The Wounded Hawk: Book Two of 'The Crucible'

by Sara Douglass

Book Overview

The Middle Ages. Finally, the Black Plague has passed, and for a while it seems evil has been defeated. Europe recovers; prosperity returns, trade resumes, and people slowly recover from the effects of the plague. Then, just as the Church relaxes its guard, war spreads across Europe. Widespread heresies challenge the authority of the Church. Revolts and rebellions threaten to topple the established monarchies and overturn the social order of Europe...

• Format: Mass Market Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0765342839
• ISBN13: 9780765342836
• Release Date: September 2005
• Publisher: Tor Books
• Length: 624 Pages
• Weight: 0.05 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 4.3" x 6.8"

Customer Reviews

A fascinating time in English and French history

In this second book in her Crucible series, Sara Douglass continues her tale of a slightly alternate reality in 14th-century Europe in which Thomas Neville has been told that the fate of Christendom rests on his success in disrupting the plans of demons infiltrating the ranks of European courts. As times passes, however, the distinction between good and evil becomes ever hazier. The books are much more focused on history than on religion, and this is a fascinating period in European history. I should also say that all of the books in this series have fantastic cover art.

Historic Fantasy on a Grand Scale

After a relatively tedious introduction to the Crucible Series in The Nameless Day, Ms Douglass has risen to the fast-paced narration and vivid characterizations which she renders so well in book 2. The portrayals of well known figures on the stage of history are refreshingly new, sometimes strange, but largely believable. The intertwined fantasy theme whereby the Judaeo-Christian angels are seduced by human females to procreate a race of demons which may only be destroyed by a human surrogate is certainly imaginative and novel, but lacks credibility, despite its commonality with the Zoroastrian view of the pagan pantheon. I am looking forward to the final book 3 resolution of this 14th century tale.

The distinction between good and evil is blurred even more...

The Wounded Hawk by Sara Douglass is a continuation of the Crucible Series, with The Nameless Day being book one. In the last book, Thomas Neville cast aside his friar robes and reclaimed his Lord title and lands. He is still arrogant but he grows more likeable in The Wounded Hawk: he is now married to Margaret, the woman he detests, but as he discovers more about her and her desire for his love, he, oh so gradually, softens! He still seeks the casket that contains the books to cast demons into Hell, but the quest somewhat slows as other dire events call his (and all of England)'s attentions. All the major characters return, and the focus is on certain people and relationships; the last book was mostly spent on Neville but not this time! The newly crowned Richard II, with his promotions of his lover Robert "Robbie" de Vere, is causing nobles to grumble, especially Hal Bolingbroke (Duke of Hereford) and Neville, who still thinks that Richard is the Demon-King that will threaten mankind. The peasant dissenters that seek freedom from serfdom rise and deal some damage to the English kingdom. Douglass also turns our attentions more to the Maid of France, Joan of Arc. There is an interesting scene where the ladies inspect Joan and find out why, exactly, she really is a virgin. We also examine Hal (who seems too good to be true, until chilling confessions are made), Margaret (is what you see what you get?), Catherine (the ambitious sister of the meek Charles. She loves Hal but who exactly is she?), and so many others. I cannot lie and say, "There is never a dull moment." Overall the plot is moving but there are sections of the book that failed to make an impression on my memory. There are also actions and dialogues that seem incongrugous in respect to their characters. One minute so-and-so is brash, the next minute he whimpers and sheds tears. In The Wounded Hawk, the plot, richly woven with history, advances greatly, with so many of its characters coming into bloom (and a few to their demises), but of course Douglass keeps readers wanting more by omitting certain explanations of key people. The question of who is truly good and evil is blurred. People that seemed like, well, angels, may not be the saints we think they are. Even St. Michael and Jesus Themselves are put up to scrutiny, and trust me, it is shocking. Oh, and the epilogue is perfect: karma comes to haunt a man who had caused hell on earth for a certain woman. I highly recommend this series: some parts are slow going and there are flaws in the plot and character development, but overall, it will keep you enraptured as I was: going for hours at a time just reading, reading, reading!

Better Than The First

This book is absolutly amazing, exciting, beautiful, and deep. I laughed, cried, and got worked up over a charactors behavior. All the same charactors are there and some new ones come along. My personal favorite, who isn;t new but becomes a wonderful part if the story is Catherine. She's strong, independent, and has the grestest guy ever at her side. Then Mary, whom most people feel sorry for just gets annoying in a good way. YOu know she has to be there but you wish she would just go away. Then Neville is still there and jerky as ever. But he does have his sweet moments. The ending only makes me mad because like most books in a series it leaves you hanging. Sarah was brilliant to do that. Now her fans will be more excited to get the next one. For anyone who liked the first book this one will blow you away. Definatly her best book ever.

brilliant use of historical facts in a supernatural context

Thomas Neville, once a priest in the Dominican order, is married to Margaret; they have a daughter he loves dearly, but he doesn't love his wife because the Angel Michael told him she was demon spawn like all daughters of Eve. Thomas' mission is to find Wynkyn de Worde's casket and use the book inside to send the demons back to hell. He doesn't know who to trust but believes King Richard II is a demon and that Duke Hal Bolingbroke, the next in line for the throne, should rule. Over time his feelings for his wife turn to love, an emotion that Jesus sanctified in a vision to him. The king and his lover Robbie Devere are bankrupting the country, turning the peasants against him. When the king exiles Bolingbroke without charging him with anything the nobles turn against their monarch as well. Just when it looks like Bolingbroke will achieve his dreams, Thomas learns the secret that he and his wife share that if revealed could cost them both Bolingbroke and Margaret their lives. Fans of Judith Tarr's historical fantasies will love THE WOUNDED HAWK, a brilliant epic novel that uses authentic historical facts in a supernatural context. This romantic fantasy answers many of the questions in THE NAMELESS DAY but there are still more yet to be answered in the next book THE CRIPPLED ANGEL. Although not a religious book, the author provides a unique take on angels, demons, Christ and God. The tortured hero is torn between his love for his wife and the veneration of an angel; he knows it is his destiny to choose mankind's path, a decision he fears but will make when the time comes. This superb tale will appeal to speculative fiction readers. Harriet Klausner