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kirstyreadsblog's review against another edition
3.0
Please be aware that there is misgendering in this book and there is violence.
Tashi has to escape the capital as their life is in danger. They're an inhabitor, which means they have a really close connection with an animal, to the point where they can inhabit the animals body. However when they go to a monastery it is quickly taken over by enemy forces and they decide to spy.
The world building was really good in the sense it had a really good religious system, which a lot of books skip over. The inhabitor part of this book was an interesting idea but the way it was written just didn't read very well. I found it hard to distinguish between what was going on with Tashi and what was going on with the tiger.
Continue my review here: https://kirstyreadsblog.wordpress.com/2017/10/23/the-tigers-curse-by-julia-ember
Tashi has to escape the capital as their life is in danger. They're an inhabitor, which means they have a really close connection with an animal, to the point where they can inhabit the animals body. However when they go to a monastery it is quickly taken over by enemy forces and they decide to spy.
The world building was really good in the sense it had a really good religious system, which a lot of books skip over. The inhabitor part of this book was an interesting idea but the way it was written just didn't read very well. I found it hard to distinguish between what was going on with Tashi and what was going on with the tiger.
Continue my review here: https://kirstyreadsblog.wordpress.com/2017/10/23/the-tigers-curse-by-julia-ember
alexperc_92's review against another edition
5.0
I received an e-ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
I truly enjoyed Julia Ember's new book! After reading "Seafarer's Kiss" I really wanted to read her next new series too! The Asian inspired scenery, Xian and the action kept me through this new gem of a book!
I truly enjoyed Julia Ember's new book! After reading "Seafarer's Kiss" I really wanted to read her next new series too! The Asian inspired scenery, Xian and the action kept me through this new gem of a book!
codyleigh's review
3.0
I was so excited to hear Julia was writing a YA fantasy series with a gender fluid main character, something that is sorely lacking in literature today. The fact that The Tiger’s Watch was also going to have human-animal bonding, magic and a badass heroine going behind enemy lies to spy was just the icing on the cake! It instantly became a must read. However as much as I wanted to love it, I’m sorry to say that I had a few issues with The Tiger’s Watch.
I had a slight issue with Tashi, well more with some of the actions they made but apart from that Tashi was an incredibly likeable character. What was great about the world Tashi lived in was the acceptance of gender fluidity. Yes there was a instance with another character who didn’t get why Tashi needed to be address as ‘they’ instead of ‘she/he’ but overall it was easily accepted and didn’t have to be explained during every one of Tashi’s interactions.
Tashi is bonded to a golden tiger called Katana and I was fascinated by the relationship they had. I love books with animals in and this was no exception. Julie created a complex relationship between humans and animals and the communication between them. Also I would totally want to be bonded to a tiger, Katana is an absolute badass, when Tashi was in a tough spot you just knew Katana was close by stalking her prey and ready to save the day.
So from the synopsis it’s easy to see than Tashi is on the run and then ends up becoming a servant/spy for the Xian commander. What wasn’t easy to see was the world building? I’m still not sure what was happening and ultimately why. The same goes for the plot, it just wasn’t there, I spent the majority of the book feeling like I’d missed some essential chapter and was left with more questions than answers.
My other issue was the romance. There was a large dose on insta-love on one hand and a complete mystery infatuation on the other. Tashi watched the Xian commander slaughter and torture people, their own people and yet still ends up with feelings for him. Not even the slow hate to love just an instant sexual attraction. And then we have love interest #2 who Tashi has shown no interest in whatsoever for the majority of the book but suddenly when his life is at stake Tashi is in love with him. Now that’s not to say it’s couldn’t work, I’m sure under certain circumstances such as life and death people will come to realise their true feelings BUT there was just no chemistry, or buildup or feelings for me to truly believe in it.
Overall I really wanted to love The Tiger’s Watch but due to the lack of world building and plot I wasn’t able to fully connect with the book. Tashi was a great character although her decisions at the end kiiiind of made me want to pull my hair out, I’m still looking forward to see what happens next as Julie has created a good foundation there, I just needed a little more substance.
Literary-ly Obsessed (Blog) | Twitter | Instagram
I had a slight issue with Tashi, well more with some of the actions they made but apart from that Tashi was an incredibly likeable character. What was great about the world Tashi lived in was the acceptance of gender fluidity. Yes there was a instance with another character who didn’t get why Tashi needed to be address as ‘they’ instead of ‘she/he’ but overall it was easily accepted and didn’t have to be explained during every one of Tashi’s interactions.
