The Tiger’s Prey: A Novel of Adventure

Again, and as ever, there is larger-than-life adventure, sweeping movement, and great conflicts. With Tom Harper in the equation, previously blending almost imperceptibly with Smith’s ouvre, we see an increased dosage of sensuality and stark sexuality. This does not detract from but rather amplifies and expands the sub-genre.

In the age of sail, of cannon broadsides, and of long-arranged rendezvous, there is a sense of immediacy, of both limitation and of expanded possibilities.

Starting with a stern chase of a merchantman captained by a grimly determined Englishman, rescued (of course) by a Courtenay, we are led, willy-nilly, through the loss of fortunes, the sundering of families, and captivities both degrading and expanding.

There are faint echoes of Star Wars and of other, more recent plottings. None are diminishing of this rousing tale.

Many characters, both male and female, inhabit the epic, and all are developed well by this team of writers. The pursuit of a fantastic sword, of wealth, of reunification, and of resolution of familial conflict, contributes ongoing tension wonderfully. No one could have done such a sweeping tale-telling more effectively.

I do recommend that readers seize upon this adventure as eagerly as it deserves.