Linnea Tanner's Blog, page 42
March 4, 2020
Book Review Antonius: Second in Command by Brook Allen
Antonius: Second in Command by Brook Allen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
“Antonius: Second in Command” by Brook Allen is the second book in the Antonius Trilogy, spanning the period of 54 BC to 41BC. The saga of Marcus Antonius (Mark Antony) continues in this book at the time he is accepted as a military officer under the command of Julius Caesar. Marcus demonstrates his prowess as a strategic, courageous military leader that Roman soldiers can enthusiastically follow on the battlefields of Britannia and Gaul. With undying loyalty to Julius Caesar, Marcus becomes second-in-command to the renowned Roman general. However, when Marcus assumes political power in Rome on the behest of Caesar, his reputation and marriages flounder. Even though Caesar repudiates him for his political blunders, Marcus remains loyal. After winning Caesar’s trust again, Marcus becomes consul and adeptly administers Rome through chaos after Caesar’s assassination. However, he then faces his greatest challenger, the nineteen-year-old Octavian and adopted son of Caesar. He eventually allies with Octavian to wreak revenge on Julius Caesar’s assassinators at the battle of Phillipi, where the third book of the series will continue.
Author Brook Allen masterfully weaves battle scenes, family drama, and political conspiracies into the saga of Marcus Antonius. There is no doubt that Marcus is a formidable military commander with flashes of brilliance in the political arena. Yet, his womanizing, gambling and drinking continue to lurk him at critical times which his political rivals can use against him. The epic storytelling is engaging and addictive. The battle scenes are described with vivid details. The characters pop off the page, particularly Flavia (Marcus’s third wife) and Octavian. As a fan of the HBO series, “Rome,” I found this book even more intriguing with its rich historical background. One of the most fascinating incidents is when Marcus Antonius has to exchange his young son as a hostage so he could negotiate a truce with the senators who murdered Julius Caesar.
I highly recommend this superb series for fans of historical fiction set in Rome. The essence of Mark Antony and Roman politics rings true back then as it does in modern politics today.
February 13, 2020
Author Interview Brook Allen Antonius Trilogy
It is my pleasure to introduce Brook Allen, author of the Antonius Trilogy, historical fiction about Marcus Antonius (Mark Antony). Her first book, Antonius: Son of Rome, caught my attention when it was awarded the must-deserved 2019 Book of the Year Award by The Coffee Pot Book Club. Mark Antony is one of the most fascinating historical figures from Ancient Rome. He is an enigma because most of the accounts about him were written by his enemies. Author Brook Allen realistically captures the essence of Mark Antony and Roman politics. The second book, Antonius: Second in Command), is also an engaging, must-read book for those who love historical fiction set in ancient Rome.
Below you will find a brief biography, interview, and contact information.
BIOGRAPHY
Brook Allen has a passion for ancient history—especially 1st century BC Rome. Her current work is a trilogy on the life of Marcus Antonius—Marc Antony. The first installment, Antonius: Son of Rome was published on March 15, 2019. It follows Antony as a young man, from the age of eleven, when his father died in disgrace, until he’s twenty-seven and meets Cleopatra for the first time. Brook’s newest book is Antonius: Second in Command, dealing with Antony’s tumultuous rise to power at Caesar’s side and culminating with the bloody civil war against Brutus and Cassius.
AUTHOR INTERVIEW QUESTIONS:
Would you provide an overview of the books you’ve published in the Antonius series about Marcus Antonius who is considered one of history’s most controversial men?
I guess I’ve always felt a little sorry for Marcus (Marc Antony). Octavian not only demanded his death, but in treating his memory with damnatio memoriae—the damning of one’s memory, his statues and busts were destroyed, his name chiseled off of inscriptions, and even his birth date was designated as a day of “bad omens”. All that is pretty heavy stuff. To this day, he gets Classicists rattled, and they always have opinions about him. Usually it’s either “love him or hate him”!
Certainly, Marcus Antonius had an agenda, but truthfully, nobody knows what it was. There had to be reasons he acted as he did. In approaching his life story, I decided to begin at his father’s death, since it must have been a humiliation for his family. As my book Son of Rome progresses, the Antonii deal with repeated misfortune and humiliation. And all of this was going on in the middle of so much political and social upheaval—the Spartacan Revolt, the Catiline Conspiracy… Patricia Southern, who wrote a fantastic biography on Antonius said it best, stating that he grew up never seeing the Roman Republic work properly. The death throes of the Republic provide a thrilling and breathtaking panorama of events on which to depict his story since not much of his early years is known.
In my second book, Second in Command, Marcus comes into his own. This is where writers like Plutarch especially, kick in and give a lot more details about what he was doing—especially once he joins Caesar in Gaul. Second in Command is one fast-paced read. There’s scandal, political intrigue, tragedy (Marcus’s life was marred by multiple tragedies, poor guy!), and war. Battle scenes have become a personal hobby now and I actually enjoy writing them. Thank you, Adrian Goldsworthy—a man who knows Roman legions and warfare like the back of his hand.
