Ilka Tampke – författare

A thrilling historical novel of one woman''s journey to protect her people, perfect for fans of Outlander, Game of Thrones, and Sky Atlantic''s Britannia. ***''A visceral tale of ritual, magic and violence'' THE SUNDAY TIMES''Filled with drama and passion... I was captivated'' ANTONIA HODGSON''Those who root for Game of Thrones'' Daenerys Targaryen will find much to love in Ailia''s quest'' NEW DAILY***Ailia has never truly belonged, for she has no totem, no ''skin''. Without skin, she is not allowed to learn the traditions of her ancestors, or to marry. But this is Celtic Britain, and the dark power of the Roman Empire is gathering in the distance. As Ailia''s people prepare to face a brutal enemy and an uncertain future, it is Ailia who must embrace the extraordinary power which lies within her... and who must stand, alone, to protect the people she loves from the end of everything they''ve ever known.

A full-blooded, mesmerizing debut novel from a highly original new voice in fiction. Celtic Britain, AD 43. For the Caer Cad, ''skin'' is their belief, their greeting, their ancestors, their land. Skin name determines lineage and identity. A young girl, Ailia, grows up an outsider in her village because she has no skin name; despite this, she is a remarkable young woman, intelligent, curious and brave. As a dark threat grows on the horizon - the aggressive expansion of the Roman Empire - Ailia must embark on an unsanctioned journey to attain the knowledge that will protect her people, and their pagan way of life, from the most terrifying invaders they have ever faced. SKIN is a standout debut which invokes the mesmerizing, genre-transcending magic of novels such as Jean M. Auel''s Clan of the Cavebear; it combines epic storytelling with a strikingly unique plot set during a fascinating period of Britain''s history.

A thrilling historical novel and the sequel to the critically acclaimed Skin, perfect for fans of Outlander and Game of Thrones.One woman''s quest to defend her culture.Haunted by the Roman attack that destroyed her home, Ailia flees to the remote Welsh mountains in search of the charismatic war king, Caradog, who is leading a guerrilla campaign against the encroaching army.Ailia proves herself an indispensable advisor to the war king, but as the bond between them deepens, she realises the terrible role she must play to save the soul of her country.Set in Iron-Age Britain, Songwoman is a powerful exploration of the ties between people and their land and what happens when they are broken.

With this free, ebook-only extract, sample the haunting world of Ilka Tampke''s debut SKIN, coming in August 2015. Also contains special extra material from the author.Celtic Britain, AD 28. Every seven years, the people of Durotriga unite at the Gathering to perform a ritual; one which will keep the peace amongst their tribe. Tonight, they will offer a gift to their tribal ancestors. That gift is a blood sacrifice. ''The journeymen and -women started to sing down the songs of our tribe in powerful harmony. I could sense the expectation in the gathering, the pulsing of hearts and the coursing of blood. This ritual was part of our story, part of our truth, but the terribleness of it was never forgotten.''Ailia, only seven years old, must attend the ritual and stand with the other daughters of the tribe. For a young girl will be chosen tonight - and Ailia is the right age...