The Vulture In Fall (Rise of the Hawk #4)
Goodreads Summary: "You must rise...rise to the challenges set before you."

With the threat of violence all around, Maevan must finally meet her destiny. But can she do it alone? Her family is making their way to the Summer Palace, but they face dangers of their own. Trelaren takes his first steps to conquer Aemonsha and he's the most powerful enemy Maevan will ever face.

Granada and Sol must defend the Frozen Fortress. Granada worries that she may not be up to the task. Meanwhile, Kolton faces challenges of his own.

Coran worries over his wife as Meirei faces the dangers ahead while pregnant with their first child. Can they survive the pursuers which threaten their lives?

Grave danger and romance await in the fourth and final installment of the Rise of the Hawk series.

The Peacock in Summer (Rise of the Hawk #3) by Bekah Clark
Goodreads Summary: The calm before the storm finds members of the First House settling into their new lives three years after the events of The Raven In Spring. Now that the newness of Xenya's reign has worn off, the problems left by Shaezen are starting to wear on her. Renna and Korla join Jorgan in visiting Zenkai who is poised to take full control of the Third House. Maevan and Raikar are starting their new life together and dealing with troubles of their own.

Yet, danger is living in Cardea and events are about to transpire that could shatter the foundations of the world. Can any of them survive the new threat that is about to wash over Aemonsha? And can Maevan fight the growing darkness within her mind?
Rating: 4.5 Stars
Review: The daughters of the first house are still adjusting to their new lives. Korla and Renna figure out love while Maevan divides her time between duty and freedom. Queen Xenya continues to face strong opposition and an old enemy reemerges from the shadows. Can Aemonsha stay in peaceful times, or will war control it once more?

Set three years after The Raven In Spring, not a whole lot has changed for these characters. I think fast forwarding is a smart move for the series because it's realistic that problems from Shaezen's reign would start to reappear a few years later, rather than straight away. New romances pop up, but there are strings attached to each one. There's a great setup for The Vulture In Fall, I can't wait to see how all the options are explored.

Maevan is put through yet another test, a situation which strengthens her psyche. Korla and Renna have grown up quite a bit. In The Peacock In Summer, Xenya is finally displayed as a queen, her rule challenged by many. There's a constant conflict happening through every perspective, which keeps it interesting. The mini cliffhangers at the end of each chapter will keep you hooked and attached to the drama.

The new villains really come out to play. I can't decide what to think of Antara, she is portrayed as a minor villain but I think there's much more to her story than that. As for Trelaren... I suppose all antagonists have some appeal, for Trelaren draws me in like a magnet. The Peacock In Summer looks at Aemonsha from a more rounded perspective compared to the last two books as the focus is taken off Maevan. The tempo begins to increase, and tensions will get high as readers are left gasping in shock.
Purchase Location: ~I received a copy from the author and willingly reviewed it~
Edition: Paperback
Buy the book: Amazon
Recommended for: Fans of fantasy.

The Raven in Spring (Rise of the Hawk #2) by Bekah Clark
Goodreads Summary: Set several months after the events of The Hawk In Winter, The Raven In Spring is a wild ride. Coran's life is spiraling out of control. As it does, he sinks further into depression and drinking. Coran isn't safe, however, and as he adjusts to his new life he becomes less able to realize it. He puts himself into further danger and Sol works to try to save the young man from himself.

Meanwhile, Maevan is being stalked by a nameless threat. Without something real to cling to, how is anyone to believe the danger she is in? It is then that Jorgan is called away home to his mother and her iron rule of the Second House. Alone with Raikar, Mae trains her mind to take on this new threat. But, the intimacy of the contact is overwhelming and Maevan could find herself lost in him.

One day Maevan's destiny will reveal itself, but only if she can survive that long.
Rating: 5+ Stars
Review: The Raven in Spring was so intense, I couldn't sleep after I finished it. And I'm serious. I finished it round about 5,6 pm, and lying on my bed, I couldn't fall asleep, still thinking about Maevan, Jorgan, Raikar and all the other characters.

The Raven in Spring, somehow, was an improvement to the already absolutely astonishing The Hawk in Winter. Tensions increased, and the fine lines between relationships really started to show; this was where I found the devious facts that Bekah Clark hid in The Hawk in Winter.

Bekah Clark has shown that she knows how to resolve a love triangle. I felt that Coran and Meirei's instant love was a bit suspicious, but all the other relationships that formed had hidden clues I hadn't noticed in The Hawk in Winter. Bekah gave every character a happy ending, but obviously, I still want more.

I can't wait for The Peacock in Summer! If you haven't read any Bekah Clark yet I strongly urge you too! Do it NOW!
Purchase Location: ~I received a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review~
Edition: Paperback
Buy the book: Amazon
Recommended for: Fans of YA Fantasy/Adventure/Romance

The Hawk In Winter (Rise of the Hawk #1) by Bekah Clark
Goodreads Summary: Stepping aside eighteen years ago, Maevan’s mother chose exile rather than a war she could not win. Now, Mae is taken to live in the Summer Palace with the very woman who took everything away from her family. Like her mother and sisters, Maevan wants to regain the throne that belongs to them. Like any teenage girl, she wants the boy she loves to return her feelings. But, far greater is at stake than love.

Surrounded by her enemies, Maevan has to navigate life within the Palace walls. But, she is not completely alone. Jorgan, who she adores, is there. Linna, a servant of her family, who has been living within the Summer Palace most of her life, is another ally. As time passes, Mae realizes that there are worst fates to fear than just the idea of her not being with Jorgan. Her very life is at stake, as well as the fate of her family. Will she triumph or will she break and die?
Rating: 5+ Stars
Review: Ok, wow. I was hooked from the start, and astonished at how much detail Bekah Clark described with The Hawk In Winter. Her fantasy world is easy to picture with her endless description delivered in clever ways as to avoid long descriptive paragraphs.

I absolutely love the characters. Maevan and Xenya are so strong willed and rebellious and share a kind heart. Every character has a purpose, though it is not always clear from the start what the purpose is, which adds to the aura of mystery.

Jorgan and Coran as best friends was a unique twist on the book. It was kind of like a love triangle, yet not so. Their personalities are so unique, and they share a friendship with Maevan.

I cannot wait to read The Raven In Spring! I sincerely hope Mae and Jorgan get together, I love them so much. Bekah Clark has created a new world with the detail of one from old, showing that she deserves the love. Go and read her books!
Purchase Location: ~I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review~
Edition: Paperback
Buy the book: Amazon
Recommended for: Fans of YA Fantasy/Adventure.