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The Hawk and the Wolf #1
The Hawk and the Wolf
The Island of the Mighty stands on the brink of war with the Roman Empire. Excalibur is lost-the sword forged by the gods in the dawn of days and passed down through generations of High Kings. Can Britain stand without the help of the gods? Young prince Emrys, nicknamed Merlin, knows his destiny is to find the lost sword of power. For the gods gave him a special gift to see into the heart of the world. He knows the rebel goddess Morgana would kill him to take Excalibur and become Queen of the Island of the Mighty, with a promise of days dark and bloody. In this fast-paced and violent tale, the world seems poised upon the brink of two possibilities: darkness and death.or the age of Arthur.
232 pages, Hardcover
First published October 1, 2008
About the author
Mark Adderley
24 books59 followersMark Adderley was born in the railway town of Crewe, England. Like many of his contemporaries, he grew up devouring the novels of C. S. Lewis and, later, Ian Fleming and J. R. R. Tolkien. It wasn’t until he was studying at Cartrefle College in Wales, however, that he discovered the passion for the Arthurian legend that has now lasted almost a quarter of a century.
During his studies in Wales, Mark also met an American woman, Adrianne, whom he married. Moving to America, he got, in not very rapid succession, four children and a PhD in medieval literature from the University of South Florida. He has lived in Florida, Georgia, Montana, Missouri, Wyoming and South Dakota. He now teaches in Charlotte, North Carolina. He has been writing for most of his life, but The Hawk and the Wolf is his first published novel.
"I've been writing since I was about eight years old. In fourth grade, however, Mrs. Parker (who had started the years as Miss Waterson, and changed her name much to the chagrin of every male pupil in her class) wrote on my report card, 'He should go in for being an author.' Later on—it would be about sixth grade—I asked my parents for a typewriter for Christmas. In school, of course, we were asked to tell the class about our Christmas presents. When I revealed to my class that I had got a typewriter, they laughed, though they were rapidly stilled by another fine teacher, Mr. Brown. Later still, Mr. Beach (poor, suffering soul) read my manuscripts, and didn't tell me what rubbish I had written, but was very patient in his comments.
"It seems that a plethora of teachers have inspired me to write, among them Mrs. Parker, Mr. Brown, Mr. Morley, Mr. Beach, and Mrs. Roberts. I'd like to propose a toast to the lot of them, wherever they are."
During his studies in Wales, Mark also met an American woman, Adrianne, whom he married. Moving to America, he got, in not very rapid succession, four children and a PhD in medieval literature from the University of South Florida. He has lived in Florida, Georgia, Montana, Missouri, Wyoming and South Dakota. He now teaches in Charlotte, North Carolina. He has been writing for most of his life, but The Hawk and the Wolf is his first published novel.
"I've been writing since I was about eight years old. In fourth grade, however, Mrs. Parker (who had started the years as Miss Waterson, and changed her name much to the chagrin of every male pupil in her class) wrote on my report card, 'He should go in for being an author.' Later on—it would be about sixth grade—I asked my parents for a typewriter for Christmas. In school, of course, we were asked to tell the class about our Christmas presents. When I revealed to my class that I had got a typewriter, they laughed, though they were rapidly stilled by another fine teacher, Mr. Brown. Later still, Mr. Beach (poor, suffering soul) read my manuscripts, and didn't tell me what rubbish I had written, but was very patient in his comments.
"It seems that a plethora of teachers have inspired me to write, among them Mrs. Parker, Mr. Brown, Mr. Morley, Mr. Beach, and Mrs. Roberts. I'd like to propose a toast to the lot of them, wherever they are."
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
June 17, 2021
I became interested in the books by Mark Adderley because the first book in the McCracken Series was listed in a summer reading list for Catholic Fiction. After reading the first two in that series I picked up the first in this series to give a try. The two series could hardly be any different. McCracken is like a Catholic Indiana Jones. And This is the beginning of a version of the Arthurian Legend. When I was in university there were two Arthurian Legend courses offered but neither ever fit my schedule. I did get the reading list for the one and read several of the volumes from personal interest. This one would easily have fit on the reading lists for either courses. It was a very intense read. The description of the series is:
“The Matter of Britain is a series of novels covering the reign of King Arthur. It begins, many years before Arthur’s birth, with the childhood of Merlin Emrys, a young boy gifted with the ability to see the future. All the familiar heroes and heroines are here—Gawain, Arthur’s nephew, Cei, his foster‐brother, Gwenhwyfar, his queen and faithless wife, but also some less familiar characters: Culhwch, enchanted to marry the daughter of the Chief Giant of Annwn, the monk‐like Peredur, a buffoon and a fool, who nevertheless is a one‐man army, and Gereint, whose face no one has seen. Adderley draws upon his wide knowledge of Arthurian literature, particularly that written in Wales, and upon his own experiences in Wales, to craft a compelling tale in which the clash of arms mingles with songs of love, treason, and destiny.”
