Author(s): Ilka Tampke

Historical Fiction

'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

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.