Skip to main content

Marion Zimmer Bradley’s Ravens of Avalon (Avalon #6) by Diana L. Paxson: A Book Review

Marion Zimmer Bradley’s Ravens of Avalon (Avalon #6)

Author: Diana L. Paxson

Genre: Historical Fiction, Fantasy 

Publisher: Ace 

Release Date: 2007

Pages: 416

Source: My State Public Library

Synopsis: Marion Zimmer Bradley's beloved Avalon saga continues in 'a fine tribute to Bradley and the real-world triumphs and tragedy of Boudica.' (Publishers Weekly)


     Epic in its sweep and peopled by the remarkable women who have always inhabited Avalon, Marion Zimmer Bradley's Ravens of Avalon expands the legendary saga that has enchanted millions of readers over the years and is sure to please Bradley's loyal readership and anyone who loves wonderfully told stories of history, myth, and fantasy.


           My Review: Ravens of Avalon is a prequel to Mists of Avalon. In this installment, it tells the story of Queen Boudica. Boudica trains with the priestesses of Avalon. When she is of age, she marries Prasutagus. During their marriage, Boudica and Prasutagus become Roman allies. After her husband’s death, Boudica becomes sole ruler of the Iceni tribe. However, the Romans do not recognize her as ruler and humiliate her and her children. Boudica raises an army to fight against the Romans.


     Boudica is one of my favorite historical figures. When I learned that it was included as part of the Avalon series, I was excited to see how her story would connect to the series. I have to admit that it was very well-done. Boudica is a strong woman and queen. She loves her husband, her children, and her people. I also love that she wants justice, freedom, and peace. Boudica is willing to devote herself to fight against the Romans to ensure the Britons have their culture and religion. Therefore, Boudica was very admirable, and I dreaded the ending knowing her fate.


    Overall, this novel is about friendship, love, and change. I thought the characters seemed very realistic. I came to understand each character like a friend. I especially adored Boudica's friendship with the Avalon priestess, Lhiannon. The story was very emotional. I cried many times throughout the novel! Since I knew the outcome of Boudica’s fate, I did not want the Ravens of Avalon to end! Nevertheless, it was an enthralling read, and it was very hard to put down! I recommend this novel for fans of Queen of Oak, Ashes of Britannia, and Dreaming the Eagle! I can’t wait to read the next installment,The Forest House soon!


Rating: 5 out of 5 stars


Comments

Popular posts from this blog

The Magnificent Lives of Marjorie Post by Allison Pataki: A Book Review

The Magnificent Lives of Marjorie Post Author: Allison Pataki Genre: Historical Fiction Publisher: Ballantine Release Date: February 15, 2022 Pages: 381 Source: Netgalley/Publisher in exchange for an honest review. Synopsis: Mrs. Post, the President and First Lady are here to see you. . . . So begins another average evening for Marjorie Merriweather Post. Presidents have come and gone, but she has hosted them all. Growing up in the modest farmlands of Battle Creek, Michigan, Marjorie was inspired by a few simple rules: always think for yourself, never take success for granted, and work hard—even when deemed American royalty, even while covered in imperial diamonds. Marjorie had an insatiable drive to live and love and to give more than she got. From crawling through Moscow warehouses to rescue the Tsar’s treasures to outrunning the Nazis in London, from serving the homeless of the Great Depression to entertaining Roosevelts, Kennedys, and Hollywood’s biggest stars, Marjorie Merriweath

Iceberg by Jennifer A. Nielsen: A Book Review

  Iceberg Author: Jennifer A. Nielsen Genre: Children, Historical Fiction, Mystery, Adventure Publisher: Scholastic Release Date: March 7, 2023 Pages: 317 Source: My State Public Library Synopsis : As disaster looms on the horizon, a young stowaway onboard the Titanic will need all her courage and wits to stay alive. A thrilling tale from New York Times bestselling author Jennifer A. Nielsen!     Hazel Rothbury is traveling all alone from her home in England aboard the celebrated ship Titanic . Following the untimely death of her father, Hazel’s mother is sending her to the US to work in a factory, so that she might send money back home to help her family make ends meet.     But Hazel harbors a secret dream: She wants to be a journalist, and she just knows that if she can write and sell a story about the Titanic ’s maiden voyage, she could earn enough money to support her family and not have to go to a sweatshop. When Hazel discovers that mother didn’t send her with enough money for

The Rose Code by Kate Quinn: A Book Review

The Rose Code Author: Kate Quinn Genre: Historical Fiction Publisher: Harper Collins Release Date: 2021 Pages: 635 Source: Netgalley/Publisher in exchange for an honest review. Synopsis: 1940, Bletchley Park, Buckinghamshire.        Three very different women are recruited to the mysterious Bletchley Park, where the best minds in Britain train to break German military codes.       Vivacious debutante Osla has the dashing Prince Philip of Greece sending her roses – but she burns to prove herself as more than a society girl, working to translate decoded enemy secrets. Self-made Mab masters the legendary codebreaking machines as she conceals old wounds and the poverty of her East-End London upbringing. And shy local girl Beth is the outsider who trains as one of the Park’s few female cryptanalysts.       1947, London.        Seven years after they first meet, on the eve of the royal wedding between Princess Elizabeth and Prince Philip, disaster threatens. Osla, Mab and Beth are estranged,