Tiger's Voyage by Colleen Houck

Pages - 543

Published by Hodder and Stoughton in 2011

' Is he going to do it?

I stared at Ren, searching for a hint of emotion. 

A full minute ticked by. The second he made his choice, I knew it. 

Ren stretched out his hands to make his move.'

Goodreads Summary

In the third installment of the Tiger series, Kelsey Hayes pushes through the pain of lost love and strengthens her friendship with Kishan. Despite his strong feelings for her, Kishan has agreed to be her ally in helping her reunite with the man she still loves. Together, they seek to help Ren regain his memory and begin the search for the third magical gift—an object of power that will help break the curse that causes them to live part of their lives as tigers. 

They board a luxury yacht and seek Durga's aid once again, who supplies them with her golden weapons. With Nilima, Mr. Kadam, Ren, and Kishan at her side, she soon learns that the task ahead will be even more difficult than the others. Confronting a dark magician, multiple dragons, and terrifying denizens of the deep seems easy when compared to facing the daunting task of stitching up her heart. Just when she thinks she's ready to set her feet on a new path, she is yanked back with a jolt to the one she's determined to leave behind. 

The jarring tug-of-war that ensues for Kelsey's heart leaves her anxious and confused. Combined with the stress of almost being killed every other day, it would appear that saving the tigers is almost more than she can handle. Still, she presses on, knowing that a choice is looming on the horizon. One she cannot put off making for long. 

Tiger's Voyage is an irresistible romance with a barrage of action on the high seas, where a reader will find a treasure chest full of dragons, sea monsters, knights in shining armor, fabled weapons, and enduring love. The tropic waters of India create the backdrop for the latest installment in the tiger series. This novel, a multicultural take on the classic Beauty and the Beast tale, delves into the complex emotional turmoil and pressure associated with not only making the best choice for a nation but also the best choice for yourself.

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Before I begin my review I have to warn you that there may be spoilers from the first two books in the series. If you haven't read the first two, then stop right here and go read them. NOW!

You wouldn't believe how I have waited for this book. Tiger's Quest ended with me screaming at the book - NOOOOOOO! So as you can guess I was desperate to find out what would happen next. 

I was disgusted by the way Ren treated Kelsey at the end of Book 2 and I think I may be holding a grudge against him now. Other readers have managed to forgive him, but I am one of those people who doesn't forget things easily and I won't let him off his cruel behaviour. My views of him didn't improve with this book either as his bad behaviour reached new extremes. He spent most of the book treating Kelsey like a yoyo - flickering her emotions in and out as it suited him. I just wanted to shake him and scream at him - 'What are you playing at?'

I am definitely on Team Kishan now as he has been so sweet to Kelsey all the way through. OK, he isn't as seductive and mysterious as he was in the second book but at least he doesn't boss Kelsey around and tell her what she can and can't do. He has obviously realised Kelsey is a independent woman!

So it seems as I threw away my rose tinted glasses, Kelsey seemed to do the same and although she loves Ren, she knows what  a jerk he can be. However the ending of the book ended on a huge cliff hanger again, leaving me dangling between two hot tigers!

I thought I would whip through this book really quickly, but I always seem to forget how detailed the author's writing is. Colleen Houck's books are rich with descriptions that need to be savoured, hitting all your senses in one go. This series is a like a fine wine, that cannot be rushed. I loved the detailed knowledge of Indian and Chinese traditions. You can tell the author really enjoyed researching these books and wanted to give us the full flavour of both cultures. 

This quest was totally different to the other two as it involved a voyage and I found myself thrilled by this journey. Each dragon they encounted on the way, stood out with uniqueness and quirkiness, leaving a memorable mark on me.  Although I may think twice about swimming in the sea again!

As you can guess, I loved this book as much as the first two. I just can't get enough of the Tiger series. I really don't know how I will manage to wait patiently for the next one. Not since the Twilight books has a series gripped me so intensely. 

Colleen Houck is a natural storyteller, who binds you into her web of adventure, keeping your interest locked all the way through until the end. This book is just as well paced and original as the first two in the series.  I don't think you can read this series without falling under this author's spell.

If you haven't read the first book Tiger's Curse, then I strongly suggest you do.