.
Danica is the new leader of the Avians. Zane is the leader/warrior of the Serpientes. Both sides have experienced bloodshed and loss. The only way the two sides can ever find peace is if their leaders imitate it themselves by...ta-dah! A marriage aligning their two groups.
Neither side's people are completely content with the marriage alliance, and both Danica and Zane have respective would-be mates that would have been the next logical mate had it not been for the marriage. This means resentment and jealousy and attempted assassinations all around -- may the odds be ever in your favor, Tributes.
THE GOOD
1) It's refreshing to find a G-rated but well-developed romantic buildup in an adult fantasy book. Zane makes it clear that while he finds Danica physically desirable, he won't allow her near him if she only does it out of fear or obligation. Thank you for that, good sir. Disclaimer: this is an adult fantasy book with no bodice-ripping nor rape nor sex at all, actually. Let's all sigh in relief together, shall we?
2) The backstory does a good job taking its time before we take off with our plot. The perspective is solely from Danica's point of view, but we get a decent backstory feel for both the Avians' and Serpeientes' players. There's distrust and hatred, and for good reason. There are military figures who are excellent at what they do, and for good reason. When the marriage proposal is presented, Danica and Zane take their time deliberating it before they agree, and for good reason. In short, we're not rushed here like to other trashy adult fantasy romance novels, and for that I'm grateful.
3) Enemy courts being forced to align. I'm a sucker for these plot lines because I love everything about it from the convergence of drastically different cultures to the bitterness each side must bite down for the same of unity.
4) Intrigue! Assassinations and culture assimilation and who to trust? We're not spy or espionage status with this book, but it was the right amount of mellow drama.
THE MEH
1) If you have the whole series as one book (like me) then you're fine. Otherwise, the place that the book ends is so abrupt and premature that it really should be considered "part one" versus "book one." Like, it's not even a cliffhanger. It's like the end of a thought.
2) Also wasn't a fan of the sudden lurve declaration between Zane and Danica at the end. So you love each other, do you? Do you really, though? Do you?
Because Zane's feelings for Danica happened very forwardly but never quite managed to convince me. Danica with her distrust and fear were more believable...but we never bridged that part between respect and love...or even friendship. So...what? We went from "your frighten and unnerve me" to "I love you"?
THE VERDICT
This book isn't mind-blowing. We don't have grand plot twists or gory battles or sweeping romances...but it's a strong, subtle story.
Recommended for fans of either Warprize (which, I'm sorry, but I'll never stop shutting up about it) or Radiance.
#2.) Snakecharm: ★★
Ah-ha! Finally! An answer to my tireless search for the next Warprize-arranged-marriage-between-two-feuding-clans story! I've skimmed lots of trashy books in order to get to where I am today and lemme tell ya - it is no easy feat trying to find a good action/romance/medieval fantasy story that doesn't feature bodice-ripping and quivering members within the first few pages.
THE STORY
We have two main groups of humans/shapeshifters: Hawks and Serpents. Avians can fly and are more dangerous with their advantage of fighting from the air whereas Serpientes are poisonous/deadlier on the ground and can entrap your mind once they hold your gaze. Avians hide their emotions; Serpientes wear their passions and anger on their sleeves.
Danica is the new leader of the Avians. Zane is the leader/warrior of the Serpientes. Both sides have experienced bloodshed and loss. The only way the two sides can ever find peace is if their leaders imitate it themselves by...ta-dah! A marriage aligning their two groups.
Neither side's people are completely content with the marriage alliance, and both Danica and Zane have respective would-be mates that would have been the next logical mate had it not been for the marriage. This means resentment and jealousy and attempted assassinations all around -- may the odds be ever in your favor, Tributes.
THE GOOD
1) It's refreshing to find a G-rated but well-developed romantic buildup in an adult fantasy book. Zane makes it clear that while he finds Danica physically desirable, he won't allow her near him if she only does it out of fear or obligation. Thank you for that, good sir. Disclaimer: this is an adult fantasy book with no bodice-ripping nor rape nor sex at all, actually. Let's all sigh in relief together, shall we?
2) The backstory does a good job taking its time before we take off with our plot. The perspective is solely from Danica's point of view, but we get a decent backstory feel for both the Avians' and Serpeientes' players. There's distrust and hatred, and for good reason. There are military figures who are excellent at what they do, and for good reason. When the marriage proposal is presented, Danica and Zane take their time deliberating it before they agree, and for good reason. In short, we're not rushed here like to other trashy adult fantasy romance novels, and for that I'm grateful.
3) Enemy courts being forced to align. I'm a sucker for these plot lines because I love everything about it from the convergence of drastically different cultures to the bitterness each side must bite down for the same of unity.
4) Intrigue! Assassinations and culture assimilation and who to trust? We're not spy or espionage status with this book, but it was the right amount of mellow drama.
THE MEH
1) If you have the whole series as one book (like me) then you're fine. Otherwise, the place that the book ends is so abrupt and premature that it really should be considered "part one" versus "book one." Like, it's not even a cliffhanger. It's like the end of a thought.
2) Also wasn't a fan of the sudden lurve declaration between Zane and Danica at the end. So you love each other, do you? Do you really, though? Do you?
Because Zane's feelings for Danica happened very forwardly but never quite managed to convince me. Danica with her distrust and fear were more believable...but we never bridged that part between respect and love...or even friendship. So...what? We went from "your frighten and unnerve me" to "I love you"?
