Queen of Oak: A Novel of Boudica

The Celtic Rebels Series Book 1

By: Melanie Karsak

Narrated by: Lesley Parkin

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.

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captivating

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

Great pacing

I love the characters, story, and lore/magic. As someone with anxiety, I’ve been finding many newer books to be too fast-paced, high-stakes, and stressful. This book was perfect for me. It rolls right along and is always interesting and held my interest, but I wasn’t constantly worried or stressed. The dialogue is natural, the characters are compelling, and I enjoyed the subtle way the magic wove through everything. I appreciate that the love stories aren’t over-simplified. They feel complex in a way real-life often is, but the main characters have emotional maturity and good communication skills, so I wasn’t rolling my eyes like with a lot of dramatic YA content.

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.

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.

Looking Forward to Book Two

I am looking forward to the second book. Building up to something in the first book. Great narration.

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.

Stayed hooked from the beginning!

I love the variety of characters! Very good listen. On to the next book in this series 👌🏻👏🏻

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!