*I received a digital copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*

This book took my breath away. It is so raw and honest and just so, so good. The story mainly follows the three Torres sisters in the year following their oldest sister's sudden death. The girls are visited by Ana's ghost in chilling and fantastical ways, and each one deals with this differently. All of the characters seemed so real and visceral. It reminded me of a mix between The Virgin Suicides and Julia Alvarez's works. I feel like this will turn into one of those classic YA books very soon.

Thank you, Algonquin Young Readers, for giving me an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I write about the things of which I’m afraid—it’s my way of fighting my fears. — Samantha Mabry

Are you fond of ghost stories? If you’re looking for something mildly creepy to read during this very long quarantine, you’re in the right place. I finished this book in three days, even though my Nintendo Switch kept on distracting me. Haha. But from the get-go, you should know that novels with magical realism are hardly horrific because they make the paranormal seem so…normal.

Tigers, Not Daughters follows three teenage girls: Jessica, Iridian, and Rosa. Their big sister, Ana, died a year ago, and they still haven’t moved on. Ana was the light in the Torres household, the girls’ only hope of escaping their not-so-happy life with their pathetic father in San Antonio. So now that she’s gone, Jessica, Iridian, and Rosa are stuck in the status quo. One day, weird things start happening in their home, and the signs all point to Ana. Has she really come back to haunt them?

Every Torres girl had a distinguishable trait. Jessica was a tough girl in an abusive relationship, Iridian was a budding author who hated emotions, and Rosa was a dreamer who loved animals. I enjoyed all of their perspectives but felt more invested in Iridian’s character development. One of her struggles was that she couldn’t accurately describe things that she hadn’t experienced. And since she disliked going outside (thanks to a traumatic event at school), her experience of the world was limited. As a fellow writer and homebody, I could relate to Iridian’s dilemma. If you want to be a better writer, you really have to widen your horizons.

Jessica was both frustrating and interesting. She had a flaring temper and was obsessed with becoming like Anna. Her obsession led her to date John, her dead sister’s boyfriend. Like…what the heck, girl? And John turned out to be a despicable boyfriend who always wanted to get into Jessica’s pants. Their interactions were mostly terrible, so I was glad every time Peter (Jessica’s kind neighbor/workmate entered the scene. I liked that he returned Jessica’s bitterness with kindness. He made me very excited about Jessica’s redemption.

Rosa, the youngest, had the most whimsical (and mature) point of view. People considered her the most innocent Torres girl, but she was actually capable of protecting her big sisters from bad men, including their dad. In many ways, Rosa deserved the title of the eldest. Without her, the book probably wouldn’t have a satisfying ending.

Ultimately, Tigers, Not Daughters gave me a glimpse of what it’s like to have many sisters. I’m very familiar with the strength of brotherhood, but the beauty of sisterhood is on a different level. This not-so-scary ghost story reminded me that sisters could connect in a uniquely meaningful way. If you have sisters, I hope that they also bring out the best in you.

Tigers, Not Daughters was not what I expected. This haunting book is dark and magical and hopeful and beautiful. I loved the sisters because they are flawed and angry and hurting and filled with grief over the loss of their oldest sister, Ana. I loved them because despite all the darkness and trauma in their lives, nothing can break the bond between them.

Summary:
The Torres sisters dream of escape. Escape from their needy and despotic widowed father, and from their San Antonio neighborhood, full of old San Antonio families and all the traditions and expectations that go along with them. In the summer after her senior year of high school, Ana, the oldest sister, falls to her death from her bedroom window. A year later, her three younger sisters, Jessica, Iridian, and Rosa, are still consumed by grief and haunted by their sister’s memory. Their dream of leaving Southtown now seems out of reach. But then strange things start happening around the house: mysterious laughter, mysterious shadows, mysterious writing on the walls. The sisters begin to wonder if Ana really is haunting them, trying to send them a message—and what exactly she’s trying to say.

Tigers, Not Daughters isn't an easy read because of the weighty subject. The sisters' grief is palpable and heartbreaking. But it is also hopeful because of the love the sisters have for each other and for Ana, even when they are angry with each other. This is a story of girls who stand up and fight back, and I loved all of it.