The final book in my trilogy should be out a little later this year. I’m hoping by early fall. It will be tragic and dark, as that’s the sort of life Antonius endured in his later years. However, to lighten that is one of history’s most celebrated love stories; that of Antonius and Cleopatra. I am doing my best to treat it with justice and empathy. There were kids involved, sadly, and life at its best in the 1st century BC could be brutal. Expect plenty of warfare and emotional torment, both physical and propaganda-driven.
What inspired you to write about the legendary historical enigma, Marcus Antonius?
Way back in high school is where it all began. I had a fabulous Sophomore English teacher and she had us read Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar. By then, I’d already been bitten by the writing bug, but after studying it, I was hooked on Roman history. I knew I wanted to write on the 1st century BC/end of the Republic dilemma somehow.
Fast-forward now to 2005. I had just completed my Masters with an emphasis in Roman Studies and decided, “It’s time.” By then, I’d had enough life experiences and deep research into Roman culture that I felt as though I could manage the world-building aspect, which, to me—is possibly even more important to historical fiction writing than building character. Anyway, Robert Harris was in the midst of his Cicero trilogy, so Cicero was out. Several series had recently been done on Julius Caesar, who would have been a blast to write on. So, I skipped him. Honestly, I didn’t like Octavian enough to focus on him. I just kept coming back to Antonius. And I’m so glad I did. He’s been my close friend now for fifteen years and my husband even tolerates him well!
How much research was involved in writing your books?
If I was going to make this worthwhile… to succeed with this trilogy, then I had to build a world and character that was so believable and irresistible that people would have no choice but want to read it.
My parents were still alive when I began writing it, and they sent me to Egypt. It was the most incredible trip I’ve ever taken. I spent a week just in Alexandria, walking the beach, taking a boat out into the Great Harbor, exploring the foundations of the ancient Pharos Lighthouse inside Fort Qaitbay, and visiting helpful folks at the Center for Alexandrian Studies.
Naturally, Rome and Greece have been on my itinerary multiple times, and I even made a brief visit to Ephesus. For a guy who lived two-thousand years ago without jet service, Marcus got around! I have some incredible guide-friends now—two in Greece whom I depend on, and one in Rome. They have all been such integral resources for these books and walking ancient sites with them was an experience that I’ll never forget. Several times, either the Greek or Italian government had shut down sites I needed to see. However, with the help from my Classics professor, the Italian government, and even a humble security guard—I’ve been everyplace from Actium in western Greece to Taposiris Magna in Egypt, to the House of Livia in Rome!
Truthfully, I’m still researching, and even as I continue my drafting process, I sometimes take research breaks to fine-tune something I want to be sure of.
How did you go ABOUT researching the history, language, and culture of the 1st Century BC ancient Romans?
The Classics professor with whom I did my Masters thesis, Dr. Christina Salowey, provided me with a Latin book and I self-taught myself a few basics. Fortunately, I speak French, and that helped quite a bit. However, I’ll admit that I never got as far along with Latin as I wanted.
There is so much material out there and sometimes when writing you have to be careful not to “kitchen-sink”—stick in too much detail. Readers want to be immersed but not overwhelmed. When I did my Masters, I did it in order to write this trilogy. Everything I focused on had a place in my story. Once, while in Rome, I remember slipping on my sports sandals and jogging from the Palatine Hill in Rome all the way down to the Curia to determine how long it took to get there in a hurry! And I spent nearly a week in Pompeii, visiting that site multiple times with a friend, just to feel the pulse of ancient Rome. That was time very well-spent.
Were there any unexpected surprises about Marcus Antonius that you found in your research?
Indeed! Perhaps the very thing that is so surprising about him is that he’s still soooooo controversial. Classicists and historians either love him or hate him. After researching the guy for fifteen years, I see communication as having been his biggest issue. Poor Marcus lived in the wrong age. Today, he would’ve been on SKYPE in Greece, defending himself to the Senate in Rome, or on Twitter, tweeting about his REAL intentions regarding his plans in governing the East. Really, I think distance was one of the things that wound up defeating him in the end. Distance from Rome and not being able to be there to stand up for what he believed. Why didn’t he go back? Maybe it was due to Cleopatra… Who knows? I do know that he governed the East and that when Octavian finally took over, he didn’t make immediate changes. Something had to be going fairly well!
Is there any sub-character in the Antonius series that is your favorite? Explain why?
YES! I love Julia Antonia, Marcus Antonius’s mother. Granted, they don’t always see eye-to eye in Antonius: Son of Rome, but I think readers will come to love and respect her. She was one brassy lady, to say the least. During the proscriptions, she confronted a group of soldiers at her doorstep, hunting her brother down, opening her stola and challenging them to kill her first—the mother of their general—before forcing their way in to kill her brother. Needless to say, her brother was safe! Later, in the final book that I’m writing, she winds up on a pirate’s ship! This was a Roman matron—high-born! Ancient sources are chock-full of some pretty incredible stuff. Love it!
How often do your characters surprise you by doing or saying something totally unexpected?
