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Tiger Burning Bright
The House of the Tiger has skillfully ruled Merina in times of peace. But now the indomitable armies of the Emperor Balthasar stand poised to crush the vulnerable city/state. And in the enemy's midst is the gray mage Apolon -- foul necromancer who serves the Dreadful Dark . . . and whose mission it is to satsfy his Master's terrible hungers with living souls, the Heart of a Goddess, and the blood of a Princess.
For Adele, aging Dowager Queen; for ruling Queen Lydana; and for Princess Shelyra, lithe, impetuous, ingenious Designated Daughter, the battle seems hopeless -- for they possess no defense, save for their wiles and weapons of the spirit. But the Tiger is a cunning beast, not to be underestimated. And when cornered, she bares her teeth . . . and strikes.
For Adele, aging Dowager Queen; for ruling Queen Lydana; and for Princess Shelyra, lithe, impetuous, ingenious Designated Daughter, the battle seems hopeless -- for they possess no defense, save for their wiles and weapons of the spirit. But the Tiger is a cunning beast, not to be underestimated. And when cornered, she bares her teeth . . . and strikes.
504 pages, Hardcover
First published September 1, 1995
38 people are currently reading
2435 people want to read
About the author
Marion Zimmer Bradley
801 books4,892 followersMarion Eleanor Zimmer Bradley was an American author of fantasy novels such as The Mists of Avalon and the Darkover series, often with a feminist outlook.
Bradley's first published novel-length work was Falcons of Narabedla, first published in the May 1957 issue of Other Worlds. When she was a child, Bradley stated that she enjoyed reading adventure fantasy authors such as Henry Kuttner, Edmond Hamilton, and Leigh Brackett, especially when they wrote about "the glint of strange suns on worlds that never were and never would be." Her first novel and much of her subsequent work show their influence strongly.
Early in her career, writing as Morgan Ives, Miriam Gardner, John Dexter, and Lee Chapman, Marion Zimmer Bradley produced several works outside the speculative fiction genre, including some gay and lesbian pulp fiction novels. For example, I Am a Lesbian was published in 1962. Though relatively tame by today's standards, they were considered pornographic when published, and for a long time she refused to disclose the titles she wrote under these pseudonyms.
Her 1958 story The Planet Savers introduced the planet of Darkover, which became the setting of a popular series by Bradley and other authors. The Darkover milieu may be considered as either fantasy with science fiction overtones or as science fiction with fantasy overtones, as Darkover is a lost earth colony where psi powers developed to an unusual degree. Bradley wrote many Darkover novels by herself, but in her later years collaborated with other authors for publication; her literary collaborators have continued the series since her death.
Bradley took an active role in science-fiction and fantasy fandom, promoting interaction with professional authors and publishers and making several important contributions to the subculture.
For many years, Bradley actively encouraged Darkover fan fiction and reprinted some of it in commercial Darkover anthologies, continuing to encourage submissions from unpublished authors, but this ended after a dispute with a fan over an unpublished Darkover novel of Bradley's that had similarities to some of the fan's stories. As a result, the novel remained unpublished, and Bradley demanded the cessation of all Darkover fan fiction.
Bradley was also the editor of the long-running Sword and Sorceress anthology series, which encouraged submissions of fantasy stories featuring original and non-traditional heroines from young and upcoming authors. Although she particularly encouraged young female authors, she was not averse to including male authors in her anthologies. Mercedes Lackey was just one of many authors who first appeared in the anthologies. She also maintained a large family of writers at her home in Berkeley. Ms Bradley was editing the final Sword and Sorceress manuscript up until the week of her death in September of 1999.
Probably her most famous single novel is The Mists of Avalon. A retelling of the Camelot legend from the point of view of Morgaine and Gwenhwyfar, it grew into a series of books; like the Darkover series, the later novels are written with or by other authors and have continued to appear after Bradley's death.
Her reputation has been posthumously marred by multiple accusations of child sexual abuse by her daughter Moira Greyland, and for allegedly assisting her second husband, convicted child abuser Walter Breen, in sexually abusing multiple unrelated children.
