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The Adventures of Owl #4
Owl and the Tiger Thieves
In this fourth Owl novel, Kristi Charish (The Voodoo Killings) melds sparkling fantasy with the grit of urban underbelly—with a detour through the world’s most spectacular cities. This is perfect for fans of Kim Harrison, Jim Butcher, Jennifer Estep, Jenn Bennett, and fantasy lovers everywhere.
Through no fault of her own, Alix has found herself essential to the fate of the world as we know it. She didn’t mean for this to happen—she was quite happy being merely the notorious antiquities thief, and ex-archeologist, known as Owl.
However, years ago, Owl reluctantly entered the secret world of the supernatural. Her goals: complete one job, escape one bounty on her head, continue her thieving in peace.
Fast forward to today. Now, she has become a key player in a brutal paranormal civil war that is rapidly getting out of hand. The leader of one of these factions—a lethal opponent called the Electric Samurai—grows more powerful by the second. To stop him, Owl sets out to find the long-lost, legendary group known as the Tiger Thieves.
But will it be too little too late? One thing Owl misses about “normal” archaeology: there are few emergencies with thousand-year-old relics.
Through no fault of her own, Alix has found herself essential to the fate of the world as we know it. She didn’t mean for this to happen—she was quite happy being merely the notorious antiquities thief, and ex-archeologist, known as Owl.
However, years ago, Owl reluctantly entered the secret world of the supernatural. Her goals: complete one job, escape one bounty on her head, continue her thieving in peace.
Fast forward to today. Now, she has become a key player in a brutal paranormal civil war that is rapidly getting out of hand. The leader of one of these factions—a lethal opponent called the Electric Samurai—grows more powerful by the second. To stop him, Owl sets out to find the long-lost, legendary group known as the Tiger Thieves.
But will it be too little too late? One thing Owl misses about “normal” archaeology: there are few emergencies with thousand-year-old relics.
433 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 7, 2018
23 people are currently reading
382 people want to read
About the author
Kristi Charish
14 books309 followersKristi is the author of OWL AND THE JAPANESE CIRCUS (Simon and Schuster Canada/Pocket Books), an urban fantasy about a modern-day “Indiana Jane” who reluctantly navigates the hidden supernatural world, and THE VOODOO KILLINGS (Random House Canada), an urban fantasy/mystery about a voodoo practitioner living in Seattle with the ghost of a deceased grunge rocker.
She writes what she loves; adventure heavy stories featuring strong, savvy female protagonists, pop culture, and the occasional RPG fantasy game thrown in the mix. She’s also a co-host for the Adventures in Sci-Fi Publishing Podcast.
Before becoming an author Kristi was a research scientist. She holds a BSc and MSc from Simon Fraser University in Molecular Biology and Biochemistry and a PhD in Zoology from the University of British Columbia. Her specialties are genetics, cell biology, and molecular biology, all of which she draws upon in her writing. She is represented by Carolyn Forde at Westwood Creative Artists.
FB: http://www.facebook.com/KristiCharish...
AISFP Podcast: http://www.adventuresinscifipublishin...
She writes what she loves; adventure heavy stories featuring strong, savvy female protagonists, pop culture, and the occasional RPG fantasy game thrown in the mix. She’s also a co-host for the Adventures in Sci-Fi Publishing Podcast.
Before becoming an author Kristi was a research scientist. She holds a BSc and MSc from Simon Fraser University in Molecular Biology and Biochemistry and a PhD in Zoology from the University of British Columbia. Her specialties are genetics, cell biology, and molecular biology, all of which she draws upon in her writing. She is represented by Carolyn Forde at Westwood Creative Artists.
FB: http://www.facebook.com/KristiCharish...
AISFP Podcast: http://www.adventuresinscifipublishin...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
April 30, 2018
The Adventures of Owl is one of those series that I seriously think is way underrated.
Owl truly reminds me of a young female version of Indian Jones, hijinks, dangerous misadventures, and evil bad guys and all.
Throw in some very powerful and sometimes strange supernatural beings, a curse or two and you have one heck of a thrilling ride and let me tell you, this fourth installment in the series was intense! And dare I say, my favorite so far?
With the tragic ending that was book three, I was eager to dive right back into this world and see how in the heck Owl was coping with...well everything.
Can I say that I both loved this and maybe not loved it?
It was fabulous. Action packed, adventurous, mysterious but...it was also heartbreaking and slightly sad. So much has happened not only in the world Owl lives in but with Owl too. I just don't know how much more the poor girl can take. I feel for her and even though she has had some set backs, I like how she is dealing with it and she is dealing with it even if those ways aren't always the healthy ways.
I don't want to go into too much detail here but in this installment we get a lot of Artemis, which is both good and bad. I mean, it is Artemis and all his butt head ways but we see a side of him that we aren't use to and even though I didn’t want to like it, I did and it makes me curious how this story will progress from here, especially after that somewhat traumatic and cliffhanger ending that I did not see coming at all.
I'm very excited for what the future holds for Owl and all her friends and can't wait to read more.
*ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.*
Owl truly reminds me of a young female version of Indian Jones, hijinks, dangerous misadventures, and evil bad guys and all.
Throw in some very powerful and sometimes strange supernatural beings, a curse or two and you have one heck of a thrilling ride and let me tell you, this fourth installment in the series was intense! And dare I say, my favorite so far?
With the tragic ending that was book three, I was eager to dive right back into this world and see how in the heck Owl was coping with...well everything.
Can I say that I both loved this and maybe not loved it?
It was fabulous. Action packed, adventurous, mysterious but...it was also heartbreaking and slightly sad. So much has happened not only in the world Owl lives in but with Owl too. I just don't know how much more the poor girl can take. I feel for her and even though she has had some set backs, I like how she is dealing with it and she is dealing with it even if those ways aren't always the healthy ways.
I don't want to go into too much detail here but in this installment we get a lot of Artemis, which is both good and bad. I mean, it is Artemis and all his butt head ways but we see a side of him that we aren't use to and even though I didn’t want to like it, I did and it makes me curious how this story will progress from here, especially after that somewhat traumatic and cliffhanger ending that I did not see coming at all.
I'm very excited for what the future holds for Owl and all her friends and can't wait to read more.
*ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.*
April 13, 2022
This review can also be found at https://carolesrandomlife.com/
This was wonderful! This is the fourth and apparently final book in the series. This is a series that really needs to be read n order since each book picks up right where the previous one left off. I expected this book to be exciting and it absolutely was. Owl has to somehow juggle saving her boyfriend, keeping her dragon boss happy, and staying alive. I was hooked by the story from the beginning and couldn’t wait to see how things would work out.
Owl’s boyfriend, Rynn, was taken by the Electric Samurai armor in the previous book. She knows that it could have been her in the armor so she is determined to save Rynn and stop the armor from becoming more powerful. I was kind of surprised when Artemis showed up to help her out but I thought that they made an interesting team, even when I wasn’t sure if he should be trusted. The stakes are high and things are incredibly dangerous. There were a few instances where Owl only had her cat, Captain, there to help her out. He is a special cat, but he is still a cat. I was entertained throughout this story.
I listened to the audiobook and thought that Christy Romano did a wonderful job with the narration. She has a pleasant voice that was easy to listen to for extended periods of time. I thought that she did a great job with the various character voices and really brought the story to life. There were a few times during the audiobook that I heard a bit of an echo which was somewhat distracting but it was otherwise a great performance.
I would recommend this series to others. My only complaint is that there are quite a few things left unresolved in this book and additional installments do not appear to be coming anytime soon. I feel like Owl has more left to do and hope that we will see more books in the future but I’m not holding my breath.
Initial Thoughts
I enjoyed this one. The story was exciting as expected. Owl is hoping to save her boyfriend, Rynn, from the Electric Samurai armor that took him in the previous book. Owl is teamed up with Artemis for much of the book which added an interesting dynamic to the story. I listened to the audiobook and thought that the narrator did a great job with the story but there were times that the sound quality had a bit of an echo which was distracting. I am a little sad that there are no more books available in the series currently and it has been a few years since this book was published. I feel like there are a lot of things left for Owl to do and hope to see more books in the series in the future.
Book Source: Purchased
This was wonderful! This is the fourth and apparently final book in the series. This is a series that really needs to be read n order since each book picks up right where the previous one left off. I expected this book to be exciting and it absolutely was. Owl has to somehow juggle saving her boyfriend, keeping her dragon boss happy, and staying alive. I was hooked by the story from the beginning and couldn’t wait to see how things would work out.
Owl’s boyfriend, Rynn, was taken by the Electric Samurai armor in the previous book. She knows that it could have been her in the armor so she is determined to save Rynn and stop the armor from becoming more powerful. I was kind of surprised when Artemis showed up to help her out but I thought that they made an interesting team, even when I wasn’t sure if he should be trusted. The stakes are high and things are incredibly dangerous. There were a few instances where Owl only had her cat, Captain, there to help her out. He is a special cat, but he is still a cat. I was entertained throughout this story.
I listened to the audiobook and thought that Christy Romano did a wonderful job with the narration. She has a pleasant voice that was easy to listen to for extended periods of time. I thought that she did a great job with the various character voices and really brought the story to life. There were a few times during the audiobook that I heard a bit of an echo which was somewhat distracting but it was otherwise a great performance.
I would recommend this series to others. My only complaint is that there are quite a few things left unresolved in this book and additional installments do not appear to be coming anytime soon. I feel like Owl has more left to do and hope that we will see more books in the future but I’m not holding my breath.
Initial Thoughts
I enjoyed this one. The story was exciting as expected. Owl is hoping to save her boyfriend, Rynn, from the Electric Samurai armor that took him in the previous book. Owl is teamed up with Artemis for much of the book which added an interesting dynamic to the story. I listened to the audiobook and thought that the narrator did a great job with the story but there were times that the sound quality had a bit of an echo which was distracting. I am a little sad that there are no more books available in the series currently and it has been a few years since this book was published. I feel like there are a lot of things left for Owl to do and hope to see more books in the series in the future.
Book Source: Purchased
November 9, 2023
This book, the fourth and perhaps final one in Kristi Charish's Owl series, plunges us abruptly into the immediate consequences of the big twist ending in book #3, Owl and the Electric Samurai. As such, this one is the very opposite of a standalone--not only does it give away the surprises at the end of the last book, but the numerous references to what happened before are so fragmentary I don't think I could have made much sense of this story if I hadn't read the first three books in the Owl series, and especially book #3!
I've really enjoyed this whole series, and I strongly recommend it. But if you can't begin with book #1, Owl and the Japanese Circus, at least read book #3 to find out what the Electric Samurai is all about (and the Zebras too). The summary of the present book at the top of this Goodreads page is admirably free of spoilers but it does reveal that the Electric Samurai is the unbelievably powerful and far from human foe that our first-person narrator Alix Hiboux, aka The Owl, is desperate to bring down.
Unlike the first three adventures, the tone of desperation prevails throughout this one, not just in each of the many dire situations Alix falls into--first in Peru, then Las Vegas, then Venice, then Mali, then Istanbul, then the Malabar Coast of India, and finally Japan. She's imprisoned, kidnapped, and otherwise captured time and again and repeatedly suffers extremely painful injuries any one of which would disable you or me for life--but there she is popping up to do it all over again.
Her humorous take on all the dangers she faces always makes her story fun to read--in some ways she's like a comic book hero--but as I said the tone of desperation is there too this time, as her quest leads into sober reflection on who she is and what she is doing in her life. I think Alix may even have grown up a little bit before it's over.
I've really enjoyed this whole series, and I strongly recommend it. But if you can't begin with book #1, Owl and the Japanese Circus, at least read book #3 to find out what the Electric Samurai is all about (and the Zebras too). The summary of the present book at the top of this Goodreads page is admirably free of spoilers but it does reveal that the Electric Samurai is the unbelievably powerful and far from human foe that our first-person narrator Alix Hiboux, aka The Owl, is desperate to bring down.
Unlike the first three adventures, the tone of desperation prevails throughout this one, not just in each of the many dire situations Alix falls into--first in Peru, then Las Vegas, then Venice, then Mali, then Istanbul, then the Malabar Coast of India, and finally Japan. She's imprisoned, kidnapped, and otherwise captured time and again and repeatedly suffers extremely painful injuries any one of which would disable you or me for life--but there she is popping up to do it all over again.
Her humorous take on all the dangers she faces always makes her story fun to read--in some ways she's like a comic book hero--but as I said the tone of desperation is there too this time, as her quest leads into sober reflection on who she is and what she is doing in her life. I think Alix may even have grown up a little bit before it's over.
June 6, 2018
Owl and the Tiger Thieves is just as good as the previous books in this series. I have come to really love reading about Alix, the notorious antiquities thief, and ex-archeologist, known as Owl. Owl is in this book trying to find a way to stop Electric Samurai, also known as Ryan, her boyfriend. Well, he was that before he becomes the Electric Samurai in the last book. Now, he's just trying to kill her and take over the world. Thankfully Owl has a plan, to find the Tiger Thieves. She just has to survive the prison she's in where a clue is said to lead to the Tiger Thieves.
Fabulous book. I do miss Carpe, but I have a feeling he will show up in the future. I loved the fact that Owl teamed up with Artemis and that they, despite some minor problems, well some pretty big problems between them, did it work out. Too bad that Artemis is Ryan's cousin otherwise I would have totally have loved to see some more sparks between them in the future. Hell, when I think about it wouldn't I mind that a bit and I like Ryan...
Anyhow, haven't read this series? Do so!
Fabulous book. I do miss Carpe, but I have a feeling he will show up in the future. I loved the fact that Owl teamed up with Artemis and that they, despite some minor problems, well some pretty big problems between them, did it work out. Too bad that Artemis is Ryan's cousin otherwise I would have totally have loved to see some more sparks between them in the future. Hell, when I think about it wouldn't I mind that a bit and I like Ryan...
Anyhow, haven't read this series? Do so!
May 4, 2018
*Source* Edelweiss/Publisher
*Genre* Urban Fantasy
*Rating* 4.0
*Thoughts*
Owl and the Tiger Thieves is the fourth installment in author Kristi Charish's The Adventures of Owl. Alix Hiboux is the Owl, a modern day Indiana Jane who handles supernatural monsters, temperamental dragons, angry Nagas, and slippery ninjas as she races to stop a brewing supernatural war between her employer and a supernatural faction that wants to come out into the open. Oh, and an Electric Samurai who may turn the world on its head if he succeeds. As the story opens, our train wreck of the archaeological world, Owl, has gotten herself in a bit of trouble in an ancient pirate jail known as St. Albinus of Angers.
*Full Review @ Gizmos Reviews*
http://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/201...
*Genre* Urban Fantasy
*Rating* 4.0
*Thoughts*
Owl and the Tiger Thieves is the fourth installment in author Kristi Charish's The Adventures of Owl. Alix Hiboux is the Owl, a modern day Indiana Jane who handles supernatural monsters, temperamental dragons, angry Nagas, and slippery ninjas as she races to stop a brewing supernatural war between her employer and a supernatural faction that wants to come out into the open. Oh, and an Electric Samurai who may turn the world on its head if he succeeds. As the story opens, our train wreck of the archaeological world, Owl, has gotten herself in a bit of trouble in an ancient pirate jail known as St. Albinus of Angers.
*Full Review @ Gizmos Reviews*
http://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/201...
May 1, 2018
4.5 Stars
For fans of Lara Croft, Indiana Jones, and quest adventure stories. Owl will delight you with her misadventures and treasure hunting stories. Reading this series is like an exotic trip all over the world.
For fans of Lara Croft, Indiana Jones, and quest adventure stories. Owl will delight you with her misadventures and treasure hunting stories. Reading this series is like an exotic trip all over the world.
August 1, 2018
Ack, I finished this one 5 days ago!! But then I did not have time to write a review before going on a mini vacay (and no I will not write on my phone.) So here I am days later. Sigh.
But let us begin. The last book was pure evil, omg, Ryan (wait was it Rynn?) I kept hearing it as Ryan. Anyway he became the Electric Samurai, hell bent on destroying the world and his mind just blown. I was all come on! Do NOT leave me hanging like this, but alas she did. So i quickly jumped back into this world and find Owl in Peru. Yes I did lament over that fact because I wanted to know what the deal was with Ryan (he seemed to be terrorizing the spn world).
But she is in places for a reason. She is trying to find a "cure" and is on the hunt for the Tiger Thieves, and this is then this book's adventure. Going from different places and finding clues. Oh and meeting a weird old vamp *not saying more, spoilers ;)*
And R is just so evil it breaks my heart, get him out!!!
As a new sidekick she has Artemis and with my sucky memory I can not remember why I am not supposed to like him. I guess that is a lucky thing then. He helps her out because she needs it. She tends to get kidnapped too often. But hey that is why she needs a bodyguard. She is the brain, not the muscle.
One thing I did not care for was the epilogue. It ended well with things resolved, and at the same time not, but resolved enough so that you can relax for a few secs. But then a new story started and I felt like that could have started in the next book instead...or was this meant to be like the last?
I enjoyed this adventure cos there is always something new happening
Narrator Christy Romanco
I do like her, but there were strange issues with the sound. Like maybe her stall is too sound proof? I do not know about these things, but something it got hollowed for a few secs, then it was normal again. All very strange.
But let us begin. The last book was pure evil, omg, Ryan (wait was it Rynn?) I kept hearing it as Ryan. Anyway he became the Electric Samurai, hell bent on destroying the world and his mind just blown. I was all come on! Do NOT leave me hanging like this, but alas she did. So i quickly jumped back into this world and find Owl in Peru. Yes I did lament over that fact because I wanted to know what the deal was with Ryan (he seemed to be terrorizing the spn world).
But she is in places for a reason. She is trying to find a "cure" and is on the hunt for the Tiger Thieves, and this is then this book's adventure. Going from different places and finding clues. Oh and meeting a weird old vamp *not saying more, spoilers ;)*
And R is just so evil it breaks my heart, get him out!!!
As a new sidekick she has Artemis and with my sucky memory I can not remember why I am not supposed to like him. I guess that is a lucky thing then. He helps her out because she needs it. She tends to get kidnapped too often. But hey that is why she needs a bodyguard. She is the brain, not the muscle.
One thing I did not care for was the epilogue. It ended well with things resolved, and at the same time not, but resolved enough so that you can relax for a few secs. But then a new story started and I felt like that could have started in the next book instead...or was this meant to be like the last?
I enjoyed this adventure cos there is always something new happening
Narrator Christy Romanco
I do like her, but there were strange issues with the sound. Like maybe her stall is too sound proof? I do not know about these things, but something it got hollowed for a few secs, then it was normal again. All very strange.
July 1, 2018
When our story opens, Owl is imprisoned in a haunted pirate prison. Since her boyfriend became trapped in the armor known as the Electric Samurai, she has been on a quest to hunt down the legendary group known as the Tiger Thieves. This group might have the power to save Ryann and stop the Samurai. Gathering ancient relics with clues to their whereabouts brings plenty of action and pushes our protagonist. Everything is going according to plans, well sort of, until Artemis, Rynn's cousin shows up to save her.
As the Electric Samurai becomes more powerful, Owl's hunt for the Tiger Thieves intensifies, and readers are in for an action-packed ride. Owl ends up having Artemis tag along as they jump the globe bringing us such delightful encounters as a rather unpleasant visit with Leonardo da Vinci, yes that DaVinci, a pissed off Gorgon and more. We get updates on principal characters as the author fleshed them out and delivered insight. I enjoyed getting some of Artemis's backstory. Dare I say I am starting to like him? *Gasps* I don't trust him, but yes there is a chink in my armor.
While the rest of the motley crew only had a few scenes together, communications kept us appraised and added suspenseful twists. We encountered some creeptastic supernatural creatures and experienced some terrifying moments thanks to the suits manipulation of the supernatural. I will say, Owl has a knack for pissing them off. Captain was a bit of a star and scenes had me giggling. He is such a cool cat. Our dragon and snake added demands, but as usual, Owl avoids them.
We see a lot of growth in Owl and most of it was painful. I hated seeing the optimism snuffed from her, but our girl is not a fighter and her "save the world" attitude needed to be balanced with reality. Now that I am listening to the Dresden Files, I think fans of Harry will love our girl Owl.
While I thought the final battle was a little anticlimactic the outcome and an epilogue had my jaw dropping. I am curious to see where this will lead. It was unexpected and certainly has me excited for the next book. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
As the Electric Samurai becomes more powerful, Owl's hunt for the Tiger Thieves intensifies, and readers are in for an action-packed ride. Owl ends up having Artemis tag along as they jump the globe bringing us such delightful encounters as a rather unpleasant visit with Leonardo da Vinci, yes that DaVinci, a pissed off Gorgon and more. We get updates on principal characters as the author fleshed them out and delivered insight. I enjoyed getting some of Artemis's backstory. Dare I say I am starting to like him? *Gasps* I don't trust him, but yes there is a chink in my armor.
While the rest of the motley crew only had a few scenes together, communications kept us appraised and added suspenseful twists. We encountered some creeptastic supernatural creatures and experienced some terrifying moments thanks to the suits manipulation of the supernatural. I will say, Owl has a knack for pissing them off. Captain was a bit of a star and scenes had me giggling. He is such a cool cat. Our dragon and snake added demands, but as usual, Owl avoids them.
We see a lot of growth in Owl and most of it was painful. I hated seeing the optimism snuffed from her, but our girl is not a fighter and her "save the world" attitude needed to be balanced with reality. Now that I am listening to the Dresden Files, I think fans of Harry will love our girl Owl.
While I thought the final battle was a little anticlimactic the outcome and an epilogue had my jaw dropping. I am curious to see where this will lead. It was unexpected and certainly has me excited for the next book. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
April 16, 2018
3.5 stars
This is the 4th book in the Adventures of Owl series. Originally I had heard there were going to be 4 books in this series, but from the way this book ended there has to be at least one more book planned in this series. This is a very fun series and this book continues that trend. I really enjoyed it; it was fast-paced and fun.
We get to visit a lot of amazing locations, go on some amazing quests with Owl, and there is a ton of action. We spend a lot of time with Artemis this book and for the majority of the book Owl is trying to figure out a way to get the Electric Samurai armor off of Rynn.
I do have a few complaints. The first is that Owl just doesn’t really grow or change much as a character; she doesn’t seem to ever learn from her mistakes. The second is that this book suffers from a typical UF heroine issue; the heroine is just always completely run ragged and never gets a break or takes care of herself. This is an issue in a number of UF books and reading these types of books always make me feel exhausted out of sympathy for the heroine.
The last issue I had was that I did get a bit sick of Owl constantly getting a bag thrown over her head and getting dragged away somewhere; this happened many many times in this book and was used way too much as a plot device.
Overall, despite some things I didn’t like about the story, this was still an enjoyable urban fantasy and I would recommend. I keep hoping Owl is going to “grow up” a bit and be treated a bit better by the story at some point. I plan on reading the next book in the series, but if it’s more of the same I probably won’t continue with this series.
This is the 4th book in the Adventures of Owl series. Originally I had heard there were going to be 4 books in this series, but from the way this book ended there has to be at least one more book planned in this series. This is a very fun series and this book continues that trend. I really enjoyed it; it was fast-paced and fun.
We get to visit a lot of amazing locations, go on some amazing quests with Owl, and there is a ton of action. We spend a lot of time with Artemis this book and for the majority of the book Owl is trying to figure out a way to get the Electric Samurai armor off of Rynn.
I do have a few complaints. The first is that Owl just doesn’t really grow or change much as a character; she doesn’t seem to ever learn from her mistakes. The second is that this book suffers from a typical UF heroine issue; the heroine is just always completely run ragged and never gets a break or takes care of herself. This is an issue in a number of UF books and reading these types of books always make me feel exhausted out of sympathy for the heroine.
The last issue I had was that I did get a bit sick of Owl constantly getting a bag thrown over her head and getting dragged away somewhere; this happened many many times in this book and was used way too much as a plot device.
Overall, despite some things I didn’t like about the story, this was still an enjoyable urban fantasy and I would recommend. I keep hoping Owl is going to “grow up” a bit and be treated a bit better by the story at some point. I plan on reading the next book in the series, but if it’s more of the same I probably won’t continue with this series.
April 2, 2018
One of my favorite series is back! This one is hard to review because I don't want to give out any spoilers. This one picks up shortly after that cliff hanger ending in the last book so definitely do not jump ahead and start reading here. Just know that Owl is her same sarcastic self and will do just about anything to get what she wants. Rynn's cousin Artemis plays a prominate role as well. Plenty of humor, great dialog, action and adventure keeps this moving at a breakneck speed. I thought the ending of the last book was something, but this one changes EVERYTHING! I did not see it coming at all. I really cannot wait to see where this series goes from here.
May 26, 2018
Review courtesy of All Things Urban Fantasy.
While OWL AND THE TIGER THIEVES didn't quite deliver the gut punch that OWL AND THE ELECTRIC SAMURAI did, it definitely made its mark. The Adventures of Owl series definitely continues to deliver in this installment, with Owl galavanting around the world trying to stop a supernatural war, and getting some thieving done while she's at it. Fast paced and with plenty of plot twists that caught me by surprise, OWL AND THE TIGER THIEVES is an excellent continuation of the series.
Since the synopsis manages to somehow not spoil the previous books, I honestly didn't completely remember where the series had left off. (Why don't books have a "Previously on ... " section like TV shows do??) After reading the last chapter and epilogue of OWL AND THE ELECTRIC SAMURAI, I was all set. I would totally recommend doing the same if your memory is as spotty as mine! Also, I think a significant amount of the plot and emotional nuances of OWL AND THE TIGER THIEVES might be lost on a new reader to the series. While you could probably get away with skipping the first two, definitely pick up OWL AND THE ELECTRIC SAMURAI before this one.
Owl's trademark sarcasm is present throughout the entire book, and while this book has Owl exploring quite a few historical locations and getting in lots of trouble, it also had a emotional depth to it that is a bit of a different vibe than the previous books. Don't get me wrong, there is certainly plenty of action, near misses with supernaturals and barely escaped traps. But Owl also spends a lot of time thinking about her actions and the generally resulting chaos, as well as the choices she made that have led to the situation she's in. With a villain who knows her intimately, OWL AND THE TIGER THIEVES raises the stakes of the series, making it impossible for Owl to be unaffected by what is going on around in the world around her. While previously, she has managed to wiggle her way out of the majority of consequences, in this book, she's hit hard by her past actions and reputation coming back to haunt her.
While Owl is chasing the Tiger Thieves around the globe, she's also trying to figure out what kind of person she is - and what kind of person she wants to be. The decisions she has to make are hard, and though there were stolen artifacts and fights with various supernatural creatures around every corner, the emotions were what really kept me reading, trying to figure out what Owl would decide. All in all, a solid installment in the Adventures of Owl series, and I am again anxiously awaiting the next book.
Sexual content: N/A
While OWL AND THE TIGER THIEVES didn't quite deliver the gut punch that OWL AND THE ELECTRIC SAMURAI did, it definitely made its mark. The Adventures of Owl series definitely continues to deliver in this installment, with Owl galavanting around the world trying to stop a supernatural war, and getting some thieving done while she's at it. Fast paced and with plenty of plot twists that caught me by surprise, OWL AND THE TIGER THIEVES is an excellent continuation of the series.
Since the synopsis manages to somehow not spoil the previous books, I honestly didn't completely remember where the series had left off. (Why don't books have a "Previously on ... " section like TV shows do??) After reading the last chapter and epilogue of OWL AND THE ELECTRIC SAMURAI, I was all set. I would totally recommend doing the same if your memory is as spotty as mine! Also, I think a significant amount of the plot and emotional nuances of OWL AND THE TIGER THIEVES might be lost on a new reader to the series. While you could probably get away with skipping the first two, definitely pick up OWL AND THE ELECTRIC SAMURAI before this one.
Owl's trademark sarcasm is present throughout the entire book, and while this book has Owl exploring quite a few historical locations and getting in lots of trouble, it also had a emotional depth to it that is a bit of a different vibe than the previous books. Don't get me wrong, there is certainly plenty of action, near misses with supernaturals and barely escaped traps. But Owl also spends a lot of time thinking about her actions and the generally resulting chaos, as well as the choices she made that have led to the situation she's in. With a villain who knows her intimately, OWL AND THE TIGER THIEVES raises the stakes of the series, making it impossible for Owl to be unaffected by what is going on around in the world around her. While previously, she has managed to wiggle her way out of the majority of consequences, in this book, she's hit hard by her past actions and reputation coming back to haunt her.
While Owl is chasing the Tiger Thieves around the globe, she's also trying to figure out what kind of person she is - and what kind of person she wants to be. The decisions she has to make are hard, and though there were stolen artifacts and fights with various supernatural creatures around every corner, the emotions were what really kept me reading, trying to figure out what Owl would decide. All in all, a solid installment in the Adventures of Owl series, and I am again anxiously awaiting the next book.
Sexual content: N/A
May 3, 2021
‘How did the notorious Owl end up in my prison?’
Canadian author Kristi Charish earned her degrees in Molecular Biology and Biochemistry from Simon Fraser University and her PhD in Zoology from the University of British Columbia and serves as a scientist and a science fiction writer! She has published seven novels to date – two series: Kincaid Strange Series (three volumes) and The Owl Series, of which OWL AND THE TIGER THIEVES is Book 4. She lives in Vancouver.
When entering the grounds of a series via the fourth volume, many readers delay, thinking they need the initial volumes in order to understand the story. Not so with Kristi Charish’s novel. From the entry point the tension is so unique and the atmosphere so well painted that meeting the principle characters comes easily. This volume opens in a Peruvian prison and the tone is set as follows: ‘ I swore – loudly – and sat up with a start as ice water drenched me, shocking me out of whatever semblance of sleep my brain had managed to achieve huddling against the stone wall in the corner I’d eked out to the left of the cell door. I’d reasoned the guards would be les likely to single me out if I was absent from their line of site. So much for that idea….this wasn’t the first or the last time a guard would drench me with a bucket of frozen water. That was one of the things I’d learned in this Peruvian hellhole. The second? Keep your mouth shut. Letting the guards see you sweat is like tossing a bucket of entrails at a pack of jackals. The don’t care if you’re already dead; they still move in for the kill.’ Personality established, atmosphere set, and the door opens on Owl’s continuing saga – fantasy sci-fi style.
Noting the synopsis prior to entering Owl’s story creates a fine road map: ‘Through no fault of her own, Alix has found herself essential to the fate of the world as we know it. She didn’t mean for this to happen—she was quite happy being merely the notorious antiquities thief, and ex-archeologist, known as Owl. However, years ago, Owl reluctantly entered the secret world of the supernatural. Her goals: complete one job, escape one bounty on her head, continue her thieving in peace. Fast forward to today. Now, she has become a key player in a brutal paranormal civil war that is rapidly getting out of hand. The leader of one of these factions—a lethal opponent called the Electric Samurai—grows more powerful by the second. To stop him, Owl sets out to find the long-lost, legendary group known as the Tiger Thieves. But will it be too little too late? One thing Owl misses about “normal” archaeology: there are few emergencies with thousand-year-old relics.’
Charish writes with a richly colorful, at times acerbic, always involving style that fits her exceptionally well devised principle character, Owl, well. She understands this territory and her ability to infuse her scientific background with surreal situations makes getting involved with her imaginative story weaving infectious! Highly recommended.
Canadian author Kristi Charish earned her degrees in Molecular Biology and Biochemistry from Simon Fraser University and her PhD in Zoology from the University of British Columbia and serves as a scientist and a science fiction writer! She has published seven novels to date – two series: Kincaid Strange Series (three volumes) and The Owl Series, of which OWL AND THE TIGER THIEVES is Book 4. She lives in Vancouver.
When entering the grounds of a series via the fourth volume, many readers delay, thinking they need the initial volumes in order to understand the story. Not so with Kristi Charish’s novel. From the entry point the tension is so unique and the atmosphere so well painted that meeting the principle characters comes easily. This volume opens in a Peruvian prison and the tone is set as follows: ‘ I swore – loudly – and sat up with a start as ice water drenched me, shocking me out of whatever semblance of sleep my brain had managed to achieve huddling against the stone wall in the corner I’d eked out to the left of the cell door. I’d reasoned the guards would be les likely to single me out if I was absent from their line of site. So much for that idea….this wasn’t the first or the last time a guard would drench me with a bucket of frozen water. That was one of the things I’d learned in this Peruvian hellhole. The second? Keep your mouth shut. Letting the guards see you sweat is like tossing a bucket of entrails at a pack of jackals. The don’t care if you’re already dead; they still move in for the kill.’ Personality established, atmosphere set, and the door opens on Owl’s continuing saga – fantasy sci-fi style.
Noting the synopsis prior to entering Owl’s story creates a fine road map: ‘Through no fault of her own, Alix has found herself essential to the fate of the world as we know it. She didn’t mean for this to happen—she was quite happy being merely the notorious antiquities thief, and ex-archeologist, known as Owl. However, years ago, Owl reluctantly entered the secret world of the supernatural. Her goals: complete one job, escape one bounty on her head, continue her thieving in peace. Fast forward to today. Now, she has become a key player in a brutal paranormal civil war that is rapidly getting out of hand. The leader of one of these factions—a lethal opponent called the Electric Samurai—grows more powerful by the second. To stop him, Owl sets out to find the long-lost, legendary group known as the Tiger Thieves. But will it be too little too late? One thing Owl misses about “normal” archaeology: there are few emergencies with thousand-year-old relics.’
Charish writes with a richly colorful, at times acerbic, always involving style that fits her exceptionally well devised principle character, Owl, well. She understands this territory and her ability to infuse her scientific background with surreal situations makes getting involved with her imaginative story weaving infectious! Highly recommended.
July 8, 2019
Owl and the Tiger Thieves is the fourth (and final) book in the The Adventures of Owl series written by Kristi Charish and centered on Alix Hiboux, a grad student turned international antiquities thief for hire, and her adventures that come her way.
Owl and her friends are in a race to stop the Electric Samurai while saving her incubus boyfriend and the world. Monsters, twists and a little history made Owl and the Tiger Thieves a non-stop action page-turner.
Owl is imprisoned in a haunted pirate prison. Since her boyfriend became trapped in the armor known as the Electric Samurai, she has been on a quest to hunt down the legendary group known as the Tiger Thieves. This group might have the power to save Rynn and stop the Samurai. Gathering ancient relics with clues to their whereabouts brings plenty of action and pushes Owl. Everything is going according to plans, well sort of, until Artemis, Rynn’s cousin shows up to save her.
As the Electric Samurai becomes more powerful, Owl’s hunt for the Tiger Thieves intensifies, and it is an action-packed ride. Owl ends up having Artemis tag along as they jump the globe bringing us such delightful encounters as a rather unpleasant visit with Leonardo da Vinci, a pissed off Gorgon, and more.
Owl and the Tiger Thieves is written rather well. Charish delivers another wonderful narrative. While I thought the final battle was a little anticlimactic the outcome and an epilogue was jaw dropping. There is plenty of room for additional story should Charish decided to continue the series.
Overall, The Adventures of Owl is a wonderful series. It melds the archaeological adventures of Indiana Jones with the dubious morality of a thief in an urban fantasy setting rather well. Charish writes wonderful characters and takes the readers to exciting and exotic places all over the globe in a fast paced narrative. While it is a shame if the series ends here, it is a good place to do so.
All in all, Owl and the Tiger Thieves is written rather well and is a good conclusion to a wonderful series.
Owl and her friends are in a race to stop the Electric Samurai while saving her incubus boyfriend and the world. Monsters, twists and a little history made Owl and the Tiger Thieves a non-stop action page-turner.
Owl is imprisoned in a haunted pirate prison. Since her boyfriend became trapped in the armor known as the Electric Samurai, she has been on a quest to hunt down the legendary group known as the Tiger Thieves. This group might have the power to save Rynn and stop the Samurai. Gathering ancient relics with clues to their whereabouts brings plenty of action and pushes Owl. Everything is going according to plans, well sort of, until Artemis, Rynn’s cousin shows up to save her.
As the Electric Samurai becomes more powerful, Owl’s hunt for the Tiger Thieves intensifies, and it is an action-packed ride. Owl ends up having Artemis tag along as they jump the globe bringing us such delightful encounters as a rather unpleasant visit with Leonardo da Vinci, a pissed off Gorgon, and more.
Owl and the Tiger Thieves is written rather well. Charish delivers another wonderful narrative. While I thought the final battle was a little anticlimactic the outcome and an epilogue was jaw dropping. There is plenty of room for additional story should Charish decided to continue the series.
Overall, The Adventures of Owl is a wonderful series. It melds the archaeological adventures of Indiana Jones with the dubious morality of a thief in an urban fantasy setting rather well. Charish writes wonderful characters and takes the readers to exciting and exotic places all over the globe in a fast paced narrative. While it is a shame if the series ends here, it is a good place to do so.
All in all, Owl and the Tiger Thieves is written rather well and is a good conclusion to a wonderful series.
February 5, 2023
I guess this is the last book in the series and I'm slightly disappointed.
I had hoped for finally a 4 or 5 star rating, but this series has been overall 3 (and now 2) stars for me.
The ending was a let down for me, I had hoped for something big, but it wasn't.
The main thing that I did not like in this series is that Owl has no character development whatsoever. And I really feel like that is a missed chance.
The thing I loved about this series was the gaming and archeology part, and those things were vacant in this book.
I would listen to a 5th book, but I'm also fine with the series being over here.
I had hoped for finally a 4 or 5 star rating, but this series has been overall 3 (and now 2) stars for me.
The ending was a let down for me, I had hoped for something big, but it wasn't.
The main thing that I did not like in this series is that Owl has no character development whatsoever. And I really feel like that is a missed chance.
The thing I loved about this series was the gaming and archeology part, and those things were vacant in this book.
I would listen to a 5th book, but I'm also fine with the series being over here.
April 20, 2020
Owl spends this entire book trying to get her boyfriend out of the homicidal magic armor that possessed him in the book prior. You get to know Artemis a whole lot better, and the epilogue sets up Owl to go in a very different and interesting direction in the next book. And you get to read about Captain becoming king of the Mau cats, more or less. The Mau are fantastic. Even their litter is magical.
April 28, 2018
Anti-hero Alix “Owl” Hiboux is back with more antiquities theft, more bravery bordering on stupidity, and more association with appalling people you love to hate. For anyone hoping to find out what’s happening with Alix’s incubus boyfriend Rynn, after his possession in Book 3, it’s a long wait, and his cousin Artemis’s almost constant presence is confusing, to say the least. How can we like him now? He was THE WORST two books ago! Another brutal but spellbinding adventure for Urban Fantasy’s Indiana Jones-iest of heroines. – Clara Shipman
This review appears in Romantic Intentions Quarterly #1.
This review appears in Romantic Intentions Quarterly #1.
June 8, 2018
Love Owl--such an irresistible mix of mischief and good will. Fast paced with plenty of adventure, as always
July 25, 2018
I tried to take my time with this book, I really did! I waited ages for it to come out and I ended up reading this in only three sittings...
The sass and snark was on point in this one!
Loved the dynamic between Owl and
And that ending!!! PLEASE TELL ME THERE IS ANOTHER ONE COMING I NEED IT ASAP
The sass and snark was on point in this one!
Loved the dynamic between Owl and
And that ending!!! PLEASE TELL ME THERE IS ANOTHER ONE COMING I NEED IT ASAP
April 6, 2018
I was given this book by Netgalley for an honest review.
This book is Awesome!! I love Owl and the other characters in this book and series. This series is a fresh take on the Indiana Jones story with a supernatural element thrown in. Owl is on a mission to find something or just about anything to save her boyfriend Rynn from the Electric Samurai Armour. She hunting the medallions of the Tiger Thieves so she can locate them. In her quest she stumbles across Da Vinci and one of his devices. You are probably wondering what this device does? Well, it kills supernaturals and the Electric Samurai wants it. Now she has supernaturals coming after her for the device and things are going down hill fast. This book has a twist at the end that I did not see coming! I recommend this book and series to everyone. I give Owl and the Tiger Thieves (The Owl Series) 5/ 5 stars.
This book is Awesome!! I love Owl and the other characters in this book and series. This series is a fresh take on the Indiana Jones story with a supernatural element thrown in. Owl is on a mission to find something or just about anything to save her boyfriend Rynn from the Electric Samurai Armour. She hunting the medallions of the Tiger Thieves so she can locate them. In her quest she stumbles across Da Vinci and one of his devices. You are probably wondering what this device does? Well, it kills supernaturals and the Electric Samurai wants it. Now she has supernaturals coming after her for the device and things are going down hill fast. This book has a twist at the end that I did not see coming! I recommend this book and series to everyone. I give Owl and the Tiger Thieves (The Owl Series) 5/ 5 stars.
October 2, 2018
NetGalley ARC
Oh Owl, you haven't grown a bit since the first book, still don't look before you leap.
Owl spends another book running around exotic locals, this time looking for a way to save her boyfriend Rynn from a life threatening situation, all while avoiding a brewing supernatural war.
As I mentioned earlier, Owl has not grown much since the beginning of the series. She still refuses to accept help, yet is rescued in almost every crazy situation she ends up in. Disaster follows where ever she goes, and she doesn't take responsibility for her actions.
The only good thing about this book is that a few people inform Owl of her many issues, and also tell her where exactly to shove it.
I think this may be the last book I read in this series. It's lost most of the fun I found interesting in the first place.
Oh Owl, you haven't grown a bit since the first book, still don't look before you leap.
Owl spends another book running around exotic locals, this time looking for a way to save her boyfriend Rynn from a life threatening situation, all while avoiding a brewing supernatural war.
As I mentioned earlier, Owl has not grown much since the beginning of the series. She still refuses to accept help, yet is rescued in almost every crazy situation she ends up in. Disaster follows where ever she goes, and she doesn't take responsibility for her actions.
The only good thing about this book is that a few people inform Owl of her many issues, and also tell her where exactly to shove it.
I think this may be the last book I read in this series. It's lost most of the fun I found interesting in the first place.
March 16, 2018
Received digital ARC from Edelweiss
June 20, 2018
One of my favorite movies of all times is Indiana Jones (1-3 were all good, 4 has its moments, but is rather underwhelming). I enjoy pretty much all (good) series that involve historical scavenger hunts, e.g. like the national treasure series. That of course also extends to other media like books, Dirk Putt (Clive Cussler) comes to mind, or even computer games such as Lara Croft or Nathan Drake games.
However, all these examples I have mentioned, have one thing in common: a likable hero. Which always was this series greatest problem: Owl isn't. Since, she is a young student, which has been wronged by a bad cooperation (the IAA), making her dislikable is quite an achievement. Every other character in this series, possibly including Lady Siyu, is more likable than she is. Many women think that bitchiness is a sign of strength because it shows determination. But, in actuality, it means that you attack someone verbally without cause, which is a sign of insecurity and hence weakness. And Owl is not only bitchy but also lacks the wittiness normally associated with these kinds of heroes (her repartee is on par with that of a pouting kindergartener). In past volumes, her research mostly involved playing a computer game or asking Nadya for help. So, apparently, she isn't that competent either.
And in this book, she is also mostly on her own. In the aftermath of book 3, Rynn was turned into the electric samurai and is now amassing an army to do who knows what. Owl is supposed to gather weapons for the Red Dragon but instead searches for the mysterious Tiger Thieves, who used to police supernaturals, in the hopes that they will know of a way to pry Rynn out of his armor. She is accompanied by Rynn's evil (male) cousin Artemis, who isn't actually very evil and still more likable thatn her. In his interactions with Artemis Owl also delights us with another wonderful aspect of her personality: hypocrisy.
But enough about my dislike for Owl. Let us focus on the scavenger hunt parts. I really enjoyed their foray into the pirate prison. The insights into the old silk road were also interesting. Now I could be mistaken but I seem to recall that Charish used to spend more time describing these environments, the way she did during the pirate prison. Her rendition of the Thailandish temple with the nagas in one of the prior books showed the environment quite well. This volume, however, was exceptionally action driven. The cistern in Istanbul could have been a train station, for all the attention she paid to it, but the Will-o'-Wisps or skinwalkers chasing and killing hapless humans was described in excruciating detail.
Of course, the book ends in a cliffhanger. And to be perfectly honest the last two chapters made no sense to me. Firstly, because of a weapon she used. The weapon is used three times throughout the book. According to the instructions, you have to input a certain sequence that denotes the race of the supernatural and then trigger it with blood. The first time, she used both her own and a vampire's blood, so she wasn't certain which was correct. The second time, she reproduced the effect while using only a vampire's blood. The third time, she used it on a different kind of supernatural, apparently without changing the sequence and using her own blood again. Why did it still work? Who knows.
Secondly, in the epilogue, she signs up with a new group. Why? Beats me.
To sum it up: too much action, too little history, the villainous Artemis was actually a more interesting character than her, and the ending isn't well thought out. Besides the pirate prison sequence, Captain leading an army of Maus is probably the best part of the book. Therefore, it is high time to finally give that cat the credit he is due. Next up: Adventures of Captain #1, Captain, his minions and the mystery of the world's largest ball of yarn.
However, all these examples I have mentioned, have one thing in common: a likable hero. Which always was this series greatest problem: Owl isn't. Since, she is a young student, which has been wronged by a bad cooperation (the IAA), making her dislikable is quite an achievement. Every other character in this series, possibly including Lady Siyu, is more likable than she is. Many women think that bitchiness is a sign of strength because it shows determination. But, in actuality, it means that you attack someone verbally without cause, which is a sign of insecurity and hence weakness. And Owl is not only bitchy but also lacks the wittiness normally associated with these kinds of heroes (her repartee is on par with that of a pouting kindergartener). In past volumes, her research mostly involved playing a computer game or asking Nadya for help. So, apparently, she isn't that competent either.
And in this book, she is also mostly on her own. In the aftermath of book 3, Rynn was turned into the electric samurai and is now amassing an army to do who knows what. Owl is supposed to gather weapons for the Red Dragon but instead searches for the mysterious Tiger Thieves, who used to police supernaturals, in the hopes that they will know of a way to pry Rynn out of his armor. She is accompanied by Rynn's evil (male) cousin Artemis, who isn't actually very evil and still more likable thatn her. In his interactions with Artemis Owl also delights us with another wonderful aspect of her personality: hypocrisy.
But enough about my dislike for Owl. Let us focus on the scavenger hunt parts. I really enjoyed their foray into the pirate prison. The insights into the old silk road were also interesting. Now I could be mistaken but I seem to recall that Charish used to spend more time describing these environments, the way she did during the pirate prison. Her rendition of the Thailandish temple with the nagas in one of the prior books showed the environment quite well. This volume, however, was exceptionally action driven. The cistern in Istanbul could have been a train station, for all the attention she paid to it, but the Will-o'-Wisps or skinwalkers chasing and killing hapless humans was described in excruciating detail.
Of course, the book ends in a cliffhanger. And to be perfectly honest the last two chapters made no sense to me. Firstly, because of a weapon she used. The weapon is used three times throughout the book. According to the instructions, you have to input a certain sequence that denotes the race of the supernatural and then trigger it with blood. The first time, she used both her own and a vampire's blood, so she wasn't certain which was correct. The second time, she reproduced the effect while using only a vampire's blood. The third time, she used it on a different kind of supernatural, apparently without changing the sequence and using her own blood again. Why did it still work? Who knows.
Secondly, in the epilogue, she signs up with a new group. Why? Beats me.
To sum it up: too much action, too little history, the villainous Artemis was actually a more interesting character than her, and the ending isn't well thought out. Besides the pirate prison sequence, Captain leading an army of Maus is probably the best part of the book. Therefore, it is high time to finally give that cat the credit he is due. Next up: Adventures of Captain #1, Captain, his minions and the mystery of the world's largest ball of yarn.
September 3, 2022
The Adventures of Owl is a series that just keeps getting better, with Owl and the Tiger Thieves being Kristi Charish's best book yet.
This time around, the adventure opens with Alix being held captive in a haunted pirate prison, with none other than Artemis coming to her rescue. It is some of the most fun we've ever seen in an Owl book, and by the time an undead Leonardo da Vinci appears on the scene, I had already declared this entry my favorite.
And then it went and got better.
While Owl and the Tiger Thieves is another quest-based adventure, this time it's personal. Instead of searching out supernatural weapons on behalf of her employer, Alix is on a quest to track down the legendary Tiger Thieves and enlist their help in rescuing Rynn from the Electric Samurai. As you might expect, the personal nature of her quest makes her even sloppier than usual, placing her in ever-increasing peril, and making Artemis an unlikely savior.
With the World Quest game largely out of commission, thanks to events in Shangri-La, the action this time around remains firmly rooted in the real world, allowing Charish the opportunity to expand her supernatural bestiary with gorgons, mermaids, wisps, and more. It makes this the most action-packed entry in the series, and by far the most satisfying. There's never a dull moment, and each new twist or revelation leaves you anxious to discover what's next. What's more, with Alix's trademark wit firmly in place, despite her grief and desperation, the read retains the humor that has made the series so much fun.
Another key difference this time around is the supporting cast, with only a handful of familiar characters making appearances, and even then, only briefly. Owl and the Tiger Thieves is very much the story of Owl and Artemis, and I liked the odd couple focus almost as much as I appreciated the expanded backstory behind Rynn's cousin - which, it must be said, reveals a few things about Rynn as well. He's still a scoundrel with a hidden agenda, and it's hard to trust him, but I'm coming to like him as much as, if not more than, Rynn.
The climax here is very different from the other books, being based more around a battle than an escape, but it's hardly a stretch to say the stakes have never been higher. I will say no more, but it lives up to the story that precedes it, and the epilogue has me more excited than ever to see where Alix goes next.
This time around, the adventure opens with Alix being held captive in a haunted pirate prison, with none other than Artemis coming to her rescue. It is some of the most fun we've ever seen in an Owl book, and by the time an undead Leonardo da Vinci appears on the scene, I had already declared this entry my favorite.
And then it went and got better.
While Owl and the Tiger Thieves is another quest-based adventure, this time it's personal. Instead of searching out supernatural weapons on behalf of her employer, Alix is on a quest to track down the legendary Tiger Thieves and enlist their help in rescuing Rynn from the Electric Samurai. As you might expect, the personal nature of her quest makes her even sloppier than usual, placing her in ever-increasing peril, and making Artemis an unlikely savior.
With the World Quest game largely out of commission, thanks to events in Shangri-La, the action this time around remains firmly rooted in the real world, allowing Charish the opportunity to expand her supernatural bestiary with gorgons, mermaids, wisps, and more. It makes this the most action-packed entry in the series, and by far the most satisfying. There's never a dull moment, and each new twist or revelation leaves you anxious to discover what's next. What's more, with Alix's trademark wit firmly in place, despite her grief and desperation, the read retains the humor that has made the series so much fun.
Another key difference this time around is the supporting cast, with only a handful of familiar characters making appearances, and even then, only briefly. Owl and the Tiger Thieves is very much the story of Owl and Artemis, and I liked the odd couple focus almost as much as I appreciated the expanded backstory behind Rynn's cousin - which, it must be said, reveals a few things about Rynn as well. He's still a scoundrel with a hidden agenda, and it's hard to trust him, but I'm coming to like him as much as, if not more than, Rynn.
The climax here is very different from the other books, being based more around a battle than an escape, but it's hardly a stretch to say the stakes have never been higher. I will say no more, but it lives up to the story that precedes it, and the epilogue has me more excited than ever to see where Alix goes next.
May 8, 2018
Owl and the Tiger Thieves is book 4 in The Adventures of Owl series. I've really been loving this series and knew I had to grab this installment. Owl's human but always seems to get mixed up in trouble with the different paranormal beings along her adventure. This series is like a mash up of a female Indiana Jones with tons of adventure and paranormal issues that pop up at every step Owl takes.
Alix Hiboux aka Owl is an antiquities thief that works for a dragon you do not want to cross. That kind of takes a back seat this novel though since our leading lady is dealing with the fall out of everything that happened in the previous book. Her main goal is to figure out how to stop the Electric Samurai that was unleashed, he's determined on taking over and not afraid to hurt anyone in his path. He's amassing an army and Owl is trying to stay one step ahead while also seeking help from the Tiger Thieves that might be able to stop him. The only issue with that being the Tiger Thieves are well hidden and each time she gets a new clue the Electric Samurai and his minions are there and major destruction seems to occur. This installment is a rush against the clock and I was nervous that Owl might not be able to win this time around.
Owl and the Tiger Thieves is a nonstop adventure that will have you on the edge of your seat. We get to see a bit of a different side of Owl and I'm glad, her character's growing and really trying her best even if she's reckless at times. I'll be interested in where this series goes from here because we got thrown for a loop with this ending that's for sure. If you're a fan of Urban Fantasy with tons of adventure and tons of interesting paranormal beings this is the series for you.
