Review by sharkyjen998 -- Apollo's Raven by Linnea Tanner

sharkyjen998 · Post by **sharkyjen998** » 14 Sep 2018, 18:42

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

4 out of 4 stars

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Celtic Princess Catrin has an incredible gift that allows her to merge with her spirit animal’s mind. When she utilizes her power, she is granted the ability to see through her raven’s eyes, but young Catrin is only just beginning to understand how to harness her skills. As an even younger child, Catrin had dreamed of becoming a Druidess. Her father quickly forbade such practices. Despite having high regard for his personal Druidess Agrona, her father firmly asserts that Catrin’s spiritual magic is a curse rather than a gift.

Catrin’s situation changes drastically when she inadvertently has a vision of incoming warships, which are sure to threaten her father’s kingdom. Using her raven’s eyes, she spots the warships and dives lower to get a closer look. Catrin is astonished when she suddenly sees Marrock, her half-brother, who had promised to slay her entire family before being exiled years ago.

She rushes back to tell her father, but several Roman soldiers have already reached the King. Tension is high between the two groups, yet Catrin feels an instant connection to the Roman Senator’s son, Marcellus. Catrin is both confused and conflicted about her feelings of attraction. Catrin is compelled to prevent further conflict but unsure how to proceed due to her foreboding vision. In a twist of fate, Marcellus is ordered to stay behind as a hostage while the King and Senator attempt to discuss the future of the kingdom. Catrin is ordered by her father to extract information from the enemy Marcellus, and Marcellus is instructed to do the same by his father. Despite this, the two are obviously very attracted to one another. Will they betray each another in the name of their kingdoms, or will their love overcome all? Will the King and the Senator be able to reach an amicable agreement? Will Marrock’s vengeance be fulfilled?

The action-packed beginning of this book really drew me into this story, and I couldn’t seem to pull myself away from the unfolding drama. The initial chapters were well balanced in providing a detailed description of the main characters and their backstories while simultaneously providing an initial sense of action and drama. The author so beautifully captures the passion, desire, and realness of attraction between Catrin and Marcellus that I couldn’t help but be completely drawn into the vortex of their budding romance. It’s important to note that I usually do not like romance novels or the romantic aspects of a novel. I was initially drawn to this story for the mythological aspects, but Linnea Tanner crafted such a beautiful romance that I was surprisingly looking forward to these parts of the story more than anything else!

I rate Apollo’s Raven 4 out of 4 stars. This book is impeccable! Apollo’s Raven is professionally edited, well researched, and captivating from beginning to end. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys history, romance, and magic. I don't have anything negative to say about this book.

It’s not often that a book will leave me speechless, but Apollo’s Raven did just that. It took me several days before I could even write this review because I was completely taken aback by this book in the best way. I’ve already visited the author’s website and pre-ordered the second book to this series. I’m also thrilled to learn she is planning on writing a third, fourth, and fifth addition to the series! I plan on reading the entire series.

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Apollo's Raven
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topdan30 · Post by **topdan30** » 16 Sep 2018, 08:20

It must be a good book since it left you speechless. Thanks for the review

CommMayo · Post by **CommMayo** » 16 Sep 2018, 09:02

I admit that I did an official review for the audiobook version of this novel. I really didn't enjoy it much at all...I don't think it was the awful narrator ruining it for me, but I would be interested to see how the text played out. I'm glad you enjoyed this book so thoroughly!

Rosemary Khathibe · Post by **Rosemary Khathibe** » 16 Sep 2018, 09:32

Through your review, Catrin's relationship with Marcellus seems captivating. And since I love romance, I will add the book on my to-read list. Enchanting review!

sharkyjen998 · Post by **sharkyjen998** » 16 Sep 2018, 11:06

CommMayo wrote: ↑16 Sep 2018, 09:02 I admit that I did an official review for the audiobook version of this novel. I really didn't enjoy it much at all...I don't think it was the awful narrator ruining it for me, but I would be interested to see how the text played out. I'm glad you enjoyed this book so thoroughly!

I was trying to find your review of this book because I'm interested in your thoughts. I'm combing through most of your other reviews currently, but maybe you could send me a link to this one on a private message? I can't seem to find it.

Thank you for taking the time to comment on my review. I do understand everyone has different tastes. Usually, my brain will completely ignore errors when I'm really into the plot, so that impacts my reviews without a doubt.

sharkyjen998 · Post by **sharkyjen998** » 16 Sep 2018, 11:07

Rosemary Khathibe wrote: ↑16 Sep 2018, 09:32 Through your review, Catrin's relationship with Marcellus seems captivating. And since I love romance, I will add the book on my to-read list. Enchanting review!

