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Queen of Ash and Iron (The Celtic Rebel Series #3) by Melanie Karsak: A Book Review

Queen of Ash and Iron (The Celtic Rebel Series #3)
Author: Melanie Karsak
Genre: Historical Fiction, Fantasy
Publisher: Clockpunk Press
Release Date: May 25, 2023
Pages: 770
Source: This book was given to me by the author in exchange for an honest review

Synopsis: Fated to lead a rebellion against Rome.

Destined to become a legend.


Britain, A.D. 47

All at once, everything changes.


The rebellion of the Northern Iceni under King Caturix results in dire consequences for Boudica. Without Aulus Plautius’s protection, Boudica must face the new, more severe Roman Governor Scapula. Struggling to make their way in a war-torn landscape, Boudica and Prasutagus persevere, but fate has a way of undoing our best intentions. Catastrophic events take place undermining everything Boudica worked so hard to achieve.


As the eagle betrays, the queen of ash and iron rises to protect all that she loves.


Continue the epic tale of the famous warrior queen in Queen of Ash and Iron: A Novel of Boudica, book 3 in the Celtic Rebels series by New York Times bestseller Melanie Karsak.

    My Review: Queen Boudica has decided to make peace with the Romans rather than fighting them. She quickly realizes that peace was not what she had once hoped for. The Romans are destroying her lands, killing her people, and destroying the religion. Eventually, Queen Boudica reaches a breaking point. She decides to no longer have pace with the Romans. Instead, she makes war.


Queen Boudica is a fascinating character. She is a queen who is very compassionate. She makes some bad choices. However, they are done to save her people. I liked seeing her transformation from an ally queen of Rome to one of Rome’s fiercest enemies. She was a very strong and charismatic leader who gave many people hope. It is no wonder why she had so many warriors from different tribes to fight for her against the Romans. Thus, Boudica was a very compelling queen.


Overall, this novel is about choices, family, and war. All of the characters were very complex and likable. I was very interested in learning about their fate. Because Queen Boudica went through so many hardships, this was a very tough read, especially at the end. Still, this was an epic conclusion to a breathtaking series! The Celtic Rebels is one of the best series on the legendary queens. You will come away from the novel feeling like you know Queen Boudica and the world she lived in. Mrs. Karsak has made Celtic Britain come alive! I recommend this book for fans of Warrior Queen, Boudica’s Daughter, and Sword of Gladiatrix! The Celtic Rebels series is a real treat and a series that you must not miss! I can’t wait to read more of Mrs. Karsak’s other works in which she has also written about other infamous queens! Mrs. Karsak has now become one of my favorite authors!


Rating: 5 out of 5 stars


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