When I have the time to really sit down and focus on a scene, that’s when it happens. And seldom during the first draft, either. It’s when I’m working on the second, third, fourth drafts that stuff just starts flowing and the characters just take total control. I start visualizing the scene and BOOM! For any author, that’s utter bliss. And in a way, when your characters speak to you and work through you like that, I guess it’s sort of creepy, too!
Have you received reactions/feedback to your work that surprise you? In what way?
This whole “being an author” thing has been mind-blowing in a lot of ways. I have a reader in Australia who has been so kind—so encouraging. She writes something positive to me almost weekly now. I don’t think there’s any way I could convey how much of a difference it makes when somebody believes in your work in that way. And here she is, literally on the other side of the world from me. And yet, we have this special connection. Then there’s a manager in my local Barnes & Noble who believes in hometown authors and completely supports my work. This guy has become a champion for me. When I walk in and see my books on his shelves, always facing out so that the cover shows… it seems like nothing to most people, but to an author? It means the world.
I think it’s these kindnesses that totally eclipse an agent’s rejection or overshadow negative reviews. Loyal readers truly have the power to make an author. I can see that now.
What are the most important traits you look for in a friend?
This one’s hard, as honestly, I’m pretty hard to pin-down and become really close to, friendship-wise. I suppose it would be somebody who has commonality with me in some way—like writing, perhaps. A person who’s forgiving and forbearing, for sure. I’m not always likable. That’s why my sweet husband it such a diamond.
If you could have one skill that you don’t currently have, what would it be?
I’ve always thought it would be super-cool to be able to communicate with animals. I’m talking Dr. Doolittle, here. I would LOVE to be able to touch a grizzly bear’s head, stroke it gently, and tell the biologist, “His tummy hurts because he’s been hibernating for seven months and hasn’t pooped in all that time! That’s the reason he’s so lethargic!” Wow. If I could understand animals, I could quit my day-job!
What might we be surprised to learn about you?
All of the riding scenes and cavalry/horse-related scenarios in my trilogy are from personal experience. Long, long ago, in a galaxy far, far away, I was an equestrienne and did pre-training for the Olympics. But again… that was LONG, long ago. However, my memory of riding and how it felt, and the way I trained— it brought a lot of fine-tuned action into my scenes with young Marcus.
What makes you laugh?
My husband. He’s hilarious—even when he doesn’t mean to be funny.
What simple pleasure makes you smile?
Just being with my dogs. I’m a dog-person to the max and I’d prefer being in their company any day compared to the company of people. Not that I’m anti-social or anything, but we introverted folk are like that!
You can contact Brook Allen and learn more about her books at:
February 4, 2020
Book Review Antonius: Son of Rome by Brook Allen
Antonius: Son of Rome by Brook Allen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
When I purchased “Antonius: Son of Rome” by Brook Allen, I was excited to read the novel about the early life of Marcus Antonius (Mark Antony), an enigma in Roman History. Though the book is fictional, it captures the true essence of the controversial Roman figure, whose reputation was smeared by his enemies and Augustus Caesar. The story begins when the eleven-year-old Marcus Antonius grieves for his father who has died in disgrace. His mother soon marries Publius Cornelius Lentulus, a consul in Rome. As a teenager, Marcus possesses the promise of military talent, but he succumbs to the excesses of whoring, gambling, and drinking that leads to calamitous consequences. Even so, Marcus shows unyielding loyalty to his step-father, Publius Cornelius Lentulus, who is executed for leading the conspiracy to murder Cicero and set fire to Rome. He also demonstrates undying love for Fadia, a slave he frees and marries. After he is forced to leave Rome to escape creditors, he is educated in Greece where he adopts many of their beliefs and lifestyle. To redeem himself, Marcus joins the military staff of Aulus Gabinius, the Proconsul of Syria, as chief of the cavalry. His reputation as a military leader rises when he successfully fulfills his mission to defeat rebels in the middle east. His accolades pave the way for him to serve with Julius Caesar in Gaul (to be continued in the next book).
Author Brook Allen has written an engaging story of a young Roman nobleman born into a family that has fallen from grace. Although Marcus Antonius has major character flaws, his attributes as a military leader and his courage and loyalty to those he loves are qualities that help him on his journey to greatness. The author has masterfully weaved the historical accounts of Antonius into a tale that rings true. The story is suspenseful and provides insight into Marcus Antonius and Roman politics.
“Antonius: Son of Rome” is one of the best historical fiction books that I’ve read. I highly recommend this novel to those who relish reading historical fiction set in ancient Rome. I’ve purchased the second book, “Antonius: Second in Command,” and look forward to reading it.
