Queen of Oak: A Novel of Boudica: The Celtic Rebels Series Book 1

I was captured by this story from the beginning until the final page. Looking forward to the sequel. Would recommend to anyone who enjoys a vividly described tale. This is not the first book I've read by this author. Have enjoyed a complete series, and know I'll certainly enjoy this one as well.

I enjoyed the story bringing the characters so vividly alive. An ancient world of magic and mystery. Looking forward to the 2nd book.

Love the characters looking forward to the next one. Boudicca is a legend that’s great to read about yes ma’am

Queen of Oak is stunning adventure from the extremely talented Melanie Karsak. In this tale the reader gets a rich history of Boudica, her life, love, and adventures and so much more.As this is a historical fiction adventure, the reader gets both the history of the fierce and formidable (real) Boudica but also the magic of her life and loves along the way. As much as is known about her, from actual history, there is still so much to be learned and Karsak does an amazing job of filling in the blanks to create not only an addictive story but an emotional and realistic look at what might have been.If you have read and enjoyed this author before then this story will comfort you in ways you have come to expect. There is a wonderful mix of familiarity between Queen of Oak, The Shied Maiden series, and the Celtic Blood series; even though these are three different standalone series. Reading this story feels like coming home again in knowing you will be getting a quality story with refined moments.Queen of Oak has it all: old magic, faeries, druids, the Gods, the greenwood, love, loss, emotional moments, strength, family, humor, and heart. The characters are multi-dimensional and realistic, while the world comes alive with every page. *Ula stole a piece of my heart and I look forward to more from her in the future. *If you enjoy historical fiction, romance, action, and/or adventure or a looking for a story to get lost in. This one is for you. It does end with a cliffhanger as the series continues in Queen of Stone.One of my favorite things about this author and her stories is how lost I get in the world, with the characters and how a few hours become an epic ride not only into history but next to the most amazing (real life) characters. These stories give me another lifetime every time I read them. I devoured this story, didn’t get a wink of sleep in too nights, and have never loved it more.Highly recommended.

Well written, fun historical fantasy. Since so little is known about Boudica, or about British religious practices of the era (except they were not as depicted in this book) an author has freedom to take an idea and follow their imagination. I powered through this in just over a day (took today off to read and rest from some overwork yesterday, but still, I wouldn't have spent the whole day reading had the book not held my attention.) Now I am going to jump right in to the second volume.

Boudica is the second daughter of a Celtic king. She has no taste for getting involved with politics. However, she is called by the Celtic gods to beware of the Eagles. The Eagles are the Romans that are about to invade her beloved homeland. In order to protect them from the Romans, Boudicca’s father enters into an alliance with Prasutagus. Boudica is one of the most famous queens in Great Britain. Yet, novelists have rarely focused on Boudica’s teen years. This novel gives the reader a glimpse of what Boudica might have been like as an adolescent. I really like Mrs. Karsak’s version of Boudica. Boudica is very carefree. She loves her home and it’s surroundings. I identified with her and the difficult choices that she had to make. Thus, not only was Boudica a strong character, but she was also very realistic and relatable. Overall, this was a coming of age story of Boudica. As soon as you open up the first page, Mrs. Karsak sucks you into Celtic Britain. The past immediately becomes alive with vivid descriptions and a large cast of characters. All of the characters are realistic and complex. The author also does an excellent job using magical elements in her story. I love how the setting of Celtic Britain seems very mystical. Boudica’s Britain was before the conversion of Christainity. Thus, Britain appeared very magical that verged on faerie lore. Religion was an important aspect of the book, and I loved how Mrs. Karsak handled it! Thus, Queen of the Oak is a breathtaking and mesmerizing novel about the infamous British warrior queen! I loved this novel so much that I can’t wait for the sequel! I am excited to see how Mrs. Karsak will continue to portray Boudica’s story! I recommend this for fans of Mists of Avalon, Daughter of Destiny, and The Lost Queen!(Note: This book was given to me by the author. All opinions expressed are my own!)

This book has a great storyline. The characters are well developed, and interesting. I don’t like when a book ends abruptly as it does here. There is enough interest in wondering what will happen with the loose ends and the Roman’s that this story could have ended after the ceremony for the dead.

I was skeptical about this series, but I have found this first book to be a good story. The characters are very well designed as is the story line. Karzai has another great series , which I know I will enjoy reading.

Just tore through this book which I had been "saving up" for a few weeks to read. I am a huge fan of the Highland Queen and the Shield Maiden series - particularly a fan of the beautifully drawn strong female characters and especially of Hervor! Young Boudicca does not disappoint, she reminds me of Hervor - a loveable, spirited and passionate heroine, and again the pages just flow in the lyrical style I have come to love from this author, the way she weaves magic and history is joyous to read, telling the stories of unsung female heroines from the ages, is when the author is at her best. I really think Melanie Karsak is true classic, quality writer whose dreamy historical fiction will one day get a lot of recognition. Cannot wait for the next instalment in the series and find out what life has in store for Boudicca and world next - filling in the gaps that his-story doesn't do for us - just wonderful.

Really enjoyed this book looking forward yo the next installment

Once again, Melanie Karsak, has done it and brought history -really ancient history- to life in her very own and masterful way. Queen of Oak is a beautiful rendition of the early years of Boudica, one of the most captivating warrior queens of a past long gone, when magic was everywhere and the old ways of the ancestors still ruled the land. Young Boudica is living through a time of change and heartbreak, where the greenwood whispers omens that speak of turmoil and winds of change.A great introduction to the series, full of love and sorrow, hope and magic, and -something I particularly love- lots of Celtic mythology. Highly recommended read for fans of ancient historical fiction.

Loved this book!All of Melanie’s books are brilliant mix of history, romance, adventure and just really well written. The only bad thing is I read them so fast and have to wait it out for the next one !

One of the best books I have read in a long time - I could barely put it down. I don’t feel the synopsis does the book justice!