Tiger Claws

Novels of India #2

by John Speed

India, 1658. History blazes in the pages of Tiger Claws as passion and desire ignite India's Muslim-Hindu conflict. The adventure that began with The Temple Dancer now continues as Maya, the temple dancer, traveling by caravan to her new owner, is kidnapped by the bandit prince Shivaji, and their destinies unite.
Meanwhile, in the jeweled palace of Agra, Aurangzeb---a fanatic warrior-prince with an insatiable lust for power---conspires with the Eunuch Brotherhood to overthrow his own father, the dissolute Mogul Emperor.
Shivaji reforges Maya's broken sword, sparking a rebellion that will rage across India and shatter the Mogul Empire. To this day, the names Shivaji and Aurangzeb inspire fierce love and fiercer hatred. Only the vast canvas of an epic novel can truly embody them. In Tiger Claws , a master storyteller breathes new life into their history---a conflict that shaped the face of India, and our world today.
With thrilling, sensual prose, John Speed weaves a rich tapestry of intertwining stories---of commoner and king, of women and the men they love, of Hindu priest and Muslim sheik, of eunuch, farang , and devadasi ; a world of violence, passion, and heartbreak; of unexpected wonder and enduring love.

Genres: Historical Fiction, India, Historical, Fiction

448 pages, Hardcover

First published September 4, 2007

About the author

John Speed began studying Indian history, art, and religion while still in high school. For more than thirty years, his explorations deepened as he became absorbed in tales of the fall of the Mogul Empire and of the rise of the rebel prince Shivaji. During his many visits to India, he has stood on crumbling battlements, crawled through lightless caves, bathed in sacred rivers, wandered through forgotten gardens, prayed at old mosques and ancient temples, joined in night-long kirtans and qwalis, cheered on ecstatic temple dancers, and laid his head at the feet of hundreds of saints both living and dead, Hindus and Muslims. Speed is a freelance political consultant and journalist who cofounded a successful on-line newspaper. He now lives with his dogs in a very small house overlooking Swami’s Beach in Cardiff-by-the-Sea, California. The Temple Dancer is his first novel.

Reviews

[Natasa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Speed’s profound knowledge illuminates the novel, taking you into a world rich with Indian culture, religion, and tradition, it made me feel like I was there experiencing it. The characters were real and balanced, totally believable. 

[A · Rating 4 out of 5]

Readers of “The Temple Dancer” will likely enjoy “Tiger Claws,” John Speed’s second book in a planned trilogy. Chronicling the latter years of Mogul emperor Shah Jahan’s reign and the power struggles that emerge as he declines,Speed paints a picture of 17th century Indian life that is both intriguing and, at times, horrifying. Through the eyes of a high ranking eunuch named Basant we glimpse the realities of life inside Jahan’s palace: from Basant’s vivid childhood memories of being made into a eunuch, to Princess Roshanara’s clandestine affair with ambassador Shaista Khan, to the emperor’s obsession with twin sister concubines. As Shah Jahan withdraws into an opium infused world his sons begin to vie for control of his empire – especially Dara, the pampered court favorite, and Aurangzeb, the dangerous Viceroy of the Deccan. While drawing you into this story Speed simultaneously introduces you to Shivaji, a disinherited Hindu chieftain who begins retaking his rightful territory with the help of longtime friends and sinister allies.

There is a lot going on in this novel and though the storyline is engaging the characters are almost exclusively male. Princess Roshanara plays a prominent role in the first third of the book, while the temple dancer Maya appears when the story moves outside the palace. Since “The Temple Dancer” focused mainly on two female figures I was surprised by this seeming reversal -neither Roshanara nor Maya progress beyond the two-dimensional sphere, though if you’ve read “The Temple Dancer” you’ll be able to add much more personality to Maya than is present in the story. Nevertheless, the end of the novel makes it clear that Maya’s time with Shivaji is just the beginning of another adventure, and in this sense the riveting dialogue, political maneuvering and action in the male driven story adds an exciting chapter to her life. In truth, had I not read “The Temple Dancer” and been so eager to learn more about Maya I probably wouldn’t have missed her playing a larger role in the novel.

