"Some of us just see the light more clearly than others. She needs you to find it again, and then, in time, to show it to her."

This is my first full-length novel by Janyre Tromp and I was impressed with her research of Burma during WWII and how she made the setting and characters come alive. It was not the easiest of novels to read because war is atrocious and the people of Burma faced unspeakable horrors. It also did have some violence as villagers engaged in guerilla-like tactics to get ahead of the Japanese invaders. But underneath all the trauma and horrors of warfare, there is a gentle but persistent theme of forgiveness and receiving and offering grace. We are reminded that salvation is not earned but freely given to be freely received.
Kailyn's metamorphosis into a "tiger", driven by anger, fear, and regret, was heart-breaking. Her first person voice was pure anguish and despair. But even in the midst of her darkness, God's grace, Ryan's tenderness, and her father's repentance reached her to bring her back into the light. Ryan's third person voice portrayed so much of the helplessness but also determination of the people to fight back.

If you enjoy WWII historical fiction, this book will hit you hard. Among the heartache, suffering, and loss, there is hope that is extended to all which surpasses this world. I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Kregel Publication and was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are my own. ( )

Darkness Calls The Tiger is one of those books that stays with you long after you turn the last page. This historical novel set in Burma (modern-day Myanmar) during WWII is above-the-top excellent. The setting is so very unique — the mountain villages of the Himalayan range of Burma combines with the Japanese invasion — that I was googling as I read. This is a time and place I knew nothing about, but now feel like I was there along with the characters. And what characters they are! The narrative switches between the first person POV of Kailyn Moran and the third person POV featuring Ryan McDonough. Each has trouble identifying their place and purpose in the world. Kailyn is a child of the jungle, yet is an outsider. A child of missionaries, she has one foot in Burmese culture and another in the foreign-to-her world of her American ancestry. Ryan is in Burma to honor his mother, but wonders if he will ever feel at home. And home is important for both of them. As the Japanese attempt the conquest of the country, the two take very different paths to rectify their failings and guilt. In order to avoid spoilers, I will just say that Kai and Ryan become people they feel destined to be, but is that what God really wants? Both have foundations in faith, but war, loss, and fear twists that all around.

The novel is a riveting page-turner. It portrays the ugliness, brutality, and evil of a world at war, but strongly shines a light of redemption and restoration that pierces that darkness. It is a must-read for those who love historical fiction, especially from a new perspective or for those who love a really good story.

Very Highly Recommended.

Great for Book Clubs.

Audience: Adults.

(I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley. All opinions expressed are mine.) ( )

“The only thing you can do is make a choice about how you’ll respond now. Revenge or love. Anger or trust.”

I have to admit the gorgeous cover is what first drew me to this book, but it’s the heartachingly beautiful story within that kept me quickly turning the pages. Set during WWII in the little known China-India-Burma theater, this powerful tale of love, loss, revenge, & forgiveness grabbed hold & didn’t let go. It’s the story of a missionary’s daughter who faces unthinkable odds as she & newly arrived missionary Ryan McDonough fight to protect her Himalayan Kachin village from Japanese invaders.

Kailyn Moran was told at a young age she’d become a vengeful tiger-person who’d die alone. Later, as an adult, her father leaves her & an inexperienced missionary from Texas in charge of the village with the threat of Japanese soldiers on the horizon. After experiencing violence, betrayal & death, Kai transforms herself into the vengeful tiger persona she was predicted to become & embarks on a brutal campaign against the soldiers who destroyed her village.

After losing track of Kai, Ryan joins the American military in India & returns to find the legendary Sharaw whom the Japanese soldiers fear. Facing death, destruction, & the painful tragedy of war, Ryan finds Kai & together they fight both the surrounding enemy & the enemy within.

This story really impacted me. I enjoyed the message of choosing trust & forgiveness. Kai experiences unimaginable loss & makes the wrong choices, but as she reconnects with those she loves, she finds hope & peace in forgiveness.

I loved the beautiful prose & the way the author conveyed such a range of emotions. Kai’s anger & desire for revenge were so understandable & palpable. I loved the metaphor of becoming a tiger & how her thirst for vengeance became animalistic. But, she’s not beyond reach & I loved how Ryan, with his own losses & hardships, fights to help the woman he loves.

