Such a powerful, suspenseful, deep and engaging story of anger and peace, hope and despair, revenge and forgiveness in Burma during World War II. Tromp's characters were well-developed and real, the setting practically a character itself, and the emotions so incredibly real and impactful. And what redemption! Highly recommended!

A deep heartfelt read about the daughter of a missionary bound to save her people, and a new missionary from the US determined to prove himself, his faith and his trust. Another amazing WWII read but this is unlike many of the others out there. Based on the story of Japan intent on taking over mainland Asia, and this story specifically focuses on Burma and the war in that region. Kai has never really felt belonging in her village but through her survival of a tiger attack and knowledge of the land, stories some would call folklore proceeds her and so when war comes to them, she knows what she must do to survive. Ryan, the new missionary to this parts needs to prove himself and so when the other missionary John leaves the village for a different mission, he leaves things in Ryan's hands, who has made an impossible promise. As the Japanese descend and the truth of the horrors of war unfolds before Kai's eyes, she takes things into her own hands determined to get revenge for those she has lost and for the anger she has long held inside. As they continue to fight for their lives and work to save the refugees they have to overcome the struggle that they just may need each other if they want to survive these mountains and war. This was a really deep read and you really feel for the characters. Thank you to the publisher and author for the complementary novel and for allowing me to be a part of the launch team. This review is of my own option and accord.

Although an American by birth, Kailyn Moran has never traveled to America. Instead, she’s spent her life alongside the Kachin people in the mountains of Burma. Her missionary parents’ heart for service forms Kailyn’s core beliefs. But when her mother dies, her loving father turns into a man she scarcely recognizes. Her caring adopted Kachin family stands in the place of the parents she used to have.

When rumors of war make their way to their secluded village, her father’s young missionary associate, Ryan McDonough, realizes two things—he has feelings for his supervisor’s brilliant daughter and will do anything to prevent harm from befalling those he cares about, even if it means taking up arms against the Japanese.

When Kailyn’s father leaves the safety of Tingrabum to help other Kachin tribes, Ryan and Kailyn find themselves in charge of defending the village and assisting the Allies. Ryan plans to lead the villagers to safety higher up and then lead refugees, including Kailyn, into India.

Despite their valiant efforts, two of the most important villagers die at the hands of the Japanese. Before Ryan shares his plans with Kai, she disappears into the jungle, consumed with guilt and thirsting for revenge against the brutal Japanese.

As World War II slogs on, Ryan and Kai forge their own roads. Ryan enlists with the OSS and uses his knowledge and skills of the jungle, people, and language to help recruit Kachin warriors to the Allies' side. Kai becomes a one-woman guerilla warfare unit that stalks her prey with precision and stealth, earning her the name of Sharaw, the legendary man who turns into a tiger.

What will happen when their paths meet?

What I Loved About This Book

If you’ve never heard of the China-Burma-Indian theater of World War II, this heart-pounding story will bring it to you like none other. Tromp weaves beauty with violence and lush prose to create a tapestry depicting the horrors of war—especially for non-combatants.

Characters not only experience the hell of war, but they also struggle with their personal demons and choices—whether to forgive and follow Karai Kasang's path or heed the call of the tiger and the darkness within.

Readers who’ve experienced trauma and upheaval will identify with Kai and Ryan as they struggle to forgive God and man.

Trigger warning—if you’ve experienced violence to your person, this book may trigger you. Tromp writes the scenes carefully and doesn’t glorify the violence, but the implications are clear and may trigger some readers.

Wow! I just finished this gripping tale of forgiveness, trust, and finding your way home after experiencing the harshness and the darkness of war, and the inner struggles that can come in extremely difficult times.. I highly recommend this compelling, multi-layered story, I simply could not put it down.

Darkness Calls the Tiger is a powerful story set during WWII in Burma. I’ve never read about what happened during the war in Burma before. It is often called the Forgotten War so it was fascinating to read a story set here. The author has done amazing research, and places you right in the story that begins in a village high up in the mountains in Burma where the people try to prepare for an impending attack by the invading Japanese army. The reader follows former missionaries Kailyn Moran and Ryan James through the jungles of Burma 'fighting the Japanese, God and themselves.'

"Forgiveness had opened the door for me to walk home-not a place, not even a person. Home was wherever I was at peace, where I could be the person Karai Kasang created me to be."

Thank you to the author, publisher, and Net Galley for allowing me to read an early ecopy. All opinions are my own.

When a book is so moving that it brings me to happy tears, you know it’s special. Darkness Calls the Tiger by Janyre Tromp is one of those books. The ravages of war and hate can turn a heart to stone. But the choice to trust in God can bring back life and joy even from the darkest circumstances. The author brought that to the forefront in this book and I highly recommend it!!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. The opinions expressed are completely my own.

Dakrness Calls the Tiger takes place in the jungles of Burma during the Japanese attacks in WWII. This is an aspect of history I previously knew little about. I appreciate the author telling this story in such a compelling way. We see how the hardships of jungle life, loss and war overwhelm Kai and Ryan — the darkness that threatens everything. While exploring the struggles of each character, Janyre Tromp also weaves a story of reformation, hope and forgiveness. I received an early copy for review and the opinions expressed are my own.

