Tiger's Destiny (Book 4 in the Tiger's Curse Series) [Hardcover]

Colleen Houck (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 4, 2012 | Series: Tiger's Curse (Book 4)

With three of the goddess Durga's quests behind them, only one prophecy now stands in the way of Kelsey, Ren, and Kishan breaking the tiger's curse. But the trio's greatest challenge awaits them: A life-endangering pursuit in search of Durga's final gift, the Rope of Fire, on the Andaman Islands in the Bay of Bengal. 

 

It's a race against time--and the evil sorcerer Lokesh--in this eagerly anticipated fourth volume in the bestselling Tiger's Curse series, which pits good against evil, tests the bonds of love and loyalty, and finally reveals the tigers' true destinies once and for all.

 

A smart  phone tag code on the back cover links readers to the series website.

 

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Ablaze with fiery passions--and sheets of actual fire, too--this conclusion to the Tiger's Curse quartet brings Oregon teenager Kelsey and the two Indian were-tiger princes who have divided her heart through a climactic battle to a final, bittersweet mate selection. . . . [readers] are sure to be left throbbing and misty-eyed." -- Kirkus Reviews

"The Tiger's Curse Series has everything my heart could desire in a fantasy: exotic locations, two dashing princes, good vs. evil, the promise of danger and adventure lurking around every corner-and did I mention the two dashing princes?  Warning: these books may cause you to forget anything else exists until you've turned the last enthralling page. And then you'll want to start all over again!" --Bree Despain, author of the Dark Divine trilogy

 

PRAISE FOR Tiger's Voyage:

“Epic, grand adventure rolled into a sweeping love story . . .” --Sophie Jordan, author of Firelight

“An epic love triangle that kept me eagerly turning the pages!” --Alexandra Monir, author of Timeless

 

PRAISE FOR Tiger's Quest:
“. . . shocking, heart-rending, soul-tearing. . .” --Kirkus Reviews

 

PRAISE FOR Tiger's Curse:
“Tiger's Curse is magical!” --Becca Fitzpatrick, New York Times bestselling author of Hush, Hush

 “Action, history, poetry, romance, magic--everything you could ever want.” --RT Book Reviews

“Houck's debut YA fantasy, which she self-published in 2009, is richly imagined…” --Publishers Weekly

“Houck…is adept at including details that allow readers to understand the story's setting…Twilight fans will appreciate the supernatural, star-crossed romance.” --School Library Journal

About the Author

Colleen Houck's first two YA novels, Tiger's Curse and Tiger's Quest, were New York Times, Publishers Weekly, and USA Today bestsellers. Colleen lives Salem, Oregon, with her husband and a life-sized white stuffed tiger. For more information visit: tigerscursebook.com.

Product Details

• Age Range: 12 and up
  
• Hardcover: 464 pages
• Publisher: Splinter (September 4, 2012)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1402798431
• ISBN-13: 978-1402798436
• Product Dimensions: 9.4 x 6.6 x 1.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (131 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #6,069 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Colleen Houck's New York Times bestselling Tiger's Curse series has received national praise with the fourth book, Tiger's Destiny, debuting September 2012. Colleen is a lifelong reader whose literary interests include action, adventure, science fiction, and romance. Formerly a student at the University of Arizona, she has worked as a nationally certified American Sign Language interpreter for seventeen years. Colleen lives in Salem, Oregon, with her husband and a huge assortment of plush tigers.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 15 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Live To Read September 29, 2012

By Chels

Format:Hardcover

Readers who were waiting at the edge of their seats can finally relax. Kelsey, Ren, and Kishan return in yet another adventure filled with romance, mystery, action, and intrigue. The story is easy to fall in to; Colleen Houck provides vivid descriptions, the places will be fresh and real in the reader's mind throughout the story. The setting of the book truly sets the scene in this case.

The characters were much the same from the first couple of books with some development. Ren and Kishan are as charismatic and swoon-worthy as ever, but Kelsey began to get annoying. She still hasn't fully chosen between Ren and Kishan although she considers herself to be Kishan's girlfriend. She simply doesn't devote herself to him in any serious way; poor Kishan seems so sure about her, so confident that he loves her and she doesn't give much back. There were a couple surprises in this book, some concerning Mr. Kadam and Kishan, that will make the reader have a "gut reaction." Colleen Houck's ability to affect the reader is such a way is the mark of an excellent writer.

