Review by bauer_ve -- Apollo's Raven by Linnea Tanner

[bauer_ve]

[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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In Apollo’s Raven by Linnea Tanner, King Amren of the Cantiaci Celtic people has been cursed by his first wife to be destroyed when a Raven and Blood Wolf rise against him. Amren’s youngest daughter, a Celtic warrior princess named Catrin, has an unusual connection with a raven that she herself does not fully understand. As a result of this mystical connection, she foresees a horrific vision of the curse coming to fruition.

Catrin realizes that she is the Raven, and her banished half-brother, Marrock, is the Blood Wolf. While King Amren is in the midst of peace negotiations with the Roman Senator and his son Marcellus, Marrock is attempting to ally himself with the Romans in order to overthrow his father. As Catrin tries to understand and master her powers to help with the negotiations, she falls in love with the enemy, Marcellus. Will she have to choose between her true love and her family? Through political uncertainty, forbidden love, betrayals, and great mystical powers, will the curse be broken, and the kingdom saved?

I really enjoyed reading this book. The characters were very well developed, as was the storyline. I became so invested in what happens between Catrin and Marcellus that I could not put the book down. It was evident that the author had done a lot of research into the Roman and Celtic cultures. I found that aspect of the book very interesting. I also believe the author did very well with how she ended the book; it left me wanting to read the next novel but was fulfilling enough that it could stand on its own as well.

I would recommend this book to those who like historical fiction with a touch of fantasy and romance. When I think of historical fiction, I think of something that is more mundane, but the way the author tied it into the storyline just made it more interesting. Readers who like fantasy stories about shape-shifters and mystical powers will especially enjoy this. There were a few sexually graphic scenes, so I would not recommend younger children to read this book.

Apollo’s Raven is an exciting fantasy/historical fiction that will keep you turning the page from the beginning until the end. The few grammatical errors I noticed were so minor that they could have easily been overseen. I can’t think of anything that I did not like about the book. For these reasons, I am rating it 4 out of 4 stars.

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Apollo's Raven
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Like bauer_ve's review? Post a comment saying so!

[Delaney35]

A fantasy novel that is also historically accurate sounds quite interesting! Great job with the informative review.

[InStoree]

The Roman and Celtic culture is a theme that I would love to find out more. Thank you for your thorough review, bauer!