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Avalon (Publication Order) #6
Ravens of Avalon
A prequel to Marion Zimmer Bradley's The Forest House follows the story of the Roman conquest of Britain, a tale in which a Celtic princess becomes her people's defender against brutal conquerors while her priestess mentor becomes a guardian of Druid traditions.
394 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2007
124 people are currently reading
5222 people want to read
About the author
Diana L. Paxson
170 books410 followersDiana L. Paxson (born 1943) is a novelist and author of nonfiction, primarily in the fields of Paganism and Heathenism. Her published works include fantasy and historical fiction novels, as well as numerous short stories. More recently she has also published nonfiction books about Pagan and Heathen religions and practices.
In addition to her multiple novels and collaborations, she has written over seventy short stories. Her best-known works are the Westria novels, and the later books in the Avalon series, which she first co-wrote with Marion Zimmer Bradley, then took over sole authorship of after Bradley's death.
Paxson was nominated for the Mythopoeic Fantasy Awards twice, in 1989 for the "White Raven" and in 1983 for "Lady of Light".
Paxson's non-fiction books include Taking Up the Runes, Essential Asatru, and Trance-Portation. She writes a regular column for the women's spirituality magazine, Sagewoman.
Paxson has been active in the leadership of a number of organizations. She hosted the first activities of the Society for Creative Anachronism, and was subsequently among that group's founding Directors and Corporate Officers when it incorporated[1]. She was the western regional director of the Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers of America, and is a frequent panelist at science fiction conventions, especially Baycon, where she was the 2007 Fantasy Guest of Honor.
A leader in the Neopagan and Heathen revivals, Paxson is the founder of the The Fellowship of the Spiral Path and has served as First Officer of the Covenant of the Goddess. She has been Steerswoman of the Heathen group, The Troth, a member of its Board of Directors, and currently edits its journal, Idunna. She is a pioneer in the revival of Oracular Seidh, which she has taught and performed at many Neopagan and heathen festivals and retreats.
She composes and plays music for the harp. She currently lives at her home, Greyhaven, in Berkeley, California.
More can be found on her blog: http://dpaxson.livejournal.com
In addition to her multiple novels and collaborations, she has written over seventy short stories. Her best-known works are the Westria novels, and the later books in the Avalon series, which she first co-wrote with Marion Zimmer Bradley, then took over sole authorship of after Bradley's death.
Paxson was nominated for the Mythopoeic Fantasy Awards twice, in 1989 for the "White Raven" and in 1983 for "Lady of Light".
Paxson's non-fiction books include Taking Up the Runes, Essential Asatru, and Trance-Portation. She writes a regular column for the women's spirituality magazine, Sagewoman.
Paxson has been active in the leadership of a number of organizations. She hosted the first activities of the Society for Creative Anachronism, and was subsequently among that group's founding Directors and Corporate Officers when it incorporated[1]. She was the western regional director of the Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers of America, and is a frequent panelist at science fiction conventions, especially Baycon, where she was the 2007 Fantasy Guest of Honor.
A leader in the Neopagan and Heathen revivals, Paxson is the founder of the The Fellowship of the Spiral Path and has served as First Officer of the Covenant of the Goddess. She has been Steerswoman of the Heathen group, The Troth, a member of its Board of Directors, and currently edits its journal, Idunna. She is a pioneer in the revival of Oracular Seidh, which she has taught and performed at many Neopagan and heathen festivals and retreats.
She composes and plays music for the harp. She currently lives at her home, Greyhaven, in Berkeley, California.
More can be found on her blog: http://dpaxson.livejournal.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 157 reviews
June 10, 2019
4,25 stars - Nederlandse hardcover 🦋🦋🦋
Quote uit het boek : Boudicca voelde haar lichaam ontspannen toen de godin zich erin gevestigd had en liep naar een bank die tegen de muur stond om te gaan zitten, het ene been gebogen het andere uitgestrekt. “ Maar wat hadden we dan moeten doen? Wat kunnen we doen?” jammerde Helve.
“Je kunt de dingen niet laten blijven zoals ze zijn. Alle dagen veranderen, de ene vervormt zich tot het andere tot de wereld zelf verandert. buigen of barsten... het is jou keuze.” En weer begon De godin te lachen. 🌹🌹🌹
Dit boek herlezen en nog steeds denk ik hetzelfde erover. Een power vrouw, die opstond wanneer zij en de hare worden onderdrukt. Ze beantwoord onderdrukking met geweld. En brengt het ultieme over. Waarom geen vijfsterren ? Omdat het boek hier en daar d kracht verliest die zij eigenlijk zou moeten uitdragen naar mijn mening. 🌷🌷🌷
Quote uit het boek : Boudicca voelde haar lichaam ontspannen toen de godin zich erin gevestigd had en liep naar een bank die tegen de muur stond om te gaan zitten, het ene been gebogen het andere uitgestrekt. “ Maar wat hadden we dan moeten doen? Wat kunnen we doen?” jammerde Helve.
“Je kunt de dingen niet laten blijven zoals ze zijn. Alle dagen veranderen, de ene vervormt zich tot het andere tot de wereld zelf verandert. buigen of barsten... het is jou keuze.” En weer begon De godin te lachen. 🌹🌹🌹
Dit boek herlezen en nog steeds denk ik hetzelfde erover. Een power vrouw, die opstond wanneer zij en de hare worden onderdrukt. Ze beantwoord onderdrukking met geweld. En brengt het ultieme over. Waarom geen vijfsterren ? Omdat het boek hier en daar d kracht verliest die zij eigenlijk zou moeten uitdragen naar mijn mening. 🌷🌷🌷
December 30, 2010
I wasn't sure about this book in the beginning but I am so glad I kept reading after I understood who all the tribes were and figured out how the time era was related to Avalon.
Personally I thought the story wasn't focused around Avalon itself as in being in the location upon Tor. This story is more wrapped in Romes Conquest of Britannia and the rebellion by Queen Boudica.