And the description of this volume is:
“Britain, the Island of the Mighty, stands on the brink of war with the Roman Empire. Excalibur is lost-the sword forged by the gods in the dawn of days, which has been passed down through the generations of High Kings. Can Britain stand without the help of the gods? Young prince Emrys, nick-named Merlin, knows his destiny is to find the lost sword of power, for the gods have given him a special gift to see into the heart of the world. He knows the rebel goddess Morgana will kill him to take Excalibur and be-come Queen of the Island of the Mighty, with a promise of days dark and bloody. In this fast-paced and violent tale, the world seems poised upon the brink of two possibilities: darkness and death . . . or the age of Arthur.”
Compared to Adderley’s other series this one took me by surprise. It truly is written in an epic style. And it took me a while to catch on. This one is the beginning of Merlin’s tale. We encounter both Boudicea and Morgana and the druids. There is intrigue, battle. Life in historical times. And a young man with the sight trying to find his purpose and place in the world, while dreaming of a legendary blade.
There are parts of the story that some will struggle with. There are a couple of sex scenes and one of them is an affair with a married woman. The talk of human sacrifice, and other things. I think my son would enjoy the story for the most part but would not recommend it until he is older. But even with that warning it is a very well written novel. And should prove to be an interesting trilogy. It is incredibly well researched. And does not gloss over some of the history. But it is not a story for young children, and I would say not even most tweens or early teens.
Adult readers on the other hand are served up a masterfully written interpretation of the beginning of Merlin’s tale. One set in the first Century as Rome is coming back to British shores. And Merlin sees the plague that will bring upon the people, and sees a future hope.
Very entertaining. Highly addictive. A great read.
Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2021 Catholic Reading Plan!
“The Matter of Britain is a series of novels covering the reign of King Arthur. It begins, many years before Arthur’s birth, with the childhood of Merlin Emrys, a young boy gifted with the ability to see the future. All the familiar heroes and heroines are here—Gawain, Arthur’s nephew, Cei, his foster‐brother, Gwenhwyfar, his queen and faithless wife, but also some less familiar characters: Culhwch, enchanted to marry the daughter of the Chief Giant of Annwn, the monk‐like Peredur, a buffoon and a fool, who nevertheless is a one‐man army, and Gereint, whose face no one has seen. Adderley draws upon his wide knowledge of Arthurian literature, particularly that written in Wales, and upon his own experiences in Wales, to craft a compelling tale in which the clash of arms mingles with songs of love, treason, and destiny.”
And the description of this volume is:
“Britain, the Island of the Mighty, stands on the brink of war with the Roman Empire. Excalibur is lost-the sword forged by the gods in the dawn of days, which has been passed down through the generations of High Kings. Can Britain stand without the help of the gods? Young prince Emrys, nick-named Merlin, knows his destiny is to find the lost sword of power, for the gods have given him a special gift to see into the heart of the world. He knows the rebel goddess Morgana will kill him to take Excalibur and be-come Queen of the Island of the Mighty, with a promise of days dark and bloody. In this fast-paced and violent tale, the world seems poised upon the brink of two possibilities: darkness and death . . . or the age of Arthur.”
Compared to Adderley’s other series this one took me by surprise. It truly is written in an epic style. And it took me a while to catch on. This one is the beginning of Merlin’s tale. We encounter both Boudicea and Morgana and the druids. There is intrigue, battle. Life in historical times. And a young man with the sight trying to find his purpose and place in the world, while dreaming of a legendary blade.
