Skull's Vengeance

Curse of Clansmen and Kings #4

by Linnea Tanner

A Celtic warrior queen must do the impossible—defeat her sorcerer half-brother and claim the throne. But to do so, she must learn how to strike vengeance from her father’s skull.

AS FORETOLD BY HER FATHER in a vision, Catrin has become a battle-hardened warrior after her trials in the Roman legion and gladiatorial games. She must return to Britannia and pull the cursed dagger out of the serpent’s stone to fulfill her destiny. Only then can she unleash the vengeance from the ancient druids to destroy her evil half-brother, the powerful sorcerer, King Marrock. Always two steps ahead and seemingly unstoppable, Marrock can summon destructive natural forces to crush any rival trying to stop him and has charged his deadliest assassin to bring back Catrin’s head.

To have the slightest chance of beating Marrock, Catrin must forge alliances with former enemies, but she needs someone she can trust. Her only option is to seek military aid from Marcellus—her secret Roman husband. They rekindle their burning passion, but he is playing a deadly game in the political firestorm of the Julio-Claudian dynasty to support Catrin’s cause.

Ultimately, in order to defeat Marrock, Catrin must align herself with a dark druidess and learn how to summon forces from skulls to exact vengeance. But can she and Marcellus outmaneuver political enemies from Rome and Britannia in their quest to vanquish Marrock?

402 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 12, 2022

About the author

Award-winning author, Linnea Tanner, weaves Celtic tales of love, magical adventure, and political intrigue in Ancient Rome and Britannia. Since childhood, she has passionately read about ancient civilizations and mythology. Of particular interest are the enigmatic Celts, who were reputed as fierce warriors and mystical Druids.

Linnea has extensively researched ancient and medieval history, mythology, and archaeology and has traveled to sites described within each of her books in the Curse of Clansmen and Kings series. Books released in her series include Apollo’s Raven (Book 1), Dagger’s Destiny (Book 2), Amulet’s Rapture (Book 3), and Skull’s Vengeance (Book 4). She has also released the historical fiction short story Two Faces of Janus.

A Colorado native, Linnea attended the University of Colorado and earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in chemistry. She lives in Fort Collins with her husband and has two children and six grandchildren.

You can subscribe to her website: http://linneatanner.com/

Reviews

[InD'tale Magazine · Rating 4 out of 5]

For lovers of political intrigue and historical settings, Linnea Tanner’s visceral epic fantasy series is certain to keep readers satisfied.

Read full review in the 2022 Holiday issue of InD'tale Magazine.

[Luciana Cavallaro · Rating 5 out of 5]

We follow the life of Catrin, the true heir to the Cantiaci tribe, and her love for Marcellus, a Roman aristocrat and commander of a Roman legion. Their love for each is strong but can it overcome the battle of their familial destinies, that are set to drive them apart?

The love between the two main characters is evident on every page, yet there is the underlying threat of Marrock, Catrin’s half-brother, who tried to rape her when she was a young girl, and Marcellus’s father, who is determined to expunge the taint of Marc Antony’s legacy and romance with Cleopatra, and in his mind who ruined the family’s reputation. Catrin is determined to unite the Cantiaci tribe but her brother has the backing of Roman forces, who is intent on becoming the king of all the Celts, and uses dark magic to destroy his opponents, and against Catrin. From the Roman side, Marcellus’ father Lucius Antonius, has arranged for his son to marry a twelve-year-old girl, daughter of a senator to gain a political stronghold in the Roman senate. Marcellus tries to refuse, but is bound to follow his father’s orders in spite of his devotion and love for Catrin.

The historical backdrop is well-written and woven into the storyline masterfully, creating a dramatic and high-action intrigue to the forbidden romance between ‘a barbarian’ and a Roman citizen. Catrin’s growth into a leader with responsibilities to her tribe come through, yet her love for Marcellus makes her vulnerable and she makes decisions based on those feelings, which may be her undoing. Equally, Marcellus convinces Emperor Tiberius into giving him his own command of a legion in Britain to secretly assist Catrin conquer Marrock, may see him being tried for treason, not to mention what his father would do to him! The tension as opposing forces strengthen, is heightened: Marrock against the other Celtic tribes, Catrin and her devout clansmen with the help of Rhan and Myrddin, druidess and druid (think Merlin) building an army against Marrock and the Romans; and then there’s Marcellus whose memory had been wiped by Rhan in Book 3, and is torn between his duty to his father, Rome legion and Catrin.

