Review of Apollo's Raven

[Kelsey Roy]

[Following is a volunteer review of "Apollo's Raven" by Linnea Tanner.]

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5 out of 5 stars

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Apollo's Raven by Linnea Tanner is the first book in the historical fiction series called Curse of Clansmen and Kings. This book follows a ruling family in ancient Britannia in AD 24 as they fight to avoid falling under Roman rule. Catrin is the youngest daughter of King Amren and Queen Rhiannon, regional rulers of the Cantiaci people, and a fierce warrior. The Cantiaci lands are on the southeastern coastline and are in danger of a Roman invasion. We first meet Catrin as she rides along the coast with her spirit guide, the raven. Catrin believes she is a druidess because of her ability to see through her raven's eyes. It is with this gift that she first notices the Roman boats.

Marcellus is the youngest son of Senator Lucius Antonius, who was sent to Britannia by Emperor Tiberius to determine resistance to Roman invasion. Lucius tasks Marcellus with seducing Catrin to reveal the Cantiaci secrets. Will Catrin fall for Marcellus' practiced charm and risk the life and freedom of her family and people?

This novel is exceptionally well-edited, as I found no grammatical errors throughout the text. Additionally, the plot moves along quickly, keeping readers engaged without lacking depth and detail. My favorite aspect of the book was the shifting point of view. The chapters alternate between the main characters and some crucial support characters to spin a well-developed web of secrets and mistrust. The author does an excellent job of introducing plot twists and manipulating the reader's opinion of characters multiple times throughout the text. Is Marcellus an evil Roman spy or a young man who resents the pressures of his father and yearns for love and acceptance? Could he be both simultaneously?

I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars. I found nothing to dislike in the novel, and I look forward to the story continuing in Dagger's Destiny. This novel's perfect editing and adventurous and mysterious tone demand an excellent score. Celtic traditions, religious practices, and political structure are referenced and explained in the narrative of this fictional novel.

I recommend this novel to readers interested in historical fiction. The ancient setting is well-researched and historically accurate. Readers interested in Tiberius' rule will enjoy the Roman narrative. Additionally, those interested in the history of Celtic tribes on the British Isles will find their niche in this story. There is significant discussion of sexual encounters, violence, and profanity, so I caution young readers against this book. Love, romance, danger, and spiritual mystery abound in this story.

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Apollo's Raven
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[King Nyebuchi]

I found your review to be exceptionally well-written, and I want to express my gratitude for the true insights it gave about the book. I hope to get the time to delve into the book.