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Hawk of May (Down the Long Way 1) Paperback – Bargain Price, September 1, 2010

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Gillian Bradshaw (Author)
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Gillian Bradshaw (Author)
4.2 out of 5 stars 45 customer reviews
Book 1 of 3 in the Down the Long Wind Series
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Product Details

  • Series: Down the Long Way 1
  • Paperback: 384 pages
  • Publisher: Sourcebooks Landmark; Reprint edition (September 1, 2010)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 1402240708
  • ASIN: B005B1LKNE
  • Product Dimensions: 7.9 x 5.8 x 1.1 inches
  • Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
  • Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (45 customer reviews)
  • Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,092,939 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Top Customer Reviews

4.0 out of 5 starsWonderfully Written Arthurian Fantasy
By Carol Dickman on May 18, 2000
Format: Mass Market Paperback
I am disappointed that this novel is currently out of print, as it is one of the better written of the Arthurian novels. The first Gillian Bradshaw novel I have read, this will not the be last.
The Hawk of May is Gwalchmai, son of Lot (possibly) and Morgawse, sister of Arthur and daughter of recently deceased High King Uther. At the beginning of the novel, Gwalchmai has met neither of his more famous relatives, but he knows that both are greatly hated by his parents. Gwalchmai, more familiar to students of Arthurian romances as Gawain, is here the middle son, between his older brother Agravain, and his younger brother (and definitely not the son of Lot) Medraut. Gaheris, normally Agravain's twin, and Gareth are noticeably absent in this rendition. Unlike Agravain, Gwalchmai is not good at the manly arts of war. He is a gifted bard and horseman, but the Celts have not yet adopted battle on horseback yet. Gwalchmai is disappointed in himself and he knows that Lot and Agravain despise him. Finally deciding that he will never be man enough to be a warrior, Gwalchmai agrees to study the black arts from his mother, and discovers that he has a talent for them. He hates his choice, and desperately tries to protect his beloved younger brother, Medraut from them. Medraut, unlike Gwalchmai, has demonstrated that he will be an excellent warrior. When Gwalchmai realizes he failed in preventing Medraut from taking up the black arts, Gwalchmai flees his father's palace, and after a meeting with the forces of the Light, Gwalchmai decides to become one of Arthur's followers.
Until this point, the book is fascinating and can't be put down. Gwalchmai's meeting with his ancestor, Lugh, is one of the best written set ups for the Celtic Otherworld I have read in a while.Read more ›
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4.0 out of 5 starsA new look at the sons of Lot
By S. E. Kennedy on November 1, 2003
Format: Mass Market Paperback
This book was a double winner for me. I bought it used on Amazon.com for about $1 and it was GREAT! I liked the new perspective on the sons of King Lot. If you are familiar with the basics of Arthurian legend, you know King Lot's sons have played key roles in the legends in one form or the other. They go by different names, the quantity of sons differs occassionally, as does the name of their mother. In this case, there are 3 boys mothered by Morgawse and fathered by...???...well, raised by King Lot. Hawk of May focuses on the second son...Gwalchamai or "Hawk of May". In perhaps typical middle child uncertainty, he doubts his ability to follow his elder brothers warrior prowess and seeks his own identity by bonding with his beautiful yet frightening mother. However, the author takes us to the brink of darkness and sorcery only to deliver Gwalchamai to a more divine destiny. The journey is not nearly that simple, however.
The book is an enticing and enjoyable read. The author provides a beneficial note on the pronounciation of the Welsh spellings used and I found them to be not the least bit daunting. In fact, I liked the change to an otherwise very familiar legend. I found that the name and location variances kept me from "assuming" I knew where the story was headed. I like the author's descriptions of key characters and was excited that Guenevere received barely a nod in this book with no sign of Lancelot yet. Too many authors put too much into the love triangle and miss the mark when describing Arthur. Bradshaw has done a marvelous job...I found myself torn between disliking Arthur and sharing in the feeling of awe that he inspired amongst his men and his people.Read more ›
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3.0 out of 5 starsNew Take on the Arthurian Legend
By Lynda in Oregon on October 4, 2012
Format: Kindle Edition Verified Purchase
I must admit to a bit of confusion about the way Amazon is referring to this book, since it's subtitled "Down the Long Way 1), but apparently the series title is "Down the Long WIND".

At any rate, it takes a fresh look at the Arthurian Legend, approaching it through the eyes of young Gwalchmai ap Lot, whom readers may more readily recognize as Gawain. As the son of King Lot of Orkney and the sorceress / general s*** disturber, Morgawse (Morgan LeFay), young Gwalchmai has a pretty tough row to hoe in general, and being notably untalented in the warrior department doesn't make things any easier. Ultimately he sets off on a journey which -- not surprisingly -- ends in manhood and acceptance to Arthur's warband.

It's a long, cold, violent trip to Arthur's inner circle, however, and Bradshaw does a good, if somewhat slow, job getting him there. There are many of the magical traditions of the Arthurian cycle present here, but Merlin, Lancelot, Guinevere, and Excalibur are notably absent. Arthur is mostly offstage except for the last third of the novel, and when he does appear, he's presented as a stubborn, suspicious, and surprisingly ill-tempered young monarch. One must wonder why Gwalchmai is going to all this trouble to win a place at his side.

All in all, it's an engaging read. Bradshaw includes introductory information to help readers tackle the pronunciation of some of the more difficult words, though in the Kindle edition, it's a bit cumbersome to refer back to them. Arthurian completists will probably want to go on to the next two books, but the casual reader can be satisfied with this story as a stand-alone tale.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews

4.0 out of 5 starsFun Arthurian Fiction about One of His Knnight's - Gwalchmai

What fun! I haven't read any Arthurian legend in a long time. Having a book written about one of the knights is fabulous. Read more

Published 14 months ago by Amazon Customer
1.0 out of 5 starsQuite boring

Quite boring. The writing is strange. I couldn't even finish it.

Published 16 months ago by MC
5.0 out of 5 starsFive Stars

Ended too soon.

Published 18 months ago by Brenda
4.0 out of 5 starsExcellent read

For those that read fantasy or even fiction in general, this is an entertaining, well-crafted, and relatable book. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book.

Published on April 12, 2014 by Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 starsA wonderful tale.

Ms. Bradshaw spins a wonderful Authurian yarn. Her story telling seamlessly flows through the British Isle and maintains honesty to the history surrounding Britania during this... Read more

Published on March 20, 2013 by B. Howell
5.0 out of 5 starsInspirational Reading

This may be a biased review as I am a fan of British Legendary Figures. I enjoyed this book as I read it as a history and not as fictitious story. Read more

Published on March 6, 2013 by Amazon Customer
4.0 out of 5 starsGreat reading

Nice take on one of the legends - easy to read and worth picking up the rest of the series

Published on February 3, 2013 by Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 starsExcellent Series;

I'm on my 3rd of the series and I can't put it down. Language is accurate and very interesting. Read the whole series!

Published on January 23, 2013 by SFWINO
5.0 out of 5 starsThe Hawk of May

Excellent and exciting blend of fantasy and history. I highly recommend this novel. In this first of three novels, Gillian Bradshaw tells the story of Gwalchmal, aka Gawain, son... Read more

Published on January 20, 2013 by David R. Addleman
4.0 out of 5 starsI read the book

a story of honor and integrity. Wish it had a dragon in the story line, but it did't. Easy Kindle download.

Published on January 20, 2013 by noracan

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