Songwoman, by Ilke Tampke

This sequel to Daughter of Albion Tampke continues the story of journeywoman Ailia, now acknowledged Kendra to the tribes of ancient Britain. Ailia emerges from a long period of mourning to join the campaign of war chief Caradog against the Roman invasion of Albion. She was mourning the loss of her tribe to Roman slaughter and the loss of her love, Taleisin, to the cruel games of the Mothers she represents as the Kendra. So she is keen to learn and develop her skills and aid Caradog in his quest to unite the remaining tribes against their common enemy. Ailia once again struggles to maintain credibility among her fellow druid class, who are resentful of her growing power and influence and she didn’t bargain on falling in love with the war chief. Based on historical accounts of the Roman invasion of Britain, Tampke does a great job of using a solid and credible base as the jumping off point for an inspiring heroine in a cracking adventure. Wracked with self-doubt, Ailia manages to rise above her many challenges to influence her people and maintain their essential connection to the land. Credulity is stretched a touch with her journey to Rome, but the strong evocation of her spiritual link to the mountains and forests of Albion permeates the entire tale.