by Manda Scott
First published 2006
Boudica faces an impossible choice as Roman legions tighten their grip on her homeland. The Eceni queen watches Nero's forces grow more brutal while her own family fractures under the strain. Her son Cunomar burns to prove himself as a warrior. Her daughter Graine bears psychic scars from witnessing Roman atrocities. Most painfully, her brother Bán now serves Rome as the soldier Valerius, torn between his birth tribe and his adopted empire. The Eceni believe their ancestors guide them in battle, but even spiritual power may not save them from Rome's military machine. When Boudica disguises herself to infiltrate enemy territory, she discovers intelligence that forces a desperate gamble. She must unite every Celtic tribe against the invaders or watch her people disappear forever. The resulting clash will determine whether Britain remains free or falls completely under Roman rule.
Genres: historical, historical-fiction, adventure, fantasy
Vibes: emotional, suspenseful, thought-provoking
Tropes: chosen-one, enemies-to-lovers
Setting: Britain, Rome
Period: Ancient
432 pages · Hardcover · Delacorte Press
Content warnings: violence, war