I hope you enjoy this one as much as I did!

sharkyjen998 · Post by **sharkyjen998** » 16 Sep 2018, 11:08

topdan30 wrote: ↑16 Sep 2018, 08:20 It must be a good book since it left you speechless. Thanks for the review

It was!!! Thank you for your comment!

CommMayo · Post by **CommMayo** » 16 Sep 2018, 13:26

sharkyjen998 wrote: ↑16 Sep 2018, 11:06
CommMayo wrote: ↑16 Sep 2018, 09:02 I admit that I did an official review for the audiobook version of this novel. I really didn't enjoy it much at all...I don't think it was the awful narrator ruining it for me, but I would be interested to see how the text played out. I'm glad you enjoyed this book so thoroughly!
I was trying to find your review of this book because I'm interested in your thoughts. I'm combing through most of your other reviews currently, but maybe you could send me a link to this one on a private message? I can't seem to find it. Thank you for taking the time to comment on my review. I do understand everyone has different tastes. Usually, my brain will completely ignore errors when I'm really into the plot, so that impacts my reviews without a doubt.

I only gave it a 2 out of 4, so I think that the author decided not to have it published. I'm not sure if it can be found anywhere on the website anymore. I can't locate it.

sharkyjen998 · Post by **sharkyjen998** » 16 Sep 2018, 15:09

CommMayo wrote: ↑16 Sep 2018, 13:26
sharkyjen998 wrote: ↑16 Sep 2018, 11:06
CommMayo wrote: ↑16 Sep 2018, 09:02 I admit that I did an official review for the audiobook version of this novel. I really didn't enjoy it much at all...I don't think it was the awful narrator ruining it for me, but I would be interested to see how the text played out. I'm glad you enjoyed this book so thoroughly!
I was trying to find your review of this book because I'm interested in your thoughts. I'm combing through most of your other reviews currently, but maybe you could send me a link to this one on a private message? I can't seem to find it. Thank you for taking the time to comment on my review. I do understand everyone has different tastes. Usually, my brain will completely ignore errors when I'm really into the plot, so that impacts my reviews without a doubt.
I only gave it a 2 out of 4, so I think that the author decided not to have it published. I'm not sure if it can be found anywhere on the website anymore. I can't locate it.

Gotcha... that makes sense.. nonetheless, I enjoy reading your thoughts, so I'll have to check out your other reviews!

Marissa Michael · Post by **Marissa Michael** » 22 Sep 2018, 02:54

I have just reviewed this book myself and I couldn't agree more with this part of your review:
"It’s not often that a book will leave me speechless, but Apollo’s Raven did just that. It took me several days before I could even write this review because I was completely taken aback by this book in the best way."

I write my review of this book three days after I read this because I felt I'm not ready to leave Catrin and Marcellus. Thank you for your intriguing review.

Julie Green · Post by **Julie Green** » 23 Sep 2018, 14:17

I read a sample of this book and I agree that the chemistry between Catrin and Marcellus is compelling from the outset. I also loved the description of Catrin seeing through the raven as she feels the bird's beating wings in her heart.

I'm so glad to hear the rest of the book lives up to its opening pages.

Irene C · Post by **Irene C** » 23 Sep 2018, 20:30

CommMayo wrote: ↑16 Sep 2018, 13:26
sharkyjen998 wrote: ↑16 Sep 2018, 11:06
CommMayo wrote: ↑16 Sep 2018, 09:02 I admit that I did an official review for the audiobook version of this novel. I really didn't enjoy it much at all...I don't think it was the awful narrator ruining it for me, but I would be interested to see how the text played out. I'm glad you enjoyed this book so thoroughly!
I was trying to find your review of this book because I'm interested in your thoughts. I'm combing through most of your other reviews currently, but maybe you could send me a link to this one on a private message? I can't seem to find it. Thank you for taking the time to comment on my review. I do understand everyone has different tastes. Usually, my brain will completely ignore errors when I'm really into the plot, so that impacts my reviews without a doubt.
I only gave it a 2 out of 4, so I think that the author decided not to have it published. I'm not sure if it can be found anywhere on the website anymore. I can't locate it.

Interesting. I just submitted a volunteer review of it as well. I’ll keep this in mind.