THE VERDICT
This book isn't mind-blowing. We don't have grand plot twists or gory battles or sweeping romances...but it's a strong, subtle story.
Recommended for fans of either Warprize (which, I'm sorry, but I'll never stop shutting up about it) or Radiance.
March 28, 2013
I rarely read YA novels, but I had this series in mi TBR pile for a long time and I decided to give it a try. Nor do I ovely like a fist person narrative...but...
Oh, boy, was it good!
Really, I wouldn't classify this as YA... it has a "flavour" of a classical fantasy.
The language was almost lirical and the story very interesting: how could two races, which hate each other and are natural enemies, forge peace? Marrying the heirs, of course! It is not a marriage arranged by the parents but by the heirs themselves! Great idea!
Maybe the YA label was given because the heirs are young, but it is often so in fantasy novels...
We are speaking of shapeshifters here and the races are birds and serpents. Mortal enemies in nature, but as Zane, the heir and then kind of the Serpiente, says:
"Serpents and birds are not meant to live together," he asserted again, "but I personally like to believe that we are more than our animal counterparts."
Danica, at the beginning of the book agrees too:
I could not look into the eyes of a boy terrified of death and shaking from pain and feel hatred. This was a life: serpiente, yes, but still a life; who was I to steal it?
I thoroughly enjoyed this book with its deceptively slow pace, tender budding love story and interesting intrigues. :D
Oh, boy, was it good!
Really, I wouldn't classify this as YA... it has a "flavour" of a classical fantasy.
The language was almost lirical and the story very interesting: how could two races, which hate each other and are natural enemies, forge peace? Marrying the heirs, of course! It is not a marriage arranged by the parents but by the heirs themselves! Great idea!
Maybe the YA label was given because the heirs are young, but it is often so in fantasy novels...
We are speaking of shapeshifters here and the races are birds and serpents. Mortal enemies in nature, but as Zane, the heir and then kind of the Serpiente, says:
"Serpents and birds are not meant to live together," he asserted again, "but I personally like to believe that we are more than our animal counterparts."
Danica, at the beginning of the book agrees too:
I could not look into the eyes of a boy terrified of death and shaking from pain and feel hatred. This was a life: serpiente, yes, but still a life; who was I to steal it?
I thoroughly enjoyed this book with its deceptively slow pace, tender budding love story and interesting intrigues. :D
December 2, 2019
I loved the idea behind this book. Snake people vs bird people? Yes, please! And the character interactions were pretty sweet.
February 13, 2025
This one may have hit differently when I was younger. Maybe.
But growing up during the Twilight boom era, this took me back to my high school years in a way that I wasn't necessarily prepared for.
Written by a very young Atwater-Rhodes, I have to say that the writing style was well done and fit the style of story. There were some intriguing worldbuilding decisions made when it came to the shapeshifter cultures.
That being said... unfortunately for me this is yet another YA romance that glorifies the "dark, broody, toxic" trifecta when it comes to a love interest. The first two factors are fine. But all too often, toxic, objectifying, and controlling behavior are portrayed as desirable or romantic in these novels. And all the while, a loyal, honorable guy with a long history of standing beside our heroine gets shunted off to the friendzone. My boy Rei got the short-straw in this story, which was unfortunately predictable.
There were also some worldbuilding things that needed a lot more fleshing out or general clarification. And some moments that were so blatantly unrealistic that I even had to give an official eye roll.
I'm very picky when it comes to romance anyway, but I'm worn out when it comes to couples like this. I didn't love it then, and I don't love it now.
But growing up during the Twilight boom era, this took me back to my high school years in a way that I wasn't necessarily prepared for.
Written by a very young Atwater-Rhodes, I have to say that the writing style was well done and fit the style of story. There were some intriguing worldbuilding decisions made when it came to the shapeshifter cultures.
That being said... unfortunately for me this is yet another YA romance that glorifies the "dark, broody, toxic" trifecta when it comes to a love interest. The first two factors are fine. But all too often, toxic, objectifying, and controlling behavior are portrayed as desirable or romantic in these novels. And all the while, a loyal, honorable guy with a long history of standing beside our heroine gets shunted off to the friendzone. My boy Rei got the short-straw in this story, which was unfortunately predictable.
There were also some worldbuilding things that needed a lot more fleshing out or general clarification. And some moments that were so blatantly unrealistic that I even had to give an official eye roll.
I'm very picky when it comes to romance anyway, but I'm worn out when it comes to couples like this. I didn't love it then, and I don't love it now.
December 29, 2008
Danica Shardae is an avian-human shapeshifter, a hawk, and she is to be the leader of her people - their Tuuli Thea. The avians have been at war for many generations now with their enemies the serpiente (who take snake form). It’s been so long that none of them can remember a time without war and no one can remember the reason for the war (except to say that either avians or serpiente aren’t trustworthy). Danica loses many of her people (including her brother) to the fighting and she spends time out on the battlefield seeing to the wounded and bringing peace to the dying. One such person she comforts is Gregory Cobriana, brother to the serpiente heir, Zane. When Zane hears of her actions, he believes that the avian and the serpiente can come to some kind of truce. He arranges a meeting with Danica and her mother in neutral territory to discuss peace between their peoples. During the talks, the suggestion is made that the two, Danica and Zane, marry to cement their people and end the fighting. Although the two young people are willing to do whatever it takes, their elders are reluctant. Danica and Zane, however, are determined, so they marry in secret. The peace they hope for, however, is still something they must work at, and their feelings for one another will take time to develop.