The story & setting were so compelling & well written. I found myself on pins & needles as Kai & Ryan hide from their enemies. It’s a must read for historical fiction/romance fans. Highly recommend this stirring, unforgettable book! I received an advanced complimentary copy from the author and publisher. All opinions are my own and voluntarily provided. ( )

“You have no control over what’s happening around you. The only thing you can do is make a choice about how you’ll respond now. Revenge or love. Anger or trust.”

Janyre Tromp brings us a unique WWII story, Darkness Calls the Tiger. Focusing on the China-India-Burma theater of the war is something I’m not sure I’ve ever done, as most of the US focus seems to naturally involve Europe. Tromp brings the sights, smells, sounds, and fears of the jungle to life.

Young Kai’s amber eyes stir up suspicion among the villagers, and the old traveling storyteller affirms these suspicions with a frightening prophecy. While Kai’s missionary family believes in Karai Kasang, the Supreme God, a series of tragedies unfold over the next years that leave Kai reeling and alone. How can she trust in a supposedly loving God who would allow so much evil? Perhaps it is up to Kai to attempt to protect the jungle village from the encroaching Japanese invaders, perhaps finding love and acceptance in her sacrifice.

Slightly older, much newer missionary Ryan is a character I really enjoyed. He can see that underneath Kai’s tough exterior is a very capable, fun, and intelligent young woman. As Ryan takes over the responsibility of warding the Japanese away from his adopted village, he finds Kai beginning to work with him until an ultimate tragedy. Then, their worlds are rocked, shaken, and totally re-directed. Will Ryan find Kai again? Is she the person he believes he is hearing rumors about?

This is a very emotional story, touching on many issues that could be triggers for some readers. At the very least, my heart cries for Kai, the young girl who suffers loss that leads to isolation; Kai, the young woman who disappears but is actually on many lips and in many thoughts.

Choices. John Moran’s choices severely affect Kai, and her perception of the Heavenly Father. “I had memorized the verses saying Karai Kasang loved me, but it was Papa’s angry eyes I saw when I imagined God on heaven’s throne.” Kai makes choices over and over again as she seeks retribution for her people. But, can she find the power to deny the call of darkness that she has given such a stronghold on her life, or will she forever be alone, unloved, and unforgiven?

What I loved most about this book was the redemption aspect. The novel can be so dark. But when the light of God enters a life, that life turns around so spectacularly that I want to cheer for God, and shake Kai into belief. As if! So my fave secondary character is one who totally shocked me. The grace of God is amazing, and this character proves it.

I received a copy of the book from JustRead tours via Netgalley. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.

Notable Quotables:

“…I had two choices—be consumed in my anger and bitterness or . . .Or choose forgiveness and trust. At some point I realized that my anger only fed the evil.”

“It took bravery to be kind. Courage to be gentle. Strength to restrain. And I’d chosen the wanton anger and revenge of Sharaw instead.”

“Love wasn’t measured in how well a person followed rules, especially when they were ever-moving lines.”

“…trusting life to be good in the light ain’t nothing. But if you have to trust in the dark, well now, that is faith.” ( )

This story reminded me a little of Mulan, in which she risks death and disgrace by hiding her identity to fight in her father’s place; but, in this novel, Kailyn wants vengeance on the man who murdered her people.

It’s an enthralling story of friendship, sacrifice, and the power of a strong sense of hope, with a splash of romance. It’s a compelling story based on actual events. You will want to share this with your book club. Darkness Calls the Tiger is a page-turner. It’s riveting from start to finish. The characters emerge from the pages and into your heart. The author does a fantastic job describing war as cruel, harsh, intense, and heartbreaking without being overly detailed.

I appreciated the spiritual element that ran throughout the story as Kai grappled with her vengeful purpose. Her mission. Was it the right thing to do? Her childhood friend Ryan tries to shield her from the disastrous consequences of her actions. What would she do?

It’s a gripping tale of vengeance, fury, despair, forgiveness, and peace in Burma during World War II. It’s a story you won’t soon forget.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I requested and received a copy of this book by the publisher and NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins!
The Book Club Network blog https://psalm516.blogspot.com/ ( )