A Year of Ravens: A Novel of Boudica’s Rebellion

but I will say that each part was written from a different perspective, both British and Roman, and that the story built upon itself incredibly well. The details and characters of all seven parts connected flawlessly, and the book really flowed. Content-wise, it was quite intense. Lots of graphic battle scenes, etc. However, this was the reality of the rebellion, and it just made the story that much more riveting for me to read. While reading the historical notes by the authors at the end, I found out that the only real historical perspective on Boudica's rebellion was that of the Romans. One of the things I love most about historical fiction is how authors use it to revive and enrich modern perspectives on events with little surviving evidence such as Boudica's rebellion. I like how, through this book, a variety of characters involved in the rebellion were finally allowed their voices–fictional voices, yes, but it's interesting to think of those voices also possibly belonging to real historical people who would have been there. (I've posted this review on Goodreads as well.) 9 people found this helpful Helpful Sending feedback… Thank you for your feedback. Sorry, we failed to record your vote. Please try again Sending feedback… Thanks, we'll investigate in the next few days. Sorry, We failed to report this review. Please try again * Thomas P. Hallan](/gp/profile/amzn1.account.AGDVTLFTXXOEQHTM4YZAI3DCEELQ) _4 out of 5 stars_ Reviewed in the United States on July 2, 2016 Brief content visible, double tap to read full content. Full content visible, double tap to read brief content. Just before the Brexit vote a reporter talked about a statue of Boudica in London. I had never heard of her or of the revolution she led against the Roman Empire so I decided to buy A Year of Ravens. I found it an enjoyable and involving read which seems to be historically sound yet with the personal involvement of a novel…you can get into the skins of the protagonists. I recommend it. 3 people found this helpful Helpful Sending feedback… Thank you for your feedback. Sorry, we failed to record your vote. Please try again Sending feedback… Thanks, we'll investigate in the next few days. Sorry, We failed to report this review. Please try again * Geoffrey Atwater](/gp/profile/amzn1.account.AGUENYHH4JLSFPCROTYWVHU7TIVQ) _5 out of 5 stars_ Reviewed in the United States on December 29, 2015 Brief content visible, double tap to read full content. Full content visible, double tap to read brief content. The legend of Boudica looms large in the history of England and dwarfs the small handful of facts. Was she really taller than most men, stronger than other women, intelligent, beautiful, who willed her tribe to revolt against Roman rule? Who knows? The authors clearly favor the legend and, man, what a great hook for a story. The story is told by seven authors from the standpoint of specific characters. This is not an anthology. I can envision the authors meeting over a jug of mead and working out the arc of the storyline, fleshing out the main characters, and resolving any inconsistencies. The result is a consistent view of the short-lived rebellion told at different times, at different places, by the chosen characters. Some of the characters are historical. Clearly Boudica existed and looms large in the story. Agricola transforms from a shallow new officer to a seasoned veteran. And there is Paulinus, the famous general and governor of Britain, who epitomizes the efficiency, discipline, ruthlessness, and practicality of the veteran commander of legions who is a minor character in the story but figures large in the history of the revolt and again a few years later back in Rome during the Year of Four Emperors. There is a romance to the legend of Boudica that she is larger than life, a queen of her own destiny, and a hero to the Britains. Unfortunately, her revolt meets the same fate that happened to Arminius (Herman) in Germania, Vercingetorix in Gaul, and the Jews in Palestine. Even knowing the outcome, we can be swept away by the legend, just like her people were, and the dream that a people can be free and live the life of their choosing. Helpful Sending feedback… Thank you for your feedback. Sorry, we failed to record your vote. Please try again Sending feedback… Thanks, we'll investigate in the next few days. Sorry, We failed to report this review. Please try again * Amy](/gp/profile/amzn1.account.AHCXNCUYOAUATG5N3PZPQTSWMGZA) _4 out of 5 stars_ Reviewed in the United States on January 2, 2016 Brief content visible, double tap to read full content. Full content visible, double tap to read brief content. Being a huge fan of Kate Quinn is what brought me to purchase this book, but every author was excellent in my opinion. A little full of battle scenes for my taste, but what can you else can you expect while reading a book about Boudica's rebellion? It's not all blood and swinging axes however, the characters are fully fleshed and well written. Recommended for fans of history, particularly for those looking for interesting female characters. 2 people found this helpful Helpful Sending feedback… Thank you for your feedback. Sorry, we failed to record your vote. Please try again Sending feedback… Thanks, we'll investigate in the next few days. Sorry, We failed to report this review. Please try again