Customer Reviews

Boudica: Dreaming the Hound

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

having read dreaming the eagle and the hound this book is a natural follow on and has all the characters and exciting visions of our past ancestors and the way they lived and died. the two religions clashing ,the roman's and the britain's,and thier beliefs seemes even more important than the colonian aspirations of the romans trying to conquer britain. i loved all three that i have read and look forward to the next one.

Very nice read. It gave a new take on the Warrior Queen. The hard time and sacrifices she made for her people.

This was a very compelling narrative with excellent characterization. I wondered whether Manda Scott or Robert Graves (I,Claudius) had a truer portrayal of the Roman Emperor Claudius. I think Manda Scott is probably more authentic than Graves.

I noticed that there was relatively little presence of Boudica in this book. There was a great deal of focus on her husband and brother. I didn't mind this because her brother had some interesting internal conflicts.

Most readers will have read the previous two; if not, then please do before getting this, as you will otherwise be rather lost. Manda Scott's Quadrilogy may be a little slow for people with short attention spans, but for those who enjoy a well written, atmospheric and believable account of a little known but fascinating time, all four books are recommended.
Yes, this one does go into some detail about Boudica's half-brother Ban, but it feels natural and is useful at giving us some insight into "the enemy" (Rome). Manda's sympathies so obviously lie with the Britons, the 'dreamers' and warriors, that a little balance is nice.
A great read; page-turning but deep and truly involving, despite one knowing the broad outlines of the history. Enjoy!

This second book in the series is not as easy to read as the first. Perhaps it is because it deals more with Boudica's brother, Ban, (Valerius) that it was not quite what I was expecting. having stated that, it is necessary to read this book to fully understand what goes on in the remainder of the series. Scott brings to life the times of the ancient Britains, her understanding of the tribes, the relationships between the tribes and the interaction between the Britains and the Romans provides a knowledge for the reader whilst still being an enthrawling story that is difficult to put down.

In the second book of the Boudica quartet, Breaca and Bán - sister and brother, each believing the other is dead - unknowingly seek to destroy one another. Breaca and Caradoc try to raise a family while warding off the Roman invasion. Bán, through circumstances and poor choices, finds solace in becoming a Roman warrior. Both leaders without realizing who they target, vow to kill each other.

As in the first book, two stories - one surrounding Breaca and Caradoc and the other centered around Bán - run parallel until the end. Bán captures Caradoc, his first wife, his oldest daughter and his son, Cunomar, along with the singer, Dubornos, and takes them to the Roman emperor. As Scott explains in the historical note at the end, history is uncertain about what actually happened between Claudius and Caradoc. But Caradoc survived and lived in captivity.

Breaca, meanwhile, leads her people against Roman occupation. Breaca's story is secondary to Bán's. She is a new mother again - to a daughter this time. But Scott puts the spotlight on Bán, his guilt and descent into self-destruction while leading the Roman occupation.

Toward the end, some of Caradoc's group escapes and returns to Mona. The reunion is heartwrenching, and there is no happy ending. The set-up for the third novel is perfect.

A highly recommended 5 stars for those who enjoy and even mix of history and imagination as well as a page-turning adventure story.