Note: this is the third book in a series where each book builds upon the events of the previous one. The books are best enjoyed when read in order.
The third book of the Twelve Kingdoms opens just after the concluding events of the previous story. Princess Ursula returns to Ordnung and High King Uorsin to discover the land and palace filled with foreign soldiers. Uorsin's mental health appears to be deteriorating at a rapid pace and publicly makes it clear that his kingdom will not go to Ursula. She realizes again her biggest shortcoming is that she is not a man.
At the High King's side is the mysterious captain of the Vervaldr, Harlan. The King bought protection from Harlan and his mercenaries, and Ursula is unsure of his motives since his loyalty can be purchased. Yet right from the moment they meet, Harlan is drawn to Ursula, and he finds ways to push her beyond her comfort zone.
I have mixed feelings about The Talon of the Hawk. While I enjoyed the overall story and outcomes, I struggled with Ursula's story. As with the previous two books, the story is shared from the first person point-of-view of the heroine, which in this book is Ursula, the eldest of Salena and Uorsin's daughters. Her romantic match is found with Harlan, although it takes some time for Ursula to discover this. Harlan is determined and unwavering in his commitment to Ursula, constantly putting pressure to coax her from her solitude. This is perfect for her because Ursula needs someone dominant and strong to match her own will and wits.
Although I find Ursula and Harlan an perfect fit, I never connected with their romance. Harlan found love in Ursula from the moment he laid eyes on her. Ursula is broken inside and rarely lets him close. I had difficulty believing in the sincerity of Harlan's love. I especially struggled with a scene when Ursula shares one of her darkest secrets and what followed. I attribute most of my difficulties to the authors ability to create well-developed characters, only this time around it backfired for me. Since the story is shared from Ursula's POV and she is such a lonely and cold person, distancing herself from anyone close, her unease and suspicions become mine. Therefore, I too never really believed in Harlan's declarations of love.
Putting Ursula's romance aside, I quite enjoyed the conclusion of the current story arc. The book follows through on all of the outstanding bits and brings to close all of the issues raised in the first three titles.
In the end, I liked but not loved The Talon of the Hawk. Although the book brings a satisfactory conclusion to the trilogy, I found Ursula's individual tale a bit lacking. Part of the reason for this is that the author created Ursula and shared her POV so convincingly, that I never felt connected to her. Additionally, everything about her character's growth felt rushed in the end. Even at the 90% mark she hadn't changed in her heart when it came to the High King. I never really felt like she grew, rather that her changes just happened. However, I still enjoyed the overall tale and look forward to returning the the Twelve Kindoms and Annfwn.
My rating: B/B-
Review copy provided by Netgalley
1
