Boudica: Dreaming the Serpent Spear
Hardback
Published: 10, Feb, 2006
isbn: 0593048806

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Synopsis
AD 60: The flame of rebellion that has been smouldering for twenty years of Roman occupation has flared into a conflagration that will consume the land and all who live in it. There is no going back. The Boudica has been flogged and her daughters raped and her son has burned a Roman watchtower in an act of blatant insurgency. This is the time to act - but to crush the legions for all time, Breaca must do more than lead her army in the greatest rebellion Britain has ever known. She must find healing for herself and for the land, and for her eight year old daughter, who has taken refuge on Mona - which is under seige by Rome. Colchester is burning and the Romans have been driven out of London. Amidst fire and bloody revolution, the Boudica and those around her must find what matters, now and for all time.

Author's Comment
This is the final book in the Boudica: Dreaming series although probably not the final book within which we will meet the surviving characters. Threads have been left since the early sections of book I to continue into the later years of Roman occupation. There will be a break first, though, so don't hold your breath. I am working on a contemporary thriller with the serlf-explanatory title, 'The Crystal Skull' which will come out first.

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Reviews
17,Feb,2006
Boudica: Dreaming the serpent spear, by Manda Scott British myth and magic from the mists of time By Jane Jakeman Published: 17 February 2006 This is the conclusion of an extraordinary achievement, a sequence of four novels re-creating our great matriarchal national epic: the story of Boudica, or Breaca, and her rebellion against Rome. It is ultimately, like other episodes in British history, a story of defeat made glorious by courage and legend, and this is its most spellbinding incarnation. Manda Scott's three previous books were Dreaming the Hound, Dreaming the Bull, and Dreaming the Eagle. The titles referred to symbolic visions that both motivated Boudica and foretold her future. To reach the psychological depths necessary to understand the deepest levels of Boudica's nature and destiny, Scott has steeped herself in the learning of Druid priests and identified with elements of the natural world. At the opening of this fourth volume, there has been open revolt against Rome, Boudica and her daughters have been flogged, and her son has burned a Roman watchtower. But Boudica, still recovering from her wounds, is not spiritually defeated. Marching his legions west to destroy the Druid strongholds, the Roman governor has left the cities of eastern Britain wide open. One by one, they fall to her tribal attackers, who are banded together in secret societies and fighting in unpredictable ways, with women making war alongside the men. Colchester, home of the celebrated Legio XX, is overwhelmed; the miserable little settlement of London easily destroyed. Scott's imagination elevates her tetralogy into a strong story of two opposing forces: the pragmatic and disciplined might of the Roman legionaries against the chaotic and shifting allegiance of British tribes. But this would be a gross simplification of a world full of subtleties and complex characters; not merely Boudica herself, presented as a warrior-priestess fulfilling a legendary destiny, but the others caught up in the clash - her siblings and children. Valerius, her brother, is part-Roman and torn in his loyalties. Authorial empathy is extended even to the Roman commanders, charged with the easy-peasy task of reducing a bunch of tiresome Brits to obedience and suddenly finding a full-scale war on their hands. There are spine-chilling accounts of legionaries marching through forests where naked ghost-like figures, covered with grey and white markings that blend with the mists, leap out silently to cut their throats. And there are creatures of totemic significance: to Boudica's own tribe, the Eceni, the horse is not merely a beast of burden but a force of nature. There is much equine lore and devotion, which is saved from Horse Whisperer-type sentimentality by Scott's own informed viewpoint, since she is a veterinary surgeon as well as a novelist. In the end, the heroine must pass beyond history and into myth. Scott's Boudica is not the Victorian creation, a corseted English lady grasping a spear, but a deep multi-national personality drawing on Celtic and Hibernian sources for her strength. These books are an immense accomplishment, a quartet that gives us back our own history. They will be read and re-read many times. Jane Jakeman's 'In the Kingdom of Mists' is published by Black Swan This is the conclusion of an extraordinary achievement, a sequence of four novels re-creating our great matriarchal national epic: the story of Boudica, or Breaca, and her rebellion against Rome. It is ultimately, like other episodes in British history, a story of defeat made glorious by courage and legend, and this is its most spellbinding incarnation. Manda Scott's three previous books were Dreaming the Hound, Dreaming the Bull, and Dreaming the Eagle. The titles referred to symbolic visions that both motivated Boudica and foretold her future. To reach the psychological depths necessary to understand the deepest levels of Boudica's nature and destiny, Scott has steeped herself in the learning of Druid priests and identified with elements of the natural world. At the opening of this fourth volume, there has been open revolt against Rome, Boudica and her daughters have been flogged, and her son has burned a Roman watchtower. But Boudica, still recovering from her wounds, is not spiritually defeated. Marching his legions west to destroy the Druid strongholds, the Roman governor has left the cities of eastern Britain wide open. One by one, they fall to her tribal attackers, who are banded together in secret societies and fighting in unpredictable ways, with women making war alongside the men. Colchester, home of the celebrated Legio XX, is overwhelmed; the miserable little settlement of London easily destroyed. Scott's imagination elevates her tetralogy into a strong story of two opposing forces: the pragmatic and disciplined might of the Roman legionaries against the chaotic and shifting allegiance of British tribes. But this would be a gross simplification of a world full of subtleties and complex characters; not merely Boudica herself, presented as a warrior-priestess fulfilling a legendary destiny, but the others caught up in the clash - her siblings and children. Valerius, her brother, is part-Roman and torn in his loyalties. Authorial empathy is extended even to the Roman commanders, charged with the easy-peasy task of reducing a bunch of tiresome Brits to obedience and suddenly finding a full-scale war on their hands. There are spine-chilling accounts of legionaries marching through forests where naked ghost-like figures, covered with grey and white markings that blend with the mists, leap out silently to cut their throats. And there are creatures of totemic significance: to Boudica's own tribe, the Eceni, the horse is not merely a beast of burden but a force of nature. There is much equine lore and devotion, which is saved from Horse Whisperer-type sentimentality by Scott's own informed viewpoint, since she is a veterinary surgeon as well as a novelist. In the end, the heroine must pass beyond history and into myth. Scott's Boudica is not the Victorian creation, a corseted English lady grasping a spear, but a deep multi-national personality drawing on Celtic and Hibernian sources for her strength. These books are an immense accomplishment, a quartet that gives us back our own history. They will be read and re-read many times. Jane Jakeman's 'In the Kingdom of Mists' is published by Black Swan ...The Independent Review

