Review by Juliesaraporter217 -- Apollo's Raven
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Juliesaraporter217
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Review by Juliesaraporter217 -- Apollo's Raven
[Following is a volunteer review of "Apollo's Raven" by Linnea Tanner.]
Apollo's Raven is the first book in Curse of Clansmen and Kings,a suspenseful, magical, romantic, strong, character driven historical fiction series about a Celtic princess falling in with a Roman nobleman during the Roman invasion of Britain.
Princess Catrin is the youngest of the four children of King Amren. She has a second sight which allows her to astral project into the eyes of her raven spirit guide. Through these eyes, Catrin has clairvoyant and precognitive abilities. When covering for her older sister and her sister's boyfriend, Catrin gets a vision of Roman ships approaching and that her cruel half-brother, Marrock, is leading the way. Catrin’s worst visions are confirmed when she returns to her home and her father is in deep conversation with those same Romans that she saw in her vision.
After a tense confrontation with the Romans, negotiations are made in which the Romans keep the eldest Celtic daughter, Vala in exchange for the Roman senator's son, Marcellus. Amren orders Catrin to guard Marcellus and get information out of him, even romance him if she has to. Senator Lucius Antonius orders the same of his soon-to-be-captive son. Meanwhile, rival forces are approaching Amren’s kingdom consisting of Romans, a rival Celtic kingdom, and a few traitors who are using the opposing factions for their own agendas.
Apollo’s Raven is a good book, mostly. Catrin’s sisters are underdeveloped. One is a princess stereotype and the other has such a small role that the book could work just as well without her. There are also other subplots that are introduced but bear little involvement with the main storyline. These flaws could be attributed to being the first book in the series and may reveal stronger characterization and plot resolution in later volumes.
However, there are many advantages in this book. Catrin and Marcellus are a fascinating couple throughout the book. Both are torn between family loyalty and their feelings for each other. They contrast with each other. Marcellus is from a more structured rigid society; Catrin from a free spirited wild one. Marcellus has a more traditional view of men and women of men being the warriors and women being wives or mistresses; Catrin is independent and used to being a leader. While both are polytheistic, Marcellus has a very stoic following towards the gods and otherworldly abilities; Catrin is more emotional and troubled by her abilities from the gods, even though she is willing to use them to help her kingdom and family. Catrin and Marcellus have some genuinely sweet moments where they look past their differences and kingdom rivalries and fall in love.
There are some suspenseful tense moments as well. One of the creepiest occurs during a meeting between the rival factions when Amren’s druid advisor makes a vision appear for all present. During this vision, Catrin has a scary encounter with her Raven guide and has some Apocalyptic visions that involve the deaths of various characters.
There are also tense moments of betrayal. Various characters are revealed to have sided with Marrock and the Romans. One in particular is terrifying in the revelation of their motives and means of power.
Apollo's Raven receives four out of four stars. It is flawed, but for the most part is a great work of historical fiction. The rest of the series hopefully will live up and maybe surpass the strong start.
******
Apollo's Raven
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon | on iTunes
Apollo's Raven is the first book in Curse of Clansmen and Kings,a suspenseful, magical, romantic, strong, character driven historical fiction series about a Celtic princess falling in with a Roman nobleman during the Roman invasion of Britain.
Princess Catrin is the youngest of the four children of King Amren. She has a second sight which allows her to astral project into the eyes of her raven spirit guide. Through these eyes, Catrin has clairvoyant and precognitive abilities. When covering for her older sister and her sister's boyfriend, Catrin gets a vision of Roman ships approaching and that her cruel half-brother, Marrock, is leading the way. Catrin’s worst visions are confirmed when she returns to her home and her father is in deep conversation with those same Romans that she saw in her vision.
After a tense confrontation with the Romans, negotiations are made in which the Romans keep the eldest Celtic daughter, Vala in exchange for the Roman senator's son, Marcellus. Amren orders Catrin to guard Marcellus and get information out of him, even romance him if she has to. Senator Lucius Antonius orders the same of his soon-to-be-captive son. Meanwhile, rival forces are approaching Amren’s kingdom consisting of Romans, a rival Celtic kingdom, and a few traitors who are using the opposing factions for their own agendas.
Apollo’s Raven is a good book, mostly. Catrin’s sisters are underdeveloped. One is a princess stereotype and the other has such a small role that the book could work just as well without her. There are also other subplots that are introduced but bear little involvement with the main storyline. These flaws could be attributed to being the first book in the series and may reveal stronger characterization and plot resolution in later volumes.
However, there are many advantages in this book. Catrin and Marcellus are a fascinating couple throughout the book. Both are torn between family loyalty and their feelings for each other. They contrast with each other. Marcellus is from a more structured rigid society; Catrin from a free spirited wild one. Marcellus has a more traditional view of men and women of men being the warriors and women being wives or mistresses; Catrin is independent and used to being a leader. While both are polytheistic, Marcellus has a very stoic following towards the gods and otherworldly abilities; Catrin is more emotional and troubled by her abilities from the gods, even though she is willing to use them to help her kingdom and family. Catrin and Marcellus have some genuinely sweet moments where they look past their differences and kingdom rivalries and fall in love.
There are some suspenseful tense moments as well. One of the creepiest occurs during a meeting between the rival factions when Amren’s druid advisor makes a vision appear for all present. During this vision, Catrin has a scary encounter with her Raven guide and has some Apocalyptic visions that involve the deaths of various characters.
There are also tense moments of betrayal. Various characters are revealed to have sided with Marrock and the Romans. One in particular is terrifying in the revelation of their motives and means of power.
Apollo's Raven receives four out of four stars. It is flawed, but for the most part is a great work of historical fiction. The rest of the series hopefully will live up and maybe surpass the strong start.
******
Apollo's Raven
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon | on iTunes
Latest Review: House of Eire by June Gillam
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David Samanthaa
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I was thoroughly captivated by "Apollo's Raven." The author's ability to blend history and fantasy is truly impressive, and the characters are both complex and relatable. The plot is full of suspense and intrigue, making for a thoroughly enjoyable read.
Latest Review: Totem by Charlie Sheldon
