A Tiger's Curse Novella (The Tiger's Curse Series)

Tiger's Promise is a novella that precedes the Tiger's Curse series. It is told in Yesubai's point of view, which I loved. It was captivating to get more of her story and the lead up into Tiger's Curse. I felt bad for Yesubai. She was such a sweet and innocent girl that just wanted to be normal in life and love. Her father, Lokesh, whom I didn't think could be any more a treacherous, evil, vile man and was totally proven wrong, was not very nice to her. For anyone that has read the Tiger's Curse series knows that it doesn't end very well for Yesubai, but I think she was happy in the end of her life. She did get to know a little of what being loved felt like because of Kishan. Even though Ren didn't know her that well and that they weren't in love he still looking forward to being her husband. In the end Durga gave her comfort as well. I adored hearing more of this story and highly recommend it to all the tiger fans out there and if your not a tiger fan, well you soon will be after reading this series.

Tiger's Promise is a novella that precedes the Tiger's Curse series. It is told in Yesubai's point of view, which I loved. It was captivating to get more of her story and the lead up into Tiger's Curse. I felt bad for Yesubai. She was such a sweet and innocent girl that just wanted to be normal in life and love. Her father, Lokesh, whom I didn't think could be any more a treacherous, evil, vile man and was totally proven wrong, was not very nice to her. For anyone that has read the Tiger's Curse series knows that it doesn't end very well for Yesubai, but I think she was happy in the end of her life. She did get to know a little of what being loved felt like because of Kishan. Even though Ren didn't know her that well and that they weren't in love he still looking forward to being her husband. In the end Durga gave her comfort as well. I adored hearing more of this story and highly recommend it to all the tiger fans out there and if your not a tiger fan, well you soon will be after reading this series.

Review courtesy of Dark Faerie Tales

Quick & Dirty: Perfect for fans of the series and a great introduction to those who would like to get a little taste of the story.

Opening Sentence: Most girls looked forward to the time when their father returned home.

The Review:

Yesubai is a beautiful girl that was raised by her tyrant father. Her mother mysteriously died shortly after giving birth to her and the only person to ever show her any kindness is her nursemaid, Isha. Growing up she learned that her father was a horrible man that would do anything for power, including using his own daughter.

When Yesubai becomes betrothed to a prince in a neighboring kingdom she gladly leaves her home behind. For the first time in her life she has hope that she may be able to escape her father, but what she didn’t expect was to fall in love. Soon her fathers traitorous plans come to light and Yesubai will have to finally take a stand against her father or watch all that she loves be destroyed!

Tiger’s Promise is a heartfelt and beautiful story that fans of The Tiger Saga will love. It has been a while since I read the books in this series, but luckily it didn’t matter. I do think you will appreciate this a lot more if you have read the other books, but it stands on its own perfectly fine as well. It is a novella, so it’s a fairly quick read and it helps you to understand Yesubai so much better. She is a pivotal character in the scheme of the story because in a way she started the whole curse that is a huge part of the rest of the series. By reading her story I appreciate and understand her character so much better. She was just a beautiful girl raised by a horrible man and put in an impossible situation! She’s not a selfish person like I originally believed her to be and she didn’t purposely try to hurt anyone. Her story was heartbreaking and the sacrifice Yesubai makes for those she loves was very noble. She ended up being a character I loved and respect!

You also get to see a glimpse of Ren and Kishan. It helps you understand the brothers just a little more and it also solidified Kelsey’s ultimate decision on which boy she would pick. It also showed you how their relationship was when they were younger and how their relationship with Yesubai changed them!

I am so glad that Houck decided to tell this part of the story. Like I stated earlier, fans of the series will find this a delightful addition and if you have yet to start The Tiger Saga this will give you a small taste into the world. I personally enjoyed this and it made me want to go and re-read the rest of the series since I have forgotten so much. If you are a high fantasy fan, I highly suggest you give this series a try.

Notable Scene:

Leaning back at an awkward angle, so he wouldn’t sense me, I wondered how long he would be standing in my very personal space. When he didn’t immediately move, I studied him in much the same way as I did the garden. The fact that he was handsome was obvious, but I’d been around handsome men before and had always remained largely unaffected. A handsome man could be just as cruel as an ugly one. I’d had far too many uncomfortable experiences with men to simply trust one based on his appearance.

That he was an emperor’s son meant he was powerful, but he didn’t wear his power in an obvious way like my father did. That fact made me like him more. His clothing was well made but didn’t boast the typical trappings that declared to everyone that a rich man wore them. His body was that of a warrior, not a king, which likely meant his father was still alive and, what was more, it meant that he was a brave—a man who stood alongside his soldiers rather than behind them.

FTC Advisory: Colleen Houck provided me with a copy of Tiger’s Promise. No goody bags, sponsorships, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review.

Before the curse, there was a promise. The anticipated novella, Tiger’s Promise (The Tiger Saga 0.5), tells the origins of Ren and Kishan’s captivating story. In the center of it is a girl named Yesubai. Trying to keep her magical abilities a secret will be difficult to hide from her villainous and abusive father, Lokesh. His plans consist of taking power over a neighboring kingdom by using his own daughter as a pawn. As Lokesh promises the prince to his daughter’s hand, dark forces begin to fill Yesubai’s world and she will have to decide if she’s willing to use her powers to protect the ones she loves and ultimate change the course of history.

It just feels good to be back in this world. This novella instantly brought back the excitement and heartbreak that the previous books have brought. Houck brilliantly give fans a thrilling book and an exhilarating look into the past history of their favorite characters. The build-up to the curse is absolutely amazing. The crafting of the story as well as character build-up are just incredible and expected.

There are books that will resonate with readers forever. The Tiger’s Curse series certainly had that effect. Reading about their origins and beginnings provided new perspectives on characters. Readers will appreciate just how lucid the books intertwine together. For readers that have read Tiger’s Curse series, it will be just as exciting as for readers who are jumping into this incredible story blind. The immaculate storytelling style of Houck fits perfectly with the tone and provided a comfy front row seat that bridges the story into Tiger’s Curse.

I really enjoyed reading the prequel to the Tiger's Saga. In Tiger's Promise I learned so much more about Yesubai and also how truly cruel and wicked Lokesh was even to his own child! It really helped me as a reader understand more of not only his character, but Yesubai. I really felt so much sympathy for he to situation but I also felt the weight she felt bearing the burden of her father's evilness and her love for a man she couldn't marry. I don't want to spoil the end, but I will say that everything about the curse makes more sense to me now. Once again Houck has amazed me with her enchanting storytelling skills which ensnare my attention and have me completing living in another world!

This is an amazing book that brings all four books of the series together. If you have not yet read the first four books, I highly recommend reading those before reading this prequel.
When I read the Tiger's Curse series, I never really liked Yesubai because she seemed a little off to me, but after reading this, I completely fell in love with her character. This book will leave you in tears yearning for more!
As my mom says it, I didn't read this book, I ate this book. (Because I read so fast I want more)

I hardly buy short stories, but this one was worth it. I have read the entire series and can't wait for more!!! I have lived this series from the beginning to end and I can't wait to read more from Colleen!!!