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The Blackthorn Queen

Eagles and Crows, Book 1

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The Blackthorn Queen

By: Melanie Karsak
Narrated by: Lesley Parkin
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From ancient henges to windswept mountains, dive into a world where pagan gods rule, powerful priestesses weave magic, and fierce Celtic tribes battle for dominance.

Britain, AD 38, Princess Cartimandua—Carti—of the Brigantes tribe faces an uncertain future when her father’s sudden death ignites turmoil. Suspicion falls on the Crow People of the Votadini tribe, straining the fragile peace between the factions.

But they’re not the only ones bearing a grudge.

A tangled web of political games soon unfolds. When enigmatic Prince Cormag of the Votadini shows the princess unwanted attention, the Brigantes’ alliance with the Carvetti is shaken. Cartimandua’s dream of marrying gallant Prince Venutiux of the Carvetti is put at risk. Soon, Carti finds herself at the center of a whirlwind of divided loyalties.

Yet amidst the misty forests and the blackthorn trees, the Cailleach, the ancient dark goddess of the Brigantes people, whispers that all is not as it seems. With the fate of her tribe at stake, Carti must learn to navigate the treacherous waters of politics, duty, magic, and love.

From New York Times bestselling author Melanie Karsak, The Blackthorn Queen transports listeners to northern Celtic Britain on the precipice of the second Roman invasion, introducing us to Cartimandua, princess of the powerful Brigantes tribe.

©2023 Clockpunk Press (P)2024 Clockpunk Press
Fantasy Historical Romance Royalty Fiction Magic Ancient History
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Listener received this title free

First let me say I didn’t listen to the other books in the universe so I don’t have the love of the characters popping in. However I had no issues understanding what was going on and who people were. But it was slow. Very slow at the beginning. It caught my attention then lost it. It was a pattern throughout the book with me. The Queens grief came across as whining, maybe that was the narrator and it reads different but it annoyed me. Everyone grieves differently but it didn’t add up with later actions so it sat wrong with me. However the MC is strong and kind and I enjoyed her. The justice at the end elevated my star rating and the entire ending left a smile on my face.

A LOT of world building

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