The Blackthorn Queen
Eagles and Crows, Book 1
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Narrated by:
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Lesley Parkin
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By:
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Melanie Karsak
About this listen
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.
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Grabbed my soul
- By korinka on 08-28-16
By: Melanie Karsak
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The Norse Queen
- Norsewomen Series, Book 1
- By: Johanna Wittenberg
- Narrated by: Amy Landon
- Length: 9 hrs and 37 mins
- Unabridged
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Daughter of a Norse king, 15-year-old Åsa dreams of becoming a shield-maiden. When she spurns a powerful warlord, he rains hellfire on her family, slaughtering her father and brother and taking her captive. To protect her people, Åsa must wed her father's killer. To take vengeance, she must become his queen.
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Couldn’t follow
- By Danielle on 05-27-24
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The Lost Queen
- A Novel
- By: Signe Pike
- Narrated by: Toni Frutin
- Length: 17 hrs and 44 mins
- Unabridged
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In a land of mountains and mist, tradition and superstition, Languoreth and her brother Lailoken are raised in the Old Way of their ancestors. But in Scotland, a new religion is rising, one that brings disruption, bloodshed, and riot. And even as her family faces the burgeoning forces of Christianity, the Anglo-Saxons, bent on colonization, are encroaching from the east. When conflict brings the hero Emrys Pendragon to her father’s door, Languoreth finds love with one of his warriors. Her deep connection to Maelgwn is forged by enchantment, but she is promised in marriage to Rhydderch, son of a Christian king.
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Lost no more!
- By Beckersly on 09-13-18
By: Signe Pike
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The Irish Princess
- By: Elizabeth Chadwick
- Narrated by: Aoife McMahon
- Length: 16 hrs and 14 mins
- Unabridged
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Aoife MacMurchada is just 14 years old when her father Diarmit, King of Leinster, is brutally deposed, and her family is forced to flee Southern Ireland into English exile. Diarmit seeks help from King Henry II, an alliance that leads him to the charismatic Richard de Clare, lord of Striguil, a man dissatisfied with his lot and open to new horizons. Diarmit promises Richard wealth, lands, and Aoife's hand in marriage in return for his aid, but Aoife has her own thoughts on the matter. She may be a prize, but she is not a pawn, and she will play the game to her own advantage.
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Couldn’t get past the narrator
- By Amazon Customer on 10-03-24
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Queen of Oak: A Novel of Boudica
- The Celtic Rebels Series Book 1
- By: Melanie Karsak
- Narrated by: Lesley Parkin
- Length: 18 hrs and 4 mins
- Unabridged
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Boudica, second daughter of a Celtic king, has little concern for tribal tensions and political intrigues. Called by the gods and the stirrings of her own wild heart, she listens instead to whispers of the oaks. But Boudica would be wiser to heed the warning cries of eagles. Rumors abound that the Romans are amassing forces for another invasion. In an effort to consolidate power, Boudica’s father turns to Prasutagus, the formidable ruler of the Greater Iceni. To win Prasutagus’s aid, Boudica’s father must strike a bargain - a deal with implications beyond Boudica’s imagining.
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5 stars if you like this genre -- me, not so much
- By Susan Tysklind Sweet on 05-31-22
By: Melanie Karsak
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Heart of a Valkyrie
- The Vinland to Valhalla Saga, Book 1
- By: Melanie Karsak
- Narrated by: Sofia Engstrand
- Length: 10 hrs and 37 mins
- Unabridged
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Iceland, 976—Freydis Eiriksdottir, born to a völva mother and berserker father, lives a quiet life on her remote farmstead. Busy dreaming of the sea and haunted by the loss of her mother, she has no idea what the Norns have in store for her. When her father, Eirik the Red, marries the daughter of a powerful chieftain, the course of Freydis's life changes forever. Deciding that Freydis would be better off with the Gothar, Eirik sends his only daughter to serve the Norse gods. Freydis learns the ancient ways and discovers that her world is endangered.
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No spoiler review
- By Amazon Customer on 08-26-24
By: Melanie Karsak
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Highland Raven
- The Celtic Blood Series, Book 1
- By: Melanie Karsak
- Narrated by: Lesley Parkin
- Length: 8 hrs and 6 mins
- Unabridged
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Scotland, 1026 - Gruoch, descendant of the line of MacAlpin, should have been born into a life of ease. But fate is fickle. Her father's untimely death, rumored to have been plotted by King Malcolm, leaves her future uncertain and stained by the prophecy that she will avenge her family line. Escaping to one of the last strongholds of the old Celtic gods, Gruoch becomes an adept in arcane craft. Her encounters with the otherworld, however, suggest that magic runs stronger in Scotland than she ever imagined.
