The Black Hawk

The Black Hawk (2011) Joanna Bourne

Set in London in 1818, with flashes back to Paris 1802 and other times and places.

This is the fourth book in the series, the story of Adrian Hawkhurst (aka Hawker) and Justine DuMotier, who we met in previous books, Adrian as an adult, Justine as a child (and already a French spy).

I had a hard time getting into this story, because I adored Adrian from his first appearance in the first book, but had a very hard time with the character of Justine. I didn’t dislike her, and I felt bad for all the horrible things that had happened to her, but I had a hard time finding her compelling.

Even if she was intelligent and witty.

One does not take the small joys of life for granted when they may not be granted tomorrow.

Almost no rational thinking occurs when one is naked.

Also, I HATED this cover. First, I don’t know who that man is, but it’s not the man in the book, and second, that is the stupidest pose ever. Unbuttoned & tucked in shirts are stupid. The cape makes it utterly ridiculous, especially as he’s in a pose as if he’s striding forward.

I eventually became interested in her, and understood what Adrian felt for her, but mostly I just wanted to spend my time with Adrian.

BLETCH.

All of this isn’t to say the story isn’t worth reading, because it is, but I didn’t enjoy it as much as I did the earlier stories. I just wanted more for and from Adrian.
Rating: 7/10

Published by Berkley

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