(from Wikipedia)
Bradley's first published novel-length work was Falcons of Narabedla, first published in the May 1957 issue of Other Worlds. When she was a child, Bradley stated that she enjoyed reading adventure fantasy authors such as Henry Kuttner, Edmond Hamilton, and Leigh Brackett, especially when they wrote about "the glint of strange suns on worlds that never were and never would be." Her first novel and much of her subsequent work show their influence strongly.
Early in her career, writing as Morgan Ives, Miriam Gardner, John Dexter, and Lee Chapman, Marion Zimmer Bradley produced several works outside the speculative fiction genre, including some gay and lesbian pulp fiction novels. For example, I Am a Lesbian was published in 1962. Though relatively tame by today's standards, they were considered pornographic when published, and for a long time she refused to disclose the titles she wrote under these pseudonyms.
Her 1958 story The Planet Savers introduced the planet of Darkover, which became the setting of a popular series by Bradley and other authors. The Darkover milieu may be considered as either fantasy with science fiction overtones or as science fiction with fantasy overtones, as Darkover is a lost earth colony where psi powers developed to an unusual degree. Bradley wrote many Darkover novels by herself, but in her later years collaborated with other authors for publication; her literary collaborators have continued the series since her death.
Bradley took an active role in science-fiction and fantasy fandom, promoting interaction with professional authors and publishers and making several important contributions to the subculture.
For many years, Bradley actively encouraged Darkover fan fiction and reprinted some of it in commercial Darkover anthologies, continuing to encourage submissions from unpublished authors, but this ended after a dispute with a fan over an unpublished Darkover novel of Bradley's that had similarities to some of the fan's stories. As a result, the novel remained unpublished, and Bradley demanded the cessation of all Darkover fan fiction.
Bradley was also the editor of the long-running Sword and Sorceress anthology series, which encouraged submissions of fantasy stories featuring original and non-traditional heroines from young and upcoming authors. Although she particularly encouraged young female authors, she was not averse to including male authors in her anthologies. Mercedes Lackey was just one of many authors who first appeared in the anthologies. She also maintained a large family of writers at her home in Berkeley. Ms Bradley was editing the final Sword and Sorceress manuscript up until the week of her death in September of 1999.
Probably her most famous single novel is The Mists of Avalon. A retelling of the Camelot legend from the point of view of Morgaine and Gwenhwyfar, it grew into a series of books; like the Darkover series, the later novels are written with or by other authors and have continued to appear after Bradley's death.
Her reputation has been posthumously marred by multiple accusations of child sexual abuse by her daughter Moira Greyland, and for allegedly assisting her second husband, convicted child abuser Walter Breen, in sexually abusing multiple unrelated children.
(from Wikipedia)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
April 23, 2007
It was a little depressing to realize that two of the three authors had passed away since my last reading of this book. Rather than see their country swallowed up by a war, the three women of the ruling family abdicate their throne and then hide in plain sight within their city. After learning that the conqueror is by no means benign, they start to fight back. I love this book. While is is not the best any of the authors have written, the plot is a little too convenient as is the premise that allows all three of the main characters to escape to safety, I still love it. I do wish that the authors had not divided up the chapters amongst themselves so that each only wrote from certain characters' POVs. The differences in writing style are very apparent and characters' patterns of speech change slightly because of this. The second chapter is always a little jarring since Norton's writing style is a bit more roundabout than Bradley's or Lackey's, but after that, it's easy to overlook. One of my comfort books.
March 16, 2013
I read this book in early high school (a number of years ago) and loved it. Recently, I began thinking about it (remembering nothing specific about it) and finally found it in a local bookstore. I didn't know if I would have the same reaction to it the second time - but I did.
This book is *fabulous.* It tells the story of three generations of women, of the ruling family of Merina (a standard medieval-style fantasy city modeled after Venice). The women of the Tiger - as the women of this ruling family are called - are strong, courageous, willful, stubborn, and have hidden wellsprings of talents. The Dowager Queen Adele, head of the temple/spritual side of Merina, her daughter, Queen Lydana, head of the secular side of the city, and Lydana's neice - Adele's granddaughter - who is headstrong and stubborn and believes her aunt thinks her still a child (but she has many secrets of her own).
