Thursday, June 28, 2012

Review: Tiger Lily

Book: Tiger Lily
Author: Jodi Lynn Anderson
Series: N/A
Release Date: July 3, 2012
Publisher: HarperTeen
Pages: 292
Source: HarperCollins Canada (Thank you so much!)
Links: Goodreads | Amazon | Amazon CA | The Book Depository | Chapters
Stars: 4/5
Before Peter Pan belonged to Wendy, he belonged to the girl with the crow feather in her hair. . . .

Fifteen-year-old Tiger Lily doesn't believe in love stories or happy endings. Then she meets the alluring teenage Peter Pan in the forbidden woods of Neverland and immediately falls under his spell.

Peter is unlike anyone she's ever known. Impetuous and brave, he both scares and enthralls her. As the leader of the Lost Boys, the most fearsome of Neverland's inhabitants, Peter is an unthinkable match for Tiger Lily. Soon, she is risking everything--her family, her future--to be with him. When she is faced with marriage to a terrible man in her own tribe, she must choose between the life she's always known and running away to an uncertain future with Peter.

With enemies threatening to tear them apart, the lovers seem doomed. But it's the arrival of Wendy Darling, an English girl who's everything Tiger Lily is not, that leads Tiger Lily to discover that the most dangerous enemies can live inside even the most loyal and loving heart.

From the "New York Times" bestselling author of "Peaches" comes a magical and bewitching story of the romance between a fearless heroine and the boy who wouldn't grow up.


(summary taken from Goodreads)
MY THOUGHTS: 
"Let me tell you something straight off. This is a love story, but not like any you've heard. The boy and girl are far from innocent.  Dear lives are lost. And good doesn't win. In some places, there is something ultimately good about endings. In Neverland, that is not the case..." -Tinker Bell
I grew up loving Disney's version of Peter Pan, wishing I could move to Neverland and never grow old. But this book only makes me love it infinitely MORE!   

This book is told, not from Tiger Lily's point of view, but Tinker Bell's which is actually SO brilliant! Not only is the empathic little faerie able to know Tiger Lily's thoughts, but she gets a glimpse into other people's too. We get to share Tinker Bell's admiration for Tiger Lily's undeniable courage. And we also get to know her motives, the reasons for little Tink's actions and jealousy, and suddenly everything makes so much more sense.  

Going into this book, I didn't care much for Tiger Lily. I knew her as the girl who loved Peter and nothing more. But Jodi Lynn Anderson made me care and ache and want to know more about this crow-feathered girl! By the end, I wanted to cry when it was over. I did cry so much! As much as I love Wendy, part of me wished she wouldn't show up so Peter and Tiger Lily could get a HEA. But my powers of compulsion can only go so far. :')

Behind the scenes, Tiger Lily has a horrible life. She's arranged to marry the awful Giant and everyone is scared of her. That's why she craves those nightly escapades with Peter, who is wonderful and sweet in every way. With him, there's adventure and life and promise. He's so different from the boy I thought I knew Less innocent? More fierce? but this side of him is just as beautiful.  

My only complaint is that this book starts off slow and carries a similar pace throughout. Until Tiger Lily meets Peter, I was never completely pulled under and even then some parts felt dragged on. But the ending, the beauty, and the heartache makes up for it!

Tiger Lily is raw and beautiful and heartbreaking and sad. It took my heart, squeezed it into a tiny little ball, then let it fly. Because if you've seen Peter's story, then you know how Tiger Lily's end and it doesn't end well. But I promise that her story is well worth the read! 

BUY or BORROW?: If you want to pledge your love to Peter Pan or are even just a little bit curious about the girl with the crow feather in her hair, then you have to buy this book! :) 

-Mimi

44 comments:

  1. I like Tiger Lily better than Wendy actually so it's nice that she's getting her own story. She's so feisty and a troublemaker too which makes her even more interesting. I read another review and that blogger didn't like it that much, at least yours added perspective to it.

    TS

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  2. I thought this book was beautiful but I had a hard time with the pace. I did really *feel* Nevermore though and it felt right and true to the story. I'm glad you enjoyed it!