This was my first time to read anything about Queen Boudica and I have to say I loved her as a hero even though her last war was lost. She is a legend for her fierceness and leadership in fighting to win back the rights and freedoms, and most importantly the lands that belonged to her people.
This time period kind of reminds me of the times we live in only not as barberic as they lived back then but close enough since we now kill with technology and weapons more powerful than swords and spears. What I mean when I say it reminds me of the times we live in is how other countries that hunger for more power. How socialism played a rolled when Rome started taking over Britannia when they first started selling the finer things in life such as jewerly, wine, and different lugeries that the tribes never even thought of
When as season changed, the land not producing enough food to feed the tribes own people through the winters - Rome was nice enough to lend the supplies to get them through the tough times with a contract stating they could pay them back with taxes and over time their debts would be paid - thats up until that got greedy and wanted all the monies to be paid in full for what the tribes owed.
Well Power and Greed takes over and the Romans know that these tribes can't pay their debts so they take their rights away such as taking all their weapons away so they can't fight them and then they start taking their live stock away, their children and wives away to sell off as slaves in Roman villages, and most important they started taking the land away because the other things became not valueable enough to pay the debt.
All I can say is all this reminded me of how things are today and how history is repeating itself as socialism is being forced upon us.
Back to the book, the story of Boudica was excelent and my favorite part is on pages 289 to 293.
In short, Boudica's husband has died and by her husbands wishes in his will, Boudica is to serve as queen until their daughters are old enough to marry and serve as rulers but Rome doesn't rule with women and the soldiers / tax collectors come to take what is theirs. One soldier inparticular has always had his eye on Boudica but she has always refused him because she loved her husband but he is tired of being rejected and comes to take his revenge but Boudica is stronger than he thinks.
Page 290-291 after Boudica and the soldier Pollio scuffels
"Take her!" Pollio rolled free of his smoldering cloak, still curled in agony. "Get me out of here!"
More men pushed through the door. These were soldiers, not tax collectors. The ones who dragged Boudica out into the yard had muscles like rope and hands of iron. Others followed, supporting Pollio. His face was the color of whey as he tried to stand.
"If you don't like my cock I have other weapons," he gasped. "Tie her to that-" He pointed to the fenced forecourt of the Men's House. "Flog her until she bleeds!"
Boudica is then tied spread-eagled to the post and her clothes were ripped from the top part of her body and the flogging begins - mean while one of her daughters who is 16 yrs old starts running toward her with a spear in her hands trying to protect her mother but the soldiers make fun of her and knock the spear away .
Page 292
"Sir, what shall I do with this lion's cub?" he called
"Pull her claws-" raged Pollio, his avid gaze still on Boudica. "The Lioness is chained! Do what you like with the cub - and with her sister - let all the bitches spread their legs for Rome!"
Boudica is powerless and can hardly bare what she is witnessing seeing her daughters being thrown to the ground and being raped - she almost loses her mind and begins to beg to the gods to help her - and what do you know, the Raven goddess "Morrigan" answers her call
"And with a cry like a battlefield of ravens, the Morrigan came in. She straightened. One by one, She snapped the bonds. Blood splattered from Boudica's ruined back as She turned. Mouths working, men cringed. The soldiers who were holding the girls backed away. The goddess picked up the man who was pumping atop Rigana and threw him aside, broke the one who had Argantilla as well. The others ran.
Pollio stumbled back as She turned, his face contorted in a rictus of fear. She reached out and drew him into her embrace.
"Mercy," he croaked. "Let me go..."
"As you let them go?" The Morrigan indicated the weeping girls.
"But I will be kinder than you were-I will not force you to live..."
Pollio struggled as she gripped his head and twisted. There was a sharp click. He went limp and she let him fall. "
I loved that part because Boudica kicked some ass and showed that men like Pollio are nothing but pigs and a women can take up for themselves if she applies herself and doesn't coward down just because he is a man. To me, she represents strength and independence and most importantly that women are just as equal as a man.
There was another part of the story about the Druids Island that was conquered by the Romans eventually and of the priestess dedication though out the book. One main priestess "Lhiannon" who was pretty interesting who went to Avalon for refuge about 4 times during the whole book to perform needed rituals but that was about it when it came to anything to deal with Avalon. Lhiannon does end up becoming the High Priestess in the end but she does not live on Avalon.
Over all, the book was interesting.
Personally I thought the story wasn't focused around Avalon itself as in being in the location upon Tor. This story is more wrapped in Romes Conquest of Britannia and the rebellion by Queen Boudica.
This was my first time to read anything about Queen Boudica and I have to say I loved her as a hero even though her last war was lost. She is a legend for her fierceness and leadership in fighting to win back the rights and freedoms, and most importantly the lands that belonged to her people.
This time period kind of reminds me of the times we live in only not as barberic as they lived back then but close enough since we now kill with technology and weapons more powerful than swords and spears. What I mean when I say it reminds me of the times we live in is how other countries that hunger for more power. How socialism played a rolled when Rome started taking over Britannia when they first started selling the finer things in life such as jewerly, wine, and different lugeries that the tribes never even thought of
When as season changed, the land not producing enough food to feed the tribes own people through the winters - Rome was nice enough to lend the supplies to get them through the tough times with a contract stating they could pay them back with taxes and over time their debts would be paid - thats up until that got greedy and wanted all the monies to be paid in full for what the tribes owed.
Well Power and Greed takes over and the Romans know that these tribes can't pay their debts so they take their rights away such as taking all their weapons away so they can't fight them and then they start taking their live stock away, their children and wives away to sell off as slaves in Roman villages, and most important they started taking the land away because the other things became not valueable enough to pay the debt.
All I can say is all this reminded me of how things are today and how history is repeating itself as socialism is being forced upon us.
Back to the book, the story of Boudica was excelent and my favorite part is on pages 289 to 293.
