In THE RAVEN QUEEN, Jules Watson explores the legend of Maeve, a warrior queen in Iron Age Ireland; how she took over the reign of Connacht after the death of her father and held her people together to save them from the rule of Conor of Ulster. Maeve's father used her as a political pawn, marrying her off to one lord after another to solidify alliances until he changed his mind. Maeve had finally had enough and fled her latest husband, Conor of Ulster. But it wasn't until after her father's death that she used her wit, beauty, and ruthlessness to come to power.

Having lived with Conor, she knew his warriors and how they trained. She also had the advantage of a relationship with the Fae through a friendship with a blind druid, Ruan. Ruan forced her to confront the darkest part of her being, and it was almost more than she could handle. Maeve's story is filled with action, magic and mystery and is a fascinating tale whether you predict the outcome or not.

Watson writes with lyrical prose, especially in the more mystical scenes with Ruan. The novel gets off to a slow start, switching from Maeve's story to Ruan's and doesn't find its natural pace until more than 100 pages in, but it's worth the initial struggle. Maeve and Ruan are compelling characters, but so too are the more secondary players including Maeve's daughter, her champion and her war leader. Like many rulers, Maeve has complexity to her character, a combination of good and evil, but she grows during the story, making all of her challenges worthwhile.

This story is companion to Watson's The Swan Maiden, the story of Deirdre, another woman coveted by Conor of Ulster. This story can definitely stand on its own and fans of historical fiction, druids and Celtic mythology in particular, should definitely read it. Watson clearly researched her topic and the weapons, dialogue, and even the food, all ring true, making readers feel as if they have made the journey back to Erin during the Iron Age.