"A harrowing story of survival in the jungle of Nepal. Based on true events., TYGER enthralls readers in the terrifying dynamic between predator and prey, and the impossible choices people make in order to survive" - Lit Pub Magazine
With incredible detail and emotion, this story enthralls readers in the terrifying dynamic between predator and prey, and the impossible choices people make in order to survive." - Reedsy Best of 2024
In the heart of the jungle, where nature's laws reign supreme, five friends are about to encounter the wild in its most majestic and fearsome form. "Tyger" is a riveting tale of survival, where the beauty and brutality of the natural world collide with human courage and resilience. As a Bengal tiger, embodying the untamed spirit of the jungle, marks her territory, the intruders must navigate the thin line between awe and terror.
When night falls and the dense foliage becomes a shadowy realm, the tiger's roar is not just a call—it's a declaration of supremacy, a reminder that here, humans are not the hunters, but the hunted. Forced into a desperate struggle for survival, the group must confront not only the physical challenges of the jungle but also the moral complexities of their place within it.
"Tyger" weaves together a tale of suspense and introspection, exploring the depths of human fear, the instinct to survive, and the profound impact of our encounters with the wild. Will the adventurers outsmart the jungle's apex predator, or will they fall victim to the ancient and unyielding laws of nature? In this gripping novella, the battle for survival is not just against the tiger but against the very forces that govern life itself. Join the journey into the heart of darkness, where the beauty of the natural world meets the resilience of the human spirit, and discover the true cost of survival in the wild.
"Michael James’s Tyger is a harrowing story of survival and sacrifice in the jungle of Nepal. Based on true events, the novel follows six friends exploring the Himalayas, only to find themselves trapped in a cabin at the mercy of a 400-pound Bengal tiger. With incredible detail and emotion, this story enthralls readers in the terrifying dynamic between predator and prey, and the impossible choices people make in order to survive." - Reedsy Discovery Featured Selection
"I found Tyger, The Thrilling Story of Survival in The Jungle of Nepal by Michael James to be beautiful, enthralling, enriching, and memorable. Like the well-read characters of the story, James' writing style alludes to his obviously well-read nature, and the book is akin to Hemingway's A Moveable Feast, Yann Martel's Life of Pi, and Khaled Hosseini's The Kite Runner for their thoughtfulness, immersive qualities, and descriptive natures. This is absolutely worth the read, and it's a book I see myself turning back to---and even if for some reason I didn't, it's one that will stay with me for a long, long time." - LIT SHARK MAGAZINE
"Michael James is an emerging voice among Hong Kong's literary talents. His writing is beautiful, with descriptions that remind you of the very best English writers." - SCMP Weekend Magazine
Although I wanted to give this a one star review I chose three stars instead. 3/4 of this was interesting, even fascinating and at times, I was on the edge of my seat but then…I wasn’t. I wish I had t read it.
A Beautifully Rendered Story of Survival, Fight-or-Flight Responses, and the Wonders of Nepal
Tyger, The Thrilling Story of Survival in The Jungle of Nepal by Michael James is one of those immersive stories that places you right at the center of the action: the specific sights and smells around you, the wonder, the love... and sometimes, the fear.
In the prologue, James throws us right in the middle of the most dangerous part of the book: a tiger entering a group of hikers' campsite, leading to an intense display of predator and prey, hunting, and making impossible choices in order to survive.
Then in Chapter One, the reader is thrown back to the beginning, when the group of hikers get together, many of them meeting for the first time, to discuss their plans for the trek ahead, starting the next morning. Most of the book wanders along slowly, savoring every moment and detail. While readers who are more interested in fast-paced books or who may not appreciate deeply descriptive passages may not appreciate this about Tyger, I loved what came to be akin to a walking pace through the book: socializing, walking through nature, observing the sights and smells, enjoying and savoring delicious food, and even treating the ill and observing their symptoms. James' writing style in this book was incredibly immersive, and I appreciated his ability to put me into a country, on a journey, that I've never been on before myself, but which now I have a vicarious memory of through someone else's descriptive tales.