In short, Boudica's husband has died and by her husbands wishes in his will, Boudica is to serve as queen until their daughters are old enough to marry and serve as rulers but Rome doesn't rule with women and the soldiers / tax collectors come to take what is theirs. One soldier inparticular has always had his eye on Boudica but she has always refused him because she loved her husband but he is tired of being rejected and comes to take his revenge but Boudica is stronger than he thinks.
Page 290-291 after Boudica and the soldier Pollio scuffels
"Take her!" Pollio rolled free of his smoldering cloak, still curled in agony. "Get me out of here!"
More men pushed through the door. These were soldiers, not tax collectors. The ones who dragged Boudica out into the yard had muscles like rope and hands of iron. Others followed, supporting Pollio. His face was the color of whey as he tried to stand.
"If you don't like my cock I have other weapons," he gasped. "Tie her to that-" He pointed to the fenced forecourt of the Men's House. "Flog her until she bleeds!"
Boudica is then tied spread-eagled to the post and her clothes were ripped from the top part of her body and the flogging begins - mean while one of her daughters who is 16 yrs old starts running toward her with a spear in her hands trying to protect her mother but the soldiers make fun of her and knock the spear away .
Page 292
"Sir, what shall I do with this lion's cub?" he called
"Pull her claws-" raged Pollio, his avid gaze still on Boudica. "The Lioness is chained! Do what you like with the cub - and with her sister - let all the bitches spread their legs for Rome!"
Boudica is powerless and can hardly bare what she is witnessing seeing her daughters being thrown to the ground and being raped - she almost loses her mind and begins to beg to the gods to help her - and what do you know, the Raven goddess "Morrigan" answers her call
"And with a cry like a battlefield of ravens, the Morrigan came in. She straightened. One by one, She snapped the bonds. Blood splattered from Boudica's ruined back as She turned. Mouths working, men cringed. The soldiers who were holding the girls backed away. The goddess picked up the man who was pumping atop Rigana and threw him aside, broke the one who had Argantilla as well. The others ran.
Pollio stumbled back as She turned, his face contorted in a rictus of fear. She reached out and drew him into her embrace.
"Mercy," he croaked. "Let me go..."
"As you let them go?" The Morrigan indicated the weeping girls.
"But I will be kinder than you were-I will not force you to live..."
Pollio struggled as she gripped his head and twisted. There was a sharp click. He went limp and she let him fall. "
I loved that part because Boudica kicked some ass and showed that men like Pollio are nothing but pigs and a women can take up for themselves if she applies herself and doesn't coward down just because he is a man. To me, she represents strength and independence and most importantly that women are just as equal as a man.
There was another part of the story about the Druids Island that was conquered by the Romans eventually and of the priestess dedication though out the book. One main priestess "Lhiannon" who was pretty interesting who went to Avalon for refuge about 4 times during the whole book to perform needed rituals but that was about it when it came to anything to deal with Avalon. Lhiannon does end up becoming the High Priestess in the end but she does not live on Avalon.
Over all, the book was interesting.
February 14, 2016
I was eager to read a novel that followed up on The Mists of Avalon, a 5-star book if ever there was one, and took this up for a cozy winter read. Well, cozy it was not!
First, this was not written by Marion Zimmer Bradley. It is among the prequels and sequels (of The Mists of Avalon) written mostly by Diana Paxson, some of which were “with” Marion ZB.
I was happy to read it and also happy to finish it. It covers the period of time when Romans conquered and occupied Briton. There are very many battles described in detail, and I think the historical research done for the book is excellent. On top of all that, there are the fictional characters. The role of women, particularly Druid priestesses of the magical island and Boudica in particular, is given. Boudica’s life, including her marriage and her role in the British resistance, is written very well. Here she is a warrior as well as a loving mother and wife.
Many other characters are richly drawn and memorable, such as Lhiannon, a priestess who serves as nurse, healer, and seer.
Here is a quote I would like to remember; “You are not this pain… you are not this body.” Added, to comfort and instruct someone who is dying,: “From all oaths, roles (responsibilities) that bound you, be free. You are light, you are joy that cannot die. Rise, beloved one, holy one. Be at peace.”
First, this was not written by Marion Zimmer Bradley. It is among the prequels and sequels (of The Mists of Avalon) written mostly by Diana Paxson, some of which were “with” Marion ZB.
I was happy to read it and also happy to finish it. It covers the period of time when Romans conquered and occupied Briton. There are very many battles described in detail, and I think the historical research done for the book is excellent. On top of all that, there are the fictional characters. The role of women, particularly Druid priestesses of the magical island and Boudica in particular, is given. Boudica’s life, including her marriage and her role in the British resistance, is written very well. Here she is a warrior as well as a loving mother and wife.
Many other characters are richly drawn and memorable, such as Lhiannon, a priestess who serves as nurse, healer, and seer.
Here is a quote I would like to remember; “You are not this pain… you are not this body.” Added, to comfort and instruct someone who is dying,: “From all oaths, roles (responsibilities) that bound you, be free. You are light, you are joy that cannot die. Rise, beloved one, holy one. Be at peace.”
July 25, 2022
4 stars - English hardcover
Review follows later.
Review follows later.
October 8, 2022
Storia e fantasy a braccetto! Come quasi tutti i libri di questa serie, si tratta di un romanzo sostanzialmente indipendente dai precedenti, cui resta legato per riferimenti più o meno stretti. La storia della ribellione contro i Romani la fa da padrona ed è ben ricostruita: su questo filo si innestano gli elementi fantasy ormai noti e ricorrenti nel ciclo. Sempre presenti donne forti che mostrano bene il loro carattere, soprattutto considerata l'epoca. Il libro è ben scritto. Certo non aiuta sapere già come finirà la ribellione, ma la lettura scorre bene, anche se è un pò dispersiva e ridondante nella parte centrale. I pochi personaggi ben delineati aiutano a seguire la trama, con le loro storie che si alternano e intrecciano, in un mix di dolore, coraggio e amore.
