Scan barcode
Reviews
A Year of Ravens: A Novel of Boudica's Rebellion by Russell Whitfield, Kate Quinn, S.J.A. Turney
hmblvj's review against another edition
5.0
This has to be one of my best reads this year. It is well researched and seamlessly written. Characters are fully realized and the pacing moves forward quickly. Even knowing the historical background and the outcome of the events reading this novelized version was still engrossing and in the end crushing. I highly recommend A Year of Ravens.
skconaghan's review
adventurous
emotional
informative
inspiring
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Bloody fantastic.
Loved the invented characters of Durrus and Valeria. Beautiful characterisation.
A seamless collaboration of multiple voices written by seven authors.
I raged and bawled and felt like I was there…
Loved the invented characters of Durrus and Valeria. Beautiful characterisation.
A seamless collaboration of multiple voices written by seven authors.
I raged and bawled and felt like I was there…
ravyncrow's review
adventurous
dark
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
vshah's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
2.0
melanied01's review against another edition
adventurous
informative
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
brunettejnas's review against another edition
4.0
I am really becoming a fan of this style of the book (multiple authors, narratives that all flow in a single story). It actually has been a dependable way to find new authors. 4/5
bookfever's review against another edition
5.0
The Queen by Stephanie Dray
Stephanie Dray has quickly become one of my favorite historical authors. I haven't read anything yet by her that I disliked. This first story in A Year of Ravens wasn't an exception. It introduces us to Queen Cartimandua who chose not to revolt against the romans to protect her people, even when they and even her own husband turn against her for it. There are a few glimpses to Boudica, though it doesn't show a lot of her yet. I felt like this story was more of an introduction but it was such a powerful one.
The Slave by Ruth Downie
Ruth Downie is a new-to-me author. But I gotta say I was really impressed by her story. The Slave is about Ria, who was born a slave. But she was also the illegitimate daughter of the late Iceni king Prasutagus (Boudica's husband). I thought it was a really interesting take on everything, with seeing this story through Ria's eyes.
The Tribune by Russell Whitfield
Russell Whitfield was another unknown author for me but I already know by reading his story that I want to read more of him in the future. The Tribune featured mostly soldiers and a lot of fighting so this one was very action packed. Personally I love stories that feature roman soldiers and the fighting so I thought that was so great. It was brutal and vicious and at times a bit rough to read, yes, but I did love it.
The Druid by Vicky Alvear Shecter
The Druid was written by one of my top favorite historical authors. So I couldn't help but love this story as well. It features Yorath of Mona, a young druid in training, who was the sole survivor of the slaughtering by the Romans. In fact, it was Agricola from the previous story (The Tribune) who let him go in the first place. The story also featured Felix, a Roman soldier who got captured by Yorath.
The Son by S.J.A. Turney
This story is one of my favorites. I absolutely loved it. It features Andecarus who we've met already. Because he used to be a hostage to the romans, and brought up for a big part by Decianus, the story felt like him making his choice whether to belong with the Romans or his tribe, the Icenis. He knows the Icenis can't win from Rome and does whatever he can to try and make peace, which of course is almost impossible at this point. Meanwhile there was a little romance blossoming between Andecarus and Ria with him wanting to save her from his vile foster brother Verorico. It was just a great story and hope to read more from this author in the future!
The Warrior by Kate Quinn
The Warrior was another favorite of mine, maybe even my favorite (together with The Son by S.J.A. Turney). Kate Quinn never disappoints, in my opinion. It featured Boudica's right-hand man, Duro and also Decianus' wife, Valeria who got captured and ended up as Duro's slave. I really thought this was an interesting story because initially I didn't like Duro and Valeria much from what I read from them in the other parts. But when they were featured in the story and I got to know them better they definitely grew on me. I also thought it was pretty sad with some deaths, but that's to be expected with a novel about Boudica's rebellion. I loved it.
The Daughters by E. Knight
This one was yet another amazing part in this book. Featuring Boudica's daughters, Sorcha and Keena it was most definitely intriguing to read. Mostly because Sorcha and Keena were both very different. Sorcha being a warrior with fire in her, and Keena being softer, a healer. I also thought that E. Knight's writing was especially beautiful!
Overall:
A Year of Ravens: A Novel of Boudica's Rebellion was brilliant. It's one of those books that makes me want to read historical fiction all the damn time! Writting in different points of view by various authors made it all the more special. The characters were all unique in their own way and there wasn't any part that I disliked. I also liked reading the stories of authors I didn't know before because I'm always looking for historical fiction authors. I can't recommend this book enough. Everyone should definitely read it as it was so thrilling and brutal and just fantastic!
