Tiger's Destiny (edition 2012)

Had a really difficult time finishing this book. Finally had to put it to rest. ( )

When author Colleen Houck stated book four of her Tiger’s Curse series, Tiger’s Destiny, would finally reveal the tigers’ true destiny, she wasn’t kidding. This installment answered pretty much EVERY question posed in the series which left me to wonder – what in the world is book five going to be about?

Tiger’s Destiny picks up where Tiger’s Voyage left off, with Kelsey in the hands of Lokesh and Ren and Kishan attempting to rescue her. It takes several weeks, though, for the brothers to find her and Kelsey has to keep Lokesh at a distance as much as possible. The “ick” factor was pretty high at the start of this book as Kelsey dealt with Lokesh on her own, and I wasn’t particularly impressed with her methods of keeping him at bay. Thankfully, she IS rescued and it is time for another quest for Durga’s final gift – the Rope of Fire. The quest will lead the trio into the bowels of the Earth and through space and time, with many sacrifices along the way – including the death of one beloved character and the loss of another.

The myths and legends of India continue to be this series strong suit. There really is no other series in the young adult paranormal genre that can compare to Houck’s tiger books. The many stories of the goddess Durga are at the center of everything, and I am endlessly fascinated by them. Throw in descriptions of fashion, ancient battles, and the mythical creatures that populate India’s history and you have a series that is unique. We also have two fantastic male leads in Ren and Kishan, and while I wish Ren was less self-sacrificing and Kishan was less impulsive, they continue to impress with their devotion to Kelsey and their determination to end the curse that ties them to their tiger alter egos. Ending the curse, however, will require an incredible sacrifice on the part of one of them – the loss of everything he holds dear. I was an emotional wreck as the final chapters played out, and I was heartbroken by what occurred. This is not to say it was an unhappy ending, it was just highly emotional.

Speaking of the ending, Tiger’s Destiny reads like this is the end of the series. We have what appears to be the final confrontation between Lokesh, Kelsey, Ren and Kishan, and we learn the fate of all the characters. Every question is answered except one – what did Kishan REALLY dream about when he and Kelsey were in the land of faerie in Tiger’s Quest? We get a partial answer here, but with another book actually planned – and entitled Tiger’s Dream – I’m thinking he saw a lot more than he ever told Kelsey or Ren.

The biggest weakness for this series continues to be our heroine, Kelsey. With her constant waffling between Ren and Kishan, her inability to step outside her relationship comfort zone, and random attacks of self-consciousness, Kelsey is a mess. Which is really frustrating since she is a strong character in all other respects. She cares deeply for others and never hesitates to jump in to help when needed, she struggles through each task given to her by the goddess Durga with grit and determination, and she loves to learn new things about India’s history and customs. Yet when it comes to Ren and Kishan, she falls apart. Even when she finally manages to decide between them (yes, it actually happens), she ends up picking apart her decision and questioning herself so much that she pretty much talks herself out of her choice. It is only a combination of events – and a sacrifice by one of the brothers – that clinches matters and pairs her up with the boy she loves. Frankly, both guys deserve someone better (and one of them actually gets exactly that). Kelsey, alone, is enough to knock this book out of a five-star rating. I like her, but she is extremely frustrating.

The pace of Tiger’s Destiny is brisk, but at times uneven. It is also a bit repetitive that we are once again on an impossible quest to dangerous lands with creatures both hostile and benign around every corner. The saving grace this time around is that this is the final quest. If the Rope of Fire can be found and Lokesh defeated, the curse will be broken forever. Some famous mythological creatures make their appearances here, with the Phoenix (pictured on the gorgeous book cover) the most significant. The Phoenix puts Kelsey through a trial by fire (literally) that finally forces Kelsey to confront her choices regarding love. It also takes Kelsey hostage for a day, so that we are able to experience the complete life cycle of a Phoenix and observe some interesting responses from the three leads when the Phoenix grants them each a gift.

In addition to the Phoenix, we also get a chimera, a tribe of demons called Rakshasa, and two more gods who happen to be brothers and want Kelsey for their own. Not until Kelsey, Ren and Kishan battle their way through all these legends is their ultimate destiny revealed, leading to a time jump to India’s ancient past and the creation of the goddess Durga herself. I felt Kishan was the highlight in this last section which, as I noted previously, is pretty emotional. I loved seeing him in warrior mode, training soldiers to defeat Lokesh, planning strategy, and stepping up where needed. At the same time I was a little frustrated by Ren, as he seemed to give up on any relationship with Kelsey and took several steps back. This was also the point where Kelsey was at her worst; Kishan saved this whole section for me – with the assistance of a warrior maiden named Anamika. Anamika was a natural leader, strong and able to make decisions, who put her soldiers first. She had some moments of insecurity about her leadership, but only showed them in private. She was a wonderful addition to the story with an incredible destiny of her own, and a solid foil for Kelsey’s character.

Colleen Houck’s Tiger’s Destiny has plenty of action, more myths and legends, a strong female foil to Kelsey, and more answers than I ever expected the fourth book of a five-book series to have. In fact, so much happens and so much is answered that you could stop reading the series after this book – and Colleen Houck could conceivably elect NOT to write a fifth – and you would have a solid ending with no regrets. I actually hope she continues with her plan because I am very curious to see in what direction she could take one more book. I would also love to see Ren and Kishan again – even Kelsey, whom I like even while she frustrates me to no end. Tiger’s Destiny is a wonderful addition to this YA paranormal/fantasy series and an extremely enjoyable read. ( )

Although I thought the writing in this series was vapid, I worked through the series just to see how Houck would wrap it up. All the battles fought with the tigers and Kelsey were won way to easily and the problem Kelsey had making her mind up between the two men she loved was irritating and juvenile. Her insecurity about her looks and whether she deserved either guy were annoying. The series probably could have been two books but it went on and on. ( )

This entire tale was the best one I've ever read. It deserves more than 5 starts. The enthralling romance, passion, and the magical twists, turns and adventures kept me on my feet and thristing for me. The whole world dissapears while reading this series. The princes are every girls perfect dream, no one can compare to Ren and Kishan. Yet Ms Houck twisted a perfect ending with a hint of sadness. Even finished this leaves the reader thirsting for more. Like Kesley you become dependent on the nourishing tale of the Tiger's Curse series, just like she was in need of Ren's love. Truely magical. ( )

I'm not sure what the 5th book could be about, but if this is the end it was a beautiful ending to an amazing story. I did not stop reading until I was done. Ren and Keshawn are some of the most amazing characters ever written. This book made me cry in happiness ( )