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A review by shoni
The Tiger at Midnight by Swati Teerdhala
adventurous
emotional
funny
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
I personally loved this book. I love a good mythology story and this being Hindu mythology just is a personal love that I need more of. It made me happy to actually read a story where I knew the mythology from growing up on it and hearing it from my family, not something I learned as I was growing up. It also made it interesting when I figured things out just because of the name or so, I was proud of myself. All the subtle references to the culture made me so proud as well.
I did think at times it was a bit repetitive but one way this book is described is as cat-and-mouse and it honestly does give you that. You know that they're gonna chase each other, almost get caught, and then escape. It made it fun and interesting. Plus, I will always support a good enemies-to-lovers plot. Sure, it isn't as intense as others but I was happy with it. I also appreciated that the foreshadowing was done so well. Nothing seems too crazy that you could have come to the conclusion but enough to make you feel shocked when you do find out the truth.
I did really like Esha. I do wish we saw more of her vicious side as the Viper, but it makes sense that when you are on the run you are more focused on surviving than trying to be ruthless. Don't wanna leave a trail of bodies behind when you are trying to blend in, so that does make sense. But I love how she had her path and she didn't let anything or anything change that. Which I appreciated because no boy is gonna get in the way of revenge. this isn't a spoiler but her love for mangoes is honestly the most truest thing. I have not met one Desi girl who doesn't love mangoes. It's in our blood.
Kunal and mine relationship was rocky but he won me over, especially once you got into Esha's POV about him. He's a great character and he does show the struggle of what you believe is right vs what you are taught is right. Nothing is ever that black and white and I love the way Swati wrote it because at the moment you don't think to much about it you ignore it. You go with what you know until something comes to actually have you make a decision. And that was shown in Kunal's character.
I am excited to see where the story goes and I am going to have to get my hands on the second and third books as soon as I can.
I did think at times it was a bit repetitive but one way this book is described is as cat-and-mouse and it honestly does give you that. You know that they're gonna chase each other, almost get caught, and then escape. It made it fun and interesting. Plus, I will always support a good enemies-to-lovers plot. Sure, it isn't as intense as others but I was happy with it. I also appreciated that the foreshadowing was done so well. Nothing seems too crazy that you could have come to the conclusion but enough to make you feel shocked when you do find out the truth.
I did really like Esha. I do wish we saw more of her vicious side as the Viper, but it makes sense that when you are on the run you are more focused on surviving than trying to be ruthless. Don't wanna leave a trail of bodies behind when you are trying to blend in, so that does make sense. But I love how she had her path and she didn't let anything or anything change that. Which I appreciated because no boy is gonna get in the way of revenge.
Kunal and mine relationship was rocky but he won me over, especially once you got into Esha's POV about him. He's a great character and he does show the struggle of what you believe is right vs what you are taught is right. Nothing is ever that black and white and I love the way Swati wrote it because at the moment you don't think to much about it you ignore it. You go with what you know until something comes to actually have you make a decision. And that was shown in Kunal's character.
I am excited to see where the story goes and I am going to have to get my hands on the second and third books as soon as I can.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexism, Violence, and Misogyny