When the evil emperor Balthasar comes to conquer them, having already conquered the rest of the countries and city-states on the continent - they hand over the city, rather than put up a useless fight. Their people are not fighters. But they disappear into their city, assuming roles in vastly different quarters, dropping their old identities for the good of Merina. In many ways, they fit these new roles better than their old.
One of my favorite books of its kind, this is an epic fantasy - over 500 pages of excitement and action - and one dominated not by men, but by women. The three female leads are strong and determined, and the men seem to play a mainly secondary role in the book. (Except for a noted few, such as the Mage Apollon, advisor to Balthasar, and Balthasar's son, Leopold - they get their own chapters in the story, told from their point of view).
The story is told in a standard one character's point of view per chapter way - which is convenient since each spends much of her time separated from the others. It is gripping and engaging from page 1 to page 504... which is really quite an achievement. It is also quite refreshing to have a female-dominated epic fantasy for a change. I can't think of another like it. The men tend to be stereotyped a bit - from Apolon and Cathal's brutality, to Balthasar's hardness, to Leopold's kindness, generosity, and gentleness. My favorite part, I think, is that rather than rescuing the women, or saving them, or controlling them, or dominating them… the men who are 'good' in this novel (Leopold and Saxon, especially) are portrayed as *partners*. They do not take over. They do not 'save' the women - in fact they are more often saved themselves. They listen to what the women have to say, they cook and are gentle to their young pages, they try to protect the women - but not to smother them.
The only negative thing I could possibly say about this novel i that, towards the end, as the pace picks up and so many things happen at once, it gets a bit weaker. Some of the loose ends get tied up too quickly and neatly; some things are glossed over or rushed past, and it ends rather perfunctorily. I think a few hundred more pages, and a more leisurely ending, would have improved the book (but perhaps no one would read it if it were so long). Other than that, it is pretty much perfection. Even the heavy influence of religion - which I normally am not a fan of - does not bother me here. In fact, the way it is done is so subtle and skillful that it feels very right (even the great good vs. evil / heaven vs. hell battle at the end).
This book is *fabulous.* It tells the story of three generations of women, of the ruling family of Merina (a standard medieval-style fantasy city modeled after Venice). The women of the Tiger - as the women of this ruling family are called - are strong, courageous, willful, stubborn, and have hidden wellsprings of talents. The Dowager Queen Adele, head of the temple/spritual side of Merina, her daughter, Queen Lydana, head of the secular side of the city, and Lydana's neice - Adele's granddaughter - who is headstrong and stubborn and believes her aunt thinks her still a child (but she has many secrets of her own).
When the evil emperor Balthasar comes to conquer them, having already conquered the rest of the countries and city-states on the continent - they hand over the city, rather than put up a useless fight. Their people are not fighters. But they disappear into their city, assuming roles in vastly different quarters, dropping their old identities for the good of Merina. In many ways, they fit these new roles better than their old.
One of my favorite books of its kind, this is an epic fantasy - over 500 pages of excitement and action - and one dominated not by men, but by women. The three female leads are strong and determined, and the men seem to play a mainly secondary role in the book. (Except for a noted few, such as the Mage Apollon, advisor to Balthasar, and Balthasar's son, Leopold - they get their own chapters in the story, told from their point of view).
The story is told in a standard one character's point of view per chapter way - which is convenient since each spends much of her time separated from the others. It is gripping and engaging from page 1 to page 504... which is really quite an achievement. It is also quite refreshing to have a female-dominated epic fantasy for a change. I can't think of another like it. The men tend to be stereotyped a bit - from Apolon and Cathal's brutality, to Balthasar's hardness, to Leopold's kindness, generosity, and gentleness. My favorite part, I think, is that rather than rescuing the women, or saving them, or controlling them, or dominating them… the men who are 'good' in this novel (Leopold and Saxon, especially) are portrayed as *partners*. They do not take over. They do not 'save' the women - in fact they are more often saved themselves. They listen to what the women have to say, they cook and are gentle to their young pages, they try to protect the women - but not to smother them.
