Review by KCWolf -- Apollo's Raven by Linnea Tanner
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Review by KCWolf -- Apollo's Raven by Linnea Tanner
[Following is a volunteer review of "Apollo's Raven" by Linnea Tanner.]
4 out of 4 stars
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In summary Apollo’s Raven by Linnea Tanner is the story of Catrin, a Celtic princess torn between duty to her family and her first love. She is also uncertain of the powers she possesses and her spiritual connection with her Raven. Bound by a curse that links her to her evil half-brother, she finds herself not only faced with changing her own destiny but also that of her love, her family, and the kingdom.
This novel was expertly edited, as I only spotted two small errors. I really enjoyed this story and found reading it quite addictive. Therefore, I am rating it 4 out of 4 stars.
What I liked most was how the author Linnea tanner wove the diverse characters, magic, and multiple conflicts intricately into the story. For instance, ancient magic and Catrin’s use of her powers played an important role in the plot. At times the line between illusions and reality were blurred, adding to the mystery. The importance of arranged marriages in their culture vs. the passion of forbidden love was well demonstrated throughout the book. Clash of cultures and historical details were also vital to the plot. The descriptive passages were vivid and really painted a picture in my mind of what the characters and setting looked like, as well as what was going on in each scene.
Even though the major relationship in this story was Catrin and Marcellus, my favorite relationship was that between Queen Rhiannon and Trystan. It shows that the queen truly understands about being in love with one man, yet sworn to an arranged marriage with another. Which as I’ve said is a repeated theme throughout the book.
What I disliked the most was how it wasn’t revealed that Catrin had a twin sister until half-way through the book, and only mentioned once. It would have benefited the storytelling if this detail was revealed sooner. It would also help reduce some confusion regarding Catrin’s curse. However, it does help to explain the rather complicated relationship between Catrin and her mother.
Also, I didn’t care for the attempted rape by Marrock in her back story; and then the senator further threatening to let his men rape her. I tend to frown on the overuse of rape as a plot device. I can understand it for Marrock’s ritual and the demonstration of how evil he was—but the senator’s threat just seemed a bit overboard.
All in all, I really enjoyed Apollo’s Raven and would recommend it to fans of epic fantasy (such as GRR Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire) and historical fantasy. I look forward to reading the rest of the epic series.
******
Apollo's Raven
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4 out of 4 stars
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In summary Apollo’s Raven by Linnea Tanner is the story of Catrin, a Celtic princess torn between duty to her family and her first love. She is also uncertain of the powers she possesses and her spiritual connection with her Raven. Bound by a curse that links her to her evil half-brother, she finds herself not only faced with changing her own destiny but also that of her love, her family, and the kingdom.
This novel was expertly edited, as I only spotted two small errors. I really enjoyed this story and found reading it quite addictive. Therefore, I am rating it 4 out of 4 stars.
What I liked most was how the author Linnea tanner wove the diverse characters, magic, and multiple conflicts intricately into the story. For instance, ancient magic and Catrin’s use of her powers played an important role in the plot. At times the line between illusions and reality were blurred, adding to the mystery. The importance of arranged marriages in their culture vs. the passion of forbidden love was well demonstrated throughout the book. Clash of cultures and historical details were also vital to the plot. The descriptive passages were vivid and really painted a picture in my mind of what the characters and setting looked like, as well as what was going on in each scene.
Even though the major relationship in this story was Catrin and Marcellus, my favorite relationship was that between Queen Rhiannon and Trystan. It shows that the queen truly understands about being in love with one man, yet sworn to an arranged marriage with another. Which as I’ve said is a repeated theme throughout the book.
What I disliked the most was how it wasn’t revealed that Catrin had a twin sister until half-way through the book, and only mentioned once. It would have benefited the storytelling if this detail was revealed sooner. It would also help reduce some confusion regarding Catrin’s curse. However, it does help to explain the rather complicated relationship between Catrin and her mother.
Also, I didn’t care for the attempted rape by Marrock in her back story; and then the senator further threatening to let his men rape her. I tend to frown on the overuse of rape as a plot device. I can understand it for Marrock’s ritual and the demonstration of how evil he was—but the senator’s threat just seemed a bit overboard.
All in all, I really enjoyed Apollo’s Raven and would recommend it to fans of epic fantasy (such as GRR Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire) and historical fantasy. I look forward to reading the rest of the epic series.
******
Apollo's Raven
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon | on iTunes
Like KCWolf's review? Post a comment saying so!
Currently writing: Charmed Lives, Sovereign Eyes, and Corithian Saga …plus more!
So many projects…so little time.
So many projects…so little time.