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  3. Aw, if a book made you cry, it must be wonderful! It sounds like a completely heartbreaking and wonderful book. I'm a huge of Peter Pan so I'd like to read this book. Even though I am team Wendy Darling, I think I could definitely see Tiger Lily in this. Lovely review, Mimi (darling)! :)

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  4. This sounds like a wonderful book. I like that it's told from Tinkerbell's POV!

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  5. I wasn't going to read this one, but you've convinced me now. Sounds awesome! Fab review!

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  6. EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE MIMI! I've been wanting to read this book since ages! I love how the book is written from the POV of Tinker Bell! When I watched Peterpan cartoons, all I can think of is Wendy and Peterpan! I definitely can't wait to get this book now!

    Amazing review, Mimi! ♥ Glad you enjoyed it! :)

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  7. This definitely sounds more intriguing now. Awesome beyond AWESOME review, Mimi. :)

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  8. Tiger Lily sounds really good but I don't want to read it if it ends with a heartbreak. :(

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  9. I've heard this one is really sad! Not sure if it's for me, but I'm definitely intrigued all the same!

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  10. Sounds so sad! I know there can not be an HEA because of Wendy so I was kind of planning on skipping this one lol I'm an HEA kind of girl. It sounds likee a very interesting and different take on Peter Pan. I actually don't really even remember Tiger Lily or how she betrayed Peter Pan. I think the book being from Tink's POV is very interesting. I feel so heart broken that poor Tiger Lily has such an awful life and then loses Peter as well. I will cry if I read it. :-( I also always dreamed of living in Neverland! I don't ever want to grow up even though technically I am a grown up :-D

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  11. Oh, Mimi, your review just made me a little emotional :') I can't wait to read this book - it sounds so heartbreakingly beautiful and I enjoy books that really tug at your heartstrings <3 I love Disney's version of Peter Pan but it probably portrays Peter as a more cute, heroic figure so I'd like to meet the more fierce side to him and I'm already feeling a little sad that there isn't a happy ending for Tiger Lily :( I think I'd adore that girl, how can you not fall for a girl with such a pretty name? And I'm glad the author managed to make you care and ache for her...

    Thank you for another beautiful review, Mimi <3 If you loved it this much and cried over it, I know it's one I'm not gonna want to miss x

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  12. I can't for the life of me remember Tiger Lily's plot line in Peter Pan. All I can vaguely conjure up is the image of her being kidnapped by Captain Hook and Peter having to save her. I do remember liking her though. I think I am partial to native Indians.

    I adore Peter Pan. When I was younger I used to really believe that if I thought happy thoughts I could really fly. One of the things that always put a cloud over the story is that all the girls are in love with Peter and only one of them could be happy.

    This sounds like an amazing book. Adding it to my TBR.

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  13. Oh, Mimi! This sounds really wonderful but also heartbreaking. I can't remember Tiger Lily in Peter Pan but when I saw the blurb of this book the first time I know this won't have a HEA. And I don't know if I can read this, I'm scared. LOL! But really, this sounds so amazing and touching. I might pick this up when I finally got the courage. Hehe. Lovely review, Mimi! :D

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  14. Awwwwwww, Wonderful review Mimi! I definitely can't wait to read Tiger Lily now and the way you make Peter sound already has me swooning! Having Tinker Bell narrate is a great idea, reading through her should be exciting.

    Thank you for sharing - have a great weekend! <3<3<3

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  15. I've read the original Peter Pan by J.M. Barrie. Peter is not by any means the perfect guy. He's vain, egotistic and immature... and I loved him lots. I shipped Wendy and Peter so hard in the movies and the book. So I think this book is going to have a hard time convincing otherwise... that's why I must get this book in order to test myself *wink wink*

    Fab review, Mimi!

