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nickle4books's review against another edition
adventurous
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
crhogan's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
melaniesw13's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
hopeful
fast-paced
- Loveable characters? Yes
3.75
rosannelortz's review
4.0
Princess Kateri must defeat twelve champions in the arena before she can prove her worthiness to rule the desert-kingdom of Achra. Her father’s disappointment is a goad that never lets her stop training, as is the memory of her mother’s death at the hands of the villainous “desert boys.” If she can only prove herself to her father and find a way to take care of her mother’s suffering people, perhaps the drought in Achra will end and water will find its way to the parched populace once again.
But when the captain of the guard, brutish and sadistic Rodric, turns Kateri’s father against her, the princess is forced to flee to the desert before her twelfth match. There she meets Cion, the leader of the desert boys, and discovers that the desert boys have a far different reason for stealing Achra’s water than she’s always been taught. Initiated into their group, she learns fortitude, kindness, and cunning from Cion, honing her skills so that she can best Rodric and uncover the secret that her father has been keeping from the people.
Based on Frank Stockton’s short story, “The Lady, or the Tiger,” this YA novel creates a fantastical world of swinging swords and swirling sand. Kateri, with her privileged palace upbringing, is a bit annoying at first, but she soon grows into a heroine one can root for–a cross between Jasmine and Mulan. Cion, a commoner with the nobility of a prince, is unfailingly likeable throughout, with his knowledge of the unforgiving desert as vast as his sympathy for the downtrodden. The romantic chemistry between Cion and Kateri is at exactly the right level for a YA novel.
The tie-in to the original story helps build anticipation. Kateri’s father is renowned for allowing his prisoners a choice between two doors–one of which holds a man-eating tiger. Knowing the original Stockton story, I was eager to see how the choice between the tiger or a rival lady would play out at the end of the story, and I must say, the dramatic tension did not disappoint! Annie Sullivan is a new author to me, and I look forward to reading more of her books.
Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this title from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
But when the captain of the guard, brutish and sadistic Rodric, turns Kateri’s father against her, the princess is forced to flee to the desert before her twelfth match. There she meets Cion, the leader of the desert boys, and discovers that the desert boys have a far different reason for stealing Achra’s water than she’s always been taught. Initiated into their group, she learns fortitude, kindness, and cunning from Cion, honing her skills so that she can best Rodric and uncover the secret that her father has been keeping from the people.
Based on Frank Stockton’s short story, “The Lady, or the Tiger,” this YA novel creates a fantastical world of swinging swords and swirling sand. Kateri, with her privileged palace upbringing, is a bit annoying at first, but she soon grows into a heroine one can root for–a cross between Jasmine and Mulan. Cion, a commoner with the nobility of a prince, is unfailingly likeable throughout, with his knowledge of the unforgiving desert as vast as his sympathy for the downtrodden. The romantic chemistry between Cion and Kateri is at exactly the right level for a YA novel.
The tie-in to the original story helps build anticipation. Kateri’s father is renowned for allowing his prisoners a choice between two doors–one of which holds a man-eating tiger. Knowing the original Stockton story, I was eager to see how the choice between the tiger or a rival lady would play out at the end of the story, and I must say, the dramatic tension did not disappoint! Annie Sullivan is a new author to me, and I look forward to reading more of her books.
Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this title from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
bexsbookshelves94's review against another edition
4.0
This review and more can be found at:
Reading Under the Covers
I received an advance review copy for free as part of a blog tour, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This book is a standalone Fantasy novel with absolutely NO cliffhanger and that makes a change for me. I normally goes for books that have; 1. Cliffhangers; 2. Another book. But I must admit it was an alright book.
I liked the main character. She seemed to crave the approval of her father which kinda annoy
ed me. Yes I get that she was supposed to rule eventually and become Queen but it bugged me in ways that I don’t quite understand myself. In terms of character development she was a very developed character and I found myself liking her more and more. She was truly worthy of becoming Queen by the end of this book. I understood that she needed to be shapped into becoming a queen but that way in which she was I didn’t agree on. She was basically tormented to make her to be more worthy of ruling and it was awful to read about that.
The story line eventually became incredibly predictable which bored me. I wanted to be able to go into this book and not guess what was going to happen next especially with it being a standalone. But I need begin to guess everything that was happening.
I was also annoyed by the constant reminder of where it was set; in a dessert. It was constant and continuous. It needed to be eased upon the description and it would have made it better.
I love the action that happened throughout this book. Even though I mentioned that I was annoyed by how predictable the book was doesn’t mean I didn’t like the action.
Overall, this book was a good standalone book with just the right amount of action but way too much description of the landscape.
Reading Under the Covers
I received an advance review copy for free as part of a blog tour, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This book is a standalone Fantasy novel with absolutely NO cliffhanger and that makes a change for me. I normally goes for books that have; 1. Cliffhangers; 2. Another book. But I must admit it was an alright book.
