Review of Apollo's Raven
-
Kayla Faria
- Posts: 3
- Joined: 12 Feb 2023, 17:31
- Currently Reading: A Storm of Swords
- Bookshelf Size: 14
- Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-kayla-faria.html
- Latest Review: Apollo's Raven by Linnea Tanner
Review of Apollo's Raven
[Following is a volunteer review of "Apollo's Raven" by Linnea Tanner.]
Apollo's Raven by Linnea Tanner is a historical fiction novel that takes place in 24 AD, on the southeast coast of Britannia. Tanner intricately weaves Celtic history with fantasy fiction to create an epic tale of love, sacrifice, magic, politics, and adventure.
Readers are first introduced to Catrin, a Celtic warrior princess with a raven animal guide. Catrin can connect with her raven and in doing so, can see through its eyes. As the raven soars above the coastline, Catrin notices Roman ships and much to her horror, the return of her banished half-brother. Alarmed, Catrin returns to her father; King Amren, who already knows of the Roman’s unexpected arrival. Both parties gather together where Senator Lucius Antonius tells King Amren about Cunobelin; the Catuvellauni king, and his support that Amren’s son; Marrock, is the rightful heir to the throne. After discovering Cunobelin allied with Marrock after promising to forge an alliance with King Amren, a heated exchange ensues between the two parties. As a result, King Amren tells Lucius to arrange a secret meeting with him and Cunobelin in Rome. As a customary practice, Lucius’s son, Marcellus, is to stay in Britannia as a hostage while King Amren’s eldest daughter, Vala, will go to Rome.
Before King Amren leaves for Rome, he has a private discussion with Catrin regarding Marcellus. Catrin is tasked with escorting Marcellus around the Kingdom and finding out information about Rome’s intentions. Catrin also begins to learn that she possesses the power of the Ancient Druids after her father tells her of a curse cast on him by his former queen. The curse foretells of a raven, Catrin, and a blood-wolf, her half-brother Marrock, joining forces with a mighty empire that will overtake Britannia. To Catrin's dismay, it is decided that she will train with Agrona, King Amren’s spiritual advisor.
As Catrin begins to develop strong feelings for Marcellus although she knows it is forbidden, her world starts to dissolve into chaos. With the arrival of Marrock, Catrin suspects one of her people may be a traitor and working with him to bring the kingdom down, but who would do such a thing? With the looming threat of an attack by Marrock and an all-out war with Rome, will Catrin choose to stand by her kingdom or will she choose love and run away to Rome to be with her lover?
Apollo’s Raven is an exceptionally well-written novel that had me hooked from the first chapter. From the very beginning, the book is teeming with action and suspense. I quickly began to grow fond of Catrin’s character and often found myself rooting for her, hoping she can overcome her obstacles. The book is filled with everything from drama, fantasy, and magic to suspense and action that it truly keeps you on your toes. As stated above, the book was well written and I found zero errors. There are several instances of profane language and strong sexual scenes, therefore, it may not be suitable for younger readers. I rate Apollo’s Raven a 5 out of 5 . I was genuinely impressed with the novel and loved every minute of reading it. As the first book in the Curse of Clansmen and Kings, I look forward to continuing the series. I highly recommend the book and hope readers enjoy it as much as I did.
******
Apollo's Raven
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon | on iTunes
Apollo's Raven by Linnea Tanner is a historical fiction novel that takes place in 24 AD, on the southeast coast of Britannia. Tanner intricately weaves Celtic history with fantasy fiction to create an epic tale of love, sacrifice, magic, politics, and adventure.
Readers are first introduced to Catrin, a Celtic warrior princess with a raven animal guide. Catrin can connect with her raven and in doing so, can see through its eyes. As the raven soars above the coastline, Catrin notices Roman ships and much to her horror, the return of her banished half-brother. Alarmed, Catrin returns to her father; King Amren, who already knows of the Roman’s unexpected arrival. Both parties gather together where Senator Lucius Antonius tells King Amren about Cunobelin; the Catuvellauni king, and his support that Amren’s son; Marrock, is the rightful heir to the throne. After discovering Cunobelin allied with Marrock after promising to forge an alliance with King Amren, a heated exchange ensues between the two parties. As a result, King Amren tells Lucius to arrange a secret meeting with him and Cunobelin in Rome. As a customary practice, Lucius’s son, Marcellus, is to stay in Britannia as a hostage while King Amren’s eldest daughter, Vala, will go to Rome.
Before King Amren leaves for Rome, he has a private discussion with Catrin regarding Marcellus. Catrin is tasked with escorting Marcellus around the Kingdom and finding out information about Rome’s intentions. Catrin also begins to learn that she possesses the power of the Ancient Druids after her father tells her of a curse cast on him by his former queen. The curse foretells of a raven, Catrin, and a blood-wolf, her half-brother Marrock, joining forces with a mighty empire that will overtake Britannia. To Catrin's dismay, it is decided that she will train with Agrona, King Amren’s spiritual advisor.
As Catrin begins to develop strong feelings for Marcellus although she knows it is forbidden, her world starts to dissolve into chaos. With the arrival of Marrock, Catrin suspects one of her people may be a traitor and working with him to bring the kingdom down, but who would do such a thing? With the looming threat of an attack by Marrock and an all-out war with Rome, will Catrin choose to stand by her kingdom or will she choose love and run away to Rome to be with her lover?
Apollo’s Raven is an exceptionally well-written novel that had me hooked from the first chapter. From the very beginning, the book is teeming with action and suspense. I quickly began to grow fond of Catrin’s character and often found myself rooting for her, hoping she can overcome her obstacles. The book is filled with everything from drama, fantasy, and magic to suspense and action that it truly keeps you on your toes. As stated above, the book was well written and I found zero errors. There are several instances of profane language and strong sexual scenes, therefore, it may not be suitable for younger readers. I rate Apollo’s Raven a 5 out of 5 . I was genuinely impressed with the novel and loved every minute of reading it. As the first book in the Curse of Clansmen and Kings, I look forward to continuing the series. I highly recommend the book and hope readers enjoy it as much as I did.
******
Apollo's Raven
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon | on iTunes
Latest Review: Apollo's Raven by Linnea Tanner