June 25, 2010
MY TAKE: I really enjoyed this book and read it fairly quickly. I always knew about Boudica being a Celtic heroine, but had never read much more than that. The author(s) wove historical facts in seamlessly with the story of Avalon. I really want to learn even more about Boudica now.
This book veered a bit off the path from focusing on the story of the Isle of Avalon. It was primarily the story of Boudica and Lhiannon (both very strong women) and their life-long connection. I liked that the relationship between them was explored alongside and against their relationships with the men both loved.
There were many familiar aspects of the Avalon series, but this story was more about Boudica and the struggle with Rome than the priestesses and Druids. I felt the Avalon saga provided more of a back story or backdrop even.
I very much enjoyed this book and would recommend it to any who enjoy historical fantasy, the Arthurian legends, and especially Marion Zimmer Bradley's Avalon series. If a reader isn't familiar with the Avalon series, it would be helpful to start with "The Mists of Avalon" before reading this story. I think Diana Paxson has done a great job continuing this legacy and I hope to read more.
MY RATING: 4/5
This book veered a bit off the path from focusing on the story of the Isle of Avalon. It was primarily the story of Boudica and Lhiannon (both very strong women) and their life-long connection. I liked that the relationship between them was explored alongside and against their relationships with the men both loved.
There were many familiar aspects of the Avalon series, but this story was more about Boudica and the struggle with Rome than the priestesses and Druids. I felt the Avalon saga provided more of a back story or backdrop even.
I very much enjoyed this book and would recommend it to any who enjoy historical fantasy, the Arthurian legends, and especially Marion Zimmer Bradley's Avalon series. If a reader isn't familiar with the Avalon series, it would be helpful to start with "The Mists of Avalon" before reading this story. I think Diana Paxson has done a great job continuing this legacy and I hope to read more.
MY RATING: 4/5
Read
May 28, 2017This is a prequel to Marion Zimmer Bradley's The Forest House. Paxson worked closely on the Avalon stories with Bradley, carrying on the tales with Bradley's blessing, and as she'd envisioned. I think that that shows—Paxson's version fits seamlessly with the others. The truth (for me) is, though Bradley was a pioneer, and her Darkover novels gave me a lot of reading zip when I was in my twenties, I prefer Paxson's writing style, and also her characters: they show more subtlety, depth, and complexity than Bradley's did. I really like historical novels that faithfully depict other paradigms—even if we're not quite certain that the paradigm of the story maps over the ancient one. Paxson's historical people don't think and act like 21st century people in undyed clothes. This book is no exception. Add to it the Ravens, who are dangerous and fascinating, and overlay that with the historical presence of Queen Boudica, she who took on Rome, and you've got a nifty read.
July 17, 2022
This is the first story I have read about Boudica. I have been a fan of hers for awhile. I enjoyed the story. The beginning was slow and therefore hard to get into the story at first. It did pick up and I am glad I stuck it out. It took me awhile to get through this book.
July 17, 2015
3.5 stars. Paxon is a really good writer, but like other people have said, she lacks atmosphere. She needs to describe the air and sky more. Also, as with a few other of the Avalon books, the pacing is really jarring -- Years go by when it really doesn't feel like years. The timeline keeps leaping forward. People are suddenly in their thirties when they were seemingly just twelve years old. About sixteen years goes by in the novel, but it only feels to the reader like five years. Technically I shouldn't complain, since I don't know the secret to making it *feel* like time is going by, but I've read a few stories where the reader honestly felt the years grinding by, and it didn't even have to be an overly lengthy book either.
October 27, 2011
This was a compelling story. Of course I cared about Boudica and Llianon, but I fell in love with Prasutigos. I especially liked what Boudica did on her wedding day! *G* And my heart went out to Ardanos as well as to Llianon when they discovered their mistake.
Also very moving were the battles on Mona and Boudica's final battle. The sacking of Colonia, Londinium, and Verlamion were wrenching. I could well understand Boudica's ambivalence matched my own. The writing brought everything to life, or death as the case may have been.
Finally... Bogle! The best of dogs who reminded me of my own.
Also very moving were the battles on Mona and Boudica's final battle. The sacking of Colonia, Londinium, and Verlamion were wrenching. I could well understand Boudica's ambivalence matched my own. The writing brought everything to life, or death as the case may have been.
Finally... Bogle! The best of dogs who reminded me of my own.
December 23, 2008
This telling of the story of Boudica weaves the warrior queen's life into the mythology of Bradley's Avalon. It's an interesting tale, but the fast pace of the book leaves little room for character development. The characters and their relationships rely heavily archetypes based of Bradley's other works, so if you haven't read Mists of Avalon the lack of the character development in this novel might leave you feeling uninvested in the people or their plight. If you have been a fan of the Avalon series, you'd probably like this novel. It's a good, although not great, story.
July 1, 2011
This was a bit of a disappointment. Both as an installment in the Avalon series as a book about Boudica. I have come to expect strong women in the Avalon series and I find them lacking here. They are driven by circumstances like sheep instead of being strong and fight. The only times Boudica fights is when she is taken over by the Goddess and that is not strength. Also I have come to expect another kind of woman for Boudica. I know not much is known about her but I can't imagine her being on the sidelines even in her early life.
September 21, 2024
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!
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!
never-finished
January 22, 2021Marion Zimmer Bradley was my first introduction to fantasy and sci fi. I started reading her novels, which had been gifted to my mom who still hasn't read them; pretty sure I read Mists of Avalon in 6th or 7th grade.
Her work was always problematic as in her Darkover books are full of sexism & racism and attempts to normalize many types of societal oppression.
I never understood the characterization of her as a feminist.
Add in that she not only covered for her child molesting husband but also participated and I just don't really read or reread her work any longer.
She never wrote literature and her themes are dated and sexist, racist, etc.
Really nothing of value beyond entertainment and even that value is mediocre.
https://www.theguardian.com/books/201...
http://file770.com/breendoggle-histor...
Her work was always problematic as in her Darkover books are full of sexism & racism and attempts to normalize many types of societal oppression.
