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Submitted by Delta 
(Nov 30, 2003)

I loved Amelia's first 4 books, so I had extremely high expectations for this one, where she would finally be able to let go of the vampire stereotypes and - pun not intended, I swear - spread her wings.

So, I know that some of you probably want to know what the story is about, so here goes:

The story takes place at the time when Rome was first being built. All of the characters are shapeshifters -"were" creatures. For the most part, Avians and Serpiente take the center stage, those that can transform into birds and snakes respectively. They've been at war for so long no one remember why they began.

Danica and Zane are both the new heirs to the throne for each of their cultures (Avian and Serpiente respectively), and both want peace, having lost much of their families to the war. A crazy idea is suggested by the Mistari (were-tigers), so crazy it just might work. Both is willing to sacrifice anything so...

This story is truly a crafted work of art, and shows how much she has matured as an author. Though my expectations were very high, this surpassed them by miles. With its truly compelling characters (especially Zane, at least for me), and wonderful story line, I sped through this book in under 5 hours. And now I have to wait again.

Wow. I thought this was a superb book. Amelia is by far my favorite author. I too am a young author, and she has inspired me greatly. The way she worked Danica and Zane's relationship was awesome. I loved everything about this book. All of her characters in everyone of her books are created greatly and you can't help but feel like you really know the characters.I have grown to like many of her characters such as Aubrey, Zane, Danica, and Jessica. I do think she should write more books, for I love reading her style. I would give her more than 5 stars if it were possible. Great work Amelia!!

When I purchased this book I did so out of pure curiosity. For someone as young as this author to get published, I thought she must be something special. There was also the appeal of her being close to my age.

I really enjoyed this book and the quality of writing was extremely good. The characters were very well thought out and did possess human-like attributes - a rare quality in many books designed for this age group. I must say I didn't want the book to end, for I felt akin to Zane and Danica.

But here were my main problems with the book.

The war ended unbelievably quickly. I ask you, do you think it's likely that a war that lasted generations was ended by one swift and easy decision?

The plot on the other hand left much to be desired. It was predictable from beginning to end, despite the richly woven culture. From reading the first few pages I knew exactly what would happen in Zane and Danica's relationship. I also knew exactly who the "villains" in the book were almost as quickly.

Zane and Danica's sweet but predictable relationship progressed unrealistically quickly.

Despite these problems, I would read any other book she comes out with. Hopefully I will enjoy her other books as much as this one.

I counted myself as a major detractor of Atwater-Rhodes and her writing for many years. I still stand by my earlier criticisms: the plots were murky, characterization slim, and dialogue pitiful. When I purchased Hawksong, I looked forward to an afternoon of laughs at the author's expense.
I now must say that I was overhasty.
I completed Hawksong and found that I had really enjoyed myself. Such refreshing changes had been made, in particular the nicely complex characters and the nearly creak free dialogue.
Of course, I have my complaints. Atwater-Rhodes's biggest issue seems to be her inability to create a forward and enthralling plot, but she has time to work on that. Also, the dialogue hinges on being overly formal (true, we're dealing with royalty, but it still feels strained and flat in areas.) However, the majority of the dialogue does not suffer from such problems. And while the plot feels weak, it is a vast improvement over her previous endeavors.
My greatest complaints? The war is too easily resolved, the relationship between Danica and Zane has progressed too quickly, and we never actually see any battling.
However, let me now compliment Atwater-Rhodes on her lovely flight of imagination. The book and the characters do feel fresh and new, particularly Danica and Zane. Also, I was interested that in this world the serpents are warm and passionate, while the birds are cold and imperious. The author has been allowed to stretch and hone her writing skills in this volume. Perhaps it is because she is free to craft an entirely new world here, while her previous works were hampered by the vampiric lore and stereotypes (everyone who's undead is wealthy, speaks well and likes leather?) she incorporated into her novels.
I now look forward to her next volume, not because I want to laugh and smirk at Atwater-Rhodes's attempt, but because I want to be reintroduced to the world and characters I grew to like.

I read this book when it was in a very early form and despite only liking MidPred of Atwater-Rhodes' published books, I have to say that this one is utterly amazing. A book worthy of the praise "mature and polished," Hawksong deals with much more mature problems, the characters are stronger without having to be hunters or gothic bad-girls. The lush atmosphere, rich in a mythology created by this 18 year old author, and the twists of this some-times romantic novel will win over even the harshest of Atwater-Rhodes' critics.