Fans of historical fiction will devour the detail in this story. Speed’s profound knowledge illuminates the novel, drawing you into a world rich with Indian culture, religion and tradition. Though the ending is somewhat abrupt it seems that Speed is setting the stage for the final book in his trilogy. I can’t wait to finish this adventure with him.

[Linda · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was a bit disappointed in this second novel by John Speed as I really enjoyed his first book, The Temple Dancer. This one probably deserves more like 2.5 stars for the great historical setting in ancient India. The author is an authority on Indian history and culture and it shows. Unfortunately, he appears to be a better historian than a writer. The plots were confusing, but not as confusing as the characters, whom I struggled to keep straight from beginning to end. There was little resolution of the various conflicts and plot twists, and the ending was very abrupt. The dialogue didn't flow, and the characterizations were inconsistent. Characters kept changing their behavior with no explanation by the author. I finished the book feeling frustrated because I wanted it to be better. It had such potential.

[Vennela · Rating 1 out of 5]

A disaster.

It may seem good to people who don't really know what went on during the era this story took place in.

I wonder if the author even knows what the word 'research' means. The only thing there is in the book is a confusing plot where the amateur author tries to reinvent the magic of an Indian tale and fails miserably. And of course, he picks one of the most enchanting tales to retell. This book completely ruined the magic of the Persian ways. If you want a good ancient Persian book, read Colin Falconer's The Sultan's Harem, a tale of deception, sensuality, love, and politics. Don't waste your time on this book.

[Sarah W. · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have to admit, I did not find Tiger Claws to be nearly as enjoyable as its predecessor The Temple Dancer. The characters were simply less interesting and less engaging than those of the previous novel.

Set in 17th-century India, Tiger Claws focuses on the rise of two leaders, Shivaji and Aurangzeb. The schemes of royal courts and perils of war surround these two figures and drive much of the novel's plot. While the world in which these figures exist is carefully drawn, the numerous characters themselves often remain flat and underdeveloped.

[Matty Mullet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just as exciting as his first book, even more.

[Kikki · Rating 2 out of 5]

Das größte Problem ist das solche Bücher nicht wirklich meins sind. Das Buch ist an sich nicht schlecht aber es ist halt nicht meins

[Gayle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting read, but a bit militaristic and, at times, quite gory. I admit, I don't know a lot of history from India, so found it a bit hard to follow at times. I have no concept of where this books falls into the time line of Indian history, but I believe it's roughly "medieval" since it deals in the time period of Shah Jehad, builder of the Taj Mahal and his sons. I feel somewhat at a loss after finishing the book because I don't know how things played out from the point where the book ended. I feel there should be more to the story.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you like historical fiction this is so good! Takes place in the 1600's - It's got everything! I could not put it down - scheming eunichs, love, murder, sex, betrayal- hmmm, have I left anything out?

[Koxecho · Rating 2 out of 5]

2stars. Not nearly as good as temple dancer. I actually couldn't finish this one. Like the other review said it was confusing and hard to keep track of who was who. Chapters didn't flow and felt really disjointed. If you want India in this time period read indu sundaresan instead.

[Mindy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Better than the Temple Dancer by a good bit. Too many characters to keep track of though, and again, not enough depth or backstory to the characters. This author is one of many that to my mind will never be in the ranks of storytellers like MM Kaye or James Clavell.

[Garryvivianne]

Have moved to my "to read" list as this is quite a big book & I have too many others to read. (Library book) This is starting off really good tho.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good but not as interesting as the first book.

[Sunny · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not a fabulous book by any means, but a fun, quick read

[Bill · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Hindu freedom movement is starting in 17th century India as the Mogul empire faces a succession crisis. An interesting look into the Indian subcontinent.

[Marie80 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Интересно... во секој случај ми беше поинтересна од првиот дел.

[Allen Reesor · Rating 5 out of 5]

A work of literary art

Well written and fascinating. I hope more novels are in the works. Keep up the good work of bringing history to life!