PLOT: 3.5/5
WRITING STYLE: 4/5
CLIMAX: 4/5
ENTERTAINMENT QUOTIENT: 4/5
The Story
Heart of the Tiger follows the story of Ella, a brave, resolute, young woman in her struggles and sacrifices to save Oakwoods, an ancestral legacy. This has a precious place in her heart, the heart which will roar like a tiger if any foe to harm it.
Life in Oakwoods is blissful until a sudden tragedy struck, changing the life of Ella and her sister Kaveri drastically, taking them to places they never imagined.
Adding to this thrilling drama is the presence of a tiger that holds a different meaning to the different characters in the story.
What the tiger means to Ella and what will it lead to forms a major part of the book.
First Impressions
Heart of the Tiger has a notable title resembling the resilient characters in the book and is also related to the story within.
The cover art portrayed both of the lead characters of the book as well as the scenic plantation area the story is based on. Although it is a fine cover, it is not something that will attract me personally to the book.
However, the blurb on the other hand actually appealed to me. I was curious about the protagonist called Ella and her endeavours juxtaposing the terrors of a wild tiger.
What mysterious bond did they convey between them? And, will such a special bond end well?
My Review
As we read the story, we learn about the events, year after year which in a way explains the behaviourism and outlook of the protagonist Ella.
In the very beginning, we get a good glimpse on the backstory of Ella, on her ancestral lineage, her actual bloodline and even the drama behind her name!
Thus, the plot develops with the growing up of the beautiful sisters Kaveri and Ella, who were as far opposite from each other as is water from fire, and from there it goes forth to recount the mystical or fantastical spectacles and incidents that occur progressively.
I enjoyed this style of narration that enticed me into the storyline and I kept turning the pages till late at night. And although it was presented in a simplistic manner, the author was able to recite complex and rich sentiments and passions through it.
The characters in Heart of the Tiger had definite roles to play which they did well but I missed any kind of surprising or extraordinary element in their personality, already knowing the direction of the story or the fate of the characters before reading the subplot itself.
Lack of interesting figures other than the protagonist herself as well as the author’s narration rooted basically only on the salvation of Oakwoods rather than exploring peripheral themes made me lose interest halfway through the book.
But, it was regained soon as the plot took an exciting turn and ended as majestically as it tried to maintain throughout the book.
What I loved the most?
I really enjoyed the simplicity with which the author described the life in a flourishing plantation as well as the expression of a young, blossoming love.
The enigmatic protagonist, her determination and arrogance, had a beauty of its own. Her stronghold on the legacy and family as well as her command over the decisions of her life will definitely move the readers.
It was inspiring how Ella drew strength from the elusive wild beast that steadied her even against all oddities, and, enjoyed the loyal companionship of her beloved pet, Coffee till the very end.
Can’t wait to read it? Buy your copy of Heart of the Tiger using the link below.
