Overview
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.
Synopsis
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.
Midwest Book Review
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.
Editorials
Midwest Book Review
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.Publishers Weekly
This stirring prequel to The Forest House, Paxson's first collaboration with Marion Zimmer Bradley (1930-1999), is sure to please fans of the late author of The Mists of Avalon. In The Forest House, they introduced the Society of the Ravens, sons of the Druid priestesses who were raped and tortured by Britain's Roman invaders. Now Paxson explores the events circa A.D. 60 that inspired the mythical group's formation. Strong women surge to the forefront, most notably Druid priestess Lhiannon and her headstrong student and friend, Boudica, a Celtic princess who forgoes becoming a priestess to marry Prasutagos, High King of the Iceni. The uneasy peace with Rome shatters after Prasutagos dies, and Roman soldiers, refusing to recognize Boudica as queen, beat her and rape her daughters. Vowing vengeance, Boudica raises an army infused with the battle goddess's magical power and strikes back at the Romans. Paxson's bright fusion of fact and myth is a fine tribute to Bradley and the real-world triumphs and tragedy of Boudica. (Aug.)
Copyright 2007 Reed Business InformationEducated by the Druids on the Isle of Avalon, the Princess Boudica forms a lifelong friendship with her mentor, the priestess Lhiannon, even as the two women forge separate destinies. Lhiannon remains with the Druids, watching as the Romans make stronger incursions into Britain, while Boudica marries Prasutagos, widowed king of the Iceni, and, with him, attempts to make peace with Rome until imperial demands push the British tribes to the breaking point. Based on the wishes of the late author of the Mists of Avalon, fantasy veteran Paxson's latest addition to the Avalon story cycle brings to life the tale of the legendary queen who defied the greatest power in the ancient world. Solid storytelling and memorable characters add to the appeal of this smooth blend of ancient history, fable, and magic. Highly recommended for all fantasy collections. [See Prepub Alert, LJ4/15/07.]
—Jackie Cassada
"Raver offers storytelling that is well paced and sensitive to the mood and intensity of the plot." —-AudioFile