From School Library Journal
Grade 7-10-In this engaging fantasy, Danica Shardae is an avian shapeshifter. She is a princess of her people who, like the birds they become, is reserved and disciplined, yet full of passion. Her people have been at war with the serpiente, a people who shapeshift into serpent forms, for so many years that no one remembers how it all started. The hatred and bloodshed have taken a heavy toll on both sides, and Danica and Zane Cobriana, a prince among the serpiente, are determined to stop it, at any cost. He is the last of his line as is Danica and so he proposes that the avian and serpiente royalty meet at a neutral place and seek mediation to end the war. The mediator proposal-that Danica and Zane marry-is so crazy and repugnant a plan that both parties leave immediately. The young people, however, consider it in spite of the apparent lunacy, for it would mean an end to the fighting. But can they pull it off? And can they keep the dissenters among them from destroying this shred of a chance for peace? This book takes the Romeo and Juliet angle to new heights and is dealt with in a completely original way. It's a love story and a plea for peace, and an intriguing look at a world that is teeming with tension and danger and beauty. Atwater-Rhodes has created a stunning adventure that draws readers in and leaves them begging for more.Saleena L. Davidson, South Brunswick Public Library, Monmouth Junction, NJCopyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.


Review
“Teens will relate to these characters and the universal themes of peer pressure, family problems, and the search for identity.”—Starred, VOYA


From the Hardcover edition.


Review
?Teens will relate to these characters and the universal themes of peer pressure, family problems, and the search for identity.??Starred, VOYA

FROM OUR EDITORS

The Barnes & Noble Review
Bestselling fantasy writer Amelia Atwater-Rhodes takes wing with her fifth riveting novel, this time whisking readers to a world of warring shapeshifters and turbulent attempts at peace.

Forever at war, the hawk-human shapeshifters and serpiente snake-human shifters feel only raging hatred for each other. So when an important serpiente dies in the arms of Danica Shardae, heir to the Tuuli Thea throne, she makes the decision that she's had enough fighting. Likewise, Danica's serpiente counterpart, Zane Cobriana, has also grown tired of losing close relatives to war, and when a peace meeting leads to the two getting secretly married and joining their clans, their decision could mean either wide acceptance or revolt. Thankfully, Danica and Zane's high rank and prestige have a fairly positive effect on the masses, but with assassination attempts and a marriage not based on love, the pair are tested to learn if their own resilience and faith is enough to overcome cultural differences and deep-seeded distrust.

Tense and empowering, Atwater-Rhodes's fifth book won't disappoint her fans. This page-turner is as fraught with battling clans and clandestine relationships as Romeo and Juliet, while peace -- not love -- is the tie that binds the two main characters. Always forcefully grounded and skilled at plot twists, Atwater-Rhodes will be sure to snag readers in her imaginative grip. Matt Warner

ANNOTATION

In a land that has been at war so long that no one remembers the reason for fighting, the shapeshifters who rule the two factions agree to marry in the hope of bringing peace, despite deep-seated fear and distrust of each other.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

In a land that has been at war so long that no one remembers the reason for fighting, the shapeshifters who rule the two factions agree to marry in the hope of bringing peace, despite deep-seated fear and distrust of each other.

FROM THE CRITICS

Publishers Weekly

The leader of the Avians and the ruler of the serpiente choose to mate, in an attempt to end the bitter dispute between their peoples. "Atwater-Rhodes creates impressively complex cultures for both clans," PW wrote. Ages 12-up. (Sept.) Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.

VOYA

Shapeshifters, politics, and romance, oh my! Hawksong is the first installment of a fantasy series. This novel finds a balance between wit and tragedy, centuries of violence and a glimmering hope for peace. The author gives Danica a believable voice and surrounds her with fleshed-out characters. Atwater-Rhodes fans will find enough similar themes in this book to find it just as readable as the vampire series. VOYA Codes: 4Q 4P M J S (Better than most, marred only by occasional lapses; Broad general YA appeal; Jessica Lee, Teen Reviewer

School Library Journal

Gr 7-10-Danica, an avian shapeshifter princess, and Zane Cobriana, a serpiente prince, agree to marry in an attempt to end years of bloodshed and hatred between their kingdoms. Tension, treachery, love, and loyalty are the hallmarks of this stunning adventure. Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.

Kirkus Reviews