Stephanie Dray has quickly become one of my favorite historical authors. I haven't read anything yet by her that I disliked. This first story in A Year of Ravens wasn't an exception. It introduces us to Queen Cartimandua who chose not to revolt against the romans to protect her people, even when they and even her own husband turn against her for it. There are a few glimpses to Boudica, though it doesn't show a lot of her yet. I felt like this story was more of an introduction but it was such a powerful one.
The Slave by Ruth Downie
Ruth Downie is a new-to-me author. But I gotta say I was really impressed by her story. The Slave is about Ria, who was born a slave. But she was also the illegitimate daughter of the late Iceni king Prasutagus (Boudica's husband). I thought it was a really interesting take on everything, with seeing this story through Ria's eyes.
The Tribune by Russell Whitfield
Russell Whitfield was another unknown author for me but I already know by reading his story that I want to read more of him in the future. The Tribune featured mostly soldiers and a lot of fighting so this one was very action packed. Personally I love stories that feature roman soldiers and the fighting so I thought that was so great. It was brutal and vicious and at times a bit rough to read, yes, but I did love it.
The Druid by Vicky Alvear Shecter
The Druid was written by one of my top favorite historical authors. So I couldn't help but love this story as well. It features Yorath of Mona, a young druid in training, who was the sole survivor of the slaughtering by the Romans. In fact, it was Agricola from the previous story (The Tribune) who let him go in the first place. The story also featured Felix, a Roman soldier who got captured by Yorath.
The Son by S.J.A. Turney
This story is one of my favorites. I absolutely loved it. It features Andecarus who we've met already. Because he used to be a hostage to the romans, and brought up for a big part by Decianus, the story felt like him making his choice whether to belong with the Romans or his tribe, the Icenis. He knows the Icenis can't win from Rome and does whatever he can to try and make peace, which of course is almost impossible at this point. Meanwhile there was a little romance blossoming between Andecarus and Ria with him wanting to save her from his vile foster brother Verorico. It was just a great story and hope to read more from this author in the future!
The Warrior by Kate Quinn
The Warrior was another favorite of mine, maybe even my favorite (together with The Son by S.J.A. Turney). Kate Quinn never disappoints, in my opinion. It featured Boudica's right-hand man, Duro and also Decianus' wife, Valeria who got captured and ended up as Duro's slave. I really thought this was an interesting story because initially I didn't like Duro and Valeria much from what I read from them in the other parts. But when they were featured in the story and I got to know them better they definitely grew on me. I also thought it was pretty sad with some deaths, but that's to be expected with a novel about Boudica's rebellion. I loved it.
The Daughters by E. Knight
This one was yet another amazing part in this book. Featuring Boudica's daughters, Sorcha and Keena it was most definitely intriguing to read. Mostly because Sorcha and Keena were both very different. Sorcha being a warrior with fire in her, and Keena being softer, a healer. I also thought that E. Knight's writing was especially beautiful!
Overall:
A Year of Ravens: A Novel of Boudica's Rebellion was brilliant. It's one of those books that makes me want to read historical fiction all the damn time! Writting in different points of view by various authors made it all the more special. The characters were all unique in their own way and there wasn't any part that I disliked. I also liked reading the stories of authors I didn't know before because I'm always looking for historical fiction authors. I can't recommend this book enough. Everyone should definitely read it as it was so thrilling and brutal and just fantastic!
readingwithtea's review against another edition
4.0
4 Stars
This is my second read from the “series” of historical fiction anthologies. The first one I read was Ribbons of Scarlet about the French Revolution. Authors Kate Quinn, E Knight, and Stephanie Dray all return from that novel to this one. (Technically, they return to Ribbons of Scarlet from this novel, because I seem intent on reading in reverse publication order.)
I loved the backdrop of the British Isle opposing Roman rule. It’s one of the most fascinating times and this novel presents all sorts of view points: client queens, princesses, slaves, Roman warriors, Druids and even warriors both Briton and Roman.
Unfortunately, this collection of novellas isn’t quite as cohesive as Ribbons of Scarlet. First, multiple novellas here switch between POVs, which gives you far more characters’ views. Secondly, some authors wrote in third person and some wrote in first person. I’ve never liked switching viewpoints within the same novel; it makes reading it actually feel like novellas instead of the next chapter of the book.
The most compelling entries here come from Kate Quinn, Stephanie Dray, and E Knight, though that does not surprise me. I’ve already read from these authors before, even excluding Ribbons of Scarlet.
Kate Quinn, in fact, wrote my favorite passage of the entire novel: “Her fine black brows arched, indicating just how slight she thought the chance that anybody might ever like me. Her eyebrows were terrifying things. No wonder her husband had run clear across the sea to get away from them.”
The other four authors I have not read from and after checking their previous works, I’m unlikely to pick anything from them up.
