Review of Apollo's Raven
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Jen Cowhig
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Review of Apollo's Raven
[Following is a volunteer review of "Apollo's Raven" by Linnea Tanner.]
Apollo’s Raven is the first book in Linnea Tanner’s Curse of Clansmen and Kings series. It tells an epic tale of adventure, betrayal, forbidden romance, and political intrigue in Ancient Rome and Britannia. This is a historical fantasy that expertly mixes history and Celtic mythology. I would recommend this series to adults who grew up with an interest in mythology. This book was extremely well-edited and deserves a full five out of five stars!
Apollo’s Raven is set in 24 AD. The story develops in the region of the Southeast Celtic tribes in Britain, who had slightly different beliefs than the Celts from other regions, before the invasion of the Roman emperor Claudius. Tanner compares and contrasts the myths, legends, and warrior culture of the Celts with those of the Romans, whom they were negotiating with throughout the story.
While Tanner uses shifting points of view to plunge the reader into the innermost lives of a variety of characters, this first book heavily focuses on Catrin, King Amren‘s youngest daughter. She was born with a raven’s soul and is gifted with certain mystical powers. King Armen warns his daughter against using her powers as an evil druid predicts the kingdom's downfall. She casts a curse that says that the Blood Wolf and the Raven will destroy him. Catrin learns that she is the Raven foretold in this prophecy, and her banished half-brother, Marrock, is the Blood Wolf. Will Catrin have the power to break the curse and save her people? Or will she let love lead her astray?
There are many things that I love about this book, and I have nothing to complain about! The first thing that I love is the strong and dynamic female characters, such as Catrin. While we think of many ancient societies as paternalistic, Celtic women were still held in high regard and could be rulers. Tanner gives us a brief note about a famous warrior queen who was also a druidess. I believe she inspired Tanndr to create Catrin. I love that the author's research and passion for mythology bleeds into the pages. I found the author’s note at the end to be particularly interesting, as it explains some of the real-life history and beliefs of the people.
If any of this interests you, I highly recommend checking out the series! While this isn't a genre that I read very often, as I tend to read more nonfiction or crime dramas than fantasy, this book was something I thoroughly enjoyed, and I look forward to checking out the next book!
******
Apollo's Raven
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon | on iTunes
Apollo’s Raven is the first book in Linnea Tanner’s Curse of Clansmen and Kings series. It tells an epic tale of adventure, betrayal, forbidden romance, and political intrigue in Ancient Rome and Britannia. This is a historical fantasy that expertly mixes history and Celtic mythology. I would recommend this series to adults who grew up with an interest in mythology. This book was extremely well-edited and deserves a full five out of five stars!
Apollo’s Raven is set in 24 AD. The story develops in the region of the Southeast Celtic tribes in Britain, who had slightly different beliefs than the Celts from other regions, before the invasion of the Roman emperor Claudius. Tanner compares and contrasts the myths, legends, and warrior culture of the Celts with those of the Romans, whom they were negotiating with throughout the story.
While Tanner uses shifting points of view to plunge the reader into the innermost lives of a variety of characters, this first book heavily focuses on Catrin, King Amren‘s youngest daughter. She was born with a raven’s soul and is gifted with certain mystical powers. King Armen warns his daughter against using her powers as an evil druid predicts the kingdom's downfall. She casts a curse that says that the Blood Wolf and the Raven will destroy him. Catrin learns that she is the Raven foretold in this prophecy, and her banished half-brother, Marrock, is the Blood Wolf. Will Catrin have the power to break the curse and save her people? Or will she let love lead her astray?
There are many things that I love about this book, and I have nothing to complain about! The first thing that I love is the strong and dynamic female characters, such as Catrin. While we think of many ancient societies as paternalistic, Celtic women were still held in high regard and could be rulers. Tanner gives us a brief note about a famous warrior queen who was also a druidess. I believe she inspired Tanndr to create Catrin. I love that the author's research and passion for mythology bleeds into the pages. I found the author’s note at the end to be particularly interesting, as it explains some of the real-life history and beliefs of the people.
If any of this interests you, I highly recommend checking out the series! While this isn't a genre that I read very often, as I tend to read more nonfiction or crime dramas than fantasy, this book was something I thoroughly enjoyed, and I look forward to checking out the next book!
******
Apollo's Raven
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon | on iTunes
Latest Review: Amber’s Way by Gloria Galloway
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David Samanthaa
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Apollo's Raven" is a beautifully written novel that transports the reader to ancient Celtic Britain. The story is rich with mythology and historical detail, and the characters are both complex and compelling.
Latest Review: Totem by Charlie Sheldon