Danica has this fragile, wild, beautiful strength about her – even when she’s terrified. She never breaks. Zane and Danica actually take the time to get to know one another and try to understand one another’s cultural differences (this is difficult for both of them). Although they do not marry for love, they do come to love one another in the end. And they’re sweet and gentle with one another – it’s very romantic. There’s mystery and suspense and betrayal that keeps the story moving – avians or serpiente are working to overthrow the peace, and Danica is wounded several times before they manage to get to the bottom of it.
I liked this so much. It reminded me a little bit of Robin McKinley – with determined characters, and a dash of romance. Amelia Atwater-Rhodes wrote her first book when she was thirteen (In the Forests of the Night)! Unlike some other teen authors I’ve read, she seems really polished. AAR has a really enjoyable style (for the most part – there were a few awkward phrasings that rankled), and while her story has a rather narrow focus, it’s just right for the tale she’s telling. There are four others in this series (Snakecharm, Falcondance, Wolfcry, and Wyvernhail), and I’m actually looking forward to reading them, you know, when I have time. :)
Danica has this fragile, wild, beautiful strength about her – even when she’s terrified. She never breaks. Zane and Danica actually take the time to get to know one another and try to understand one another’s cultural differences (this is difficult for both of them). Although they do not marry for love, they do come to love one another in the end. And they’re sweet and gentle with one another – it’s very romantic. There’s mystery and suspense and betrayal that keeps the story moving – avians or serpiente are working to overthrow the peace, and Danica is wounded several times before they manage to get to the bottom of it.
I liked this so much. It reminded me a little bit of Robin McKinley – with determined characters, and a dash of romance. Amelia Atwater-Rhodes wrote her first book when she was thirteen (In the Forests of the Night)! Unlike some other teen authors I’ve read, she seems really polished. AAR has a really enjoyable style (for the most part – there were a few awkward phrasings that rankled), and while her story has a rather narrow focus, it’s just right for the tale she’s telling. There are four others in this series (Snakecharm, Falcondance, Wolfcry, and Wyvernhail), and I’m actually looking forward to reading them, you know, when I have time. :)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Read
August 22, 2023An old-school fantasy romance recommended by a couple of friends, so when I spotted it at a book sale I picked it up and breezed through in a couple of evenings.
I probably would have enjoyed this king-and-queen-of-warring-shapeshifter-tribes-attempt-to-make-peace-through-marriage story a whole lot more if I'd come to it as a teen: every time the author attempted a bit of military or political worldbuilding I wanted to pick fights with her, which is unfair, because it seems like the book was written at a relatively young age. That said, there are definitely things to praise about this book; it's enemies-to-lovers, but Non-Toxic! and it did one or two little things that I really appreciated and would love to see happen a lot more often.
I probably would have enjoyed this king-and-queen-of-warring-shapeshifter-tribes-attempt-to-make-peace-through-marriage story a whole lot more if I'd come to it as a teen: every time the author attempted a bit of military or political worldbuilding I wanted to pick fights with her, which is unfair, because it seems like the book was written at a relatively young age. That said, there are definitely things to praise about this book; it's enemies-to-lovers, but Non-Toxic! and it did one or two little things that I really appreciated and would love to see happen a lot more often.
August 6, 2023
When people ask me what my favorite book is my mind immediately goes to this title.
A rich, well-written and UNIQUE fantasy that absolutely captivates you. I don't know what else to say except that I loved, love it, and will love it forever and ever.
The world Atwater-Rhodes creates is full of rich history and an understanding that shows true depth from the author. The main character is strong and beautiful. And the romance is raw and real.
I could give it no less then 5/5 stars, and if it was possible, I'd give it 6.
UPDATE: FEBRUARY 2013
Just reread this for (I think) the sixth or seventh time. In one day. Because I always read it in one day--it captivates me so much. I remember when I first read this. It was a school day and I narrowly avoided trouble while reading in class. I also snuck in much needed pages during passing period, and also refused to talk to my friends at lunch. This book just absolutely pulls me in. I love it. I read it in one day the first time, and as I do with many books I love, I reread it the next day.
And I have reread it many times since.
UPDATE: NOVEMBER 2013
Another fabulous reread.
But this book is more then a book I love. This is a book I adore. Every time I read it I just feel this absolute happiness, and I know that this book is my favorite.
Another good ol reread Summer 2018
update 2020:
still my favorite book of all time. and what about it.
update 2023: another reread. I find it hard to believe it's been 3 years since I read this like def have read it in-between the last time lmfao. but anyways, read it in one sitting, like always, loved it so so much, like always.
A rich, well-written and UNIQUE fantasy that absolutely captivates you. I don't know what else to say except that I loved, love it, and will love it forever and ever.
The world Atwater-Rhodes creates is full of rich history and an understanding that shows true depth from the author. The main character is strong and beautiful. And the romance is raw and real.
I could give it no less then 5/5 stars, and if it was possible, I'd give it 6.
