Boudica: Dreaming the Eagle Paperback – January 1, 2004

Intense & Amazing Story!Wow what an intense and graphically defined journey into the life of a Celtic Queen called Boudica. Her real name is Breaca but later becomes known as Boudica - She who brings Victory. This is the first installment that dives into a moment of life when young Breaca (Boudica)'s tribe (Eceni) is attacked and she makes her first kill by pure luck but at the same time experiences the loss of her mother from the same attack.The story totally captivated me from beginning to end. The everyday tribal life, their experiences, their rituals of dreaming and becoming a warrior was told in fascinating detail - brilliant writing. I felt as though I was among them experiencing everything they did from hunting, training, doing chores, and becoming a warrior. I totally related to their feelings and emotions.I loved the historical culture of the tribes, how they worshiped and which gods they prayed to and how they could dream their futures. I loved how sacred they cherished their lands and their teaching ways.From the author's notes the research for this story is gathered from records from Rome (Boudica's enemy)leading up to the revolt of A.D. 60-61 along with many archaeological findings and theories.I did take some notes down since the book is pretty big and there were key players through out the book that will continue on into the next one. For instance:Ban - is Breaca's brother - they have the same father but different mothers. Ban's tale had me almost weeping from all the brutal hardships he goes through - Kidnapped, beaten, enslaved, and raped. He eventually escapes and becomes a Roman soldier given a roman name "Julius Valerius Corvus". (1st name from his emperor, second for his sponsor) Ban and Corvus end up lovers (Male-Male love is mentioned - no erotic scenes) I also loved Ban's horse Crow - that horse rocked and his hound .The other tribes were very interesting. The sons of the Sun Hound, also known as 3 different tribes. Amminios (traitor)- he was one to hate and he was a back stabber and ruthless, he raped, enslaved young boys, murdered for no reason, and he was for Rome.Togodubnos - ruler of Trinovantes tribe - I respected how honorable he wasCaradoc - ruler of the tribe Ordovices. I loved Caradoc and kept waiting for him and Breaca to get together but it doesn't happen until the end of the book.The book was full of lots of action and the war and attacks were brutal and the imagery was so surreal. Some of the tribes could be explained as savages the way they fought. Their killings consisted of be-headings, strung upon trees naked with their manhood cut, their balls stuffed in their mouths, and the tribes sign carved into their chest. Some warriors dressed wearing the skin of their kills, their scalps, or even tied their heads/skulls around their waist.As far as the Roman's go, you see the build up of greed and how they overtake several tribes just for sport or thinking that if they could take the lands they could civilize the tribes and increase their export trades with full control.The story was definitely intense. This is not a quick read, the wording is smooth and reads fast but with all the information and action I had to slow down so I wouldn't miss the historical meaning behind the story. I look forward to reading the second installment to learn of Boudica and Caradoc's life and children.Excellent Read!

Starts off a little slow but it was entertaining enough to keep me reading. Fascinating tale of Boudica as a child and young woman along with her brother Ban. It does feel complete at the end if you don't want to get into a series.

**"Dreaming the Eagle"** by Manda Scott is the enthralling first installment of a richly imagined trilogy that chronicles the life of Boudica, the legendary warrior queen who bravely defends Celtic culture against the encroachment of Imperial Rome. Set in 33 AD, the story introduces us to the young Breaca, whose fierce spirit and longing to become a Dreamer—a mystical leader with the ability to foresee the future—propel her through a tumultuous journey of self-discovery and empowerment. After a devastating encounter leads her to kill the man who murdered her mother, Breaca proves herself as a warrior and begins to embrace her destiny.Scott masterfully blends epic battles with intimate moments, following Breaca's relationships with Caradoc, her inspiring companion and fellow warrior, and Bàn, her half-brother who aspires to be a warrior despite his gifts as a Dreamer. As the narrative unfolds, readers are immersed in a world rich with druidic mysticism, tribal politics, and the magic of the gods, where the natural landscape plays a significant role in shaping the characters’ fates. **"Dreaming the Eagle"** is a powerful reimagining of a historical figure whose legacy has resonated through the ages, showcasing themes of courage, love, and the fight for freedom against overwhelming odds. This captivating tale is sure to enthrall fans of historical fiction and mythology alike, inviting them to witness the birth of a hero.