I never understood the characterization of her as a feminist.
Add in that she not only covered for her child molesting husband but also participated and I just don't really read or reread her work any longer.
She never wrote literature and her themes are dated and sexist, racist, etc.
Really nothing of value beyond entertainment and even that value is mediocre.
https://www.theguardian.com/books/201...
http://file770.com/breendoggle-histor...
January 19, 2021
Wonderful tale of the Celtic Warrior Queen Boudica and how her life started in Avalon. Her young life, her marriage, her children and her battles with the Roman Empire. Utterly enjoyable, her life story told in a fantasy setting of Britton pre-Arthurian. Celtic Warrior Queen Boudica was in fact a historic figure.
This whole series has been amazing. One more book to go for me.
This whole series has been amazing. One more book to go for me.
December 21, 2020
I just... I can't....
This book is fucking garbage. Lifeless characters and listless plot.
This book is fucking garbage. Lifeless characters and listless plot.
January 16, 2011
After reading this book, I did a little research about the historical Boudica. For the most part, I would say that Paxson holds well to the historical record of Boudica while incorporating the mythology of Marion Zimmer Bradley's Avalon series. From the outset, I expected the battle that Boudica is famous for to occur within the first half of the book, but the whole thing actually leads up to it as the final climax.
The book progresses in typical Bradley fashion, following the lives of Boudica and Lhiannon as they intersect and divide, like two parallel lines on a page. The sub-plots build and taper off, dealing with the typical issues of romance, religion, and cultural differences. Lhiannon stays in her role as priestess, seemingly never allowed to realize her full potential, despite prophecy and ambition. Boudica leaves Mona to be wed to the powerful King Prasutagos in the midst of a Roman takeover. Despite the power that these two women are certain resides in Brittania, their people lack the organization and man-power of the Roman Empire. Defeat after defeat only gives them more reason to seek out peace.
Lhiannon's role seems to be that of victim, as she loses first in religious ambition, then in romantic ambition, and finally losing her best friend. Even so, I can't help feeling sorry for her and hoping that something will work out in her favor. The one thing that seems to go her way is when she adopts a girl, Caillean, whom the reader never actually gets to meet.
Boudica's role morphs as the plot progresses from wife, to mother, and finally to Queen. For me, the most moving sub-plot was Boudica's miscarriage - I cried. This also involved the only "loose end" that really bugged me - the Morrigan addressing her lost son without really giving her an answer. Despite that, what drove her to become the great Queen that she is most known for is her love for her children and her anger at their treatment by the Romans. The way that she responded to these kinds of injustices are what humanized her and made her choices relateable. In the end, it was obvious that though she knew she had no room for regret in her choices, she likely wondered if there was truly any way that the peoples of Britannia could have defeated the Romans.
Though this book did take a long time for me to read, I still felt that it stayed true to the writing style of the late Bradley and was an appreciated addition to the Avalon series.
The book progresses in typical Bradley fashion, following the lives of Boudica and Lhiannon as they intersect and divide, like two parallel lines on a page. The sub-plots build and taper off, dealing with the typical issues of romance, religion, and cultural differences. Lhiannon stays in her role as priestess, seemingly never allowed to realize her full potential, despite prophecy and ambition. Boudica leaves Mona to be wed to the powerful King Prasutagos in the midst of a Roman takeover. Despite the power that these two women are certain resides in Brittania, their people lack the organization and man-power of the Roman Empire. Defeat after defeat only gives them more reason to seek out peace.
Lhiannon's role seems to be that of victim, as she loses first in religious ambition, then in romantic ambition, and finally losing her best friend. Even so, I can't help feeling sorry for her and hoping that something will work out in her favor. The one thing that seems to go her way is when she adopts a girl, Caillean, whom the reader never actually gets to meet.
Boudica's role morphs as the plot progresses from wife, to mother, and finally to Queen. For me, the most moving sub-plot was Boudica's miscarriage - I cried. This also involved the only "loose end" that really bugged me - the Morrigan addressing her lost son without really giving her an answer. Despite that, what drove her to become the great Queen that she is most known for is her love for her children and her anger at their treatment by the Romans. The way that she responded to these kinds of injustices are what humanized her and made her choices relateable. In the end, it was obvious that though she knew she had no room for regret in her choices, she likely wondered if there was truly any way that the peoples of Britannia could have defeated the Romans.
Though this book did take a long time for me to read, I still felt that it stayed true to the writing style of the late Bradley and was an appreciated addition to the Avalon series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 23, 2007
MZB is one of my all time favorite writers. I like both her Avalon series and the Darkover stories and the common thread of strong women. It's not often that people keep writing books after they die, but MZB started to collaborate w/ Diane Paxton prior to her death, and Paxton has continued writing based on the stories that MZB created. With this novel though I was highly dissappointed. First of all what I have always liked about the Avalon stories was that is was all about the women, and not about the battles. This story is still about the women, but it's about the women IN battle and I just didn't find myself anywhere near as interested, nor as rivited as in previous tales. I wanted to get hooked, but felt myself often skimming battle scene passages. I wanted more mysticism from the priestesses. The time line is later when Rome is invaded and conquer Britan. Boudica, a famous female warrior is the main character and we follow her through life, along with the Avalon priestesses and druids of her time. Eh. Like I said, I was VERY dissappointed.
February 8, 2021
This sequel to the Avalon series follows Boudica's life and rebellion as well as her friend and mentor Lhiannon's active participance in preserving the Druid's beliefs and culture.
If you want to read this book because of the mysticism and the atmosphere of "The Mists..." be ready to be surprised as it has nothing in common. The style of the book is completely different and I liked it because it suits the story more as it is action driven and Boudica is not a priestess, but a hot-blooded and rebellious young woman. Lhiannon's character is more bleak and a bit flatter, in my opinion.
There is a part towards the end which I found forced and scamped - the rebellion could have received a bigger part of the book, in my opinion. Also, the ending is really cringy, in my opinion.
