Review by female_dylan -- Apollo's Raven

[female_dylan]

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

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4 out of 4 stars

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“Apollo’s Raven” by Linnea Tanner is a fantasy/historical fiction piece based in 24 A.D. The story centers around a conflict between a Celtic king and the Roman Empire.

The story begins with a 15-year-old Celtic princess named Catrin. She is the youngest daughter of King Amren. She possesses magical powers and foresees a great danger from arriving foreigners. A Roman senator (descended from Mark Antony) and his son meet with the Celtic King to discuss a potential war from a rivaling colony. The rival colony supports Catrin’s banished half-brother Marrock’s claim to her father’s throne. Marrock seeks to kill the King and his half-sisters.

Marcellus, the Roman senator’s 20-year-old son, ends up staying as a hostage in Catrin’s castle. Marcellus and Catrin are ordered (by their fathers) to seduce each other to gain information. Catrin is conflicted when her feelings and visions that show Marcellus as an ally. Can Catrin stay away from the handsome Roman visitor? Will Marrock conquer the kingdom? Can Catrin and her family survive the potential foreign invasion?

This book was excellent. The story incorporated Greek mythology as well as known Roman legends. I enjoyed the use of the Greek gods mixed with Celtic folk tales. The romance aspect of the story is refreshingly realistic. A relationship between Marcellus and Catrin is (and would’ve been during this time period) out of the question. The couple does not dilute themselves by ignoring the realities of their situations.

Marcellus is the descendant of Mark Antony. His father plans to marry him to a noble girl within the upper ranks of Rome. Catrin is a Celtic princess. King Amren will not part with his favorite daughter for anything less than a Celtic King. Catrin’s marriage will be a ploy for her father’s empire. There is no possible way of the Marcellus and Catrin being together, without great difficulty. Acknowledgment and accuracy of both characters roles (i.e. family control of marriage) was an unexpected turn compared to the usual fantasy novel.

A key theme of this novel is family obligation. Both of the main characters are held back by their parents. Marcellus must live a life he did not choose. Catrin will not be free to choose her own husband. Catrin is constantly chastised by her parents during the novel. In fact, a war nearly breaks out because Catrin’s mother ignored her daughter’s rational pleas. Marcellus is solely used as a pawn for his father. The only thing I disliked about this book was the ending. There is no real closure. This forces the readers to immediately buy the next book of this series.

I give this book 4 out of 4 stars. The plot was unpredictable. The writing was exceptional. The story moved smoothly and had no plot/writing gaps. People who enjoy historical fiction novels, fantasy, Greek mythology, and teen romances will enjoy this story. People who do not enjoy cliffhangers or unresolved endings will not enjoy this story.

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Apollo's Raven
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[David Samanthaa]

Apollo's Raven" is a compelling story that seamlessly blends history and fantasy. The author's vivid descriptions and well-researched historical context create an immersive reading experience.