The only negative thing I could possibly say about this novel i that, towards the end, as the pace picks up and so many things happen at once, it gets a bit weaker. Some of the loose ends get tied up too quickly and neatly; some things are glossed over or rushed past, and it ends rather perfunctorily. I think a few hundred more pages, and a more leisurely ending, would have improved the book (but perhaps no one would read it if it were so long). Other than that, it is pretty much perfection. Even the heavy influence of religion - which I normally am not a fan of - does not bother me here. In fact, the way it is done is so subtle and skillful that it feels very right (even the great good vs. evil / heaven vs. hell battle at the end).
August 13, 2020
This is overall a really interesting book about a three-pronged fight to take back a city conquered by this universe's somewhat more problematic version of Alexander the Great. The three royal women of Merina first make the decision to surrender the city without a battle, and then go into hiding-- the dowager queen Adele as her alter-ego, a more-or-less nun; the queen Lydana as a previously-established identity, the beadseller Matild; and Shelyra, the princess/heir, as another previously-established identity as a gypsy girl. All three women then proceed to fight their own wars against the Emperor Balthasar and his dark mage Apolon, until those three seperate wars collide in an all-out battle at the temple. It's an intrigiuing mix of politics, romance, intrigue, and all-out war, and definitely an interesting read.
I do have a few problems, though. It is really obvious who wrote which sections. Andre Norton has a very distinct and somewhat idiosyncratic style, as does Mercedes Lackey, and Marion Zimmer Bradley comes off as desperately trying to mediate between the two. Consequently the prose doesn't flow very well, and I find most of the male characters irritating-- especially so because Leopold (very briefly) steals Shelyra's fire. I also find the battle at the end incoherent and Lydana's romance-- leaves a weird taste in my mouth, even though I saw it coming.
Still, it's a good book, and one that focuses almost exclusively on the efforts of women to rule their nations and defeat a conquerer. Well worth a look, particularly if you enjoy the other works of Norton, Bradley, or Lackey.
I do have a few problems, though. It is really obvious who wrote which sections. Andre Norton has a very distinct and somewhat idiosyncratic style, as does Mercedes Lackey, and Marion Zimmer Bradley comes off as desperately trying to mediate between the two. Consequently the prose doesn't flow very well, and I find most of the male characters irritating-- especially so because Leopold (very briefly) steals Shelyra's fire. I also find the battle at the end incoherent and Lydana's romance-- leaves a weird taste in my mouth, even though I saw it coming.
Still, it's a good book, and one that focuses almost exclusively on the efforts of women to rule their nations and defeat a conquerer. Well worth a look, particularly if you enjoy the other works of Norton, Bradley, or Lackey.
June 15, 2009
Adele, Lydana, & Shelyra are monarchy in a merchant city. Invasion ends their reign. It is a fight of epic proportions to return the city to peace. Magic, Gypsies, street urchins, thieves, sea men, craftsmen, and clergy are all that lie between a city ruled by necromancy.
I predict David Eddings fans will love this one. Since, he is "love it or hate it" in reader's reviews - I suspect this book will be, too. I loved it. It is clear that the bad guys are reeeaaaalllly BAD... without horrific descriptions that make your skin crawl and divert energy from the plot. The good guys are interesting - charismatic, intelligent, courageous, and flawed. No rooting for the bad guys 'cause they are more interesting than the good guys *grin*.
I enjoyed the writing style. Three author names are on the book. However, it did not feel disjointed. The descriptions were rich, detailed - but not encumbering.
I predict David Eddings fans will love this one. Since, he is "love it or hate it" in reader's reviews - I suspect this book will be, too. I loved it. It is clear that the bad guys are reeeaaaalllly BAD... without horrific descriptions that make your skin crawl and divert energy from the plot. The good guys are interesting - charismatic, intelligent, courageous, and flawed. No rooting for the bad guys 'cause they are more interesting than the good guys *grin*.
I enjoyed the writing style. Three author names are on the book. However, it did not feel disjointed. The descriptions were rich, detailed - but not encumbering.