The Torres sisters dream of escape. Escape from their needy and despotic widowed father, and from their San Antonio neighborhood, full of old San Antonio families and all the traditions and expectations that go along with them. In the summer after her senior year of high school, Ana, the oldest sister, falls to her death from her bedroom window.

A year later, her three younger sisters, Jessica, Iridian, and Rosa, are still consumed by grief and haunted by their sister’s memory. Their dream of leaving Southtown now seems out of reach. But then strange things start happening around the house: mysterious laughter, mysterious shadows, mysterious writing on the walls. The sisters begin to wonder if Ana really is haunting them, trying to send them a message—and what exactly she’s trying to say.- Goodreads

TW: Death

I seem to do better with heavy emotion books when there is some magic in it.  For me it makes the blow easier. This book is as heavy as it can get.  It is told through each sister's POV and I am super thankful for that. You have Iridian, who is angry and trying to escape in her writing. Jessica, who is a walking ball of sadness and responsibility and Rosa, who is trying to be spiritual and magical at the same time. Although all of them were dripping with grief and depression, being able to read each of their POV made the book's topic easier to read.

I can't say that I liked any of the sisters but I enjoyed reading Iridian more. There was a very defined personality despite her grief and she was honest with what was her truth and I enjoyed reading that.

I have to say that if you are going through something right now in your life or recently went through the motions, you might want to put a pause on this. Ana's death is described with clear imagery. You know what happen. You know the rumors around her death and you know what lead to it. If you are struggling with grief, I can't recommend this book to you.

However, if you are not and love an emotional family read then this is for you.  Mabry, the author, does a great job telling this story. The pace is wonderful and the book is detailed. The way the magic in this novel is written is a mix of creepy and realistic. You feel it and I think that is what the author was going for.

Overall, this was a solid book that changes the way magical realism in YA is done.

3.5 Pickles

This book is a moving story of sisterly-love and a powerful demonstration that love can get you through anything, and you'll be stronger at the end. I completely devoured the book in 2 days, and had goosebumps often from everything that happens to the Torres girls.

I find it fascinating to see that there are so many different ways to mourn. Grief is a powerful emotion, and everyone reacts differently to the death of a loved one. It was marvellous too to see the tight bond between the sisters.

Teenagers being teenagers, this tale brings tw for bullying, and physical abuse.

I felt hope reading this book. You will too.

Many thanks to Algonquin for the complimentary e-copy of this book through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This was such a lovely, haunting little story. I have always adored magical realism, and this was such a fantastic tale and so true-to-form. The author deftly weaved her ghost story without sacrificing the human elements of a contemporary novel, without sacrificing the real issues this family was experiencing, and the result was a perfectly crafted book Each voice so unique and gripping that the reader is able to so easily slide into the narrative, and the structure kept you on your toes as well. It took me in many a direction that I really didn’t expect, but I was so, so glad by the end that it had taken me there. Overall, I greatly enjoyed it, and I think this one will stick in my brain for a long while.

I love, love, loved the way the story started by introducing you first to the neighborhood boys and their collective narrative. To look from the outside onto the girls, and then to become wrapped up in their narratives, was an incredible move. I was hesitant, however, because the boys’ narrative and their actions were very reminiscent of the boys in The Virgin Suicides, and in that first chapter, the Torres sisters—Ana, especially—walked that line of becoming a Manic Pixie Dream Girl. However, as the book continued, it became clear that what sets this apart from The Virgin Suicides is the real care and attention the boys showed the Torres sisters, care and attention which played a surprisingly significant role.

The sisters themselves all had such unique voices and roles to play, and I loved how they each carved their own path but came together for the crucial moments. It felt like realistic character growth. I was a bit frustrated by Iridian throughout, but I understood her. Rosa, though a quieter presence in the novel, also grew to be a favorite of mine by the end. However, it was Jessica’s narrative that really stole the show for me. Her arc was so compelling, and the way it touched on domestic violence was heartfelt and truthful.

