I feel like this book is very much a sort of afterthought to the Tiger and Del series proper (which it sort of was, I think publishing-wise). It takes place after Tiger and Del have mostly settled into a routine lifestyle; Tiger’s son wants to go on an adventure, so they oblige and have themselves an adventure.

There’s not a whole lot to say about it. Fans of the series will enjoy seeing familiar characters–Tiger and Del are just as fierce as they’ve always been; parenthood hasn’t slowed them down very much. I really liked getting to meet new characters and seeing how people react to Tiger as a legend and an aging, maimed man. If you haven’t read the first six books, I don’t think this would hold very much appeal for you. While the story is fairly solid, not much time is spent on character development and I just don’t think you’ll be able to connect with the characters very well without the background knowledge of the first books. The plot also probably makes much more sense if you have that backstory.

I will say that I don’t remember Tiger being so horribly chauvinistic. He must have been even more so in the earlier books, but I was younger and it didn’t bother me quite so much. This personality trait grated on me at first, but once the story got going it became less frustrating to me; I’m not sure if that’s because I got used to it or because there was less machismo (though it’s probably the former).

Overall, I was happy to have another adventure with the characters, but it’s not necessary to the series as a whole. I’m always game for another Tiger and Del novel, but the series is fine where it stands.

Also posted on Purple People Readers. ( )