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Eagles and Crows #3
Queen of the Hollow Hills
From ancient henges to windswept mountains, dive into a world where pagan gods rule, powerful priestesses weave magic, and fierce Celtic tribes battle for dominance.
Britain, AD 38. Having defeated her enemies, Queen Cartimandua works swiftly to stabilize the north. But not all foes yield quietly. Unaware of the looming dangers beyond their shores and bolstered by formidable allies, factions of the Setantii plot rebellion.
Despite facing stubborn resistance, Queen Cartimandua endeavors to form an alliance to protect all northern tribes. Cartimandua finds an unlikely ally in deposed Prince Venutiux—much to his wife’s dismay. Even with King Eddin’s support, the task proves difficult. Darkness looms for them all, even if Cartimandua seems to be the only one who can see it.
Yet even amongst the chaos, a glimmer of hope persists. As Queen Cartimandua and King Consort Cormag chart their new life together, a bright future seems within reach. Blessings from Brigantia abound even amid the encroaching darkness. However, whispers from the little ones of the Hollow Hills imply that Cartimandua must wear a crown of talon and bone if she hopes to survive the darkness ahead.
Continue the Eagles and Crows series with the third installment, Queen of the Hollow Hills , by New York Times bestselling author Melanie Karsak.
Britain, AD 38. Having defeated her enemies, Queen Cartimandua works swiftly to stabilize the north. But not all foes yield quietly. Unaware of the looming dangers beyond their shores and bolstered by formidable allies, factions of the Setantii plot rebellion.
Despite facing stubborn resistance, Queen Cartimandua endeavors to form an alliance to protect all northern tribes. Cartimandua finds an unlikely ally in deposed Prince Venutiux—much to his wife’s dismay. Even with King Eddin’s support, the task proves difficult. Darkness looms for them all, even if Cartimandua seems to be the only one who can see it.
Yet even amongst the chaos, a glimmer of hope persists. As Queen Cartimandua and King Consort Cormag chart their new life together, a bright future seems within reach. Blessings from Brigantia abound even amid the encroaching darkness. However, whispers from the little ones of the Hollow Hills imply that Cartimandua must wear a crown of talon and bone if she hopes to survive the darkness ahead.
Continue the Eagles and Crows series with the third installment, Queen of the Hollow Hills , by New York Times bestselling author Melanie Karsak.
324 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 29, 2024
227 people are currently reading
200 people want to read
About the author
Melanie Karsak
90 books1,705 followersNew York Times and USA Today best-selling historical fantasy author Melanie Karsak is the author of the Celtic Blood series, Steampunk Red Riding Hood, Steampunk Fairy Tales, the Road to Valhalla Series, and other works of fantasy and fiction. The author currently lives in Florida with her husband and two children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
March 30, 2025
The saga of Queen Cartimandua continues in this third book of what looks like will be a a 4-book (at least) series. The plot of this book is much more domestic than the previous two, however the larger arc still has the political intrigue and folklore elements that I love. There is joy, loss, and betrayal as Queen Carti goes through the full spectrum of experiences and becomes the fierce and protective Queen she is. There is some tie-in with the story of Queen Boudica and decisions she is making in another region during the Roman invasion. I'm going to read books 2 and 3 of the Boudica series by the same author while I wait for book 4 to come out in the fall. I included some highlighted sections with no spoilers. This ended up being a really fun series when I needed something light, but also substantive.
October 29, 2024
Queen of the Hollow Hills is the third book in the Eagles and Crows series that follows the life of Queen Cartimandua of the Brigantes tribe. Queen Cartimandua seeks an alliance with the northern tribes in order to combat darkness. Initially, she and her husband seem like their life will be full of happiness. However, Queen Cartimandua starts experiencing trials and tragedies. Could Cartimandua be the strong queen that Brigantes needs her to be?
Queen of the Hollow Hills picks up where The Crow Queen ends. I was curious to see how she would be now that she was a married woman with what seemed like a bright future for her. However, what happens to Queen Cartimandua in this story was not what I was expecting. Queen Cartimandua was a very sympathetic figure. She was very relatable and very human. I found her to be very mature since The Blackthorn Queen. She has grown into an intelligent, capable, and strong queen who cares deeply for her people. Therefore, she was very admirable.