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Grabbed my soul
- By korinka on 08-28-16
By: Melanie Karsak
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The Norse Queen
- Norsewomen Series, Book 1
- By: Johanna Wittenberg
- Narrated by: Amy Landon
- Length: 9 hrs and 37 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Daughter of a Norse king, 15-year-old Åsa dreams of becoming a shield-maiden. When she spurns a powerful warlord, he rains hellfire on her family, slaughtering her father and brother and taking her captive. To protect her people, Åsa must wed her father's killer. To take vengeance, she must become his queen.
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Couldn’t follow
- By Danielle on 05-27-24
-
The Lost Queen
- A Novel
- By: Signe Pike
- Narrated by: Toni Frutin
- Length: 17 hrs and 44 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In a land of mountains and mist, tradition and superstition, Languoreth and her brother Lailoken are raised in the Old Way of their ancestors. But in Scotland, a new religion is rising, one that brings disruption, bloodshed, and riot. And even as her family faces the burgeoning forces of Christianity, the Anglo-Saxons, bent on colonization, are encroaching from the east. When conflict brings the hero Emrys Pendragon to her father’s door, Languoreth finds love with one of his warriors. Her deep connection to Maelgwn is forged by enchantment, but she is promised in marriage to Rhydderch, son of a Christian king.
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Lost no more!
- By Beckersly on 09-13-18
By: Signe Pike
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The Irish Princess
- By: Elizabeth Chadwick
- Narrated by: Aoife McMahon
- Length: 16 hrs and 14 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Aoife MacMurchada is just 14 years old when her father Diarmit, King of Leinster, is brutally deposed, and her family is forced to flee Southern Ireland into English exile. Diarmit seeks help from King Henry II, an alliance that leads him to the charismatic Richard de Clare, lord of Striguil, a man dissatisfied with his lot and open to new horizons. Diarmit promises Richard wealth, lands, and Aoife's hand in marriage in return for his aid, but Aoife has her own thoughts on the matter. She may be a prize, but she is not a pawn, and she will play the game to her own advantage.
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Couldn’t get past the narrator
- By Amazon Customer on 10-03-24
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Shield-Maiden: Under the Howling Moon
- The Road to Valhalla, Book 1
- By: Melanie Karsak
- Narrated by: Lesley Parkin
- Length: 7 hrs and 21 mins
- Unabridged
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In my dreams, Odin whispers to me. He tells me I'm destined to wield a legendary sword. He tells me my road will bring me to Valhalla. But when I wake, I'm only Hervor. Fatherless. Unloved. Unwanted. Jarl Bjartmar, my grandfather, calls me cursed. My mother, her memories stolen by the gods, has forgotten me. Everyone tells me I should have been left to the wolves, but no one will tell me why. None but Eydis, a thrall with völva magic, believes I'm meant for a greater destiny. Yet who can believe a devotee of Loki?
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IM IN LOVE WITH THIS BOOK!
- By Raelea on 07-25-20
By: Melanie Karsak
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Sidroc the Dane: A Circle of Ceridwen Saga Story
- By: Octavia Randolph
- Narrated by: Nano Nagle
- Length: 16 hrs and 48 mins
- Unabridged
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A discarded child fated to become a powerful Jarl - here is the story of Sidroc. Fate guides the path of his father, Hrald, to his meeting with the woman whose son would help change the face of ninth-century Angle-land. An ever-growing rivalry between Sidroc and his cousin Toki defines the boys' early years. Their young uncle, Yrling, knows success as a raider in far-off Angle-land, and trains his nephews in the ways of the warrior. Ahead of them is the perilous crossing of the North Sea, which stands between them and the plunder they seek.
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Oh, to be a character in this book!
- By KarenW on 06-03-18
By: Octavia Randolph
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A Marriage of Lions
- By: Elizabeth Chadwick
- Narrated by: Helen Stern
- Length: 16 hrs and 54 mins
- Unabridged
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Raised at the court of King Henry III as a chamber lady to the queen, young Joanna of Swanscombe's life changes forever when she comes into an inheritance far above all expectations, including her own. Now a wealthy heiress, Joanna's arranged marriage to the King's charming, tournament-loving half-brother William de Valence immediately stokes the flames of political unrest as more established courtiers object to the privileges bestowed on newcomers.
