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Jack Howard #4
The Tiger Warrior
India. 1879 . Lieutenant John Howard witnesses something so unspeakable it changes him for ever. His subsequent disappearance is never solved.Egypt . Present day. Marine archaeologist Jack Howard makes an astonishing discovery on a deep-sea dive.What's the connection? Jack Howard doesn't know yet. But he's about to find out.This isn't just a treasure hunt; it's a desperate search for the truth. A truth that will unlock the mystery of Jack's great-great grandfather's disappearance. A truth so compelling Jack's pursuit is almost unstoppable. Almost. A formidable enemy from Jack's past has appeared in his present, and this enemy will stop at nothing to protect its earth-shattering secret.
448 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2009
73 people are currently reading
1607 people want to read
About the author
David Gibbins
48 books608 followers Canadian-born underwater archaeologist and novelist. Gibbins learned to scuba dive at the age of 15 in Canada, and dived under ice, on shipwrecks and in caves while he was still at school. He has led numerous underwater archaeology expeditions around the world, including five seasons excavating ancient Roman shipwrecks off Sicily and a survey of the submerged harbour of ancient Carthage. In 1999-2000 he was part of an international team excavating a 5th century BC shipwreck off Turkey. His many publications on ancient shipwreck sites have appeared in scientific journals, books and popular magazines. Most recently his fieldwork has taken him to the Arctic Ocean, to Mesoamerica and to the Great Lakes in Canada.
After holding a Research Fellowship at Cambridge, he spent most of the 1990s as a Lecturer in the School of Archaeology, Classics and Oriental Studies at the University of Liverpool. On leaving teaching he become a novelist, writing archaeological thrillers derived from his own background. His novels have sold over two million copies and have been London Sunday Times and New York Times bestsellers. His first novel, Atlantis, published in the UK in 2005 and the US in September 2006, has been published in 30 languages and is being made into a TV miniseries; since then he has written five further novels, published in more than 100 editions internationally. His novels form a series based on the fictional maritime archaeologist Jack Howard and his team, and are contemporary thrillers involving a plausible archaeological backdrop.
After holding a Research Fellowship at Cambridge, he spent most of the 1990s as a Lecturer in the School of Archaeology, Classics and Oriental Studies at the University of Liverpool. On leaving teaching he become a novelist, writing archaeological thrillers derived from his own background. His novels have sold over two million copies and have been London Sunday Times and New York Times bestsellers. His first novel, Atlantis, published in the UK in 2005 and the US in September 2006, has been published in 30 languages and is being made into a TV miniseries; since then he has written five further novels, published in more than 100 editions internationally. His novels form a series based on the fictional maritime archaeologist Jack Howard and his team, and are contemporary thrillers involving a plausible archaeological backdrop.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 134 reviews
March 14, 2010
David Gibbins' novel, The Tiger Warrior, reveals the author is an intelligent, educated and worldly man. The novel brims with historical and archaeological facts and theories spanning in time and place from the birth of the unified Chinese empire in 221 BCE to Caesarean Rome to British colonial rule on the Indian subcontinent to present day Afghanistan. Most of these facts and hypotheses are intriguing, and all are patently the result of Gibbins' commendably deep research, study and thought.
Unfortunately, none of the above renders Gibbins a master of character, dialogue, or narrative pacing in the art of storytelling. With rare exceptions, his characters are uniformly dull. These characters do not converse with each other so much as they lecture at one another. They often speak for hundreds of words at a time in single stultifying paragraphs that frequently fill more than an entire page before being subjected to an equally bloviated and professorial response. Real people do not talk this way, and wading through lecture after lecture churned out by one flat character after another makes for tedious reading and slows the story to a crawl.
Had Gibbins paid as much attention to character and dialogue as he did to his excellent research, this book would be enjoyable, rather than merely informative. He did not, and accordingly the novel reads far more like a textbook than a good story told well.
Unfortunately, none of the above renders Gibbins a master of character, dialogue, or narrative pacing in the art of storytelling. With rare exceptions, his characters are uniformly dull. These characters do not converse with each other so much as they lecture at one another. They often speak for hundreds of words at a time in single stultifying paragraphs that frequently fill more than an entire page before being subjected to an equally bloviated and professorial response. Real people do not talk this way, and wading through lecture after lecture churned out by one flat character after another makes for tedious reading and slows the story to a crawl.
Had Gibbins paid as much attention to character and dialogue as he did to his excellent research, this book would be enjoyable, rather than merely informative. He did not, and accordingly the novel reads far more like a textbook than a good story told well.
October 1, 2017
2,5/5 αστεράκια.
Αυτό το πράγμα με τον David Gibbins δεν το καταλαβαίνω. Έχω διαβάσει ήδη 4 βιβλία του κι ενώ ο άνθρωπος είναι αυθεντία και αστέρι στον τομέα του, μια κινητή εγκυκλοπαίδεια σε ό,τι τον αφορά (καταδύσεις,αρχαιολογία,ιστορικά γεγονότα και άλλα τόσα...) κάθε φορά αναστενάζω να βγάλω βιβλίο του! Ενδιαφέροντα τα όσα γράφει, αναμφίβολα, αλλά ρε παιδί μου δεν κυλάνε οι σελίδες.
Έτσι κι εδώ. Η ιστορία υποτίθεται πως είναι ενδιαφέρουσα, περίπλοκη, καλοδουλεμένη, ΑΛΛΑ.. ΑΛΛΑ.. Δεν.. Απλά δεεεεν... Κατά τη διάρκεια της ανάγνωσης ήμουν συνεχώς έτσι:
Τι παραπάνω να πω;!