There is a certain magic feel to the story, an undercurrent of suspense interwoven with romance that makes this book very memorable. The ending is, although likely not satisfying for all readers, a good ending. Colleen Houck ties up the last few remnants very well, starting in the beginning of the book to make it less shocking in the very end. Overall, this book is highly recommended to young adult/teen readers.

*Complimentary copy received for review, this in no way affects my opinion*

20 of 23 people found the following review helpful

3.0 out of 5 stars Disastrous, series-ruining love triangle continues.. September 7, 2012

By Ashley Evans

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

When reading this review, keep in mind that I LOVED the first book--Tiger's Curse--but everything since then has gone downhill from me. The love triangle caused me to give the second and third books lower ratings, and now also the fourth book. If you loved all the books in the series until this point, you'll probably love Tiger's Destiny. If the love triangle has aggravated you, then my review is probably for you.

The love triangle is definitely what ruined this series. Throughout Tiger's Destiny, we have character after character reminding Kelsey to follow her heart, and telling her to pick between "her two tigers." Kelsey knows she has to make a decision. She knows that she loves Ren more. But she still spends THE ENTIRE BOOK just sitting there fretting about it and doing nothing (until the very end). For me this was most frustrating because Kelsey makes it very clear (in both Tiger's Voyage and in Tiger's Destiny) that she loves Ren more. Ren is the burning desire, the passion that cannot be calmed. She loves Kishan, but not in the "soul mate" type way. Kishan is the nice guy who's sweet, and safe, but without any spark. So regardless of which guy *YOU* like better, it's obvious that she should pick Ren because she loves him more and she's passionate about him. But instead, Kelsey comes up with a million excuses why she can't be with him, and instead, she decides to lead on Kishan. It is so unfair to be with a guy when you don't really want to be with him, and some of her actions in Tiger's Destiny just drove me insane (but they're spoilers so I won't list them).

Tiger's Destiny also had some issues that I found in earlier books. A lot of Kelsey's dialogue felt very, very scripted and emotionless. Kelsey wasn't impulsive and didn't have normal human reactions. Humans are impulsive. Even if it means freaking out and then recomposing ourselves a few minutes later. But not Kelsey. As an example: at one point Kelsey is off on her own, and then returns back to where she left Kishan and Ren to find that their tent has been ripped apart and Ren and Kishan are gone. They've been captured. Kelsey looks around and then says to Fanindra: "Well, we've got to save them. There's no question about that." There's no freaking out. There's no OH MY GOD WHERE HAVE MY TIGERS GONE?? I'M NOW ALL ALONE IN A JUNGLE FILLED WITH VAMPIRES AND ZOMBIES!! (which was true) If I was traveling with two people in a jungle filled with vampires and zombies, and then realized I was all alone, I would freak the **** out.

Honestly, the only reason I'm giving this book three stars instead of two, is because I can appreciate the research that went into this book and the creativity surrounding the fantasy and world building. The fantasy in this book didn't draw me in as much as it did in Tiger's Voyage, which was disappointing. Maybe I just wasn't in the right frame of mind to appreciate it? I don't know. But I can still acknowledge that there's some insane creativity going on here and Colleen Houck really brings fantasy and mythology to life.

The ending of Tiger's Destiny was totally and completely and 100% predictable, but I still enjoyed it. It's fun to see things get all wrapped up and have a little happily ever after. There were some seriously major Twilight references, but I did my best to ignore them. But one down side is that it felt really rushed. When Kelsey finally made her choice between the two guys, I wanted to rejoice and savour the moment.. but it all ended very, very quickly. I don't know what Colleen Houck has in store for us with the mysterious fifth book, but I seriously hope it expands upon the post-curse days.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Well Written August 31, 2012

By Candace

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

Tiger's Destiny is filled with adventure that makes you want to never stop reading. Riveting war scenes that make you feel that you are in the middle of the action and cringe when one of the heroes take a blow. Bitter sweet scenes that have your heart aching, and happiness that over comes you with emotion.

Kesley's ultimate task is to choose one of the brothers to love and built a life with. That seems like a simple task, but is too hard for her to do on her own. She is testing throughout the story by both human and beast. She knows in her heart what is true, but does not want to hurt either of the brothers. In the end it is the brothers that make the choice for her. She knows that it is the right choice, but still has a hard time letting go of the other brother.

She also has to face her fear of death. She has held her heart back, scared to be pained by death. She looses yet another person that is dear to her in death. It takes a beast to show her that death is nothing to fear and is the natural cycle of life.

I highly recommend this series! Colleen Houck has a way with words that will make you part of the story and stay with you long after you have finished reading.