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  16. Such an amazing review Mimi!!! I was stalking for your updates as usual on goodreads, because I honestly couldn't wait to get my hands on a copy! But the fact that you loved it and it made you feel so many different things, makes me want to go out and buy a copy straight away! :)

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  17. I love Peter Pan as well, so I can't wait to read this book ! I love that the book is told in the POV of Tinker Bell. It should be very interesting. I have a feeling I'll be heart-broken at the end though. :(
    I'm glad you enjoyed the book although it started out a little slow. :)
    Great review, girly ! <3

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  18. Oh, I feel like hugging you right now, Mimi! This book sounds so lovely and I think I will be just as emotional as you! <3 Peter Pan is one of my earliest book crushes, so I can't wait to have this book in my hands. Peter and Wendy don't exactly end up happily ever after either, so it's just very sad. :')

    Beautifully written review, Mimi-doll! <3

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  19. I still can't force myself to read a re-telling, no matter how badly I want to. You girls talked me into reading Cinder, so I'll do that first, but I'll try to read this next. I've read so many amazing reviews, I don't think I'll be able to resist.
    Sometimes a girl just needs a hearbreaking read, even if she does know the ending.
    This is such a wonderful review, Mimi! It makes me want to get lost in Peter's world all over again.

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  20. That is a really cool idea to have Tink narrate-I'm not a big fan of the fairy as I think of her being petulant when Wendy shows up but she sounds like a sympathetic narrator who does an excellent job.

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  21. Lucky yooooooou! I still have to wait before my copy arrives (won a pre-order!) but I can't wait to dive into this one. Fairytale retelling. Check. Peter Pan, double check! :D I'm glad that you liked it so much, because that means I'm going to love it too ^^

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  22. I haven't seen Peter Pan for a long time, so I forget who Tiger Lily was, but this book sounds interesting. I like the idea of being in Tinker Bell's head since you say she can see into other people's heads. Great review!

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  23. I wasn't really interested in this one until I read another review for this one which made me really curious about it. I liked Peter Pan but never got into his story but I think it would be interesting to see things from Tinkerbell's perspective. She was so cute when she got jealous in the Disney movie :)

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  24. Great review, Mimi!! I hear great things about this book, and obviously, being a Peter Pan nut, I HAVE to read it!! I'm really looking forward to seeing things through Tink's eyes - what a brilliant idea!!! :D

    Love the review, darling! <3

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  25. "As much as I love Wendy, part of me wished she wouldn't show up so Peter and Tiger Lily could get a HEA. But my powers of compulsion can only go so far. :')"

    I feel like this all the time! There are certain books where I just wish by sheer will alone I could change the outcome of them, but that's part of the fun as well - knowing I can't change it and I'll just have to deal with what happens:) Despite the slow start, this sounds like a brilliant read, and I really can't wait to learn more about Tiger Lily for myself!

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  26. This sounds so adorable and heart-wrenching at the same time. All reviews so far that I have come across have been positive! I'm glad you enjoyed this Mimi. I'm glad to hear the overall story makes up for any slower parts. Peter Pan has always been a favourite of mine - I just think the whole world and story is genius - and honestly can't wait to find out more about Tiger Lily. An amazing review, Mimi! :)

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  27. I was unsure if I should add this one to my TBR or not, but your review has whole-heartedly convinced me to add it! I've read some pretty good reviews, but your review has totally convinced me that I need to read this book! I think it's so neat that this is told from Tinkerbell's POV, I think that'll add so much more depth to the story.

    Fantastic review, Mimi! <3

    -Aneeqah @ My Not So Real Life

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  28. Aaaah Peter! One of the first fictional boys I ever had a crush on. It's so easy to see his appeal.

    But "This book is told, not from Tiger Lily's point of view, but Tinker Bell's which is actually SO brilliant!" <--I'm not sure I'm convinced. I'll have to read the book myself to see. It just seems to me that we already get a lot of Tink and her feelings for Peter. I would have preferred to read this story from Tiger Lily's POV, me thinks.

    Still, I have yet to come across any negative reviews for this book, so that is definitely saying something. TL is a character I only know through Disney, so it will be an experience getting to know her differently.

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  29. What a lovely written review, Mimi! I haven't read the original Peter Pan and to be honest, I don't remember Tiger Lily. I know, gasp! LOL I've heard some really good things about this one though. I'm glad you enjoyed it. Slow-moving novels are sometimes hard for me, but it sounds like it's worth getting through.

    -Lauren

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  30. Great review Mimi! I'm not sure how I'll like this one, if I get around to reading it, but it actually sounds pretty good, so maybe I'll like it! I'm glad you enjoyed it!