Αυτό το πράγμα με τον David Gibbins δεν το καταλαβαίνω. Έχω διαβάσει ήδη 4 βιβλία του κι ενώ ο άνθρωπος είναι αυθεντία και αστέρι στον τομέα του, μια κινητή εγκυκλοπαίδεια σε ό,τι τον αφορά (καταδύσεις,αρχαιολογία,ιστορικά γεγονότα και άλλα τόσα...) κάθε φορά αναστενάζω να βγάλω βιβλίο του! Ενδιαφέροντα τα όσα γράφει, αναμφίβολα, αλλά ρε παιδί μου δεν κυλάνε οι σελίδες.
Έτσι κι εδώ. Η ιστορία υποτίθεται πως είναι ενδιαφέρουσα, περίπλοκη, καλοδουλεμένη, ΑΛΛΑ.. ΑΛΛΑ.. Δεν.. Απλά δεεεεν... Κατά τη διάρκεια της ανάγνωσης ήμουν συνεχώς έτσι:
Τι παραπάνω να πω;!
January 28, 2010
Why do I do it? This is my third book by David Gibbons—and I like them less and less. I keep thinking: a real archaeologist writing an adventure novel, how perfect. If I were smart enough I would BE an archaeologist. I also want to be Dirk Pitt or Kurt Austin. So what’s the problem? He’s a good writer—what don’t I like? Um . . . how about ‘boring?’ You can’t just throw in a ton of facts and expect them to be interesting. Besides, how will we, the great unwashed, differentiate between what the author knows to be true and what he is inventing for the story? As I read this book, I kept telling myself to relax and enjoy the ride—but the text was completely overburdened with details, foreign words, and descriptions of ancient objects that are probably real. I happened to notice a 20 page ‘Authors Notes’ in the back of the book so I kept flipping back there to see if there was any basis for what I was reading. Half yes and half no. What the hell is wrong with me? This kind of thing has never bothered me before. Maybe it is because the blurb on the cover states the author is a cross between Indiana Jones and Dan Brown. Wait a minute. I don’t want those two mixed metaphors in my head. Besides, Indiana Jones is fun and I have a fridge in the back yard, just in case! Dan Brown . . . well . . . he’s rich, which has nothing to do with anything.
I liked the idea of the ‘lost’ [Roman:] Legion, a story which has been around for hundreds of years, heading off towards India. Good idea. And just as the modern day search for ancient Legion artifacts takes off, the author stops for fifty pages of hero back story—something to do with his father getting lost in Cambodia. What? Was I not paying attention? Yah, I was.
I began flipping ahead, which I hate doing—I paid U.S.A. $7.99 for this sucker—to get back to the story. I know, I know, the author is going to tie it together, but can’t all this exposition find an interesting way?
I put the book on the coffee table for a while. Read two other books in the meantime. Then, picked it up again. I remember right where I left off. The mind-numbing part—page 221.
The guy sells books and I want to know why. Wait a minute. Danielle Steel sells books; I’d better not go that route.
It was a dark and stormy night. I finished ‘The Tiger Warrior.’ Lightning struck the coyote fence and the power went out. The neighbors barn burned to the ground just before the flood washed the ashes into the reservoir killing the swans. Daniel went to the emergency room with a cell phone stuck up his, and someone out there with allergies ate peanuts. It was the best of times--yet I finished the book. Had too. I knew I couldn’t get my $7.99 U.S.A. back.
I liked the idea of the ‘lost’ [Roman:] Legion, a story which has been around for hundreds of years, heading off towards India. Good idea. And just as the modern day search for ancient Legion artifacts takes off, the author stops for fifty pages of hero back story—something to do with his father getting lost in Cambodia. What? Was I not paying attention? Yah, I was.
I began flipping ahead, which I hate doing—I paid U.S.A. $7.99 for this sucker—to get back to the story. I know, I know, the author is going to tie it together, but can’t all this exposition find an interesting way?
I put the book on the coffee table for a while. Read two other books in the meantime. Then, picked it up again. I remember right where I left off. The mind-numbing part—page 221.
The guy sells books and I want to know why. Wait a minute. Danielle Steel sells books; I’d better not go that route.
It was a dark and stormy night. I finished ‘The Tiger Warrior.’ Lightning struck the coyote fence and the power went out. The neighbors barn burned to the ground just before the flood washed the ashes into the reservoir killing the swans. Daniel went to the emergency room with a cell phone stuck up his, and someone out there with allergies ate peanuts. It was the best of times--yet I finished the book. Had too. I knew I couldn’t get my $7.99 U.S.A. back.
April 14, 2020
This is my first David Gibbins book. Quite a rollicking adventure ride, though at times quite dense with detail. But the most interesting part is the author bio, and the fact that this work of historical fiction is amazingly rich in historical detail and little subplots and trivia that our history teachers left out! Gibbins is an expert on ancient shipwrecks and sunken cities - an underwater archaeologist! His great-great-grandfather Col Gale was with the Madras Sappers (MEG) and saw action in the Rampa rebellion; his grandfather Capt Gibbins sailed to India along the ancient trading routes. So, this story connects ancient Greek-Egypt, Rome around the time of Augustus, the Chinese First Emperor, the Silk Route, Roman trading at Arikamedu in India and modern adventurers! As the jacket blurbs promise, this is Indiana Jones and Dan Brown combined!
November 4, 2012
I liked this one the best, after the very first one(cause really, after Atlantis everything would be downhill). It had things that I disliked from the other books so I'll try not to be negative and go into them again. =)
There were flashbacks to two different time periods and I wouldn't mind reading more, fuller, stories about those time periods. Though the characters do pretty much piece together what happened(somewhat annoyingly, okay, so I went into it a little =P). And the mystery of the jewels never get completely solved, but I actually liked that. The characters can't always figure out/find everything, even though they did find Atlantis.
They aren't super clear, but I do like all the different pictures and maps that are included in even the Kindle version. And as always I think the book does a good job of doling out the historical information in a way that doesn't bog down the story flow.