My one problem with this book was that I wish Ana had been more of a presence. I wish I had seen her ghost get up to more tricks, interact more directly with the girls, and make herself known more to them. At the same time, however, her ghost haunted the book in a subtle way very similar to how it haunted the Torres girls, which I adored. I just wish I had gotten some more answers from/about her, but I see why they weren’t necessary. The ending, too, really threw me for a loop. It genuinely stunned me, but I was so glad to see the girls’ story did not end in more tragedy.

Ultimately, I loved this. While everything didn’t click for me in all the right places, and I was longing for more Ana, I do think it was a perfectly crafted story. I’m really, really looking forward to where things go for the Torres girls.

This YA Contemporary addresses themes of domestic violence, grief, family dynamics, love, and friendship.

Stories that are written with bits of magical realism are some of my favorite and most powerful reads. This one is definitely one of them.

This book includes different points of view from each sister left behind after the death of their sister Anna. You’ll get an inside view of how each one is grieving with her loss and Mabry does a good job of making you feel what they feel.

There are some scenes that include levels of domestic and emotional abuse that may be difficult for some people.

This book was smart and dark, with beautiful moments of sisterhood and perseverance. I liked the subtle nods to characters from the classic Little Women. The characters were so raw and real, fully formed. I especially loved how flawed and relatable all the young women were - they were so believable, and I saw myself in there hopes and dreams and failures. This is perfect for fans of Anna Marie McLemore. Highly recommend.

Tigers, Not Daughters is about 4 sisters and their efforts to escape their lives with their emotionally and financially absent father. The story takes place a year after the oldest sister, Ana, tragically dies from a fall. Mabry does an excellent job of making you feel the emotions of the sisters, especially Jessica and Iridian. Rosa was the sister with a calming affect. There is a trigger warning for domestic violence.

Thank you to Netgalley for an e-arc of this book in exchange for an honest review. I will be recommending this to my YA readers.

Even before I began reading the book, I was very curious to know the exact meaning of the title because it is a reference from King Lear ( I never read it) and it’s used as an insult, hurled by Albany at Lear’s selfish and disobedient daughters. This intrigued me more as the publisher sold this book as Little Women meets The Virgin Suicides. The novel is vicious and gorgeously crafted. The story is weave through the perspectives of four sisters pull in this paranormal magical story that explores the steadfast examination of grief, depression, and sisterhood.

The story explores sisterly love as it begins with the Torres (Ana, Iridian, Jessica, and Rosa living in a small miserable town they want to be free from. When one of the Torres sisters dies the family, they struggle with each of their own grief and depression, struggling with their own torments and healing as too protect each other. A year after the loss, strange uncanny events occur that become more disturbing and haunting. As the sisters are consumed with their own grief as they struggle to understand the hauntings and meaning behind them.

I enjoy the lyrical and honest writing style. It is a short novel of a half and half drama love story with a comforting touch of magical realism. Mabry writes how deep emotional response to multifaceted inner lives of sisterhood and a great loss is.

As much as I enjoy the book, I struggle with the execution of having multiple perspectives. It felt very tight and collided with how much time you have with each character; getting to know them. There was also an unnecessary interloper that I felt less inclined to feel a connection too.

Overall, I am impressed with Tigers, Not Daughters. This is the perfect novel for readers wanting to be introduced to magical realism, and those looking for books with Shakespearean inspiration and paranormal elements.

Despite the fact that this novel is being marketed as a modern version of Little Women (there are four sisters after all), that’s the only resemblance the novel had with the literary classic we all know and love. Instead, this novel reminded me more of The Virgin Suicides with the ongoing ennui that the Torres sisters have to deal with after the death of their beloved older sister, Ana. The fact that a group of neighborhood boys are always watching and obsessing over the sisters, adds on to the resemblance between the two novels. Some reviewers have considered this novel as a retelling of King Lear, since the father figure in this book is quite questionable, unreliable, and just lacks any real parenting skills.

