The Tiger’s Daughter

In K. Arsenault Rivera’s beautiful debut, The Tiger’s Daughter, the warrior empress O Shizuka receives a letter that reminds her of the past, before the Hokkaran empire took over every land and darkness began making its way around infecting the people. As the empress spends her childhood with the Qorin warrior Shefali, their destiny slowly unfolds. The only ones who can put an end to the darkness are Shefali and Shizuka, but as evil finds its way to them, they confront an even greater challenge.

Whether it’s happy or sad, Rivera brings to life every description, with vivid details and a world that immerses you in it. The style is elegant and poetic, flipping back and forth between the two perspectives. Shefali’s perspective thoroughly explores her feelings and her journey with such emotion that it’s easy to get caught up in. Rivera tells such a vivid story through Shefali’s eyes that it dives into a deeper understanding of Shizuka. The reminiscent quality makes it nostalgic, and a lot of sympathy is for the empress as she relives her past. The Tiger’s Daughter is a coming-of-age journey, a tale of mortality, and a love story that is a must-read for any fantasy lover.