What I enjoyed the most about the story was the detail of research that has gone into the story to make the period come alive. It was a visceral and vicarious experience into ancient Britain and the attention to the supernatural elements that stem back to the magic of the druids, a mystical group who haven’t left a great deal of historical information, was exciting to read. The siblings, Catrin and Marrock, who can shape shift into animals, adds to the mystique of the story and adds an extra punch to the storyline. I have to admit I’m feeling a little sorry for Marrock in this book … only a by a smidge.

Highly recommended for readers who enjoy ancient historical stories steeped in mythology.

Though I received an ARC for review, opinions are my own.

[Literary Reviewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This historical fantasy story is set in the first century AD, where Brittania is at constant war with Gaul. The protagonist, Catrin, is a Celtic warrior who has a difficult romantic decision to make when her secret Roman lover, Marcellus, refuses to join her as her king in Brittania. She can either live without him in her homeland or live with him in Rome as his scorned foreign mistress.

I enjoyed the depth of Catrin’s character and how her bravery manifests throughout the story. She is a strong female protagonist that reminds me of Lagertha’s character in the TV show Vikings. Catrin has a wicked half-brother, Marrock, who is a powerful sorcerer who will stop at nothing to destroy her. I reveled in Marrock’s character probably just as much as Catrin’s character. I enjoy a good villain and I think that it’s the villain that really sells a fantasy story, to me anyway. Catrin has no option but to join forces with former enemies. The dramatic turn of events throughout the novel is unpredictable and makes it difficult to choose when to put the book down. I was always interested in seeing how Catrin was going to handle the next twist.

As the fourth book in a series, the action relies on the considerable backstory to make sense of the plot. Tanner does make an effort to fill in the details to get the reader up to speed. I think this book is better as a continuation of an epic rather than as a standalone story, but if you don’t mind missing a few details you’ll still find plenty to enjoy in this novel. The best part of this book, for me, is the way the action is set amongst real-life history and well-known legends. The story fits within the lore of King Arthur and mystical Druids, giving this novel an authenticity that many fantasy stories lack.

Skull’s Vengeance is an evocative and gripping fantasy adventure that long time fans of the series will heartily enjoy. This is a fast-paced read that will appeal to fans of epic fantasy that are looking for a bit of history infused in their fantasy lore. Skull’s Vengeance has well-defined characters, a deep backstory and a well-drawn plot. I think it’s best suited to adult readers who don’t mind some graphic violence and sex scenes.

[Julie Whitley · Rating 5 out of 5]

An exciting continuation of Catrin’s journey

An historical fiction story set in the early years of the 1st millennia AD, when Rome ruled with an iron fist and sought to strengthen control over Celtic Britain. The story continues with Catrin freed and seeking a way to return home and reclaim her rightful place as queen. Her supernatural Druidic powers are dampened by her pregnancy, she is vulnerable until the birth of her son. Will she be strong enough to fulfil the prophecy that she will defeat her evil half-brother? I can’t wait to find out!

[D.M. Sonntag · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Skull’s Vengeance" is the fourth book in the Curse of Clansmen series and continues the story of star-crossed lovers Catrin and Marcellus as they face dangerous enemies and must make an impossible choice: betray their homeland or betray their hearts. The gorgeous cover immediately captured my attention, and I was hooked from the prologue. The novel is incredibly easy for both new and returning readers to pick up right where the last three books left off, especially with the included maps and list of characters. It’s evident the author did extensive research of Celtic and Roman history while adding a bit of creative liberties. The characters shine; Catrin is a strong heroine, Marcellus is the perfect foil to Rome’s ruthless culture, and even the antagonist is layered and complex. The prose is elegant, with fight scenes so vividly crafted they fully immerse you in the action. I loved the thoughtful details, like characters speaking Celtic in front of Marcellus during his POV, and the poetic parallels that tie the opening and ending together. Though the story fades to black during romantic scenes, it doesn’t shy away from the rawness and brutality of the era, making this a mature, adult read. Overall, "Skull’s Vengeance" is a gripping, beautifully written novel that earns a solid full star rating!

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

Skulls Vengeance is the fourth book in the Curse of Clansmen and Kings series.
The book is well written and the world building is Fantastic. This book is a Historical fantasy and takes place in the early first millennia.
The story follows Catrin finally being freed and trying to find a way home to reclaim her rightful place as queen and continuing to try and defeat her evil half brother.
The plot had a good flow to it and I can’t wait to see where the story goes in the next book.