UPDATE: FEBRUARY 2013
Just reread this for (I think) the sixth or seventh time. In one day. Because I always read it in one day--it captivates me so much. I remember when I first read this. It was a school day and I narrowly avoided trouble while reading in class. I also snuck in much needed pages during passing period, and also refused to talk to my friends at lunch. This book just absolutely pulls me in. I love it. I read it in one day the first time, and as I do with many books I love, I reread it the next day.
And I have reread it many times since.
UPDATE: NOVEMBER 2013
Another fabulous reread.
But this book is more then a book I love. This is a book I adore. Every time I read it I just feel this absolute happiness, and I know that this book is my favorite.
Another good ol reread Summer 2018
update 2020:
still my favorite book of all time. and what about it.
update 2023: another reread. I find it hard to believe it's been 3 years since I read this like def have read it in-between the last time lmfao. but anyways, read it in one sitting, like always, loved it so so much, like always.
March 6, 2015
I really enjoyed this one.
Hawksong is one of the most underrated fantasy novels, centered on shapeshifters of avian and serpent varieties. This book was published before the Twilight era so thankfully escaped the trope of swooning heroines and brooding heroes.
There are two rival clans who are always at war with each other, so to bring peace and call truce one and for all, the avian heir agrees to an arranged marriage with the serpent royalty. Now, that plot may sounds simple enough, but the actual storyline goes far beyond a matrimonial truce. This is an amazing story filled with rich imagination and diverse characters, detailed cultures, including customs and religion. The author built up each clan with individualistic society which feels real and is beautifully contrasting. Most importantly, there is wonderful underlying message of establishing peace among all by finding a common goal despite differences in culture, beliefs and abilities.
I loved the main protagonist, Danica’s character; she’s refreshingly different from the usual YA heroine; she’s independent, resilient, cautious, practical and does not forget her purpose at the sight of any hot guys. The relationship between Zane and her has developed so wonderfully: wholesome and intriguing, sexy, but not overblown as portrayed in YA fictions nowadays.
Also kudos to the talented writer, Amelia Atwater-Rhodes; Hawksong, which earned several accolades, was published when she was 20 years old. That’s impressive.
Hawksong is one of the most underrated fantasy novels, centered on shapeshifters of avian and serpent varieties. This book was published before the Twilight era so thankfully escaped the trope of swooning heroines and brooding heroes.
There are two rival clans who are always at war with each other, so to bring peace and call truce one and for all, the avian heir agrees to an arranged marriage with the serpent royalty. Now, that plot may sounds simple enough, but the actual storyline goes far beyond a matrimonial truce. This is an amazing story filled with rich imagination and diverse characters, detailed cultures, including customs and religion. The author built up each clan with individualistic society which feels real and is beautifully contrasting. Most importantly, there is wonderful underlying message of establishing peace among all by finding a common goal despite differences in culture, beliefs and abilities.
I loved the main protagonist, Danica’s character; she’s refreshingly different from the usual YA heroine; she’s independent, resilient, cautious, practical and does not forget her purpose at the sight of any hot guys. The relationship between Zane and her has developed so wonderfully: wholesome and intriguing, sexy, but not overblown as portrayed in YA fictions nowadays.
Also kudos to the talented writer, Amelia Atwater-Rhodes; Hawksong, which earned several accolades, was published when she was 20 years old. That’s impressive.
April 2, 2009
Amelia Atwater-Rhodes is only 21 and has already published seven books. Her first book IN THE FOREST OF THE NIGHT was written when she was only 13. Every one of her books is a treat. Though marketed as Young Adult, there is nothing childish about subject matter or the writing. The lyrical quality and maturity of her writing belies her age or lack of experience.
HAWKSONG is the start of a series about shapeshifters. Dancia is an avian shapeshifter, heir to the throne, whose people are at war with the serpiente, snake shapeshifters. The war has gone on so long that no one can remember what caused it. Dancia will do anything to stop any more of those she loves from dying, even if it means sacrificing herself in an attempt to bring peace by mating with Zane, the ruler of the serpiente. Zane is as committed to peace as she is, but by nature they are so different can they ever bridge the gap between them. Zane emotional and easy to anger, a deadly killer whose venom can kill her in an instant. Dancia trained from childhood to be reserved and cold, fragile, whose wings are her only protection.
HAWKSONG is a wonderful fantasy novel, rich in imagination, vivid in images, entrancing in its characterization. It certainly well worth reading, even if you are no longer a young adult.
HAWKSONG is the start of a series about shapeshifters. Dancia is an avian shapeshifter, heir to the throne, whose people are at war with the serpiente, snake shapeshifters. The war has gone on so long that no one can remember what caused it. Dancia will do anything to stop any more of those she loves from dying, even if it means sacrificing herself in an attempt to bring peace by mating with Zane, the ruler of the serpiente. Zane is as committed to peace as she is, but by nature they are so different can they ever bridge the gap between them. Zane emotional and easy to anger, a deadly killer whose venom can kill her in an instant. Dancia trained from childhood to be reserved and cold, fragile, whose wings are her only protection.
HAWKSONG is a wonderful fantasy novel, rich in imagination, vivid in images, entrancing in its characterization. It certainly well worth reading, even if you are no longer a young adult.
February 27, 2021
Reread as part of my ongoing shelf audit. Verdict: I bought the ebook bundle to replace my paper copy so that's... progress in physical space, at least.
OH BOY, IT'S THROWBACK TIME.
