Description

A HEAVY CROWN

Three daughters were born to High King Uorsin, in place of the son he wanted. The youngest, lovely and sweet. The middle, pretty and subtle, with an air of magic. And the eldest, the Heir. A girl grudgingly honed to leadership, not beauty, to bear the sword and honor of the king.

Ursula’s loyalty is as ingrained as her straight warrior’s spine. She protects the peace of the Twelve Kingdoms with sweat and blood, her sisters from threats far and near. And she protects her father to prove her worth. But she never imagined her loyalty would become an open question on palace grounds. That her father would receive her with a foreign witch at one side and a hireling captain at the other-that soldiers would look on her as a woman, not as a warrior. She also never expected to decide the destiny of her sisters, of her people, of the Twelve Kingdoms and the Thirteenth. Not with her father still on the throne and war in the air. But the choice is before her. And the Heir must lead…

Reviews

“The saga of The Twelve Kingdoms returns in grand style! It takes a great deal of trust for Ursula to accept that Harlan is interested in her as a woman; his position as a mercenary means he’s skilled at playing courtly games. She’s always possessed a physical strength, so it’s beautiful to watch her accept her own personal power, as a woman and as a daughter of Salena, even when her stubbornness gives you fits. Harlan is her perfect match because his talent at observation allows him to see beyond the tough warrior image she employs to avoid showing her feelings. This is a complex world full of danger, subterfuge and secrets with empowering female characters who are not afraid to fight for their future.”– RT Book Reviews, 4.5 Stars Top Pick

“I’ve been a fan of the Twelve Kingdoms series since the first book, The Mark of the Tala, dropped last June. But Hawk is, by far, the best book in this fantasy romance saga. Watching Ursula stand up for herself and her kingdom, confront hard truths about her father and find love with Harlan is deeply gratifying. I have only two favorite romantic heroes of 2015. Harlan, whose love and support for Ursula is unwavering — even when she literally wants to kill him — is one of them.”  

~Editors’ Best Books of 2015 — Regina’s Picks – RT Book Reviews

“The entire novel is built on the importance of language and communication, with words as the essential building blocks. How many times are we frustrated by romance couples who generate their own conflicts because they do not use their words? In Pages, the hero and heroine literally have no words. So much of the action is built around Dafne’s and Nakoa’s attempts to communicate with one another. Nor is the full burden of understanding dumped on the in-comer heroine’s shoulders. Without reading Nakoa’s mind, we see by his actions the heroic effort to “see to understand.” These people are grown-ups, and when they do consummate their relationship, it is an act that goes far beyond simple lust. Oh, yes, and emotional maturity aside, it’s pretty damn hot.”

~PamG @ Smart Bitches Trashy Books

“The romance was a long, slow build but an oh so satisfying conclusion, one of Kennedy’s best IMHO. Get your fire extinguisher ready!
Action, adventure, romance and hot sex . . . .what’s not there to love?”

~Stephanie Raffel’s Review

“Excellent character development and a strong action continue to characterize the Twelve Kingdoms, and I’m thrilled beyond belief to know that we will see more of this world in Future Kennedy books.”

~Fresh Fiction

“THE TALON OF THE HAWK is the riveting conclusion to The Twelve Kingdoms series.”

~Ashia at The Romance Reviews – 4 stars

“All in all, I highly recommend both the novel and the whole Twelve Kingdoms series to any fantasy romance lovers. It’s a sturdy read, it’s fun, exciting, imaginative, evokes loooots of feels, and it’s an awesome, frolicking fun ride!”

~Butterfly-o-Meter Books

“This series has left me with a serious book hangover. Do not read this as a standalone novel — buy all three and enjoy the marvelous world that Jeffe Kennedy has created for us all…”

~Ginny at Urban Girl Reader

“This is powerful stuff.. Epic fantasy!!! I absolutely adored this book! “

~Tea and Book

“THE TALON OF THE HAWK is everything a lover of High-Fantasy and Romance can expect: action, adventure, closure, and sweet romance.”

~Romance Junkies

“If you like romantic fantasy, then I definitely recommend that you make your way to your nearest bookstore or internet outlet and get yourself a copy. I promise you won’t be sorry.”

~The Good The Bad and The Unread

“The third installment of Jeffe Kennedy’s Twelve Kingdoms fantasy series tears sharply and deeply into the books’ mythology as well as into the heart of its core family. The Talon of the Hawk, Ursula’s story, doesn’t hesitate to draw blood and, in the process, proves also to be incredibly healing.”

 ~Heroes and Heartbreakers

“Ursula is such a great character. She doesn’t take people’s crap and she tells it like it is. No matter if anyone likes it or not.”

~Night Owl Reviews

“Jeffe Kennedy is one of the few romance writers whom I’ve grown to love, because her characters are smart and self-possessed.  Ursula and Harlan are no exception.”

~Books Without Any Pictures

“If you’re looking for a high fantasy with a good romance, this is a wonderful story. I highly recommend it.”

~Rabid Reads

Awards

2015 Reviewers’ Choice Best Fantasy Romance 

“Every time I finish a book in the Twelve Kingdoms series and declare that it’s better than the last, I feel like I’m betraying my past self. After The Tears of the Rose, I thought there couldn’t possibly be a more moving portrayal of a character’s evolution or a sexier fantasy romance. But somehow, Jeffe Kennedy has proven me wrong yet again.

In The Talon of the Hawk, Kennedy explores Ursula’s divided loyalties — to her sisters and the future of the Twelve Kingdoms, and to her increasingly unhinged father, Uorsin. Ursula stepping out of her father’s shadow dovetails beautifully — and painfully — with her sexual awakening, brought on by Harlan, the powerful-yet-gentle mercenary captain.

For series fans, Ursula’s story pays off so much of the ongoing mythology of the Twelve Kingdoms. And Harlan’s unwavering devotion to Ursula is so poignant and perfect — I’m still swooning.”

— Regina Small