Overall, this novel is about loss, love, and survival. I found all the characters to be very complex. The novel moved at an even pace. There were some scenes that I thought were unnecessary. Unlike The Blackthorn Queen and The Crow Queen that were more light hearted, Queen of the Hollow Hills was darker. I like the fantasy aspect of the novel, which made it more atmospheric. I love how Mrs. Karsak made ancient Britain come alive! Thus, Queen of the Hollows Hills was a very moving and beautiful read! I can’t wait to read the next installment, Queen of Talon and Bone! in the Eagles and Crows series! I hope the next one will be released soon because I can’t wait to learn what happens to Queen Cartimandua! I recommend this novel for fans of Daughters of Fire, Wild Brigantia, and Cartimandua!
(Note: I was given an ARC copy by the author. All opinions expressed are my own.)
Queen of the Hollow Hills picks up where The Crow Queen ends. I was curious to see how she would be now that she was a married woman with what seemed like a bright future for her. However, what happens to Queen Cartimandua in this story was not what I was expecting. Queen Cartimandua was a very sympathetic figure. She was very relatable and very human. I found her to be very mature since The Blackthorn Queen. She has grown into an intelligent, capable, and strong queen who cares deeply for her people. Therefore, she was very admirable.
Overall, this novel is about loss, love, and survival. I found all the characters to be very complex. The novel moved at an even pace. There were some scenes that I thought were unnecessary. Unlike The Blackthorn Queen and The Crow Queen that were more light hearted, Queen of the Hollow Hills was darker. I like the fantasy aspect of the novel, which made it more atmospheric. I love how Mrs. Karsak made ancient Britain come alive! Thus, Queen of the Hollows Hills was a very moving and beautiful read! I can’t wait to read the next installment, Queen of Talon and Bone! in the Eagles and Crows series! I hope the next one will be released soon because I can’t wait to learn what happens to Queen Cartimandua! I recommend this novel for fans of Daughters of Fire, Wild Brigantia, and Cartimandua!
(Note: I was given an ARC copy by the author. All opinions expressed are my own.)
November 6, 2024
Loved this so much!!
Book 3 continues Cartimandua's story, newly married, and basically preparing for war. There were battles that had me on the edge of my seat and tragedies that completely broke my heart. I actually had to put the book down, Melanie's writing always completely pulls me into her stories and just rips the emotions out of me!
5 amazing Stars, highly, highly recommend and I cannot wait for the next book!!
Book 3 continues Cartimandua's story, newly married, and basically preparing for war. There were battles that had me on the edge of my seat and tragedies that completely broke my heart. I actually had to put the book down, Melanie's writing always completely pulls me into her stories and just rips the emotions out of me!
5 amazing Stars, highly, highly recommend and I cannot wait for the next book!!
October 26, 2024
Queen of the Hollow Hills is the third installment in Melanie Karsak’s Eagles and Crows series. I didn’t know what to expect when I began reading Queen of the Hollow Hills but what I found was nowhere close to what I may have imagined. No, it was way better than anything I could have imagined.
Queen of the Hollow Hills kept my emotions in turmoil from beginning to end. The action never stopped in more ways than one and kept the pages turning. I couldn’t believe all the things that Queen Cartimandua was having to deal with. How could so many things go so wrong or bad for one person? Queen Cartimandua was a good queen who did whatever was necessary to keep her people safe even if it meant she would suffer for it.
I can’t believe the loss Queen Cartimandua suffered in Queen of the Hollow Hills. I mean, to be given such beautiful gifts only to have them taken away from her so soon after. I don’t know how she dealt with everyday life but she did have a kingdom to run.
Not to mention the fact that they were having to prepare for war. The battles cost her even more. Being Queen is not an easy task. No being Queen is a hard task indeed, especially for Queen Cartimandua.
I enjoyed reading Queen Cartimandua even though it was sad and broke my heart. The action and the battles kept me racing to the end. I can’t wait to read more in the Eagles and Crows series.
I recommend Queen of the Hollow Hills to all historical fantasy readers! Grab a copy of Queen of the Hollow Hills today!
Queen of the Hollow Hills kept my emotions in turmoil from beginning to end. The action never stopped in more ways than one and kept the pages turning. I couldn’t believe all the things that Queen Cartimandua was having to deal with. How could so many things go so wrong or bad for one person? Queen Cartimandua was a good queen who did whatever was necessary to keep her people safe even if it meant she would suffer for it.
I can’t believe the loss Queen Cartimandua suffered in Queen of the Hollow Hills. I mean, to be given such beautiful gifts only to have them taken away from her so soon after. I don’t know how she dealt with everyday life but she did have a kingdom to run.