This book is... mmm. It's a lot. I have a lot of feelings. I was obsessed with the Kiesha'ra series in middle school; I thought it was the best, most romantic, most compelling thing ever. It's really weird to reread it over a decade later, because I found myself remembering the visceral preteen emotions I associate it with at the same time that I was evaluating it from an adult perspective.
I'm still very fond of it. I don't think that's just nostalgia; I've reread a lot of things recently that I had warm fuzzy feelings about and still didn't find met my current standards. But it's not as well-written as I thought it was when I was a kid, nor is the romance as sweepingly romantic as I feel like I remember it being. I kept getting distracted by the question of where and when the heck these books take place - characters reference Egypt, Greece, and China, as well as having to leave Asia as human populations expand, and frankly there's just nowhere in the world that the four shapeshifter cultures Atwater-Rhodes describes could really fit without interacting heavily with humans by the time Classical Greece existed... just sayin'. And there are character beats that I don't love, like the volatility of Zane's temper and a few scenes that feel like a prototypes of Edward Cullen's "As if you could outrun me" speech.
In no small part I think my affection for this series has to do with the fact that it combines several tropes I love - an arranged marriage, an enemies-to-lovers dynamic (in a literal and geopolitical sense), a bit of fake dating, and a soupcon of Florence Nightingale Effect. And, y'know, shapeshifters - because who DOESN'T want to be able to turn into a bird or just sprout human-scale wings on a whim? Sorry to the serpiente but they got the worse animal forms - and melodramatic politics... all stuff that I enjoy. It's fun, and I enjoy the ride enough that I don't spend a lot of time wondering about the bits that don't make sense.
Honestly, considering that Atwater-Rhodes wrote this at 19, it's pretty darn impressive. There are some writing quirks that show her age (lots of chapters ending with characters falling asleep, for example) but it's generally quite well-written. I'm going to keep rereading the quintet - like I said, I just bought the ebook omnibus, so why not - and it'll be interesting to see again, with greater awareness, how she developed as a writer over the course of the series. Should be fun!
OH BOY, IT'S THROWBACK TIME.
This book is... mmm. It's a lot. I have a lot of feelings. I was obsessed with the Kiesha'ra series in middle school; I thought it was the best, most romantic, most compelling thing ever. It's really weird to reread it over a decade later, because I found myself remembering the visceral preteen emotions I associate it with at the same time that I was evaluating it from an adult perspective.
I'm still very fond of it. I don't think that's just nostalgia; I've reread a lot of things recently that I had warm fuzzy feelings about and still didn't find met my current standards. But it's not as well-written as I thought it was when I was a kid, nor is the romance as sweepingly romantic as I feel like I remember it being. I kept getting distracted by the question of where and when the heck these books take place - characters reference Egypt, Greece, and China, as well as having to leave Asia as human populations expand, and frankly there's just nowhere in the world that the four shapeshifter cultures Atwater-Rhodes describes could really fit without interacting heavily with humans by the time Classical Greece existed... just sayin'. And there are character beats that I don't love, like the volatility of Zane's temper and a few scenes that feel like a prototypes of Edward Cullen's "As if you could outrun me" speech.
In no small part I think my affection for this series has to do with the fact that it combines several tropes I love - an arranged marriage, an enemies-to-lovers dynamic (in a literal and geopolitical sense), a bit of fake dating, and a soupcon of Florence Nightingale Effect. And, y'know, shapeshifters - because who DOESN'T want to be able to turn into a bird or just sprout human-scale wings on a whim? Sorry to the serpiente but they got the worse animal forms - and melodramatic politics... all stuff that I enjoy. It's fun, and I enjoy the ride enough that I don't spend a lot of time wondering about the bits that don't make sense.
Honestly, considering that Atwater-Rhodes wrote this at 19, it's pretty darn impressive. There are some writing quirks that show her age (lots of chapters ending with characters falling asleep, for example) but it's generally quite well-written. I'm going to keep rereading the quintet - like I said, I just bought the ebook omnibus, so why not - and it'll be interesting to see again, with greater awareness, how she developed as a writer over the course of the series. Should be fun!
Read
March 12, 2018Hawksong is a book that's focused on the theme of peace, even when there are differences between two populations. It's about two different "kingdoms" that are currently in a war that has lasted for as long as their history books go back. But, with the two newest rulers, they find peace and realize they are not so different. They're scared of each other, but they have nothing to be afraid of.
April 24, 2013
Easily one of the greatest books I've ever come across. Zane and Danica are the product of an imagination so complete and powerful, it will move you and never put you back. I've literally had an epiphany after reading this book, and my entire life is practically redefined. Alright, maybe I put it overly dramatically, but the importance of this book is certainly real and I suggest everyone pick it up. IMMEDIATELY.
I should like to analyse all the characters, if you don't mind:
Danica Shardae (what a lovely name) is fierce and independent, yet as broken as any other, showing there is no difference between the Royals and the soldiers. The world she lives in is also her cage, despite being such a liberal animal, and the ancient secrets are thoroughly intriguing.
Zane Cobriana is dangerous, and yet just as broken as Danica. His flaring temper is frightening, but he is hurt inside, crying for all the lost souls, and this is what links them two. They both want the same thing, but is it enough to keep the marriage together?
Danica's mother is wary as she should be, and her coldness just adds an extra 'oomph' to the story. She implies once that Zane isn't worthy at all and the tension reached such an all time high, I fell off my chair.