January 5, 2020
Press Release 3rd Annual Pencraft Awards Ceremony to be Headline by Linnea Tanner for Outstanding Literary Achievement; Book Signing at Old Firehouse Books
Contact: Linnea Tanner
Email: linnea@linneatanner.com
Phone: 720-772-8362
Website: https://www.linneatanner.com/
Press Release 3rd Annual PenCraft Awards Ceremony To Be Headlined by Linnea Tanner for Outstanding Literary Achievement; Book Signing at Old Firehouse Books
The PenCraft Awards for 2019 will recognize 48 remarkable works in numerous categories at its 3rd Annual Event, which will be held at the Golden Nugget Hotel and Casino in Lake Charles, LA. Three of the outstanding Winners will share the spotlight that night as the best of the best. The following is an excerpt from the PenCraft Award News Release
The Best Book of the Year award was won by Linnea Tanner with her book, Apollo’s Raven (Curse of Clansmen and Kings) (Volume 1), published by Apollo Raven Publisher, LLC. The book is a captivating tale about triangles; love, lust, and espionage; friend, foe, and spies; civilized Rome, barbarians and spiritual-supernatural beings. The author’s knowledge of the mythology and the history of 24 AD Celtic tribes is astounding as she weaves a tapestry of intrigue, a Gordian knot of rivalry, and a love story.
Since childhood, Tanner has passionately read about ancient civilizations and mythology, which held women in higher esteem. Of particular interest to her were the enigmatic Celts who were known 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.
Linnea Tanner has received multiple awards for her literary endeavors in 2019. She’s been a recipient of the Colorado Independent Publishers Association 2019 CIPA’s EVVY Bronze Medal, the 2019 Readers’ Favorite GOLD MEDAL for Fiction: Magic/Wizardry genre, and also a Gold Medal in the 2019 Global EBook Awards for the category of fantasy/Historical.
Linnea is a native of Colorado, currently residing in Windsor, Colorado. She holds a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in chemistry from the University of Colorado. She lives with her husband and is the mother of two children.
Linnea Tanner will be at the PenCraft Awards’ ceremony, January 20, 2020, to meet and greet fans and her contemporaries. She will be there to talk about her fascinating Curse of Clansmen and Kings series.
For more information on event, click Pencraft Award New Release
Book Signing with Linnea Tanner
Old Firehouse Books will welcome local Colorado author Linnea Tanner to the store! The public is invited to celebrate the release of the latest installment in her Curse of Clansmen and Kings series, Amulet’s Rapture, and Pencraft Award for Book of the Year for Apollo’s Raven (Book 1: Curse of Clansmen and Kings).
Linnea will be in the store on Saturday, January 25th from 1:00pm to 2:00pm signing books and talking to fans. This event is free and open to the public.
Linnea Tanner has been passionate about ancient civilizations and mythology from a young age. Her books weave Celtic-inspired tales of love, magic, adventure, betrayal, and intrigue. In the latest installment of her series, Catrin, the warrior Druid princess, has just survived a brutal attack by her half-brother and now will do anything to retake her throne.
We hope to see you at this event!
EVENT DATE:
Saturday, January 25, 2020 – 1:00pm to 2:00pm
EVENT ADDRESS:
Old Firehouse Books
232 Walnut Street
Fort Collins, CO 80524
For more information, click Old Firehouse Books
Review Copies and Media Interviews:
For a review copy of either Apollo’s Raven or Amulet’s Rapture, or an interview with Linnea Tanner, contact Tanner at 720-201-1197 or linnea@linneatanner.com. If you would like to receive this information as a Word document, please let us know.
November 17, 2019
Apollo’s Raven Pencraft Best Book of the Year Award
It is my pleasure to share the exciting news that APOLLO’S RAVEN (Book 1 Curse of Clansmen and Kings) has won the Pencraft Best Book of the Year award. Click on PenCraft Award for the announcement of all 2019 winners.
The PenCraft Award Program is sponsored by AuthorsReading and Subterfuge Publishing. Its purpose is to recognize and encourage outstanding writing and publishing in all genres. The competition is open to books in all formats: paperbacks, hardcovers, digital and audiobooks. I am deeply honored that his award is based on what judges consider to be the most unusual and most significant literary work received during the competition year. Entries from all Genres were considered for this special award.
Reader’s Favorite Awards Ceremony
I will be attending the Readers’ Favorite Awards Ceremony on Saturday, November 23 at the Regency Hotel Miami. As the Readers’ Favorite Gold Medalist winner in the Magic/Wizardry genre, Dagger’s Destiny (Book 2 Curse of Clansmen and Kings) will be on display at the Miami Book Fair and Awards Ceremony
The Miami Book Fair International runs for a week in mid-November and features celebrities like Madonna, bestselling novelist James Patterson, Tom Wolfe, Bill O’Reilly, and Molly Ringwald. The street fair portion is held the last 3 days of the book fair and will feature hundreds of booths manned by authors, publishers and other literary professionals. Readers Favorite will have a full booth all three days of the street fair where they will display all the award-winning books from their contest to hundreds of thousands of visitors from school children to agents and publishers.
In addition, 100% of Readers’ Favorite book sales is donated to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, as well as any unsold copies. This way books will not only be put into the hands of people that want to read them, but the money generated from their sale will go on to support those in need.
Bublish Excerpt
Be sure to check out my Bublish Author Page where you can follow me. Each week, I create what is known as a bubble that provides an excerpt and author insight from one of my books. This week, I give an excerpt and author insight from Chapter 4 from the newly released Amulet’s Rapture (Book 3 Curse of Clansmen and Kings) on what obstacles Catrin must overcome to become a warrior queen and seize her destiny. Click on Bubble for excerpt. The author insight is provided below.
