Review of Apollo's Raven

[David Samanthaa]

[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: Curse of Clansmen and Kings" by Linnea Tanner is the first book in this series. It's filled with magical dreams, signs, curses, romance, battles, and lots of adventure. Catrin is a princess of the Cantiaci tribe, but unlike other princesses, she isn't interested in embroidery or courtly manners. She dreams of becoming a warrior like her father.

“Apollo's Raven" gets its name from the characters' belief in multiple gods and because Catrin can see through her raven's eyes. During the story, Catrin meets and falls in love with a Roman named Marcellus. When her people capture him, she is ordered to get close to him to uncover Roman secrets. Her biggest challenge is balancing her duty to protect her people with her deep feelings for Marcellus.

What I loved most about "Apollo's Raven" was the strong female lead. Catrin is a refreshing departure from the usual damsel in distress. She is smart, determined, and deeply loyal to her people. Even though she dreams of being a warrior, she struggles with the prophecy and her responsibilities as a princess. This inner turmoil makes her a relatable and engaging character. The romance between Catrin and Marcellus adds an extra layer of intrigue. Their love develops against a backdrop of political tension and cultural differences. Their forbidden relationship kept me on edge, and the challenges they faced only made their bond stronger.

Lastly, the inclusion of Celtic mythology brings an element of mystery and fascination. The prophecy, hints of magic, and mentions of ancient deities like Apollo and Celtic ravens all enhance the book's enchanting atmosphere. While it's not a complete fantasy novel, the subtle incorporation of mythology gives the story a distinctive touch.

While I really liked "Apollo's Raven," there were a few things that could have been improved. The historical accuracy might bother some readers. The author takes some creative freedom with historical figures and events. Although this can make the story more interesting, it might not satisfy those who want a completely accurate portrayal of the era.

This book marks the beginning of an exciting series. It's very well edited, and I would give it a 5 out of 5 star rating. I recommend it to readers who enjoy fantasy novels.

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Apollo's Raven
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[Terry Kimble]

This review has piqued my interest in this novel. I don't read many books from this genre, so I am picky when choosing a fantasy story. This one sounds like something I would enjoy! Thank you for the informative review. I will place this on my TBR shelves!

[Amy Luman]

I’m not interested in starting a new series right now and I know that like Lay’s, I couldn’t have just one. Even though the romantic aspect of this novel doesn’t appeal to me, there seems to be a mysterious and thrilling part of it that does. Thanks!