Review of Aunt Tigress by Emily Yu-Xuan Qin
The moment I stumbled upon Aunt Tigress, I was instantly drawn in by its premise—a blend of the supernatural with the everyday, set against the vibrant backdrop of Calgary. As a lover of unique narratives that explore identity and belonging, I couldn’t resist picking up this intriguing tale. Emily Yu-Xuan Qin crafts a world where myth and reality intertwine seamlessly, and Tam Lin, a part-tiger protagonist wrestling with her tumultuous past, quickly became a character I was eager to delve into.
At its core, Aunt Tigress explores themes of family, identity, and the struggle to carve one’s own path amidst the shadows of legacy. Tam’s journey is both compelling and heartbreaking; as she grapples with the loss of her father, her complicated relationship with her stepfamily, and her attempts to distance herself from her violent heritage, it feels strikingly relatable. I found myself rooting for her as she navigates her dual nature—half-human, half-tiger—constantly aware of the dangerous instincts that reside within her.
However, I have to admit, my enthusiasm waned as the narrative progressed. While Qin offers a rich tapestry of supernatural lore and colorful characters, the pacing often falters, especially in sections laden with exposition. The numerous stories that flesh out Calgary’s supernatural underbelly were fascinating but occasionally overwhelmed the primary plot. I felt adrift in the narrative, losing track of Tam’s quest for justice after Aunt Tigress’s death as the layers of folklore piled up.
Tam’s relationship with Janet was another aspect that left me conflicted. While I appreciated the representation and complexity of their dynamic, Janet’s brashness rubbed me the wrong way. Her fascination with danger and the supernatural struck a chord of discomfort—perhaps a protective instinct for Tam that never felt quite right. Their love story, set against Tam’s internal battles and fears, just didn’t resonate with me, which made it challenging to fully invest in their connection.
Nevertheless, I must commend the author’s imaginative world-building and vivid descriptions—a blend of violence and whimsicality that provides a perfect stage for Tam’s internal and external conflicts. I particularly enjoyed the voice work by Jen Zhao in the audiobook; her portrayal of Aunt Tigress was vibrant, adding an extra layer to the character that I found captivating.
In the end, while the first third of Aunt Tigress sparkled with promise, the later sections meandered to a point where I had to force myself to see it through. This is not to say that the book lacks merit; it’s an inventive read that will likely resonate with readers who appreciate supernatural stories steeped in folklore and complex character dynamics. For fans of urban fantasy looking to explore a Canadian setting rich with supernatural intrigue, Aunt Tigress may well be an engaging choice.
Overall, this journey with Tam Lin and her monumental struggle for agency and acceptance left me both entertained and introspective, though I wished for a more cohesive narrative to bring it all home. Thank you to Netgalley, DAW, and Spotify Audiobooks for providing the ARCs that made this reflective dive possible.
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