Review by Merlin+reads -- Apollo's Raven by Linnea Tanner
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Review by Merlin+reads -- Apollo's Raven by Linnea Tanner
[Following is a volunteer review of "Apollo's Raven" by Linnea Tanner.]
In the book Apollo's Raven by Linnea Tanner, the author has rolled out a rich tapestry upon which this story takes place. She herself, has studied Celtic ways and the mythological beliefs of this past era, which adds great detail and a glistening interest in the reading of the book. Also with the abounding of druids and sorceresses wielding out their powers, there is a strong magical element throughout the book.
The setting takes place in the land of Britannia, among the Celts and early Romans. As a curse has been placed upon the Celtic King and Queen's family, the youngest princess, Catrin, must find a way to alter its course. With the help of her magical Raven, she has unearthly powers to attain this quest. The story centers on her plight and how she chooses to use her special Raven gifts to change her and others' paths. An intricate occurrence is her blooming love interest for a Roman enemy prince, which of course, further makes things challenging.
The Queen mother herself quotes to her daughter Catrin that "Life never presents us with clear choices." [pg.315] In that long ago age, where laws were vague and avenging your anger by killing and torture were considered normal life, that little bit of motherly advice was pretty apt. Above all else to make wise choices with your loved ones foremost in your mind. As told in this tale sometimes, even with a sly Raven by ones side, this can be a very difficult choice indeed.
I really enjoyed how the author fully captivated the readers attention by a truly adventurous story, which piqued one to not put the book down, gathering a need to find out what is going to happen next...totally a page turner. Also a plus was the authors great use of language and detailed descriptions of that time period. It immersed over the reader so well, one could almost smell the fragrant honeysuckle, see the harsh landscape and feel the simple yet perilous times enrapt you as the book unfolds. Very well done!
Something I disliked about the book? Wracking my brain, I thought the end was maybe a little bit quick, somewhat choppy and left one with a sense that some piece was missing that could have been inserted...but then again being a first in a series of three, maybe that piece is in the next book. Because I feel it was a very well edited first rate read overall, with much colorfulness and descriptive writing, I gave it a rating of 4 out of 4 stars.
As for audience appeal, mostly everyone would enjoy this book. Because the story is laced with magical happenings, anyone with knowledge of the mystic arts would especially like this book. Also those with a love of history of that era, would relish the hearty writing of those times. Perhaps the only group the book might not be a happy read for, would be very young children, as there are many instances of gruesome killings of both animals and people in the story. So not really a children's book. I myself thoroughly enjoyed this book and look forward to reading the next in this series.
******
Apollo's Raven
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon | on iTunes
In the book Apollo's Raven by Linnea Tanner, the author has rolled out a rich tapestry upon which this story takes place. She herself, has studied Celtic ways and the mythological beliefs of this past era, which adds great detail and a glistening interest in the reading of the book. Also with the abounding of druids and sorceresses wielding out their powers, there is a strong magical element throughout the book.
The setting takes place in the land of Britannia, among the Celts and early Romans. As a curse has been placed upon the Celtic King and Queen's family, the youngest princess, Catrin, must find a way to alter its course. With the help of her magical Raven, she has unearthly powers to attain this quest. The story centers on her plight and how she chooses to use her special Raven gifts to change her and others' paths. An intricate occurrence is her blooming love interest for a Roman enemy prince, which of course, further makes things challenging.
The Queen mother herself quotes to her daughter Catrin that "Life never presents us with clear choices." [pg.315] In that long ago age, where laws were vague and avenging your anger by killing and torture were considered normal life, that little bit of motherly advice was pretty apt. Above all else to make wise choices with your loved ones foremost in your mind. As told in this tale sometimes, even with a sly Raven by ones side, this can be a very difficult choice indeed.
I really enjoyed how the author fully captivated the readers attention by a truly adventurous story, which piqued one to not put the book down, gathering a need to find out what is going to happen next...totally a page turner. Also a plus was the authors great use of language and detailed descriptions of that time period. It immersed over the reader so well, one could almost smell the fragrant honeysuckle, see the harsh landscape and feel the simple yet perilous times enrapt you as the book unfolds. Very well done!
Something I disliked about the book? Wracking my brain, I thought the end was maybe a little bit quick, somewhat choppy and left one with a sense that some piece was missing that could have been inserted...but then again being a first in a series of three, maybe that piece is in the next book. Because I feel it was a very well edited first rate read overall, with much colorfulness and descriptive writing, I gave it a rating of 4 out of 4 stars.
As for audience appeal, mostly everyone would enjoy this book. Because the story is laced with magical happenings, anyone with knowledge of the mystic arts would especially like this book. Also those with a love of history of that era, would relish the hearty writing of those times. Perhaps the only group the book might not be a happy read for, would be very young children, as there are many instances of gruesome killings of both animals and people in the story. So not really a children's book. I myself thoroughly enjoyed this book and look forward to reading the next in this series.
******
Apollo's Raven
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon | on iTunes
Latest Review: Homecoming by Jude Austin