However, with all these comparisons being made, Tigers, Not Daughters is a unique ghost story. Because ultimately, this is what the book is about, the ghost of Ana Torres haunting the lives and house of the remaining Torres sisters, Iridian, Jessica, and Rosa. The book is told in four points of views, from Peter’s (one of the boys that’s always hanging out at Hector’s house who lives fairly close to the Torres family as they have a good view of all the happenings that go on in the household), Rosa, Iridian, and Jessica.

I’ll admit that I enjoyed Iridian’s and Jessica’s points of view much more than the other two. Iridian was obsessed with Anne Rice’s novel The Witching Hour, and spent most of the novel re-reading that book and trying to write her own supernatural romance, while Jessica was the so-called mean sister filled with anger, but that after Ana’s death tried to fit into the void that Ana left behind to the point of wearing her sister’s makeup, taking up residence in her former room, and even going as far as dating Ana’s boyfriend.

The haunting is slow like a Southern Gothic novel (although it takes place in San Antonio in a predominantly Latino community). There are a lot of creepy moments and an underlying feeling of dread that coats this novel in a claustrophobic clutch and doesn’t let you go till the very end.

You don’t read this novel merely for the plot alone, but rather to live through the dark chilling ride that it provides.

*Thank you so much to NetGalley and Algonquin Young Readers for the digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!

I have read Mabry's other book, A Fierce and Subtle Poison and I remember it being beautifully written and magical much like the feelings I got while reading Tigers, Not Daughters. Mabry just has a way of writing where even though it might be full of poetic phrases and instances that border on the unbelievable, its still seems so vividly real. This book was a little bit different in the sense that it dealt with some very heavy topics, but at the same time it was also such a beautiful story that centered around the bond between sisters that can overcome even the hardest times.

After the death of their older sister, the three younger Torres sisters must learn to deal with their grief and all that comes with such a huge loss. Told from multiple POV, you get to know each sister and other important characters that all play a role in the story in their own way. As things begin to happen around the house that can only be from their sister Ana, the girls come together in the most unlikely of circumstances. With little bits of magical realism and some spooky aspects, this book was a treat to read and kept me coming back for more.

In the letter written from the author that came with the ARC, Mabry writes that the line "Tigers, Not Daughters" is a phrase from Shakespeare's King Lear and that in the play it is used as an insult. But she wanted to find a way to make this as a praise. She also mentions how some parents deserve to be disobeyed. This struck me hard when reading this book because I think she did the title justice by creating three strong willed sisters that find the strength in each other to face all the difficulties thrown at them and learn to heal from their emotional wounds. And they definitely have a parent that deserves to be disobeyed.

I think that this book will strike home in the hearts of many people young and old, and it has aspects that can speak to us all. Even with the tougher topics, Mabry has elegantly told a story that will keep you intrigued and make your heart feel for the vivid characters and all they go through in the span of these pages. Make sure to take note of sone of the topics if you have particular triggers, but know that they are all dealt with in a respectful way that didn't leave me feeling icky or put off. This book might be just what someone needs. To learn to heal, and move on even in the most difficult circumstances.

Tigers not daughters is one of the best books I have read this year. This is the story of four latina sisters and how they live after their big sister Ana dies.
One year after Ana's death, mysterious things begin to happen which make the Torres sisters think Ana is trying to send them a message.
Overall the book writing is beautiful and unique, i love the hints of magical realism that were included in the story. i couldn't put it down.
Trigger warnings: death, abusive relationship, abusive family
5 stars
thanks to netgalley and Algonquin young readers for an ARC of this title in exchange for an honest review.

A magical, Latina Little Woman! It was freaking savage. I love a good sisterhood book and this delivered. tenfold. Jessica ripped my heart into pieces.

Lyrical and magical. A compulsively readable tale of grief, growing up, and moving forward. Samantha Mabry’s stunning storytelling brought the Torres sisters to life on the pages of this book. This is the story of four sisters and how they cope after one of them dies. Jessica is strong, angry, and has the weight of the world on her shoulders. Iridian it’s quiet and timid, she’d rather be at home with her books then out in the real world. Rosa is sweet and caring with an unusual bond with the animals. All three sisters miss their oldest sister Anna terribly. Anna fell to her death crawling out her bedroom windows as the girls tried to escape their oppressive home life. When the sisters start to hear voices, see writing on the wall, and sense a presence in the room, they wonder what their sister Anna is trying to tell them. How do you keep living when your world falls apart?

Such a gorgeous story with so much heart and the perfect touch of magic. These girls do not live an easy life. Their mother has died and their father is useless. The story is real and raw and perhaps a little bleak, but there is always that little trace of hope. The audiobook is narrated by Luis Moreno and she brought the perfect unique voice to each of the sisters. The story is told from the perspectives of each of the sisters, and I really liked getting to know each of them. Rosa was definitely my favorite sister from the very beginning, but I have to say Jessica definitely grew on me through out the course of the book. This truly was the perfect blend of coming of age and magical realism.

This book in emojis 👭 👭 🐶 ✍🏻 💄 🎼

***Big thank you to Algonquin and libro.fm FM for my gifted copy of this book. All opinions are my own. ***

Tigers, Not Daughters was one of my anticipated books for the year. It had a very intriguing synopsis and even a more beautiful title. This book was intense and emotional. At its core, this book talks about family and grief and the different ways people deal with loss and how every way is justified and natural.

The Story
The story of this book was about the four Torres sisters. The eldest Torres sister dies (not a spoiler, its mentioned in the synopsis!) leaving the other three and their father to pick up the pieces and grieve. The story follows how each sister grieves and deals with this loss while also going ahead in their lives. This book had a lot of heavy elements but it was also so well-written that at no point did the story get boring or make me not want to read it. The story felt raw and it dealt with all the ugly sides of grief whether it’s anger, tears, need for isolation, acceptance and denial. It was all shown in its truest form and more importantly no one way was shown as the “right way”. All ways of grieving was justified and portrayed well.

After Ana’s death, mysterious things and haunted stuff starts happening which makes the sisters believe that Ana is back and trying to send them a message. This is how the story moves forward.

The Characters
The characters of this book were varied and fleshed out. This book was majorly character driven so it was important to have interesting characters and they definitely were interesting. These sisters were all so different from each other but while reading you could always feel a bond which tied them together.

Ana the eldest sister who died was the rebel and the hero for all her sisters. She loved her sisters and always dreamed of running away from the city and from their father.

The second Torres sister was Jessica who after her sister’s death became the one to take care of everyone. Jessica works at a pharmacy and hopes to escape town someday. She portrays her role really well. She misses her sister but at the same time she also wants to take care of her family and in doing all this she sometimes what she wants. Her pain and grief was trying to become like her sister and staying true to herself too.

The third Torres sister was Iridian. Iridian was a school dropout and her character and reasoning for her actions was quite mysterious until the end. She isolated herself and lashed out while trying to cope and her actions don’t always make sense. But at the end it all comes together. Iridian loves reading and writing and tries to read Ana’s favourite books to understand her.

The youngest Torres sister was Rosa. Rosa was the unique and weird sister who loved talking to animals and who believed that her sister Ana was back. Though she was the youngest, she held everyone together and always tried to be there for everyone and solve problems. She was the purest of them all.

I loved Rosa the most because her pure heart always came through. The other side characters were also very well written and important to the story in some way. The characters depicted all parts: the good, the ugly and the bizarre. They were human and realistic.

The Writing
The writing of the book was beautiful and borderline poetic. The grief and the sadness was fleshed out and written in a realistic and raw way which made you feel the emotions of the characters and stay invested in the story.

Themes of Magical Realism
There were a few hints of magical realism which was a very nice touch to the book and story. There were talks of ghosts and haunting and magic and it gave a very unique touch to this book.

Overall, Tigers, Not Daughters was an intense, dark and emotional book about family, grief and sisterhood. It had hints of magical realism and ghosts which gave it a spooky vibe. It had multiple POVs and was very well-written. So if you’re a fan of contemporary with touch of magic and realistic characters, you must check out this book! Do check out the trigger warnings once!

Samantha Mabry has quickly become one of my favorite authors as I loved this haunting atmospheric tale about sisterly love, and their struggles to protect each other as they discover themselves, that is weaved into this paranormal magical story.

