Tiger Queen by Annie Sullivan
Published 10th September 2019 by Blink
Star Rating - *****
Goodreads Challenge - 37/50
I was kindly gifted an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Synopsis (from Goodreads)
In the mythical desert kingdom of Achra, an ancient law forces sixteen-year-old Princess Kateri to fight in the arena to prove her right to rule. For Kateri, winning also means fulfilling a promise to her late mother that she would protect her people, who are struggling through windstorms and drought. The situation is worsened by the gang of Desert Boys that frequently raids the city wells, forcing the king to ration what little water is left. The punishment for stealing water is a choice between two doors: behind one lies freedom, and behind the other is a tiger.
But when Kateri’s final opponent is announced, she knows she cannot win. In desperation, she turns to the desert and the one person she never thought she’d side with. What Kateri discovers twists her world—and her heart—upside down. Her future is now behind two doors—only she’s not sure which holds the key to keeping her kingdom and which releases the tiger.
But when Kateri’s final opponent is announced, she knows she cannot win. In desperation, she turns to the desert and the one person she never thought she’d side with. What Kateri discovers twists her world—and her heart—upside down. Her future is now behind two doors—only she’s not sure which holds the key to keeping her kingdom and which releases the tiger.
My Thoughts
I absolutely loved this book. I'm not familiar with the short story this book is based on but that in no way hindered my enjoyment of this one. I flew through it in a couple of days, I just couldn't put it down. I loved everything about this one but the thing I think I loved the most was the setting. Desert fantasies are definitely my new favourite thing.
I loved the world the author created in this one. Our main characters are a Princess of a city in the middle of the desert and the leader of a rebel group who lives within this desert. This world is in the middle of a drought and there's lots of talk about water shortage and thirst and I found that elicited some quite strong feelings from me. I felt the need for water whilst reading this, I felt the unrelenting heat and sand and I really did feel for what a lot of our characters were going through. The author also really thought about the features of the desert and it's inhabitants. There were some great descriptions about places and animals and it was nice that she thought about more than just our characters. I enjoyed the writing too, it was compelling and easy to read but not too simple. There was enough going on to keep me engaged throughout the entire story.
I also loved our main characters. Kateri was fierce and determined. Intent on exacting revenge for her mother's death and that is the only thing she can focus on at the beginning of our story. She is blind sighted by hatred of this rebel group and this really comes across in the first few chapters. However, as events unfold and she begins to learn more about these people she develops empathy and compassion for her people and I really enjoyed watching the development of her character. I loved watching her relationship with Cion unfold and I loved the dynamics between the desert boys and seeing how they interacted with each other and worked together. I also quite liked the romance in this one, which is unusual for me. It was quite a slow burn and definitely wasn't at the forefront of the story which I appreciated.
Overall, as you can probably tell, I loved this book. I loved the setting, them writing and the characters. It was a super quick and compelling read and now I'm really keen to pick up the author other book, Touch of Gold and, anything she comes out with in the future.
I loved the world the author created in this one. Our main characters are a Princess of a city in the middle of the desert and the leader of a rebel group who lives within this desert. This world is in the middle of a drought and there's lots of talk about water shortage and thirst and I found that elicited some quite strong feelings from me. I felt the need for water whilst reading this, I felt the unrelenting heat and sand and I really did feel for what a lot of our characters were going through. The author also really thought about the features of the desert and it's inhabitants. There were some great descriptions about places and animals and it was nice that she thought about more than just our characters. I enjoyed the writing too, it was compelling and easy to read but not too simple. There was enough going on to keep me engaged throughout the entire story.
I also loved our main characters. Kateri was fierce and determined. Intent on exacting revenge for her mother's death and that is the only thing she can focus on at the beginning of our story. She is blind sighted by hatred of this rebel group and this really comes across in the first few chapters. However, as events unfold and she begins to learn more about these people she develops empathy and compassion for her people and I really enjoyed watching the development of her character. I loved watching her relationship with Cion unfold and I loved the dynamics between the desert boys and seeing how they interacted with each other and worked together. I also quite liked the romance in this one, which is unusual for me. It was quite a slow burn and definitely wasn't at the forefront of the story which I appreciated.
Overall, as you can probably tell, I loved this book. I loved the setting, them writing and the characters. It was a super quick and compelling read and now I'm really keen to pick up the author other book, Touch of Gold and, anything she comes out with in the future.
Overall Rating
I'm glad you enjoyed this one! I have seen nothing but positive reviews for it so I am very excited to get to it. Thanks so much for sharing!
ReplyDeleteJamie @ Books and Ladders
This one has been popping up in my feed - glad to see you liked it
ReplyDeleteThis is a new book to me, I am loving the cover. I am glad that you enjoyed it so much.
ReplyDeleteI have seen this book around many times, but never picked it up. I am glad you enjoyed it! I hope to read it soon.
ReplyDeleteGreat review. I like the sound of this book.
ReplyDeleteAmazing review Gemma I've been seeing this book quite a lot lately, I'm really glad you fully enjoyed reading this book. Thank you so much for sharing your awesome post.
ReplyDeleteGlad you enjoyed this read!!
ReplyDeleteExcellent review. This genre has been calling out to me lately.
ReplyDelete