Amulet's Rapture (Curse of Clansmen and Kings Book 3) - Book Review

Amulet's Rapture is the third installment of Linnea Tanner’s award-winning series,  Curse of Clansmen and Kings. This book tells of the continuing saga of the indomitable spirit of Catrin who is the rightful heir to the Celtic throne in Britannia. She has endured numerous life-altering events, the slaughter of her family by a half-brother and her subsequent enslavement by a Roman commander.  Not unlike today, the world Catrin lives in, similarly struggles with political corruption, political operatives, and despotic leaders whose focus is to serve their own personal interests at the expense of their followers.
The story takes place in a time where the empire is ruled by the sword, again not much different than today’s world. Tanner’s writing is not averse to including scenes of great brutality that are juxtaposed to her well-written love scenes. Some of those descriptions of lovemaking during that ancient period are cringe-worthy such as: “Marcellus's loins suddenly began to burn. He ignored Sorcha's fishy odor and drew her closer to kiss. She moaned and pressed hard against him.” But Tanner writes truly romantic love scenes also like: “Marcellus pulled Catrin closer and gazed into her eyes, ‘Right now, I want to feel inside you and know you are mine. I want to relive the love we once held for each other before we start our journey together.’
And Catrin felt that “In this magical world she needed to feel her husband’s gentle hands.”
Amulet's Rapture comes with a high body count; it is not a book for the squeamish. It realistically reflects the barbarism that exists between warring parties.
Tanner paints a realistic picture of a fascinating period in history. She also packs her novel full of action and adventure, complete with a riveting plot, ancient magic, and characters who come vividly to life within her tale.  And if you like romance, Amulet's Rapture provides plenty – even some steamy erotic scenes. The novel is also a book of prophecies and mythological characters of antiquity.
Catrin’s love is for her forbidden lover Marcellus, the great-grandson of General Mark Antony. Much of the story is based around historical events and characters lifted right out of history’s annals. Tanner has done her research and her book could virtually serve as a primer of the period of Rome’s occupation of Britain. The fabled female warriors and shapeshifter Agrona and Boudicca are included in the story along with numerous other mythical beings.
An astoundingly good novel with an enormous depth of authentic knowledge and revelations about the real conquest of Britain. I loved the aesthetics, the political strife, the character tropes– all of it. Tanner’s work offers gripping action and thought-provoking plotting and constant intrigue. When the story involves personal insights or a character’s inner dialogue, it is believable and real.  Amulet's Rapture delivers it all.