Dreaming the Serpent Spear: Boudica Book 4    by Manda Scott Order:  USA  Can Knopf, 2006 (2006) Softcover      Reviewed by Hilary Williamson Dreaming the Serpent Spear follows Dreaming the Eagle, Dreaming the Bull, and Dreaming the Hound as the conclusion to Manda Scott's epic saga of Britain's famed Celtic warrior queen, the Boudica, here first known as Breaca of the Iceni. In this magnificent series, Scott paints for us a rich Celtic civilization, a trading society with inter-tribal conflict, and complex codes of honor. Tribes are ruled by decisions of elders made in council, and guided by dreamers, who can influence others at a distance and read the tortuous paths of possible futures. In earlier episodes we saw Breaca lose her family to treachery, love and marry Caradoc, then lose him to Rome, raise children and - as we also know from history - have to watch as her beloved daughters are repeatedly raped. In parallel, we have seen Breaca's beloved brother Bàn (long believed dead by her) kidnapped and sold into slavery, eventually joining the Roman legions and betraying his own people. After a time of exile in Hibernia, Bàn/Valerius - a 'walker between the worlds' not only as Iceni and Roman but as both warrior and dreamer - returned to help lead his people in battle against the invaders. As the final episode begins, the sacred Isle of Mona is under siege, and the Boudica's war host gathers to attack Camulodunum in the east. But will Breaca, damaged in both body and spirit be able to lead them and complete the four great tasks assigned to her? And what of nine-year-old Graine who has lost her talent for the dreaming? Breaca tells her that 'as a mother, I should have the power to change the world and my heart breaks for knowing that I don't'. As plans for revolt progress and skirmishes begin, there is conflict between the Boudica's brother Bàn and her son Cunomar, who finally grows into his strength in this episode. Small Graine still has a big role to play too - in the defense of Mona using nightmares and the Romans' own fears against them, and also as 'the wild piece on the board of the Warrior's Dance' alongside her mother in the final battle that pits untrained tribesmen against disciplined Roman veterans. I wondered how the author would handle the Boudica's eventual historical defeat, and she does it splendidly, by giving her heroine a pivotal decision to make - 'If it comes to the choosing, which matters more, your line or your land?' If you haven't found this series yet, then start by reading Dreaming the Eagle. It's a splendid quartet that Manda Scott brings to a fitting and triumphant conclusion in Dreaming the Serpent Spear. Note: Opinions expressed in reviews and articles on this site are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of BookLoons. Find more Historical books on our Shelves or in our book Reviews