I enjoyed reading several aspects of this book! The pacing was wonderful, characters were well drawn, and the reading experience on the whole was delightful.

I really enjoyed this one a LOT! The poetic prose sucked me in from the very beginning. I love it when books use magical realism as a metaphor for bigger topics such as grief and loss, and I thought that this book did this so well. This was not an easy read, as it deals with the death of a sibling, depression, alcoholism and abuse, but I thought it was such a stunning look into a family that is coping with intense familial strife. Highly recommend this one!

The Torres family has been marked by more grief than their patriarch can bear. The neighbors all know that there isn’t something right in the Torres home but no one is willing to question it. Even after the eldest daughter falls to her death, no one says a word. Told in alternating perspectives of Rosa, Iridian, Jessica, and an unnamed narrator (I assume Peter) readers will experience the year anniversary of Ana’s death and the days that follow. Weird things are happening within San Antonio and in the Torres house, has Ana’s spirit returned? And if so, what is she trying to say? This was an interesting experience of a read and I really don’t know how to explain it. The title doesn’t make any sense and we never actually find out what happened to the elder sister. Beautifully written but the story progression wasn’t as strong as I would have liked.

This book follows sisters who are living in less than ideal situation. I remember how hard it was for me to navigate the world of being a teenager and then you throw in an accidental death and it all but seems impossible to navigate. Trying to figure out who you are, or who you want to be, turning yourself into someone you think the world wants you to be, its a tricky world out there. There is grief which proves everyone does it different, physical abuse, alcohol abuse, love, and standing up for oneself when it feels like you don't deserve it.
I was going to give this 3 stars because I felt like so much was left unsaid, then I realized it is going to be a series and upped it to 4 because I may actually get those answers. So we'll give it a solid 3.75.

This is a heartbreaking strong story about sisters. IT begins with four sisters who live with a father that is not the father they need. One night, in an attempt to leave their father, the oldest sister Ana climbs out her window. In a tragic accident, she falls to her death.
A year later, the sisters and even their father are still grieving her death. The bond of the sisters is untouchable and the emptiness that they feel really comes across in the book. Samantha Mabry created characters who were relatable and also raw. Her words are powerful and spoke to me in ways that I have only experienced a few times in other books. This is an touching and sad book that will stay with you long after you finish reading it.

Thank you #NetGalley and Algonquin Young Readers for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Apart from most of the major scenes - with the glaring exception of the climax - this book was kind of a flop for me. There were parts that were entertaining, but the majority of Tigers, Not Daughters did not keep my attention.

I didn't like the whole thing about Ana being dead and haunting her sisters, which is pretty much the main event of the novel. I felt like this book would have been better if it were either completely realistic or had more fantastical elements. And what was the whole thing about the hyena? I thought that it was unnecessary every time the big cat showed up. I get the connection between it and Ana, but those elements were odd.

The characters were okay, except for Jessica. I really hated Jessica.

Tigers, Not Daughters was just average for me overall. The book was a little but of strange and a lot of unremarkable.

Tigers, Not Daughters is a wonderful, magical little book. It’s the story of the Torres sisters, Ana, Jessica, Iridian, & Rosa. Their mother died giving birth to Rosa, so they’ve been raised by their father, Rafe. But Rafe barely holds down a job, he goes to the bar and doesn’t always come home, and he is cruel with his words. The sisters have always relied on each other. One night they decide to run away. What they don’t know, is the boys across the street have watched them each jump from Ana’s bedroom window to the tree and have decided to follow them down the street. This of course gets them caught before they’re able to reach the bus station. Not long after this incident Ana falls while climbing out her window again and dies.

This throws everyone in the Torres family completely off kilter. Nothing is ever the same again and a year later, they’re all still grieving. But then strange things begin happening in the house. Writing appears on the wall and the girls hear strange laughter. They begin to think their sister is back, but why? What does she want?

This story was incredible. It had me in tears so many times I lost count. It’s a wonderful tale of sisterly love, self-love, finding your voice, and standing up for yourself. We get to see the story unfold from each of the sister’s perspectives and I loved getting to know each girl in her uniqueness. It’s just such a lovely story I cannot say enough good things about it.

Thank you so much to Algonquin Young Readers for having me on the blog tour!

