Darkness Calls the Tiger is a historical fiction novel portraying missionaries during WWII but it’s also so much more. I love WWII history. It just seems to call to me and I can’t get enough. I knew I needed to read this book once I saw that it was set in WWII. It’s set in Burma though and I didn’t really know much about that area of the war.

Turns out not a lot of people know a lot about this part of the war either. It’s an under-researched spot and the story isn’t told often. I think with this book we’re increasing awareness and it’s paving the way for more people to take an interest in the time period and the area.

NOW A SUPER FUN FACT!
I knew I had to read this book because one of the main characters is a McDonough! That was my grandma’s maiden name. She was a WWII war bride. So, of course, I was immediately hooked. He’s got to be a great guy this Ryan to have a name like that!

Kailyn is our main female character. She’s the daughter of a widowed missionary. And she’s charged with taking care of the area they live in while her father is off doing other things. Nobody knew what was coming and nothing could prepare them for it. When the darkness comes can Kailyn turn away from the prophecy of an old woman and create her own future? Or will she succumb to the darkness and become bitter and angry and alone?

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and hope you take the time to read it too.

I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from JustRead Publicity Tours. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.

“You have no control over what’s happening around you. The only thing you can do is make a choice about how you’ll respond now. Revenge or love. Anger or trust.”

Janyre Tromp brings us a unique WWII story, Darkness Calls the Tiger. Focusing on the China-India-Burma theater of the war is something I’m not sure I’ve ever done, as most of the US focus seems to naturally involve Europe. Tromp brings the sights, smells, sounds, and fears of the jungle to life.

Young Kai’s amber eyes stir up suspicion among the villagers, and the old traveling storyteller affirms these suspicions with a frightening prophecy. While Kai’s missionary family believes in Karai Kasang, the Supreme God, a series of tragedies unfold over the next years that leave Kai reeling and alone. How can she trust in a supposedly loving God who would allow so much evil? Perhaps it is up to Kai to attempt to protect the jungle village from the encroaching Japanese invaders, perhaps finding love and acceptance in her sacrifice.

Slightly older, much newer missionary Ryan is a character I really enjoyed. He can see that underneath Kai’s tough exterior is a very capable, fun, and intelligent young woman. As Ryan takes over the responsibility of warding the Japanese away from his adopted village, he finds Kai beginning to work with him until an ultimate tragedy. Then, their worlds are rocked, shaken, and totally re-directed. Will Ryan find Kai again? Is she the person he believes he is hearing rumors about?

This is a very emotional story, touching on many issues that could be triggers for some readers. At the very least, my heart cries for Kai, the young girl who suffers loss that leads to isolation; Kai, the young woman who disappears but is actually on many lips and in many thoughts.

Choices. John Moran’s choices severely affect Kai, and her perception of the Heavenly Father. “I had memorized the verses saying Karai Kasang loved me, but it was Papa’s angry eyes I saw when I imagined God on heaven’s throne.” Kai makes choices over and over again as she seeks retribution for her people. But, can she find the power to deny the call of darkness that she has given such a stronghold on her life, or will she forever be alone, unloved, and unforgiven?

What I loved most about this book was the redemption aspect. The novel can be so dark. But when the light of God enters a life, that life turns around so spectacularly that I want to cheer for God, and shake Kai into belief. As if! So my fave secondary character is one who totally shocked me. The grace of God is amazing, and this character proves it.

I received a copy of the book from JustRead tours via Netgalley. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.

Notable Quotables:

“…I had two choices—be consumed in my anger and bitterness or  .  .  .Or choose forgiveness and trust. At some point I realized that my anger only fed the evil.”

“It took bravery to be kind. Courage to be gentle. Strength to restrain. And I’d chosen the wanton anger and revenge of Sharaw instead.”

“Love wasn’t measured in how well a person followed rules, especially when they were ever-moving lines.”

“…trusting life to be good in the light ain’t nothing. But if you have to trust in the dark, well now, that is faith.”

Tromp tells the story of World War II’s China-Burma-India front and of the Kachin Rangers in Darkness Calls the Tiger. She starts out by telling of the culture of the Burma people. In the second part, she tells of how the characters fought in the war.