August 3, 2011
The story centers on the rulers of the trade city of Merina: the dowager queen, the ruling queen and the princess. Merina has no military, so when it is attacked the three women must go into hiding to work to save their city and themselves. Since I enjoyed Black Trillium, and this had a similar premise, I decided to try this novel from Bradley and Norton; this time with Mercedes Lackey - whose Valdemar Saga is one of my all-time favorite fantasy series. This wasn't quite as seamless. It was often apparent that each authors took one of the three women as their story-teller. It wasn't exactly disjointed, but it did mean that the novel took quite a while to get going. The characters were very one-dimensional to start with. However, once the plot got going, I really enjoyed the book. The characters grew on me, and the story evolved. Not the best historical fantasy I have read, but still worthwhile.
April 24, 2012
Nesta obra Marion Zimmer e os seus parceiros de escrita transportam-nos a Merina, uma próspera cidade governada pela Casa do Tigre, uma família matriarcal ligada à terra que governa e às suas gentes por laços que vão além do dever e da responsabilidade de um soberano. Merina acaba por cair às mão do Imperador Balthasar que se dispõe a governá-la com tirania e a deixá-la sob a perfídia do necromante Apolon. Com tamanho perigo pendendo não apenas sobre a cidade mas também sobre as suas cabeças, as mulheres da Casa do Tigre são obrigadas a entrar na clandestinidade, tornando-se o coração da resistência.
Gostei bastante do modo como são descritos os ambientes envolventes e como conhecemos, através de 3 mulheres muito distintas entre si, três gerações de uma mesma família ficando o leitor com uma noção muito clara daquilo que foi o passado, é o presente e poderá ser o futuro da Casa do Tigre e de Merina. Os personagens estão bem construídos, sendo alguns deles (Shelyra, por exemplo) muito cativantes enquanto que outros nos causam uma enorme repulsa (é o caso de Apolon que odiei mesmo).
A escrita é fluída e rica, sem ser rebuscada e vai-nos envolvendo sem que de tal nos demos conta. Quando nos apercebemos já nos encontramos tão enredados na estória que é impossível deixar de virar uma página atrás de outra. Devo dizer ainda que fiquei bastante surpreendida por, ao longo da narrativa, não conseguir denotar-se que o livro foi escrito a várias mãos. Não há variações de estilo gritantes, nem tão pouco uso de vocabulário mais elaborado por parte de um autor que do outro. A este nível a obra é bastante coesa e o leitor esquece-se que o livro não foi escrito apenas por Marion Zimmer Bradley.
Penso que será uma leitura agradável para os fãs de Anne Bishop e Juliet Marillier.
Gostei bastante do modo como são descritos os ambientes envolventes e como conhecemos, através de 3 mulheres muito distintas entre si, três gerações de uma mesma família ficando o leitor com uma noção muito clara daquilo que foi o passado, é o presente e poderá ser o futuro da Casa do Tigre e de Merina. Os personagens estão bem construídos, sendo alguns deles (Shelyra, por exemplo) muito cativantes enquanto que outros nos causam uma enorme repulsa (é o caso de Apolon que odiei mesmo).
A escrita é fluída e rica, sem ser rebuscada e vai-nos envolvendo sem que de tal nos demos conta. Quando nos apercebemos já nos encontramos tão enredados na estória que é impossível deixar de virar uma página atrás de outra. Devo dizer ainda que fiquei bastante surpreendida por, ao longo da narrativa, não conseguir denotar-se que o livro foi escrito a várias mãos. Não há variações de estilo gritantes, nem tão pouco uso de vocabulário mais elaborado por parte de um autor que do outro. A este nível a obra é bastante coesa e o leitor esquece-se que o livro não foi escrito apenas por Marion Zimmer Bradley.
Penso que será uma leitura agradável para os fãs de Anne Bishop e Juliet Marillier.
July 28, 2011
This was a structurally interesting book. Having three authors and each chapter focussing on a different character is a different way to construct the book and I commend the authors for it. I am not sure how many other works could use this structure giventheir storylines.
However, while the story was interesting enough, this ultimate struggle between good and evil only interested me to trudge through to the finish, and not relish, the book. It took me a long while to get used to the dual identities of the characters and corresponding different names, the main antagonist actually seemed to get less threatening as the book went on and I did not get a full sense of being immersed in this world.