Charis Cobriana is understanding and kind, but also tired. Irene is also a good character, and her little quote "Go rake somewhere else little Hawk-let" is one of my favourite lines.
Then there is Adelina and Alibhe, Karl, Andreios and the little sparrow who I cannot recall the name of at the moment, all very interesting characters. I absolutely ADORE this book and I believe it's a CRIME not to pick it up.
I should like to analyse all the characters, if you don't mind:
Danica Shardae (what a lovely name) is fierce and independent, yet as broken as any other, showing there is no difference between the Royals and the soldiers. The world she lives in is also her cage, despite being such a liberal animal, and the ancient secrets are thoroughly intriguing.
Zane Cobriana is dangerous, and yet just as broken as Danica. His flaring temper is frightening, but he is hurt inside, crying for all the lost souls, and this is what links them two. They both want the same thing, but is it enough to keep the marriage together?
Danica's mother is wary as she should be, and her coldness just adds an extra 'oomph' to the story. She implies once that Zane isn't worthy at all and the tension reached such an all time high, I fell off my chair.
Charis Cobriana is understanding and kind, but also tired. Irene is also a good character, and her little quote "Go rake somewhere else little Hawk-let" is one of my favourite lines.
Then there is Adelina and Alibhe, Karl, Andreios and the little sparrow who I cannot recall the name of at the moment, all very interesting characters. I absolutely ADORE this book and I believe it's a CRIME not to pick it up.
July 5, 2009
I lost my original review, but this will have to do. I liked the story and the characters, but it had a few pitfalls that marred my enjoyment of the story. Also, it felt like the rough draft of a good story before it gets fleshed out.
First of all, it has an incredibly abrupt and rushed ending, which is out of tone with the rest of the story. Very dissatisfying.
Second, the love quadrangle was annoying me. Apart from the dalliance that Zane was carrying on, which obviously needed to come to an end once Zane was married to Danica, that guard snake-girl needed to back-off. And are we really supposed to believe that after she attempted to assassinate Danica, but got Zane's mom instead, she would have backed off and confessed? Easy way out. I am pretty sure she would have tried to finish what she started - she strikes me as that sort of person, but whatever.
Third, our young authoress fails to specify or describe in detail how the characters shift from one form to another. Do they retain human features and faculties? Do they remain human sized or do they shrink into their animal counterpart's normal sizes? Very little detail is given and that is incredibly frustrating.
The characterization was scarce. Danica is the only one we ever get to know. Zane is woefully underdeveloped. Danica's mother, Charis, Irene, Eleanor, even Rei and Adelina, are all left as rather vague elements in the story.
The world-building is even more scanty. It seems to be set in our world, possibly in an India/ Asia setting, in remote area and ancient times.
First of all, it has an incredibly abrupt and rushed ending, which is out of tone with the rest of the story. Very dissatisfying.
Second, the love quadrangle was annoying me. Apart from the dalliance that Zane was carrying on, which obviously needed to come to an end once Zane was married to Danica, that guard snake-girl needed to back-off. And are we really supposed to believe that after she attempted to assassinate Danica, but got Zane's mom instead, she would have backed off and confessed? Easy way out. I am pretty sure she would have tried to finish what she started - she strikes me as that sort of person, but whatever.
Third, our young authoress fails to specify or describe in detail how the characters shift from one form to another. Do they retain human features and faculties? Do they remain human sized or do they shrink into their animal counterpart's normal sizes? Very little detail is given and that is incredibly frustrating.
The characterization was scarce. Danica is the only one we ever get to know. Zane is woefully underdeveloped. Danica's mother, Charis, Irene, Eleanor, even Rei and Adelina, are all left as rather vague elements in the story.
The world-building is even more scanty. It seems to be set in our world, possibly in an India/ Asia setting, in remote area and ancient times.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 12, 2012
so.. this was like destiny... I've been wanting to read this for awhile but it's not available to download to Kindle. Went to Barnes & Noble specifically to look for a few of those 'non-kindle' books yesterday... (yes the library would make more sense but whatever).. couldn't find it anywhere. Then, in the completely WRONG section there was a small paperback on the shelf in the wrong direction (someone had obviously misplaced it there)... I moved the book just to see what was behind it and *poof* .. the little black paperback was Hawksong when I turned it over. Really really weird. Someone wants me to read this book.... reading now!
***
done and it was wonderful... Off to the next one...
***
done and it was wonderful... Off to the next one...
April 29, 2020
4.25/5
Insanely ahead of its time
Insanely ahead of its time
December 29, 2015
I'm so torn. While I admire the author and her storytelling ability, I also feel this book lacked in so many ways.
Danica is a strong character who chooses duty over love, and she is willing to sacrifice anything to stop the war that's taken so much of her family away. This includes marrying the prince of the warring side, Zane. There's a lot of good build-up with creating peace and growing their relationship, but the ending is so abrupt! I didn't feel the love, and it's sad I couldn't feel the lust either... because YA.
I'm also kind of upset at how both societies are based on patriarchy, despite the avian shape-shifters answering to a Queen. There is waaaay too much emphasis placed on women--ie Danica--being protected by men--ie Rei/Vasili/Zane/etc--even though woman CAN hold their ground and ARE portrayed as soldiers. It's exhausting.
Did I mention everyone is straight and white? Yeah, that too.
