Review of Apollo's Raven
-
Ana Chao
- Posts: 16
- Joined: 08 Feb 2023, 06:23
- Currently Reading:
- Bookshelf Size: 8
- Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-ana-chao.html
- Latest Review: Luray by Dennis Haupt
Review of Apollo's Raven
[Following is a volunteer review of "Apollo's Raven" by Linnea Tanner.]
Linnea Tanner’s Apollo’s Raven (Curse of Clansmen & Kings Book 1) is a masterful iteration of a world where mythology across cultures affects an individual’s life and journey. Our protagonist Catrin is a young girl on the cusp of womanhood, all while being influenced by mythical visions from her raven companion. Tanner encapsulates the conflict of self and how it is represented externally in a beautiful way. Additionally, the romance between Catrin and Marcellus is framed as a romantic tragedy, similar to Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet , where two young lovers must choose between their family and their burgeoning love for one another.
The best aspect of Apollo’s Raven is Tanner’s masterful description of the mystical prophecies afforded to different characters. Specifically, I enjoyed how Tanner set up Catrin's initial trepidation about her visions and the slow increments in which she mastered this ability. Another positive aspect of the book is Marrock’s characterization as a wolf in sheep’s clothing. While the audience is made aware of the intense fear that Marrock ignites in Catrin and the hatred the family holds over him, this only comes about after Marrock reveals himself to be a predator. On the other hand, those who have only had slight dealings with Marrock describe feelings that emulate the uncanny valley effect.
As for the negative aspects of the novel, my most prominent critique is how rushed the ending was, especially in comparison to its masterful beginning. Tanner tried to tie or finish too many threads as quickly as possible while setting up for her next book. Unfortunately, in attempting to do both, Tanner failed to give the attention to detail that makes her writing style exceptional. Another issue I had was that despite the beautiful description of the attraction and chemistry between Catrin and Marcellus, there was no further development. The only scene Tanner provides is at the novel's beginning, where Marcellus is impressed by Catrin's ability as a huntress, but there is no actual growth in their relationship. Moreover, their first sex scene is rushed because of their desperation rather than the supposed true love they have for one another.
I would rate Apollo’s Raven a 3 out of 5 stars . It's a pretty good story. The world-building at the beginning of the story is marvelous, creating vivid imagery of the landscape and the dangerous new powers of Catrin. There is an abundance of details on the mythology and religion which influences the lives of these characters. The characters truly come alive, but there needs to be more actual character growth despite that. Moreover, as previously mentioned, the rushed ending takes away from the initial and exemplary world-building.
I recommend this to readers who enjoy historical fantasy and ample world-building. While Apollo’s Raven may be advertised as a romantic novel, there is a lack of emphasis on the intimate relationship between the protagonists.
******
Apollo's Raven
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon | on iTunes
Linnea Tanner’s Apollo’s Raven (Curse of Clansmen & Kings Book 1) is a masterful iteration of a world where mythology across cultures affects an individual’s life and journey. Our protagonist Catrin is a young girl on the cusp of womanhood, all while being influenced by mythical visions from her raven companion. Tanner encapsulates the conflict of self and how it is represented externally in a beautiful way. Additionally, the romance between Catrin and Marcellus is framed as a romantic tragedy, similar to Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet , where two young lovers must choose between their family and their burgeoning love for one another.
The best aspect of Apollo’s Raven is Tanner’s masterful description of the mystical prophecies afforded to different characters. Specifically, I enjoyed how Tanner set up Catrin's initial trepidation about her visions and the slow increments in which she mastered this ability. Another positive aspect of the book is Marrock’s characterization as a wolf in sheep’s clothing. While the audience is made aware of the intense fear that Marrock ignites in Catrin and the hatred the family holds over him, this only comes about after Marrock reveals himself to be a predator. On the other hand, those who have only had slight dealings with Marrock describe feelings that emulate the uncanny valley effect.
As for the negative aspects of the novel, my most prominent critique is how rushed the ending was, especially in comparison to its masterful beginning. Tanner tried to tie or finish too many threads as quickly as possible while setting up for her next book. Unfortunately, in attempting to do both, Tanner failed to give the attention to detail that makes her writing style exceptional. Another issue I had was that despite the beautiful description of the attraction and chemistry between Catrin and Marcellus, there was no further development. The only scene Tanner provides is at the novel's beginning, where Marcellus is impressed by Catrin's ability as a huntress, but there is no actual growth in their relationship. Moreover, their first sex scene is rushed because of their desperation rather than the supposed true love they have for one another.
I would rate Apollo’s Raven a 3 out of 5 stars . It's a pretty good story. The world-building at the beginning of the story is marvelous, creating vivid imagery of the landscape and the dangerous new powers of Catrin. There is an abundance of details on the mythology and religion which influences the lives of these characters. The characters truly come alive, but there needs to be more actual character growth despite that. Moreover, as previously mentioned, the rushed ending takes away from the initial and exemplary world-building.
I recommend this to readers who enjoy historical fantasy and ample world-building. While Apollo’s Raven may be advertised as a romantic novel, there is a lack of emphasis on the intimate relationship between the protagonists.
******
Apollo's Raven
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon | on iTunes
Latest Review: Luray by Dennis Haupt