Author Insight
In Amulet’s Rapture, Catrin must transform from a naïve fifteen-year-old girl into a worldly young woman who must forge her own destiny. The key as to what obstacles Catrin must overcome is highlighted in a scene from Chap 4, in which Catrin has a vision of her dead father advising her on what she must do to become a warrior queen and to take back her kingdom from her treacherous half-brother, Marrock. She must summon stamina from nature (her own inner essence) to endure hardships of slavery and rigors of training with Roman soldiers. Further, she must learn how to deal with both enemies and friends. She reluctantly embraces her corrupt and cruel Roman master like a stern father from whom she learns how to maneuver through changing political winds, transforming her weakness into strength. Most of all, she must learn that her utmost trust in those she loves is a double-edged sword that can be used against her. Though she deeply loves Marcellus, her Roman husband and ally, she must ultimately face and overcome obstacles by herself. She can only rise above unfortunate circumstances by understanding herself and by harnessing her inner darker forces to survive and to seek vengeance on those who have maltreated her.
Exciting times in November. A special thank you is extended to all of my readers who have helped me celebrate the release of Amulet’s Rapture and have provided their continued support.
Best wishes,
Linnea Tanner
Linnea Tanner and Viking: 2019 Colorado Springs ComicCon
October 29, 2019
New Release Amulet’s Rapture
I’m excited to announce that AMULET’S RAPTURE (Book 3 Curse of Clansmen and Kings) has been released today, October 29th! Seize your destiny and continue the epic Celtic tale of Catrin, a Druid warrior princess, and Marcellus—the great-grandson of Mark Antony.
Although Catrin is the rightful heir to the Celtic throne in Britannia, she is enslaved and lucky to be alive. The sole bright spot in her miserable new life is her forbidden lover Marcellus, the great-grandson of the famed Roman General Mark Antony. But his memories of Catrin and their secret marriage were erased by a dark Druid. Though Marcellus reunites with Catrin in Gaul and becomes her ally, he questions the legitimacy of their marriage and hesitates to help her escape and retake her kingdom. If their forbidden love and alliance are discovered, Catrin’s dreams of returning to her Celtic home with Marcellus will be shattered.
“With a gripping plot, mindblowing storytelling, and unpredictable twists, Amulet’s Rapture by Linnea Tanner is going to be among my top three favorites of this year.” Reviewed by Ankita Shukla for Readers’ Favorite
Get AMULET’S RAPTURE at Amazon, B&N, Apple Books, Kobo, and GooglePlay.
In Previous Books in this Series….
War looms over Britannia where rival tribal rulers fight each other for power and the Romans threaten to invade to settle their political differences.
In 4 AD, Queen Rhan, a Druidess, cast a revenge curse against her husband, King Amren, just before he executed her for treason. Their eight-year-old son, Marrock, was forced to witness the horrific act. Unbeknownst to Amren, Rhan’s soul possessed a mute girl, Agrona, right after he beheaded his wife. Thus, Agrona’s body became the vessel for both her and Rhan’s souls. Serving as a channel for Rhan’s words, Agrona spoke for the first time. Amren, believing this was a miracle, proclaimed Agrona as his spiritual advisor. Shortly after, Marrock discovered that Agrona harbored his mother’s soul and thus plotted with her to overthrow his father, Amren.
A year later in 5 AD, Amren married his second queen, Rhiannon, with whom he had three daughters. Amren banished Marrock in 17 AD for assaulting his youngest daughter, Catrin.
In the spring of 24 AD, a Roman envoy, Lucius Antonius, demanded that Amren accept Marrock back as the rightful heir to his Cantiaci throne. Amren refused, unleashing open hostilities. The envoy’s son, Marcellus, was held as a hostage until they could resolve their differences. Catrin learned to her dismay that she was the Raven foretold in the curse and her banished half-brother was Blood Wolf. Guided by her raven, she was determined to use her growing powers as a Druidess to break the curse. Her loyalty was tested when she fell in love with Marcellus and refused to marry the son of the Catuvellauni king. She saved Marcellus’s life during a prisoner exchange, where Amren was seriously wounded. Amren accused Catrin of treason for aiding Marcellus. The ultimate punishment was death unless she could redeem herself and prove her loyalty by forsaking Marcellus and defending their kingdom. A fierce warrior, Ferrex, volunteered to train Catrin as a warrior so she could atone for her treason.
However, after Marrock unexpectedly killed Catrin’s eldest sister and Roman soldiers during another prison exchange of hostages, tensions ignited. When Marcellus offered a proposal to Amren to avoid warfare, an ancient Druid proclaimed that he must marry Catrin in a fertility rite and temporarily accept sovereignty as king to remove Rhan’s curse. Amren reluctantly agreed.