Kailyn Moran is the only daughter of a widowed missionary. Her eyes were the color of amber like a tiger’s. Her nickname was “The tiger-eyed one” and then there is Sharaw. She was born and raised in Burma. Kailyn was like any other villager. She was able to climb trees and go from one to the other without touching the ground. She knew how to hunt and take care of herself in the forest. Yet she felt like she didn’t belong. In the second part of the book she disappears into the jungle away from everyone.

Kailyn’s father was John Moran, who was a missionary from America. He taught the village about Karai Kasang (Jesus). He is convinced God will protect them from the war that is coming and decides to visit other villages, leaving Kailyn and Ryan in charge.

Ryan is also a missionary, from Indiana. His nickname is the Bear of Burma. He is training to take over from John Moran. He knew the villagers had a faith in God, yet they feared the evil that life brings. He had to learn how to be a leader. He joins the army in the second part of the book.

Tromp weaves a story of learning to trust, to hope, to love and to have faith. Her story is gripping and intense. Some of the quotes I liked are: “But if you have to trust in the dark, well now, that is faith.” And “It took bravery to be kind. Courage to be gentle. Strength to restrain.”

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

Darkness Calls The Tiger is one of those books that stays with you long after you turn the last page. This historical novel set in Burma (modern-day Myanmar) during WWII is above-the-top excellent. The setting is so very unique — the mountain villages of the Himalayan range of Burma combines with the Japanese invasion — that I was googling as I read. This is a time and place I knew nothing about, but now feel like I was there along with the characters. And what characters they are! The narrative switches between the first person POV of Kailyn Moran and the third person POV featuring Ryan McDonough. Each has trouble identifying their place and purpose in the world. Kailyn is a child of the jungle, yet is an outsider. A child of missionaries, she has one foot in Burmese culture and another in the foreign-to-her world of her American ancestry. Ryan is in Burma to honor his mother, but wonders if he will ever feel at home. And home is important for both of them. As the Japanese attempt the conquest of the country, the two take very different paths to rectify their failings and guilt. In order to avoid spoilers, I will just say that Kai and Ryan become people they feel destined to be, but is that what God really wants? Both have foundations in faith, but war, loss, and fear twists that all around.

The novel is a riveting page-turner. It portrays the ugliness, brutality, and evil of a world at war, but strongly shines a light of redemption and restoration that pierces that darkness. It is a must-read for those who love historical fiction, especially from a new perspective or for those who love a really good story.

Very Highly Recommended.

Great for Book Clubs.

Audience: Adults.

(I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley. All opinions expressed are mine.)

The Christian fiction world is blessed with a vast array of talented authors, but there are a few who really stick out. Janyre is one of those authors. She has a way of truly bringing her characters to life and making her readers feel fully immersed as the story unfolds. Set deep in the jungles of Burma during World War II, Darkness Calls the Tiger is a tale of brokenness, but also of redemption, forgiveness, and unfailing love. It's one of the most intense, powerful novels I have ever read.

Kailyn (Kai) Moran has never known life outside the jungle. Her widowed missionary father has raised her in their small mountain village nestled deep in the heart of Burma and she plays the role of dutiful daughter while doing her best to work alongside him now that she's grown. Despite rumours of war and the horror creeping into neighbouring villages as the enemy invades the mountains, Kai's father stands firm in his belief that God will not allow the mission to be attacked. He leaves Kai and the village in the hands of the newest missionary, Ryan McDonough, to visit the surrounding villages, certain he will return shortly. But darkness invades the village, bringing death to the peaceful mountains and shattering their village forever. The attack leaves Kai broken, bent on vengeance against the men who tore her world apart, while Ryan fights to bring back the woman he loves before the darkness within steals her away...forever.

This story will break you and then put you back together again. It will impress you with a deep sense of God's unfailing love for each one of us and the hope we have in Jesus. It's one that will stick with you for years to come, creeping back into your memories with words of wisdom and reminders of what bitterness can do when we hold onto it and let it spiral out of control. The characters will come to life, feel like friends, and take you on a wild ride as they endure the trials they will have to endure. You'll smell the earthy jungle, feel Kai and Ryan's pain, and hear the sounds of battle. And while parts of it will leave you feeling gutted, it will also remind you that when the night seems the darkest, Jesus is closer than ever before.