While sub-titled "A Novel of Boudica, the Warrior Queen," this book is as much about her brother, Bán. In fact, Breaca nic Graine doesn't become Boudica (She Who Brings Victory) until the final chapters. The book - the first in a quartet - covers the early years of her life from about age 12 to 23 (32 - 43 A.D.).As Scott explains at the end, there is little primary evidence about Boudica and her tribe. Much of what we know comes from Roman accounts, accounts based on oral history and written centuries later, and archaeological interpretations. Thus, to this end, the story is truly a work of fiction.It is, however, beautifully written, compelling and credible. You envision the life of the Eceni (Boudica's tribe), their culture, beliefs, and way of life. You come to understand and accept the dreamings and their significance.Through circumstances often beyond their control, Breaca and Bán (about 4 years her junior) lead different lives. And while one of them makes the "right" choices, the other does not. The ending is heart-breaking and sets the tone for the next book in the series (Dreaming the Bull).The story is not a quick read. While beautifully written, it requires a lot of focus. It introduces at least 3 characters - Breaca, Bán and Caradoc (Breaca's lover) - important to the story. Because of circumstances, their story's often run parallel to one another rather than intertwined. Consequently, I found myself having to re-read parts from time to time.A highly recommended 5 stars.

Took a bit to get into the story but then read the entire series.

J'avais déjà lu cette trilogie en français il y a très longtemps, je l'ai redecouverte en anglais avec un plaisir encore plus grand.À lire absolument.

It’s wonderful when a novel captures you on page one and doesn’t let go till the final page. This is one of those and luckily, there are three more. As Manda Scott says, there’s not much written evidence of the time and archeological evidence is somewhat thin too, so much of the story comes from her very well stocked imagination. She gives us a society that is gender equal. Women were leaders, warriors, singers, dreamers as were men. It’s not quite socially equal, as there is talk of royal lines. The reliance on those who dream the gods and the future, and the threat this tribal society faced from Rome is very reminiscent of the indigenous societies of Australia, America and elsewhere as they faced off against British and other European powers. Beyond that, it’s worth saying that for once, the tag line is absolutely correct: this is an utterly convincing and compelling epic that sweeps us away to another place and time, and there will be many Brits - and descendants of Brits - who treasure it for its window onto our ancestors, who were pretty tough and admirable people in the main. It’s something of an irony that reading it will help us understand the degree to which our more recent ancestors almost destroyed indigenous cultures in other lands.

This book is great, better than great. Manda Scott is a very skilled writer, through her writing you almost feel like you're there. So many people talk about this book being historically accurate or not, but they need to remember; historians know very little of the Celtic tribal world and indeed of Boudica. Through archaeology and the myths of Ireland/Britain, Manda Scott pieces together a great story.We know Boudica existed, we know she fought Rome and sacked London and we know she was never caught, all of which takes place in these books, but history can't tell us what she ate, who she loved and what the druids dreamt of, but Manda Scott makes an educated guess in line with Celtic myth/historical findings.Some say Boudica and Britain's ancient tribes were not Celtic, I think the fact that they spoke a Celtic language and had a Celtic belief system is enough to deem them Celtic. It would not of been a term they would have used, but then again Native Americans, Eskimos & Aborigines all have a different name for themselves.Off my soap box and back to the book ; the battle scenes are amazing and jump of the page and the wars between Natives and Rome are thrilling and Middle Earth-like, but what really leaves a lasting impression is the incredibly moving and layered humanity of the piece and the relationships between mother and child, horse and soldier, lover and warrior and war and country.

WELL WRITTEN AND RESEARCHED. THE PARTS ABOUT THE 'DREAMERS" (READ DRUIDS) IS A BIT OVER THE TOP BUT OTHERWISE WORTH GOING ON TO THE NEXT PHASE OF THE TALE EVEN THOUGH I KNOW THE END.