The Queen's Tiger (2)

The Colonial Series #2

by Peter Watt

It is 1857 and Ian Steele, known to all as Captain Samuel Forbes, is fighting for Queen and country in Persia. A world away, the real Samuel Forbes is planning to return to London - with potentially disastrous consequences for both men. Meanwhile, army surgeon Peter Campbell and his wife Alice are in India on their honeymoon, with no idea of the chaos about to erupt.

After a brief return to England and a reunion with the woman he loves, Ian is posted to India, where he finds Peter and Alice in an unexpected and dangerous position. Together they face the enemy and the terrible savagery of war - but then Ian receives news from London that crushes all his hopes . . .

Praise for The Queen's Tiger
'Watt has a true knack for producing captivating historical adventures filled with action, intrigue and family drama.' - Canberra Weekly

'A vivid and pacy novel that will satisfy readers with an historical interest and with a dash of romance.' - The Weekly Times

Genres: Historical Fiction, Military Fiction

360 pages, Paperback

Published August 1, 2022

About the author

Peter Watt's life experiences have included time as a soldier, articled clerk to a solicitor, prawn trawler deckhand, builder's labourer, pipe layer, real estate salesman, private investigator, police sergeant and adviser to the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary. He has lived and worked with Aborigines, Islanders, Vietnamese and Papua New Guineans.


He speaks, reads and writes Vietnamese and Pidgin - and has a reasonable grasp of the English language. He currently lives in Maclean, on the Clarence River in Northern NSW.

Good friends, fine food, fishing and the vast open spaces of outback Queensland are his main interests in life. He also enjoys SCUBA diving, military history, crosswords (but not the cryptic kind) and teaching.

He is a member of the Australian Institute of Management, the Australian Institute of Training and Development and the Australian Society of Authors.

He holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree (University of Tasmania), Post Graduate Diploma of Training & Development (University of New England) and an Associate Diploma of Justice Administration (Sturt University).

Reviews

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was 1857 and Peter Campbell and his new bride Alice had arrived in Colonial India as Peter was an army surgeon and was needed in the field. His brother, Scott Campbell was in the thick of things in battle, leading his men forward. Meanwhile, Ian Steele in his guise as Captain Samuel Forbes, was fighting the battles for Queen and country in Persia. His posting to India came after he'd returned to England for a short time, spending a few hours in the arms of his beloved. The uprising of the Indian mutineers gained momentum and the different forces combined to overcome the mutineers and win the battles.

The Queen's Tiger is the 2nd in the Colonial Series by Aussie author Peter Watt and it was filled with fast paced action, adrenalin, fear and exhilaration. Alice was an exceptional character, calm in the face of all her husband encountered as the army surgeon, and it wasn't long before she was assisting him. A thoroughly enjoyable historical novel, The Queen's Tiger is one I recommend.

[Brooklyn Tayla · Rating 3 out of 5]