Tashi is bonded to a golden tiger called Katana and I was fascinated by the relationship they had. I love books with animals in and this was no exception. Julie created a complex relationship between humans and animals and the communication between them. Also I would totally want to be bonded to a tiger, Katana is an absolute badass, when Tashi was in a tough spot you just knew Katana was close by stalking her prey and ready to save the day.
So from the synopsis it’s easy to see than Tashi is on the run and then ends up becoming a servant/spy for the Xian commander. What wasn’t easy to see was the world building? I’m still not sure what was happening and ultimately why. The same goes for the plot, it just wasn’t there, I spent the majority of the book feeling like I’d missed some essential chapter and was left with more questions than answers.
My other issue was the romance. There was a large dose on insta-love on one hand and a complete mystery infatuation on the other. Tashi watched the Xian commander slaughter and torture people, their own people and yet still ends up with feelings for him. Not even the slow hate to love just an instant sexual attraction. And then we have love interest #2 who Tashi has shown no interest in whatsoever for the majority of the book but suddenly when his life is at stake Tashi is in love with him. Now that’s not to say it’s couldn’t work, I’m sure under certain circumstances such as life and death people will come to realise their true feelings BUT there was just no chemistry, or buildup or feelings for me to truly believe in it.
Overall I really wanted to love The Tiger’s Watch but due to the lack of world building and plot I wasn’t able to fully connect with the book. Tashi was a great character although her decisions at the end kiiiind of made me want to pull my hair out, I’m still looking forward to see what happens next as Julie has created a good foundation there, I just needed a little more substance.
Literary-ly Obsessed (Blog) | Twitter | Instagram
writingwwolves's review against another edition
4.0
I read The Tiger's Watch in one sitting & now I'm sad that I'm going to have to wait months for The Shadow Wolf!
This book was an easy read, but was still full of mystery & adventure. As an animal lover I love the idea of Tashi & her connection with Katala - I would LOVE to be bonded to a fox or wolf!! I feel like this book is definitely a steady build up to some huge tension & action in the rest of the series; it definitely feels like I've only read the start of Tashi's story, & that there's a lot more to come.
I'm excited to learn more about the characters in the series & how their relationships will pan out. I feel like there may end up being a bit of a love triangle & I'm really hoping that it's not going to be written in a predictable or mushy way. I also think that this world has a lot more to it than we've been shown so far & I look forward to delving deeper into it!
I absolutely adore the cover for this book & I will 100% be buying a physical copy when it's released!
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from the author in return for an honest review!
Extended Review: https://wp.me/p8MbIo-aI
This book was an easy read, but was still full of mystery & adventure. As an animal lover I love the idea of Tashi & her connection with Katala - I would LOVE to be bonded to a fox or wolf!! I feel like this book is definitely a steady build up to some huge tension & action in the rest of the series; it definitely feels like I've only read the start of Tashi's story, & that there's a lot more to come.
I'm excited to learn more about the characters in the series & how their relationships will pan out. I feel like there may end up being a bit of a love triangle & I'm really hoping that it's not going to be written in a predictable or mushy way. I also think that this world has a lot more to it than we've been shown so far & I look forward to delving deeper into it!
I absolutely adore the cover for this book & I will 100% be buying a physical copy when it's released!
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from the author in return for an honest review!
Extended Review: https://wp.me/p8MbIo-aI
kirstyreadsblog's review
3.0
Please be aware that there is misgendering in this book and there is violence.
Tashi has to escape the capital as their life is in danger. They're an inhabitor, which means they have a really close connection with an animal, to the point where they can inhabit the animals body. However when they go to a monastery it is quickly taken over by enemy forces and they decide to spy.
The world building was really good in the sense it had a really good religious system, which a lot of books skip over. The inhabitor part of this book was an interesting idea but the way it was written just didn't read very well. I found it hard to distinguish between what was going on with Tashi and what was going on with the tiger.
Continue my review here: https://kirstyreadsblog.wordpress.com/2017/10/23/the-tigers-curse-by-julia-ember
Tashi has to escape the capital as their life is in danger. They're an inhabitor, which means they have a really close connection with an animal, to the point where they can inhabit the animals body. However when they go to a monastery it is quickly taken over by enemy forces and they decide to spy.
The world building was really good in the sense it had a really good religious system, which a lot of books skip over. The inhabitor part of this book was an interesting idea but the way it was written just didn't read very well. I found it hard to distinguish between what was going on with Tashi and what was going on with the tiger.