This writing style equally lent itself to the tougher moments in the book, like the group's encounter with the tiger. Pages are spent describing the sounds the tiger is making and the sounds the earth makes (twigs snapping, bushes rustling) as the tiger manipulates the space, but it's an enthralling immersion into a moment of intense fear and that instinct we have to try to make sense of what's going on around us when something is dangerous. The choices the group has to make, as well, are intense and lasting, and they are ample fodder for an hours-long conversation with a friend or reading group.
I found Tyger, The Thrilling Story of Survival in The Jungle of Nepal by Michael James to be beautiful, enthralling, enriching, and memorable. Like the well-read characters of the story, James' writing style alludes to his obviously well-read nature, and the book is akin to Hemingway's A Moveable Feast, Yann Martel's Life of Pi, and Khaled Hosseini's The Kite Runner for their thoughtfulness, immersive qualities, and descriptive natures. This is absolutely worth the read, and it's a book I see myself turning back to---and even if for some reason I didn't, it's one that will stay with me for a long, long time.
McKenzie Lynn Tozan Editor-in-Chief of LIT SHARK MAGAZINE
The author creates a suspenseful story that makes the reader believe the events really happened as described. The book is quite a page-turner!
I was confused at first as to why no one had guns or other forms of defence considering they were trekking through an area with aggressive monkeys and tigers. I also couldn't understand why they didn't try to kill the tiger. It was only later in the book we are told Nepal has a strict law against killing tigers. For conservation reasons, it seems the tiger's life is more valuable than a human's.
There were quite a few editing errors in the first half of the book that brought my rating down slightly, such as "There is truth in what Hether says." I didn't notice any in the second half of the book.
the “Princess” tiger is examined here as more of a phenomenon than an actual physical manifestation. it’s done so well that it’s tough, at times, to remember that this is fiction. so what we get is almost a combination of The Revenant and Jurassic Park, where the God-made killing machine not only has complex rationality, but almost-human motivations. it wants revenge or at least atonement and nothing but a spree of violence can even begin to satisfy it. chillingly realistic!
I believe this would make a better movie than it is a book. Sure, there was action, but I felt let down after reading it for many reasons. Fear of the Tiger was there but I don't believe it was stressed enough and yet I hated that the Tiger ended as it did. The romance was a let down though I understand the reasoning behind it. They were divided in their basic principles. I'm all for saving endangered species but if it comes to their life or mine, mine is going to be foremost in my priorities. That said, I think this would make a fantastic movie with the right director.
This was a strong start to the Isla series, it had that element that I was looking for and enjoyed from this type of book. The characters were everything that I was looking for and enjoyed suspenseful atmosphere to this. It was everything that I was looking for and glad I got to read this. Michael James wrote this well and am excited for more.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A gripping read with great characters. The tigress brings out visceral and conflicting emotions in one. One moment one identifies with her and the next one would like to eliminate her. Michel James makes us come to the conclusion that nothing is black and white in life, even when we are so certain about our beliefs, morals and cultural biases. Impossible to put down!
“Michael James plunges readers into the unforgiving depths of the Nepalese jungle in this breathtaking thriller. With its razor-sharp tension and evocative descriptions, Tyger keeps your heart pounding from the first page to the last. A visceral exploration of survival and resilience!”
With its mesmerizing language and profound themes, Tyger feels like a modern classic in the making. It’s rare to find a book that is both thrilling and intellectually stimulating, but this one achieves both effortlessly.
A thrilling afternoon read that grabs you from the very first chapter and drags you over the rocky mountains and dense forests of Nepal on a page-turning joy of a ride.
The world-building in Tyger is breathtaking, filled with lush descriptions and a compelling narrative. It’s both an adventure and a meditation on power, destiny, and the nature of reality.