A huge thank you to Pan Macmillan Australia for providing me with a finished copy of The Queen’s Tiger to read and review and also an Author interview opportunity with Peter Watt, stay tuned for that coming soon :).
I was definitely excited to dive back into the world of Ian Steele, I absolutley found myself adoring his character in The Queen’s Colonial and equally loved the supporting characters, especially Alice and Peter Campbell. In turn, I found myself loathing Charles and hoped that he’d befall a perfectly fitting, wicked fate that he deserves!
I definitely found my dislike for Charles quite strong during this second book too, I mean the man is so ripe with villainy, even I was surprised with his lack of heart when he finds out his younger brother is killed in the war, let alone seething when their Father openly mourns his youngest son. It’s like, c’mon, where’s your heart, Charles? Instead, he’s filled with time consuming hate for his brother, Samuel, I mean, heavens forbid that Samuel get his fair share of the inheritance that he’s entitled to. Although, what I’m actually quite curious to know is what Charles and Samuel’s Father thinks of the rumours that had been circulating about Samuel not actually being Samuel. I mean when Charles presents his not so wrong theory, his father completley scoffs, it’s quite ironic, really, given how he blatantly disregards this notion.
Which brings me to another point – it is just incredible that the real Samuel Forbes and Ian Steele have not been officially been outed as imposters of one another, how many close shaves can they get? Also, I felt like Samuel was being exceptionally risky, putting his and his lover’s life in danger, to:
A) Farewell his first love – okay, I get that but the fact that he kept it a secret from James just wasn’t cool! James constantly expresses his worries over Samuel being seen and the latter is just so chill about it all! It just really frustrated me, it’s like Samuel wanted to be safe and just spend time with his beloved James, then he just sabotages it, essentially? and risks everything that he and Ian worked towards!
What I did appreciate though, is that Rebecca Wilberforce (twin sister to Jane), has a burning hate for Charles – she knows, truly, that he is the reason Jane is no longer of this world and she wants him dead! It’s like yay, finally someone sees what the wretched beast is capable of! I really hope Charles gets his comeuppance!
I also loved how much page time Alice was given, how much she grew as a character – how her experiences coming face to face with a beautiful but beastly tiger whilst in India changed her (truly, the title significance there was quite a powerful surprise meaning too!). What I didn’t like though was Peter’s sudden initial jealousy of Alice and his own beloved brother?!
Like, really? After everything that Peter and Alice went through in The Queen’s Colonial, I couldn’t believe that he was just acting so chchildish! Alice obviously loves him and he just throws around accusations! I just felt like it was really unnecessary! However, Peter realises how Alice does love him and cherishes him and helps him in his Surgeon work! I was literally cheering for Alice when she takes on the role of Doctor, too. She even amputates someone’s leg to save their lives – mind, not to scorn. This is during a time where even the notion of a Female Doctor is laughable, but honestly, I loved it!
I’m definitely curious to see where Peter Watt takes these characters next, I truly hope that there will be another book in this series – there’s so much yet to be revealed!
If you love Historical Fiction, then I definitely recommend The Queen’s Colonial and its sequel, The Queen’s Tiger!

[Julie (Bookish.Intoxication) · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love the over-all feel of this book! It reads as though someone is telling you about it over a cold beverage. Such a pleasant change!

Although this book is the second in a series, it isn't hard to follow if you haven't read the first book. It flows easily, allowing the reader to get lost in the world of India. The descriptions really transport you into the hot jungles, the windy beaches and the dangerous towns. Watt does an incredible job of making you feel like you know what 1800's India is like.

I'm starting to enjoy the changes in point of view. Sometimes it is difficult to get a grasp on who is the speaker, but it really makes the book feel more rounded. Adding Alice & Peters chapters adds so much to a war tale, makes it feel more human, more real.

The writing is more structured and formal than I'm used to and that is slowing down the pace for me, as I make my way through the formalities, but it is, in no way, taking away from the overall feel of the book.

I am finding myself getting so annoyed at Samuel, he keeps making stupid decisions that is putting both his and Ian's identities at risk. And he knows he is doing it, but refuses to take the advice of anyone who knows the situation. It is so frustrating. Each time he ventures out, he is recognised. Just get on the boat and go back to New York!

I also struggled with Peter and Alice's sections. For starters it was hard for me to quickly grasp who the speaker was, but I also find their parts quite stuffy and slow. I can see the build up happening though and can see why they are so important to the progression of the book, but for the first half of the book they have seemed more of a filler than anything of substance.

I felt the last 100 pages of this book, were slowly building up to something big, but that big thing never eventuated. So I'm a little let down by the lack of climactic events towards the end of the book. I understand that the letter never making it to London was a big turning point, but the whole story line just ended with its destruction.

For the most part, I did enjoy this book. It is such a change of pace to what I have been reading lately. It is well written and easy to read, the language perfectly suits the time period and it feels genuine. But I also feel, aside from numerous small battles and watching a brave woman hold her own in a male dominated field, nothing really happened. It was 300+ pages of alternating between a battle, a war hospital and two men fleeing Charles.

