Cover and inside illustrations by Alan Brown
Published by Orchard Books (an imprint of Hachette Children’s Group)
Tiger Warrior: Fight for the Cursed Unicorn is the fifth story in this series of brilliantly exciting, magical adventures for younger readers of 6+.
The Jade Kingdom is in terrible danger and, once again, needs help from the Tiger Warrior, but Jack is having problems of his own. Stepping in to defend his friend from bullies, it is Jack who finds himself in trouble at school …
When he gets home, he shares what has happened with Yeye, his grandad, who tells him about a mythical Chinese creature, the xiezhi, who seeks out the guilty with its magical horn. As he is getting ready for dinner, Jack takes the Jade Coin out of his pocket to find it glowing … the Jade Kingdom is calling him, so he finds himself once again travelling through a magical portal to save a Kingdom.
Jack finds himself in the garden of the Jade Palace surrounded by his zodiac animal friends who have been released from the coin. He has arrived in time for a trial to determine the culprit who has brought danger to the Kingdom, and is excited to discover that a xiezhi has been brought to find the guilty party. But, when this magical creature accuses the Jade Emperor of a crime, Jack is determined to help his friend, Princess Li, prove her father, the Emperor’s innocence.
Can Jack and Li discover if the truth-telling unicorn has been cursed? Can he harness Rat’s weather power to overthrow the Dragon King? Or will Li and her father be banished from the Jade Kingdom?
I loved being back with Jack, Li and the zodiac animals in the Jade Kingdom in this action-packed, exciting adventure brimming with warmth and wonderful friendships.
The zodiac animals are absolutely amazing and I loved their joy and exuberance when they are released from the coin. When choosing an animal to help him, Rat asks Jack to trust him but Jack is not sure how he can help. When Rat’s power proves to be just what Jack needs, he learns that it is important to listen. The xiezhi also teaches him that, it is better to take time to think about a situation rather than rushing in rashly.
The full-and-partial-page illustrations throughout are wonderfully energetic and expressive and complement the action perfectly.
This is another thrilling, fast-paced, magical adventure for young readers who will be spellbound by the Tiger Warrior’s mission to save the Jade Kingdom. There is also a sneak-peek into Jack’s next adventure: Clash of the Dragon Masters.
Thank you to Hachette for sending me a copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
Book Craic 