Vala, the least established princess

Use this forum to discuss the September Book of the Month "Apollo's Raven" by Linnea Tanner.
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Re: Vala, the least established princess

Post by Linnea Tanner »

I appreciate the feedback about readers' interest in Vala. This is a character I might further explore in another story.
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Post by amsula_2018 »

juliamenez wrote: 18 Sep 2018, 11:02 I wonder if this is strategic on the author's part, where the character is just mentioned to establish a presence in book 1, and then will be more integral to the plot in the sequels.
It is a good theory. Perhaps, the author seeks a sequel on the first book.
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Post by Jmteachmom »

DC Brown wrote: 23 Sep 2018, 00:22
CommMayo wrote: 21 Sep 2018, 14:46
Zain A Blade wrote: 21 Sep 2018, 14:43

Now that you put it that way, Vala could be the most interesting character yet.
It is all about putting it into perspective!
Love this train of thought. When I read the book I felt the author had written Vala off as unimportant, nearly invisible. Now I wonder if she could hold her own against the Romans!??!
I was thinking that Vala just a guarantee for King Amren and her role in the story may end there. Now that I have read these thoughtful posts, my mind has changed. I now hope to learn what valued part Vala will play as the plot thickens and comes to a conclusion.
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Post by sarahmarlowe »

Absolutely! When the Catrin was so worried about the king's safety as he was being held prisoner, I kept shouting, "What about your sister?" I think the author should have considered this more. Leaving her unmentioned made the rest of the family seem uncaring toward her. Additionally, I was impressed to read that Vala was a warrior. I had hoped we would be able to see her in action, but she wasn't given the chance to show off.
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Post by MuthoniMuriithi »

I feel that the qualities given to Vala suits her.
ROMANS 8:31
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Post by Prince4peman »

I wish to say that since the authure says vala was or is a warrio then lets believe and take it that way. Although everyone is entitle to his or her own opinion
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Post by kdstrack »

I, too, think Vala will be coming back. Marcellus was commissioned with using his time to discover what he could about Amren's plans and treaties. Couldn't Vala be doing the same? I would not be surprised if she came back and played a bigger role in future books in this series.
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Post by Shalomsamuels1 »

yeah, she was barely mentioned. she probably could have made a decent character.
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Post by Jsovermyer »

Vala was the least developed character in the story. She was just mentioned as being tall and ugly. I hope they give her more time in the next book.
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Post by CommMayo »

I agree that she has some real potential to be a key character. Her time with the Roman could give her a huge advantage it intelligence gathering, especially if she is underestimated by the chauvinist Roman soldiers.
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Post by Cassandra Keeney »

I think that Vala could have been developed more. She was there only to ensure the safety of Marcellus, but I didn’t see her play any greater role. I think that perhaps she will be more important in the sequel, because her storyline is unfinished (however small it was).
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Post by kdstrack »

CommMayo wrote: 30 Sep 2018, 10:59 I agree that she has some real potential to be a key character. Her time with the Roman could give her a huge advantage it intelligence gathering, especially if she is underestimated by the chauvinist Roman soldiers.
I agree. She could have the same goal as Marcellus - infiltrate! And given the way she has been described, she may be able to feign indifference or naivete to listen in on important conversations without being taken seriously.
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Post by Kendra M Parker »

I agree, Vala was almost a non-entity. Of course, even Mor was more of a plot device than a princess. She seemed to only exist to enable Catrin to move things forward at different time.
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Post by MissAndi »

I felt awful for Vala! She was nothing but an trade piece of a character constantly listed as ugly and basically useless. It felt like the author was objectifying her through the eyes of her family as much as the Romans did.
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Post by Lee_Reads »

I kept wondering what happened to Vala. I can’t imagine that her story wouldn’t be included in book two.
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