Not to mention the fact that they were having to prepare for war. The battles cost her even more. Being Queen is not an easy task. No being Queen is a hard task indeed, especially for Queen Cartimandua.
I enjoyed reading Queen Cartimandua even though it was sad and broke my heart. The action and the battles kept me racing to the end. I can’t wait to read more in the Eagles and Crows series.
I recommend Queen of the Hollow Hills to all historical fantasy readers! Grab a copy of Queen of the Hollow Hills today!
December 10, 2024
I put off finishing this when I was about 10 pages from the end for as long as I could. Not as a negative, but because I just didn't want this book to end.
Carti is fighting for the survival of Britannia. Not just for her tribe, but for all tribes. Or at least she was until it cost her everything. Turning her back on her neighbors, Carti turns inwards to protect those she loves most. The Eagle is flying, and this Crow Queen will stop at nothing to protect her tribe.
I recommend this author a million times over to anyone looking for a historical fantasy/romance. She takes real people and weaves them into beautiful tales that transport you to a different time and place.
I never even question her books, they are always an instant buy. I even have her special signed copies. Please don't sleep on these beautiful books.
Carti is fighting for the survival of Britannia. Not just for her tribe, but for all tribes. Or at least she was until it cost her everything. Turning her back on her neighbors, Carti turns inwards to protect those she loves most. The Eagle is flying, and this Crow Queen will stop at nothing to protect her tribe.
I recommend this author a million times over to anyone looking for a historical fantasy/romance. She takes real people and weaves them into beautiful tales that transport you to a different time and place.
I never even question her books, they are always an instant buy. I even have her special signed copies. Please don't sleep on these beautiful books.
November 26, 2024
I really love Cartimandua, but this story is not especially kind to her. She loses a lot in terms of those close to her, including her faith in the Callileach. Despite the overwhelming loss, the betrayal of someone close to her, and the impending threat of the Romans, Carti plans to do whatever she needs to protect the Brigantes. She places her trust in the folk of the Hollow Hills, and determines to embrace the Romans, emphasize the strength of the north, and keep her people safe. As a woman who has lost so much, this is the one thing that she has left. Melanie Karsak's lush, atmospheric writing will make you feel like you're on the ancient island of Britannia, and fans of historical fiction will eagerly devour this story. I really can't wait to see what happens next!
December 20, 2025
4.5 stars
I have throughly enjoyed this series and going through Carti’s journey but to say I enjoyed this book would be a lie. This book wrecked me!
Carti’s childbirth scene hit hard, just from my personal experience of having a breech baby. But for her to go through that then to loose both of her daughters and a few years later her husband had me feeling for Carti like I’ve never felt for any literary character.
Karsak’s writing is so very refreshing in so many ways. As much as I hated Cormag dying I am very glad that not all characters have plot armor just because they are close or important to the MC. And I like when a book makes you feel so much it can lift you up or wreck you according to what the characters are going through. And Karsak nails it.
I have throughly enjoyed this series and going through Carti’s journey but to say I enjoyed this book would be a lie. This book wrecked me!
Carti’s childbirth scene hit hard, just from my personal experience of having a breech baby. But for her to go through that then to loose both of her daughters and a few years later her husband had me feeling for Carti like I’ve never felt for any literary character.
Karsak’s writing is so very refreshing in so many ways. As much as I hated Cormag dying I am very glad that not all characters have plot armor just because they are close or important to the MC. And I like when a book makes you feel so much it can lift you up or wreck you according to what the characters are going through. And Karsak nails it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 30, 2024
What a spectacular continued story of Queen Cartimandua of The Brigantes! I was transfixed with amazement from page one. We really don't know that much about the Brigantes leader, other than what Roman writers have shared, but Melanie's vision of her story is plausible. This particular book in the series is heart wrenching and you can see where the experiences would have made Cartimandua the strong, and I imagine sometimes cold, Queen she is said to have been. After getting my DNA results, and finding ties to six (so far) of the ancient Celtic tribes, I absolutely love reading these stories and enjoy sharing them with friends and family!
October 30, 2024
I loved this continuation of Carti's story and always enjoy Karasak's writing style. Why the 4 instead 5 stars, you ask? Because I'm a hopelessly harsh critic. The only thing I disliked about the story was the rushed feeling of getting rid of some inconvenient stories in order to set up her battles (of wits and of brawn) with Rome later on. I'm hoping it means the next bit will be more fleshed out because it can be more focused. In this book, however, I wonder if an extra long book or one more short installment would've made it feel less hurried.
