Overall rating and opinion of "Apollo's Raven"

lesler · Post by **lesler** » 10 Sep 2018, 22:08

I liked this book a lot more than I thought I would. I normally don't like fantasy, but this historical fiction was different and great. I loved how strong emotionally Catrin is.

Fozia-Bajwa · Post by **Fozia-Bajwa** » 11 Sep 2018, 04:42

This is a story of unexpected and impossible to succeed love relationships between the two, very bold citizens of the two different and contradictory estates. Catrin from Celtic culture falls in love with Marcellus who is from Roman empire. The part of the book I like the most is this loving relationship in which Marcellus tried his best to solve the complexities of the relationship. He is ready to sacrifice his country, culture and his parents for the sake of Catrin But Catrin does not act like Marcellus, rather her attitude is different.
I rate this book 3out of the 4 stars.

Joshua0410 · Post by **Joshua0410** » 11 Sep 2018, 08:54

So... I finished reading the book yesterday I felt it good actually good one for young adults as more than anything I liked the romance in the book I would rate 3 out of 5 stars for this book

Irene C · Post by **Irene C** » 11 Sep 2018, 13:49

I’m actually about to review this book, after finally finishing it. I have to say that I am rather disappointed with the writing, which I found clunky and over-done. A lot of the figurative language seemed out of place; it often felt too modern, given the setting. I also felt that the main characters’ emotional development was not written well. I understand that they are young people, full of first real love, but Catrin in particular seems to rush from one strong emotion to another, without a sense that she has learned or grown as a character.

Both characters sounded little different in the last quarter of the book than they had at the beginning.

There is also a lot of worldbuilding necessary with this type of novel, a historical fantasy. But the author, in my opinion, did not balance how she gave readers all this information. She seemed to repeat herself about the complex nature of the magic system several times.

All in all, I struggled to connect with these characters or to finish their story. Since this novel had been recommended to me here on OBC, I am disappointed with what it turned out to be.

2 of 4 stars.

Laceyadams · Post by **Laceyadams** » 12 Sep 2018, 04:30

I haven't read it yet but I have added it to my shelves. I enjoy historical fiction because they are adventurous. Even more so when I can transport myself into the book and feel what is going on. Imagination is the key. A lot of people gave this book 4 out of 4 stars that is why I want to read it. I hope they it's worth my time.

CommMayo · Post by **CommMayo** » 12 Sep 2018, 12:34

Georgia Lyonhyde wrote: ↑09 Sep 2018, 19:10 I have been waiting for this discussion forum to go live. The reviews for both this book and its sequel highly recommend the series. I'm a great fan of time travel and ancient civilisation so I couldn't pass this by. I can't help wondering if it'll be equally as wonderful as the Outlander and Shanara series'. It has a great premise, a conflict of love always makes for a good read. Reading through the various discussion threads, it has certainly cast a high impact.

If you are a huge fan of Outlander, you will probably be pretty disappointed with the quality of this book. I love series like that, but I found this book to be a poor attempt at that genre. There was too much random mysticism thrown in to be seen as anything but a strange attempt as sci-fi historical fiction.

Samantha Simoneau · Post by **Samantha Simoneau** » 12 Sep 2018, 12:37

CommMayo wrote: ↑01 Sep 2018, 11:41 Unfortunately, I didn't think that the characters were very believable and had a hard time connecting with this novel. I think the author needed to decide if this was a young adult fantasy novel or one aimed at a larger audience.

I only read the sample portion, but this was my reaction to it as well. I couldn't get into it as a result.

Samantha Simoneau · Post by **Samantha Simoneau** » 12 Sep 2018, 12:39

lesler wrote: ↑10 Sep 2018, 22:08 I liked this book a lot more than I thought I would. I normally don't like fantasy, but this historical fiction was different and great. I loved how strong emotionally Catrin is.

I couldn't get into it and therefore didn't finish, but maybe I judged it too soon since it surprised you and I also usually don't like fantasy.

Ravinder+Kaur · Post by **Ravinder+Kaur** » 13 Sep 2018, 03:57

Historical fiction is not my cup of tea, but from the reviews that I have read, I think it is mix of genres and fans of historical fantasy are going to enjoy it.

klballard · Post by **klballard** » 13 Sep 2018, 07:44

Sorry, but from what I have read, this book is not my cup of tea. While I’m a fan of historical fiction, I think adding romance to the mix is a recipe for disaster. The movie Pearl Harbor is a great example. Many people loved it, I know, but I thought it was a nightmare and couldn’t wait for the movie to end because it had very little to do with the historical event.

I believe I can say that I will be steering clear of this one.

Cardinalsparrow · Post by **Cardinalsparrow** » 13 Sep 2018, 17:02

I'm definitely going to read this book soon. I want to know what has everyone talking about it.

Noraine Alissa Poria · Post by **Noraine Alissa Poria** » 13 Sep 2018, 21:24

Apollo's Raven is the kind of book that have every elements that I want in a book, so I am excited to read this one and join the adventure of the characters.

primeRex · Post by **primeRex** » 14 Sep 2018, 01:12

What a great way to "tale" history! A delve in philosophy and mythology, exploring the Roman empire and strong Celtic culture, a mix of fictional and nonfictional characters with a lush of romance to blend. I believe this yo be a great work. Good one Linnea

nyuki · Post by **nyuki** » 14 Sep 2018, 03:16

I adore how ancient times and civilization is discussed it makes me feel great and learn about ancient time in mind that nowadays we are fully digitirised. The romance between catrin and marcellus are also brings in agood theme of love. I will tell one of my friends in far africa to read this book that is enjoyable i rate it with 5 stars*****

NuelUkah · Post by **NuelUkah** » 14 Sep 2018, 07:04

The book is okay. The plot is quite interesting. I like the author's creativity in using just the right words to enhance the reader's imagination of the storylines. Though I'm not much of a fancy reader, I liked the book. It'd make a good season movie. I noticed missing word while reading. The author put in a lot of work and did a lot of research. Based on that, I give Apollo's Raven: CURSE of CLANSMEN and KINGS by Linnea Tanner a 4 out of 4 stars.