BookBrief Logo
Call Down the Hawk
Goodreads ratings
4.36 / 5
Add to Your Library

Sign in to save this book to your reading lists

"Call Down the Hawk" Summary

Maggie StiefvaterMaggie Stiefvater

A young dreamer must confront a dangerous secret society while trying to protect his family and uncover the truth about his own powers.

fantasy | 472 pages | Published in 2019

fantasyyoung adultlgbtfictionurban fantasyparanormalmagical realismyoung adult fantasyaudiobookqueer
View on Amazon

Estimated read time: 5 min read

One Sentence Summary

A young dreamer must confront a dangerous secret society while trying to protect his family and uncover the truth about his own powers.

Table of Contents

  1. Introduction
  2. Brief Synopsis
  3. Main Characters
  4. Summary of Story Points
  5. Main Events
  6. Themes and Insights
  7. Reader's Takeaway
  8. Conclusion

Introduction

"Call Down the Hawk" is a captivating and thrilling fantasy novel written by Maggie Stiefvater. Published in 2019, it is the first book in "The Dreamer Trilogy," which is a spin-off of Stiefvater's popular "The Raven Cycle" series. Filled with magic, suspense, and complex characters, this book takes readers on an extraordinary journey into a world where dreams can become reality.

Brief Synopsis

The story is set in a world where dreams have the power to shape reality. Ronan Lynch, one of the main characters, possesses the unique ability to bring objects from his dreams into the real world. However, this ability comes with its own set of dangers and consequences. Ronan's secret is threatened when a mysterious organization called the Moderators begins hunting down people with dreamer abilities.

Meanwhile, another protagonist, Jordan Hennessy, is plagued by strange dreams that seem to be connected to Ronan. As she delves deeper into her dreams, she discovers a hidden world of dreamers and becomes entangled in a dangerous web of secrets and conspiracies.

As Ronan and Jordan's paths intertwine, they must navigate a treacherous landscape of dreams and deception. Together with a cast of compelling characters, they embark on a thrilling adventure to uncover the truth and protect their own lives.

Main Characters

Character NameDescription
Ronan LynchA dreamer with the ability to bring objects from his dreams into reality. He is fiercely loyal and determined to protect his secrets.
Jordan HennessyA young woman who discovers her own dreamer abilities and becomes entangled in Ronan's world. She is resourceful and determined to uncover the truth.
Declan LynchRonan's older brother, who is cautious and responsible. He becomes involved in the fight against the Moderators to protect his family.
Carmen Farooq-LaneA high-ranking member of the Moderators, determined to eradicate dreamers. She is intelligent and ruthless in her pursuit of power.
Matthew LynchRonan's best friend and a dream creature who can change his appearance. He provides support and guidance to Ronan throughout the story.

Summary of Story Points

Chapters 1-5: Introduction and Setup

  • Ronan Lynch's dream abilities are introduced, along with his secret life as a dreamer.
  • Jordan Hennessy starts having dreams that connect her to Ronan's world.
  • The Moderators are introduced as an organization hunting down dreamers.
  • Ronan and Jordan's paths begin to converge.

Chapters 6-10: Uncovering Secrets

  • Ronan and Jordan meet and discover they share a connection through their dreams.
  • Ronan's dream object, a raven named Chainsaw, goes missing.
  • The Moderators intensify their hunt for dreamers, leading to a confrontation with Ronan and his friends.

Chapters 11-15: Conspiracies and Betrayals

  • Jordan learns more about her own dreamer abilities and the extent of the Moderators' influence.
  • Declan becomes involved in the fight against the Moderators to protect his family.
  • Carmen Farooq-Lane's true intentions are revealed, causing a rift within the Moderators.

Chapters 16-20: Showdown and Revelations

  • Ronan, Jordan, and their allies plan a daring heist to retrieve Chainsaw and expose the Moderators.
  • The true power of dreamers and their ability to shape reality is revealed.
  • The battle between dreamers and the Moderators reaches its climax.

Main Events

  1. Ronan Lynch discovers Jordan Hennessy's connection to his dreams.
  2. The Moderators intensify their hunt for dreamers.
  3. Ronan's dream object, Chainsaw, goes missing.
  4. Jordan uncovers the extent of the Moderators' influence and their true intentions.
  5. Ronan, Jordan, and their allies plan a heist to expose the Moderators.
  6. The battle between dreamers and the Moderators reaches its climax.

