Sparrowhawk, Book 2: Hugh Kenrick Hardcover – November 1, 2002

I very much enjoyed this second book of the series. The story is fun, the writing is interesting and makes you think more so than some other books I've read. Really upon two planes, both a language plane and a more philosophical plane of where we are, how we got here, and where are we going?If I had to mention a fault, it would only be the most minor in that the author at times seems to get on a bit of a flowery tangent about the character's feelings. However, these are usually very brief, but I find them tiresome. It probably more my personal tastes than a true failing on the author's part.One thing, I can't say I enjoyed it exactly, is that Mr. Cline is a very realistic author. So far, in book I and II, both endings leave me feeling a bit shattered, especially this second book. Without ruining the end it is heart breaking to say the least. It is probably a very realistic ending however.I would recommend this book to anyone, provided they are interested in this particular genre.

"Sparrowhawk - Book 2: Hugh Kenrick" is the story of a young aristocrat, who will not let his soul be stifled by mindless tradition or conformity. As a boy, he is whipped for refusing to bow to the king's worthless son. His free spirit and active mind draw the ire of his conservative uncle, the Earl of Danvers--an ire that will grow into deadly hatred. Like Jake Frake in Book 1 of the saga, Hugh learns how dangerous thinking for yourself can be.Befriended in London by a free black man, Glorious Swain (a truly memorable character), Hugh is allowed to join the Society of the Pippin, a coffee-house debating society that dares to raise questions the aristocracy will not allow to be discussed. Author Ed Cline gives us another wrenching climax, in which treachery destroys the Pippins and only one is left alive."Sparrowhawk" is, as the author says, the story of "what kind of spirit makes possible rebellion against tyranny and corruption."This time next year, look for "Sparrowhawk - Book 3," in which Jack Frake and Hugh Kenrick meet in Virginia! (Author Ed Cline has kindly let me read it in manuscript.)

...brillantly plotted with heroic characters and beautifully written.Jack Frake (book one in the series) and Hugh Kenrick (this book)are true heroes comparable to any in the works of Ayn Rand and Victor Hugo. Hollywood should start producing movies of these books now.All good writing is timeless and one of the many virtues of this book is that it shows there is very little difference between the power-seekers who controlled the UK then and those in power now-the detail may have changed the principles remain the same. Cline has also shown us the British Aristocracy in its essence for the period rather than in what would have been long uninteresting, unnecessary detail-this being a work of fiction and not a historic treatise.I have already read both parts twice and am immensely looking forward to book three (due May 2004) and the rest of the series.

Even though I enjoyed the book, I was somewhat disappointed to see that the plot resembles in many ways that of the first book in the series (especially the climax, even though it has very little to do with the plot of the first book), only this time the protagonist is the son of a Baron and nephew of a Duke (in contrast to the first book). This is the main reason why I deducted a star off my rating.Readers, however, should be warned that this book is no light reading. It requires constant concentration, and very often, re-reading the passages for full comprehension of what has been said. Long sentences abundant with what is called five dollar words are not rare in this book.Yet to a zealous reader, this book (and the others in Sparrowhawk series) can offer more than just fun or diversion. They can instill in the reader both historical and moral lessons. The character of Hugh Kenrick is an admirable one, not only for his knowledge, but also his determination to stay true to his principles, even when others are making this choice as hard as it can be.

A roundly satisfying sequal to Sparrowhawk 1. Bristling with the kind of detail and "shine on the button" facts that bring historical fiction to life but accomplished without any bogging down in irrelevancies. In truth, the strength of this work is not the flawless and informative settings or Ed's unerring ability to transport the reader to another time and place, but the depth and attractiveness of his characterizations.This is a superb demonstration of the kind of work destined to revive and continue the spirit that made America great and a continuation of a new renaissance in Romanticism as envisioned by Ayn Rand.Thanks Ed Cline for the incredible pleasure and inspiration your novels deliver.

Edward Cline does a masterful job of building the main character of this book into someone you can truly admire. The plot had depth and integrity, unlike so many books today that are just juxtaposition of events. The heroes in this book gave me the strength to work towards my potential and believe in myself a little more.

Like "Book-I: Jack Frake", this book follows the progression of a boy growing up to be a young man. This time, it is Hugh Kenrick. His background is the opposite of Jack Frake, and yet we see the similarities of character.Enjoyable story, told with an even more practiced hand than Book-I.