One thing I thought could have been handled better was the inclusion of Jack's daughter. He just finds out at the end of the previous book that he has a daughter and then this books starts with her seamlessly included without any explanation until a bit later on. I had to stop reading and double check that I had started the correct book first since I had checked out both this one and the next one at the same time. I just thought they should have explained her being there a little sooner rather than later as it threw me off a bit.
The discovery at the end was a bit startling that close to the end of the book, but I guess it can be used in a later book.
There were flashbacks to two different time periods and I wouldn't mind reading more, fuller, stories about those time periods. Though the characters do pretty much piece together what happened(somewhat annoyingly, okay, so I went into it a little =P). And the mystery of the jewels never get completely solved, but I actually liked that. The characters can't always figure out/find everything, even though they did find Atlantis.
They aren't super clear, but I do like all the different pictures and maps that are included in even the Kindle version. And as always I think the book does a good job of doling out the historical information in a way that doesn't bog down the story flow.
One thing I thought could have been handled better was the inclusion of Jack's daughter. He just finds out at the end of the previous book that he has a daughter and then this books starts with her seamlessly included without any explanation until a bit later on. I had to stop reading and double check that I had started the correct book first since I had checked out both this one and the next one at the same time. I just thought they should have explained her being there a little sooner rather than later as it threw me off a bit.
The discovery at the end was a bit startling that close to the end of the book, but I guess it can be used in a later book.
February 19, 2018
I wanted to like this book but couldn't get into it. It had everything I normally love - Roman history, the culture of India, archaeologists, etc etc etc. But it didn't grab me. The flicking backwards and forwards between past and present felt forced, and the conversations stilted.
Some people may love it, but it wasn't for me, and life is too short to force yourself to finish books you don't love when there are so many good books out there waiting to be read.
Some people may love it, but it wasn't for me, and life is too short to force yourself to finish books you don't love when there are so many good books out there waiting to be read.
April 30, 2020
I understand that this book is just trying to tell a good story, and it does present a compelling series of historical events. But everything is stretched just a little too far to be believable, even for a work of fiction. Jack Howard just happens to have encyclopedic knowledge of the history of every major region in the world, extraordinary finder’s luck, automatic recall of Latin, and unlimited travel funds at his disposal. He’s also a crack shot even after days of the aforementioned travel, is automatically respected by everyone he meets, and has a close bond with a teenage daughter he only just recently met (maybe the most unbelievable item in the list). And of course, the only loose end is so minor that the giant bow on top still appears neatly-tied.
Beyond that, the writing itself has some issues. The characters alternate between congenial banter that can be quite fun, and stilted lectures full of dense information that was difficult to keep track of and not all relevant to the plot. It was very difficult to get into the book because all of the early chapters kept getting chopped up by exposition disguised as dialogue, so the story couldn’t advance smoothly.
Nonetheless, I do appreciate all of the research that must have gone into this, and I’m sure all the history buffs out there would too.
Beyond that, the writing itself has some issues. The characters alternate between congenial banter that can be quite fun, and stilted lectures full of dense information that was difficult to keep track of and not all relevant to the plot. It was very difficult to get into the book because all of the early chapters kept getting chopped up by exposition disguised as dialogue, so the story couldn’t advance smoothly.
Nonetheless, I do appreciate all of the research that must have gone into this, and I’m sure all the history buffs out there would too.
September 7, 2024
I have enjoyed reading this mystery thriller by David Gibbins .
The past setting of India 1878 and the character John Howard disappears .
Present day the very interesting marine archaeologist Jack Howard makes an astonishing discovery on a deep sea dive . Not only is Jack searching for treasure , he is also after the truth about his great great grandfather John's disappearance .
This mystery has him heading into danger as he goes to the crumbling tombs of ancient china , the Roman Empire , Indians cast jungles and Afghanistan hostile terrain.
The settings for the book with the story , all the places suitably risky as a formidable enemy from his past reappears to protect an earth shattering secret .
It is an adventurous read , full of danger to the characters as jack search for answers .
Jack is a likeable determined character , not afraid to put himself at risk . He's the fearless archaeologist rather like Indiana jones on paper.
The past setting of India 1878 and the character John Howard disappears .
Present day the very interesting marine archaeologist Jack Howard makes an astonishing discovery on a deep sea dive . Not only is Jack searching for treasure , he is also after the truth about his great great grandfather John's disappearance .
This mystery has him heading into danger as he goes to the crumbling tombs of ancient china , the Roman Empire , Indians cast jungles and Afghanistan hostile terrain.
The settings for the book with the story , all the places suitably risky as a formidable enemy from his past reappears to protect an earth shattering secret .
It is an adventurous read , full of danger to the characters as jack search for answers .
Jack is a likeable determined character , not afraid to put himself at risk . He's the fearless archaeologist rather like Indiana jones on paper.
July 4, 2024
My favorite parts of this book were when the author speculated on how historical events went down on a more personal level, only focused on one roman legionarys specific emotions in the moment.
Unfortunately the modern day main characters dont have the same depth and feel more like caricatures of "adventurers". Also feels like the author beats you over the head with how cool of a guy the protagonist is.
Unfortunately the modern day main characters dont have the same depth and feel more like caricatures of "adventurers". Also feels like the author beats you over the head with how cool of a guy the protagonist is.
September 8, 2019
I had a reading slump while reading this book, sooo it took me a month to finish it (looking down embarassed). However, before I even start it, I read some reviews and I have to say that I disagree. It is a big book, because it has too many information, but what did tou expect from a book about archeology which is written by an archeologist? Also, I think that yes, this is the way archeologists talk to one another, telling stories and facts about the past. But, the truth is that sometimes it was a liiiittle bit tiring. This book is like a loop, story into another story. My favourite parts were those with action and telling for the two stones. But I didn't like that David Gibbins put so many things in just one story it was too much. Although, I have to admit he did a great and difficult job! And I liked very much that at the end of the book he writes which part is real and which not. This is really professional! I haven't read any other of his books, although I have many more at home. This was my first read from him. If you like archeology with a taste of conspiracy, supernatural and ancient chinese mafias, you should read it!