Darkness Calls the Tiger easily hits 5 stars for me. This novel hit me hard, in a good way, and it's one I hope to add to my re-read shelf to come back to time and time again.

*As a member of the launch team, I received a complimentary copy of Darkness Calls the Tiger. All thoughts and opinions are my own. My positive review is not required.

This is Guerilla Warfare Mulan. The savagery and rage of our FMC Kai was very easy to relate to. It’s a story of survival and vengeance and it’s also about love, faith, and forgiveness. I really enjoy the message and symbolism at play here.

1942 in Myanmar: A young womans village is eviscerated and everyone she cares about, killed. Living in the jungle and adopting the identity of the legendary “Sharaw”, the tiger man who brings destruction, she seeks revenge on the Japanese lieutenant Utagawa responsible for her pain.
A missionary man, and friend from their shared tragic past, returns as a military captain and seeks to find her. Simultaneously, the Japanese military is hunting her so he has to hurry if he is going to protect her from the danger that lurks.

I love the themes, but I did find this to be quite slow and the crisis they encounter are repetitive. I would recommend this to someone specifically looking for Christian literature who might find the subject matter of struggles of faith relatable and inspiring.

Lyrically stunning, adrenaline pumping, and gut wrenching. It’s intense, it’s impactful, and it’s something like I’ve never read before.

I got so lost in the story and the connection to the characters-especially Kai and Ryan. From the missionary fields to the jungle of war torn Burma to fighting the Japanese. War is brutal and this book takes you through it.

I deeply felt for these characters and their struggles. Mostly, I thought- how did anyone even make it through such a time? Their path to survival is equally devastating and triumphant. I cannot even fully explain what I read, but I know I have not encountered another book like this one. It’s an epic saga, one to experience and absorb. You will feel smack dab in the middle of the jungle with these characters and they become family. You hope for their survival, you cheer for them, and cry for them. Be prepared to need a box of Kleenex and a hug from your significant other.

Tears and heartbreak. Revenge and redemption. Finally, forgiveness and peace. So much in the details of this story. This will be one of my top books this year. Beyond stunning piece of literature. Do check trigger warning as the topics are very heavy. This book is brilliant and it’s a complete 5 star read for me! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

“The only thing you can do is make a choice about how you’ll respond now. Revenge or love. Anger or trust.”

I have to admit the gorgeous cover is what first drew me to this book, but it’s the heartachingly beautiful story within that kept me quickly turning the pages. Set during WWII in the little known China-India-Burma theater, this powerful tale of love, loss, revenge, & forgiveness grabbed hold & didn’t let go. It’s the story of a missionary’s daughter who faces unthinkable odds as she & newly arrived missionary Ryan McDonough fight to protect her Himalayan Kachin village from Japanese invaders.

Kailyn Moran was told at a young age she’d become a vengeful tiger-person who’d die alone. Later, as an adult, her father leaves her & an inexperienced missionary from Texas in charge of the village with the threat of Japanese soldiers on the horizon. After experiencing violence, betrayal & death, Kai transforms herself into the vengeful tiger persona she was predicted to become & embarks on a brutal campaign against the soldiers who destroyed her village.

After losing track of Kai, Ryan joins the American military in India & returns to find the legendary Sharaw whom the Japanese soldiers fear. Facing death, destruction, & the painful tragedy of war, Ryan finds Kai & together they fight both the surrounding enemy & the enemy within.

This story really impacted me. I enjoyed the message of choosing trust & forgiveness. Kai experiences unimaginable loss & makes the wrong choices, but as she reconnects with those she loves, she finds hope & peace in forgiveness.

I loved the beautiful prose & the way the author conveyed such a range of emotions. Kai’s anger & desire for revenge were so understandable & palpable. I loved the metaphor of becoming a tiger & how her thirst for vengeance became animalistic. But, she’s not beyond reach & I loved how Ryan, with his own losses & hardships, fights to help the woman he loves.

The story & setting were so compelling & well written. I found myself on pins & needles as Kai & Ryan hide from their enemies. It’s a must read for historical fiction/romance fans. Highly recommend this stirring, unforgettable book! I received an advanced complimentary copy from the author and publisher. All opinions are my own and voluntarily provided.

Special thanks to UpLit Reads, NetGalley, and author Janyre Tromp for gifting DARKNESS CALLS THE TIGER to me! This book of WWII Burma is one you’ll want on your TBR!

Kai’s father is convinced God will protect them as the Japanese get closer and closer to their remote Kachin mountain village. Kai isn’t so sure. A tale of love, vengeance, and forgiveness, will Kai find what she’s looking for?

I was immediately drawn to this book because my grandfather was stationed in this area of the world during WWII, and it seems to be a mostly forgotten stage of the war. There was so much in this novel. Author Janyre Tromp wove an incredible tale, and I could not put it down. There was so much action and tension between these pages, I had to know what happened next. Kai’s character is simultaneously strong and broken, and I loved seeing her growth throughout the book. Also, can we talk about this cover??!?! I'm in love.

I’d recommend this for fans of WWII fiction who want a different setting than Europe.

CW: war, rape, starvation

I’m not even sure how to review this book. Darkness Calls the Tiger is dark, harsh and so many other things. Yet hope is always infused throughout. In this book, Tromp takes us to Burma during WWII. War is hard, and messy, and scary. So was Burma during this time.

Tromp paints a picture so well that you are put in Burma. You can feel it. Smell it. You know the tiger is there, just waiting. Her research is incredible and I learned so much by reading this book.

If you enjoy, and I’m not sure that’s the right word for this book, compelling historical fiction that will keep you on the edge of your seat, yet shows forgiveness, friendship, and trust then do pick this one up. You won’t regret it.

I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.

Have you ever been to Burma before? I have. Ok, not TECHNICALLY, but I FEEL like I have after reading this book. I could see the jungle: the trees, the animals, the rocks, the huts. I heard the sounds. Saw the planes. Felt the pain. Heard the screams. Writhed in pain. Held my breath during the stalking. And I was absolutely gutted.

But we know that we ALWAYS have hope in Jesus.

~I was given a complimentary copy of this book. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.~

Darkness Calls the Tiger is an incredibly powerful story. Historical fiction is my favorite genre and I read a lot of WWII fiction. Ms. Tromp chose to set this story in the rarely-used Pacific setting of Burma. While fictional, this story is a tribute to the unsung heroes and missionaries who were trapped behind enemy lines in the Pacific Theater.
Ms. Tromp's vivid prose gave a strong sense of place, bringing the jungle setting to life. She does not shy away from the realities and atrocities of war, but points readers towards the light.
I was captivated by the expert plot pacing as Kailyn and Ryan fight to survive, to aid the villagers and refugees, to fight the Japanese. But it was the character development I found compelling. I couldn't help but commiserate with the characters as they questioned "do you ever wonder why evil doesn't stop?" The emotions of Ms. Tromp's characters, their beliefs, motivation and fears were so real. Kailyn and Ryan's faith journey to trust, forgive and love will tug on readers' heartstrings.

A favorite quote: "...trusting life to be good in the light ain't nothing. But if you have to trust in the dark, that is faith."

****I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author/publisher and Netgalley. I was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

We all face hard things, but it’s the choice we make about what to do next that determines the outcome. Do we seek revenge? Do we forgive?

Let Janyre Tromp take you back in time to the China-Burma-India theatre of WWII and to the jungle-filled Hukwang Valley in Northern Burma.

The tone is set with her beautiful cover ~ the perfect metaphor for her message about forgiveness ~ and continues to be reflected in her masterful prose. Tromp has written a heart-shattering read, but there’s so much hope in her words and enough light and encouragement for readers to find their own way out of the darkness.

As a young child, Kailyn Morana is visited by a storyteller who predicts that she will become a vengeful, angry tiger-person and burn to ash and die alone, as the result of a curse.

Decades later and unaware of the Japanese taking control of Southern Burma after Pearl Harbour, Kailyn, the only daughter of a widowed missionary, is entrusted with protecting the village while her father calls on the neighbouring communities. When war comes to the Kachin mountains, Kailyn and the new missionary, Ryan McDonough, tirelessly fight back. It’s not enough and their village is burned to the ground. Pushed to the edge of her abilities, Kailyn makes some poor choices in seeking revenge. Ryan needs to convince her of the power and freedom of forgiveness. Can he do it before it’s too late?

Since finishing this book last week, I’ve reminded myself about not choosing to burn to ash in my quest for revenge. It appears to be an easier option to seek revenge at first, but in the long run, it’s so consuming and so detrimental to our health. I loved this informative read. I’ve Googled Father James Stuart and the Morse family in addition to the OSS Detachment 101 and Lieutenant General Stilwell’s campaign. With so little written about this theatre, this informative and extremely well-written book will pave the way.

To think that this book sat finished on the author’s shelf for 7 years because the publishing world thought we weren’t ready for it is mind-boggling.

I encourage you to read this one. You may just find a little of yourself in it. If nothing else, you'll receive an enlightening education about the CBI theatre and Burmese mountain legends and agree that this one deserves some silver screen time.

I was gifted this copy by Kregel Publications and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.

This story reminded me of Mulan, in which she risks death and disgrace by hiding her identity to fight in her father’s place; but, in this novel, Kailyn wants vengeance on the man who murdered her people.

It’s an enthralling story of friendship, sacrifice, and the power of a strong sense of hope, with a splash of romance. It’s a compelling story based on actual events. You will want to share this with your book club. Darkness Calls the Tiger is a page-turner. It’s riveting from start to finish. The characters emerge from the pages and into your heart. The author does a fantastic job describing war as cruel, harsh, intense, and heartbreaking without being overly detailed.

I appreciated the spiritual element that ran throughout the story as Kai grappled with her vengeful purpose. Her mission. Was it the right thing to do? Her childhood friend, Ryan tries to shield her from the disastrous consequences of her actions. What would she do?

It’s a gripping tale of vengeance, fury, despair, forgiveness, and peace in Burma during World War II. It’s a story you won’t soon forget.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I requested and received a copy of this book by the publisher and NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins!
The Book Club Network blog https://psalm516.blogspot.com/

Oh my goodness—words can barely touch how much I loved this book, how much it moved me. Tromp not only touched on difficult and messy topics, but she digs so deep into the pain and anguish of living in such a broken world. Her characters are raw, and their authenticity in the struggle of trusting in God’s goodness coupled with an enduring faith is so utterly relatable. Tromps books pull you in because she has a knack for getting straight to the heart of the story and mashing it into your own chest so thoroughly that you literally can’t tell anymore which feelings were there before and which are derived from the character’s experience.
One of the things I love about this book is that it sheds light not only on the Pacific theater of WWII, which I feel is far less common in novels, but on the Burma-India region. This was such a fresh perspective on WWII fiction, and I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys a delightful mixture of historical, suspense and romance.

1942-1947 Burma

Fans of unique novels...Darkness Calls the Tiger fits that description in more than one way. It's a rare WWII novel set in the eastern theater and the main female character is a hardened warrior.

The mountains of Burma is all missionary daughter Kailyn knows. As she begins to lose those she loves, her spirit turns dark and focused on revenge.

Missionary Ryan comes to Burma as a young adult and has a lot to learn about the ways of the people there and the geography.

This is a story about war...WWII and the human battle to survive and forgive. The scenes of violence were handled with care. The scenery is well described and brings the setting to life. The use of the tiger throughout was beautifully done. The cover is stunning and a perfect fit for the novel.

I don’t normally read books that are set in war, but Ms. Tromp’s book, Shadows in the Mind’s Eye, was so powerful that I wanted to read it. This was a complex story in not only the political events, but also in the lives of Kailyn Moran, Ryan McDonough, and the missionary village where they live. Kailyn is tormented by the legends that surround her and a feeling like she never belongs anywhere. She must work through difficult emotions she has as she loses those dear to her as they encounter the Japanese that close in on them.