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  31. Wow, awesome review, Mimi! Don't we all love Peter Pan and the never-never-ending fun and joy he brings <3 and omg. A Tinker Bell POV. That. I have to read. I love the conclusion for your review! It's so well-rounded! Even though the pacing was a bit slow, it's so great that you felt those emotions at the end! <333 AWWWW!!!

    Vivian @ Vivaciously, Vivian

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  32. I just ADORED this one. And I can't even say how happy I am that you did, too. Seriously, your review absolutely put a smile on my face, Mimi. I am a HUGE Peter Pan fan - of every incarnation. I even watched the Disney cartoon, and I don't get into Disney stuff. I just, it's a mythic story and one that always brings tears to my eyes, and I loved everything about TIGER LILY that you did. Beautiful book, and I adored that we got to see different versions of these brave characters we thought we knew. BEAUTIFUL review, Mimi, seriously! *hugs*

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  33. Awesome review Mimi. I grew up on Peter Pan too. I so have to read Tiger Lily.

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  34. No no, I cannot stand bittersweet or even sad endings. I just can't !!! Your review however was so adorbale, that I nearly change my mind about this one.. But no - *sniffles* I can't!!!

    Although the Peter Pan Story is damn cute and who doesn't love Disney Movies!??! I still eat them up!

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  35. This is a beautiful review- it sounds so brilliant! I'm going to keep an eye out for it!

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  36. You cried?! Oh goodness. This sounds sounds SO GOOD. The slow pace doesn't bother me so much, though it's a shame it didn't totally pull you at times. But clearly the high points were enough to cement your love for this and that makes me so, so, SO insanely eager to get my hands on it! To explore Tiger Lily's life, to see a different side of Peter... and this ending you speak of... ahhhh!! AMAZING review, Mimi! Cannot wait to read this!

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  37. Wow, I never thought of Tiger Lily's side of the story. This book sounds amazing, and I'm definitely going to try to get my hands on a copy. It'd be so interesting to get to hear it all from Tinkerbell's perspective as well! Thanks so much for your amazing review!

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  38. Oh, Mimi, WOW. This sounds beautiful and heartbreaking and MY EMOTIONS. I SWEAR. Seriously, you cried? WOW. MUST read this!

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  39. "I love Wendy, part of me wished she wouldn't show up so Peter and Tiger Lily could get a HEA." THANK YOU. I literally wanted to strangle her I was so in pain. I felt cut and slashed and bloodied. The pacing didn't bother me because I was in tune with both Tiger Lily and Tinker Bell. Gosh, I love this book for all the wounds it inflicted on my now damaged heart.

    — Asher @ Paranormal Indulgence

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  40. Wow, so this book isn't told from Tiger Lilly's POV? I really thought it would! D: But that only makes it even more interesting, since I also find Tinker Bell to be an intriguing character. I never really thought about it... but now that you mention it, I'm so eager to meet that new side of Peter Pan!

    O.M.G. I thought it would be a HEA! *gets tissues ready* I'm so excited to read it! I think it'll get here around next week and I really can't wait to start reading it :D

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  41. Awww, Mimi! I love your review so much. I cannot WAIT to read this one! I really liked Peter Pan, even if I never LOVED him and this one just sounds fantastic! I love how you say it gives you a kind of understanding, that's definitely interesting and I can't wait to experience it! I'm so glad the ending made up for the slower start. :D

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  42. OH MY GOSH I WANT THIS BOOK SO BADLY!
    But I'd better be prepared with lots of tissues because this sounds like a heartbreaker! I had no idea this was told from Tink's POV either!
    Something tells me I'll like this Peter just as much as I liked the Disney version :)

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  43. I've been debating reading this one... I've heard mixed reviews and I don't really know the peter pan story (I know I'm horrible) and I have no clue who Tiger Lily is... :P But based on your review I'll have to give it a shot someday ;)

    Great review, Mimi!!

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  44. I just finished Tiger Lily late last night, and I was balling my eyes out! I completely agree with everything you've said in your review - this book is truly something! As always, brilliant review! :D
    ~Zoe

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