It took me a little while to get into this book, but once I did it completely took over my brain. While it's a traditional story in many ways, it was also unlike anything else I've ever read. I felt like I really was in India during a time when the British were steadily controlling more and more of the country, yet a widespread belief in old, powerful stories and faith persevered. Instead of being just another story about magic, it was a magical story - corny, but true. ( )

Full review

Similar to the Arabian Nights, it a story tell within a story. How the two stories of Farhad and Raka come together in the end is done remarkably well.

“You don't understand at all. It doesn't matter what's true and what's a fairy tale. That's not what matters. The dividing lines aren't as straight and simple as you think. - Raka”
― Antonia Michaelis, Tiger Moon

The writing is beautiful and takes you right in to the story. The author puts a lot of effect in describing India and its culture.

Nitish is now one of my favorite characters of all time. I want to ride on Nitish going as fast as the clouds. I love how the friendship between Nitish and Farhad form a strong bond as the story progresses. Farhad character’s growth from a cold hearted theft to a compassionate person in the end is great character devolvement.

Some of the side characters feel like their there to more the plot along. Some of them are interesting and complex during the short time there in the story. The plot is a basic hero’s journey that doesn’t end happy ever after. It is heart wreathing sad leaning more towards bitter sweet. None the less be prepared to shed a tear or two. ( )

I bought this at a Barnes and Nobles that was going out of business years ago. I thought the cover was just beautiful. While it sounds like it's the story of a princess, it's really the story of a thief that goes on a quest to save the princess and I think this the first thing that threw me off. I expected to follow the princess, instead I was following a thief who was suddenly turning his life around and his white tiger. And then there is the woman telling the thief's story who makes it clear that she doesn't believe the story in the end and yet clearly it does all seem to be happening with her participation no less.

That being said, I did think that the story was actually beautifully told. The language was gorgeous and the look of the book also worked very well with the story including some nice patterns on each page. I know the book is good but it wasn't for me as much as I thought it was. ( )

I bought this at a Barnes and Nobles that was going out of business years ago. I thought the cover was just beautiful. While it sounds like it's the story of a princess, it's really the story of a thief that goes on a quest to save the princess and I think this the first thing that threw me off. I expected to follow the princess, instead I was following a thief who was suddenly turning his life around and his white tiger. And then there is the woman telling the thief's story who makes it clear that she doesn't believe the story in the end and yet clearly it does all seem to be happening with her participation no less.

That being said, I did think that the story was actually beautifully told. The language was gorgeous and the look of the book also worked very well with the story including some nice patterns on each page. I know the book is good but it wasn't for me as much as I thought it was. ( )

I bought this at a Barnes and Nobles that was going out of business years ago. I thought the cover was just beautiful. While it sounds like it's the story of a princess, it's really the story of a thief that goes on a quest to save the princess and I think this the first thing that threw me off. I expected to follow the princess, instead I was following a thief who was suddenly turning his life around and his white tiger. And then there is the woman telling the thief's story who makes it clear that she doesn't believe the story in the end and yet clearly it does all seem to be happening with her participation no less.

That being said, I did think that the story was actually beautifully told. The language was gorgeous and the look of the book also worked very well with the story including some nice patterns on each page. I know the book is good but it wasn't for me as much as I thought it was. ( )