Themes and Insights

"Call Down the Hawk" explores several themes and provides insightful commentary on various aspects of life. Some notable themes include:

  1. Identity and Self-Discovery: The characters in the story must navigate their own identities and discover their true selves amidst a world filled with secrets and hidden abilities.
  2. Power and Control: The Moderators' desire for power and control over dreamers highlights the potential dangers of unchecked authority and the manipulation of vulnerable individuals.
  3. Loyalty and Betrayal: The complex relationships between the characters are tested as loyalties are questioned and betrayals are revealed. The story delves into the consequences of trust and the lengths people will go to protect their loved ones.
  4. Dreams and Reality: The blurred line between dreams and reality is a central theme in the book. It explores the power of dreams to shape the world and the consequences of bringing those dreams into the real world.

Reader's Takeaway

"Call Down the Hawk" is an enthralling and imaginative novel that captivates readers from start to finish. With its richly developed characters, intricate plot, and thought-provoking themes, it offers a thrilling reading experience for fans of fantasy and adventure. Stiefvater's skillful storytelling and unique take on dreams and reality make this book a must-read for anyone seeking an immersive and gripping tale.

Conclusion

In "Call Down the Hawk," Maggie Stiefvater delivers a mesmerizing story that continues the captivating world of "The Raven Cycle" series. With its blend of magic, suspense, and complex characters, this book takes readers on an extraordinary journey into a world where dreams have the power to shape reality. Filled with secrets, betrayals, and thrilling heists, this novel is a must-read for fans of fantasy and adventure.

Call Down the Hawk FAQ

  1. What is 'Call Down the Hawk' about?

    'Call Down the Hawk' is a fantasy novel that follows the story of Ronan Lynch, a dreamer who can bring objects out of his dreams and into the real world. He and his brothers are part of a magical family and face dangerous challenges as they navigate a world full of secrets and hidden dangers.

  2. Is 'Call Down the Hawk' a standalone book or part of a series?

    'Call Down the Hawk' is the first book in 'The Dreamer Trilogy', a spin-off series from Maggie Stiefvater's 'The Raven Cycle' series. It can be read as a standalone, but readers of 'The Raven Cycle' will find connections and references to the previous series.

  3. Who is the author of 'Call Down the Hawk'?

    'Call Down the Hawk' is written by Maggie Stiefvater, an acclaimed young adult fiction author known for her captivating storytelling and unique blend of fantasy and contemporary themes.

  4. What age group is 'Call Down the Hawk' suitable for?

    'Call Down the Hawk' is primarily targeted towards young adult readers, but it can be enjoyed by readers of various age groups who have an interest in fantasy, magic, and complex character-driven stories.

  5. Are there any trigger warnings for 'Call Down the Hawk'?

    Yes, 'Call Down the Hawk' contains some intense and emotionally charged scenes, as well as depictions of violence, trauma, and substance abuse. Readers who are sensitive to these topics may want to approach the book with caution.

  6. Can I read 'Call Down the Hawk' without having read 'The Raven Cycle' series?

    Yes, 'Call Down the Hawk' can be enjoyed as a standalone novel. While it shares the same universe and some characters with 'The Raven Cycle', the story focuses on new protagonists and can be easily followed without prior knowledge of the previous series.

  7. Where can I purchase 'Call Down the Hawk'?

    You can purchase 'Call Down the Hawk' from various bookstores, both online and offline. It is available in paperback, hardcover, and e-book formats. You can check online platforms like Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or your local independent bookstore.

  8. How long is 'Call Down the Hawk'?

    'Call Down the Hawk' has a total of 512 pages in its hardcover edition.

  9. Is 'Call Down the Hawk' a fast-paced book?

    Yes, 'Call Down the Hawk' is known for its fast-paced and action-packed storytelling. It keeps readers engaged with its suspenseful plot twists and dynamic characters.

  10. Will there be a sequel to 'Call Down the Hawk'?

    Yes, 'Call Down the Hawk' is the first book in 'The Dreamer Trilogy'. The sequel, titled 'Dreams of Gods and Monsters', continues the story and is already available for readers to explore.