Apollo's Raven: New Edition
by Linnea Tanner
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Pub Date Aug 10 2017 | Archive Date Nov 12 2018
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Description
BRONZE MEDAL Fantasy/Historical 2017 Global Ebooks Award
2017 New Apple Summer E-Book Award: Historical Fiction - Official Selection
24 AD Britannia is in turmoil. Celtic kings hand-picked by Rome to rule are fighting each other for power. King Amren's former queen, a powerful Druid, has cast a curse that foretells Blood Wolf and the Raven will rise and destroy him. King Amren reveals to his daughter, Princess Catrin, the grim prophecy that his former queen pronounced at her execution for treason to him:
The gods demand the scales be balanced for the life you take. If you deny my soul's journey to the Otherworld by beheading me, I curse you to the same fate as mine. I prophesy your future queen will beget a daughter who will rise as a Raven and join your son, Blood Wolf, and a mighty empire to overtake your kingdom and to execute my curse.
Catrin is trained as a warrior and discovers she is the Raven and must find a way to block the curse of the evil former queen. Torn between her forbidden love for her father's enemy Marcellus, and her loyalty to her people, she must summon the magic of the Ancient Druids to alter the dark prophecy that awaits her.
Will Catrin overcome and eradicate the ancient curse? Will she be able to embrace her forbidden love with Marcellus? Will she cease the war between Blood Wolf and King Amren? Will she save Ancient Britannia?
Apollo's Raven sweeps you into an epic Celtic tale of love, magic, adventure, intrigue, and betrayal in Ancient Rome and Pre-Arthurian Britannia.
Advance Praise
"The requisite fantasy elements of magic and mystery abound. Tanner also does an admirable job weaving in the politics and mythology of a bygone people. A complex and promising start to a new fantasy series." --Kirkus Reviews
"APOLLO'S RAVEN is a soaring epic that carries its audience on an adventure full of ancient magic, passionate romance, and political intrigue." --IndieReader (IR Approved)
"Apollo's Raven is a historical fantasy with strong elements of romance, political intrigue, and magic. Many surprising twists enrich the historically-drawn plot. Points of view shift between different characters effectively, heightening the tension from one moment to the next. I love the scenes contrasting the cultures of Celtic Britannia and Rome, during which Tanner's research really shines." --Historical Novel Society
"If you're looking for something entertaining with a fast, action-paced rhythm, Apollo's Raven by Linnea Tanner is a definite must. For a woman who is trying to figure out where she belongs in her world, this tale is relatable to other young women in our timeline who are also trying to figure out where they belong." --Literary Titan (Gold Book Award)
"Apollo's Raven is a rapturous read that mixes Celtic mythology into a good historical romance."--Forward Review
Available Editions
ISBN | 9780998230009 |
PRICE | $4.99 (USD) |
Featured Reviews
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!
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. ;)
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
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.
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!
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...