January 2, 2016
This is written by an archeologist who writes books, rather than a novelist, and it shows. It's about a marine archeologist called Jack (aren't all heroes nowadays?) who travels to various exotic locations to uncover a mystery surrounding some roman legionaries and a chinese emperor, and his own ancestor. There's a shady enemy in the background, with fairly impausible motivation, the Tiger Warrior himself, and what looks like a romance in there which doesn't come to anything.
There was lots of emphasis on the historical detail, and the author's note specifies which parts were true, which was helpful, but there's very little development of the characters, and while the story sounded exciting, it took a while to get going and then sort of petered out. It's the first of his I've read, and maybe you the hero's actions make more sense if you've read several books about him, but I probably wouldn't bother with any more.
There was lots of emphasis on the historical detail, and the author's note specifies which parts were true, which was helpful, but there's very little development of the characters, and while the story sounded exciting, it took a while to get going and then sort of petered out. It's the first of his I've read, and maybe you the hero's actions make more sense if you've read several books about him, but I probably wouldn't bother with any more.
October 24, 2018
The Tiger Warrior is one part mystery, one part historical narrative, one part buddy adventure and gives a great deal of romance to what might otherwise be the dry, meticulous life of the career archeologist.
Despite some threat of violence, menace and danger, The Tiger Warrior contains a good dose of levity between the characters and a bit of family dynasty building, as the protagonist is following in the footsteps of his great grandfather and includes his recently discovered teenage daughter on his quest to locate a missing relic.
It's a clever quick read, good guys vs. bad guys, twin story lines and some friendly professional competition among the archeologists. Traveling along with these adventurers and reveling in their discoveries, triumphs and failures along with them adds a humanity and emotional depth one doesn't always think to associate with scientists in their work.
I enjoyed this book and these characters enough to have bought another of this series.
Despite some threat of violence, menace and danger, The Tiger Warrior contains a good dose of levity between the characters and a bit of family dynasty building, as the protagonist is following in the footsteps of his great grandfather and includes his recently discovered teenage daughter on his quest to locate a missing relic.
It's a clever quick read, good guys vs. bad guys, twin story lines and some friendly professional competition among the archeologists. Traveling along with these adventurers and reveling in their discoveries, triumphs and failures along with them adds a humanity and emotional depth one doesn't always think to associate with scientists in their work.
I enjoyed this book and these characters enough to have bought another of this series.
March 10, 2011
I definitely didn't enjoy this one as much as The Last Gospel but it wasn't a bad book. Far less action than in others and the ending was pretty crap. Felt like nothing was resolved at all. This book was really more about the author wanting to fictionalize one his ancestors and tie his family to some great part of history.
On the positive side it fired my interest in India and has lead me to plan a trip there this year.
On the positive side it fired my interest in India and has lead me to plan a trip there this year.
May 1, 2021
I normally don’t write reviews but this book really touched a nerve. It’s racist ! I’m an Indian and this book kept glorifying British rule in India. Millions suffered under colonisation and millions died. “It had been one of the enduring achievements of British rule in India” Seriously, does the author even know what we went on to achieve after independence. Fiction or not, there are some things you just cannot justify and Colonisation by any country of another country is big on that list
November 1, 2018
Star Rating: 5 stars
Note: This is the 4th book in the Jack Howard series so this will not be an in-depth review.
Growing up, I always dreamed of becoming an archaeologist (I still do, although I don’t think it will be possible with my anxiety.), mostly due to my love of ancient history and my desire to touch articles of history with my bare hands. Due to the fact that I am riddled with anxiety so bad that I have trouble leaving my room, the Jack Howard books by David Gibbins allow me to fulfill my dream without being overwhelmed. This particular volume details the story of the main character, Jack Howard, as he tries to find out what happened to his great-great grandfather, John, who was traumatized by something he experienced while he was deployed in India during the 1880’s and who later disappeared into the wilds of Afghanistan, never to be seen again.
Due to my love of history, particularly ancient history, I have watched a lot of history documentaries and read a lot of history books. Because of this, I have a pretty comprehensive understanding of western history, but this book focused more on eastern history, and therefore, covered a lot of topics that I don’t know much about. I love that Gibbins bases his stories on real obscure facts of history and then goes off on adventures that while they are sometimes more fiction than fact, they always make sense due to the historical basis that he starts with. I always learn something when I read his books, and I love learning new things, especially historical things.
I also enjoyed the fact that stakes are starting to be as high in this one as they were in the 1st one. Pretty much every member of Jack Howard’s team are either active-duty military or veterans and I loved how in the 1st book, they got to use those skills. However, in the 2nd and 3rd book, they didn’t get to use those skills as much and I missed it so I was glad that the stakes went back up in an amazing way. From what I’ve seen, the stakes will continue to be high in the following novels, and because of this, I can’t wait to keep reading.
All in all, this was a great addition to the series and made me excited for the following novels. 5 stars!!!!!!!!!
Note: This is the 4th book in the Jack Howard series so this will not be an in-depth review.
Growing up, I always dreamed of becoming an archaeologist (I still do, although I don’t think it will be possible with my anxiety.), mostly due to my love of ancient history and my desire to touch articles of history with my bare hands. Due to the fact that I am riddled with anxiety so bad that I have trouble leaving my room, the Jack Howard books by David Gibbins allow me to fulfill my dream without being overwhelmed. This particular volume details the story of the main character, Jack Howard, as he tries to find out what happened to his great-great grandfather, John, who was traumatized by something he experienced while he was deployed in India during the 1880’s and who later disappeared into the wilds of Afghanistan, never to be seen again.