There are parts of the story that some will struggle with. There are a couple of sex scenes and one of them is an affair with a married woman. The talk of human sacrifice, and other things. I think my son would enjoy the story for the most part but would not recommend it until he is older. But even with that warning it is a very well written novel. And should prove to be an interesting trilogy. It is incredibly well researched. And does not gloss over some of the history. But it is not a story for young children, and I would say not even most tweens or early teens.
Adult readers on the other hand are served up a masterfully written interpretation of the beginning of Merlin’s tale. One set in the first Century as Rome is coming back to British shores. And Merlin sees the plague that will bring upon the people, and sees a future hope.
Very entertaining. Highly addictive. A great read.
Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2021 Catholic Reading Plan!
June 29, 2024
A great rendition of the Legend of King Arthur, focusing more on Merlyn. I’ve read it twice now and enjoyed it thoroughly.
May 3, 2011
The Hawk and the Wolf is the first installment in a thrilling legendary fiction about the origins of the Arthurian legend, with a strong sense of the particular glory and dignity of the land of Britain itself. One is thrown into the life of a young boy, without knowing his significance, and becomes emotionally involved with his complex human character to discover that this strange young man is the great Merlin, proverbial wizard and prophet. This early history of Merlin’s life is a story of strife for the sake of the glory of his country, for the woman he loves. There is romance without fairy tale sugar polish, real and painful, yet ideal enough to live up to the mythical heights of fairy tale from the heart. The battles have the perfect balance of real and terrific horror and fantastic glory, justice and heartbreaking tragedy. The history is tight enough to convince your grandfather and the action is gripping enough to capture the imagination of every young man and woman. The image landscape of Tolkien meets the simple and piercing character development of Lewis in this truly great beginning to a tale that will stay with you and awaken a magical understanding of the deep history of the Island that we call Britain, the greatest of its kings, and that king’s mysterious wizard tutor.
September 8, 2011
The Arthurian legends have always intrigued me. To me they are epitome of romance and adventure. I was very pleased to read a novel about this very interesting subject.
The Hawk and the Wolf , the first of the series The Matter of Britain, is an exciting tale of good and evil, mystery and magic, in which ancient Britain is poised on the brink of destruction, while a young man searches to bring a ray of hope to his country.
It is the first century, and Britain is threatened by Roman invaders. Emrys, nicknamed Merlin, the young prince of Cambria, desiring to save his land from the Romans, takes it upon himself to find the long-lost sword Excalibur and rid Britain of the Roman Empire. Mark Adderley weaves a story of adventure and romance as Merlin Emrys leaves his home and sets off on his search for the lost sword. Blessed, or cursed, with a special power which the gods have given him by which he can see what is to come, he journeys through Britain on his quest, meeting many different people and adventures along the way, while all the time evading the clutches of Morgana, who would take the sword for herself and plunge all of Britain into darkness and evil.
This is a book I would recommend to all lovers of Arthurian legend. It is a refreshing retelling of a classic story, and will keep you anxiously waiting for the next volume.
The Hawk and the Wolf , the first of the series The Matter of Britain, is an exciting tale of good and evil, mystery and magic, in which ancient Britain is poised on the brink of destruction, while a young man searches to bring a ray of hope to his country.
It is the first century, and Britain is threatened by Roman invaders. Emrys, nicknamed Merlin, the young prince of Cambria, desiring to save his land from the Romans, takes it upon himself to find the long-lost sword Excalibur and rid Britain of the Roman Empire. Mark Adderley weaves a story of adventure and romance as Merlin Emrys leaves his home and sets off on his search for the lost sword. Blessed, or cursed, with a special power which the gods have given him by which he can see what is to come, he journeys through Britain on his quest, meeting many different people and adventures along the way, while all the time evading the clutches of Morgana, who would take the sword for herself and plunge all of Britain into darkness and evil.
This is a book I would recommend to all lovers of Arthurian legend. It is a refreshing retelling of a classic story, and will keep you anxiously waiting for the next volume.
December 8, 2009
This is book one of an intended three book series and I'm definitely looking forward to them! I thoroughly enjoyed the authors take on Arthurian Legend. Here, Merlin is set in the first century Britian and we see him grow up to take on the quest of finding the lost Excalibur and struggle with his "sight". The story is well thought out and cetainly well delivered, you will see the extensive knowledge of Arthurian Legend behind the tale as well as recognizing someone who has a gift of vocabulary. I think we may have the makings of a new classic here. 4.5 stars
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews