Lily Madison’s problems began the day her life ended. After getting saved from a watery grave, she wakes up in a hospital surrounded by a herd of naughty ghosts. Most of them look like fuzzy blobs, but one is not blobby at all. He’s a very hot, very annoying dead guy named Nick.Before she died, choosing a prom date was her biggest dilemma. Now she’s being stalked by specters and haunted by … haunted by hooligans. Lily begins to doubt her own sanity, until she finds out a Goth girl named Zoe can see the blobs, too.
With the assistance of Zoe and Mr. Wan, the manicurist who almost killed her, she must get Nick and the other ghosts back where they belong or the whole world could be in terrible danger. But she’s grown to care for Nick, and if sending the ghosts back means saying goodbye to Nick forever, Lily isn’t sure she’ll be able to let him go.
Praise for Abigail Drake:
“First Abigail Drake grabs you with her fresh writing, then she keeps you in the throes of her story with an incredible voice and a gifted talent for spinning tales that will amaze and delight. I am stunned. Tiger Lily will consume you, and before you know it you are fighting for air yet begging for more. You’ve been warned!”
– NY Times Bestselling Author Darynda Jones
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Holy hell, what a book!
First off the cover is absolutely gorgeous. Such a sweet and gentle vibe I got from this cover but what I found is that not only did it reflect the first impression of the heroine it also hides a hidden ferocity of the character. Absolutely perfect!
This is the first book I have read by this author but it most certainly will not be the last. This author has re-ignited my love for reading. So if you are looking for something to get you out of that book funk then this book is the one to do it.
This is one of those hidden gems that you long to come across. It has a little bit of everything in it; romance, paranormal, mystery and lots of action. There are so many twists and turns. A book that packs a punch you’ll never see coming.
Absolute perfection!
I loved this book! Highly recommend!
Tiger Lily is a modern day fairytale that immediately charmed me with protagonist Lily’s first brief death-due-to-ugly-nailpolish, Pretty and Pink. It is a true page turner, navigating the reader through this young heroine’s teenage obstacle course where she both hurdles over and clenches onto challenging friendships, mixed-up love, and dysfunctional family members. Although there are dark scenes, author Wende Dikec skillfully balances them with the universal refreshment of humor, hope, and humanity. There are many original characters and plotlines that make for a fresh, enjoyable read of Dikec’s debut novel.
The most dynamic character is Lily Madison, the nervous perfectionist, who has spent most of her young life trying to hold the remainder of her family together following a tragic loss. For years she is scared of losing control and obsessively works to keep order and comfort in her little world until she meets Nick, the sort-of-dead Shadow Boy she falls for. He needs her help, but she really can’t do much as a “hothouse flower” where “everything in life is controlled and regulated and safe.” She eventually evolves into Tiger Lily, a strong young woman, when she realizes how courageous and powerful she actually is when she fights for her own heart, well-being, and life. I love that a measuring stick for her bravery and growth is developed through her relationship with hand sanitizer.
One of my favorite characters is Blobby, the fuzzy, bouncy “ghostly pet” that Dikec paints in a creative, animated fashion. I love the energy and love delivered by this sweet and spiritual character. Blobby reminds me of an adorable, Furby toy, come to life (from death)
Another favorite is the realistic creation of Zoe, Goth Girl. Zoe’s honesty and sarcasm evoked a lot of laughter for me. As a high school teacher, I have witnessed my share of Goth kids, the group of nonconformists costumed and pierced like rebels with a cause for angst. Like Zoe, beyond the harsh decorative exterior, I often discover that many of these kids are introverted geniuses filled with quiet compassion, talents, and deep connections to what others might not perceive. Instead of trying so hard to fit into high school’s norms, they invest time to find other passageways to enter and leave society, while still leaving a mark.
I love how each chapter starts with Chinese quotes and proverbs that interestingly foreshadow what’s to come. The inclusion of Chinese remedies, trinkets, and potions are well thought out and offer a cultural glimpse into Eastern philosophies. Lily is confused by the advice and wisdom of the nail salon characters, and she’s not quite sure what to have faith in as she says, “I don’t know if I believe in any of that stuff. Karma. Fate. Destiny. Luck. Even love.” She is open enough to it all though to move her forward.
As a Christian reader, I don’t really believe in “that stuff” either, but I certainly love the consistent treatment of these concepts in the book. The plot is definitely enriched with the ideal of Karma and what goes around comes around. In the end, no matter what a religion calls it, I believe that being a decent person and doing good deeds is rewarded. This is whispered in Tiger Lily, which is not a preachy book but an accessible and entertaining one.
I love how Tiger Lily neatly comes full circle from the start of a deadly, distracting nail polish to one that is similarly pink yet newly appreciated by Lily’s more mature eyes.
In closing, I give this five stars and will recommend this book to my freshmen English students and our school librarian. Dikec did a stellar job at writing for a young adult audience in Tiger Lily and I am looking forward to reading more of her work. Her voice is definitely original and her imagination is intriguing. Bravo!