During the marriage ceremony, Marrock kidnapped the drugged Marcellus. Agrona shapeshifted into Catrin’s form and seduced Marcellus. Agrona’s soul then transmigrated into their seeded child while Rhan’s soul remained in Agrona’s body. Lucius Antonius ordered his Roman soldiers to attack the Cantiaci kingdom so Marrock could overthrow his father in exchange for Marcellus’s return. In the conflict, Marrock brutally killed his father and step-mother, Rhiannon. The Roman tribune, Decimus, enslaved the wounded Catrin and took her back to Gaul. Meanwhile, Lucius returned to Rome with Marcellus whose memories of Britannia had been erased by Rhan.
Click Linnea Tanner’s Books for more information on Amulet’s Rapture and other books in the series.
Giveaways
For those who subscribe to my NEWSLETTER, there will be weekly announcements of deals and giveaways in November. Join the multi-author Facebook event, Fall into Suspense, on October 29-30 for a chance to win free audiobooks, including Book 1: APOLLO’S RAVEN and Book 2: DAGGER’S DESTINY.
Thank you to my readers for all of your support. Seize your destiny!
Best regards,
Linnea Tanner
Linnea Tanner, Author, Curse of Clansmen and Kings Series
October 3, 2019
Amulet’s Rapture Release, Book Awards, and Events
Exciting news! AMULET’S RAPTURE (Book 3 Curse of Clansmen and Kings) will be released on October 29th in digital and print formats. You can now pre-order this book at Amazon, B&N, Apple Books, Kobo, and GooglePlay.
The third book in the series continues the epic Celtic tale of the Druid warrior Catrin and Marcellus—the great-grandson of Mark Antony. The story spans from 24 AD to 27 AD in Ancient Rome, Gaul, and Britannia and will introduce new characters who impact the destinies of Catrin and Marcellus.
Click Linnea Tanner’s Books for more information on AMULET’S RAPTURE and other books in the series.
Book Awards
I am honored and thrilled to announce that DAGGER’S DESTINY (Book 2 Curse of Clansmen and Kings) won three book awards in August and September 2019. See below for details.
2019 Readers’ Favorite GOLD MEDAL Fiction: Magic/Wizardry
DAGGER’S DESTINY has been awarded a Gold Medal in the genre of Magic/Wizardry. Click Readers’ Favorite for a list of all winners in the various categories. I’ll be attending the Awards Ceremony at the Regency Hotel during the week of the Miami Book Fair International, the largest book fair in America (Nov 22-24, 2019). My book will be on displayed at the Readers’ Favorite booth, as well as books of other winners.
Click Readers’ Favorite Review to read the 5-star review of DAGGER’S DESTINY (excerpt provided below). Feel free to leave your comments on the review at the Readers’ Favorite website:
“In this part fantasy, part historical fiction tale, Linnea Tanner has woven together a wonderful web of romance, intrigue, mystery, and legend to create an entertaining and complex story. The author has done a superb job of creating a detailed and vibrant world of Celtic Britain at a time right before the invasion of the island by Emperor Claudius in 43 AD. She has taken the many myths and legends of the Celts and given them life through the characters of Catrin, Rhan, Marrock, and Myrddin. In each of these, the mythical powers of the ancient druids are brought to life. I loved how the magic of the druids was woven into the story, complementing the drama being created between Catrin’s desire to prove her loyalty to her father, and the machinations of Rhan and Marrock. At the same time, the political intrigue is played out in an epic fashion between King Amren, the Romans, and the Cunobelin tribe. Everything meshes together to give the reader a truly entertaining story of love, magic, and betrayal.”
2019 Global Ebook Award GOLD MEDAL Fantasy/Historical
Dan Poynter’s Global Ebook awarded DAGGER’S DESTINY with a Gold Medal for the category of Fantasy/Historical. Click 2019 Global Ebook Award for list of winners.
CIPA EVVY Book Award BRONZE MEDAL Audiobook
The Colorado Independent Publishers Association awarded a CIPA EVVY Bronze Medal for the audiobook of DAGGER’S DESTINY. Click 2019 CIPA EVVY for list of all winners.
Upcoming Events
Book Signing at MPIBA FallCon
On Friday, October 11, I’ll be signing advanced copies of AMULET’S RAPTURE at the Mountain & Plains Independent Booksellers Association (MPIBA) FallCon Trade Show and Conference. Click FallCon for further information on the event.
Where:
Renaissance Denver Stapleton Hotel
3801 Quebec Street
Denver, Colorado 80207
Time:
1:00-1:50 pm — Linnea Tanner — Amulet’s Rapture (Curse of Clansmen and Kings Book 3)
MileHiCon
Come and meet me at the 2019 MileHiCon 51 Author’s Row. If you tell me the secret passcode, Celtic Gladiator, you’ll receive a free gift. More than 100 science fiction/fantasy/horror authors, artists and other participants will speak and autograph books at the annual MileHiCon science fiction/ fantasy/horror literary convention. For science fiction, fantasy and speculative fiction lovers, it’s a weekend not to be missed.
Where:
Hyatt Regency Hotel – Tech Center
7800 E. Tufts Ave.
Denver CO
Times:
• Oct 18, Friday: 4pm–6pm
• Oct 19, Saturday: 10am–6pm
• Oct 20, Sunday: 10am–4pm
Tribute to Readers
Below is a tribute to the wonderful readers who stopped by my booth at the 2019 Colorado Springs ComicCon. I love meeting and speaking with each of these avid readers who purchased my books and graciously allowed me to photograph them. A Viking with an arrow shot through his heart also stopped by and allowed me to wield his sword. These events are great ways to celebrate the imagination and meet new friends!
