Book Review: Hawksong by Amelia Atwater-Rhodes

Hawksong by Amelia Atwater-Rhodes
September 28, 2004
Publisher: Laurel Leaf
Rating: Enjoyable

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. - Goodreads Page

As most of you may know, I love shapeshifters. From werewolves to werecats, panthers to rats, I’m fascinated and intrigued by these creatures. Wouldn’t you just love to be able to shift into an animal whenever you choose? I certainly would.

I picked Hawksong up for this sole reason. I wanted to read a good shifter novel – something I hadn’t done since I’d finished Rachel Vincent’s Shifters series – and that’s exactly what I found. Hawksong was a very entertaining read.

I absolutely loved the world that Amelia Atwater-Rhodes created. There are so many different types of shifters that have been mentioned that I am so happy to find that this is the first book in a series. I can’t wait to find out more about the snakes, or the tigers!

The differences in the hawks and snakes cultures were very well done. I loved reading about these differences, as well as a few similarities. Everything either of the species did reflected on those said differences, and it was so unique. And so much fun!

Danica was a strong leader, and she was willing to give anything up for her people. She was a great protagonist to read about. It was great being inside her head. Her love interest slash arch enemy, Zane, was amazing. He definitely gives Marc and Jace a run for their money. He was HOT, and I really enjoyed reading about him and his kingdom. He was an even better leader than Danica, and that’s saying something.

I did feel, however, that this book was too short. I could have easily read another one hundred plus pages, and as a result of this short length, I think that the last third of the book is very, very rushed. I’d have liked to have seen more build up in the relationship between Danica and Zane (as Danica spent most of her time ill) and there was very little climax.

I would definitely recommend picking this up if you’re a fan of shifters, but I would also recommend picking up the next book in the series because you’ll be left wanting more than this book gives you.