Review of Apollo's Raven
Posted: 26 Mar 2023, 17:04
[Following is a volunteer review of "Apollo's Raven" by Linnea Tanner.]
King Amren of the Cantiaci kingdom in Britannia inherited a curse from his dead wife, queen Rhan, which would bring about the downfall of his kingdom. Marrock, queen Rhan’s son, was banished by the king due to his behavior and later formed allies with the Romans and Cunobelin to overthrow his father, Amren. The Roman senator Lucius and his son Marcellus visited Amren to enquire why Marrock was banished and also for his selfish interests. There, Marcellus met Princess Catrin, the youngest of Amren and Queen Rhiannon's children, a valiant warrior who possessed magical powers and could foresee the future. Both Marcellus and Catrin were instructed by their parents to get salient information about each other's nation. However, Marcellus and Catrin fell in love at first sight despite knowing their union was impossible. Will Catrin and Marcellus get married despite not being fated to be together? Pick up a copy of Apollo's Raven by Linnea Tanner to find out.
The main characters’ stories were perfectly developed and narrated, especially Catrin’s magical powers and ability to see through Raven’s mind and the otherworld. However, the author did not only focus on the main characters; the secondary characters, such as Mor and Belinus, Marrock and Agrona, Rhiannon, Amren, and Trystan, as well as Decimus and Lucius, were also developed to make interesting plots.
The novel encompasses different circumstances, ranging from betrayal, love, deception, family, nationalism, politics, and power. Here, beyond politics, Catrin and Marcellus’ love was threatened by religion, while the Romans worshipped Apollo and the Britannia worshipped Bel. The lovers would either choose their families and nations or love.
I was engrossed with the book while reading and curious to know what would happen between Catrin and Marcellus. The author describes the mystic and the beliefs of the people during that time, such as sorcery, druids, druidess, otherworld, and soul joining. Each chapter of the novel was well-developed and easy to follow and understand. I also learned a new word, "paterfamilias," which was practiced by the Romans.
I feel the part where queen Rhiannon developed feelings for Trystan wasn't necessary because she was portrayed as being at the same time loyal to king Amren. She went so far as to risk her life to seek her husband's release. Aside from this, I enjoyed the story and was captivated by the plot in each chapter. I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars because I enjoyed reading it and also found no errors in it. It was exceptionally edited.
I suggest this book to historical fiction lovers and those who are comfortable reading about ancient religion, the dark world, sorcery, and violence. And finally, to anyone who loves a blend of magic, romance, and history.
******
Apollo's Raven
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon | on iTunes
King Amren of the Cantiaci kingdom in Britannia inherited a curse from his dead wife, queen Rhan, which would bring about the downfall of his kingdom. Marrock, queen Rhan’s son, was banished by the king due to his behavior and later formed allies with the Romans and Cunobelin to overthrow his father, Amren. The Roman senator Lucius and his son Marcellus visited Amren to enquire why Marrock was banished and also for his selfish interests. There, Marcellus met Princess Catrin, the youngest of Amren and Queen Rhiannon's children, a valiant warrior who possessed magical powers and could foresee the future. Both Marcellus and Catrin were instructed by their parents to get salient information about each other's nation. However, Marcellus and Catrin fell in love at first sight despite knowing their union was impossible. Will Catrin and Marcellus get married despite not being fated to be together? Pick up a copy of Apollo's Raven by Linnea Tanner to find out.
The main characters’ stories were perfectly developed and narrated, especially Catrin’s magical powers and ability to see through Raven’s mind and the otherworld. However, the author did not only focus on the main characters; the secondary characters, such as Mor and Belinus, Marrock and Agrona, Rhiannon, Amren, and Trystan, as well as Decimus and Lucius, were also developed to make interesting plots.
The novel encompasses different circumstances, ranging from betrayal, love, deception, family, nationalism, politics, and power. Here, beyond politics, Catrin and Marcellus’ love was threatened by religion, while the Romans worshipped Apollo and the Britannia worshipped Bel. The lovers would either choose their families and nations or love.
I was engrossed with the book while reading and curious to know what would happen between Catrin and Marcellus. The author describes the mystic and the beliefs of the people during that time, such as sorcery, druids, druidess, otherworld, and soul joining. Each chapter of the novel was well-developed and easy to follow and understand. I also learned a new word, "paterfamilias," which was practiced by the Romans.
I feel the part where queen Rhiannon developed feelings for Trystan wasn't necessary because she was portrayed as being at the same time loyal to king Amren. She went so far as to risk her life to seek her husband's release. Aside from this, I enjoyed the story and was captivated by the plot in each chapter. I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars because I enjoyed reading it and also found no errors in it. It was exceptionally edited.
I suggest this book to historical fiction lovers and those who are comfortable reading about ancient religion, the dark world, sorcery, and violence. And finally, to anyone who loves a blend of magic, romance, and history.
******
Apollo's Raven
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon | on iTunes