The Torres sisters Ana, Jessica, Iridian, and Rosa try to escape unsuccessfully from their miserable life in San Antonio, and from their despotic father. One evening, Ana the oldest sister, falls to her death from her bedroom window. The year following Ana’s death, we see how the sisters mourn her death - each with their own way of handling the loss. All the while, mysterious ghostly and haunting events begin to consume their lives.

Mabry wrote in vivid and poetic prose, giving these sisters their own voice through their unique personalities. The characterization was well thought out and their stories so captivating.

The writing was gracefully executed through this dark and messy turbulence in the lives of these sisters after a violent death. I was so drawn to this distinctive style of writing by Mabry and read this book slowly not wanting it to end.

Four daughters live at home with their unreliable, irresponsible father. Then, the eldest daughter Ana falls off this mortal coil. The remaining daughters, Jessica, Iridian, and Rosa, grieve the death of their sister and wish to be anywhere else. Soon enough, the routine of grief and life is interrupted by strange events that begin occurring at home. Odd laughter, unsettling noises, and more begin to unravel the sisters' reality.⁣⁣
⁣⁣
The sisters believe that Ana is trying to speak to them from beyond the grave, but is that really what's going on? Is this communication, or are the sisters actually in danger? These sisters are flawed and vulnerable, and they act authentically in their grief. Can they overcome their grief before it's too late? Will they be able to escape the circling doom? These questions and more will race through your mind as Tigers, Not Daughters keeps you on the edge of your seat until the very last page.⁣⁣
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I loved the story Samantha Mabry has written, and how the sisters' grief echoes through each page. Each of the characters is fully realized and I found myself being pulled into their lives. As someone who's lost a sibling, I found the grief both authentic and, for each sister, remarkably different, almost as if each sister represented a stage of grief embodied as a full character of expression. I felt the walls closing in on the sisters as the story delved further into their lives, and despite their agony I wished I could have spent more time with them. If you're looking for an escape from the usual and the regular, join the Torres sisters as they descend into a unique, palpable experience you won't soon forget.⁣⁣

4 ½ stars

First I have a really bad sinus infection right now so i’m really hoping this review sounds okay.

I really loved this book. I loved how griping and dark and real this book was.

They had always been four, Ana and Jessica, Iridian, and Rosa until Ana dies. Leaving Jessica, Iridian and rosa broken by grief.

This story takes place a year after Ana’s death and is told by all three sisters POV along with the neighborhood boy’s POVs (which are my favorite parts). The ghost story that is weaved into it is haunting. It’s not a jump scare nothing super bad happens but it was Still fascinating, writing on the wall and hands in the bathroom , a scream little things that add up that might send goosebumps up your arm.

This story also deals with abuse both from a parent and from a lover and I really appreciate the way Samantha Mabry wrote both it sent chills up my spine and even if I wanted to look away I couldn’t (also coming from a abusive household it reminded me a lot about some of things that I had to deal with as a kid, If your coming from a similar back ground please be safe reading this).

I loved all three sisters. Each sister deals with their grief in different ways

Jessica- Who tries her best to become Ana, going as far as dating john Ana’s boyfriend and moving into her sisters old room. She’s a little obsessive and odd, wearing Ana’s old cloth and refusing to throw anything away from her sister.

Iridian- Who refuses to leave the house and spends her time re-reading the witching hour by anne rice and writing in her notebooks about love and the supernatural and curses. She’s the character I could most relate to and I loved her.

Rosa- who is the only sister who still goes to church. Who sits in the back yard trying to communicate to animals and wanders the neighborhood in search of a hyena that escaped the zoo.

Then there’s the girls good for nothing father, he drinks too much, he’s unreliable, he tries his best to control the girls. He really doesn’t know what they are doing behind his back. He not only lost his oldest daughter he also lost his wife to childbirth.

The book is written in such a way that the characters and their grief felt real.

Tigers, not daughters is character driven, haunting and I couldn’t put it down. I would highly recommend it.

This is more of a niche novel. I loved the dynamic between the sisters. This is beautifully written and has a strong place in paranormal collections.