The Tiger at Midnight (Tiger at Midnight, 1)
The first book in an epic heart-pounding fantasy trilogy inspired by ancient Indian history and Hindu mythology, perfect for fans of Sabaa Tahir and Renée Ahdieh.
* A Book Riot Most Anticipated Novel of 2019 * B&N Top 50 Most Anticipated Novels *
A broken bond. A dying land. A cat-and-mouse game that can only end in bloodshed.
Esha lost everything in the royal coup—and as the legendary rebel known as the Viper, she’s made the guilty pay. Now she’s been tasked with her most important mission to date: taking down the ruthless General Hotha.
Kunal has been a soldier since childhood. His uncle, the general, has ensured that Kunal never strays from the path—even as a part of Kunal longs to join the outside world, which has only been growing more volatile.
When Esha and Kunal’s paths cross one fated night, an impossible chain of events unfolds. Both the Viper and the soldier think they’re calling the shots, but they’re not the only players moving the pieces.
As the bonds that hold their land in order break down and the sins of the past meet the promise of a new future, both the soldier and the rebel must decide where their loyalties lie: with the lives they’ve killed to hold on to or with the love that’s made them dream of something more.
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Community Reviews
A captivating story, The Tiger at Midnight brings together an assassin and a soldier, intertwining their hearts and their mission to save their country.
Creative
What drew me to Tiger at Midnight was the world-building. The fact that Teerdhala draws inspiration from Indian and Hindu mythology gives the story a strong edge. It focuses on the land, on the Gods, on the symbol of blood equating to life.
There are so many illusions to the mythology that make me want to know more about Indian and Hindu mythology. Moreover, it adds layers to the storytelling and reflects on the characters. The novel’s title is referenced in the story, giving a deeper meaning to what the story is about.
The layers to the storytelling give it substance; they add tension to the character dynamics and allow the story to flourish. The Tiger at Midnight evolves as the story goes on, it starts as a story of revenge, but for the characters, they learn more about themselves, learn more about who they are, where they came from, and what drives them at their core.
Characterization
Alongside the story, these characters evolve. For example, Kunal and Esha begin on opposite sides of a coin but soon realize their core values align.
For Esha, she lives for revenge. Moonlighting as the rebel’s skilled assassin, she is known as the Viper. Esha was a victim of the coup that forced the princess into hiding and took her parents’ lives. Esha was a child when the pretender king took the throne. Her latest assignment brings her path across Kunal, a loyal soldier who longs to join the outside world.
They get wrapped up in their lies and secrets, but also their desire to make their kingdom a better place. Their dynamics reflect their characterization and their growth. Esha encourages Kunal to ask questions and expand his perception. On his journey to hunt down the Viper, he sees how the people are being abused by power, neglected by an army that is supposed to protect them.
Kunal is a soldier but an honest one. He only wants to see his people cared for, protected, not abused or neglected. Moreover, it is great to see him grow and learn.
The same goes for Esha. She sees more than Kunal, but her sight is clouded by revenge and anger. Kunal opens her eyes to hope. Kunal opens her eyes to the possibilities; he allows her to open herself up. Esha’s biggest flaw is her inability to let people in. Esha lives in suspicion, with doubt surrounding her and to see her break out of her shell is an excellent moment for storytelling and characterization.
Final Thoughts
The Tiger at Midnight is an excellent novel because it evolves. The story and mythology interweave with one another and build a strong narrative to hook the reader. However, what is more, impressive is how it evolves steadily, focusing on characterization and character growth.
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