This new animated feature film set around Christmas is based on the children’s books by Richard Curtis. The book is about a young boy named Drew who adventures on a long quest to stablize his werewolf powers. It takes place in the land of Dyrewood. Dyrewood really makes you care for the people there by being so peaceful and partially sad at times. The type of conflict is fate, as he eventually ends his quest and realizes he had the power to control it in him all along. A theme in the story could be adventure. I feel this way because there never seems to be a peaceful moment in the book, you just get used to the intensity of the book.

I must confess that I wasn't sure how much I'd enjoy this book. I thought it sounded good, and that I'd likely consider it a decent read, just maybe not for me. Turned out, I loved it! I'm a huge urban fantasy fan, but rarely a fantasy one. But Drew had me won over in a very short space of time.

To be honest, I bought this book on a whim; I thought it was going to be some typical Middle Grade Fantasy series that I've read a bajillion times before--nothing too special. Because, hey, he just doomed his son's fate. Bravooooooo!!!! Oh, and btw, most of the characters just avoid and don't listen to Drew at all. Makes my heart hurt for him. But! Enter Hector and other people! No seriously, i wanted to strangle every.single.character. who hurt Drew (and he gets hurt a lot, both physically and mentally).

Meanwhile Gretchen was thinking about her future and how she had ever thought that she should ever marry Prince Lucas. She also realised how much she had changed throughout her journey with Drew and Hector. When the time for the execution came, she went down hoping she might be able to do some good if she became queen. Fate Worse than Death: The Hawklords were banned from transforming for supporting Wergar even after his death. They also had their homeland handed over to the Crows. Gryffin having his wings torn off may also count. Yes, he was a monster in life, but Vankaskan having his spirit cannibalized by Vincent and having his knowledge/ magic drained by Hector must not have been a pleasant experience.Did I say pressure? The man must thrive on it as Shadow of the Hawk is yet another outstanding addition to the series, the only downside being that having finished I am now thoroughly annoyed that I won't be able to find out what happens next until the fourth book, Nest of Serpents, is published in June. Be warned, reader. I will try my hardest not to include any spoilers about Shadow of the Hawk in this review, but I cannot promise the same about the previous two books in the series. If you have not yet read them then you may want to look away now.

Tilly Ferran whispered the word ‘No’ over and over, again and again, but she knew this was her end, knew there was nothing she could do to stop the monster. The beast shook its head, stinking drool falling on to the table beside her head.

Along their journey, Hector teaches Drew more of the Seven Realms of Lyssia and tells him of the late King Wergar. According to Hector, Wergar was beloved by his people, soldiers and the other Werelords. However, he was known for being a warmongerer. When he chose one campaign too many (the conquest of Omir, ironically), Bergan refused to assist. Every werelord can (or can learn to) transform at will into a Huge animal. The type of animal is determined by the paternal line. Over the next days, Drew grows closer to Hector and his brother, Vincent. When it was time for him to leave however, Captain Brutus and the Lionguard arrive unexpectantly, due to Vincent's giving away their location. When Baron Huth tried to resist them, he was tragically killed. Drew had no choice but to take Gretchen hostage and escapes through the Redwine river with Hector. Those Two Guys: Count Costa the Werevulture is usually seen with General Gorgo the Werehippo, until circumstances force them to fight away from each other. I must say that some characters have turned for worse, while some had become better. Some characters who were evil become good, while some good characters (WHYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY) go evil (and by evil, i mean like....70% evil).

Reptiles Are Abhorrent: Vala the Serpent and Lord Ignus the werelizard are both reptilian werelords and pretty abhorrent on different ways. Drew declares "No, you can look at me when you kill me, monster! I am the son of Wergar, the son of Amelie, last in line of the Werewolves of Lyssia and the Lion is a thief and a murderer!" Enraged, Leopold tried to stab him, but three members of the Lionguard crashed into the king while another freed Drew from his bonds. Also, I really liked how Curtis Jobling made Werewolves, or werecreatures cool again, instead of whiny teenagers that always take their shirts off and lust over random girls and babies. Though this first installment only explains it for like a couple of paragraphs, to Drew, I hope that in later books, it explains more. Speaking of which, I like characters like Drew: someone who just wants a simple life, but finds himself saving the world, when he doesn't really want to. Someone who constantly questions his worth in the world and, despite being hunted and captured by the bad guys, even then, finds himself saving them from death...because they're people, too.

Wily Walrus: Slotha the Werewalrus is a huge and savage woman who rules the barbarian Ugri tribes of the north.