Review of Apollo's Raven
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Naydali Garcia
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- Latest Review: Apollo's Raven by Linnea Tanner
Review of Apollo's Raven
[Following is a volunteer review of "Apollo's Raven" by Linnea Tanner.]
Apollo's Raven is a book that enraptures you in its storytelling. It checks off all the boxes on the book lover's checklist. Magic. A curse. Forbidden love. Tension. What else could a book enthusiast want?
Princess Catrin has always been in tune with her companion, the Raven, especially after a traumatic experience in her youth with her half-brother, Marrock, that leads to the prince's exile. When the Raven provides Catrin with a vision of her exiled brother surrounded by the Roman army, Catrin knows her family and people are in danger. When she arrives at her home, along with her sister Mora, to warn the King of the Roman's arrival, she realizes she is too late. The Romans were already in the presence of King Amren, his wife, Queen Rhiannon, and her other sister Vala. Life as she knew it would soon drastically change.
It is revealed that King Amren's ex-Queen Rhan, Marrock's mother, cursed him before he beheaded her for treason. The ancient curse revolves around the downfall of the King at the hands of a Raven and a Blood Wolf, which is discovered to be his daughter Catrin and the exiled son Marrock. At first, it seemed that the curse was altering to a different conclusion because of his children's separation, but this belief soon changed at the arrival of Marcellus.
Marcellus, a Roman, was forced to travel with his father, Senator Lucius Antonius, to discuss political affairs with King Amren. He is soon taken hostage as insurance that the Senator would not go behind the King's back, and as collateral, the Romans will have Vala as their hostage. Still, not trusting the Romans, King Amren entrusts his daughter, Princess Catrin, to enamor Marcellus and collect intel, which Lucius wants Marcellus to do. Since their initial meeting, Marcellus and Catrin have piqued each other's interests. As more time is spent together, they fall in love, which segues the book into nail-biting, anxiety-filled waters.
I am a tremendous fan of magic, fantasy, and historical fiction, making this book perfect for me to read. It is my first time reading a book by Linnea Tanner, and her writing and storytelling thoroughly enthrall me. I usually stray away from books being told from multiple perspectives, but this story's switch in point of view did not bother me in the slightest. Tanner created a cohesive, controlled, beautiful book while seamlessly transitioning between various characters' viewpoints. You can tell instantaneously that she is passionate and well-versed in Celtic history, which is noted in her extensive knowledge of Celtic culture and its beliefs. I was fascinated with the magical characters in this book and their out-of-this-world magical capabilities that were mindboggling to witness. The story's plot fed the reader much information that did not seem overbearing.
One note on this book would be that it is not for the squeamish. It contains information on rape, child abuse, sexual encounters, murder, animal death, and sacrifices. Therefore, I recommend that an older audience read this book due to the topics displayed. I give Apollo's Raven five out of five stars and cannot wait to continue reading this incredible book series.
******
Apollo's Raven
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon | on iTunes
Apollo's Raven is a book that enraptures you in its storytelling. It checks off all the boxes on the book lover's checklist. Magic. A curse. Forbidden love. Tension. What else could a book enthusiast want?
Princess Catrin has always been in tune with her companion, the Raven, especially after a traumatic experience in her youth with her half-brother, Marrock, that leads to the prince's exile. When the Raven provides Catrin with a vision of her exiled brother surrounded by the Roman army, Catrin knows her family and people are in danger. When she arrives at her home, along with her sister Mora, to warn the King of the Roman's arrival, she realizes she is too late. The Romans were already in the presence of King Amren, his wife, Queen Rhiannon, and her other sister Vala. Life as she knew it would soon drastically change.
It is revealed that King Amren's ex-Queen Rhan, Marrock's mother, cursed him before he beheaded her for treason. The ancient curse revolves around the downfall of the King at the hands of a Raven and a Blood Wolf, which is discovered to be his daughter Catrin and the exiled son Marrock. At first, it seemed that the curse was altering to a different conclusion because of his children's separation, but this belief soon changed at the arrival of Marcellus.
Marcellus, a Roman, was forced to travel with his father, Senator Lucius Antonius, to discuss political affairs with King Amren. He is soon taken hostage as insurance that the Senator would not go behind the King's back, and as collateral, the Romans will have Vala as their hostage. Still, not trusting the Romans, King Amren entrusts his daughter, Princess Catrin, to enamor Marcellus and collect intel, which Lucius wants Marcellus to do. Since their initial meeting, Marcellus and Catrin have piqued each other's interests. As more time is spent together, they fall in love, which segues the book into nail-biting, anxiety-filled waters.
I am a tremendous fan of magic, fantasy, and historical fiction, making this book perfect for me to read. It is my first time reading a book by Linnea Tanner, and her writing and storytelling thoroughly enthrall me. I usually stray away from books being told from multiple perspectives, but this story's switch in point of view did not bother me in the slightest. Tanner created a cohesive, controlled, beautiful book while seamlessly transitioning between various characters' viewpoints. You can tell instantaneously that she is passionate and well-versed in Celtic history, which is noted in her extensive knowledge of Celtic culture and its beliefs. I was fascinated with the magical characters in this book and their out-of-this-world magical capabilities that were mindboggling to witness. The story's plot fed the reader much information that did not seem overbearing.
One note on this book would be that it is not for the squeamish. It contains information on rape, child abuse, sexual encounters, murder, animal death, and sacrifices. Therefore, I recommend that an older audience read this book due to the topics displayed. I give Apollo's Raven five out of five stars and cannot wait to continue reading this incredible book series.
******
Apollo's Raven
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon | on iTunes
Latest Review: Apollo's Raven by Linnea Tanner
