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Songwoman

By Ilka Tampke
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3.93 goodreads logo

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Check link for latest rating. ( 237 ratings, 56 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Songwoman by Ilka Tampke is a captivating story set in ancient Britain, weaving together elements of history and myth. The narrative follows Ailia as she navigates political intrigue and personal transformation during a tumultuous time. It combines themes of identity, destiny, and the clash between cultures, without revealing key plot developments.
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this book if you are fascinated by historical fiction with rich cultural detail and powerful, dynamic female characters. It's a captivating narrative set in ancient Britain, blending historical events with a mystical element that creates an immersive reading experience.

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Set in Iron-Age Britain during the turmoil of Roman invasion, Songwoman explores one woman's quest to defend her culture.

'Those who root for Game of Thrones' Daenerys Targaryen will find much to love in Ailia's personal quest, with Tampke more successfully navigating the realms of almost fantasy than Ishiguro, marking her out as an exciting talent to watch.' New Daily

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

Those who root for Game of Thrones' Daenerys Targaryen will find much to love in Ailia's personal quest, with Tampke more successfully navigating the realms of almost fantasy than Ishiguro, marking her out as an exciting talent to watch. β€” New Daily

Set in Iron-Age Wales during the turmoil of Roman invasion, Songwoman explores one woman's quest to defend her culture.

AD 47. Rome has colonised southeast Britain. Tortured by her part in the Roman attack that destroyed her township, Ailia has been living alone in a remote Welsh forest. She returns to a world that has been turned upside down. The tribespeople cling to what little land remains to them and invest their hope in the charismatic war-king, Caradog, who has been leading a guerrilla campaign against the encroaching army.

As the fighting escalates, Ailia proves herself an indispensable advisor to the war-king. But she must overcome a fellow tribesman who has resolved to sabotage her, and subdue her passionate attraction to Caradog. The soul of her country will only survive if Ailia succeeds in becoming a Songwoman.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Reviews of Songwoman highlight its vivid and immersive storytelling, with Ilka Tampke skilfully blending historical research into a narrative filled with moral dilemmas and questions of belonging. The protagonist Ailia's deep connections with both the war king Caradog and her homeland create a compelling narrative of resistance and identity amid conflict. Compared by some to elements of Game of Thrones, this story draws readers into a richly imagined past with mysticism and world-building, appealing to both fantasy and historical fiction enthusiasts.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781925603637

Publisher: Text Publishing

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 01 October 2018

Country: Australia

Imprint: The Text Publishing Company

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 31.0mm

Width: 154.0mm

Height: 233.0mm

Weight: 500g

Pages: 352

Collections

Fantasy Fiction General Fiction Historical Fantasy Ilka Tampke Literary Fiction Penguin Books Sci-Fi & Fantasy

About the Author

Ilka Tampke lives in Woodend, Australia. Songwoman can be read as a stand-alone, or as the sequel to Ilka's first novel, Skin. International rights to Skin have been sold in Germany, the Netherlands, Sweden, the US, the UK and Vietnam. Skin was shortlisted for the Aurealis Award for Best Fantasy Novel in 2015 and longlisted for the Voss Literary Prize in 2016.

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