Due to my love of history, particularly ancient history, I have watched a lot of history documentaries and read a lot of history books. Because of this, I have a pretty comprehensive understanding of western history, but this book focused more on eastern history, and therefore, covered a lot of topics that I don’t know much about. I love that Gibbins bases his stories on real obscure facts of history and then goes off on adventures that while they are sometimes more fiction than fact, they always make sense due to the historical basis that he starts with. I always learn something when I read his books, and I love learning new things, especially historical things.
I also enjoyed the fact that stakes are starting to be as high in this one as they were in the 1st one. Pretty much every member of Jack Howard’s team are either active-duty military or veterans and I loved how in the 1st book, they got to use those skills. However, in the 2nd and 3rd book, they didn’t get to use those skills as much and I missed it so I was glad that the stakes went back up in an amazing way. From what I’ve seen, the stakes will continue to be high in the following novels, and because of this, I can’t wait to keep reading.
All in all, this was a great addition to the series and made me excited for the following novels. 5 stars!!!!!!!!!
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January 7, 2026But if you’ve spent your life killing men, who can know your limits? When the time comes—if it ever does—how will you know when to stop being a soldier and return to being a citizen? (p.70)
We must play their game better than they do, replacing order with primal instinct. We must become savage. (p.125)
Hinduism is like an archaeological site. Remove the top layers, and you still see the old gods, the old religions, lingering beneath. (p.150)
Ancient customs are hard to eradicate. (p.168)
You need luck, but also the willingness to take risks, trust your instincts, and leave everything behind. (p.190)
These are the faces that the sculptors saw in war. A person remembers the faces of those who tried to kill them. (p.207)
You don’t hear much about women, right? Adventures, wars—they’re always about men. But women endure so much loss and pain. You might think that children of that era got used to dying young, but I don’t think they did. Maybe all that lip-biting was just a way to cope with the pain. (p.220)
Men are very foolish about themselves. They don’t even know what makes a man attractive to women. (p.221)
The worst thing for a soldier is being sent on a mission without the political will or resources needed to do the job. (p.224)
Seeking immortality is the work of fools. (p.233)
Any discovery reveals far more than expected. (p.237)
Control freaks need boundaries—between the world they rule and the feared, ignored external world. (p.246)
If your loved ones are already dead and you’ve lost the meaning of your life, what purpose could life even have? (p.292)
A soldier must take care of his weapon, Robert. (p.296)
For desperate people, becoming a suicide bomber is an easy way to paradise. (p.315)
This is the psychology of assassins. You must have complete confidence in yourself. It is both their greatest strength and their greatest weakness. Self-confidence breeds overconfidence. (p.320)
June 26, 2018
Ανάμικτα τα συναισθήματα... Σα να μας τα χάλασες λίγο, κ. Gibbins...
Η ιστορία αφορά μια περιπέτεια που είχε ο Jack Howard και η παρέα του, η οποία αφορούσε τόσο στην ανακάλυψη ενός κινεζικού μυστικού από την πρώτη δυναστεία (ούτε που θυμάμαι ποιοι ήταν, θα πω, όμως, των Χαν, γιατί βάσει στατιστικής πόσο έξω μπορεί να πέφτω;) που είχε πάρει μαζί του στον τάφο ο πρώτος Αυτοκράτορας λέει, αλλά οι φρουροί του δεν το έθαψαν μαζί και το βρήκε αργότερα ένας λεγεωνάριος (ναι, ναι) της Ρώμης, ο οποίος είχε πιαστεί σκλάβος σε μια μάχη και δραπέτευσε μετά από χρόνια και μοιράστηκε το κειμήλιο, γιατί πρόκειται για κειμήλιο, μαζί με έναν άλλο λεγεωνάριο και μετά βρέθηκε στην ινδική ζούγκλα και έπεσε πάνω στον τάφο του ο προπροπροπροπάππος του Jack Howard όταν συμμετείχε στην ειρηνευτική δύναμη των Βρετανών στην Ινδία, οπότε όλο αυτό το ταξίδι του Jack Howard είναι τόσο πραγματικό όσο και πνευματικό... Αλήθεια τώρα, κ. Gibbins;;; Ξεκίνησες την ιστορία με τους Ρωμαίους, μας έφερες στο σήμερα σε ένα ναυάγιο στη Μεσόγειο και μετά μας πηγαινοφέρνεις στο χίλια οκτακόσια τόσο κάθε τόσο... Και όλα αυτά για ποιο λόγο; Για μια μέτρια περιπέτεια με πληθώρα άχρηστων πληροφοριών. Με τόσες πληροφορίες άλλος συγγραφέας θα είχε γράψει τρία βιβλία!
Θα έβαζα 2 αστεράκια, αλλά ανέβασαν λίγο το μέσο όρο δύο κεφάλαια, τα οποία τα βρήκα πολύ συγκλονιστικά και πάρα πολύ καλογραμμένα, τόσο που με συγκίνησαν και ξεχάστηκα μέσα στην ιστορία του βιβλίου χάνοντας την επαφή με το γύρω κόσμο...