I wanted to love it, but it felt as though something was missing for me. As I mention above, it is well written and if you are after a historical fiction book to fill your time, this is the book for you.

I truly appreciate the team at MacMillan Australia for sending me out a review copy of this title. I love reading diversely and you always present me with that opportunity.

[Janine · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was my first book by this author and has left me with mixed feelings. Although I finished it quickly I did skim a lot as the writing style was not to my taste. I think that I would have enjoyed this book more if I had read "The Queen's Colonial" first as that would have helped me understand how Ian and Samuel swapped identities. The ending was a bit frustrating as I will need to read the next book in the series to discover what happens to all of the characters.
Thanks to Beauty and Lace Book Club and Pan Macmillan for my copy for review.

[Nic · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this one more than the first. It was quite a gripping page turner, and I enjoyed the addition of Alice’s perspective throughout the book, as I could relate to her and her ideals much more than that of the main character, Ian. She’s a woman who does not just want the ordinary life of an Englishwoman, and enjoys the intense work of assisting her surgeon husband in surgeries, even though it's highly frowned upon for a woman to partake in such activities.⁣
⁣
In this book, we also get to hear a lot more from the perspective of Samuel Forbes. I found this storyline the most thrilling part of the book, however it was also the most annoying. Maybe it was because I was so invested, but I found Samuel’s actions to continually put himself in danger so frustrating!⁣
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Once again, the historical fiction aspect of the book is superb. The author notes at the end that all historical events are portrayed as accurately as he can find, and I learnt a lot about Colonial India and Persia during this time period. While war isn’t my favourite topic, if there are any history buffs out there interested in this period of history, I’d highly recommend these books to you, as I think you’d really appreciate the descriptions of the battles and events.⁣

[Alexander Knight · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good story with lots of action and adventure but felt the writing lacked sophistication with at points the story leaving me with a feeling of being a bit thrown together and some dialogue between characters seemed unnatural. It was almost like the author had decided 3/4 through writing the book that he wanted to go in a certain direction and then went back to another part of the book to make that seem plausible. Overall, I enjoyed it.

[Andrew · Rating 4 out of 5]

Recommended. Fast moving historical fiction mostly centered around the Indian Sepoy revolt of 1857 but featuring a number of interwoven stories, including just a small taste of colonial Australia. Enjoyable.

[Kevin · Rating 1 out of 5]

was expecting an Historical Novel, not an inter woven love story with multiple romance sub plots.
The dialogue was annoying, again too much emphasis on the romantic tangles, the history of the time became a poor second.
Could not finish this book, disappointing!

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

The second book in the series is okay (again!). I would recommend reading the first before this one. I did like the expanded points of view from other characters. There was a lot of set up for the third book.

[Shobana Krishnan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really engaging but there is no sense of the horror inflicted by the Queen’s soldiers’ actions on the local populace. It such a blanket of goodness by the soldiers that it belies the grievances of the mutineers (freedom fighters perhaps??). I realise it is just a story but I found it frustrating.

[Trudy Hanley]

Enjoyable story line but I think there is a bit too much war at times.

[Nigel Copeman · Rating 5 out of 5]

The battles continue

Who survives the battles and how many know the truth. You will have to read the book to find out. Another great story by this author hence the 5 stars

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

An engaging series. Peter Watt pins a fine tale with interesting characters and a story line including some actual historical events.

[Jo · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great story line

[Annette Humphries · Rating 5 out of 5]

I normally don’t read historical fiction but absolutely loved this book.
It captured me being to end
Looking forward to more of Peter Watts books

[Mark Green · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thumping good read even if the narrative does depend on a lot of coincidences! Very entertaining though.

[Pete Loveday · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful series, well researched and well written. I strongly recommend.