Happy Reader 2019 Colorado Springs Comic Con
Avid Reader and Aspiring Author 2019 Colorado Springs Comic Con
Avid Reader 2019 Colorado Springs Comic Con
Premier Reader 2019 Colorado Springs Comic Con
Exited Reader 2019 Colorado Springs Comic Con
Thank you for your continued support. You rock my day!
Best Wishes,
Linnea Tanner
Linnea Tanner and Viking 2019 Colorado Springs Comic Con
August 21, 2019
Award, Comic Con Event, and Winners Announced
I’m excited to announce that Book 2: Dagger’s Destiny in the Curse of Clansmen and Kings Series was awarded a Gold Medal in the 2019 Global EBook Awards for the category of Fantasy/Historical. For a list of all winners, click Global EBook Awards
Colorado Springs Comic Con
My next event at the end of this week is the 2019 Colorado Springs Comic Con at the Chapel Hills Mall (Formerly Sears Location), 1710 Briargate Boulevard, Colorado Springs, CO on August 23-25. This is a 3-day, family-friendly event that will feature celebrities, costume contests, artists, authors, and various panels.
Stop by at Booth 318 Apollo Raven Publisher/Linnea Tanner and meet me and local Colorado YA Epic Fantasy Authors: Ryanne Glenn and Nicole M Davis. All authors will be there with their books to sign. We look forward to meeting and learning more about you.
Location:
Chapel Hills Mall
1710 Briargate Boulevard
Colorado Springs, CO
Hours:
Friday, Aug 23 (3 pm – 9 pm)
Saturday, Aug 24 (10 am – 7 pm)
Sunday, Aug 25 (10 am – 5 pm)
For more information about the event, click Colorado Springs Comic Con
Headshots: Linnea Tanner, Ryanne Glenn, and Nicole M. Davis
Linnea Tanner, Author of Historical Fantasy
Curse of Clansmen and Kings
Ryanne Glenn, Author of YA Epic Fantasy Descent of Shadows Series
Nicole Davis, Author of YA Epic Fantasy Triplets
Sizzling Summer Giveaway Winners
Congratulations WINNERS of the Sizzling Summer Giveaway who have redeemed their gifts. This giveaway was extended to subscribers of my newsletter. For those who would like to subscribe to my newsletter and participate in future giveaways, click NEWSLETTER.
Amazon $15 Gift Card:
Betty Reynolds
Vicki Wurgler
Limited Hardcover Edition of APOLLO’S RAVEN
Amber Mancebo
Kayla Harmon
Softcover Edition of DAGGER’S DESTINY
Richard Dominguez
Terri Quick
Amazon e-book gift code APOLLO’S RAVEN
Rose Helg
Amy Walczyk
Amazon e-book gift code DAGGER’S DESTINY
To be announced
Advance Copy of Book 3: Amulet’s Rapture
The manuscript of Amulet’s Rapture is now being formatted in PDF print format. Once the first uncorrected PDF version is available, everyone who expressed interest in receiving the advance copy in the Sizzling Summer Giveaway will be notified on how to download the PDF copy using Book Funnel. This will be offered for a limited time to selected subscribers, so be on the lookout for an e-mail within the next couple of weeks.
A tentative release date of October 15, 2019 for Amulet’s Rapture has been set. Pre-order information will be announced on this website and newsletter.
Amulet’s Rapture Book Cover
Thank you again for your continued support!
Best wishes,
Linnea Tanner
July 17, 2019
Updates Amulet’s Rapture and Upcoming Events
Amulet’s Rapture
Since my last update, I’ve focused on completing Book 3: Amulet’s Rapture in the Curse of Clansmen and Kings series. I’m excited to announce that the manuscript has been sent to my copy editor for final corrections. It is my hope the book will be available for advance reading and review by the end of August. A date for the Fall release of the book will be announced in August.
Amulet’s Rapture spans from 24 AD to 27 AD in which both the primary characters, Catrin (Celtic Druid warrior) and Marcellus Antonius (great-grandson of Mark Antony) will undergo dramatic changes and challenges in their relationship. The backdrop of the story will expand into Gaul (modern day France), Rome, and Britannia.
New characters from various regions in the Roman Empire will be introduced in Amulet’s Rapture, including the following:
Arius Petronius: Best friend and confident of Marcellus
Negusi, Gladiator from Ethiopia
Brutius Antonius: Half-Brother to Marcellus
Verus: Lanista (trainer of gladiators)
Synopsis
Amulet’s Rapture Book Cover
Blood stains her Celtic home and kingdom.
The warrior Druid princess will do anything to avenge her enemies and to retake her kingdom
Although Catrin is the rightful heir to the Celtic throne in Britannia, she is lucky to be alive. After witnessing the slaughter of her family at the hands of her half-brother, who was aided by the Romans, she is enslaved by a Roman commander. He disguises her as a boy in the Roman Legion with the belief that she is an oracle of Apollo and can foretell his future. The sole bright spot in her miserable new life is her forbidden lover Marcellus, the great-grandson of the famed Roman General Mark Antony.
