Bambi Unbridled: ARC Review: The Tiger Catcher by Paullina Simons

Series:	End of Forever #1
Pub. Date:	May 28, 2019
Publisher:	HarperCollins
Length:	464 pgs
Source:	Publisher

Despite having The Bronze Horseman on my TBR list for years, this is actually my first read by Paullina Simons. I have heard great things about her writing, so I figured I couldn't let a new series by her pass me up. I wasn't sure what to expect... but man, did this book put me through the ringer!

Are you prepared to risk everything to gain nothing?

How would you answer that question? Because it will become important over the course of this book. The story of Julian and Josephine was endearing, dramatic, tragic and harrowing. It changed from page to page and my emotions could never quite settle on how to feel about the relationship. This definitely was not a happy-go-lucky story... but I think the series is going to give us one of those epic romances that will stay with us for years to come. But along the way, you are going to have to deal with angst, apathy, grief and unsurety. So prepare yourself!

This book was interesting for me in that 1) it was told from Julian's point-of-view and 2) it didn't appear we were meant to love our "heroine" or love interest, Josephine. There were many times when I didn't like Josephine at all, and I have a feeling there will be more as the series progresses. Julian also isn't my "usual" type of hero. I felt sorry for him much of the time, but I ended up developing quite an emotional connection to his character. I care what happens to him. I want him to find happiness and stop wandering aimlessly through the universe.

The story has a touch of mysticism that will likely continue to grow throughout the series. I enjoyed that aspect of the plot, and I am looking forward to seeing where it takes us in the future. I am interested to see how Julian's friends and Josephine's family may be integrated into the mystic aspects, if at all. I do like some of the secondary characters, particularly our shaman, who seems to have a tragic story of his own. I also like Julian's best friend, even though he gives off a douchey vibe at times. I hope that we see them meeting and maybe collaborating to help Julian in the future.

For this being my first read by Simons, I know I need to work through her back list very soon. I am looking forward the future of this series, but also want to get The Bronze Horseman read ASAP.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book that I received from the publisher.