Readers' comments

15, Feb, 2006
oh - my - god!!!!!!!!! ...desmond

24, Feb, 2006
The 4 Boudica books are without doubt the best modern books I have read. The colour, depth, characters, lands and stories are fascinating and spellbinding. I know these books will be re-read many times. I shall miss not having a new one to look forward to. Thanks Manda for such magnificent story telling. P.S If you are ever approached to make these books into films....please choose very carefully how it will be done. ...Tracy

24, Feb, 2006
I always knew how the series must end but I still found myself hoping against hope that Manda would re-write history for us!! What a fantastic set of books. ...Louise

10, Mar, 2006
Ms. Scott, you are a visionary and my hero. Thank you so much for these books. ...Matt

14, Mar, 2006
I really need Dreaming The Serpent Spear to come out in paperback. This series of books are the best I've ever read. I like to shove the book in my bag to read at any spare moment. The hardback is a bit bulky. Thank you Manda. Both you and Breaca / Boudicca are my heroes. ...Kay

4, June 2006

I adored these books-they NEED to be read! the second book was a bit hard to swallow because of all the violence without much happiness for the characters, but the last book...WOW!!!
These books break earthly and ethereal boundaries!, Laura

22, June 2006

Thank you for a lovely series of books I thoroughly enjoyed them. I loved the dreaming as I am sure many readers have already said. I wish you well with yours. As one of your readers stated if your books ever get into films make sure you direct them to keep the spiritual part alive and true to your books. regards, Angie.