The dynamic nature of love, forgiveness, and self-sacrifice all play a significant part throughout the telling of this intense historical tale. You will have a range of emotions as you see the war through both Kai and Ryan’s perspectives. Evil tried to win, but God’s light of goodness always shines through, even in the darkest of times.

I received a complimentary copy of the book. A review was voluntarily given, and all opinions are my own.

Absolutely spellbinding!

Kailyn, daughter of American missionaries, lives in a remote village in Burma during WWII. When tragedy forces her from the only home she has ever known - grieving and heartsick - she decides to fight back.

Ryan is training to take over the duties of Kailyn's father one day but when war comes to the village, he finds himself in a role he never imagined and desperate to help the woman he fell in love with.

Kailyn's hunger for revenge is slowly changing her and it will take the love and patience of the man to whom she lost her heart to save her.

What to expect:
WWII
Set in small Burmese village
Beautiful prose
Determined FMC
Rich history
Loss and survival
Healing and forgiveness
Sweet romance

This book was intense, a little dark, and absolutely fascinating and features a little-known piece of history. It gripped me from the first few chapters and the author's vivid brought the story to life.

Kailyn and Ryan are both complex yet endearing characters. Their tale of self-sacrifice and love was both tragic and soul-stirring, and took me through the full range of emotions, from shock and sadness to elation and joy. Their romance was forged in heartache and trials but perhaps that is what made it so strong.

The author broke my heart piece by piece but by the end, she stitched it back together but left it better than she found it, filled with the beautiful reminders that forgiveness is a choice and that light will always outshine the darkness.

A beautiful tale with darker moments that reveal the horrors of war, but the hope far outshines the loss. Highly recommend to anyone who enjoys historical fiction!

CW: War/fighting scenes, death, rape (off-page but you know it happens), self-harm, death of family members

I received a complimentary copy of this book but a positive review was not required.

This was a beautiful tale of hope, trust and forgiveness. Taking place in Burma in WWII, readers are taken to a lesser known aspect of WWII and the author showcased the bravery of the Asian tribes as they fought the war against Japan. This book follows Kailyn, the missionary's daughter whose amber-colored "tiger eyes" have instilled a bit of fear and legend into the village she calls home. After the loss of her mother in childbirth, Kai is left with her father whose grief spills over to the point of being destructive. Ryan comes to Burma to learn the ropes of being a missionary and eventually take over the mission that John began among the Kachin people and he falls in love with John's daughter Kai. But when the Japanese encroach on their village, Ryan has to make decisions that impact the entire village and then some.

This book has a great deal of heavy reading within it with darker subject matter in some places. But that makes the light that shines through the darkness that much brighter as the story progressed. When Kai believes she has lost everyone important to her, vengeance becomes her watch word and she becomes the legend that many in her village feared she would be. But the hatred only fueled the darkness. And I thoroughly enjoyed how the author brought back the light to her world. Due to the heaviness and the darkness, I would not recommend this one for younger audiences, but all in all, this was a great WWII novel that shined a light on the Asian part of the war, and had a great message of forgiveness and light. Special thanks to the author and NetGalley for an advance e-copy of this book. I was under no obligation to provide a review and the thoughts contained herein are my own.

Kailyn Moran is a missionary’s daughter, raised in Burma but set adrift by circumstances. Ryan McDonough is the big, bumbling but kind new missionary from America. As the Japanese invade, Kai becomes Sharaw, the tiger-man of legend who seeks revenge for the death of loved ones and Ryan grows into his nickname of the Bear of Burma as part of the U.S. forces.

A grueling, brutal story emerges of guerilla warfare and the cost of survival. This is a story of pain and anger, guilt and forgiveness, the struggle for faith and trust when both are in short supply, and the yearning for safety and belonging.

Occasionally there is an author whose stories are out of my comfort zone but made irresistible by the author’s talent and skill as a writer and a storyteller. Janyre Tromp is one. Darkness Calls the Tiger is Janyre Tromp’s second published novel and a strong follow up to her haunting debut, Shadows in the Mind’s Eye.

Highly recommended.

This review refers to both a NetGalley digital copy and a paperback that I voluntarily read and reviewed, courtesy of the publisher, as part of the launch team. A positive review was not required and all opinions expressed are my own.