But Marcellus has been wounded and his memories of Catrin and their secret marriage were erased by a dark Druidess. Though Marcellus reunites with Catrin in Gaul and becomes her ally as she struggles to survive the brutality of her Roman master, he questions the legitimacy of their marriage and hesitates to help her escape and to retake her kingdom. If their forbidden love and alliance are discovered, her dreams of returning to her Celtic home with Marcellus will be shattered.
Upcoming Giveaway
In celebration of the completion of the manuscript of Amulet’s Rapture, a giveaway and a chance to read an advance copy of Amulet’s Rapture will be offered in my newsletter to all subscribers, at the end of the week. If you wish to participate in the giveaway, click Newsletter Subscriber to subscribe to my newsletter.
Upcoming Event
The Carnival of the Indies Book Sale
July 27, 2019:
The Carnival of the Indies Book Sale is a full day of books, stories, music and fun hosted by the Boulder County Indie Authors. This collective of local writers will pitch their pop-up shop on Trident Books’ shady back patio, offering a wide variety of books by Boulder authors, including young adult, historical fiction, sci-fi, fantasy, memoir, satire, poetry and more! Meet authors, buy signed books, support local lit and imbibe tasty beverages at this beloved book shop and cafe off Pearl Street. I
I’ll be there starting at 11 am.
BCIA will also bring the party with:
Family-friendly story time
Stage readings
Author interviews
Meet the authors!
Signed books
Raffle prizes! Every hour on the hour!
…and best of all, live music!
11 a.m.- noon: The Acid Pioneers
Jam band, plays 1960s rock covers.
2-3 p.m.: The Ukulele Bros*
Ukulele duo, plays classic rock cover and originals. (BrosFlyer PDF)
* Set timing to be confirmed
On the back patio of Trident Books from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. on Saturday, July 27.
Come on out to support local, indie lit!
As always, thank you for your continued support!
Best Wishes,
Linnea Tanner
May 27, 2019
Upcoming Events NY Book Expo America and Denver Pop Culture
I’m excited to announce that I’ll be signing my books in the Curse of Clansmen and Kings series at the following events this week: 1) Book Expo America in New York City and 2) Denver Pop Culture. If you plan to attend these events, please drop by and say hi.
Book Expo America in New York City
My first event this week is the Book Expo America (BEA) at the Javitz Center in New York City on May 29 through May 30. Book Expo is where authors, booksellers, distributors, librarians, literary agents, publishers and more unite to build relationships, learn ways to bolster books, and to understand today’s shifting marketplace. The event focuses on the global publishing industry and celebrates storytelling in all its forms.
While there, I’ll be signing free copies of my latest book, Dagger’s Destiny, at Booth 1003 (Ingram Pavillion) from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 29th. Book supplies will be limited. I’ll be available to speak with book buyers, librarians, the press, and readers at the booth. Drop by and say hi.
For more information about the event, click Book Expo America.
Denver Pop Culture
My next event this week is the 2019 Denver Pop Culture Con at the Colorado Convention Center in downtown Denver at 700 14th Street on May 30 – June 2. This is a 3-day, family-friendly pop culture fan extravaganza, featuring the best in pop culture entertainment. Denver Pop Culture Con is a program of the Colorado nonprofit Pop Culture Classroom, whose mission is to inspire a love of learning, to increase literacy, celebrate diversity and build community through pop culture education. The proceeds from this annual event benefit Pop Culture Classroom’s overall educational endeavors.
Come and meet Colorado authors from the Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers, including myself. You can get my signed books of Book 1: Apollo’s Raven and Book 2: Dagger’s Destiny in the Curse of Clansmen and Kings at a discount. I’ll be at Table 19 along with authors Brenda Hardwick and Dacia Arnold.
Location:
Colorado Convention Center
700 14th Street
Denver, CO
Hours:
Friday, May 30 – Sunday, June 2
Friday and Saturday, 10 am – 7 pm
Sunday, 10 am – 6 pm
For more information about the event, click Pop Culture Denver
Book Awards Dagger’s Destiny
I’m honored to announce that Book 2 of the Curse of Clansmen and Kings Series, Dagger’s Destiny, has won the following awards in both the genres of historical fiction and fantasy.
2019 eLit Award Bronze Medalist Historical Fiction
2019 Finalist Rone Award InD’Tale Magazine Fantasy
2018 New Apple Book Award Fantasy – Official Selection
Dagger’s Destiny sweeps you into an epic tale of forbidden love, mythological adventure, and political intrigue in Ancient Rome and Britannia. The story of Catrin, daughter of King Amren, and King Amren’s sworn enemy Marcellus, who through a wicked twist of fate has become Catrin’s lover. Catrin must prove her loyalty to her father by forsaking Marcellus and defending her kingdom—even if it could ultimately mean her death.
Thank you for your continued support.
Best Wishes,
Linnea Tanner