Αλήθεια τώρα, τι θα σκαρφιστείτε, κ. Gibbins, στο επόμενο βιβλίο; Δεν εξαντλήθηκαν οι γνώσεις σας στο Tiger Warrior;;; (Μεταξύ μας, πιστεύω και ελπίζω πως όχι!! :) )
Η ιστορία αφορά μια περιπέτεια που είχε ο Jack Howard και η παρέα του, η οποία αφορούσε τόσο στην ανακάλυψη ενός κινεζικού μυστικού από την πρώτη δυναστεία (ούτε που θυμάμαι ποιοι ήταν, θα πω, όμως, των Χαν, γιατί βάσει στατιστικής πόσο έξω μπορεί να πέφτω;) που είχε πάρει μαζί του στον τάφο ο πρώτος Αυτοκράτορας λέει, αλλά οι φρουροί του δεν το έθαψαν μαζί και το βρήκε αργότερα ένας λεγεωνάριος (ναι, ναι) της Ρώμης, ο οποίος είχε πιαστεί σκλάβος σε μια μάχη και δραπέτευσε μετά από χρόνια και μοιράστηκε το κειμήλιο, γιατί πρόκειται για κειμήλιο, μαζί με έναν άλλο λεγεωνάριο και μετά βρέθηκε στην ινδική ζούγκλα και έπεσε πάνω στον τάφο του ο προπροπροπροπάππος του Jack Howard όταν συμμετείχε στην ειρηνευτική δύναμη των Βρετανών στην Ινδία, οπότε όλο αυτό το ταξίδι του Jack Howard είναι τόσο πραγματικό όσο και πνευματικό... Αλήθεια τώρα, κ. Gibbins;;; Ξεκίνησες την ιστορία με τους Ρωμαίους, μας έφερες στο σήμερα σε ένα ναυάγιο στη Μεσόγειο και μετά μας πηγαινοφέρνεις στο χίλια οκτακόσια τόσο κάθε τόσο... Και όλα αυτά για ποιο λόγο; Για μια μέτρια περιπέτεια με πληθώρα άχρηστων πληροφοριών. Με τόσες πληροφορίες άλλος συγγραφέας θα είχε γράψει τρία βιβλία!
Θα έβαζα 2 αστεράκια, αλλά ανέβασαν λίγο το μέσο όρο δύο κεφάλαια, τα οποία τα βρήκα πολύ συγκλονιστικά και πάρα πολύ καλογραμμένα, τόσο που με συγκίνησαν και ξεχάστηκα μέσα στην ιστορία του βιβλίου χάνοντας την επαφή με το γύρω κόσμο...
Αλήθεια τώρα, τι θα σκαρφιστείτε, κ. Gibbins, στο επόμενο βιβλίο; Δεν εξαντλήθηκαν οι γνώσεις σας στο Tiger Warrior;;; (Μεταξύ μας, πιστεύω και ελπίζω πως όχι!! :) )
June 22, 2021
The Tiger Warrior is the fourth book in David Gibbins’s Jack Howard series, and it follows the marine archaeologist as he delves into an adventure concerning defeated Roman soldiers, Chinese emperors, and his own great-great-grandfather.
The best parts of Gibbins’s books are how thoroughly researched they are. The blending of real-world history and fictional ideas is expertly done, and he creates excitement and thrills around the artefacts and clues that the heroes uncover.
As a marine archaeologist himself Gibbins knows how to weave tension and anticipation through the underwater segments, which have been some of the best parts of his earlier novels, but this type of set piece is put on the backburner in this book in favour of action in dense Indian jungles and sparse mountainous landscapes. The two underwater dives that Jack and Costas go on are fine but lack the nail-biting energy of previous books.
Thankfully, this does not take anything away from the book as the action in the Indian jungle more than makes up for the lack of underwater excitement. There is also a nail-biting section set just outside some mine shafts that has a persistent sense of dread hanging over it.
The story follows the parallel adventures of Jack’s team and that of his great-great-grandfather during his time as an officer in India during the late 19th century. The chapters that follow John Howard’s story are some on the best in the book and they certainly drive the emotional core of the story.
Contrastingly when the setting jumps back to the modern day a lot of momentum is lost through full chapters of exposition in which the characters converse in stinted dialogue that is purely for the benefit of the reader. A lot of the background history is repeated as the book progresses which can be frustrating, and the book fails to provide that sense of urgency needed to propel it to its conclusion.
The story’s villains are also underwhelming. They stay mainly on the periphery of the action with Jack’s team only encountering them once and instead the reader must make do with descriptions of their heinous actions as Jack discovers the aftermath of them. A more intense focus on the goals and methods of the bad guys would have raised the quality of the novel for me.
Still, the friendship between Jack and Costas continues to be beautifully charming and the full introduction of Jack’s daughter Rebecca is a welcome delight. As is the return of Katya who makes her return to the series after featuring in the first novel: Atlantis. Katya’s backstory is further expanded upon but her personal connection to the adventure could have benefitted from a more thorough resolution.
I think Gibbins wants to emulate the true feelings of archaeology as he leaves quite a few questions unanswered by the novel’s conclusion although the hints he drops about these answers could provide a somewhat satisfying end for some readers.
I’ve found this series to fluctuate in terms of quality and this book leans towards the better end of the spectrum. There are areas which can be improved on but the story itself is engaging and overall the book is a satisfying read.
The best parts of Gibbins’s books are how thoroughly researched they are. The blending of real-world history and fictional ideas is expertly done, and he creates excitement and thrills around the artefacts and clues that the heroes uncover.
As a marine archaeologist himself Gibbins knows how to weave tension and anticipation through the underwater segments, which have been some of the best parts of his earlier novels, but this type of set piece is put on the backburner in this book in favour of action in dense Indian jungles and sparse mountainous landscapes. The two underwater dives that Jack and Costas go on are fine but lack the nail-biting energy of previous books.
Thankfully, this does not take anything away from the book as the action in the Indian jungle more than makes up for the lack of underwater excitement. There is also a nail-biting section set just outside some mine shafts that has a persistent sense of dread hanging over it.
The story follows the parallel adventures of Jack’s team and that of his great-great-grandfather during his time as an officer in India during the late 19th century. The chapters that follow John Howard’s story are some on the best in the book and they certainly drive the emotional core of the story.
Contrastingly when the setting jumps back to the modern day a lot of momentum is lost through full chapters of exposition in which the characters converse in stinted dialogue that is purely for the benefit of the reader. A lot of the background history is repeated as the book progresses which can be frustrating, and the book fails to provide that sense of urgency needed to propel it to its conclusion.
The story’s villains are also underwhelming. They stay mainly on the periphery of the action with Jack’s team only encountering them once and instead the reader must make do with descriptions of their heinous actions as Jack discovers the aftermath of them. A more intense focus on the goals and methods of the bad guys would have raised the quality of the novel for me.