Continue my review here: https://kirstyreadsblog.wordpress.com/2017/10/23/the-tigers-curse-by-julia-ember
thechaoshour's review
4.0
**I want to send a big thank you to Julia Ember who was nice enough to send me a copy of Tiger's Watch in exchange for a review!**
Actual Rating 3.5 but rounded up to 4!
Thoughts After Reading
Way too short! Why did it have to end like that?!
LIKES
- LOVED Tashi. They were super cute yet kind of badass at the same time? It made for an interesting character. There was also a ton of development centred around this character.
- Also a big yay for a non-binary main character, especially in a fantasy book!
- I like the general idea of this book. The whole bond with animals was epic and I kind of liked that the plot took place in the middle of a war.
- Ok but can we talk about the fact that people in this world can be bonded to animals?? Like how cool would that be? I especially loved that the humans lifespans were cut if they were bonded though. Magic isn't all butterflies and rainbows so I liked this consequence!
DISLIKES
- The only thing I disliked was that the book wasn't longer. I could have used more of everything. A little more plot, world-building, character development, and general explanations. It was fine without all that but that's what would have pushed it up an extra star for me.
- Also as much as I loved Tashi, I hated their decision at the end and I wanted to reach into the pages and give them a good shake! Sadly that would have changed the plot for the next book. Again, not a bad thing, it just bothered me a teeny bit.
SUMMARY
Pick this one up! It's short and sweet but full of all kinds of great fantasy elements!
Actual Rating 3.5 but rounded up to 4!
Thoughts After Reading
Way too short! Why did it have to end like that?!
LIKES
- LOVED Tashi. They were super cute yet kind of badass at the same time? It made for an interesting character. There was also a ton of development centred around this character.
- Also a big yay for a non-binary main character, especially in a fantasy book!
- I like the general idea of this book. The whole bond with animals was epic and I kind of liked that the plot took place in the middle of a war.
- Ok but can we talk about the fact that people in this world can be bonded to animals?? Like how cool would that be? I especially loved that the humans lifespans were cut if they were bonded though. Magic isn't all butterflies and rainbows so I liked this consequence!
DISLIKES
- The only thing I disliked was that the book wasn't longer. I could have used more of everything. A little more plot, world-building, character development, and general explanations. It was fine without all that but that's what would have pushed it up an extra star for me.
- Also as much as I loved Tashi, I hated their decision at the end and I wanted to reach into the pages and give them a good shake! Sadly that would have changed the plot for the next book. Again, not a bad thing, it just bothered me a teeny bit.
SUMMARY
Pick this one up! It's short and sweet but full of all kinds of great fantasy elements!
flaviathebibliophile's review
4.0
I first heard about this book when I was browsing through diverse book lists back in January or February (somewhere around that time), and I remember being very intrigued by the plot because I had never read a book containing a gender fluid character, much less as the main character! This made me realize two things. One we are finally progressing toward a broader representation of genders and sexualities. And two, that due to this being the first book with a gender fluid MC for me, it means that we still have quite a ways to go.
I truly commend Julia Ember for bringing her character Tashi (referred to as a they) not only to the page, but also for sharing them with us. As someone who used to roleplay on sites online, I have years of character and story creation behind me, and during that time I have had a number of characters come to me who would either not 100% fit into the categories of male or female, or who plain refused to choose just one gender altogether. While a few roleplay sites were welcoming to characters like this, there were still many that were not. I was hesitant to bring such characters even to some of the more welcoming sites due to the reactions they (and myself) would receive from other roleplayers and characters. This is why I think it’s great that Ember’s character Tashi is not some character on an obscure roleplay site, but the main character of a book which is being published and made available to the world.
As you may have assumed, this book addresses certain issues involving genders, and what I found particularly interesting was how different types of masculinity and femininity were discussed throughout the narrative, as well as heterosexual matrimonial responsibilities and such. Even though this book is set in a fantasy world (which to me felt like perhaps China with magic), numerous subjects were brought up which are relevant to our actual world. This book would get even those who have never given gender roles, varying sexualities, and the like any thought to thinking about such matters.
The world building was fairly good, and I did keep in mind that due to this being a novella, there was a limited amount of space which could be devoted to descriptions (of world, or characters). Despite this being a novella, however, I did get a feel for the world in which The Tiger’s Watch is set, and I did catch myself at times wondering about the cultures, and other locations of Ember’s world. The writing in this book was also good and quite comprehensible. And while I did come across one or two colloquial word which threw me off, I found that these things did not generally hinder my immersion into the story.
