Book 4 of Curse of Clansmen and Kings
***** Gripping historical fantasy —– Review by Rox Burkey
“Skulls Vengeance” by Linnea Tanner is a remarkable fourth installment in the engaging Curse of Clansmen and Kings series. Set against the backdrop of the Roman Empire during Tiberius’s reign, the story follows Catrin, a Celtic warrior queen, as she navigates the complexities of friendship, loyalty, and betrayal.
Ms. Tanner’s skillful writing blends historical facts with fantasy and mythology, creating a rich tapestry that is both immersive and enlightening. The novel is self-contained, making it enjoyable to new readers of the series while expertly weaving in essential backstory details for returning fans.
At the heart of the story is the intricate relationship between Catrin and Marcellus, a Roman soldier. Their bond—filled with love, betrayal, and urgency—drives the narrative’s emotional core, particularly as Catrin faces her treacherous half-brother, who seeks to usurp her claim to the throne. Tanner intensifies the drama with themes of family discord and political intrigue, creating high stakes that keep the reader captivated.
Incorporating supernatural elements, such as druidic magic and the ability to shapeshift, adds an exciting dimension to the plot. Catrin’s unique abilities, coupled with her pregnancy, heighten the tension and complexity of her character as she navigates perilous challenges alongside Marcellus.
Linnea Tanner excels in world-building, vividly depicting the landscapes of Ancient Rome and Great Britain while seamlessly integrating the mystical elements of druidic folklore. The narrative’s fluidity and engaging writing style make “Skulls Vengeance” a true page-turner, with each chapter delivering unexpected twists that maintain suspense.
Fans of Roman/Celtic legends and fantasy will discover “Skulls Vengeance,” a captivating blend of romance, action, and magic in a richly detailed historical context. It comes highly recommended for fans of well-crafted fantasy who enjoy strong, relatable characters and an immersive storytelling experience. Additionally, including a character list at the end aids readers in keeping track of the intricate historical names and relationships, further enhancing the reading experience. The meticulously crafted pacing ensures readers will enjoy this highly recommended, gripping tale.
About the Author
Award-winning author, Linnea Tanner, weaves Celtic tales of love, magical adventure, and political intrigue into the backdrop of Ancient Rome and Britannia. Since childhood, she has passionately read about ancient civilizations and mythology, which held women in higher esteem. Of particular interest are the enigmatic Celts, who were reputed as fierce warriors and mystical Druids.
Depending on the time of day and season of the year, you will find her exploring and researching ancient and medieval history, mythology and archaeology to support her writing. As the author of the CURSE OF CLANSMEN AND KINGS series, she has extensively researched and traveled to sites described within each book.
A native of Colorado, Linnea attended the University of Colorado and earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in chemistry. She lives in Windsor with her husband and has two children and six grandchildren.
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