Linnea Tanner

I thoroughly enjoyed reading SKULLS VENGEANCE by Linnea Tanner. The story was captivating and held my interest from the very first page. Although this is the 4th book of a proposed six-book series, it can stand alone. The author provides a back story early on so new readers will understand what has taken place so far. Characters from earlier installments find their way into this new storyline, some are friend, and some foe.

The main characters are Catrin, the rightful Celtic queen, and Marcellus, a Roman soldier. Catrin's half-brother had murdered their father and assumed the role of king. He intends to kill Catrin and sends assassins to do the job. Her demise guarantees his kingship. Marcellus also has inter-family dissension. His father doesn't recognize his marriage to Catrin and wants him to marry a senator's 12-year-old daughter to improve the family's political standing in the Senate. Catrin and Marcellus were married years ago and she already miscarried their first child together. Now that they are together again, Marcellus wants to help her defeat her half-brother and for her to gain the rightful throne. Rome also wants Catrin dead and now Marcellus is at risk of becoming a traitor, his life at risk, too.

Catrin possesses magic from the druids and is also a shape-shifter like her half-brother. However, since reuniting with Marcellus, she finds that she is again pregnant, which has now severely limited her powers. They will return once she gives birth. Until then, she is no match for her half-brother or other sorcerers. She'll have to depend upon her gladiatorial skills and Marcellus to survive.

The story centers around their escaping Rome and returning to Great Britain. It is an Historical novel filled with magic, fantasy, and mythology. The author brings the characters to life making it seem like readers are right there in the scene with the characters.

The story abruptly ends when I wanted more. I'm hoping I don't have too long of a wait to see what happens in the next installment.

The story is flawless, moves along smoothly, and is hard to put down. The author also includes a character listing and description at the end which is a great help since they are all 1st century names and hard to remember. Highly recommended. I gave SKULLS VENGEANCE 5 stars.… (plus d'informations)

Wow. I felt like I was standing there in the middle of ancient Rome wearing a toga and observing the conversations and other scenes develop. The dialog was appropriate for the times as were the scenes as they unfolded.

Lucius Antonius was expecting Emperor Agustus Ceasar to soon announce that he'd been selected as a new member of the Imperial Court. When he was summoned to the home of Ceasar instead of the court, Lucius felt that something was off. Janus was two-faced - one face of a God who grants new beginnings and the other, a bearer of bad news. Lucius prayed to Janus to help him gain this new position. Janus showed both faces to young Lucius on this day...so did Agustus Ceasar.

The laws and rules of the time are primarily for the commoners to follow. Nobility has its perks, except in this case. Ceasar places young Lucius in a precarious position in order for him to be selected into the Imperial Court. Failure to comply would cause Lucius and his family to be banished from the kingdom or possibly killed. He must pass a death sentence upon a noble citizen charged with adultery for violating Ceasar's young daughter - his own father.

The story is captivating and kept my interest throughout. It is also perfect in both grammar and formatting and flowed effortlessly. I highly recommend this short story to anyone interested in ancient Roman history. Excellent job in your research and application of your findings, Linnea!… (plus d'informations)