(although by Book 4 you get ONE lesbian couple... which people are outraged over because it "came out of nowhere." I can't sigh hard enough.)
Look, I know I'm being all Social Justice Warrior, but I used to WORSHIP Amelia Atwater-Rhodes as a teen. This is me putting my adult pants on and trying to judge this fifth(?) re-read on an analytical level because let's face it: I bought the hardcover the year it came out and I continually finish this after marathon reading. It's a guilty pleasure, and I want to throw ALL THE STARS at it. The stick up my ass says I shouldn't.
Danica is a strong character who chooses duty over love, and she is willing to sacrifice anything to stop the war that's taken so much of her family away. This includes marrying the prince of the warring side, Zane. There's a lot of good build-up with creating peace and growing their relationship, but the ending is so abrupt! I didn't feel the love, and it's sad I couldn't feel the lust either... because YA.
I'm also kind of upset at how both societies are based on patriarchy, despite the avian shape-shifters answering to a Queen. There is waaaay too much emphasis placed on women--ie Danica--being protected by men--ie Rei/Vasili/Zane/etc--even though woman CAN hold their ground and ARE portrayed as soldiers. It's exhausting.
Did I mention everyone is straight and white? Yeah, that too.
(although by Book 4 you get ONE lesbian couple... which people are outraged over because it "came out of nowhere." I can't sigh hard enough.)
Look, I know I'm being all Social Justice Warrior, but I used to WORSHIP Amelia Atwater-Rhodes as a teen. This is me putting my adult pants on and trying to judge this fifth(?) re-read on an analytical level because let's face it: I bought the hardcover the year it came out and I continually finish this after marathon reading. It's a guilty pleasure, and I want to throw ALL THE STARS at it. The stick up my ass says I shouldn't.
January 17, 2014
I had high hopes for this book: there is so much potential in the world and story outlined by the summary. Instead, all I got was the typical story of "forbidden love". *yawn*
The world imagined by the author is definitely colorful, but I feel it's unreasonable (unrealistic). For example, if the leaders of both parties in the war feel that they don't want the war, then how the earth did they manage to drag it out for hundreds of years? Also, no leaders in any war ever believe their own propaganda of "hate the enemy". That would be just silly.
Or consider the opposing forces: hawk shapeshifters, who can fly, versus snake shapeshifters with superior ground combat abilities. I can't see how the hawks could not win this war. The hawks' mobility is far superior to that of the snakes, which is a very major factor in winning a war. The snakes may be superior in a one-to-one combat, but they can't be everywhere at once. That means that they are forced to only defend, which is a losing position.
I could list all the other things that just don't make sense, but there's no point. The basic idea behind the book is okay, but in no way original. The implementation is also far from outstanding - at least, as far as I can tell. I have not finished the book, but I doubt the rest would be significantly different.
Such a disappointment. I really should have known better than to get my hopes up.
The world imagined by the author is definitely colorful, but I feel it's unreasonable (unrealistic). For example, if the leaders of both parties in the war feel that they don't want the war, then how the earth did they manage to drag it out for hundreds of years? Also, no leaders in any war ever believe their own propaganda of "hate the enemy". That would be just silly.
Or consider the opposing forces: hawk shapeshifters, who can fly, versus snake shapeshifters with superior ground combat abilities. I can't see how the hawks could not win this war. The hawks' mobility is far superior to that of the snakes, which is a very major factor in winning a war. The snakes may be superior in a one-to-one combat, but they can't be everywhere at once. That means that they are forced to only defend, which is a losing position.
I could list all the other things that just don't make sense, but there's no point. The basic idea behind the book is okay, but in no way original. The implementation is also far from outstanding - at least, as far as I can tell. I have not finished the book, but I doubt the rest would be significantly different.
Such a disappointment. I really should have known better than to get my hopes up.
March 18, 2024
Reread Marc 2024
Woah, almost a decade later and it’s still so good. Sucks that it ends so abruptly
———————- xx
Fast and interesting to read. Loved the ease with which the world-building including culture, behaviour and norms were explained in between the peace making plot. This is definitely one of those to be continued books as I felt it end rather abruptly.
Woah, almost a decade later and it’s still so good. Sucks that it ends so abruptly
———————- xx
Fast and interesting to read. Loved the ease with which the world-building including culture, behaviour and norms were explained in between the peace making plot. This is definitely one of those to be continued books as I felt it end rather abruptly.
February 2, 2015
This was partially beautiful but sadly too short.
December 3, 2017
The cover...sucks. Just sayin....
This book was a book I couldn't put down and read within 24 hours.
I really enjoyed the world building, shape shifters. I loved the sworn enemies. I loved the main character Danica.
Danica was awesome because she is more "human" than the rest of her Hawk clan, but has been raised to conceal and control any and all emotions. I liked how she allowed those emotions to slip with her friend Rei. I loved that her character was slow to melt toward the Serpentine clan. I appreciated that it seemed more realistic.
I LOVED Zane, I loved his polar opposite clan of emotions. I loved that how honest he was and even though he didn't care for the Hawk clan regardless of both their pasts, he was willing to do anything for his people as well as Danica. I loved that he wasn't cruel. A little too touchy for me but I get why the author did that.
My one complaint? it was too fast, too short. Don't get me wrong I didn't feel like anything was really "missing" but it seemed like I was missing something, like there were these little holes in the story even though really there wasn't. Maybe I'm just use to a more drawn out story. This was was really short.
