Review by venxsfi -- Apollo's Raven by Linnea Tanner
-
Kayla_Sanders
- Posts: 84
- Joined: 10 Mar 2020, 16:09
- Currently Reading: Iron Widow
- Bookshelf Size: 43
- Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-kayla-sanders.html
- Latest Review: Signs in the Rearview Mirror by Kelly Smith
Review by venxsfi -- Apollo's Raven by Linnea Tanner
[Following is a volunteer review of "Apollo's Raven" by Linnea Tanner.]
Apollo's Raven, the introductory novel for the Curse of Clansmen and Kings series, packs a powerful punch as the first installment for this three-part series.
This enriching tale set in 24 AD Britannia follows Catrin, a Celtic warrior princess that possesses druid-like powers through her raven companion. A curse has been placed on the royal family, looming over the kingdom with dark forces lying in wait to overthrow and seize power. Catrin must brace herself for the trials that lie ahead while tensions with the Roman Empire escalates. When a Roman man by the name of Marcellus is held captive in the kingdom, Catrin's entire perspective is wiped clean, unexpectedly falling for the man who is supposed to be her enemy. Weaving through treacherous waters, Catrin must find a way out of the spider's web of political deceit, harnessing her mystical powers and choosing between duty to her family or her love for Marcellus in order to save her kingdom and break the curse that has been placed.
From the first chapter, I was entranced by this fantasy tale. Linnea Tanner does an excellent job describing both Celtic and Roman culture with historical accuracy. Every page shines a light that copious amounts of research were placed into recreating these cultures during this time era. In certain books, there are sometimes entire chapters that are included for "filler" purposes. With Apollo's Raven, that is not the case. There is always progression in the storyline, and the pace is balanced to keep you on your toes. There are minor spelling mistakes and grammar errors, but these can be corrected easily and they do not take away from the story.
The authority given to women in the Celtic culture is what I admired most about the book. It is clearly shown during many interactions that power is given to women, especially the women in the royal family. Catrin was trained from a young age to become a powerful warrior, and no shame was placed upon her for pursuing the livelihood of fighting. King Amren was abundantly proud of his daughters and viewed his wife as a ruler of equal standing. In this time era, it was not common to see traditions like this. It was empowering to read as a woman, having a strong female lead as the main character of this story.
It is worth mentioning that erotic scenes, uses of profanity, and descriptions of gore are scattered throughout this book. There were certain points when I would be slightly disturbed by the descriptions of blood and sacrificial elements written in detail. This is what I disliked most about this book. However, it is essential to the story and does not take away from the overall enjoyment of the book.
Because of the usage of profanity, gore, and erotic scenes, I would not recommend children to read this book. As for the overall appeal, Apollo's Raven would be able to draw in all teen and adult audiences who love a well-written romantic adventure tale. In conclusion, I fell in love with this story and give Apollo's Raven a 4 out of 4 stars. An exhilarating plot, I thoroughly enjoyed it from start to finish. Linnea Tanner drove an epic narrative, and I was left wanting more with every page. I will be looking forward to reading the next installments to the series.
******
Apollo's Raven
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon | on iTunes
Apollo's Raven, the introductory novel for the Curse of Clansmen and Kings series, packs a powerful punch as the first installment for this three-part series.
This enriching tale set in 24 AD Britannia follows Catrin, a Celtic warrior princess that possesses druid-like powers through her raven companion. A curse has been placed on the royal family, looming over the kingdom with dark forces lying in wait to overthrow and seize power. Catrin must brace herself for the trials that lie ahead while tensions with the Roman Empire escalates. When a Roman man by the name of Marcellus is held captive in the kingdom, Catrin's entire perspective is wiped clean, unexpectedly falling for the man who is supposed to be her enemy. Weaving through treacherous waters, Catrin must find a way out of the spider's web of political deceit, harnessing her mystical powers and choosing between duty to her family or her love for Marcellus in order to save her kingdom and break the curse that has been placed.
From the first chapter, I was entranced by this fantasy tale. Linnea Tanner does an excellent job describing both Celtic and Roman culture with historical accuracy. Every page shines a light that copious amounts of research were placed into recreating these cultures during this time era. In certain books, there are sometimes entire chapters that are included for "filler" purposes. With Apollo's Raven, that is not the case. There is always progression in the storyline, and the pace is balanced to keep you on your toes. There are minor spelling mistakes and grammar errors, but these can be corrected easily and they do not take away from the story.
The authority given to women in the Celtic culture is what I admired most about the book. It is clearly shown during many interactions that power is given to women, especially the women in the royal family. Catrin was trained from a young age to become a powerful warrior, and no shame was placed upon her for pursuing the livelihood of fighting. King Amren was abundantly proud of his daughters and viewed his wife as a ruler of equal standing. In this time era, it was not common to see traditions like this. It was empowering to read as a woman, having a strong female lead as the main character of this story.
It is worth mentioning that erotic scenes, uses of profanity, and descriptions of gore are scattered throughout this book. There were certain points when I would be slightly disturbed by the descriptions of blood and sacrificial elements written in detail. This is what I disliked most about this book. However, it is essential to the story and does not take away from the overall enjoyment of the book.
Because of the usage of profanity, gore, and erotic scenes, I would not recommend children to read this book. As for the overall appeal, Apollo's Raven would be able to draw in all teen and adult audiences who love a well-written romantic adventure tale. In conclusion, I fell in love with this story and give Apollo's Raven a 4 out of 4 stars. An exhilarating plot, I thoroughly enjoyed it from start to finish. Linnea Tanner drove an epic narrative, and I was left wanting more with every page. I will be looking forward to reading the next installments to the series.
******
Apollo's Raven
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon | on iTunes
“Books are the quietest and most constant of friends; they are the most accessible and wisest of counselors, and the most patient of teachers.” – Charles W. Eliot
Latest Review: Signs in the Rearview Mirror by Kelly Smith
