Boudica: A Historical Fiction Novel About the Legendary Queen of the Oak

Judy Odell: This was a book I never once got tired of. I am so looking forward to reading the next in the series. The only problem with this series is my house keeping is definitely going to suffer. I never write reviews but this first book in the series was worth one. Good reading to you everyone.

United States on Sep 27, 2023

Megan Storey: Melanie has such a firm grasp of history and of paganism. This book is wonderful and altogether captivating! Lovely book!

United States on Sep 07, 2023

Mark Simon: I really appreciate the amount of emotion that has gone into this story. I'll definitely read the next installment, I truly need to see how Boudicca and Pix carry on

Germany on Aug 09, 2023

Natasha: I have read and enjoyed many of Ms. Karsak’s books, and when I started this one I knew she was going to wring many emotions out of me. I liked Boudica a lot, and the world that she lives in. There were decisions she made that made me shake my head, but her exuberance, loyalty and desire to do good were endearing. I am excited to see how the story continues to play out.

United States on Jul 03, 2023

lolamac: Great read, not only entertaining but gives the reader a sense of the beliefs and customs of what the period could have been like. Love the intertwining of history and fantasy.

Canada on Apr 20, 2023

Amazon Customer: Really enjoyed this book looking forward yo the next installment

United Kingdom on Nov 28, 2021

Anniemac: Just tore through this book which I had been "saving up" for a few weeks to read. I am a huge fan of the Highland Queen and the Shield Maiden series - particularly a fan of the beautifully drawn strong female characters and especially of Hervor! Young Boudicca does not disappoint, she reminds me of Hervor - a loveable, spirited and passionate heroine, and again the pages just flow in the lyrical style I have come to love from this author, the way she weaves magic and history is joyous to read, telling the stories of unsung female heroines from the ages, is when the author is at her best. I really think Melanie Karsak is true classic, quality writer whose dreamy historical fiction will one day get a lot of recognition. Cannot wait for the next instalment in the series and find out what life has in store for Boudicca and world next - filling in the gaps that his-story doesn't do for us - just wonderful.

United Kingdom on Oct 25, 2021

begosalem: Once again, Melanie Karsak, has done it and brought history -really ancient history- to life in her very own and masterful way. Queen of Oak is a beautiful rendition of the early years of Boudica, one of the most captivating warrior queens of a past long gone, when magic was everywhere and the old ways of the ancestors still ruled the land. Young Boudica is living through a time of change and heartbreak, where the greenwood whispers omens that speak of turmoil and winds of change.
A great introduction to the series, full of love and sorrow, hope and magic, and -something I particularly love- lots of Celtic mythology. Highly recommended read for fans of ancient historical fiction.

Spain on Oct 18, 2021

Lauralee: Boudica is the second daughter of a Celtic king. She has no taste for getting involved with politics. However, she is called by the Celtic gods to beware of the Eagles. The Eagles are the Romans that are about to invade her beloved homeland. In order to protect them from the Romans, Boudicca’s father enters into an alliance with Prasutagus.

Boudica is one of the most famous queens in Great Britain. Yet, novelists have rarely focused on Boudica’s teen years. This novel gives the reader a glimpse of what Boudica might have been like as an adolescent. I really like Mrs. Karsak’s version of Boudica. Boudica is very carefree. She loves her home and it’s surroundings. I identified with her and the difficult choices that she had to make. Thus, not only was Boudica a strong character, but she was also very realistic and relatable.

Overall, this was a coming of age story of Boudica. As soon as you open up the first page, Mrs. Karsak sucks you into Celtic Britain. The past immediately becomes alive with vivid descriptions and a large cast of characters. All of the characters are realistic and complex. The author also does an excellent job using magical elements in her...

United States on Oct 13, 2021

Elysian FieldsElysian Fields: Queen of Oak is stunning adventure from the extremely talented Melanie Karsak. In this tale the reader gets a rich history of Boudica, her life, love, and adventures and so much more.

As this is a historical fiction adventure, the reader gets both the history of the fierce and formidable (real) Boudica but also the magic of her life and loves along the way. As much as is known about her, from actual history, there is still so much to be learned and Karsak does an amazing job of filling in the blanks to create not only an addictive story but an emotional and realistic look at what might have been.

If you have read and enjoyed this author before then this story will comfort you in ways you have come to expect. There is a wonderful mix of familiarity between Queen of Oak, The Shied Maiden series, and the Celtic Blood series; even though these are three different standalone series. Reading this story feels like coming home again in knowing you will be getting a quality story with refined moments.

Queen of Oak has it all: old magic, faeries, druids, the Gods, the greenwood, love, loss, emotional moments, strength, family, humor, and heart. The characters are...

United States on Oct 09, 2021