Still, the friendship between Jack and Costas continues to be beautifully charming and the full introduction of Jack’s daughter Rebecca is a welcome delight. As is the return of Katya who makes her return to the series after featuring in the first novel: Atlantis. Katya’s backstory is further expanded upon but her personal connection to the adventure could have benefitted from a more thorough resolution.
I think Gibbins wants to emulate the true feelings of archaeology as he leaves quite a few questions unanswered by the novel’s conclusion although the hints he drops about these answers could provide a somewhat satisfying end for some readers.
I’ve found this series to fluctuate in terms of quality and this book leans towards the better end of the spectrum. There are areas which can be improved on but the story itself is engaging and overall the book is a satisfying read.
November 16, 2023
This story was wonderful. It felt like watching a movie for me. It was exciting reading through Howard's perspective as he and his companions retrace the footsteps of his ancestor to discover what really happened that caused his disappearance. And at the back of it all, they are up against a secret brotherhood that was protecting a great secret. Howard uncovers this secret and discovered something that might shake the very foundations of this secret society and the country as a whole.
That plot twist caught me off guard since I was expecting something else. There were a lot of scenes that I was anticipating to happen, but didn't. It was a combination of good surprise and a letdown. But the storytelling of Gibbins for me was smooth and it took me to the Red Sea, Southern India, Afghanistan and all the way to China. I can imagine it as I read through--all the scenes and Jack's discoveries. It made me look forward for more.
This is the first book that I read from David Gibbins and after reading this, I want to read and collect the rest of the series. Even though this is the 4th book, I didn't get lost because they can be read as standalones. His descriptions were vivid and it made me want to watch Indiana Jones since it's really like Indiana Jones! :D
I plan to reread this story in the future. I know that I may have missed some small details or read a paragraph in a different perspective. I like to discover the secret all over again and catch the small bits here and there that may change my opinion of this book overall.
That plot twist caught me off guard since I was expecting something else. There were a lot of scenes that I was anticipating to happen, but didn't. It was a combination of good surprise and a letdown. But the storytelling of Gibbins for me was smooth and it took me to the Red Sea, Southern India, Afghanistan and all the way to China. I can imagine it as I read through--all the scenes and Jack's discoveries. It made me look forward for more.
This is the first book that I read from David Gibbins and after reading this, I want to read and collect the rest of the series. Even though this is the 4th book, I didn't get lost because they can be read as standalones. His descriptions were vivid and it made me want to watch Indiana Jones since it's really like Indiana Jones! :D
I plan to reread this story in the future. I know that I may have missed some small details or read a paragraph in a different perspective. I like to discover the secret all over again and catch the small bits here and there that may change my opinion of this book overall.
February 17, 2020
The Tiger Warrior of the title ended up being a relatively minor character used more for background than to advance the narrative. The story was centered on Jack Howard and his team of scientists, archeologists and adventurers and their search for evidence of a Roman presence in India and into China 2000 years ago. This was presented with parts of the story set in the late 19th century and Jack Howard's great, great grandfather. In the present day, Jack was using his ancestor's notes and other artifacts.
The historical context that the author provided was fascinating and gave the story a ring of truth. A fairly extensive Author's Note at the end explained what parts of the story were rooted in historical evidence and which were fictional. The author noted that the fictional aspects were based on reasonable extrapolations of the archeological record.
Overall, this was a reasonable story that was enhanced by the history. I generally enjoy historical novels that are believable and fit with the history and this was partly a historical story. The extensive historical background, including the Author's Note, added to reading experience.
The historical context that the author provided was fascinating and gave the story a ring of truth. A fairly extensive Author's Note at the end explained what parts of the story were rooted in historical evidence and which were fictional. The author noted that the fictional aspects were based on reasonable extrapolations of the archeological record.
Overall, this was a reasonable story that was enhanced by the history. I generally enjoy historical novels that are believable and fit with the history and this was partly a historical story. The extensive historical background, including the Author's Note, added to reading experience.
February 18, 2019
If you're thinking about reading this book and don't like history or care for archaeology and only want a implausible thrill ride, then don't read this book. I have a feeling these are the readers who gave the poor ratings. This was my first David Gibbins book and I have to say it was fairly impressive. That is especially true when I have to admit I've become a little burnt-out on the archaeology-thriller genre. Ten or Twenty years ago I read them by the bushel. Now I try and read only a couple a year, but they suck me back in.
This novel stood a good bit above the typical book for that niche. Sure it still had the corny buddy dialogue (maybe that's inescapable?) and the we-solve-mysteries-hundreds-of-years-old in a few minutes device. The strength to me was background, the history and synchronization of the two with a fair amount of action. The pages where he goes back to the Romans and then his ancestor were the best parts of the book. Unlike others I wouldn't call this a quick read, but it was to me, a fun read.
This novel stood a good bit above the typical book for that niche. Sure it still had the corny buddy dialogue (maybe that's inescapable?) and the we-solve-mysteries-hundreds-of-years-old in a few minutes device. The strength to me was background, the history and synchronization of the two with a fair amount of action. The pages where he goes back to the Romans and then his ancestor were the best parts of the book. Unlike others I wouldn't call this a quick read, but it was to me, a fun read.
August 28, 2020
I mean, it's pretty good. I finished it.
This was a thrift store buy. I sometimes find new authors to love at the dollar store or the thrift store, so I took a chance on this one. I didn't hate it. And I can see that some might like this series. I didn't, though, and I won't be trying more.
There is some excellent research here. No question. Good stuff on diving, guns, archaeology, and history. And there are a few scenes--10 pages here, 10 pages there--that are really fun to read. Good action. But not enough.