Thank you to Netgalley, the author and publish for an eARC copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

[Omer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Revenge of the Skulls by Lena Tanner is the fourth installment in the historical fiction series. Revenge of the Skulls is a fantasy historical novel related to the ancient Roman and British civilizations. The novel deals with Celtic mythology and magical adventures. The name of the novel is related to the Druidic belief that the soul does not perish but moves from one body to another after death. The head is the dwelling place of the soul and the center of emotions. Possessing an enemy's head is like possessing their soul, and magical power can be harnessed from the spirits trapped in their severed heads. Keeping skulls is the source of their power. The Revenge of the Skulls saga begins with Mark, known as the Blood Wolf, son of King Amren, seizing control of the kingdom of Kantanasi in southeastern Britain and wiping out his entire family. Mark imprisoned his father and family in their skulls and fortified himself with black magic. Mark's father cursed his father, Mark Ran, the evil priest who had foretold his fate. This curse was engraved on a dagger hidden in a rock. The only person who had the power to use this dagger and overthrow Mark was his half-sister Catherine. Mark failed to eliminate her because of her magical power and her ability to unite with other creatures, transform from human to animal form, and summon spirits from the otherworld. Catherine is able to disguise herself as a gladiator and hide from Mark so that she can gather an army to confront Mark, but she falls in love and secretly marries Marcellus, the youngest son of King Antonius, who allied with Mark to overthrow her father, King Amren. Marcellus tries to help Catherine regain the throne and defeat Mark, but he faces many challenges. His father offers him a bright political future, a long family legacy, a wife from a prestigious family and a high social status, while Catherine offers him her love and trust to help her regain her throne and get rid of her half-brother. He must choose his country, his family, his status or the love of his life, Catherine. Catherine also faces great challenges: Confronting Mark with his increasing magical power and ability to transform into a dragon and her loss of magical power. She must also marry Edminius, who is holding her sister More in exchange for her freedom. Her army commanders reject Marcellus as a Roman and the son of Antoninus. Matters are further complicated when Antoninus and Proteus, Marcellus' half-brother, discover his marriage to Catherine and order their pursuit, retrieving and killing Marcellus. Proteus pursues Catherine with a Roman army and Mark with a strong magical force with her weak magical powers. Marcellus tries to preserve his family's honor without abandoning Catherine. The novel's creative blending of fictional events and historical records made it an epic novel. The plot was engaging, and the events gradually conflicted until they reached a suspenseful climax. Although violent and gory scenes abound. The scene where Proteus gleefully beheads slaves in order to find Catherine's whereabouts was very bloody. If you like suspense, thrills, historical events, and horror scenes, this is the perfect epic novel for you. I rated this novel with four stars because I don't like violent scenes.

[Christy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the fourth book in the Curse of Clansmen and Kings series by author Linnea Tanner. Already familiar with the main characters of Catrin and Marcellus, I was eager to read the latest installment. And it did not disappoint!

I think what I love the most about this book (and the series) is how it weaves fictional characters into historical Britannia and Rome, with fantasy elements and Celtic mythology. The plot unravels at a good pace as Catrin learns of the hidden meaning behind the skull of her late father.

Marrock is evil as ever in this book, and I was, of course, rooting for Catrin the whole novel. A strong woman, she has many facets to her, showing that being emotional is not a weakness but actually quite the opposite. She is a woman on a mission - You will have to read to find out what happens and if the "vengeance" in the title plays out.

The love story between Catrin and Marcellus is heart-wrenching and also has beautiful moments. I like that there are not in-depth love scenes but instead written passages about how they think fondly about one another.

While there are a lot of characters in the book, author Tanner explains their relationships well at the start of the book. So, if you have not read the rest of the series, you can still understand well the plot. Plus, there is a list of the characters and their relationships to one another at the end of this book, in case you want a refresher during the read.

I recommend this book, giving it 5 out of 5 stars. I was gifted an ARC of this book.

[Yvette Calleiro · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was eager to get back into this world to see what had become of Catrin and Marcellus, and I wasn't disappointed. These books put Shakespearean tragedy to shame! The fates are constantly working again these two lovers. No matter what they do, something always finds a way to pull them apart.

In this book, Catrin has to join forces with people who have betrayed her in one way or another in order to reach her destiny. And even though her visions show that this is the path she must take, she still feels as if it's a mistake. Marcellus is doing everything in his power to play the political game to secretly help Catrin, but he is really bad at it. Lol! His brother, on the other hand, is a master, and is holding Marcellus's fate in his hands.

