Marion Zimmer Bradley's Ravens of Avalon

A worthy addition to the Avalon series written in Bradley's style. I didn't notice a change in authors. This particular title takes us back to the time when Druids where still on Mona and through most of Boudicca's life. It visualizes the events leading up to the Mona masacre, as well as Boudicca rebellion. Particularly dear to me is a story behind Lhiannon. Lhiannon, a young priestess, is very different from Lhiannon, the High Priestess in later novels. The novel gave me a very welcome glimpse into why and how of Lhiannon's later dettachment, while High Priestess.

This book gives a deeper meaning to The Forest House and a further understanding of the Ravens.

I have enjoyed all the Avalon books and this is a wonderful addition that adds to the back story of characters. I recommend it highly.

In this book, we read about Boudica,sent to be trained as a priestess but who choses to go back to her people, marry & become Queen of the Iceni. This British Queen has a monument built to her but little is known of her. And while she was Queen of only one tribe, she almost united all of Britain in a rebellion against Rome. In a time in which men lead armies, a woman, Boudica was forced by brutal Roman rule to take up arms & try to drive this invader from her homeland. She was publically whipped and her daughters raped by Romans in such a animalistic way to cause her to take on leadership of an army to protect her people from Roman brutality. I found this book a fascinating read. There are all the magic and mystical elements you would expect from this series but the battle scenes are vivid and written with a realism that makes you feel as is you are there. Let the story of Boudica be told,woman, Queen and warrior !

In 60 A.D. the Romans have arrived in full force. After some brutal fighting, a ceasefire is agreed upon, but neither side expects the hostilities to end. Meanwhile Druid priestess Lhiannon has a second reason of concern as her student's Celtic princess Boudica marries Iceni High King Prasutagos. He sues for peace while his wife and her mentor demand war to drive the invaders from their shore. When Prasutagos dies, the Roman legion rejects Queen Boudica as the island ruler. Instead they torture her and rape her daughters. Outraged by the vicious affront, Boudica vows to avenge the Roman atrocities. With the help of Lhiannon and other Druids bringing the power of the battle goddess to her side, Boudica forges a powerful army to assault the Roman legions. The late great Marian Zimmer Bradley would be proud of this prequel to THE FOREST HOUSE, the first time she and Diana L. Paxson teamed up. The story line smoothly combines ancient history with fantasy elements to please fans of both authors. Readers of the delightful Avalon series will appreciate learning what occurred that led to the formation of the Society of the Ravens. Harriet Klausner