Those who enjoy fantasy might not mind this, but I am afraid that non-readers of fantasy are advised to give this a pass as they have been better fantasy books published.
However, while the story was interesting enough, this ultimate struggle between good and evil only interested me to trudge through to the finish, and not relish, the book. It took me a long while to get used to the dual identities of the characters and corresponding different names, the main antagonist actually seemed to get less threatening as the book went on and I did not get a full sense of being immersed in this world.
Those who enjoy fantasy might not mind this, but I am afraid that non-readers of fantasy are advised to give this a pass as they have been better fantasy books published.
July 2, 2013
WOW… I just love this book is one of my favorites books. This book tells a story of three women. Rather than see their country swallowed up by a war, the three women of the ruling family abdicate their throne and then hide in plain sight within their city. After learning that the conqueror is by no means benign, they start to fight back. This is one of those books that I return to time and again. I was a teenager when I first read this book, and the 3 generations of women, all strong in their own right was very appealing. I love the story which is amazing and very emotional, I love the characters that are so different and exciting. I liked everything in this book. Is one of the best books ever written…
July 7, 2017
This is a re-read of a fantasy that has been on my shelf for many years. I'm rereading them to see if I can let them go or not. I can let this one go. These are three of the major writers in the feels and I had a great time speculating about which one wrote which of the main characters story arch. I liked these three major strong woman characters and enjoyed the maid/mother/crone aspect of the plot. Each used her strengths to advantage to save their kingdom. The writing was a bit faux olden times a bit. It was a little heavy on the religious component for me. Enjoyable but not one I need to hold onto anymore.
April 19, 2009
When I read co-written books, especially when I'm familiar with the authors, I can usually pick out specific scenes, characters, plot points, etc that I find myself attributing to a specific author. Rarely do I read the books where I feel the authors truly blended.
This book is three tightly braided stories with each story being written solely by one author. The end result is a combination rather than a blended work. Overall, I think the end product turned out quite nicely.
This book is three tightly braided stories with each story being written solely by one author. The end result is a combination rather than a blended work. Overall, I think the end product turned out quite nicely.
December 31, 2011
I love this book. I should probably give it five stars, except that I just know it's not the best written book. But I love it. I love the three generations of women. I love their massively different interpretations of gender and adventure. Love love love. And I love the religion. Heck. I'm giving it five stars. But don't think that means that you'll love it as much as I did.
May 4, 2008
Three royal women: dowager queen, ruling queen, and crown princess, knowing that they can no longer stave off invasion, disappear instead. They are still fighting to free their country, but doing it now in different ways: as a soldier, priestess, and magician. A fun book, with each of the authors writing one of the characters.
February 16, 2008
One of my favorite books. Fantasy, adventure, romance.Three strong women face the greatest challenge of their lives. They learn more about their relationship with each other and with those they are responsible for, about accountability and about faith, hope and the spirit of their people.
January 12, 2010
This is one of my all time favorite books. I just found a hardback copy to replace an old lost copy and re-read it. These are three of my favorite authors, and this is a fantastic round robin style tale. A must read!!
March 30, 2021
I love this book. I read it long ago from the library and I kept having to go check it back out. I finally broke down and found my own copy. The day I got it I was SO excited. I love the characters and the plot is one which draws you in and keeps you moving along excitedly.
September 27, 2012
Apesar de todas as críticas favoráveis e da genialidade da autora, na minha opinião não é uma das suas melhores obras.
Mas pronto, lê-se bem, é um enredo leve e bem construído, onde se encontram muitas aventuras e emoções.
Para quem gosta da autora e do género.
Mas pronto, lê-se bem, é um enredo leve e bem construído, onde se encontram muitas aventuras e emoções.
Para quem gosta da autora e do género.
January 5, 2014
This book was recommended to me by a friend, and I was excited to read it because I love all three authors on the cover. They didn't let me down. I think I could tell who wrote which sections, but the writing was still seamless, and the build-up exciting, if slightly predictable.
