Review: Tiger's Quest by Colleen Houck

Book Description via Goodreads:

Hardcover, 457 pages

June 7, 2011, Splinter

Kelsey Hayes is no ordinary college freshman. In fact, the eighteen-year-old girl has just returned from India, where she risked her life—and her heart—to rescue a handsome Indian prince from a terrible curse. Back home in Oregon, Kelsey is determined to move on, despite the lingering feelings she has for the man she left behind. She meets Li, a completely average guy who offers the promise of an ordinary, curse-free life. But just when Kelsey is ready to move on, Ren reenters her life, on a quest to reclaim her heart. Danger threatens their newly rekindled love and to save him, Kelsey must journey with someone else—a man who wants her for himself. The saga begun in Tiger’s Curse continues in Tiger’s Quest, as Kelsey finds herself in an epic battle between good and evil. From the shores of the Pacific Northwest to the jungles of India, the mountains of Nepal and Tibet, and the mystical realm of Shangri-la, this suspenseful tale of love, sacrifice, and redemption is not to be missed.

Source: Bought

My Thoughts:

Tiger’s Quest kicked off with a sad separation. Kelsey decided to go back to US and leave behind Ren in India. It hurt her so bad to stay away from him but she wanted to give him a chance to think, to live life freely without having to feel pressured of giving back Kelsey’s love. She was surprised with what waited for her arrival. With this, she was more than capable of having a fresh start. She started college and kept herself busy. But no matter what she did, her heart always longed for Ren. She still felt the connection between them, which has stretched between two continents. His absence made her stronger and switched on her survival instinct. She tried to move on, one step at a time.

Just like Kelsey, Ren was also suffering. Every moment hurt but he respected that Kelsey wanted him to stay away and start his new life. But he couldn’t stay away from her anymore. He came back in her life with renewed passion. He followed Kelsey in the US. From then on, Ren and Kelsey’s relationship was smooth-sailing. They had so many things in common and their sweet and thoughtful nature drove them closer. Ren was a surprise planner, romantic, poetic, sweet, dedicated and overprotective. He owned Kelsey’s heart. But his brother, Kishan, also loved Kelsey. He was the darker, bad boy version of Ren. Daring, straight-to-the-point and true to his feelings, he was a man on a mission. He was determined to be there for Kelsey, to express his love for her, no matter how much it would hurt him. I have to admit, I wanted Ren for Kelsey in the beginning of the series. But with Kishan unleashing his charm and being a shoulder to cry on, he became a perfect rival for Ren. With his arms ready to catch Kelsey anytime she falls, she found herself tempted, charmed and even in danger of falling.

With Ren held captive, Kelsey had no choice but to go with Kishan on the next quest. They embarked on a tedious, challenging and life-changing journey to find the airy prize. The Indiana-Jones-mixed-with-tomb-raider-feel of the quest was something that I thoroughly enjoyed. Kishan’s flirty attitude, humour, persistence and strength made things spicier. Hot guy + dangerous situations = a good chance of making Kelsey really notice him.

Like in Tiger’s Curse, the goddess Durga guided them and gave them gifts to aid them in their journey. The quest was focused on the element of air. With it came various creatures like sirens and iron birds. The world that they encountered was as surreal as the one in Tiger’s Curse but it was more magical, more beautiful and more dangerous all the same. The action and the pulse-pounding factor went a couple of notches up in Tiger’s Quest. The blend of the various mythologies from all over the world was fascinating. I’ll say this once: nothing can beat Houck’s hypnotic storytelling and her diverse fantasy worlds.

Tiger’s Quest is an adventure filled with romance, peril, thrill and dilemma. Engaging and intense, this installment will leave readers panting and seeking for more. Tiger’s Quest is the perfect drug for fantasy and romance lovers. This sequel deserves more than 5 stars! Don’t pass this up, you will never regret it! I highly recommend this series!

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