I liked the main character. She seemed to crave the approval of her father which kinda annoy
ed me. Yes I get that she was supposed to rule eventually and become Queen but it bugged me in ways that I don’t quite understand myself. In terms of character development she was a very developed character and I found myself liking her more and more. She was truly worthy of becoming Queen by the end of this book. I understood that she needed to be shapped into becoming a queen but that way in which she was I didn’t agree on. She was basically tormented to make her to be more worthy of ruling and it was awful to read about that.
The story line eventually became incredibly predictable which bored me. I wanted to be able to go into this book and not guess what was going to happen next especially with it being a standalone. But I need begin to guess everything that was happening.
I was also annoyed by the constant reminder of where it was set; in a dessert. It was constant and continuous. It needed to be eased upon the description and it would have made it better.
I love the action that happened throughout this book. Even though I mentioned that I was annoyed by how predictable the book was doesn’t mean I didn’t like the action.
Overall, this book was a good standalone book with just the right amount of action but way too much description of the landscape.
_camk_'s review against another edition
3.0
+Interesting concept.
+Although the world building was limited given it's based in the desert; it doesn't hinder the story at all.
-The antagonists were pretty cliche.
-I think the book could have been set over a longer time frame. We know at the beginning Kateri had a month to prepare herself. The romance wouldn't have felt as insta-lovey/half baked if the full month was used - even if it was just referred too and not covered in the book.
introverteddragonscribbles's review
4.0
When Annie Sullivan’s debut novel, A Touch of Gold came out, I was intrigued by the plotline and many people had said good things about the novel, so I wanted to read it. When I did, I was slightly disappointed. While the story was good, the plot was moving too fast for me to enjoy it. And so I wasn’t able to finish reading the book.
So when Sullivan’s new novel, Tiger Queen released, I was a bit skeptical. I read it and, I have to say, was pleasantly surprised.
The plot of Tiger Queen does move a little fast, but not enough to be annoying. The plot was very good, and her world built beautifully. It’s not like the world of an epic, but was created just enough to make it belong to the characters.
Kateri’s journey is very well thought out, even if it does move a bit fast. Then again, the novel is a standalone and I usually like to read a series, so it might just be me. But the characters are very well developed and each have their own voice that makes them unique, which in turn breathes life into the story. This, I was very glad about.
Only one thing bothered me. The fact that they ate lizards. I own a bearded dragon lizard and she is my close companion, so I winced every time she described that. Also, I don’t imagine wild lizards having much meat on them. And they’re eating them skin and all, while desert lizards are usually covered in scales and sort of prickly. So that just bothered me, personally.
Overall, Tiger Queen was a pleasant read and I would recommend it to anyone who loves retellings and stories set in desert places. However, if you have a pet lizard(s) and you can’t stand the thought of people eating them, I would not recommend you read this! It will make you sad.
So when Sullivan’s new novel, Tiger Queen released, I was a bit skeptical. I read it and, I have to say, was pleasantly surprised.
The plot of Tiger Queen does move a little fast, but not enough to be annoying. The plot was very good, and her world built beautifully. It’s not like the world of an epic, but was created just enough to make it belong to the characters.
Kateri’s journey is very well thought out, even if it does move a bit fast. Then again, the novel is a standalone and I usually like to read a series, so it might just be me. But the characters are very well developed and each have their own voice that makes them unique, which in turn breathes life into the story. This, I was very glad about.
Only one thing bothered me. The fact that they ate lizards. I own a bearded dragon lizard and she is my close companion, so I winced every time she described that. Also, I don’t imagine wild lizards having much meat on them. And they’re eating them skin and all, while desert lizards are usually covered in scales and sort of prickly. So that just bothered me, personally.
Overall, Tiger Queen was a pleasant read and I would recommend it to anyone who loves retellings and stories set in desert places. However, if you have a pet lizard(s) and you can’t stand the thought of people eating them, I would not recommend you read this! It will make you sad.
onepageatatime's review against another edition
5.0
This book was fast paced and thrilling from beginning to end. Tiger Queen is beautifully written and captivating. Annie Sullivan keeps you guessing throughout the book. I loved all of the characters in this book and found myself rooting for them until the very end. I highly recommend this book to any fantasy reader looking for a fresh new take on a fairy tale retelling.
onepageatatime's review
5.0
This book was fast paced and thrilling from beginning to end. Tiger Queen is beautifully written and captivating. Annie Sullivan keeps you guessing throughout the book. I loved all of the characters in this book and found myself rooting for them until the very end. I highly recommend this book to any fantasy reader looking for a fresh new take on a fairy tale retelling.
micolreads's review against another edition
2.0
This book was a big disappointment. No characters depth, no plot, nothing original. Sorry, but this was not a good book.