Hawk of May by Gillian Bradshaw (Terra's Review)

On The Path Toward Greatness, Every Hero Makes a Choice

Legends sing of Sir Gawain, one of the most respected warriors of King Arthur's reign and one of the greatest champions of all time. But this is not that story. This is the story of Gwalchmai, middle son of the beautiful, infinitely evil sorceress Morgawse, and gifted student of her dark magical arts. A story of an uncertain man, doubting his ability to follow his elder brother's warrior prowess and seeking to find his own identity by bonding with his frightening and powerful mother. Disappointed in himself and despised by his father, Gwalchmai sets out on a journey that will lead him to the brink of darkness...

A tale of loss, redemption, and adventure, Hawk of May brings new depth and understanding to Sir Gawain, the legend of King Arthur, and the impact of choices made-and the consequences that follow.

(Terra's Thoughts) If you like tales of King Arthur then you will most likely enjoy this one. It smatters of courage, darkness, magic, cruelty and kindness, justice and liberation and all the things that you have come to relish in the tales of King Arthur and his brave knights.

From a very young age Gwalchmai is frowned upon by his father and elder brother as everything he seems to try and do falls short of the elders expectations. He is coddled by his mother the Queen Morgawse, who in her own right is the flesh and blood of evil incarnate.

The Queen takes Gwalchmai and embroiders him in her evil magic showing him the ways of the dark and of discord and hatred. When time to take his final testing to become more than just a dabbler in the dark ways, our young man realizes without a doubt that he is not meant for this and he must find and prove his way through and to the light of goodness and purity. Only the light can redeem a man and make him whole in mind and body to serve and protect that which is just and good.

It is through Gwalchmai's trials and hardships that strengthen him and his path to the light is guided by his magic sword. His unquestioning belief makes him who he is to be and finally he sheds the darkness that surrounds him trying with all it's might to engulf him.

Gwalchmai fights for his King and Country even though he is not wanted. Arthur in all his goodness can only see the darkness which surrounds this young man and it blinds him to the truth which is just out of the corner of sight. This is a great test for our beloved King to continue to bask in the bright light of all that is Holy.

Paperback: 384 pages
Publisher: Sourcebooks Landmark (September 7, 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1402240708
ISBN-13: 978-1402240706