Boudica means Bringer of Victory (from the early Celtic word “boudeg”). She is the last defender of the Celtic culture in Britain; the only woman openly to lead her warriors into battle and to stand successfully against the might of Imperial Rome — and triumph.
–From the Trade Paperback edition of Dreaming the Eagle
Dreaming the Eagle by Manda Scott mostly takes place in the Celtic region in eastern Britain and the Island of Mona in Northwest Wales. The maps are included so everyone can see where things were happening in the book.
Summary
The story begins in 33 AD when Breaca is 11. During an invasion of their village, she kills the man who killed her mother. Although she wants to be a Dreamer, she is a warrior. Eventually, Breaca will become known as Boudica, a warrior queen.
Ban, Breaca’s younger brother, is an animal whisperer and also a dreamer. They say he might be the most powerful dreamer in Eceni history. Ban had a vision of a visitor to the area, Amminios. Ban was just a young boy when he had a vision of Amminios betraying Breaca and the tribe. Since he called the visitor a traitor in a rather public way, Ban had to be disciplined. So he had to give Amminios one of his favorite animals.
Later on, Amminios does betray Breaca and kidnaps Ban. There were many more lies and betrayals from Amminios that it will take many years and several books for Ban and Breaca to figure it out.
Thoughts
Although Dreaming the Eagle is at least 700 pages long, the story kept me interested for the whole time. It took me about two weeks to read. Eventually, I will read the rest of the books in the Boudica series.
If you are interested in historical fiction about one of the fiercest women in history, then you will enjoy this book. There is a statue of Boudica by Thomas Thornycroft called Boadicea and Her Daughters. It is located near Westminster Bridge in London.
If you are a fan of tyranny, then you might not enjoy this book. Come back to read it when you are no longer a fan of tyranny or tyrants.
Side note: There are several ways to pronounce Boudica. I prefer the British pronunciation. It sounds like BOO dica or BOWdica. I think it sounds better than the American pronunciation of bowDICA. Just my opinion. If you want to learn more about the pronunciation, take a peek at this video.
Prompt #22 – Read a history about a period you know little about.
