Ravens of Avalon

June 18, 2007
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.

August 1, 2007
Educated 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, "LJ" 4/15/07.]

Copyright 2007 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.