[Dave Lavers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome characters, gripping plots and compelling story line. I can’t wait for the next one in the series!

[Chris Klitzing · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great novel by Peter Watt 😊😊

[Maxine Dale · Rating 1 out of 5]

Tyger Tyger, burning bright,
In the forests of the night;
What immortal hand or eye,
Could frame thy FEARFUL symmetry?

[C Cummings · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good follow on kept momentum

[Fiona Audain · Rating 5 out of 5]

Samuel Forbes has made the decision to travel back to England, against his lovers wishes. Causing problems for him, also Ian Steele!

[Martin · Rating 3 out of 5]

The very best Garth Brooks song I've heard is 'much too young'. Brooks is the greatest country singer to ever live and if I'm not mistaken only the likes of the Beatles, Michael Jackson et al have sold more 'albums' than he. In every respect he is supreme. The funny thing is that 'much too young' was his very first commercial single release. It was a virtuoso performance and I rate it 10 / 10. Every song thereafter was fantastic and most of them would be 9.9 / 10.

So why all the talk about Garth Brooks and country music? The parallel to Peter Watt is that this author is quite possibly the best in Australia in terms of his genre (although he doesn't get the accolades that he should). His first book was titled 'Cry of the Curlew' and a fantastic series followed. Cry of the Curlew was the 'much too young' of the literary world and quite possibly the best Australian book (of his genre) that I've read (together with the following two).

The unfortunate outcome of this is of course is that it is impossible to beat perfection! His books after the initial 3 of the Duffy / MacIntosh series have all been good, very good. This book is the same, but I guess it's difficult to rate when you've appreciated his best first. 3.5 stars for me.

[Unseen Library · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy of The Queen's Tiger from Pan Macmillan Australia to review.

Rating of 4.5.

Following on from the events of The Queen’s Colonial, in 1857, former Australian settler Ian Steele is still living under the guise of Samuel Forbes, a rich English noble who Ian bears an uncanny resemblance to. Ian switched places with Samuel in order to help him meet the required military service he needs to receive a vast inheritance. Serving as a captain in Queen Victoria’s army, Ian has proven himself to be a natural soldier, fighting against the odds dozens of times over against the most vicious enemies of the crown. However, despite the formidable enemies he has faced on the battlefield, Ian has encountered greater dangers far closer to home, as Samuel’s father and his murderous brother Charles are determined that Samuel will never receive his inheritance.

As Ian and his men, including his old friends Sergeant Conan Curry and Corporal Owen Williams, return from fighting the Persian army in Iran, a dangerous threat to the empire is brewing in India. Indian troops under the employ of the British East India Company have begun to mutiny, and the country, caught up in a swell of anti-British nationalism, is beginning to violently rebel against British rule. Among those caught up in the chaos are Samuel’s sister Alice and her husband the surgeon Peter Campbell, whose honeymoon turns into a brutal fight for survival.

Redeployed to India, Ian is once again leading the charge in some of the campaign’s most deadly battles against a determined foe. However, the biggest threat to his survival is happening half a world away back in England, as the real Samuel Forbes returns to London for a personal meeting under the name Ian Steele. When Samuel is spotted and his true identity is suspected, he finds himself hunted throughout England by Charles’s agents, determined to prove that Ian is an imposter. Can Ian and Samuel continue their ruse amidst the tragedy, tribulations and conflicts they encounter, or will the evil forces arrayed against them finally bring them down?

For the full review, click the link below:
https://unseenlibrary.com/2019/10/20/...

An abridged version of this review ran in the Canberra Weekly on 7 Novemeber 2019:
https://unseenlibrary.com/2019/11/07/...

For other exciting reviews and content, check out my blog at:
https://unseenlibrary.com/

[Lyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a pleasure to rejoin the characters in the Queen series. This one sees a lot of fighting and war, as well as the ongoing issues with Charles Forbes. Great to see some strong female characters! I eagerly await the final instalment.....please hurry Peter.