Only one chapter really dragged for me, which was Russell Whitfield’s take on the Roman solider. It was crude and crass. Kate Quinn’s entry had some foul language, but Whitfield’s was above and beyond. It was to set the scene as a crass and unfiltered army scene, but by the end felt overdone and tacky.
Even though this one didn’t live to the expectations set by Ribbons of Scarlet, I’m still set to read more from this pseudo-series.
This is my second read from the “series” of historical fiction anthologies. The first one I read was Ribbons of Scarlet about the French Revolution. Authors Kate Quinn, E Knight, and Stephanie Dray all return from that novel to this one. (Technically, they return to Ribbons of Scarlet from this novel, because I seem intent on reading in reverse publication order.)
I loved the backdrop of the British Isle opposing Roman rule. It’s one of the most fascinating times and this novel presents all sorts of view points: client queens, princesses, slaves, Roman warriors, Druids and even warriors both Briton and Roman.
Unfortunately, this collection of novellas isn’t quite as cohesive as Ribbons of Scarlet. First, multiple novellas here switch between POVs, which gives you far more characters’ views. Secondly, some authors wrote in third person and some wrote in first person. I’ve never liked switching viewpoints within the same novel; it makes reading it actually feel like novellas instead of the next chapter of the book.
The most compelling entries here come from Kate Quinn, Stephanie Dray, and E Knight, though that does not surprise me. I’ve already read from these authors before, even excluding Ribbons of Scarlet.
Kate Quinn, in fact, wrote my favorite passage of the entire novel: “Her fine black brows arched, indicating just how slight she thought the chance that anybody might ever like me. Her eyebrows were terrifying things. No wonder her husband had run clear across the sea to get away from them.”
The other four authors I have not read from and after checking their previous works, I’m unlikely to pick anything from them up.
Only one chapter really dragged for me, which was Russell Whitfield’s take on the Roman solider. It was crude and crass. Kate Quinn’s entry had some foul language, but Whitfield’s was above and beyond. It was to set the scene as a crass and unfiltered army scene, but by the end felt overdone and tacky.
Even though this one didn’t live to the expectations set by Ribbons of Scarlet, I’m still set to read more from this pseudo-series.
wildwolverine's review against another edition
4.0
This. Was. So. Good! Reading about tragic historical events is so bittersweet. On the one hand, I'm learning about a new era and meeting engaging characters. On the other, I know they're basically all going to die. It's like meeting a new friend only for them to suddenly move away, but the time I spent with this book was still so rewarding, that I recommend you read this book anyway.
My favorite stories were Dray's The Queen, Quinn's The Warrior, and Knight's The Daughters. These stories were poignant and full of soul. Dray's Cartimandua was a perfect foil to Boudica while Knight's Sorcha and Keena were the perfect vehicle to show us the infamous warrior queen. They sacrifices really sung from the page. As for Quinn, she wrote about the epic battle, which was heart-wrenching, even though I knew what was going to happen. What made it so sad was Duro and Valeria. Quinn really brought them to life. I understood and sympathized with both of them, which is no easy feat when the characters are sworn enemies. Quinn is truly masterful.
Middle of the road for me was Downie's The Slave, Shecter's The Druid, and Turney's The Son. It's hard for me to pinpoint exactly what I didn't like about them. I guess their stories felt kind of small to me compared to the ones I liked.
My least favorite story was Whitfield's The Tribune about Agricola. I found this story dragged, and I had a hard time understanding how it related to the rest of the narrative. Eventually, it made sense, but it felt very detached and slow. I think this was partially because this is one of the few stories that doesn't get split up between two perspectives, so it was a bit of a slog to get through.
If you like doomed histories, you'll love this!
My favorite stories were Dray's The Queen, Quinn's The Warrior, and Knight's The Daughters. These stories were poignant and full of soul. Dray's Cartimandua was a perfect foil to Boudica while Knight's Sorcha and Keena were the perfect vehicle to show us the infamous warrior queen. They sacrifices really sung from the page. As for Quinn, she wrote about the epic battle, which was heart-wrenching, even though I knew what was going to happen. What made it so sad was Duro and Valeria. Quinn really brought them to life. I understood and sympathized with both of them, which is no easy feat when the characters are sworn enemies. Quinn is truly masterful.
Middle of the road for me was Downie's The Slave, Shecter's The Druid, and Turney's The Son. It's hard for me to pinpoint exactly what I didn't like about them. I guess their stories felt kind of small to me compared to the ones I liked.
My least favorite story was Whitfield's The Tribune about Agricola. I found this story dragged, and I had a hard time understanding how it related to the rest of the narrative. Eventually, it made sense, but it felt very detached and slow. I think this was partially because this is one of the few stories that doesn't get split up between two perspectives, so it was a bit of a slog to get through.
If you like doomed histories, you'll love this!