
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.
©2023 Clockpunk Press (P)2024 Clockpunk PressListeners also enjoyed...
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Story
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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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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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 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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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 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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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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Winter's Fury
- The Furyck Saga, Book 1
- By: A.E. Rayne
- Narrated by: Finty Williams
- Length: 24 hrs and 6 mins
- Unabridged
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And now, her uncle wants to marry her off to the fallen son of her arch-enemy. But Jael is a battle-hardened warrior, trained to kill since she was 10-years-old. She doesn’t plan on being anyone’s wife. Eadmund Skalleson is drunk. His father is threatening him with a wife again. And this time he’s given him an ultimatum. Marry Jael Furyck or your brother returns from exile. But if Eadmund was ever going to choose a wife, it wouldn’t be Jael Furyck. Not her. Not ever.
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I almost stopped listening
- By Raven on 10-13-21
By: A.E. Rayne
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Eye of the Wolf
- The Lords of Alekka, Book 1
- By: A.E. Rayne
- Narrated by: Kate Reading
- Length: 22 hrs
- Unabridged
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Two thousand years after the ancient Kingdom of Alekka was torn in two, disgruntled gods are taking sides, seeking a reckoning, for order can only last so long before chaos returns to claim its rightful place. The dreamers see what is coming.
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WOW! Glued to my phone!
- By Avid reader and shopper on 06-13-22
By: A.E. Rayne
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The Weaver and the Witch Queen
- By: Genevieve Gornichec
- Narrated by: Nina Yndis
- Length: 16 hrs and 26 mins
- Unabridged
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Oddny and Gunnhild meet as children in tenth century Norway, and they could not be more different: Oddny hopes for a quiet life, while Gunnhild burns for power and longs to escape her cruel mother. But after a visiting wisewoman makes an ominous prophecy that involves Oddny, her sister Signy, and Gunnhild, the three girls take a blood oath to help one another always. When Oddny’s farm is destroyed and Signy is kidnapped by Viking raiders, Oddny is set adrift from the life she imagined—but she's determined to save her sister no matter the cost.
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Loved it!
- By Emily Cross on 10-08-23
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A Year of Ravens
- A Novel of Boudica's Rebellion
- By: Kate Quinn, Eliza Knight, Russell Whitfield, and others
- Narrated by: Andrew Kingston, Saskia Maarleveld
- Length: 18 hrs and 28 mins
- Unabridged
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Britannia: land of mist and magic clinging to the western edge of the Roman Empire. A red-haired queen named Boudica led her people in a desperate rebellion against the might of Rome, an epic struggle destined to consume heroes and cowards, young and old, Roman and Briton . . . and these are their stories.
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A Slow Triumph
- By Stefan Filipovits on 09-24-23
By: Kate Quinn, and others
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Spindles and Thorns
- The Society of Roses, Book 1
- By: Melanie Karsak
- Narrated by: Esther Wane
- Length: 6 hrs and 10 mins
- Unabridged
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When Aurora and her twin brother Aubrey were born, a dark mage cursed them: before their eighteenth birthday, the twins would suffer the torment of eternal sleep. Aurora and Aubrey's parents, being sensible wizards, eviscerated the mage. Unfortunately, dark magic doesn't go quietly. Aurora and Aubrey were left orphans. Raised by three half-faerie guardians, the twins' lives pass unremarkably. Attractive, witty, and in possession of a large fortune, they are the toast of polite society.
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Love this book!
- By S.Walsh on 01-29-25
By: Melanie Karsak
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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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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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Rowan
- The Lochlann Feuds Complete Series
- By: Robin D. Mahle, Elle Madison
- Narrated by: Olivia King
- Length: 32 hrs and 40 mins
- Unabridged
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A reckless princess. An enemy kingdom. And a mistake that could cost her everything.
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one of my favorite recent reads
- By Farmer Vannah on 04-18-23
By: Robin D. Mahle, and others
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Lords of the Hunt
- Wilde Fae, Book 1
- By: Kate King
- Narrated by: Stewart Crank, Georgia Gray
- Length: 10 hrs and 55 mins
- Unabridged
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Fae games will change you . . . but their love will ruin you. At least, that's what my mother told me. My mother had three rules: 1. Never make a bargain with a fairy. 2. Never enter the Waywoods on a hunting day. 3. Never give the High Fae princes a reason to notice you. But even when I followed all the rules, the royal fae still took my family from me. So in one night I broke all three rules, and brought the kingdom to their knees.
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Different
- By Nona on 06-05-24
By: Kate King
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The Mists of Avalon
- By: Marion Zimmer Bradley
- Narrated by: Davina Porter
- Length: 50 hrs and 53 mins
- Unabridged
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A posthumous recipient of the World Fantasy Award for Lifetime Achievement, Marion Zimmer Bradley reinvented - and rejuvenated - the King Arthur mythos with her extraordinary Mists of Avalon series. In this epic work, Bradley follows the arc of the timeless tale from the perspective of its previously marginalized female characters: Celtic priestess Morgaine, Gwenhwyfar, and High Priestess Viviane.
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Davina Porter brings an old favorite back to life!
- By Carolina on 07-13-12
What listeners say about The Blackthorn Queen
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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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- 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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- 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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- 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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- 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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