Review by Mandy01 -- Apollo's Raven by Linnea Tanner

[Mandy01]

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

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3 out of 4 stars

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At its heart Apollo’s Raven by Linnea Tanner is a story about a girl and a boy and their need to be together despite their family beliefs and differences and despite war. Their love was tested in many ways and both Catrin and Marcello had to make decisions that tested their loyalty to each other and to their families. The controversy between the countries is rife with tension and the author does her best to draw the reader in to the tension and the beliefs of the time. She built the story based around ancient beliefs of sorcery and magic. It is incorporated throughout the story and would appeal to readers who enjoy the other worldly and the magical. I believe young adult readers who enjoy science fiction and fantasy would enjoy Apollo’s Raven.

Catrin and Marcello are from two different countries and cultures who are introduced to each other in a time and place where allegiance to their families and countries is not only important but it is expected. During the rocky time, between decisions of war and peace, Catrin and Marcello are asked to spend time together and learn what they can about the other. Meanwhile, other grumblings are happening that threaten the two lovers and their chances of being together and their chances of staying alive.

The reader was provided with perspectives from many characters, including Marrick and the Queen. It helped tell pieces of the story that otherwise would have been neglected or misplaced. Ms. Tanner, for the most part, flowed between these character perspectives. She did a good job incorporating all the characters into the story and giving some backstory for each one. I believe the further you travel into the series of books the more the backstories will develop and come together. She also brought some of the secondary characters, like the Queen, into a more dimensional realm and readers have the opportunity to see their characters’ personalities.

I wish Ms. Tanner would have developed Catrin and Marcello’s love a little more. It didn’t feel authentic. It felt like they were quickly led into it and, while they had a month to develop their feelings together, the reader was told about their feelings rather than shown through deep personal conversations between the two lovers. In my opinion, the book would have been more impactful if their feelings were to be developed at a slower pace and shown to us rather than told that they developed feelings for each other during their first month long escort.

Unfortunately, for me, Apollo’s Raven by Linnea Tanner didn’t leave me aching to know what happens next. While, a part of me is curious to know what will happen between Catrin and Marcello the larger part of me will not be hunting down the next book in the series. My definition of a truly phenomenal book is one that leaves you reflecting back and leaves you feeling empty that it is over; while Apollo’s Raven was well written and an interesting read it left me feeling ambivalent rather than excited for the next book. For these reasons, I give the book Apollo’s Raven by Linnea Tanner 3 out of 4 stars.

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Apollo's Raven
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