If you want to read this book because of the mysticism and the atmosphere of "The Mists..." be ready to be surprised as it has nothing in common. The style of the book is completely different and I liked it because it suits the story more as it is action driven and Boudica is not a priestess, but a hot-blooded and rebellious young woman. Lhiannon's character is more bleak and a bit flatter, in my opinion.
There is a part towards the end which I found forced and scamped - the rebellion could have received a bigger part of the book, in my opinion. Also, the ending is really cringy, in my opinion.
March 14, 2018
This is an amazing story of the legendary figure Boudica, a Celtic princess and her mentor Lhiannon, a priestess on the Druid's Isle. This is a tale of passion and war. The war is for the rule of Britain, between the Romans and the people who inhabit the Isle. The great Boudica rouses the British tribes and fight valiantly to drive the Romans out. A well written and passionate account, the author stays true to the stories and the legends created in the brilliant imagination of Marion Zimmer Bradley whose health was failing when the Forest House was being written. This is the backstory of the Forest House. Vivid descriptions and wonderful mythic writing in the pages of the book.
September 10, 2015
Great story based on the history of the Roman occupation of Britain and Queen Boudicca's resistance. Interweaved beautifully, though, I appreciated the authoritative illustration of ancient Druid lore and rituals which resonated at some level in my Celtic bones.
August 28, 2007
I love the Avalon series. I rented this at the library, but I may have to buy it one of these days. It's one I would like to have in my collection.
July 21, 2008
Marion Zimmer Bradley she's not. It doesn't help that we already know the outcome of this story, obviously - or the world would be a very different place.
July 17, 2011
Não é tão bom como os livros escritos pela Marion...A escrita é bastante aborrecida.
September 17, 2024
Meh. Read the Boudicca Dreaming The Eagle series instead.
December 15, 2017
This was my first foray into the world of the Avalon novels, and I must say, I enjoyed it and will be coming back for more. Without having the benefit Marion Zimmer Bradley's framework, however, I must judge Ravens of Avalon solely on its own merits.
First of all, I listened to this on audiobook, which was a mistake. The reader's voice is grating, and all the Celtic names and places are impossible to keep separate while you're also trying to get into the far left lane and not get your car smashed by the jerk who just cut you off. It also doesn't help that all the male characters all sound like middle-aged female smokers.
That being said--things I liked:
1. Boudicca and Lhiannon and Prasutagus and Ardanos and all the other major characters. Boudicca's relationship with her husband was especially, unexpectedly, tender and endearing, and really rounded her as a character.
2. The focus on relationships. I expected a book about war, but this was really a book about peace, whether its presence (Boudicca) or its absence (Lhiannon) and the effect this has on societies.
3. Coventa's eloquent little speech on why she wants to save the baby conceived by her rape.
4. The Morrigan's battle fury being blended with sorrow at the human cost of war.
5. The organization of Mona. Seems like a nice place to live.
Things I disliked:
1. The focus on relationships. Peace is wonderful, yes, but Boudicca a historical figure known for her battles and for kicking Roman butt, and anyone reading a book about her is going to expect that. Ravens, however, meanders along through years and years of Boudicca's life and by the time we finally get to the battles, she's all but possessed by the Morrigan and then *hey!* The book's over.
2. Boudicca being possessed by the Morrigan. Perhaps I just haven't read enough of Marion Zimmer Bradley, but something about the concept of Boudicca not being in control of what happens after her rape bothered me. It feels like cheating, somehow, as if Paxson couldn't quite work out how to make a peace-loving Boudicca, grieving for her beloved husband, suddenly rise up and want to kick Roman butt. So...hey let's make the goddess of war possess her! It also felt...well, slightly disrespectful, as if implying that Boudicca didn't have the strength or the guts to rise on her own, and had to be possessed by a goddess in order to make it happen. Unless you believe in a real Morrigan, the real Boudicca didn't have the luxury of not having to feel anything until the battle ended. And yes, I think it was also a cop out to avoid having to take the reader into the battles--Boudicca could just black out and then the reader rejoins her once it's over.
3. No major Roman characters except Polio (and I don't think he really counts), no explanation of the Roman mentality, no larger story taking place outside Britain. I'm not saying you need to justify the terrible things the Romans did, but to set up another scenario of 'evil invaders destroy the righteous natives' is to continue to perpetuate an 'us vs. them' mentality, especially if 'they' never get a voice. If the Romans are evil because they do terrible things, then yes. But if they are evil just because they are invaders, without any development of any Roman characters...that's lazy writing.
4. The priestesses drowning the daughters conceived by the Romans but saving the sons. Sorry, but things like that will never not bother me.
Overall, 3.5 stars.
First of all, I listened to this on audiobook, which was a mistake. The reader's voice is grating, and all the Celtic names and places are impossible to keep separate while you're also trying to get into the far left lane and not get your car smashed by the jerk who just cut you off. It also doesn't help that all the male characters all sound like middle-aged female smokers.
That being said--things I liked:
1. Boudicca and Lhiannon and Prasutagus and Ardanos and all the other major characters. Boudicca's relationship with her husband was especially, unexpectedly, tender and endearing, and really rounded her as a character.
2. The focus on relationships. I expected a book about war, but this was really a book about peace, whether its presence (Boudicca) or its absence (Lhiannon) and the effect this has on societies.
3. Coventa's eloquent little speech on why she wants to save the baby conceived by her rape.
4. The Morrigan's battle fury being blended with sorrow at the human cost of war.
5. The organization of Mona. Seems like a nice place to live.
Things I disliked:
1. The focus on relationships. Peace is wonderful, yes, but Boudicca a historical figure known for her battles and for kicking Roman butt, and anyone reading a book about her is going to expect that. Ravens, however, meanders along through years and years of Boudicca's life and by the time we finally get to the battles, she's all but possessed by the Morrigan and then *hey!* The book's over.