Overall, I highly recommend this series and this installment in it!
Overall, I highly recommend this series and this installment in it!
November 2, 2024
Riveting!
I much anticipated the release of this book as I have read the prior two Cartimandua books, all of the Boudica series, and genuinely, all that Melanie has written. I was not disappointed! Queen Cartimandua has strength that keeps her going despite all of the tragedies that befall her. There are parts of this story that are heartrending, and you then marvel at how she copes. The continuation of her relationships with others we met in prior books are key to the plotline. How these happenings are so reflective of the universal human condition, which is both familiar as well as frightening. We have to now wait for book four!
I much anticipated the release of this book as I have read the prior two Cartimandua books, all of the Boudica series, and genuinely, all that Melanie has written. I was not disappointed! Queen Cartimandua has strength that keeps her going despite all of the tragedies that befall her. There are parts of this story that are heartrending, and you then marvel at how she copes. The continuation of her relationships with others we met in prior books are key to the plotline. How these happenings are so reflective of the universal human condition, which is both familiar as well as frightening. We have to now wait for book four!
October 29, 2024
A rollercoaster series of events, both good and bad, kept me glued to this book! I truly love these stories that Melanie Karsak writes. My emotions ran the gamut as Cartimandua experienced life, love, and loss, not to mention danger and betrayal. I am happy that she has the backbone to nip betrayal and insubordination in the bud, often with gruesome results. I like that about her. My only complaint about the book is that it ended. I didn’t want it to. I loved it.
October 31, 2024
What I am most enjoying about Queen Cartimandua is how she deals with the trials and the struggles that plague her. As a woman she is passionate, intelligent and determined to do her best. As a queen, she sees the hardships and the downfalls, and struggles to find the median where those dangers and the triumphs balance. While married life may have been a solution to some of the troubles, war is coming and there are even more issues for her to face.
November 8, 2024
The author didn't pull any punches in Queen of the Hollow Hills.
This was brutal, heart battering and full of sorrow, I'm not even sure where to go from here.
Honestly, IMHO, there isn't another author that compares to Melanie Karsak when it comes to Historical Fantasy. If you haven't read the Eagles & Crows series, I highly recommend you grab it now, it's definitely one of those series, when you're done, you wish you could read all over again for the first time.
This was brutal, heart battering and full of sorrow, I'm not even sure where to go from here.
Honestly, IMHO, there isn't another author that compares to Melanie Karsak when it comes to Historical Fantasy. If you haven't read the Eagles & Crows series, I highly recommend you grab it now, it's definitely one of those series, when you're done, you wish you could read all over again for the first time.
January 16, 2025
All the turns
Spoilers.
There are a lot of well thought out plot twists. The book was beyond hard to put down. The amount of deaths was painful. There were a few sections which made the eyes water. Save two to unknowingly sacrifice two others. Was just heartbreaking. Betrayals, shifting alliances and death are expected in a book set in this era but still unexpected the way they appeared.
Spoilers.
There are a lot of well thought out plot twists. The book was beyond hard to put down. The amount of deaths was painful. There were a few sections which made the eyes water. Save two to unknowingly sacrifice two others. Was just heartbreaking. Betrayals, shifting alliances and death are expected in a book set in this era but still unexpected the way they appeared.
November 2, 2024
Love, love, love all Ms. Karask’s series! The latest is no exception. Loved Queen of the Hollow Hills so much, but a bit saddened by it as well. I hope Queen Carti can rise above her trials and come out on top in the coming book(s)!!
Please read Bouddica’s series by our Ms. Kara’s k as well if you haven’t already- you WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED!
Thank you for all your hard work and wonderful books Melanie:)!!
Please read Bouddica’s series by our Ms. Kara’s k as well if you haven’t already- you WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED!
Thank you for all your hard work and wonderful books Melanie:)!!
November 2, 2024
I Want More!
I have so enjoyed this entire series. Book 3 is a treasure to read. Ms. Karsak has a way of making this historical period come to life…makes me want to read more non-fiction to learn more. Such an excellent talent she has! I want more of this series….and then will have to re-read all of the books again!
I have so enjoyed this entire series. Book 3 is a treasure to read. Ms. Karsak has a way of making this historical period come to life…makes me want to read more non-fiction to learn more. Such an excellent talent she has! I want more of this series….and then will have to re-read all of the books again!