7, July 2006

As an East Anglian, I have always been drawn to the story of Boudica and long suspected the history taught to me at school (how the Romans were the greatest thing that happened to these Isles)was very prejudiced and omitted to mention a civilisation and trading nation that existed long before the Romans arrived. My heartfelt thanks for writing such an absorbing historical tale. I have only read 3 but can't wait to buy the 4th, David

13, July 2006

One of those really rare reads where you fall inside the story and leaving it feels just a little like dying.
Really amazing writing - seamless and clear.
Congratulations to the author - superb work and a joy to the rest of us to whom you've given this view of Breaca's world.  Christine

24, July 2006

I have been consumed and enthralled by your writing and now await impatiently for Dreaming the Serpent Spear to arrive from Amazon, yet part of me doesn't want it to journey quickly to my door, for then I will have come to the end. I have not been so absorbed by an author's work since that of the late Dorothy Dunnett, whose books I continually re-read. I suspect I will be doing the same with the Boudica. Thank you for many hours of sheer, unadulterated pleasure. I have just finished writing my first novel and am trying to find an agent/publisher. Until I read your work, I thought it was good.... heigh ho! Jo

25, July 2006

I read Dreaming the Hound first,then realising there were two before that, I read Dreaming the Eagle, Dreaming the Bull, and Dreaming the Hound again and absolutely loved every riveting minute! I'm off to find Dreaming the Serpent Spear this very minute. Keep them coming please.  Margaret Wal

24th September 2006

I loved your series. At the very end the Dreaming the Serpent Spear there was mention of maybe writing books of before and after the revolt. I'll be waiting in anticipation.

25th September 2006

Cool!

I really love your books and it was quite by chance that I picked it up. I was going away to Africa and it was on offer at Waterstones. I know you shouldn't judge a book by it's cover but it was probably the main reason I chose it. Glad I did because I think they are the best series of books I have ever read!! Greg Leach

28th November 2006

I am not quite sure were to start so here goes, I am a late comer to books having not read more then one or two since leaving school some 20 plus years ago but now as a commuter i eat at least one a week. The Boudica books had been sat around in my accumulated book collection for some months when i decided to read them.Without wanting to sound silly they have had a profound effect on me, i felt i was living in the book, i felt the way the characters felt, the despair, the happiness, the confusion. Not knowing the real life facts i found the further i got into book 2 with Caradoc prisoner in Rome the more i dreaded to read on to what seemed the inevitable conclusion but the relief of his pardon although tinged by his injury. Book 4 was the same for me as i knew the outcome but the feeling put into the writing of the togetherness, bravery and life of the tribes made me wish i truly did live with them or that things could be that way now, being true to yourself and to tradition, giving respect to your elders and those that earn position by deeds not money. I loved every one of these books and can only say thankyou. (although i wish you had rewritten history and allowed Boudica to win). Neil Cox

25th March 2007

I think these are some of the best books I have ever read. They make me want to go back in time. Absolutely fantastic. I am an expat living in Australia and they make me proud of my heritage !!
Thank you so much. Sam

28th March 2007

It's a rare thing for a work of fiction to move me to tears, but this series has on several occasions. Present are a level of detail and depth that are entirely convincing - this is not just a story set in its own time, but one seated in its own past and future. Quite easily the best series of books I have read, not only for its content but for its prose and humanity. Neville

September 2007

I'm a french reader of your 4 books about Bouddica. I've just finished the fourth this morning with tears in my eyes... I'm keen on antic roman history and I really appreciated what you wrote regarding Romans. I also learnt a lot about queen Bouddica and life in Britania at this period. I'm longing for the history to be continued... Many thanks ! Isabelle

September 2007

just can't wait for you to write more about the early British era! Any idea when you will start anew? Thanks. Carrie

October 2007


Wow what a wonderful set of books.....All four of the Boudica books are so exciting that I have read them time and time again and I look forward to any more books you write in the same ilk....thank you and I cant wait for more of the same Elizabeth Marshall

October 2007

Thank you so much for the incredible, emotional reading experience in your Boudica series. I cheered for Breaca, and wept for Valerius and Graine. Please don't make us wait too long, Miss Scott, to revisit the world of Roman Britain.  Awed by your writing prowess,