Author: Paxson, Diana L

Marion Zimmer Bradley's collaborator expands their best-selling Avalon series in a dramatic new installment, prequel to The Forest House. When the Romans conquer Britain, the priestess Lhiannon fights them; the Celtic princess Boudica, married to a defeated king, is brutalized by the conquerors after his death. The enraged queen gathers the British tribes and nearly succeeds in driving the Romans from Britain, claiming a place in history. Lhiannon survives and becomes the guardian of the Druid traditions as high priestess of the Forest House. 400 pp. August.