Most of the book is long conversations filling in backstory and exposition. It's like a series of lectures between widely-spaced action scenes. The funny thing is, it's actually very readable, even with paragraph-long speeches, one after the other. I got through it okay. I can totally see folks on an airplane reading this. But for me, there wasn't enough fun to make it worth hundreds of pages of that.
I'm not here to bury the book. It's okay. Some people will like it. I learned some things. Maybe that's good enough.
This was a thrift store buy. I sometimes find new authors to love at the dollar store or the thrift store, so I took a chance on this one. I didn't hate it. And I can see that some might like this series. I didn't, though, and I won't be trying more.
There is some excellent research here. No question. Good stuff on diving, guns, archaeology, and history. And there are a few scenes--10 pages here, 10 pages there--that are really fun to read. Good action. But not enough.
Most of the book is long conversations filling in backstory and exposition. It's like a series of lectures between widely-spaced action scenes. The funny thing is, it's actually very readable, even with paragraph-long speeches, one after the other. I got through it okay. I can totally see folks on an airplane reading this. But for me, there wasn't enough fun to make it worth hundreds of pages of that.
I'm not here to bury the book. It's okay. Some people will like it. I learned some things. Maybe that's good enough.
Read
April 1, 2024The early pages are full of details . Takes a bit of patience to work through them.
A broken sword and two jewels connects thousands of years and bridges families across nations and generations.
Lots of archeological details but the story races speedily when the Tiger Warrior enters the scene. The action includes -
- Skirmishes with Roman legions in south India
- Snipers in Afghanistan
- British sappers of old
This is an adrenalin filled novel akin to an Indiana Jones movie; rather entertaining but am unsure if the is too strong on stereotyping the “heathen” ways of child and animal sacrifices in south India. Or would a cobra actually and suddenly appear in front of Mr Costa ‘s face ?
Among the many archeological details , I learnt that
- “Petroglyphs are rock carvings or rock paintings are called pictographs) made by pecking directly on the rock surface using a stone chisel and a hammerstone.”
This entertaining novel brings back fond memories of lake Issyl-Kul which I visited years ago .
A broken sword and two jewels connects thousands of years and bridges families across nations and generations.
Lots of archeological details but the story races speedily when the Tiger Warrior enters the scene. The action includes -
- Skirmishes with Roman legions in south India
- Snipers in Afghanistan
- British sappers of old
This is an adrenalin filled novel akin to an Indiana Jones movie; rather entertaining but am unsure if the is too strong on stereotyping the “heathen” ways of child and animal sacrifices in south India. Or would a cobra actually and suddenly appear in front of Mr Costa ‘s face ?
Among the many archeological details , I learnt that
- “Petroglyphs are rock carvings or rock paintings are called pictographs) made by pecking directly on the rock surface using a stone chisel and a hammerstone.”
This entertaining novel brings back fond memories of lake Issyl-Kul which I visited years ago .
June 6, 2018
If I remember correctly, this is the first book in this series that I actually picked up. Then I had to go find the first three and read them to get back to this point. Was it worth the effort? Um... more-or-less. I think I enjoyed the previous books a little more, but this one wasn't bad. The only real issue is one I've had with the series as a whole (and it's endemic to the genre), and that's the leaps of logic that are required to get from point A to point B. Suspension of disbelief required, but not to the point of the range of the Gatling gun in The Magnificent Seven (the new one). Probably 3 1/2 stars, not quite 4.
March 12, 2019
I enjoyed it more than the first Jack Howard I read and I think I figured out why: The main character(s) are actually wrong for once in this book - even if it truly is only once - when their theory is not the exact, word-for-word scenario that actually happened. And it was such a relief.
The flashback chapter set in India also had some really nice atmospheric writing.
It's still not entirely my cup of tea, but if you're any good at suspending disbelief, you stand a good chance of enjoying it more than I did.
The flashback chapter set in India also had some really nice atmospheric writing.
It's still not entirely my cup of tea, but if you're any good at suspending disbelief, you stand a good chance of enjoying it more than I did.
June 26, 2017
I'm really enjoying this whole series.
This book bounced between telling, briefly, the story from the ancient perspective to current day.
There was a lot of geography and references to historical places, people, and cultures. I always read the added chapters at the end were Gibbons explains what was historical and what he chose to vary from. Its a different style than I've read from Gibbins. I enjoyed it.
This book bounced between telling, briefly, the story from the ancient perspective to current day.
There was a lot of geography and references to historical places, people, and cultures. I always read the added chapters at the end were Gibbons explains what was historical and what he chose to vary from. Its a different style than I've read from Gibbins. I enjoyed it.
November 25, 2021
While I really love this series, this is one of my least favorite of them (ranking slightly above The Lost Tomb). The dynamic has changed a bit more and delves deep into the protagonist's familial past, which, while gives us a look into how Jack became who he is,, slightly strays from some of the points they could have followed. This is all great but I feel like it could have had a bit more closure at the end as opposed to the slight cliff hanger it leaves us on.
December 25, 2022
Exhilarating but maybe it's only me, was left hanging. Thankful that the author gave a lot of explanations and sources. He also pointed out which part is fiction and which is fact. Otherwise, I would have believed that all these events were based on true accounts. My first David Gibbins adventure book! Should I continue on with the other titles in the series? Will let the dust settle first, had a heyday looking up all the places and some artifacts mentioned. ; )
May 12, 2025
First time I’ve read this author and I found myself loving the history around this story. The ring of truth in the storyline was very clear even if one is not versed in the subject. Sometimes he really bores down a path but I only found it ‘too much’ twice but it passed quickly. The actual story was entertaining and because everything is an impetus of someplace or someone who is real makes it very grounded. I felt I learned something “literally”.
October 12, 2019
Well, I was excited to read a book by an archaeologist about an archaeologist. I put it down halfway through because it was just plain boring. Wasn't a fan of putting photos in the book, because I'd rather my imagination do the work. I would recommend this book to people who like to read non-fiction history books. It was way too dry and dull for me.
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