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Worst Narration
- By Blue True on 07-25-24
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The Red Cape Society, Books 1-3
- A Red Riding Hood Retelling
- By: Melanie Karsak
- Narrated by: Lesley Parkin
- Length: 11 hrs and 53 mins
- Unabridged
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It's Penny Dreadful meets Supernatural in this exciting retelling of the classic Red Riding Hood fairy tale with hefty doses of badassery and steampunk. See how New York Times best-selling author Melanie Karsak puts her unique spin on this timeless tale, blending it into her richly-built and award-winning steampunk universe.
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Love it!
- By JSV on 01-20-21
By: Melanie Karsak
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Shield-Maiden
- Gambit of Blood: The Shadows of Valhalla, Book 1
- By: Melanie Karsak
- Narrated by: Lesley Parkin
- Length: 11 hrs and 26 mins
- Unabridged
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Story
An orphaned descendant of Loki. A princess without a kingdom. A shield-maiden plagued by the shadows of Valhalla. Born to rule two jarldoms, Ervie should have had a life of ease. But fate has not been kind. Her parents’ jarldoms destroyed in the wars of a previous generation, Ervie is set adrift in the world. Taking refuge in the lands of the famed King Gizer, Ervie finds a temporary retreat from her aching sense of loss. But when Gizer’s warband is summoned to defend one of his staunchest allies, the journey promises more than just battle for Ervie.
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the movement and content of the story line
- By Kylie Schroeder on 10-09-24
By: Melanie Karsak
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Boudica: Dreaming the Eagle
- By: Manda Scott
- Narrated by: Jerome Flynn, Liza Goddard, Philip Stevens
- Length: 23 hrs and 14 mins
- Unabridged
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Performance
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Story
In AD 60, Boudica, war leader of the Eceni, led her people in a final bloody revolt against the occupying armies of Rome. It was the culmination of nearly 20 years of resistance against an occupying force that sought to crush a vibrant, complex civilisation and replace it with the laws, taxes and slavery of the Roman Empire.
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Someone give me a gun!
- By Wayne on 05-14-21
By: Manda Scott
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The Highland Witch
- A Novel
- By: Susan Fletcher
- Narrated by: Rosalyn Landor
- Length: 12 hrs and 57 mins
- Unabridged
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Overall
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Performance
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Story
February 13, 1692. Thirty-eight members of the MacDonald clan are killed by soldiers who had previously enjoyed the clan’s hospitality. Many more die from exposure. Forty miles south, brilliant, captivating Corrag—accused witch and orphaned herbalist—is imprisoned in the Scottish highlands for her involvement in the massacre.
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beautifully written!
- By Scottishcat on 06-06-12
By: Susan Fletcher
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The Widow Queen
- The Bold, Book 1
- By: Elzbieta Cherezinska
- Narrated by: Cassandra Campbell
- Length: 23 hrs and 50 mins
- Unabridged
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Story
The bold one, they call her - too bold for most. To her father, the great duke of Poland, Swietoslawa and her two sisters represent three chances for an alliance. Three marriages on which to build his empire. But Swietoslawa refuses to be simply a pawn in her father's schemes; she seeks a throne of her own, with no husband by her side.
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You don’t get an ending!
- By Sean Schubert on 04-29-21
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The Royal Rebel
- By: Elizabeth Chadwick
- Narrated by: Amy Noble
- Length: 14 hrs and 41 mins
- Unabridged
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Overall
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Performance
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Story
1338: England has declared war on France, and Jeanette of Kent, cousin to King Edward III, says goodbye to her family and travels overseas with the royal court for the first time. Once in Antwerp, she is captivated by talented household knight, Thomas Holland, just as he in turn is powerfully drawn to her. Although both know their romance is forbidden, their love for each other grows stronger than the danger they face, and they marry in secret. But before they can make their tryst known, Thomas has to leave for war, and in his absence, Jeanette is forced into a second marriage.
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Strong characterizations
- By FunReader on 10-22-24
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The Rose and the Thistle
- By: Laura Frantz
- Narrated by: Amy Scanlon
- Length: 13 hrs and 53 mins
- Unabridged
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Overall
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Performance
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Story
In 1715, Lady Blythe Hedley's father is declared an enemy of the British crown because of his Jacobite sympathies, forcing her to flee her home in northern England. Secreted to the tower of Wedderburn Castle in Scotland, Lady Blythe awaits who will ultimately be crowned king. But in a house with seven sons and numerous servants, her presence soon becomes known.
