This book was fun, but, on the same token - I honestly felt that it lacked something. It didn't grab me and keep me. I walked away from this one several times before finally completing it, and each time I felt as though there was just something flat about the entire book. It had some brutal honesty inside, but I felt as though there was a lot of fluff as well.

I know that no one reads the same book twice, and I hope that those who do read this book love it!

I was hoping for so much more. I am really disappointed in this book; I got about half way through it and was just unable to force myself to read any more. It's really a shame, because this was a book I really wanted to like. I was drawn to the time period, the historical setting, the interesting dynamics between the Romans and the Britons. However, I really struggled to actually enjoy it. I felt no real connection to the characters. I wanted more. It's a well-written romance novel, and unfortunately, I just couldnt get into the story line.

This is a book I really wanted to like. I was drawn to the time period, the historical setting, the interesting dynamics between the Romans and the Britons. However, I really struggled to actually enjoy it. I felt no real connection to the characters. I wanted more than the love/lust at first sight plotline, and while the story diverged from it, sexual tension was never very far off. I wanted more of the interesting magic system, I wanted more about Catrin and her raven, but it all just seemed to fall flat for me. It's a well-written romance novel, and unfortunately, I just don't enjoy romance novels.

Apollo's Raven was an interesting read. It is a story about love, greed, and betrayal. Basically, the story is about the main character, Catrin, who falls in love with the enemy she was supposed to seduce. By doing this, she ends up putting her entire family, and kingdom in jeopardy.

The same goes for Marcellus who was also supposed to get information from Catrin by seducing her, but things don't turn out the way he had expected. In the middle of an impending war between the Celtics and the Romans, the two fall in love.

Of course, this book was not only about romance because it had so much going on, but that was my favorite part.

What I loved the most about this book was the writing. The author, at the end of the book says that she did a lot of research for this book, and I believe her. Reading this felt like I had travelled back in time.

With that said, I think the ending could have been better. It was boring compared to what had been hinted on for the last thirty pages. There is a book 2, which I will definitely have to read because judging by the few sample chapters at the end of this book, it sounds like it will be awesome.

Apollo's Raven should have been just the kind of book I like: a strong female lead, a bit of magic and mysticism, a setting in ancient Britain...instead, I found a bodice ripper (except there were no bodices to rip in that time period), where Catrin, the female lead is drooling over Marcellus (the boy from the other side of the ideological divide) who can't wait to get into her...pants? Marrok, her evil half brother with a face from hell, wants to kill Catrin's father and take over the tribe. There are associated other Romans who are eager to help, even though the head honcho in Rome has decided he's really not that interested in taking over Britain.

I am really disappointed in this book; I got about half way through it and was just unable to force myself to read any more. It's really a shame, I was hoping for so much more.

Meh. I love historical fiction/fantasy set in Roman Britain. I was excited to get this. But it fell short of my expectations. The historical research was good, but I was turned off by the romance between the Celtic queen and Roman soldier. It smacks of romances between Jews and Nazis or slaves and their owners - that power dynamic is not ok with me.

While the Kings fight for power, Catrin is learning what it means to be the Raven. She's been trained as a warrior and she's always had a relationship with ravens but it's turning into some thing more...

BooksGoSocial and Net Galley let me read this book for review (thank you). It has been published and you can grab a copy now.

When Catrin falls in love with a Roman hostage, her mother is enraged. She accuses him of rape. Then she gives her daughter to the care of the druid they have. Not a good move; the druid is working with the banished son.

With war looming over them, the banished son playing political games, various hostages held by both sides, and Catrin trying to keep her love alive, there's plenty to keep you reading.

Just keep in mind that the druid and the banished son are evil...

Cardin is a very likable heroine. She is a character that readers can relate. She is smart, curious, and strong! Catein also matured throughout the novel because she had to make tough choices.

Overall, I was enthralled by this story. The setting of Celtic Britain felt so real. I thought the characters were well-developed. The novel was fast paced and full of magic and romance. This novel will appeal to fans of The Mists of Avalon and Avelynn! I can’t wait to read the sequel!

An excellent mix of a historical setting and magic. The pacing is perfect, and the reader is kept engaged the entire time. If you're a fan of magic and the wonder and troubles that accompany it, you'll fall in love with this book.

A good mix of fantasy and historical fiction. It is entertaining and very well written.
The characters are well developed, the villain interesting and the plot is really good, with no plot hole.
I look forward to reading the next instalment.
Recommended.
Many thanks to Netgalley and the publisher

Well written and researched and conjured up Ancient Britannia beautifully.

I do prefer just a dash of romance with my fantasy reads rather than a splash and this was pretty splashy for the first part of the book and I very nearly gave up on it. Extremely glad I didn't because the remainder of the book, the part I'm not deathly allergic to, was a stonking good read. Well researched and deftly written. The interaction between the clans of Britannia and the Roman occupiers was intriguing.

Strongly penned characters, enjoyable magic, despite the decidedly creepy Druid, Rhogan. She was downright unsettling. Strong antagonists, some of whom are obvious and others hidden behind an intricately woven web of deceit.

Ironically, having panned a portion of this book, romance grinch that I am, I'm actually very much looking forward to reading the rest of this series. ;)

Sorcery? Mythology? Forbidden love? An ancient curse? Yes, please!

I fully enjoyed this epic tale of intrigue, deception, and love. The characters are developed well, while the plot leaves the reader wanting more.


One of my favorite aspect has to be the connection that Catrin has with ravens. She is able to see through her raven’s eyes, control its action when inside, and is able to call upon many ravens when she is need of help.

Also, I loved the many storylines and directions this book took. There was the ancient curse set upon Catrin’s family. Its connection to her conniving step-brother, Marrock. Then, the connection to the Druidess, Agnora, and her evil plot. Also, there was the unsettling matter of the Emperor favoring Marrock as King versus the true King Amren, Catrin’s father. I could go on and on, but I won’t. Just know that there’s even more to this adventurous read!

There were a couple of areas where this read could be improved. For instance, I question the use of “hooligans” and “shenanigans” in Ancient Roman times, but this only appeared twice, so it wasn’t too big of a deal. There were a few errors sprinkled throughout that another round of editing could easily fix.

Overall, I was happy to have read Apollo’s Raven, and loved Tanner’s ability to tell a wonderful tale!