Written by Brooklyn Saliba
I was definitely excited to dive back into the world of Ian Steele as I absolutely found myself adoring his character in The Queen’s Colonial and equally loved the supporting characters, especially Alice and Peter Campbell. In turn, I found myself loathing Charles and hoped that he’d befall a perfectly fitting, wicked fate that he deserves!
I definitely found my dislike for Charles quite strong during this second book too, I mean the man is so ripe with villainy, even I was surprised with his lack of heart when he finds out his younger brother is killed in the war, let alone seething when their father openly mourns his youngest son. It’s like, c’mon, where’s your heart, Charles? Instead, he’s filled with time consuming hate for his brother, Samuel, because heavens forbid that Samuel get his fair share of the inheritance that he’s entitled to. Although, what I’m actually quite curious to know is what Charles and Samuel’s father thinks of the rumours that had been circulating about Samuel not actually being Samuel. When Charles presents his not-so wrong theory, his father completely scoffs, which is quite ironic given how he blatantly disregards this notion.
Which brings me to another point – it is just incredible that the real Samuel Forbes and Ian Steele have not been officially been outed as impostors of one another. How many close shaves can they get? Also, I felt like Samuel was being exceptionally risky putting his and his lover’s life in danger, to farewell his first love, which I understand, but the fact that he kept it a secret from James just wasn’t cool! James constantly expresses his worries over Samuel being seen and the latter is just so blasé about it all! It just really frustrated me, it’s like Samuel wanted to be safe and just spend time with his beloved James, then he just sabotages it and risks everything that he and Ian worked towards!
What I did appreciate though is that Rebecca Wilberforce, twin sister to Jane, has a burning hate for Charles. She knows, truly, that he is the reason Jane is no longer of this world and she wants him dead! It’s great that finally someone sees what the wretched beast is capable of! I really hope Charles gets his comeuppance!
I also loved how much time Alice was given, how much she grew as a character, and how her experiences coming face-to-face with a beautiful but beastly tiger whilst in India changed her. Truly, the title significance there was quite a powerful surprise meaning too! What I didn’t like though was Peter’s sudden initial jealousy of Alice and his own beloved brother?!
Like, really? After everything that Peter and Alice went through in The Queen’s Colonial, I couldn’t believe that he was just acting so childish! Alice obviously loves him and he just throws around accusations. However, Peter realises how Alice does love him and cherishes him and helps him in his surgeon work! I was literally cheering for Alice when she takes on the role of doctor, too. She even amputates someone’s leg to save their life. This is during a time where even the notion of a female doctor is laughable, but honestly, I loved it!
I’m definitely curious to see where Peter Watt takes these characters next, I truly hope that there will be another book in this series – there’s so much yet to be revealed! If you love historical fiction, then I definitely recommend The Queen’s Colonial and its sequel, The Queen’s Tiger!
The Queen’s Tiger is available from Amazon, Book Depository, and other good book retailers. A huge thank you to Pan Macmillan Australia for providing me with a finished copy of The Queen’s Tiger to read and review.
Will you be picking up The Queen’s Tiger? Tell us in the comments below!
Synopsis | Goodreads
Peter Watt brings to the fore all the passion, adventure and white-knuckle battle scenes that made his beloved Duffy and Macintosh novels so popular.
It is 1857. Colonial India is a simmering volcano of nationalism about to erupt. Army surgeon Peter Campbell and his wife Alice, in India on their honeymoon, have no idea that they are about to be swept up in the chaos.
Ian Steele, known to all as Captain Samuel Forbes, is fighting for Queen and country in Persia. A world away, the real Samuel Forbes is planning to return to London – with potentially disastrous consequences for Samuel and Ian both.
Then Ian is posted to India, but not before a brief return to England and a reunion with the woman he loves. In India he renews his friendship with Peter Campbell, and discovers that Alice has taken on a most unlikely role. Together they face the enemy and the terrible deprivations and savagery of war – and then Ian receives news from London that crushes all his hopes…
