Review by Sophie Schreiber -- Dagger's Destiny
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Sophie Schreiber
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Review by Sophie Schreiber -- Dagger's Destiny
[Following is a volunteer review of "Dagger's Destiny" by Linnea Tanner.]
I RATE THIS BOOK 4 OUT OF 4 STARS. Dagger's Destiny by Linnea Tanner is an exceptionally well edited epic involving a dagger, a curse, and forbidden love. I would recommend this book to fans of Game of Thrones or of any similar High Fantasy/Historical Fiction series. Due to its graphic depictions of violence, to its descriptions of sexual acts/rape/incest and to its moderate use of profanity, I would recommend this book to those ages seventeen and older. In this novel, Tanner has masterfully interwoven elements of the mystical and of the historical in a manner that effects all the characters' lives to differing degrees. As the curse unfolds, its vague wording leads to several surprising and tragic twists. Unfortunately, however, the ending gives the reader only a glimpse at the fulfillment of the prophecy.
The novel's heroine, Catrin, is headstrong and foolish for re-weaving her love Marcellus's life thread at the prisoner exchange because it ultimately leads to the downfall of her entire family all for the sake of a youthful romance. At the time the story takes place, Catrin is fifteen years old and Marcellus is around nineteen or twenty. This may not seem like a huge gap in the world of adult relationships, but, to a teenager, those several additional years of experience can make a world of difference. In fact, Marcellus had already had an affair with a Roman woman before he even met Catrin. Although there are rumors throughout the novel that Marcellus was not Catrin's first love, the fact remains that there is no indication that these had ever been true. First loves can be powerful and passionate and can bring up plenty of strong feelings. Catrin desperately tries to re-alter the numerous possibilities time and time again in an effort to save Marcellus and to break the curse.
Catrin's choice sets a terrible plot in motion that fundamentally alters the lives of everyone she loves. She creates a rift between herself and between her father Amren which alienates her from her own family. Marcellus, in turn, is forced to question his own identity as a Roman. He makes a series of difficult choices that test his loyalty. Catrin's mother and half sisters are pulled into the web as well.In addition, Catrin betrays herself by trusting the wrong people.
Despite her youth and her naivety, Catrin becomes a disciplined and skilled warrior with the power to restore her family's honor, even though it comes at an enormous cost. The novel ends with the last line of the curse waiting to come to full fruition. Perhaps a more satisfying ending may have been Catrin herself on the throne. There were also several questions from the curse itself that were left unanswered. Nevertheless, this book was quite an engrossing tale.
I ranked this book 4 out of 4 stars due to its outstanding plot, to its very little grammatical errors, and to its well-developed characters. It was full of creativity and of imagination. In fact, it had many of the elements of a grown-up version of a magical fairy tale! Its flow was good with not many pauses in the story. All in all, I'd say it is one not to miss.
******
Dagger's Destiny
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon | on iTunes
I RATE THIS BOOK 4 OUT OF 4 STARS. Dagger's Destiny by Linnea Tanner is an exceptionally well edited epic involving a dagger, a curse, and forbidden love. I would recommend this book to fans of Game of Thrones or of any similar High Fantasy/Historical Fiction series. Due to its graphic depictions of violence, to its descriptions of sexual acts/rape/incest and to its moderate use of profanity, I would recommend this book to those ages seventeen and older. In this novel, Tanner has masterfully interwoven elements of the mystical and of the historical in a manner that effects all the characters' lives to differing degrees. As the curse unfolds, its vague wording leads to several surprising and tragic twists. Unfortunately, however, the ending gives the reader only a glimpse at the fulfillment of the prophecy.
The novel's heroine, Catrin, is headstrong and foolish for re-weaving her love Marcellus's life thread at the prisoner exchange because it ultimately leads to the downfall of her entire family all for the sake of a youthful romance. At the time the story takes place, Catrin is fifteen years old and Marcellus is around nineteen or twenty. This may not seem like a huge gap in the world of adult relationships, but, to a teenager, those several additional years of experience can make a world of difference. In fact, Marcellus had already had an affair with a Roman woman before he even met Catrin. Although there are rumors throughout the novel that Marcellus was not Catrin's first love, the fact remains that there is no indication that these had ever been true. First loves can be powerful and passionate and can bring up plenty of strong feelings. Catrin desperately tries to re-alter the numerous possibilities time and time again in an effort to save Marcellus and to break the curse.
Catrin's choice sets a terrible plot in motion that fundamentally alters the lives of everyone she loves. She creates a rift between herself and between her father Amren which alienates her from her own family. Marcellus, in turn, is forced to question his own identity as a Roman. He makes a series of difficult choices that test his loyalty. Catrin's mother and half sisters are pulled into the web as well.In addition, Catrin betrays herself by trusting the wrong people.
Despite her youth and her naivety, Catrin becomes a disciplined and skilled warrior with the power to restore her family's honor, even though it comes at an enormous cost. The novel ends with the last line of the curse waiting to come to full fruition. Perhaps a more satisfying ending may have been Catrin herself on the throne. There were also several questions from the curse itself that were left unanswered. Nevertheless, this book was quite an engrossing tale.
I ranked this book 4 out of 4 stars due to its outstanding plot, to its very little grammatical errors, and to its well-developed characters. It was full of creativity and of imagination. In fact, it had many of the elements of a grown-up version of a magical fairy tale! Its flow was good with not many pauses in the story. All in all, I'd say it is one not to miss.
******
Dagger's Destiny
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon | on iTunes
Latest Review: Strong Heart by Charlie Sheldon
