4.5★s
“And there, atop a mountain in the centre of the free tribelands, with my heart beating just a finger’s width away from that of Albion’s greatest war king, I felt the Mothers’ intention surge up from the stone, through my legs and spine and into my chest. I knew that they had wrought this land to strengthen our fight, and that there could be no more powerful place for the warriors of Albion to meet Rome than this.”

Songwoman is the sequel to Skin, the debut novel by Australian author, Ilka Tampke. When her village was destroyed by the Romans, it was guilt that drove Ailia of Caer Cad into a self-imposed exile for over a year. But finally, she knew that, as the Kendra of Albion, she had to seek out Caradog, the only chieftain who could help the free tribes resist the Roman attack. And that was crucial, if they were to retain their connection with the land.

But her welcome, when Ailia arrived at Llanmelin, was not at all what she had expected. Nor was Caradog how she had thought: this man was volatile, with mercurial moods, and seemed to place little value on her advice. Ailia had arrived as a Journeywoman, but with the barest minimum of training with the Mothers, she was not equipped to handle Caradog’s Journeyman, Prydd, who seemed to have his own agenda. His lack of respect for the Kendra was shocking, and he was a skilled manipulator, subtly directing both his War Chief and Ailia.

It was when Ailia heard Caradog’s Songman that she knew what was destined to be. Rhain was physically deformed but his voice, his song was pure and clear, his stories compelling. Ailia understood that it was thus, as a Songwoman, that she could ensure the voice of the Mothers was heard and that Caradog would heed her counsel, to defeat the invading force.

Tampke creates the perfect blend of historical fiction with a touch of fantasy. Her extensive research into Iron Age Britain is apparent on every page, but this wealth of interesting knowledge is presented in a form that is easy to digest. Her prose is rich and beautiful. Her characters are fascinating, flawed yet striving for integrity, and their dialogue adds authenticity. Tampke includes a very helpful map and, while a basic knowledge of the Roman invasion is useful it is not essential to the enjoyment of this excellent sequel.