2. Boudicca being possessed by the Morrigan. Perhaps I just haven't read enough of Marion Zimmer Bradley, but something about the concept of Boudicca not being in control of what happens after her rape bothered me. It feels like cheating, somehow, as if Paxson couldn't quite work out how to make a peace-loving Boudicca, grieving for her beloved husband, suddenly rise up and want to kick Roman butt. So...hey let's make the goddess of war possess her! It also felt...well, slightly disrespectful, as if implying that Boudicca didn't have the strength or the guts to rise on her own, and had to be possessed by a goddess in order to make it happen. Unless you believe in a real Morrigan, the real Boudicca didn't have the luxury of not having to feel anything until the battle ended. And yes, I think it was also a cop out to avoid having to take the reader into the battles--Boudicca could just black out and then the reader rejoins her once it's over.
3. No major Roman characters except Polio (and I don't think he really counts), no explanation of the Roman mentality, no larger story taking place outside Britain. I'm not saying you need to justify the terrible things the Romans did, but to set up another scenario of 'evil invaders destroy the righteous natives' is to continue to perpetuate an 'us vs. them' mentality, especially if 'they' never get a voice. If the Romans are evil because they do terrible things, then yes. But if they are evil just because they are invaders, without any development of any Roman characters...that's lazy writing.
4. The priestesses drowning the daughters conceived by the Romans but saving the sons. Sorry, but things like that will never not bother me.
Overall, 3.5 stars.
July 14, 2020
Lacrime, ferro, fuoco e sangue!
E' come ritrovare il proprio passato.
Ogni giorno recuperi una parte di esso e con esso ricordi, pianti e dolori.
A volte penso e spero che questi racconti, anche se conditi con un pizzico si fantasia siano il vero racconto andato perduto...poi l'autrice o le autrici stesse rivelano le loro fonti, la loro parte di verità e nonostante tutto sorridi perché quello che è fantasia potrebbe essere il ricordo reale nell'irrealtà dei sogni.
Ormai, a due anni di distanza e forse anche oltre, dall'ultimo libro della saga di Avalon che ho letto un po' pasticciosamente ma almeno non troppo, riesco a rievocare tutti i ricordi, tutti i dolori e gli amori che vi sono succeduti.
Boudica che, quando iniziai questo mio viaggio era solo l'inizio del mito, e poi si è rivelato solo una parte postuma alla leggenda di Atlantide, ha toccato il mio cuore. Con lei ho pianto e sofferto la morte di Prasutagos, il loro matrimonio, la loro storia. Con lei ho revocato la morte di mille uomini vissuti e poi andati, ricordato le vecchie nozioni scolastiche di storia Britannica e latina e ricollocato nel giusto ordine quanto letto precedentemente.
Certo, forse è un'ingenua fantasia quella mia do voler prendere certi libri come sacri ma quando riesci a fonderti con queste letture, quando la tu anima ne soffre e sembra quasi ricordare eventi passati, come si rimane freddi parola dopo parola?
All'inizio credevo che non mi ci sarei affezionata come ho amato il resto della storia, ma ora so che Avalon rimarrà sempre il mio mito personale, assieme a quello di Atlantide, nell'attesa che esca il nuovo libro di queste due scrittrici che hanno saputo ingannare il tempo e la storia per dare magia a quella che è la semplice vita di tutti i giorni. Spero che quando leggero "Sword of Avalon" ci sia ancora un'altro ad unire i due regni che ormai sono lontano solo pochi secoli tra Alba e Dea.
Aspetterò fiduciosa come sempre ma con la gioia di poterli rileggere ogni volta che i ricordi ritornano a scaldarsi sotto la cenere delle altre letture!
4**** e 1/2 con tutti il mio cuore!
E' come ritrovare il proprio passato.
Ogni giorno recuperi una parte di esso e con esso ricordi, pianti e dolori.
A volte penso e spero che questi racconti, anche se conditi con un pizzico si fantasia siano il vero racconto andato perduto...poi l'autrice o le autrici stesse rivelano le loro fonti, la loro parte di verità e nonostante tutto sorridi perché quello che è fantasia potrebbe essere il ricordo reale nell'irrealtà dei sogni.
Ormai, a due anni di distanza e forse anche oltre, dall'ultimo libro della saga di Avalon che ho letto un po' pasticciosamente ma almeno non troppo, riesco a rievocare tutti i ricordi, tutti i dolori e gli amori che vi sono succeduti.
Boudica che, quando iniziai questo mio viaggio era solo l'inizio del mito, e poi si è rivelato solo una parte postuma alla leggenda di Atlantide, ha toccato il mio cuore. Con lei ho pianto e sofferto la morte di Prasutagos, il loro matrimonio, la loro storia. Con lei ho revocato la morte di mille uomini vissuti e poi andati, ricordato le vecchie nozioni scolastiche di storia Britannica e latina e ricollocato nel giusto ordine quanto letto precedentemente.
Certo, forse è un'ingenua fantasia quella mia do voler prendere certi libri come sacri ma quando riesci a fonderti con queste letture, quando la tu anima ne soffre e sembra quasi ricordare eventi passati, come si rimane freddi parola dopo parola?
All'inizio credevo che non mi ci sarei affezionata come ho amato il resto della storia, ma ora so che Avalon rimarrà sempre il mio mito personale, assieme a quello di Atlantide, nell'attesa che esca il nuovo libro di queste due scrittrici che hanno saputo ingannare il tempo e la storia per dare magia a quella che è la semplice vita di tutti i giorni. Spero che quando leggero "Sword of Avalon" ci sia ancora un'altro ad unire i due regni che ormai sono lontano solo pochi secoli tra Alba e Dea.
Aspetterò fiduciosa come sempre ma con la gioia di poterli rileggere ogni volta che i ricordi ritornano a scaldarsi sotto la cenere delle altre letture!
4**** e 1/2 con tutti il mio cuore!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 2, 2019
Actual Rating: 2.5 Stars
Ravens of Avalon as better than the previous 2 book. It still wasn’t what I would call a good book, but it wasn’t bad – I guess we can call it decent.