November 3, 2024
love and heartache
I do enjoy all of the series I have read by Melanie Karnak, but keeping all the tribes and their leaders sorted out is very difficult. There is a definite reason I don’t play chess. No mind for it. On the romantic, emotional , relationship level I give this story a 5 star rating. And in a painless way, some knowledge of history
imparted
I do enjoy all of the series I have read by Melanie Karnak, but keeping all the tribes and their leaders sorted out is very difficult. There is a definite reason I don’t play chess. No mind for it. On the romantic, emotional , relationship level I give this story a 5 star rating. And in a painless way, some knowledge of history
imparted
November 3, 2024
Rome invades England for the 2nd time
A book of power, sorrow, love and a Queen who lives to face the invasion of England. Cartimandua, Queen of the Celtic Tribe of the Brigantes is determined to protect her people. Seen in the light of a strong leader who plays the game of politics as well as any King. Lessons learned from betrayal, loss and love!
A book of power, sorrow, love and a Queen who lives to face the invasion of England. Cartimandua, Queen of the Celtic Tribe of the Brigantes is determined to protect her people. Seen in the light of a strong leader who plays the game of politics as well as any King. Lessons learned from betrayal, loss and love!
November 4, 2024
Heartbreak, destruction and rebuilding
What a wild turn of events. One moment you understand the twists of Fate the next you are dumbfounded by cruelty.
Our Queen once loving and in love is dealt crushing blows. She does not crumble. She rebuilds, reconfigures and stands resolute. Wow!
The story is calling me to read book 4. In admiration of the story I will.
What a wild turn of events. One moment you understand the twists of Fate the next you are dumbfounded by cruelty.
Our Queen once loving and in love is dealt crushing blows. She does not crumble. She rebuilds, reconfigures and stands resolute. Wow!
The story is calling me to read book 4. In admiration of the story I will.
February 20, 2025
Queen Cartimandua is a force to be reckoned.
I enjoyed books 1 and 2. I loved Queen of the Hollow Hills. I hung on every word. Carti lives through many heart-wrenching events and yet remains strong. I love her sharp mind and her fierceness. I'm rooting for her, despite what I know of Roman history.
I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
I enjoyed books 1 and 2. I loved Queen of the Hollow Hills. I hung on every word. Carti lives through many heart-wrenching events and yet remains strong. I love her sharp mind and her fierceness. I'm rooting for her, despite what I know of Roman history.
I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
May 10, 2025
Hallow Hills
It is amazing how much this story plot has grown. The story in itself is amazing however I wish that Melanie had kept the Romans out of the story but I guess that, that is historical fiction sometimes you have to read what you don't want. These books are very well written and the story plot is incredibly intense and enjoyable I can't wait to read book4.
It is amazing how much this story plot has grown. The story in itself is amazing however I wish that Melanie had kept the Romans out of the story but I guess that, that is historical fiction sometimes you have to read what you don't want. These books are very well written and the story plot is incredibly intense and enjoyable I can't wait to read book4.
November 5, 2024
The author's ability to tell a story is beyond belief. This book will have you laughing, crying, and every emotion in between. The characters are so well written that you feel they're part of you. The world building is superb. I cannot say enough good things about the author or this book.
October 31, 2024
Wonderful continuation of Cartimandua‘s story. We get to see as she tries to new her country safe and stable despite all the forces that seem to be arrayed against her.
December 5, 2024
Love everything about this series
December 5, 2024
Too stressy depressy for the holidays but still loved it.
January 4, 2025
Great storytelling!
Love the plot and details of intrigue, druids, historical fiction, and magic! This is a great series that I highly recommend.
Love the plot and details of intrigue, druids, historical fiction, and magic! This is a great series that I highly recommend.
February 16, 2025
Get ready
My heart hurts. How can a book make you feel bereft?
Beautifully written. I do wish for more detail on Cormag however.
My heart hurts. How can a book make you feel bereft?
Beautifully written. I do wish for more detail on Cormag however.
March 21, 2025
Of the books in this series that I have been thoroughly enjoying, this one ripped me in two. I know life was beyond hard during these times, but gosh did Carti suffer in this one.
March 25, 2025
DNF at 55%. The first two books were great but this one had a long time jump which wasn’t needed.
July 4, 2025
Take your 5 stars and leave me with my broken heart
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews