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Tiger Heart
One magical friendship. One roaring adventure.
The magical tale of a bold young chimney sweep and a remarkable tiger, a dangerously hypnotic ruby and a mystical land found across an ocean and through a storm. Perfect for fans of The Girl of Ink and Stars and Pax.
Fly never meant to end up in a cage with a man-eating tiger. And though she's no princess, when the tiger bows to her, she can't help vowing to free him and return him home.
But the bird-filled jungles and cloud-topped mountains of the tiger's homeland are an ocean away. And not everyone wants the tiger to return.
With dark and dangerous forces working against them, will Fly be able to fulfil her promises, keep them both alive and - just maybe - become the queen her tiger knows her to be?
The magical tale of a bold young chimney sweep and a remarkable tiger, a dangerously hypnotic ruby and a mystical land found across an ocean and through a storm. Perfect for fans of The Girl of Ink and Stars and Pax.
Fly never meant to end up in a cage with a man-eating tiger. And though she's no princess, when the tiger bows to her, she can't help vowing to free him and return him home.
But the bird-filled jungles and cloud-topped mountains of the tiger's homeland are an ocean away. And not everyone wants the tiger to return.
With dark and dangerous forces working against them, will Fly be able to fulfil her promises, keep them both alive and - just maybe - become the queen her tiger knows her to be?
240 pages, Paperback
First published January 9, 2020
12 people are currently reading
300 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
June 22, 2020
On the surface, this is a story about a girl finding her true home. But beneath that is an entire plot of almost indecipherable slang, terrifying scenes of glossed over violence and death, and a tiger who may or may not talk. That’s still up for debate for me. Overall, I enjoyed the book but there was too much that did not fit for me to rate it higher.
October 28, 2025
I felt some echoes of Dido Twite and Joan Aiken's alternative British history set in the time when good King Richard was fighting the plots of the ambitious Hanoverian hopeful usurpers. Here in young Fly's world King Billy replaces Victoria in 19th-century London and, while the underclass of tiny chimneysweeps, ruthless thieves and beggars, destitute and hungry men, women and children exists as it was in Dickensian times, in this Britain there is a layer of magical illusion, a talking tiger, playful and harmful mesmerism, an invincible villain, and an Oriental world of mysticism and strangeness over the horizon.
Fly is a worthy substitute for Dido Twite: intelligent, courageous and a born survivor; though she needs more reliable human friends. While the tiger will always be with her, Stick and his army of guttersnipes end up cut out of her story halfway through as Fly escapes with her animals. Which is a shame, each one of them had more personality than the humourless Jack, the "bag-of-bones boy with skin as dark as her own," who has an uncanny likeness to the swashbuckling Fly, but only in appearance unfortunately - perhaps he could have been better portrayed as a scapegrace rather than another abused ragamuffin. His lacklustre character leaves a hole where Stick and his pals had been.
The plot is a good, very readable adventure of a girl protecting her magical jewel from evil and avaricious hands. She has her talking tiger for protection and carries an air of mystery about her origins. There is no shortage of violence and peril in the narrative as Fly moves from one danger to the next, always aiming towards finding the truth behind her own history. The ending brings out the morality of greed and the price the greedy must pay, but the move from the grubby London underworld to an Arabian Nights/pre-Raj Indian subcontinent doesn't help much as too little is made of it. While Barithea may be Fly's paradise - eventually - when she arrives there her life seems suddenly to be empty of all its excitement.
I suppose some young readers may find the cant of the gutterlings a little daunting - Joan Aiken did it in The Whispering Mountain to great effect and without much adverse comment - the author provides a guide or glossary of the terms used. Go with the flow of the language and most of it makes sense to the young at heart and mind. An exciting adventure with a slow-paced ending, but still to be recommended.
Fly is a worthy substitute for Dido Twite: intelligent, courageous and a born survivor; though she needs more reliable human friends. While the tiger will always be with her, Stick and his army of guttersnipes end up cut out of her story halfway through as Fly escapes with her animals. Which is a shame, each one of them had more personality than the humourless Jack, the "bag-of-bones boy with skin as dark as her own," who has an uncanny likeness to the swashbuckling Fly, but only in appearance unfortunately - perhaps he could have been better portrayed as a scapegrace rather than another abused ragamuffin. His lacklustre character leaves a hole where Stick and his pals had been.
The plot is a good, very readable adventure of a girl protecting her magical jewel from evil and avaricious hands. She has her talking tiger for protection and carries an air of mystery about her origins. There is no shortage of violence and peril in the narrative as Fly moves from one danger to the next, always aiming towards finding the truth behind her own history. The ending brings out the morality of greed and the price the greedy must pay, but the move from the grubby London underworld to an Arabian Nights/pre-Raj Indian subcontinent doesn't help much as too little is made of it. While Barithea may be Fly's paradise - eventually - when she arrives there her life seems suddenly to be empty of all its excitement.
I suppose some young readers may find the cant of the gutterlings a little daunting - Joan Aiken did it in The Whispering Mountain to great effect and without much adverse comment - the author provides a guide or glossary of the terms used. Go with the flow of the language and most of it makes sense to the young at heart and mind. An exciting adventure with a slow-paced ending, but still to be recommended.
February 5, 2020
This was a fun read. I didn't expect that I'm going to enjoy it. I was moved after a few chapters and can't put it down. Fly is a brave girl and she reminds me of Lara Belacqua. This story is full or adventures and quite an emotional one.
Fly is a loveable child who wants to escape from the Black Bill who runs a group of street urchins. When she sees the chance to escape, she took it and ended up landing in the tiger's cage. I was distracted when I started reading the book. First of, because I don't read much middle grade books. But I started to like this book when the adventure begins.
It isn't just any tiger. This tiger knows something that Fly doesn’t and from here I was moved by this story and the tiger becomes such a good friend to Fly since then. Their bond is wonderful as well as with other animals. She made plans to free the creatures who were locked in the cages. She promised the animals that she is going to free them. Can she fulfill her promise and get them home?
This story really wasn't something that I thought I'm going to enjoy reading because I usually read other genres. But this is something else and I'm glad I took my time to finish this book. Though, I feel maybe there should be more on the world building and characters development but this is middle grade/children's book, so I thought it's already good enough for the young readers.
It’s indeed a magical friendship and a roaring adventure. Highly recommend!
Thank you, Pansing for sending me a copy of Tiger Heart in return for an honest review. This book is available at all good bookstores.
Fly is a loveable child who wants to escape from the Black Bill who runs a group of street urchins. When she sees the chance to escape, she took it and ended up landing in the tiger's cage. I was distracted when I started reading the book. First of, because I don't read much middle grade books. But I started to like this book when the adventure begins.
It isn't just any tiger. This tiger knows something that Fly doesn’t and from here I was moved by this story and the tiger becomes such a good friend to Fly since then. Their bond is wonderful as well as with other animals. She made plans to free the creatures who were locked in the cages. She promised the animals that she is going to free them. Can she fulfill her promise and get them home?
This story really wasn't something that I thought I'm going to enjoy reading because I usually read other genres. But this is something else and I'm glad I took my time to finish this book. Though, I feel maybe there should be more on the world building and characters development but this is middle grade/children's book, so I thought it's already good enough for the young readers.
It’s indeed a magical friendship and a roaring adventure. Highly recommend!
Thank you, Pansing for sending me a copy of Tiger Heart in return for an honest review. This book is available at all good bookstores.
March 30, 2020
“She knew she had to let them all go. Because that’s what it meant to be free.”
This story is about a girl, a chimney sweep who is too familiar with beatings and poverty. One day she meets a caged tiger and promises to set him free.
Fly and her Tiger go on an adventure, they encounter problems, face darkness and despair but Fly keeps on fighting to keep her promise.
It’s also a story about man, and what greed can do. This book wasn’t short on hateful characters and that’s for sure.
It had a bittersweet ending and overall I did enjoy this story.
I understand why it was written the way it was written, because Fly wasn’t educated so she didn’t have a steady understanding of the English language and her lingo was extremely heavy. Cullies, and dib-dabs, and flummery… I didn’t flick back and forth to the descriptions at the back, that genuinely puts me off books written like this even more so I had to try and grasp what was being said based on what was happening.
It was an enjoyable story but definitely a lot to try and get my head around.
This story is about a girl, a chimney sweep who is too familiar with beatings and poverty. One day she meets a caged tiger and promises to set him free.
Fly and her Tiger go on an adventure, they encounter problems, face darkness and despair but Fly keeps on fighting to keep her promise.
It’s also a story about man, and what greed can do. This book wasn’t short on hateful characters and that’s for sure.
It had a bittersweet ending and overall I did enjoy this story.
I understand why it was written the way it was written, because Fly wasn’t educated so she didn’t have a steady understanding of the English language and her lingo was extremely heavy. Cullies, and dib-dabs, and flummery… I didn’t flick back and forth to the descriptions at the back, that genuinely puts me off books written like this even more so I had to try and grasp what was being said based on what was happening.
It was an enjoyable story but definitely a lot to try and get my head around.
February 25, 2024
A heartfelt story with a brave heroine and a bittersweet ending. I wish there was a long ending or another part to show the twins ruling.
June 1, 2021
I was a little disappointed and I skipped a few chapters
October 19, 2021
What a lovely story about a young girl, a lost kingdom and a faithful tiger.
There were some tense moments when I didn’t know if Fly was going to make it or not. Some very emotional moments that I’m very happy to say ended positively. Otherwise that would’ve been way too sad.
I love that it was told from Fly’s perspective and we could read it through her dialect. Definitely worth a read!
There were some tense moments when I didn’t know if Fly was going to make it or not. Some very emotional moments that I’m very happy to say ended positively. Otherwise that would’ve been way too sad.
I love that it was told from Fly’s perspective and we could read it through her dialect. Definitely worth a read!
January 7, 2020
Oh wow! This is such a lovely story and one I’ve loved as much as the beautiful cover! ‘Tiger Heart’ begins when chimney sweep Fly falls down into a cage which holds a tiger. But Fly doesn’t rush back up the chimney she came down from, because what’s lurking at the top scares her more than the man-eating tiger in front of her. She thinks the tiger is going to eat her, but when he licks her skin, and tastes some blood from a cut, he starts speaking and declares that she’s royalty. Fly doesn’t know whether to believe that she’s a princess but she does vow to help the tiger escape, and help him get back to his own homeland, a world that might just belong to Fly too.
This is such a wonderfully magical story right from the beginning. Having agreed to help the tiger escape Fly soon learns that escaping the cage and hiding it in the London streets isn’t that easy, but Fly has some tricks up her sleeve and soon calls on the help of her gutterling friends. The book is set in the past, with a victorian sort of feel, but with references to a King Billy the year is never really clear. There’s a lovely element of magical fantasy though, with the talking tiger and the land the tiger wants to get back to being one I’ve never heard of.
Having that past setting made the book a little tricky to get into at first, not because of the descriptions and action which felt very good and quite fast-paced, but because of the gutterling speech that Fly uses (which sounds like a really old version of cockney). It took me a few pages to get used to the way Fly and her friends speak, although I did try reading this without any references to any glossary. However it isn’t really difficult to get into and you do recognise what Fly and the others are saying (mostly), but to give you an idea of the language they use, there are words like “Croopus” and a window is called a “windy”.
Despite the old-fashioned speech, the story is so easy to get into right away and there’s so much adventure right from the start! I really liked Fly’s character and the support she had from all her different friends, who were fun characters to get to know too, especially how they got their names. Most of these friends played the side role though and I felt a bit sad that they didn’t feature more in the story, especially in the second half, although it made sense in the end that they didn’t.
The book is seperated into two parts, with the first being the larger section and set all in London. I loved the descriptions in a lot of this book, especially the description of the building and the sounds it was making, where Fly and the tiger first stayed overnight. Soon after that the story takes a dark turn and although there’s some shocking things that Fly encounters, it never felt too dark or scary for children to read. The second part of the book continues the adventure and I like the introduction to some new characters and more on all the animals. The way the animals form part of the story is lovely and really made me enjoy this all the more.
The whole time I was reading this book I felt compelled to continue the story and I loved the magical feel and adventure that the entire book has. The ending is a satisfying one with a lovely last line in the epilogue, although I have to admit I did feel that the last chapter did end a bit abruptly and if I’m honest, I wished the epilogue with the two characters at the end was a bit longer, I just didn’t want this story to end!
There is nothing too scary in this story for children to read and although there are some sad moments and the death of some characters or animals, these are written in a good way that wouldn’t be too difficult for children to read. I’ve heard there is glossary at the back of the book (not the proof version I was reading) which explains gutterling speech. This will help with the reading of their speech a lot, there might also be some other things added in the back of the book but I’m not sure as my arc copy doesn’t have anything extra. There will also be some lovely artwork in the book. I’ve since learned from an interview I read from the author that some of the events, like the tiger in London, are based on real life mysterious happenings at the time. There really was a tiger loose in London in the past!
Overall this is a really lovely story which I’d recommend to anyone who loves magical adventures and those who love animals. I can’t wait to read more from this author, and more from these lovely characters (I hear a rumour of a second book in the series!)
-Thanks to Orion Children's Books for a free copy for review.
This is such a wonderfully magical story right from the beginning. Having agreed to help the tiger escape Fly soon learns that escaping the cage and hiding it in the London streets isn’t that easy, but Fly has some tricks up her sleeve and soon calls on the help of her gutterling friends. The book is set in the past, with a victorian sort of feel, but with references to a King Billy the year is never really clear. There’s a lovely element of magical fantasy though, with the talking tiger and the land the tiger wants to get back to being one I’ve never heard of.
Having that past setting made the book a little tricky to get into at first, not because of the descriptions and action which felt very good and quite fast-paced, but because of the gutterling speech that Fly uses (which sounds like a really old version of cockney). It took me a few pages to get used to the way Fly and her friends speak, although I did try reading this without any references to any glossary. However it isn’t really difficult to get into and you do recognise what Fly and the others are saying (mostly), but to give you an idea of the language they use, there are words like “Croopus” and a window is called a “windy”.
Despite the old-fashioned speech, the story is so easy to get into right away and there’s so much adventure right from the start! I really liked Fly’s character and the support she had from all her different friends, who were fun characters to get to know too, especially how they got their names. Most of these friends played the side role though and I felt a bit sad that they didn’t feature more in the story, especially in the second half, although it made sense in the end that they didn’t.
The book is seperated into two parts, with the first being the larger section and set all in London. I loved the descriptions in a lot of this book, especially the description of the building and the sounds it was making, where Fly and the tiger first stayed overnight. Soon after that the story takes a dark turn and although there’s some shocking things that Fly encounters, it never felt too dark or scary for children to read. The second part of the book continues the adventure and I like the introduction to some new characters and more on all the animals. The way the animals form part of the story is lovely and really made me enjoy this all the more.
The whole time I was reading this book I felt compelled to continue the story and I loved the magical feel and adventure that the entire book has. The ending is a satisfying one with a lovely last line in the epilogue, although I have to admit I did feel that the last chapter did end a bit abruptly and if I’m honest, I wished the epilogue with the two characters at the end was a bit longer, I just didn’t want this story to end!
There is nothing too scary in this story for children to read and although there are some sad moments and the death of some characters or animals, these are written in a good way that wouldn’t be too difficult for children to read. I’ve heard there is glossary at the back of the book (not the proof version I was reading) which explains gutterling speech. This will help with the reading of their speech a lot, there might also be some other things added in the back of the book but I’m not sure as my arc copy doesn’t have anything extra. There will also be some lovely artwork in the book. I’ve since learned from an interview I read from the author that some of the events, like the tiger in London, are based on real life mysterious happenings at the time. There really was a tiger loose in London in the past!
Overall this is a really lovely story which I’d recommend to anyone who loves magical adventures and those who love animals. I can’t wait to read more from this author, and more from these lovely characters (I hear a rumour of a second book in the series!)
-Thanks to Orion Children's Books for a free copy for review.
September 10, 2020
Fly had a simple plan to sweep through the chimney and ran away from the Black Bill but what she didn't expect was come face to face with a tiger. And when Fly was trying to stall him and convince him not to eat her he bowed to her and call her princess. Fly knows she is no princess but for the reason even unknown to her she promises Tiger to return him to his homeland. And thus begin a journey of adventure, action and to a land with cloud topped mountains. And maybe, maybe Fly is actually a princess of a kingdom?
Review-
The first thing I would like to say about the book is it is not for children. I know it suggests as a middle grade fantasy book but that is definitely not the case. Language is so hard and difficult that was for most part of the book I have to imagine and decipher words on my own. I know there is a glossary at the end of the book but you can't skim to the end for every second word. Also the meaning should be at the start of the book as there is no indication of it being at the end.
I love the character of Fly. She is fearless, kind, loyal and even mature for her age. Even though she didn't knew that she is a princess she still vows to free all animals from their cage. And she does everything in her power to be just when she reaches the kingdom.
I love the element of talking animals and considering them as a citizen of the kingdom. I think this is the most exciting part about the book being it a children's fantasy. It totally give you Narnia vibes.
The one thing I was expecting a lot was friendship between Fly and Tiger as it suggests form the blurb. But I was confused throughout the book about the intentions of Tiger. Though he saves her and protects her throughout the journey I just felt that he didn't consider her as a friend.
In some places I felt it was too dark for a middle grade book. The pace of the story is quick and it makes you to finish it one go. But as you were expecting more in the second half the book ends. Ending is quite rushed and left too many ambiguous loopholes.
I feel overall the story has potential with the plot, characters and pace but for the major part language ruins the book and second reason is it didn't pay attention to the target audience i.e., middle grade children.
Review-
The first thing I would like to say about the book is it is not for children. I know it suggests as a middle grade fantasy book but that is definitely not the case. Language is so hard and difficult that was for most part of the book I have to imagine and decipher words on my own. I know there is a glossary at the end of the book but you can't skim to the end for every second word. Also the meaning should be at the start of the book as there is no indication of it being at the end.
I love the character of Fly. She is fearless, kind, loyal and even mature for her age. Even though she didn't knew that she is a princess she still vows to free all animals from their cage. And she does everything in her power to be just when she reaches the kingdom.
I love the element of talking animals and considering them as a citizen of the kingdom. I think this is the most exciting part about the book being it a children's fantasy. It totally give you Narnia vibes.
The one thing I was expecting a lot was friendship between Fly and Tiger as it suggests form the blurb. But I was confused throughout the book about the intentions of Tiger. Though he saves her and protects her throughout the journey I just felt that he didn't consider her as a friend.
In some places I felt it was too dark for a middle grade book. The pace of the story is quick and it makes you to finish it one go. But as you were expecting more in the second half the book ends. Ending is quite rushed and left too many ambiguous loopholes.
I feel overall the story has potential with the plot, characters and pace but for the major part language ruins the book and second reason is it didn't pay attention to the target audience i.e., middle grade children.
February 2, 2020
*I received an e-ARC of this book, thanks to the publisher and NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.*
I really enjoyed this vivid adventure following the orphan Fly as she encounters an imprisoned tiger that talks to only her. With her own special dialect and feisty personality - a girl that "ain't afeard of nothing" - the story brings you in and has you rooting for Fly and her "gutterling" friends as she finds out about her shrouded past and is forced to uncover it in order to outrun the new dangers that has entered into her life.
This is very much a story about a girl's independence, bravery, compassion and strength, but also about family ties - no matter if they are by blood or not, or even human. If anything, I only wish that the story hadn't come to a somewhat quick ending. It felt slightly rushed and might've benefited from a bit more content in my opinion. I would, however, still recommend it for the beautiful experience it offers.
Because of the extensive use of Fly's many made up words (accompanied by a dictionary at the end of the book!) and some of the hardships Fly encounters I believe that this book would be most suitable to be read on its own by tweens and upwards, or accompanied by an adult with regards to younger children. But it is also the intriguingly imaginative language (next to the story and characters) that would be the aspect I'd highlight when promoting it to my KS3 students.
I really enjoyed this vivid adventure following the orphan Fly as she encounters an imprisoned tiger that talks to only her. With her own special dialect and feisty personality - a girl that "ain't afeard of nothing" - the story brings you in and has you rooting for Fly and her "gutterling" friends as she finds out about her shrouded past and is forced to uncover it in order to outrun the new dangers that has entered into her life.
This is very much a story about a girl's independence, bravery, compassion and strength, but also about family ties - no matter if they are by blood or not, or even human. If anything, I only wish that the story hadn't come to a somewhat quick ending. It felt slightly rushed and might've benefited from a bit more content in my opinion. I would, however, still recommend it for the beautiful experience it offers.
Because of the extensive use of Fly's many made up words (accompanied by a dictionary at the end of the book!) and some of the hardships Fly encounters I believe that this book would be most suitable to be read on its own by tweens and upwards, or accompanied by an adult with regards to younger children. But it is also the intriguingly imaginative language (next to the story and characters) that would be the aspect I'd highlight when promoting it to my KS3 students.
November 16, 2019
Fly is accustomed to fighting to stay ahead of her owner’s bad temper and mean ways. She is quick on her feet and quick at lifting food to supplement the meagre allowance fed to her in return for climbing chimneys. One day, in desperation, she goes down a chimney instead of back up to return to her master. What she hadn’t banked on was landing up in a cage with a fierce tiger. Neither had she expected that tiger to talk to her. But the magnificent animal told her a tale even Fly, with her vivid imagination, could never have conjured up. She finds herself the leader of an escape party consisting of many exotic animals, servants rendered dumb, plus an assortment of sailors switching alliances depending on the value of rewards promised to them.
This is an adventure story with a strong female lead determined to do the right thing. Yes, many events defy belief, but what does that matter to a great story?
This is an adventure story with a strong female lead determined to do the right thing. Yes, many events defy belief, but what does that matter to a great story?
January 22, 2020
A brave and inspirational heroine.
June 4, 2020
Synopsis:
One magical friendship. One roaring adventure.
The magical tale of a bold young chimney sweep and a remarkable tiger, a dangerously hypnotic ruby and a mystical land found across an ocean and through a storm. Perfect for fans of The Girl of Ink and Stars and Pax.
Fly never meant to end up in a cage with a man-eating tiger. And though she's no princess, when the tiger bows to her, she can't help vowing to free him and return him home.
But the bird-filled jungles and cloud-topped mountains of the tiger's homeland are an ocean away. And not everyone wants the tiger to return.
With dark and dangerous forces working against them, will Fly be able to fulfil her promises, keep them both alive and - just maybe - become the queen her tiger knows her to be?
Thoughts before reading:
Firstly, I love stories where animals are willingly loyal to a certain person. The synopsis has given me pretty big hints that the Tiger would be loyal to Fly. And since it mentioned friendship as well, I feel this book would be about a relationship between Fly and the Tiger and how they're relationship grow to something of trust, loyalty and love. I've been wanting to buy this book ever since. The sale at a nearby bookstore has given me the opportunity and I wasted no time getting it for myself!
Thoughts after reading:
The plot is fast moving and very thrilling. The first chapter and Fly already meets the Tiger! It is a satisfying start and as I read I looked forward to the next parts. I loved how they interacted, and also how Fly's lack of fear of the Tiger has gotten him to respect her. I'm kinda bumped Tiger didn't have a name, so I'm going to use the word "Tiger" as his name anyway haha XD
Now Fly has been living on the streets, but under the control of Black Bill ever since she was a baby. But this has helped her learn many survival skills, and street smarts. She's quick and agile and very good at escaping the clutches of stronger and bigger men. Fly also has the skills to put a glamour over anything she wants. So when she escaped with Tiger, people only see a huge dog following her around.
The whole story is about Fly going back to her kingdom, and then overthrowing her uncle who has been terrorizing the kingdom ever since he and the previous king (Fly's father) started to fight against each other and won. The storyline is very nice, and I love the idea of a kingdom where even the animals are your citizens. This book is really a lot like Narnia. What I don't like, however, is the Tiger's approach with Fly's unrefined actions. Tiger seems to forget Fly grew up having to fight to survive, and even though Tiger should understand (he was in captive for a while), he only admonishes Fly whenever she doesn't act like the princess she should be.
He could be more grateful too. After all, his princess sacrificed everything to get him back to his homeland, but she was living (in all purposes) hers. She's going to leave everything she was familiar with, and will be starting a new life somewhere totally different. Yet, during the journey, Tiger has been giving her mixed signals about his continued presence when they reach the place. Fly has to keep guessing if he would stay with her once they've reached the island. I didn't like that she cold still feel lonely when she's supposedly surrounded by friends, or subjects.
The language was a little jarring at first. It took me a while, but I got the hang of it pretty quickly. It wasn't to hard to decipher what Fly was saying even though I've never seen some of the words before. I have to ask…are those words made up by the author, or are they real words?
Rating:
3
It didn't really meet my expectations of a friendship growing.
One magical friendship. One roaring adventure.
The magical tale of a bold young chimney sweep and a remarkable tiger, a dangerously hypnotic ruby and a mystical land found across an ocean and through a storm. Perfect for fans of The Girl of Ink and Stars and Pax.
Fly never meant to end up in a cage with a man-eating tiger. And though she's no princess, when the tiger bows to her, she can't help vowing to free him and return him home.
But the bird-filled jungles and cloud-topped mountains of the tiger's homeland are an ocean away. And not everyone wants the tiger to return.
With dark and dangerous forces working against them, will Fly be able to fulfil her promises, keep them both alive and - just maybe - become the queen her tiger knows her to be?
Thoughts before reading:
Firstly, I love stories where animals are willingly loyal to a certain person. The synopsis has given me pretty big hints that the Tiger would be loyal to Fly. And since it mentioned friendship as well, I feel this book would be about a relationship between Fly and the Tiger and how they're relationship grow to something of trust, loyalty and love. I've been wanting to buy this book ever since. The sale at a nearby bookstore has given me the opportunity and I wasted no time getting it for myself!
Thoughts after reading:
The plot is fast moving and very thrilling. The first chapter and Fly already meets the Tiger! It is a satisfying start and as I read I looked forward to the next parts. I loved how they interacted, and also how Fly's lack of fear of the Tiger has gotten him to respect her. I'm kinda bumped Tiger didn't have a name, so I'm going to use the word "Tiger" as his name anyway haha XD
Now Fly has been living on the streets, but under the control of Black Bill ever since she was a baby. But this has helped her learn many survival skills, and street smarts. She's quick and agile and very good at escaping the clutches of stronger and bigger men. Fly also has the skills to put a glamour over anything she wants. So when she escaped with Tiger, people only see a huge dog following her around.
The whole story is about Fly going back to her kingdom, and then overthrowing her uncle who has been terrorizing the kingdom ever since he and the previous king (Fly's father) started to fight against each other and won. The storyline is very nice, and I love the idea of a kingdom where even the animals are your citizens. This book is really a lot like Narnia. What I don't like, however, is the Tiger's approach with Fly's unrefined actions. Tiger seems to forget Fly grew up having to fight to survive, and even though Tiger should understand (he was in captive for a while), he only admonishes Fly whenever she doesn't act like the princess she should be.
He could be more grateful too. After all, his princess sacrificed everything to get him back to his homeland, but she was living (in all purposes) hers. She's going to leave everything she was familiar with, and will be starting a new life somewhere totally different. Yet, during the journey, Tiger has been giving her mixed signals about his continued presence when they reach the place. Fly has to keep guessing if he would stay with her once they've reached the island. I didn't like that she cold still feel lonely when she's supposedly surrounded by friends, or subjects.
The language was a little jarring at first. It took me a while, but I got the hang of it pretty quickly. It wasn't to hard to decipher what Fly was saying even though I've never seen some of the words before. I have to ask…are those words made up by the author, or are they real words?
Rating:
3
It didn't really meet my expectations of a friendship growing.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 1, 2020
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! Full of adventure, heartache and love all blended into one. It's a book I struggled to put down. And the beautiful artwork was a nice feature to keep you further enticed to continue the adventure.
What does it teach you?
That family doesn't always mean they have to be flesh and blood.
That you should always fight for justice
True friends will always be there for you and they come in all shapes, sizes and even animals !
What does it teach you?
That family doesn't always mean they have to be flesh and blood.
That you should always fight for justice
True friends will always be there for you and they come in all shapes, sizes and even animals !
April 1, 2021
I read this book to my kids over a period of 2 weeks. What a beautiful story. They could barely wait for the next instalment.
The story goes from an orphaned lost childling in the care of a cruel uncaring chimney sweep master. To magical moments with her talking tiger, her journey released her powers and her strength, she finds her rightful home where she finds that there is a family and a kingdom waiting for her.
The story goes from an orphaned lost childling in the care of a cruel uncaring chimney sweep master. To magical moments with her talking tiger, her journey released her powers and her strength, she finds her rightful home where she finds that there is a family and a kingdom waiting for her.
August 27, 2022
Enjoyed the story
Some questions I was left with was....
why was there a chimney in the tigers cage?
why did the boss not sell her little box?
So did Dalit put the box and letter in the orphan baskets?
Spotted this book in charity shop, wouldn't normally pick something like this up, but I did enjoy the story, and such a beautiful cover.
Some questions I was left with was....
why was there a chimney in the tigers cage?
why did the boss not sell her little box?
So did Dalit put the box and letter in the orphan baskets?
Spotted this book in charity shop, wouldn't normally pick something like this up, but I did enjoy the story, and such a beautiful cover.
August 16, 2020
As a non-native English speaker, I really struggled with the language and dialect in this book and I'm afraid it kind of ruined my experience a bit. I did like the story overall and the drawings were gorgeous, kind of wish there had been more.
May 11, 2024
I got this book as a reward for this competition I entered in school. Even though the plot was good, had realistic characters, and was pretty straight-forward, I didn't particularly like it. I mean, this isn't really the type of book I like reading, but I had nothing else to read, so I read it.
July 3, 2020
This book is exhilarating and engaging although absurd. There were parts which went by quickly and didn't make much sense and also everything went right, like the ship scenario. (8+)
November 25, 2020
https://www.instagram.com/p/B_-fCXxgw...
^ Link to my review on Insta ^
^ Link to my review on Insta ^
March 3, 2022
This was amazing really nice description
May 7, 2024
this was AWFULLY good
July 21, 2022
Heartfelt, amazing and Victorian language boosts it all the way up to ten!!!
March 17, 2020
One magical friendship. One roaring adventure.
There were a number of elements that I enjoyed about this debut middle grade adventure; but the three that stood out were the pace of the plot, the characterisation of the heroine and the theme of friendship.
Firstly, Chrimes skilfully moved the plot along through a series of well-connected pieces of action throughout Parts 1 & 2. Though I enjoyed Part 1 more for the heist vibe and the contrast between the drab and dreary London and the colourful, exotic animals seeking freedom, I still found the voyage across the ocean and the exploration of the harsh and unforgiving Barithea in Part 2 to be engaging and bursting with detailed description.
Secondly, Fly was a perfectly created young heroine. She was strong (both mentally and physically), smart and loyal – something that was emphasised in contrast with the evil machinations of those who had illegally and violently stolen the crown.
Thirdly, the friendship. I adored the companionship between Fly and her tumblers – it was nice to read how strong their relationships were, and it was even better when we saw their strong connections put into action when they rescued her from the clutches of the evil man.
This little adventure will be a much welcomed addition to my classroom bookshelf!
Thank you @hachetteaus for gifting me a copy to read and review!
There were a number of elements that I enjoyed about this debut middle grade adventure; but the three that stood out were the pace of the plot, the characterisation of the heroine and the theme of friendship.
Firstly, Chrimes skilfully moved the plot along through a series of well-connected pieces of action throughout Parts 1 & 2. Though I enjoyed Part 1 more for the heist vibe and the contrast between the drab and dreary London and the colourful, exotic animals seeking freedom, I still found the voyage across the ocean and the exploration of the harsh and unforgiving Barithea in Part 2 to be engaging and bursting with detailed description.
Secondly, Fly was a perfectly created young heroine. She was strong (both mentally and physically), smart and loyal – something that was emphasised in contrast with the evil machinations of those who had illegally and violently stolen the crown.
Thirdly, the friendship. I adored the companionship between Fly and her tumblers – it was nice to read how strong their relationships were, and it was even better when we saw their strong connections put into action when they rescued her from the clutches of the evil man.
This little adventure will be a much welcomed addition to my classroom bookshelf!
Thank you @hachetteaus for gifting me a copy to read and review!
December 7, 2020
A heart-warming treasure; Fly is a lovely character - one of my favorite book characters ever. The illustrations are beautiful; they only make me want more of them! The tiger is such a wise character; the dumbledore of the rainforest. My only complaint (other than the lack of illustrations) would be that Fly's language is sometimes hard to decipher! I had to google some of them but all up, an amazing read.
October 25, 2020
Great, whimsical middle fiction with a Dickensian touch.
June 20, 2020
A royal, magical adventure. Definitely a fantasy book. I just had a very hard time with all of the words used by the sweeps and street people. I found myself glazing over those parts quickly.
January 4, 2020
This is an absolutely mesmerising and deeply moving story, which is unputdownable and will stay with me for a long time to come. This is most definitely Fly and her tiger’s story and what an unforgettable story it is: a story of entrapment and freedom; of cruelty and kindness; and, of despair and hope. I adored Fly: ached at the cruelty she suffered; marvelled at her strength and courage; and admired her empathy, kindness and selflessness towards others.
Fly has had the most terrible start in life, having been abandoned outside a London workhouse as a baby and then bought by the truly horrific Black Bill who forces her to clean chimneys for society’s elite as well as steal from them. After one too many beatings from her cruel master, Fly decides to take her freedom, but instead finds herself trapped in a cage with a tiger who addresses her as ‘Your Majesty’ and vows to restore her to her throne.
Whilst Fly does not believe that she is of royal blood, she does feel an affinity with the tiger and is neither scared of him nor surprised that she can communicate with him. The tiger has made a decision to restore her to her throne in a faraway, exotic Kingdom, but Fly has also made a decision: to free him and all the other animals trapped in the London menagerie, and take them back to their home in that Kingdom. Fly knows what it is to be trapped and crave freedom, so she immediately empathises with their plight.
This endearing girl has had to learn to be tough on the outside in order to survive her harsh and cruel upbringing where she is shown no love by adults. However, she is loved by an amazing group of street urchins who are the only family she knows. The relationship between Fly and her street urchin friends is incredibly heart-warming and touching as they support, protect and look out for each other; their camaraderie, with the utterly wonderful Gutterling language they use to communicate with, is just gorgeous which makes it all the more heart-breaking for Fly when she has to make an unbearably difficult decision…
Fly is being hunted by some sinister and very dangerous figures in London, figures who appear to know more about her past than she does, and who have an interest not only in ensuring she never leaves London, but also in obtaining the dangerously alluring ruby which she possesses … so begins a daring journey towards freedom: a journey filled with danger, with discoveries, with joy, with heartache and with temptation …
The genuine friendship between the tiger and Fly is enchanting. He both comforts and chastises her; encourages her to hope; and, is willing to protect her selflessly whilst she blossoms in the feelings of warmth and protection engendered through their unconditional love for each other.
This is an utterly engrossing, magical story which at times broke my heart, then mended it before breaking it all over again … a truly special story which is unforgettable, absorbing and heartfelt.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an e-ARC in return for my honest opinion.
Fly has had the most terrible start in life, having been abandoned outside a London workhouse as a baby and then bought by the truly horrific Black Bill who forces her to clean chimneys for society’s elite as well as steal from them. After one too many beatings from her cruel master, Fly decides to take her freedom, but instead finds herself trapped in a cage with a tiger who addresses her as ‘Your Majesty’ and vows to restore her to her throne.
Whilst Fly does not believe that she is of royal blood, she does feel an affinity with the tiger and is neither scared of him nor surprised that she can communicate with him. The tiger has made a decision to restore her to her throne in a faraway, exotic Kingdom, but Fly has also made a decision: to free him and all the other animals trapped in the London menagerie, and take them back to their home in that Kingdom. Fly knows what it is to be trapped and crave freedom, so she immediately empathises with their plight.
This endearing girl has had to learn to be tough on the outside in order to survive her harsh and cruel upbringing where she is shown no love by adults. However, she is loved by an amazing group of street urchins who are the only family she knows. The relationship between Fly and her street urchin friends is incredibly heart-warming and touching as they support, protect and look out for each other; their camaraderie, with the utterly wonderful Gutterling language they use to communicate with, is just gorgeous which makes it all the more heart-breaking for Fly when she has to make an unbearably difficult decision…
Fly is being hunted by some sinister and very dangerous figures in London, figures who appear to know more about her past than she does, and who have an interest not only in ensuring she never leaves London, but also in obtaining the dangerously alluring ruby which she possesses … so begins a daring journey towards freedom: a journey filled with danger, with discoveries, with joy, with heartache and with temptation …
The genuine friendship between the tiger and Fly is enchanting. He both comforts and chastises her; encourages her to hope; and, is willing to protect her selflessly whilst she blossoms in the feelings of warmth and protection engendered through their unconditional love for each other.
This is an utterly engrossing, magical story which at times broke my heart, then mended it before breaking it all over again … a truly special story which is unforgettable, absorbing and heartfelt.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an e-ARC in return for my honest opinion.
February 3, 2020
Fly is under the control of Black Bill who runs a group of street urchins. Being small, Fly is the perfect chimney sweep. When she sees her chance to escape her life of scraped elbows and knees, hunger and beatings, she doesn’t plan to land inside a tiger’s cage.
This isn’t just any tiger. It knows something about Fly that she doesn’t. When it tastes her with a long lick, it feels something to be true. Fly might be in ragged clothes, barefoot and filthy, but she has come from something much greater. When it tells Fly this she scoffs in her street slang, after never knowing anything else but dirt and hardship.
She vows to free this beautiful creature, and then the menagerie of animals she finds also locked in cages. The magic that allows her to hear the tiger’s words has always been with her. ‘Putting the stares on,’ is what she calls her special gift to make people see something other than the truth. This is how she feeds herself and her street kids ‘family’, and also make the tiger look like a large dog at her side.
But Fly’s plans are scuttled by the man who put the animals in their cages. He knows who Fly really is and of the priceless treasure in her possession. He has his own magic and controls a small, menacing being to keep an eye on her at all times. Can Fly escape their clutches, fulfill her promise to the animals, then get them all home to the island they came from?
Something different to anything I’ve read before! Fly is a resourceful, tough but kind character, aching at the hurt in the caged animal faces and determined to do something about it. The bond between her and the tiger is wonderful, and her interactions with the animals too. This isn’t a ‘fluffy’ tale about animals and urchins, as there are terrible wrongs and lives lost.
Fly and her street ‘family’ talk in a mix of Cockney rhyming and Victorian slang and there is a glossary in the back of the book to help understand these. This language quirk of Fly just adds to the narrative, being often funny and descriptive. Lots of animal action and adventure, ticking clock angst and a sea voyage too. Great read.
This isn’t just any tiger. It knows something about Fly that she doesn’t. When it tastes her with a long lick, it feels something to be true. Fly might be in ragged clothes, barefoot and filthy, but she has come from something much greater. When it tells Fly this she scoffs in her street slang, after never knowing anything else but dirt and hardship.
She vows to free this beautiful creature, and then the menagerie of animals she finds also locked in cages. The magic that allows her to hear the tiger’s words has always been with her. ‘Putting the stares on,’ is what she calls her special gift to make people see something other than the truth. This is how she feeds herself and her street kids ‘family’, and also make the tiger look like a large dog at her side.
But Fly’s plans are scuttled by the man who put the animals in their cages. He knows who Fly really is and of the priceless treasure in her possession. He has his own magic and controls a small, menacing being to keep an eye on her at all times. Can Fly escape their clutches, fulfill her promise to the animals, then get them all home to the island they came from?
Something different to anything I’ve read before! Fly is a resourceful, tough but kind character, aching at the hurt in the caged animal faces and determined to do something about it. The bond between her and the tiger is wonderful, and her interactions with the animals too. This isn’t a ‘fluffy’ tale about animals and urchins, as there are terrible wrongs and lives lost.
Fly and her street ‘family’ talk in a mix of Cockney rhyming and Victorian slang and there is a glossary in the back of the book to help understand these. This language quirk of Fly just adds to the narrative, being often funny and descriptive. Lots of animal action and adventure, ticking clock angst and a sea voyage too. Great read.
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