Diana L. Paxson expands Marion Zimmer Bradley's beloved and bestselling Avalon series in a dramatic new installment. Marion Zimmer Bradley's Ravens of Avalon, the prequel to The Forest House, tells the story of the Roman conquest of Britain and the origin of the Forest House that preceded the return to Avalon. Marion Zimmer Bradley's Ravens of Avalon follows the journey of Boudica, a Celtic princess, and Lhiannon, a priestess who is Boudica's mentor on the Druid isle. When the Romans conquer Britain, Lhiannon fights them while Boudica marries a king who has surrendered. Theirs is a great love story, but when he dies, the Romans brutalize her and her daughters. Enraged, Boudica raises the British tribes and nearly succeeds in driving the Romans from Britain, claiming a place in history. Lhiannon survives and becomes the guardian of the Druid traditions in the new Roman Britannia as high priestess of the Forest House. 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 as well as anyone who loves wonderfully told stories of history, myth, and fantasy.
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"This prequel to The Forest House tells the story of the rebellion of the Britons against the Romans, led by Boudica, the Briton Queen. The story starts with Boudica as a young teen, getting training from the priestesses and druids at the island of Mona and carries through until her death. The story of the Romans conquering and making peace with the Britons, followed by the rebellion, is a historical one. Many historical characters, including Boudica, appear here. The priestess and druid characters play a large role in the course of history and also in the plans and feelings of the main characters. The main priestess in the story, Lhiannon, became a friend of Boudica on Mona, and remains close to her. The novel blends history and fantasy well, and includes interesting explanations for actions by the main players." — Shonna (4 out of 5 stars)
"This prequel to The Forest House tells the story of the rebellion of the Britons against the Romans, led by Boudica, the Briton Queen. The story starts with Boudica as a young teen, getting training from the priestesses and druids at the island of Mona and carries through until her death. The story of the Romans conquering and making peace with the Britons, followed by the rebellion, is a historical one. Many historical characters, including Boudica, appear here. The priestess and druid characters play a large role in the course of history and also in the plans and feelings of the main characters. The main priestess in the story, Lhiannon, became a friend of Boudica on Mona, and remains close to her. The novel blends history and fantasy well, and includes interesting explanations for actions by the main players."
“Marion Zimmer Bradley would be proud of this…The story line smoothly combines ancient history with fantasy elements to please fans…Readers of the delightful Avalon series will appreciate learning what occurred that led to the formation of the Society of the Ravens.”
“This stirring prequel to The Forest House, Paxson’s first collaboration with Marion Zimmer Bradley, is sure to please fans of the late author of The Mists of Avalon.”
“Raver offers storytelling that is well paced and sensitive to the mood and intensity of the plot.”
Raver offers storytelling that is well paced and sensitive to the mood and intensity of the plot.
" Really excellent. Paxon's style is so similar to Bradley's that I forgot it was authored by a different woman. I highly reccommend it. "
" Very interesting take on the Boudica legend and very good continuation on MZB's Avalon series. Can't wait to read the next one by DLP. "
" started 06/09/09 "
" Not one of the best in the series but I love to read books on avaon and had fun with it. "
" I liked this book. Writing was slow in some parts, but it was a good introduction to the story of Boudicca. Id probably re read it "
" A good and engaging read, though I was hoping it would focus a bit more on Boudica's rebellion rather than spending so much time with her life before it. "
" It's a great depiction of the celtic culture before and during the roman invasion of Britain. It tells about the legend of the queen Boudica and the struggles she went through her life. I loved it, specially the druids story. "
" 'm so glad i only have one more book in this series before i can move on to something else. "
" morrigan!!! "
" Paxton finished what Zimmer started, and finished it well. Or rather she finished what Zimmer started about a series she had already finished. History cab be confusing. "
" Why associated Boudica with Avalon? Well, it's quite nice to read though I can't stick this story with the myth of Avalon in my head... "
" I really couldnt get into this book. I might try and read it again later though. "
" Cant get enough of this series! "
" True to the Avalon series in style of Marion Zimmer Bradley. "
" Loved it. The battles were exciting and the love of friendship so real. I couldn't put it down. "
" This book was an awesome addition to the Mists of Avalon series. The story of Boudica is referenced in some of the other books so it was nice to get the back story from Diana Paxson's perspective. This book wasn't so much about the priestesses of Avalon but was enjoyable all the same. "
" I think this is a good book, but I do not remember all of it, because it is a while ago that I read it. "
" p. 392 8 hrs This one was pretty good. Previous ones that Diana has finished I didn't like as much as Marion's. The biggest thing for me is that you can always identify with the priestess'. "
" I love the story of Boudica! And who is better to tell it than MZB? "
" I feel this book is an excellent female version of the Roman invasion of Britain and of Queen Boudica's attempts at defeating the Romans. And I will admit, I cried at the end. "
Diana L. Paxson has spent more than a decade writing under the pseudonym Marion Zimmer Bradley or in collaboration with Bradley. She has authored numerous books, including The Golden Hills of Westria. Paxson is also a founder of the Society for Creative Anachronism.
Lorna Raver, named one of AudioFile magazine’s Best Voices of the Year, has received numerous Audie Award nominations and many AudioFile Earphones Awards. She has appeared on stage in New York, Los Angeles, and regional theaters around the country. Among her many television credits are NYPD Blue, Judging Amy, Boston Legal, ER, and Star Trek. She starred in director Sam Raimi’s film Drag Me to Hell.
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