When a story brings out your deep feelings and you experience things and places you’ve never expected, that’s an amazing book. This is one of those books.
This story by Janyre Tromp is so powerful and captivating, and it will stay with you long after you’ve finished the book.
Set in the jungles of Burma, it is rich with amazing images, so much so that you can almost feel the rain, the pains of hunger, the fear of the tiger, and the darkness.
The reader will experience the darkness that Kai is dealing with during this time of loss, and war. Yet, the author brings hope through the friendship and relationship Kai has with Ryan, a young missionary trying to find God’s direction in his life.
Janyre Tromp does a beautiful job depicting the struggles these characters were dealing with. Her story flows with great dialogue and wonderful word pictures. Each one has a realness and honesty that brings the issues of each of her characters, in a relatable way.
There's hope, forgiveness, and love in this story, which we can all use.
It truly touched my heart, and I know it will stay with me for a long time.
I highly recommend you pick this book up and read it.
I was given this book by the publisher which did not influence my review in any way, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

It's been a while since I've read a book set in WWII. Most of the ones I have read were similar - set in America or Western Europe, often dual timelines, usually focused on a romance. This book, however, is completely different.

'Darkness Calls the Tiger' is set in Burma (a part of the world I don't know anything about) and while there is an element of romance, it is so much more a story of forgiveness and redemption. It is not an easy read by any stretch of the imagination. The atrocities of war, while not described with an overabundance of detail, are not shied away from. If your dreams are easily influenced by what you read before going to sleep, you might want to keep this as a daytime read.

With that being said, Janyre Tromp has written a beautiful and heartbreaking book. I would recommend 'Darkness Calls the Tiger' to almost anyone.

(I was able to read this book on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.)

I’ve not read a book by Janyre Tromp, but I’m definitely finding more after this! Darkness Calls the Tiger is about Burma during WW2 — a missionary and his family live in a village and have told the people there about Karai Kasang, God. Things begin to go wrong when WW2 reaches that part of the world. This is a fantastic story about an American girl raised in Burma who must learn to trust people and fight the darkness within herself.

Thank you to Kregel Publications and NetGalley for my advanced copy.

Janyre Tromp writes a beautiful story of redemption and forgiveness. Darkness Calls the Tiger is intense, powerful and emotional. WWII in Burma is a topic I’ve never read about or even knew anything about. You will follow Kai and Ryan through the jungles of Burma fighting the Japanese, God and themselves. A truly wonderful story, but don’t forget your tissues!

Darkness calls the tiger. The Sharaw stalks his enemies from the jungle, trapped in the role of man-tiger for the sake of his home. Nobody would believe the formidable foe of the Japanese army in their conquest of Burma comes in the form of a boy, malnourished and fueled by vengeance. Certainly, nobody would believe that boy is actually an American missionary’s daughter. What the invaders would do to Sharaw upon capture pales in comparison to what they would do to Kailyn Moran if she is caught. But the battle raging through the only home Kai knows is nothing compared to the one within her: how can one trust in the supreme God when He allows such horrible things to happen? And how can one love when the result is pain?

Janyre Tromp wrestles with these very difficult topics in her latest release, Darkness Calls The Tiger. While many of us are unfamiliar with the China-Burma-India theater of WW2, she brings us into the fray with great care and skill, introducing us to characters who represent the natives and those who ministered to them. With careful crafting, we are absorbed into the jungle with Kai and Ryan, the hunters and the hunted battling the elements as much as their human foe. It is the strife within that shreds our hearts and struggles to reassemble them, and Tromp handles this with the dignity and respect it deserves.

Thank you to the author and publisher for allowing me a copy to read and review. All opinions expressed here are my own and are completely genuine.

Janyre Tromp has written a heartbreakingly beautiful story set during WW2 in the jungles of Burma.
Your heart and your spirit will be moved by the beautiful themes of forgiveness when it seems impossible, finding home when you feel alone, and trusting God even when storms are all around.

Janyre doesn't shy away from detailing what the war was like for the people in Burma at the time. Although it can pain the heart to read, it's important to add depth to the characters and the overall story.
We follow our main characters, Kailyn and Ryan, and their journey to survive a war, one on a path of revenge the other on a path to fulfill a promise.

You will smile, want to sing, you will cry and want to yell, and in the end, you will be thankful to have experienced this beautiful story that has been written perfectly.


Though I was gifted a copy of this book my thoughts and opinions are my own

"There was nowhere safe. The darkness had consumed me and only ashes remained." (Kailyn)
Darkness Calls the Tiger takes the reader on a journey thru WWII during the China-Burma-India front where the primary characters of Kailyn and Ryan struggle to save their countryland from the enemy. It is a gripping story of strength, faith and courage. Janyre's passionate and intense retelling of this forgotten part of history delivers a poignant view of the horrors of war and a faith in God that stands the test of time.

Missionaries try to protect Burmese village members and refugees from horrendous attacks by the Japanese during WWII. For survivors, will hatred or eventual forgiveness win out? Moving and inspiring!