This is the second book I've read by amazing author Joanna Bourne (after The Spymaster's Lady). I'll start with the one thing I found a bit discombobulating -- there are multiple and lengthy flashbacks. Very well-written though, and perhaps the only way to tell this deliciously complicated story. And yes, I will be reading all the rest of the books in this series. Why? Because Bourne's writing is captivating, her characters are resourceful and brave, the action is non-stop, the history is fascinating, and because even the secondary characters are so well-drawn I want to know what happens (or happened) to them. I love this series by Bourne, and I'm so glad to have found this and the previous volumes on audio. Unlike the others in the series which take place during the Napoleonic wars in England and France, this is set in 1794 and 1818, with flashbacks from the present (1818) to fill in the story. We first met The Black Hawk (Adrian Hawkhurst)in The Forbidden Rose. He was a scruffy street kid with a knack for espionage. He was rescued by England's top spy, William Doyle, and then becomes England's top spy himself and head of the secret service. He and Justine DeCabrillac met in the 1790s on opposite sides and frequently thereafter--falling in love but never quite trusting the other enough. Then in 1818 she appears on his doorstop, poisoned by a knife from his collection. Great spycraft details, English/French history, series characters with secondary characters providing humor and context. A page turner filled with smart dialog and a good love story. Bourne has won awards for each title in the series, and she has another coming out in the fall.
What do You think about The Black Hawk (2011)?
Think I'm going to switch to audiobook on this one. I do love to hear the French spoken properly.
—ashley123281
Wonderful - can't speak highly enough of this series.:-)
—Cris
I cannot. This book. TWENTY FIVE YEARS.
—beckygrimshaw
