“I would be the desert’s justice, mightier than any tiger”
Annie Sullivan burst into my world when I saw Tiger Queen circulating around. Tiger Queen was one of the most entertaining and captivating novels of 2019.
After I discovered that Tiger Queen was her second novel, I quickly swiped up the first novel, A Touch of Gold, and devoured it as well.
Ketari is a top of the line BAD ASS WARRIOR PRINCESS! She is the epitome of strength, and I loved everything about her. As I got to know Annie through Facebook, it was easy to realize that Annie is much the same. She’s a positive presence that is refreshing and sweet!
I’m completely trash for girl power novels, and I knew I had to get to this hype train IMMEDIATELY. I devoured Tiger Queen in literally 17 hours. I laid on the couch, feet propped up, and read cover to cover.
Instantly, the world in these pages absorbed me. I raced through the desert with Kateri and the Desert Boys word by word, line by line.
I was, admittedly, DEVASTATED when it was over.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Author: Annie Sullivan
Publisher: Blink
Format/Source: ARC
From GoodReads:
In the mythical desert kingdom of Achra, an ancient law forces sixteen-year-old Princess Kateri to fight in the arena to prove her right to rule. For Kateri, winning also means fulfilling a promise to her late mother that she would protect her people, who are struggling through windstorms and drought. The situation is worsened by the gang of Desert Boys that frequently raids the city wells, forcing the king to ration what little water is left. The punishment for stealing water is a choice between two doors: behind one lies freedom, and behind the other is a tiger.
But when Kateri’s final opponent is announced, she knows she cannot win. In desperation, she turns to the desert and the one person she never thought she’d side with. What Kateri discovers twists her world—and her heart—upside down. Her future is now behind two doors—only she’s not sure which holds the key to keeping her kingdom and which releases the tiger.
Whether you are a fan of high fantasy, series, stand alones or slow burns – Tiger Queen has something for everyone. A princess fighting for her kingdom, a band of thieves that can help her – and a twist that will leave your jaw on the floor. Annie Sullivan has dazzled us with her newest fantasy in a way that few can! Tiger Queen earned a 5/5 stars from the Book Dragon!
If you are interested in the full review of TIGER QUEEN, check it out here!
Annie has always been very sweet, and her willingness to discuss and interact with her readers is absolutely inspiring. Her novels are clean, appropriate for all ages, and just plain FUN!
Check out some Q&A below!
What inspired you to write this book?
Tiger Queen was inspired by the short story, “The Lady or The Tiger” that has a cliffhanger ending. I rewrote the short story so that it’s about a warrior princess who fights suitors in an arena to win her right to rule, but I included many elements of the original story.
What is the biggest lesson learned while writing your stand alone?
That I like writing stand alones more than series! Haha! I’m not sure that counts. But truly, I learned that I love creating unique creatures. Tiger Queen takes place in a desert that has unique insects and birds. I loved crafting each creature—taking something familiar and making it a little more dangerous so that it could survive and thrive in such a harsh environment.
Which character do you feel like you put yourself into most?
I put so much into my main protagonist, Princess Kateri. She’s fiery and stubborn, but beneath that, she’s all heart. She loves as fiercely as she fights—and she was practically born with a sword in her hand. It took a lot to make sure she was a character who could be strong but likable.
Which comes first, the plot or the characters?
It’s usually a bit of both mixed together. It’s more like I get an idea that may or may not have plot and characters built into already. Like “what if I took X story and added Y twist.”
Which character was loudest and/or most difficult while plotting?
I don’t plot. I’m a pantser—meaning I fly by the seat of my pants when I write. So I think Dimic fits this the best. He was such a funny character that could literally and figuratively bounce off walls, so he was a little all over the place at times.
Will we ever get to see Kateri again?
Ahh, a fan favorite question. As much as I want to be mysterious, I feel like Kateri’s story is done. I never say never—because you never know! If I ever did a sequel or spinoff, I might focus on Dimic, but I have no plans for actively doing that right now. I have too many other stories banging around my head waiting to be written.
Would you be able to survive the Arena?
Hahaha. No. I would probably run around trying to hide or climb out somehow…but I know it wouldn’t end well for me.
If you could be any animal, what would it be?
Maybe a dog. Dogs are so friendly and loving, and I’m pretty bubbly myself—so my tail would always be wagging!
Would you rather:
*SEA CRUISE or ROAD TRIP?
Sea cruise! I love the ocean.
*BOOKMARKS or DOG EARRED?
Bookmarks!!!
*DR. PEPPER or COKE?
Coke. But I really don’t drink a lot of soft drinks anymore.
*PAPERBACK OR HARDBACK?
Hardback. There’s just something so delightful about a nice hefty book.
*KATNISS or TRIS?
Katniss…even if I don’t agree with all her decisions.
*CION or EDWARD ?
Cion all the way!!!
*DOGS or CATS?
Dogs! I love dogs so much.
*MORNING BIRD or NIGHT OWL?
A bit of both? Maybe slightly more a night owl. There are quite a few nights I stay up really, really late editing when I’m on a deadline.
About the Author:
Annie Sullivan is a Young Adult author from Indianapolis, Indiana. Her work has been featured in Curly Red Stories and Punchnels. She loves fairytales, everything Jane Austen, and traveling and exploring new cultures. When she’s not off on her own adventures, she’s teaching classes at the Indiana Writers Center and working as the Copy Specialist at John Wiley and Sons, Inc. publishing company, having also worked there in Editorial and Publicity roles. You can follow her adventures on Twitter and Instagram (@annsulliva).