The author does a magnificent job weaving the threads of these lives, masterfully bringing their paths to clash in such a way that leaves everyone in danger. I mourned the loss of one of the characters in battle (no spoilers), but war is ugly. This book had a bit less magic because of Catrin's circumstances, but it was still amazing! I can't wait for the author to come out with book 5 so I can dive back into this world.

[Mary Yarde · Rating 5 out of 5]

Catrin’s prophecy has long been foretold. She is the only one who can end her half-brother, Marrock’s, reign of terror over Britannia, and take back the throne that rightfully belongs to her. Finally finding herself in a position where she can begin to make plans and pull together an army of her own, Catrin knows that she will need all the help she can get against Marrock.

Three skulls, the lives of his family intertwined, their souls trapped within, hang around Marrock’s neck, granting him the ability to harness their power and unleash wrath upon those who dare to oppose him. For Catrin to stand any chance of defeating him, she must find the courage to return to Rome and seek the help of Marcellus, the Roman man she secretly married. But she has a dark past with several powerful men in Rome, and her continued safety depends on her going unnoticed.

In “Skull’s Vengeance: Curse of Clansmen and Kings, Book 4” by Linnea Tanner, the spirited Catrin finds herself returning to the passionate embrace of her Roman husband. As tensions rise and danger looms over her kingdom, she embarks on a daring quest to unite an army of loyal supporters. Together, they begin to forge a plan to overthrow the ruthless Marrock and reclaim Catrin’s rightful throne, all while navigating a treacherous landscape filled with intrigue and betrayal. This thrilling saga captivates with its rich depiction of love, ambition, and the relentless pursuit of justice.

Catrin has not had an easy life. Time spent fighting in gladiatorial games, training hard to ensure her own survival, may have honed her fighting skills and turned her into the warrior she needs to be if she is to have any hope of securing her throne, but she has made some powerful enemies. There are many people who believe Catrin to be dead, but just as many who would rush to secure the deed if they were to happen across her. Journeying back into Rome may seem like a fool’s errand, but she desperately needs Marcellus. Without Roman support, her army lacks the strength it requires, and Marcellus is her best chance of securing that aid. Catrin is not a reckless character, she carefully plans every aspect of her mission. Although a reunion with her husband seems unlikely, she quickly realises how much she has missed him. Their reunion and collaboration to help Catrin achieve her goals is a heartwarming turn of events. Yet, this reunion comes with hidden dangers, as there are eyes everywhere, ready to report back to those who wish harm upon Catrin and Marcellus.

Marrock is not the only antagonist in this novel, by far. In the grand scheme of things, he is possibly the most dangerous to Catrin, caring for nothing apart from wanting her dead. Although he remains a somewhat background character and does not personally venture out to track her down, his influence looms large throughout Rome and affects those around Marcellus and, by extension, Catrin. With the characters’ safety always in question, the novel unfolds at a rapid pace. Readers can never fully relax, knowing that danger is ever-present. There is always something happening, and the uncertainty keeps the reader on edge throughout.

Their marriage is still a secret, for Catrin would never be welcome into Roman society, and Britannia would be unlikely to accept a Roman for their king. As a result, Marcellus’s family often clashes with him over his views on marriage. Licinia, the daughter of a powerful senator, is supposed to be Marcellus’s betrothed, but he refuses to settle down with a girl as young as twelve and betray Catrin’s trust. This disagreement creates a lot of distrust, particularly from Marcellus’s half-brother. Brutius has never liked Marcellus, and Marcellus’s choices have raised his suspicions. With spies lurking around, there is no place where Marcellus and Catrin can feel entirely safe. Marcellus’s perspective on marriage, especially considering he is being offered the hand of such a young child, endears him to modern readers. Although marriages at such young ages were commonplace in that era, it is a harsh reality for contemporary readers to accept. Marcellus’s reluctance, stemming not only from his feelings for Catrin but also from the girl’s age, makes him a much more relatable character for today’s audience.

The fantasy elements in this book are subtly woven throughout the story, making them feel like a natural part of the narrative. Rather than taking the spotlight, the magic accompanies the story, enhancing it without overwhelming it. This approach makes the magical aspects feel very real and emphasises the compelling nature of the storytelling.

This novel depicts some harsh realities, including military violence typical of the era, which are often very graphic. The terrible treatment that some slaves in Rome endure is heart-breaking. Their desperation goes beyond simply wanting to survive—some would prefer death to the relentless cruelty of their masters. Readers should be aware that the themes in this novel are incredibly dark, and the actions and quests for vengeance portrayed can be quite bloody.

