Queen of Oak: A Novel of Boudica

The Celtic Rebels Series Book 1

By: Melanie Karsak

Narrated by: Lesley Parkin

Length: 18 hrs and 4 mins

Publisher's summary

Fated to lead a rebellion against Rome.

Destined to become a legend.

From New York Times best seller Melanie Karsak, author of the Celtic Blood series, comes a gripping historical fantasy series of ancient Britain, Celtic gods, a fated romance, and the warrior queen who defied Rome.

Britain, A.D. 42 - Boudica, second daughter of a Celtic king, has little concern for tribal tensions and political intrigues. Called by the gods and the stirrings of her own wild heart, she listens instead to whispers of the oaks. But Boudica would be wiser to heed the warning cries of eagles.

Rumors abound that the Romans are amassing forces for another invasion. In an effort to consolidate power, Boudica’s father turns to Prasutagus, the formidable ruler of the Greater Iceni. To win Prasutagus’ aid, Boudica’s father must strike a bargain - a deal with implications beyond Boudica’s imagining.

©2021 Clockpunk Press (P)2022 Clockpunk Press

captivating

Didn't want to put it down! Excellent and captivated my husband and 8 both

Love and Danger

I love both the author and the narrator. I want to learn more of Boudica and am expecting-hoping the other books in this series will bring more of her life into view. This introduction sets the scene, kept me interested and had more love than action. As usual, the narrator does an amazing job and is easy to listen to. I am downloading the 2nd book.

Loved It!

I am going to be honest I love Melanie Karsak and narrator Lesley Parkin! So any book that I get to listen to by the two makes me so happy.
In this book, Karsak builds a beautiful world and a complex character in Boudica. the story is just the beginning of the Celtic revolt against the Romans. I enjoyed reading about their traditions. I feel for the characters as they go through pain and pleasure. (Side note: love that Karsak uses foreplay in her sex scenes.)
I look forward to reading/listening to the next book.

I received an audio copy of the book from the author; all opinions are my own.

everything I was hoping for!

loved everything from the story to the narrator. can't wait to read more. thank you Melanie Karsak and Lesley Parkin.

Wished for a Better Performance

This is a great story and well written. It’s easy to become completely lost in the rich imagery Melanie paints with her words.

I wished for a more experienced narrator. While the voice is pleasant enough, the cadence was like a kindergarten teacher at story-time. The pitch she used for a legendary Warrior Queen was like a hand puppet show on the village square. When Boudicca cries out to her gods, the narrator uses falsetto whisper yell. It irked me. So many fine female narrators out there. This story deserved so much more than a children’s book reader. Smooth, mysterious, sensuous, smoky, silken, passionate, fierce, confident are a few qualities that could all be called upon, and best if all together. Sorry but I’m not feeling the Punch and Judy quality of this production.

Love this series! It’s my second time around with it, love it just as much. History, great story, and a dash of fae.

The only problem ( and not sure if this is corrected now) is the final book wasn’t available on Audible, so had to hunt down a hard copy.

5 stars if you like this genre -- me, not so much

Romantic fantasy in a nebulous historic setting where the gods determine destiny as interpreted by the Druids and aided by fairies. 4 stars for a good story with interesting, if a little over-acted, narration. I prefer more history and less heart-throbbing.

Amazing story so far!!

I loved the Celtic Blood series by Melanie, and I love the little Easter eggs and similarities between the stories and characters!! I knew a little about Boudica, and im loving the story so far! Can’t wait to start the next one!

Fantastic story and narration

Wonderful story and narration, brings history to life in an enjoyable tale of treachery, political alliances, love, and an element of mysticism you wouldn’t get from a documentary. Can’t wait to listen to the next audiobook in the series.

Best book I’ve listened to in years

I absolutely loved this book looking forward to the other ones! I couldn’t put it down, and I couldn’t believe when I was at the end of it. Can’t wait for the next one. Really looking forward to all of them.