In this installment of the Avalon Saga we follow a new character, celtic princess/warrior queen Boudica and the younger versions of characters we have met in a previous installment. This book mainly served the purpose of showing what happened at Mona, which it did a decent job of.
Paxson’s writing was fine, but it is completely stripped of atmosphere and sense of setting which is such a stark contrast to Bradley, who managed to add a lot of atmosphere and feeling to her books – I didn’t know I would miss it until it was removed from the story. However, the plot was better constructed compared to the previous books and the characters had more dimension to them – especially Lhiannon!
Even though the plot was, overall, constructed pretty well I felt it fell a bit flat toward the end as we reached the climax of the story in regards to the split between Boudica’s storyline and Lhiannon’s. We shifted so often between each POV that I felt really disconnected from the plot and what was going down. I did feel like the plot focusing on the events at Mona was done way better than Boudica’s. After the point where I kinda lost all interest in her and I wish more time had been spendt on the other storyline – that one was just much more interesting and gripping.
Ravens of Avalon as better than the previous 2 book. It still wasn’t what I would call a good book, but it wasn’t bad – I guess we can call it decent.
In this installment of the Avalon Saga we follow a new character, celtic princess/warrior queen Boudica and the younger versions of characters we have met in a previous installment. This book mainly served the purpose of showing what happened at Mona, which it did a decent job of.
Paxson’s writing was fine, but it is completely stripped of atmosphere and sense of setting which is such a stark contrast to Bradley, who managed to add a lot of atmosphere and feeling to her books – I didn’t know I would miss it until it was removed from the story. However, the plot was better constructed compared to the previous books and the characters had more dimension to them – especially Lhiannon!
Even though the plot was, overall, constructed pretty well I felt it fell a bit flat toward the end as we reached the climax of the story in regards to the split between Boudica’s storyline and Lhiannon’s. We shifted so often between each POV that I felt really disconnected from the plot and what was going down. I did feel like the plot focusing on the events at Mona was done way better than Boudica’s. After the point where I kinda lost all interest in her and I wish more time had been spendt on the other storyline – that one was just much more interesting and gripping.
August 20, 2019
Boudica, regina degli Iceni, ospitava in sé lo spirito del Morrigan, la "grande regina" che nutre i suoi fedeli corvi con i corpi dei morti in battaglia. Questo le consentì di tramutare la rabbia in vittoria, la furia in trionfo; questo fece sì che le diverse tribù di Celti si unissero sotto la sua guida per affrontare e sconfiggere le legioni romane giunte in Inghilterra.
"La dea della guerra" è un libro fantasy ma, a differenza di molti altri, miscela immaginario e storia, mito e realtà. Reale e comprovata storicamente è l'esistenza della regina Buodica - conosciuta anche come Budicca o Boadicea - ed altrettanto veritieri sono il suo matrimonio con il re degli Iceni Prasutagos, le vittoriose battaglie sostenute dai Britanni attorno al 60 d. C. contro le città romane di Camolodonum, Colonia Victricensis, Verulamium, oltre che molti altri personaggi - per lo più re di tribù celte e Romani - come Caratac, Corio, Venutios, Tiberio Claudio Nerone Druso Germanico, Catus Decianus, Gallus, Seneca...
[...]
La recensione completa qui.
"La dea della guerra" è un libro fantasy ma, a differenza di molti altri, miscela immaginario e storia, mito e realtà. Reale e comprovata storicamente è l'esistenza della regina Buodica - conosciuta anche come Budicca o Boadicea - ed altrettanto veritieri sono il suo matrimonio con il re degli Iceni Prasutagos, le vittoriose battaglie sostenute dai Britanni attorno al 60 d. C. contro le città romane di Camolodonum, Colonia Victricensis, Verulamium, oltre che molti altri personaggi - per lo più re di tribù celte e Romani - come Caratac, Corio, Venutios, Tiberio Claudio Nerone Druso Germanico, Catus Decianus, Gallus, Seneca...
[...]
La recensione completa qui.
July 10, 2018
Boudica, regina degli Iceni, ospitava in sé lo spirito del Morrigan, la "grande regina" che nutre i suoi fedeli corvi con i corpi dei morti in battaglia. Questo le consentì di tramutare la rabbia in vittoria, la furia in trionfo; questo fece sì che le diverse tribù di Celti si unissero sotto la sua guida per affrontare e sconfiggere le legioni romane giunte in Inghilterra.
"La dea della guerra" è un libro fantasy ma, a differenza di molti altri, miscela immaginario e storia, mito e realtà. Reale e comprovata storicamente è l'esistenza della regina Buodica - conosciuta anche come Budicca o Boadicea - ed altrettanto veritieri sono il suo matrimonio con il re degli Iceni Prasutagos, le vittoriose battaglie sostenute dai Britanni attorno al 60 d. C. contro le città romane di Camolodonum, Colonia Victricensis, Verulamium, oltre che molti altri personaggi - per lo più re di tribù celte e Romani - come Caratac, Corio, Venutios, Tiberio Claudio Nerone Druso Germanico, Catus Decianus, Gallus, Seneca...
La recensione completa sul blog.
"La dea della guerra" è un libro fantasy ma, a differenza di molti altri, miscela immaginario e storia, mito e realtà. Reale e comprovata storicamente è l'esistenza della regina Buodica - conosciuta anche come Budicca o Boadicea - ed altrettanto veritieri sono il suo matrimonio con il re degli Iceni Prasutagos, le vittoriose battaglie sostenute dai Britanni attorno al 60 d. C. contro le città romane di Camolodonum, Colonia Victricensis, Verulamium, oltre che molti altri personaggi - per lo più re di tribù celte e Romani - come Caratac, Corio, Venutios, Tiberio Claudio Nerone Druso Germanico, Catus Decianus, Gallus, Seneca...
La recensione completa sul blog.
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