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Ended Abruptly
- By Nature Mama on 04-13-23
By: Laura Frantz
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Of Blood & Nightmares
- By: Chandelle LaVaun
- Narrated by: Amy Landon
- Length: 10 hrs and 21 mins
- Unabridged
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Story
The moment that knight dragged me through The Veil into the realm of Terrea everything changed. This world is nothing like home, it’s like I’ve stepped into a fantasy and traveled back in time. The person I was and the life I lived are gone. Lost. That Veil is not reopening. I’m stuck here…Forever.
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DNF - 20 minutes is all it took.
- By Kaitlin Peeler on 01-06-24
By: Chandelle LaVaun
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The Lochlann Treaty: Complete Series
- By: Robin D. Mahle, Elle Madison
- Narrated by: Oliva King, Adam Gold
- Length: 23 hrs and 58 mins
- Unabridged
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Overall
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Performance
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Story
Princess Charlotte’s entire life had been planned. Right up until the moment her fiancé is kidnapped on her wedding day, sending the entire kingdom hurtling toward disaster. Charlie has never left the protective grounds of the castle, but to save her intended, she’ll trade her crown for a sword and forge into dangerous rebel lands alongside her fiancé’s arrogant older brother, Logan. He thinks she’s a spoiled princess. She’s about to prove him wrong. But each step deeper into the enemy’s world confirms nothing is what it seems.
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Decent story
- By C Ricketts on 02-18-23
By: Robin D. Mahle, and others
What listeners say about The Blackthorn Queen
Average customer ratingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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- Sandra Baur
- 01-20-24
excellent story
well written story line, loved the mix of magic and love. fantastic narrator as well! can't wait to see where Carti goes next!
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1 person found this helpful
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- AmberK5
- 01-20-24
Amazing Book!! Amazing Narration!!
I absolutely loved this book and was a 5 star read for me!
If you are familiar with the Celtic Rebels series, you have already briefly met Carti.
Cartimandua - Carti is strong, independent, and has a brilliant mind. Princess of the Brigantes, her father was murder and she is surrounded by many she can not trust. This story was fantastic and brilliant with complex characters, mystery, intrigue, celtic mysticism, and so much more! The audio narration was an absolute delight! Lesley Parkin is a perfect fit for the story and does an outstanding job making each character come alive!!
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- Jayelle
- 02-15-24
Excellent Read!
I really enjoyed Carti’s story. I love historical fiction and all the little details added to this book. I thought the narrator was perfect as well.
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- Fair Thinker
- 02-14-24
Excellent storyline and narration!
I’m a fan of Melanie’s books and love this historical fiction book in her series. I’m now going to highly anticipate the continuation of this story! The narration was perfect as always! I can’t find anything I disliked about this book.
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- The Literary Vixen
- 02-29-24
A Fantastic Read!
This was a fantastic read! The combination of the wonderful storytelling and the narrator’s voice, made for a captivating read. It was so easy to get lost in another world. I can’t wait for the next book! Highly recommend!
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- Alicia Rust
- 01-18-24
Amazingly detailed and written well
So I am not typically a fan of historical books unless there is fantasy involved and this book did not disappoint. I seriously devoured this in one sitting. I did listen to this on audible while following along with KU and the narrator Lesley Parkin did a fantastic job of differentiating between the characters and it was so easy to follow along. I am looking forward to reading the rest in this series.
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1 person found this helpful
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- Amazon Customer
- 01-18-24
Melanie Karsak is amazing and so is Narrator Lesley Parkin
I love everything about this story and the narration of it. It is a must read (and must listen) for sure!
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1 person found this helpful
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- Judy Runion
- 01-31-24
The BlackThorn Queen....
I have fallen in love! From the very beginning to all the surprises. All I can say is, Carti is a force to be reckoned with. She is a thinker. She gets what she wants AND what she needs. The way of a queen. The narration was wonderful. I enjoy Leslie Parkin. She brings a character to life. Looking forward to the next in line..The Crow Queen!
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- CJ Mune
- 02-02-24
Memorable and a great age in time
Melanie has a really good cadence down with her writing. I was very excited to be able to access this audiobook and delighted finding out that it is narrated by Leslie Parkin. They have both done a wonderful job giving life to Princess Carti and the struggles that she faces within the Brigantes tribe. It’s a coming of age tale and Melanie did a thorough job at making Carti into a 3-dimensional character. She has sorrows, she has self doubts, she has triumphs that are hard won. Like Melanie’s other works, I found myself transported away from my office job and put into the world of her series. I eagerly await the next book! I received a complementary copy of this work.
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- Amanda
- 08-15-24
Political intrigue
First the audiobook performance was great! The story itself was full of political games which I typically don’t like but I was sucked into this story easily and fully.
I cannot wait to continue the story in the next book!
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