Tiger, Tiger

by Lynne Reid Banks (Author)

• Used

  Hardcover
  2004

  $3.25

  A swashbuckling tale set in Ancient Rome. The setting of this novel is Ancient Rome, where Caeser is all-powerful, Christians are heretics who must die, and animals are mere playthings, to be baited, challenged and destroyed...Two tiger cubs are transported on a frightening voyage from their home to Rome. One (Boots) is tamed, his claws removed, to be an amusing and prestigious pet for Aurelia, Caesar's daughter. The other is mistreated, made even more brutal, and trained to fight and kill in Caesar's arena. Aurelia becomes more and more fond of Boots, and even more fond of his keeper, Julius. When a childish prank goes awry, Boots escapes. Caesar is furious and punishes Aurelia. He sentences Julius to death in the arena...and Boots, should he return, is to face the same fate. The climax to this novel sees Aurelia forced to watch her beloved fight for his life, at the mercy of the very beasts he trains. We see two brothers reunited, one a cosseted pet, the other a vicious predator. This is Lynne Reid Banks at her very best. She has written a hugely powerful and moving story, which boys and girls from 10 years onwards will love. The animals' thoughts seem eerily perceptive. Utterly captivating.

• Used

  Paperback
  2005

  $3.25

  Tiger, Tiger is a hugely powerful and epic novel set against the dazzling backdrop of ancient Rome. This compelling and uplifting story about friendship, brotherhood and battling against the odds will grip all who read it. Her heart was throbbing behind her ribs. A real, live tiger? But that was impossible! Of all the beasts brought from far-off countries the tiger was the most formidable. There could be no one bold enough to introduce one into Caesar's palace! Two tiger cubs are snatched from their native jungle and shipped to Rome. On arrival at this strange land crowded with noisy two-legs they are cruelly separated. One cub becomes the princess's pampered and adored house pet. The other, fiercer, cub is trained to become the star performer in Caesar's bloodthirsty circus. Princess Aurelia detests her father's brutal sport , but must keep her feelings secret - no one dares criticise the almighty Caesar! The only person she can confide in is the slave Julius, her tiger's keeper. But such a friendship is equally forbidden: should the Emperor find out, his anger would be terrible and the punishment severe. But friendship and love cannot be dictated, and neither tiger nor man is destined for a life in chains. In a world dominated by Caesar's will, all must fight for freedom...