I don't think I will continue the series though because I read the synopsis for each book and I'm not interested in those stories. This was a fine standalone for me.
Overall I obviously liked it but wished it was a bit longer I think the author really could have built up the story more.
Sexual Content: mild
Language: none
Drugs/Alcohol: mild
Violence: moderate
This book was a book I couldn't put down and read within 24 hours.
I really enjoyed the world building, shape shifters. I loved the sworn enemies. I loved the main character Danica.
Danica was awesome because she is more "human" than the rest of her Hawk clan, but has been raised to conceal and control any and all emotions. I liked how she allowed those emotions to slip with her friend Rei. I loved that her character was slow to melt toward the Serpentine clan. I appreciated that it seemed more realistic.
I LOVED Zane, I loved his polar opposite clan of emotions. I loved that how honest he was and even though he didn't care for the Hawk clan regardless of both their pasts, he was willing to do anything for his people as well as Danica. I loved that he wasn't cruel. A little too touchy for me but I get why the author did that.
My one complaint? it was too fast, too short. Don't get me wrong I didn't feel like anything was really "missing" but it seemed like I was missing something, like there were these little holes in the story even though really there wasn't. Maybe I'm just use to a more drawn out story. This was was really short.
I don't think I will continue the series though because I read the synopsis for each book and I'm not interested in those stories. This was a fine standalone for me.
Overall I obviously liked it but wished it was a bit longer I think the author really could have built up the story more.
Sexual Content: mild
Language: none
Drugs/Alcohol: mild
Violence: moderate
April 28, 2019
I read one of these books as a child [in middle school? I think?] despite the fact that I held a deep-seated prejudice against anyone named Amelia. It wasn't this one, though. It was the one that was gay, and I think that was part of why I liked it so much. Also, it sort of subverted all the tropes that this book plays into. Which isn't at all to say this was a bad book, because it isn't. For what it is: an arranged marriage ya fantasy book that's well written and has interesting characters and is sort of feeling out the genre. I enjoyed it, and I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the series, esp when I get to the one I read as a kid.
April 1, 2017
I'm really shocked by how much I liked this book. The story was pretty straight forward, two warring races want peace, they have been fighting so long they live on hate without reason for these battles. The solution? A marriage pledging both leaders to one another and one another people. I thought it was really engaging and endearing and there was no rush in the trust building here. The allowance of need was very evident and events unfolded from there. I was expecting ultimate cheese but I'm happy I was wrong. I will be continuing on with the next book.
May 30, 2025
Re-read this for nostalgia’s sake. I think I first read this 20 years ago!! This still held up great. It was probably one of my first enemies to lovers romance and I enjoyed it still after all this time.
April 26, 2009
This is a compressed review of four of the five books in the Kiesha'ra series (I never could find Snakecharm), so just be warned.
The first book in this series was really good. I loved the ideas involved in this book. I loved that people could change into birds and snakes (I've always thought that would be a really cool superpower). I loved that, even though their people had been warring for centuries, the leaders of each nation were willing to leave everything they knew in order to bring peace to their homes. That last message was so noble. The book was very well written and the characters seemed quite real, which is what made this book very likeable and enjoyable to read. Once I had finished the book, I honestly felt that there didn't need to be a sequel. But of course there was, and so I read them. I didn't get a chance to read Snakecharm, so I cannot pass judgement on it, but the rest of the books were a major dissappointment. The writing was childish, the stories were boring, and none of them carried that same noble message of Hawksong. The fourth was especially bad. I couldn't believe that Amelia Atwater-Rhodes had one of her main characters abdicate the throne because she couldn't hack being a queen to the people she and her parents had tried to save from war! It was so backward from her original premises with Hawksong. The only reason I gave this series two stars instead of one was because I really liked the first book, and I really wanted the whole series to be good.
The serpiente and the avian people have fought for as long as any history book could remeber. But Danica Shardae, heir to the avian throne, and Zane Cobriana, heir to the serpiente throne, have had enough killing. They come together and form an ideal, a dream, of a place where their peoples can live together in peace. Will their dream survive?
The first book in this series was really good. I loved the ideas involved in this book. I loved that people could change into birds and snakes (I've always thought that would be a really cool superpower). I loved that, even though their people had been warring for centuries, the leaders of each nation were willing to leave everything they knew in order to bring peace to their homes. That last message was so noble. The book was very well written and the characters seemed quite real, which is what made this book very likeable and enjoyable to read. Once I had finished the book, I honestly felt that there didn't need to be a sequel. But of course there was, and so I read them. I didn't get a chance to read Snakecharm, so I cannot pass judgement on it, but the rest of the books were a major dissappointment. The writing was childish, the stories were boring, and none of them carried that same noble message of Hawksong. The fourth was especially bad. I couldn't believe that Amelia Atwater-Rhodes had one of her main characters abdicate the throne because she couldn't hack being a queen to the people she and her parents had tried to save from war! It was so backward from her original premises with Hawksong. The only reason I gave this series two stars instead of one was because I really liked the first book, and I really wanted the whole series to be good.
The serpiente and the avian people have fought for as long as any history book could remeber. But Danica Shardae, heir to the avian throne, and Zane Cobriana, heir to the serpiente throne, have had enough killing. They come together and form an ideal, a dream, of a place where their peoples can live together in peace. Will their dream survive?
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