Haley Elizabeth Garwood

This is by far, the best Boudica book I have yet read. Boadicea is the spelling in this particular version of the warrior woman's life. She is a Celtic queen and priestess. The novel starts with her as a young girl who loves to hunt and prove she is the best in all things. She learns to ride, use a slingshot, wield a sword, speak to gods, and all the while, experiences young love and loss. Eventually, the novel shows a married, mature Boadicea with warrior daughters of her own.

Meanwhile, there are chapters devoted to the life of Suetonius, a Roman general. These chapters start with Suetonius as a soldier and his life story and loves and losses show readers what Boadicea is up against. Suetonius's story also has its share of strong women, namely his mother.

In the last quarter of story, Boadicea and Suetonius meet. Do they meet in peace or on the battlefield? Perhaps both? Tho the Iceni may fall, they will not fall without a fight and thru Boadicea's eyes, we see that fight, that struggle, and feel that passion and thirst for freedom.

Great story. Hard to put down!… (más)

In a country called Palmyria in the 260s A.D, there was a queen named Zenobia. And what a queen!! She can out fight, outdrink, outride, and outwit any man. When the Romans kill her husband, she lives for revenge and fights to keep the throne for her sons. She answers Egypt's call for aide. She ensures that traveling merchants are protected from raiders. She increases trade and brings prosperity to her people. Meanwhile, in Rome, a man named Aurelian is killing one emperor after another in hopes of attaining the title of emperor for himself. He also has Zenobia in his deadly sights. They will have to meet in battle.

Zenobia is not the only strong woman in the story. There is also a Jewish woman named Rebekeh that many female readers will like and relate to. Miriam is another female character that exhibits strong traits. Both of these women play major roles in Zenobia's life and kingdom.

Can Zenobia keep control of Palmyria for her sons? Can she keep her sons safe until they are grown and able to rule? It is obvious that Aurelian is going to be a formidable foe.

I loved this book and the strong women in it. It is not just war tho. There is love and romance between Zenobia and her husband and later, her general. There is drama, a love triangle, a crazy grieving mother, and Zenobia's love for her sons as she watches them grow. A fine novel. I will be reading more of Haley Elizabeth Garwood.… (más)