Linnea Tanner Weaves Myth and History into Timeless Tales of Ancient Rome and Britannia
Award-Winning Author Linnea Tanner Brings Ancient Worlds And Mystical Legends To Life
Blending Celtic Mythology With Roman History To Create Powerful Heroines And Immersive Worlds
Linnea Tanner blends meticulous research, Celtic mythology, and Roman history in her award-winning series, crafting heroines like Catrin who embody resilience, love, and power, while exploring universal struggles of destiny and identity.
Linnea Tanner has carved a distinct place in historical fiction by masterfully weaving Celtic mythology with Roman history. Her Curse of Clansmen and Kings series—including Apollo’s Raven, Dagger’s Destiny, Amulet’s Rapture, and Skull’s Vengeance—has captivated readers with tales of political intrigue, forbidden love, and fierce battles set against the clash of empires and mysticism. Complementing her acclaimed series is her poignant short story Two Faces of Janus, which explores the darker corners of Ancient Rome.
Her heroines, particularly Catrin—a Celtic warrior princess with Druidic abilities—embody strength, resilience, and transformation. Inspired by legendary figures such as Boudicca, Tanner portrays women who defy adversity while exploring universal themes of power, love, and identity. Her unique blend of rigorous research, travel to archaeological sites, and deep passion for mythology allows her to create richly immersive narratives that balance historical authenticity with fantastical imagination.
“The cultural conflict between the prosaic, realistic Romans and the mystical, nature-oriented Britannic tribes provides a major conflict in the series.” – Linnea Tanner
Shaping Characters and Conflicts
Catrin’s coming-of-age journey stands at the heart of Tanner’s storytelling. Tested by ordeals, she evolves from an innocent princess into a formidable queen, facing not only her half-brother King Marrock in a deadly sibling rivalry but also her own inner darkness. The prophecy-driven curse entwining their fates adds layers of tension, as Catrin struggles to change her destiny without becoming as ruthless as her adversary.
Tanner further enriches her stories by drawing on historical legacies such as Mark Antony and Cleopatra, Arthurian legends, and Celtic traditions. Her research-based approach, rooted in her background in chemistry, enables her to merge historical plausibility with magical elements—shapeshifting, enchanted mists, and druidic power—making her tales resonate with modern readers while honouring ancient myth.
Inspiration from History and Myth
Travelling to archaeological sites has deeply influenced Tanner’s work. The cliffs of Dover inspired the haunting opening of Apollo’s Raven, while Roman ruins in France shaped vivid scenes of gladiatorial combat in Amulet’s Rapture. These experiences, combined with her fascination for cultural clashes—Romans’ pragmatic realism versus the Celts’ mystical spirituality—fuel the authenticity and atmosphere of her writing.
Offering advice to aspiring authors, Tanner emphasises the importance of grounding fantasy in historical truth. By ensuring plausibility and treating mythical elements as lived realities for her characters, writers can craft stories that feel both authentic and otherworldly.
Linnea Tanner’s literary artistry shines through her ability to transport readers into turbulent, mystical realms where history and legend intertwine. Her work is a reminder of how ancient struggles of power, love, and destiny remain timeless.
