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Queens of the Hollow Hills (Eagles and Crows #3) by Melanie Karsak: A Book Review

Queen of the Hollow Hills (Eagles and Crows #3)

Author: Melanie Karsak

Genre: Historical Fiction, Fantasy

Publisher: Clockpunk Press

Release Date: October 29, 2024

Pages: 364

Source: This book was given to me by the author in exchange for an honest review. 

Synopsis: In the shadows of the hollow hills, a queen's destiny unfolds.


     Britain, AD 38. Having defeated her enemies, Queen Cartimandua works swiftly to stabilize the north. But not all foes yield quietly. Forces move in the shadows to destabilize the Brigantes. Working to root out resistance, Queen Cartimandua finds an unlikely ally in deposed Prince Venutiux—much to his wife’s dismay. Even with King Eddin’s support, facing an unnamed enemy proves difficult. Darkness, in the shape of an eagle, looms for them all.


     Yet even amongst the chaos, a glimmer of hope persists. As Queen Cartimandua and King Consort Cormag chart their new life together, a bright future seems within reach. Blessings from Brigantia abound even amid the encroaching shadows. However, whispers from the little ones of the Hollow Hills imply that Cartimandua must wear a crown of talon and bone if she hopes to survive the dark days ahead.

     Continue the Eagles and Crows series with the third installment, Queen of the Hollow Hills, by New York Times bestselling author Melanie Karsak.


           My Review: Queen of the Hollow Hills is the third book in the Eagles and Crows series that follows the life of Queen Cartimandua of the Brigantes tribe. Queen Cartimandua seeks an alliance with the northern tribes in order to combat darkness. Initially, she and her husband seem like their life will be full of happiness. However, Queen Cartimandua starts experiencing trials and tragedies. Could Cartimandua be the strong queen that Brigantes needs her to be?


     Queen of the Hollow Hills picks up where The Crow Queen ends. I was curious to see how she would be now that she was a married woman with what seemed like a bright future for her. However, what happens to Queen Cartimandua in this story was not what I was expecting. Queen Cartimandua was a very sympathetic figure. She was very relatable and very human. I found her to be very mature since The Blackthorn Queen. She has grown into an intelligent, capable, and strong queen who cares deeply for her people. Therefore, she was very admirable.


     Overall, this novel is about loss, love, and survival. I found all the characters to be very complex. The novel moved at an even pace. There were some scenes that I thought were unnecessary. Unlike The Blackthorn Queen and The Crow Queen that were more light hearted, Queen of the Hollow Hills was darker. I like the fantasy aspect of the novel, which made it more atmospheric. I love how Mrs. Karsak made ancient Britain come alive! Thus, Queen of the Hollows Hills was a very moving and beautiful read! I can’t wait to read the next installment, Queen of Talon and Bone! in the Eagles and Crows series! I hope the next one will be released soon because I can’t wait to learn what happens to Queen Cartimandua! I recommend this novel for fans of Daughters of Fire, Wild Brigantia, and Cartimandua!


Rating: 5 out of 5 stars


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