The Tiger’s Tongue another title from Mad Cave ready for trade treatment. I finally have time to work on this after all of the other posts. This is probably the most unique fantasy world since… darn it I can’t remember a non-European or D&D based example; no orcs, no elves, not even dragons. Sorry, I don’t have time for fantasy novels. Anyway, this series stands out not just with cultural influences but a political intrigue plot.
Who’s Got The Tiger’s Tongue?
Tiger’s Tongue revolves around well meaning twin princesses caught in something that might be too much for them. The stoic Kelindi wants to sue for peace with the River’s People. Think of it as transformative justice for a lifetime of subjugation by the Tiger People. Meanwhile the carefree Aridani prefers to support her sister and treat everyone around fairly. But they face a few problems with those goals. For one the People of the Tiger’s Claw still hold all of the power; also the River’s people aren’t quite ready to forgive the side that essentially enslaved them. Even an innocent act by Aridani to offer a ride on her tiger familiar is seen as a political agenda.
Olivia Stephens provides a pretty good setup for a political intrigue plot. This one just so happens to handle subject matter without being preachy. Best of all there’s the crux of the plot, a prophecy. It threatens two people who wanted to support one another into becoming rivals. Worse yet, every one of the Tiger’s People knew this would happen, holding power over both their future leaders and the river people. This includes the readers who in the process of learning about the twins comes to love them in their own way. It’s also why much like the Tiger’s People, they’ll have preferences. That engagement will hook readers in, but it can also lead to projections on well-rounded people.
Do People In Power Have Any Real Power?
As the series progresses, a family drama ensues showing off just how dysfunctional the royal family is. Even from the grave, Lindi and Dani’s mother influences events to suit her vision. It becomes apparent that the late queen never really loved her daughters, save for extensions of herself. This was especially in how the queen influences Dani through the other ancestors and her tiger familiar. The warm and supportive Dani becomes a bitter and terrifyingly cold person, complete with cryomancy. As for Lindi, the queen torments her with visions of rejection for even thinking about peace.
Then there’s the king, a man torn between loyalties to his daughters, his people, and his wife. He worries constantly about Dani as she becomes more cold but does little to nothing in reaction. The way he shouts at Lindi to get things done begins to feel more like anguish at being unable to stop Dani. Because in the end, he follows his love’s dying wish, despite the toxicities; all the while hoping it can be stopped. It’s a heartbreaking doom that tests the very limits of family bonds.
Show Off The Magic
In The Tiger’s Tongue art department, Diansakhu Banton-Perry depicts a lively and unique culture. Inspired by East African and Indian culture, the character designs, clothing, and food are like nothing seen before. That’s to say nothing of the expressive faces and visuals that help tell the story. There’s a warm atmosphere in the colors by Bex Glendining in juxtaposition with the serious events taking place. Can’t forget about Joamette Gil’s lettering to show off the magical connection between Tiger People and their familiars; it comes with specialized fonts for the tasks.
Tune In For The Tiger’s Tongue
With just its first issue, there’s a whole lot of intrigue on how the overall plot develops. Between main characters readers come to love, being put in political situation sounds terrifying. There seems to be so much to enjoy with a fantasy world like few others. The only gripe I’ve got are familiar tropes of prophecies and class warfare. But The Tiger’s Tongue has enough uniqueness for these to feel fresh. Overall this gets 8.5/10.
[…] The colors pop off the pages, giving a very animated feel to the book.” – Nolan P. Smith Gutternaut Read More “With just its first issue, there’s a whole lot of intrigue on how the overall plot develops. […]