Manda Scott Boudica: Dreaming the Hound

Boudica: Dreaming the Hound

Manda Scott

Delacorte, Feb 2006, $23.00

ISBN: 0385336721

In AD 57 Britannia, Breaca of Mona agrees with what others, including the Roman Standard Bearer Vindex have said, that fighting alone means eventual defeat. However, uniting the tribes against the brutal outsiders seems impossible, especially since her potentially best ally, her brother Ban the Valerius, lingers in prison. Ironically, in spite of her sibling switching sides several times betraying his people and the Romans, he remains her only hope to help her unite the still bickering clans, even after fourteen years of occupation by Emperor Claudius' legions.

Over the next couple of years Breaca remains steadfast, feeling strongly that she must continue to take the fight to the Romans. That is why she kills Vindex and leads the rescue of Caradoc. Her success brings hope to her and her Eceni people, who now call Breaca the Boudica, "Bringer of Victory". She wonders if perhaps her new husband Prasutagos could expedite the removal of the Romans from Eceni. However, the Romans also have heard of the legendary warrior woman, and plan to attack the island of Mona where she is allegedly leading the insurgency.

The third Warrior Queen historical tale (see BOUDICA: DREAMING THE EAGLE and BOUDICA: DREAMING THE BULL) is an exciting look back at Ancient Britannia during a 2 - 3 year period in which Boudica tries to rally forces against the Romans. Manda Scott enables her audience to see much deeper inside her key protagonists so that motives are apparent, especially Ban, who's hard to fathom his honor system from a modern day perspective. Though the storyline at times feels padded and subsequently slows down, for the most part this is a terrific addition to the epic saga; fans of the series will appreciate this entry, while newcomers should read the previous two thrillers first.