The plot and characters kept me interested throughout, and I particularly enjoyed the relationship and magic between inhabitants and their animal partners. This is a unique type of magic, and I appreciate the detail and thought that went into creating this magic. There is quite some mythology which Ember has created for her world, which ties in with the plot as well as with the magic of the inhabitants (something which I always appreciate also). Overall, this was quite an interesting novella to read, and I will definitely be keeping an eye out for more work from this author.
I truly commend Julia Ember for bringing her character Tashi (referred to as a they) not only to the page, but also for sharing them with us. As someone who used to roleplay on sites online, I have years of character and story creation behind me, and during that time I have had a number of characters come to me who would either not 100% fit into the categories of male or female, or who plain refused to choose just one gender altogether. While a few roleplay sites were welcoming to characters like this, there were still many that were not. I was hesitant to bring such characters even to some of the more welcoming sites due to the reactions they (and myself) would receive from other roleplayers and characters. This is why I think it’s great that Ember’s character Tashi is not some character on an obscure roleplay site, but the main character of a book which is being published and made available to the world.
As you may have assumed, this book addresses certain issues involving genders, and what I found particularly interesting was how different types of masculinity and femininity were discussed throughout the narrative, as well as heterosexual matrimonial responsibilities and such. Even though this book is set in a fantasy world (which to me felt like perhaps China with magic), numerous subjects were brought up which are relevant to our actual world. This book would get even those who have never given gender roles, varying sexualities, and the like any thought to thinking about such matters.
The world building was fairly good, and I did keep in mind that due to this being a novella, there was a limited amount of space which could be devoted to descriptions (of world, or characters). Despite this being a novella, however, I did get a feel for the world in which The Tiger’s Watch is set, and I did catch myself at times wondering about the cultures, and other locations of Ember’s world. The writing in this book was also good and quite comprehensible. And while I did come across one or two colloquial word which threw me off, I found that these things did not generally hinder my immersion into the story.
The plot and characters kept me interested throughout, and I particularly enjoyed the relationship and magic between inhabitants and their animal partners. This is a unique type of magic, and I appreciate the detail and thought that went into creating this magic. There is quite some mythology which Ember has created for her world, which ties in with the plot as well as with the magic of the inhabitants (something which I always appreciate also). Overall, this was quite an interesting novella to read, and I will definitely be keeping an eye out for more work from this author.
bookdeviant's review
5.0
See more of my reviews on my blog the Book Deviant
I would like to thank Julia Ember and Harmony Ink Press for sending me an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This was so much fun! Can't wait for the sequel.
Check out my full review here.
Trigger warning for misgendering, violence, moderate gore, abuse, and animals in a war situation.
I would like to thank Julia Ember and Harmony Ink Press for sending me an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This was so much fun! Can't wait for the sequel.
Check out my full review here.
Trigger warning for misgendering, violence, moderate gore, abuse, and animals in a war situation.
lbcecil's review
3.0
I'm in two minds about this novella. While there was a part of me that was intrigued by the general premise, there were still too many moments of confusion and poor characterisation for me to fully immerse myself in the story.
WORLDBUILDING & PLOT
One of my issues is the world building, or lack thereof. The novel starts after the conclusion of a major battle, with Tashi, the protagonist, and their best friend on the run. We don't actually discover what happened until further in the novel, which is not usually an issue for me, but combined with the inclusion - but no explanation - of magical elements, I found myself confused for a majority of the book. The reader is not even told why the two cultures - the Thim and the Myeik - were even at war in the first place.
However, I did enjoy the general idea behind the magical system - that certain people can be inhibitors which means that they are bonded for life to the soul of an animal. But when that animal dies, the human is left in a comatose state until they succumb to starvation. Unfortunately, the execution of this idea wasn't the best, and the world building altered frequently, to the point where I couldn't follow along without re-reading pages.
Like the world building, the plot was puzzling. Nothing much happened for a good portion of the novella, and then we discover the central plot point at the very end. I'm not saying that's necessarily a bad thing, but as nothing really happens, my attention span was sidetracked.
CHARACTERS & SEXUALITY & ROMANCE
I was quite annoyed by the characters, especially Tashi. While I am so so so hyped beyond words that Tashi is genderfluid, they were incredibly indecisive. They were incapable of making any decisions, and when they finally did, they changed their mind a minute later. It got quite annoying, especially in a book that is only 180 pages long. Also, I am seeing an alarming rise of YA "spies" who are just terrible spies. Tashi sneaks out to see her bonded tiger - despite being in the middle of a monastery filled with invaders - they pull a prank on a high-ranking member of the enemy's army, and they forget to look for clues in the enemy commander's room while the commander is away, until reminded by a friend. Just ... come on.