Alix Hiboux aka Owl is an antiquities thief that works for a dragon you do not want to cross. That kind of takes a back seat this novel though since our leading lady is dealing with the fall out of everything that happened in the previous book. Her main goal is to figure out how to stop the Electric Samurai that was unleashed, he's determined on taking over and not afraid to hurt anyone in his path. He's amassing an army and Owl is trying to stay one step ahead while also seeking help from the Tiger Thieves that might be able to stop him. The only issue with that being the Tiger Thieves are well hidden and each time she gets a new clue the Electric Samurai and his minions are there and major destruction seems to occur. This installment is a rush against the clock and I was nervous that Owl might not be able to win this time around.
Owl and the Tiger Thieves is a nonstop adventure that will have you on the edge of your seat. We get to see a bit of a different side of Owl and I'm glad, her character's growing and really trying her best even if she's reckless at times. I'll be interested in where this series goes from here because we got thrown for a loop with this ending that's for sure. If you're a fan of Urban Fantasy with tons of adventure and tons of interesting paranormal beings this is the series for you.
May 16, 2018
I picked up the book in the Nook store on my tablet because I had to know what happens next with the characters. My personal review of the book is as follows:
I personally enjoyed the growth of "Owl" throughout the arc of the storyline especially when she had to deal with/accept her own mixed feelings about things through her having to deal with "Artemis" even though I was annoyed as a reader with how long some of the back and forth between them went(Personally I wanted them to forgive each other or just drop it). It was interesting to get to see some of the backstory of "Artemis"/his motivations behind why he is the way he is.
It was interesting to me personally that when I would read about what was going on with "Nadia" it was showing that the world of the series was moving forward even though "Owl" wasn't there.
I was personally confused about why "Owl" chose to work with a certain group at the end of book(maybe as a way to have more back up in the future), I wonder how/if it will affect how she works with her original boss (trying to phrase it in a way that doesn't give away any spoilers if you haven't already finished reading earlier books in the series) he doesn't seem to like to share.
I'm definitely excited to see what happens next between "Owl" and "Ryan"(I'm still rooting for them) as well as how "Owl" uses her new abilities. Overall I personally rate this book a 8 out of 10
I personally enjoyed the growth of "Owl" throughout the arc of the storyline especially when she had to deal with/accept her own mixed feelings about things through her having to deal with "Artemis" even though I was annoyed as a reader with how long some of the back and forth between them went(Personally I wanted them to forgive each other or just drop it). It was interesting to get to see some of the backstory of "Artemis"/his motivations behind why he is the way he is.
It was interesting to me personally that when I would read about what was going on with "Nadia" it was showing that the world of the series was moving forward even though "Owl" wasn't there.
I was personally confused about why "Owl" chose to work with a certain group at the end of book(maybe as a way to have more back up in the future), I wonder how/if it will affect how she works with her original boss (trying to phrase it in a way that doesn't give away any spoilers if you haven't already finished reading earlier books in the series) he doesn't seem to like to share.
I'm definitely excited to see what happens next between "Owl" and "Ryan"(I'm still rooting for them) as well as how "Owl" uses her new abilities. Overall I personally rate this book a 8 out of 10
May 19, 2021
The Review
This is what the fantasy genre is all about! While I am a newcomer to this series, the author does a fantastic job of drawing new readers and established fans of the series alike into the narrative. The blend of Indiana Jones-style character development with supernatural and fantasy-based storytelling is an inspired choice for the book.
From what I understand of the previous books, this story flips the script on readers by making this story more personal. While previous installments focused on quest-based storytelling, the author takes readers on an emotional and action-focused adventure that sees the protagonist looking for an ancient order in an effort to rescue someone close to her from a deadly foe. The evolution of Alix as a character that sees her struggling with her desire to go back to being an antiquities thief but constantly pulled into this dangerous and deadly world of supernatural beings is what really draws the reader in and keeps them wanting more.
The Verdict
A haunting, action-packed, and entertaining read, author Kristi Charish’s “Owl and the Tiger Thieves” is the perfect next chapter in this growing supernatural and fantasy series. A must-read for fans of this genre, the blend of intrigue and mystery with adventure and a balance between mythology and character growth make this a fantastic book that you don’t want to miss. Be sure to grab your copy today!
This is what the fantasy genre is all about! While I am a newcomer to this series, the author does a fantastic job of drawing new readers and established fans of the series alike into the narrative. The blend of Indiana Jones-style character development with supernatural and fantasy-based storytelling is an inspired choice for the book.
From what I understand of the previous books, this story flips the script on readers by making this story more personal. While previous installments focused on quest-based storytelling, the author takes readers on an emotional and action-focused adventure that sees the protagonist looking for an ancient order in an effort to rescue someone close to her from a deadly foe. The evolution of Alix as a character that sees her struggling with her desire to go back to being an antiquities thief but constantly pulled into this dangerous and deadly world of supernatural beings is what really draws the reader in and keeps them wanting more.
The Verdict
A haunting, action-packed, and entertaining read, author Kristi Charish’s “Owl and the Tiger Thieves” is the perfect next chapter in this growing supernatural and fantasy series. A must-read for fans of this genre, the blend of intrigue and mystery with adventure and a balance between mythology and character growth make this a fantastic book that you don’t want to miss. Be sure to grab your copy today!
September 9, 2020
It's been a while since I read book 3, but it was fun getting back into Owl's world. I don't suggest a lengthy time between books though, there isn't a whole lot that is rehashed, which is good for reading one after the other, but makes it a little more difficult to understand all the pieces when it's been a while.
There was lots of sarcasm, sass, adventure, and danger. And quite a few consequences too, not all good. I appreciate that not everything turns out well or as expected, it lends both a sense of realism and surprise to the story.
I totally didn't see the twist coming at the end. It certainly sets up a lot of new challenges for Owl, ones that will make for interesting reading.
There was lots of sarcasm, sass, adventure, and danger. And quite a few consequences too, not all good. I appreciate that not everything turns out well or as expected, it lends both a sense of realism and surprise to the story.
I totally didn't see the twist coming at the end. It certainly sets up a lot of new challenges for Owl, ones that will make for interesting reading.
May 21, 2018
Owl has a major problem. Her boyfriend Ryan is trapped in the cursed Electric Samurai suit of armor which is getting stronger. Owl is on a quest to find the Tiger Theives, a mythical group that seems to have a handle on controlling supernatural beings to see if they can help her resolve the situation. Her quest leads her from a prison in Peru to Venice to Timbuktu to Istanbul to an abandoned city in India, leaving destruction in her wake. The final confrontation takes place in Tokyo where Owl learns painfully that not all endings are happy ones. The question is , will she finally grow up and accept who and what she is?
Thanks Netgalley for the opportunity to read this volume.
Thanks Netgalley for the opportunity to read this volume.
June 2, 2018
Owl is back in book 4 of the series, Adventures of Owl. She has problems on several fronts in this new book. Ryan is still in the Electric Samurai armor and she is in prison in Peru. She is trying to contact the ancient Tiger Thieves, supernatural assassins in her quest to help free Ryan. She meets vampire Leonardo Da Vinci and travels the world as she searches for relics and clues to help find them. This series is all magic supernatural beings. You really need to read the previous books to keep track of all the folks and story lines. I received this ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.
January 31, 2019
This book was a slow read for me, it took me time but well worth it. I don't because of the archaeology content to it, but I kept on reading because I had to find out more. This book was worth the read because I was interesting about the Owl and her world that she is in regarding the supernatural. Yes, it's first book I read to check out and now I want to read book 1-3. I love the depth of the character of Owl and what she is going through. They say to not make your characters perfect, that would be boring. She definitely has flaws but she goes through a journey of her self while going through a journey to find the infamous Tiger Thieves.
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