Boudicca: Britain's Queen of the Iceni

The Legendary Women of World History, Book 1

By: Laurel A. Rockefeller

Narrated by: Richard Mann

Length: 50 mins

Publisher's summary

Why is The Morrigan's raven crying? Only Britons with hearts for true liberty know!

In 43 CE Roman conquest of Britannia seems all but certain - until a chance meeting between King Prasutagus of the Iceni and a runaway slave of royal decent from the Aedui tribe in Gaul changes the fate of the British islands forever.

Rise up for liberty with the true story of Boudicca: Britain's Queen of the Iceni and discover one of the most inspiring stories in history!

Based on the accounts of Roman historian Tacitus and supplemented with archaeology presented by the BBC.

For children, teens, and adults.

©2014 Laurel A. Rockefeller (P)2014 Laurel A. Rockefeller

History Brought To Life!

The story of Boudicca is told to a child keeping alive the tradition of the Iceni. She really lived and faced the Roman Legionaires. She was brave and lived when women were nothing more than a man’s property. Her courage is not forgotten and her people honor her still.
I loved the telling of Boudicca’s story; she was so alive and brave. What a great way to learn about the people in history. The audio book is short enough to be listened to in one sitting and is narrated by Richard Mann who does a remarkable job in the telling.

Boudicca, The Killer Queen!!!

Boudicca tells the story of a Queen. A woman who fought for freedom and won the respect of the British people.

I loved listening to this book first, because I have always been fascinated by powerful women of history. Second, because the narrator was a joy to listen to. And lastly because the story, though short, was definitely inspiring and filled with carefully researched details.

"I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review."

Engaging story

Reads like a chapter from a middle school level history book--or a story book that would accompany a history class. It's well-written. Gives just enough detail to be engaging and somewhat informative.

BOUDICCA: Beautiful, Dramatic, a Must Listen

I feel that "Boudicca: Britain's Queen of the Iceni" was an important book and a wonderful listen. She was a real living woman in history. She had ran away from the Aedui tribe where she had royal heritage and by chance met King Prasutagus. They married and had two daughters. Prasutagus wants to ally with the Romans for their weapons and power. Queen Boudicca doesn't want this.

The ending is quite dramatic but important. She and her daughters drink mead and this becomes their demise however, within the epilogue is an exactly perfect explanation.

This story is an absolute gem. For being a short listen, it's very well-written and wonderfully narrated. Laurel A. Rockefeller knows her history and is an excellent writer. I loved this book and look forward to more from The "Legendary Women of World History."

I thought Richard Mann was the perfect narrator for this piece. He has exact voice inflections and he fits in with the period. I can't imagine anyone else narrating this. He's a natural.

Audiobook received in exchange for an honest review.

An Excellent Story

A very creative and enjoyable adaptation to the historical events in the life of Boudicca, the Celtic Queen.

warrior queen

I read this as an e-book, but Richard adds a depth to the telling.

Excellent retelling of the inspiring truth

A woman, a queen, a warrior; Boudicca is the stuff of legends, but is real history. This telling of her struggles, joys, and heartbreak are inspiration to us all, and is clearly presented without undue drama but with the kind of personalization often lacking in military renditions. Worth reading and sharing.
RM is an excellent audio performer, but I, personally, would have wished for a woman to audio the presentation.

A Strong Woman and A Strong Title

I studied Boudicca at school and this fits neatly with what I was taught. It is a very well put together condensed history of the Queen of the Iceni. I thought the narrator was very strong but like some others - I do wonder why a woman wasn't chosen for the part? It's a minor gripe, however. If you want a book to inspire others about the potential of the human spirit, this might be it. If you just want a great story - this is definitely it. Please note: I was given a review copy of this title. That doesn't mean that it had any impact on the rating or review provided, my opinion is always my own.

Boudicca

Loved this story 😎. I recommend this story to any and all who enjoy history and want to learn more. These short stories by Laurel A. Rockefeller are very fun to listen to.

Powerful story!

Would you consider the audio edition of Boudicca: Britain's Queen of the Iceni to be better than the print version?

I have not read the print version of this story, so I cannot compare the audio edition to the print. Although I enjoyed the audiobook, I kept wishing I had the print version, as well, so I could better follow the story--especially when it wandered into politics and territories.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Boudicca: Britain's Queen of the Iceni?

I particularly enjoyed the exchanges between Boudicca and Prasutagus at their first meeting, when he asks to court her. I'm a bit of a romantic and not as interested in politics, and I thought that inclusions was a good way to connect with listeners/readers such as myself.

What about Richard Mann’s performance did you like?

Richard Mann's voice is soothing and expressive. He was a great selection for narrator. I could listen to him read the phone book.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The whole story was very moving and tragic, but Prasutagus' death and then the ending with Boudicca and her children were powerful.

Any additional comments?

Prior to listening to this book, I wasn't familiar with the history of Boudicca. The author did a great job presenting the story, in all of its tragedy, accurately while being mindful of younger audiences. Some references to women being slaves in the bedchambers, a mention of "rape", and "whoring", so it may be best suited to older middle grade children.

A lot of reference was made to gods and goddesses and religions I'm not familiar with, as well as political stances and territories. I found myself struggling to keep some of those details straight, at times, and had to rewind the recording to listen again. Some of those details may not have been overload or unnecessary, but I realize this may be personal preference as this is not usually the genre I read.

Overall, strong story and I'm thankful to have been given a free copy in exchange for my honest review.