I can't comment on whether the explanation of the gender fluidity was done well as I am not gender fluid myself, but the author did talk about Tashi's identity frequently, and how angry they were at being forced to change their image while in hiding. There are a few instances of misgendering, but it is always called out and corrected. What I did love about this novella is how normal sexuality and identity is viewed - there's no shaming or judgement from other characters. They simply accept Tashi for who they are.
However, I did have an issue with the romance, and that's probably my main issue with the novella. The love triangle felt quite unnecessary, and basically came out of nowhere. Tashi did state that they were in love with their best friend, Pharro, but as soon as they met Xian, they fell in lust with the enemy commander. I did enjoy Xian's character though - how he was both sadistic, but had moments of vulnerability - and I can see how Tashi would be drawn to him, but there were also many moments where I just found their scenes cringey. I also didn't understand how Tashi could be so in love with Pharro, when the reader is never really shown their relationship, aside from Tashi commenting on their crush. Just because characters are childhood friends doesn't mean an author can get away with not properly developing a romance between them.
FINAL THOUGHTS
I think the issues I found with the novel could have been fixed if the book were longer. Writing a novella-length fantasy with complex cultures, politics, and magical systems doesn't work too well with just 180 pages. There's either too much info dumping or lack of proper explaining for the reader to fully engross themselves in the story. Will I be reading the next novella in the series? I think I might. The novella ended on a little cliffhanger, and I do want to know what happens next.
WORLDBUILDING & PLOT
One of my issues is the world building, or lack thereof. The novel starts after the conclusion of a major battle, with Tashi, the protagonist, and their best friend on the run. We don't actually discover what happened until further in the novel, which is not usually an issue for me, but combined with the inclusion - but no explanation - of magical elements, I found myself confused for a majority of the book. The reader is not even told why the two cultures - the Thim and the Myeik - were even at war in the first place.
However, I did enjoy the general idea behind the magical system - that certain people can be inhibitors which means that they are bonded for life to the soul of an animal. But when that animal dies, the human is left in a comatose state until they succumb to starvation. Unfortunately, the execution of this idea wasn't the best, and the world building altered frequently, to the point where I couldn't follow along without re-reading pages.
Like the world building, the plot was puzzling. Nothing much happened for a good portion of the novella, and then we discover the central plot point at the very end. I'm not saying that's necessarily a bad thing, but as nothing really happens, my attention span was sidetracked.
CHARACTERS & SEXUALITY & ROMANCE
I was quite annoyed by the characters, especially Tashi. While I am so so so hyped beyond words that Tashi is genderfluid, they were incredibly indecisive. They were incapable of making any decisions, and when they finally did, they changed their mind a minute later. It got quite annoying, especially in a book that is only 180 pages long. Also, I am seeing an alarming rise of YA "spies" who are just terrible spies. Tashi sneaks out to see her bonded tiger - despite being in the middle of a monastery filled with invaders - they pull a prank on a high-ranking member of the enemy's army, and they forget to look for clues in the enemy commander's room while the commander is away, until reminded by a friend. Just ... come on.
I can't comment on whether the explanation of the gender fluidity was done well as I am not gender fluid myself, but the author did talk about Tashi's identity frequently, and how angry they were at being forced to change their image while in hiding. There are a few instances of misgendering, but it is always called out and corrected. What I did love about this novella is how normal sexuality and identity is viewed - there's no shaming or judgement from other characters. They simply accept Tashi for who they are.
However, I did have an issue with the romance, and that's probably my main issue with the novella. The love triangle felt quite unnecessary, and basically came out of nowhere. Tashi did state that they were in love with their best friend, Pharro, but as soon as they met Xian, they fell in lust with the enemy commander. I did enjoy Xian's character though - how he was both sadistic, but had moments of vulnerability - and I can see how Tashi would be drawn to him, but there were also many moments where I just found their scenes cringey. I also didn't understand how Tashi could be so in love with Pharro, when the reader is never really shown their relationship, aside from Tashi commenting on their crush. Just because characters are childhood friends doesn't mean an author can get away with not properly developing a romance between them.
FINAL THOUGHTS
I think the issues I found with the novel could have been fixed if the book were longer. Writing a novella-length fantasy with complex cultures, politics, and magical systems doesn't work too well with just 180 pages. There's either too much info dumping or lack of proper explaining for the reader to fully engross themselves in the story. Will I be reading the next novella in the series? I think I might. The novella ended on a little cliffhanger, and I do want to know what happens next.