This novel is undeniably part of an epic saga that follows Catrin as she begins to fulfil her destiny and attempts to overthrow her half-brother. This novel does not standalone, as much of Catrin’s life is explored throughout the series. Therefore, it is advisable for readers to start with the first book and follow Catrin’s journey rather than jumping directly into this instalment. Once you progress this far into the series, you will find it impossible to stop, as the characters will draw you in and keep you engaged until you’ve experienced their stories in full.

This exhilarating novel is packed with treachery, spies, and daring escapes, ensuring the reader will be glued to the pages from start to finish. As Catrin navigates her complex life, the true intentions of the other characters emerge, revealing their loyalties in the fierce battle for the throne of Britannia against Marrock. “Skull’s Vengeance: Curse of Clansmen and Kings, Book 4” by Linnea Tanner is a novel that comes highly recommended.

Review by Ellie Yarde
Yarde Reviews & Book Promotion

[John Podlaski · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Literary Titan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Skull’s Vengeance, the fourth installment in Linnea Tanner’s Curse of Clansmen and Kings series, unfolds against the dramatic backdrop of the Roman Empire. This gripping tale follows Catrin as she embraces her destiny to become the fierce Celtic warrior queen her people desperately need, fulfilling the prophecy her father foresaw. Facing overwhelming grief and betrayal, Catrin must confront her half-brother, King Marrock, in a battle for survival. To prevail, she seeks alliances from unlikely places, including a cunning druidess who once deceived her and her Roman husband, Marcellus. Yet Marcellus is ensnared in a perilous political web, where one wrong move could doom them both. Their love stands on the brink, will they find a way to stand united, or must they part to survive?

The novel’s opening chapters moved slowly for me. While some elements intrigued me, the pace didn’t fully engage until the story hit its stride around chapter six. One contributing factor may have been the male narrator’s delivery, which progressively improved throughout the audiobook. The female narrator’s voice consistently shone.

Despite the gradual start, the plot is masterfully crafted. Action pulses through the narrative, weaving a complex tapestry of events that held my attention. Linnea Tanner skillfully navigates multiple perspectives, all while centering Catrin and Marcellus as the heart of the writing. The balance between their viewpoints enriches the depth of the tale.

Catrin herself is a powerhouse of resilience and determination. Her journey from mourning the loss of her stillborn daughter to leading her people with unwavering resolve was profoundly moving. She stands as a testament to the fact that fictional characters can inspire as deeply as real ones. Marcellus, too, captured my imagination. Trapped in a treacherous political arena, his every action demanded precision and cunning. I found myself holding my breath, fearing for him as much as for Catrin.

In Skull’s Vengeance, Tanner delivers a stirring blend of action, intrigue, and emotion. The characters feel vividly real, their struggles and triumphs resonating long after the final page. The story’s rewards make the audiobook's journey worthwhile. I recommend this book to fans of historical fantasy who will find much to admire in this immersive and powerful tale.

[Rox Burkey · Rating 5 out of 5]

"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.

[Wanda Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book four in a series set in Celtic times. I loved this book, as well its three predecessors. The author uses precise details to provide descriptions of the times, weaving historical facts with just the right touch of magic and romance. Catrin loves a Roman nobleman, Marcellus, and believe she is legally married to him. However, in order to be married, Marcellus is forbidden to be married to someone of Catrin's status. Catrin is also fighting her evil half brother for their late father's throne.

The book explores the cruelty and savagery of the time, so be prepared to learn how horrifically slaves and women were treated, and what happens to those who defy their respective leaders. This is, however, the true history of the times. The author weaves these facts into romantic intrigue and war between several factions. She is skilled and precise; that's why this book--and the three preceding ones--are so unique.

I don't want to give any more of this away. I want you to read this book. However, my recommendation is that you first read the other three, in order, to get the true experience of how everyone fits into the picture.

I will also add that, had I seen this and the other three books in a bookstore, I might not have picked them up. This is not a genre that normally attracts me. However, this author has opened my eyes to a completely new way of looking at such stories. The writing is unique, precise, and so well researched. I highly recommend this book and its companion books as well, and I'm looking forward to book #5.

[Kendra Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

Catrin and Marcellus's story continues... but doesn't end with this fourth installment in the series. There is so much going on in this book with the various threats and obstacles they are trying to overcome. They are facing enemies on all sides and then she has been let once again without powers while pregnant with his baby. My chief complaint is the cliffhanger we're stuck with, and the next book hasn't been released yet. As with all the other books in this series, I did listen to the audiobook version, and they changed narrators from the previous books and moved to a duet style. I did not like the switch and found these two less consistent to the character portrayal of the first three books.