Review of Apollo's Raven

[Kathryn Dench]

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

---

5 out of 5 stars

---

Share This Review

---

<i>Apollo's Raven</i> by Linnea Tanner is a fantasy story set in Celtic England during the days of the Roman Empire. The story follows Catrin, the youngest daughter of King Amren, as their kingdom is threatened by the potential return of Catrin's older half-brother, intent on overthrowing her father. The sly politics of Roman senators and neighboring kings create a landscape of distrust, where every step has to be carefully calculated. Within this context, we learn that Catrin has inherited ancient druid powers that enable her to merge spirits with the black raven that is always nearby. Unfortunately, she soon learns that their enemies are closer than they thought, some within her father's most trusted council.

The story brings together history, politics, adventure, and romance, making it an enticing story. One of the most striking features of the book is its careful portrayal of Celtic women, in a culture as yet untouched by patriarchy. Catrin herself is a warrior, and while the male warriors are protective of her, there is no sense that she demands less respect because of being female. The fantasy aspects of the story are well handled, including the details of how Catrin's powers develop through the story, and the insights they give her into current events. The narrative is engaging, and the book is well edited, making it a pleasure to read.

My only criticism of the book would be that I was left wanting to know more about certain characters in the book. For example, while a few scenes followed Catrin's half-brother, and we learn more about him from Catrin's recollections, it felt that there were some aspects to him that were yet to be revealed. Perhaps the author will reveal more about these characters in the sequels to <i>Apollo's Raven</i>.

Overall, I rate <i>Apollo's Raven</i> <b>5 out of 5 stars</b>. While Catrin's story could be enjoyed by readers of any age, the book contains some profanity and sexual scenes, making it more suitable for a mature audience. I look forward to reading more from this author.

******
Apollo's Raven
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon | on iTunes