January 29, 2008
Norton, Bradley and Lacky - how could you go wrong?! This is a great story with fantastic female chracters.
June 28, 2010
A book with Marion Zimmer Bradley, Andre Norton and Mercedes Lackey? need I say more, I loved it!
September 5, 2011
This is the third time that I have read it. I enjoyed it almost as much as the first time i read it.
October 31, 2011
I loved the premise of this book and it has likable heroines. The stories move along and it's a fun romp.
January 7, 2013
I found it hard to put down! I loved reading the points of view from different major characters!
April 16, 2012
amazed that a book with 3 authors turned out to be so good! big-time page-turner (:
May 5, 2014
Loved this book!
July 17, 2014
Read this again for the first time since high school. It's an enjoyable read and I like the world building.
September 29, 2014
This one is my Marion Zimmer Bradley favorite with such a female and male characters so strong and great story.
February 17, 2017
This book reminded me how much I enjoy these authors. Good characters, good plot, an engaging setting.
September 16, 2024
Emperor Balthazar has ruthlessly added many lands to his empire and now he has set his sights on Merina. The women of the House of the Tiger, who rule Merina, know they cannot win a siege - and the city would be ransacked. The safest option is to surrender and vanish. But Merina is soon full of agents of a dark mage and the city is ruled by fear. The time for hiding might be over.
I found this book at a charity sale and the cover alone sent me into paroxysms of nostalgia. I really miss 1990s heroic fantasy. Tiger Burning Bright would have been a favourite of mine if I'd found it as a child - this is a book about the strengths of three different women and the way they defend their city is a refreshing alternate to the usual battles found in other fantasy works (though there are indeed battles to be found). Heroines rule these pages as surely as women rule Merina. I will say it's not perfect... but it's exactly what I wanted.
I found this book at a charity sale and the cover alone sent me into paroxysms of nostalgia. I really miss 1990s heroic fantasy. Tiger Burning Bright would have been a favourite of mine if I'd found it as a child - this is a book about the strengths of three different women and the way they defend their city is a refreshing alternate to the usual battles found in other fantasy works (though there are indeed battles to be found). Heroines rule these pages as surely as women rule Merina. I will say it's not perfect... but it's exactly what I wanted.
May 13, 2022
Considering the authors, this could have been better.
Adele, Lydana, and Shelyra--3 generations of royal women--the line of the Tiger, ruling the city-state of Merina. There is magic in their line as well. Then Balthasar arrives seeking to expand his empire. In his company are Apolon, who wields the darkest magics, and his son, Leopold, who ia nothing like his Emperor father.
The fight for Merina is subtle and behind the scenes. Actual fighting doesn't happen until people are cornered, and it is considered a last resort. Adele uses Temple Magic, Shelyra uses Gypsy knowledge and secret passages, and Lydana uses the streets. Leopold becomes an unexpected ally and a love interest for Shelyra. Good wins in the end.
Adele, Lydana, and Shelyra--3 generations of royal women--the line of the Tiger, ruling the city-state of Merina. There is magic in their line as well. Then Balthasar arrives seeking to expand his empire. In his company are Apolon, who wields the darkest magics, and his son, Leopold, who ia nothing like his Emperor father.
The fight for Merina is subtle and behind the scenes. Actual fighting doesn't happen until people are cornered, and it is considered a last resort. Adele uses Temple Magic, Shelyra uses Gypsy knowledge and secret passages, and Lydana uses the streets. Leopold becomes an unexpected ally and a love interest for Shelyra. Good wins in the end.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 23, 2022
Good but not great. I needed more twists, or more setbacks for our protagonists, or something. The outcomes felt a little too obvious throughout, and the obstacles were overcome before I ever got a chance to even be worried for the protagonists. And overheard soliloquy is so… convenient and unbelievable, and I wish the authors had found a better way to move their story forward.
All that being said, this was an engaging story with a satisfying, if unbelievable, HEA.
(2022 Popsugar Reading Challenge: A book with a tiger on the cover or in the title)
All that being said, this was an engaging story with a satisfying, if unbelievable, HEA.
(2022 Popsugar Reading Challenge: A book with a tiger on the cover or in the title)
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