A strong story about sisterly love that lost their way after they lost one of them. They grow apart and drown in their own problems. In the first part of the book, we can get to know them separately. Jessica cannot accept that her favorite big sister is gone, she feels angry all the time and tries to live the life her sister lived. She takes her room, wears her clothes, even starts dating her ex-boyfriend just to feel closer to her sister. Iridian is a strange character. She seems to be far away from reality. She lives in her own world of words and doesn’t leave her house even if she seems to hate it. Rosa is a soft and nature-loving person who spends most of the time to look for answers. Their lives go on until the ghost of their lost sister appears in their house. She makes their life even harder than it is already and they cannot understand what the message is she trying to send.

The book is very dark, so it leaves goosebumps on your skin while reading it. It contains a subject like abuse behavior, deep depression, and addictions. The book would be very boring if it wouldn’t contain the fragment of the haunted house. However, the part that was the best in the books was how special were all the sisters. They saw the world in a completely another way than most people do. I think that the book was mostly led by Jessica and we didn’t get to know Iridian and Rosa as much as her, but the author gave us enough to understand their personalities and portion of the story.

The ending of the book was unexpected and amazing. I feel like an author was leading us into thinking that together with the story, lives of girls will be more and more miserable but thankfully the plot changed and gave them what they really deserved.

In the book, we met two characters that were destroying Torres sisters’ lives: their father and Josh (Jessica’s boyfriend). Sometimes I felt bad for their father because it must be so hard to lose a wife and then also a daughter but as the book goes, I understood that he was one of the villains, not a victim. The way he treated his daughters and ruined their lives was unacceptable, but the worst thing that really moved me was the way he treated Iridian. However, Josh isn’t any better. He’s abusing and controlling Jessica every time he gets close to her. I couldn’t understand how she could just stand and let him do what he wanted with her. I think that it’s the part that shows how deeply depressed she was that she didn’t even care what is happening to her.
Thankfully, besides all of this, we also meet a character that brings hope to our hearts. Peter is a guy that works with Jessica at the pharmacy. He’s clearly trying to help her to get through all of what happens in her life from the beginning and she also sees it. Peter is a sweet boy that wants to be a superhero that will save a girl that he’s in love with. Even if at the beginning he can’t even make her talk to him, they become much closer with the time Jessica realizes that it’s the time to change the way she lives.

I would like to thank Netgalley, Algonquin Young Readers, and Algonquin Young Readers for providing me a copy of this book. I enjoyed this book a lot and I’m happy to share it to other book lovers.

Thank you Netgalley for the chance to read and review this title. I will review this title at a different date.

This is a stunningly beautiful tale of profound grief, family dysfunction, and sisterly love among the four Torres sisters of San Antonio. After a failed attempt to run away from their overbearing and parasitic father, Ana, the eldest, dies in an accident. Her ghost haunts the remaining three sisters, who cope with their grief in diverse ways. The eyes of the neighborhood watch, and sometimes tell us what they see. In lyrical prose that calls back The Virgin Suicides, this magical story of love, loss, and hope will remain with me for a long time.

A book about sisters, loss, love, and taking control of your own story. Each of the characters is well fleshed out and complex. Magical realism is a plot device used to lasso the story together in an interesting way. If you like atmospheric novels about females finding their way, then this would be a good book for you to pick up.

Tigers, Not Daughters is sort-of ghost story, in which the unquiet spirit of the oldest Torres sister returns to wreak havoc with the lives of her three surviving sisters and alcoholic, deadbeat father. Each sister has her own way of coping with her grief. At first isolated from one another by their very different personalities, Iridian, Jessica, and Rosa gradually learn to support one another, even when they don’t necessarily understand or agree. Ana’s ghost is at times a mysterious presence, a comfort, a source of fear and confusion, and ultimately a force that re-unites and empowers her surviving sisters. Definitely will be enjoyed by adult as well as teen readers.

The usual disclaimer: I received a review copy of this book, but no one bribed me to say anything in particular about it. Although, come to think of it, fine imported chocolates and roses might have been nice.

I got about 50 pages in and just couldn't do it. I was bored. I'm not a big contemporary fan, but thought I would try this one because of the ghostly elements, but it just wasn't for me. I didn't think the writing was bad. I don't really have anything negative to say. It just didn't work for me. Thank you for the opportunity. I will only request titles in my preferred genre after this. Not really sure what to do for the rating since I dnf, so I will rate it on my enjoyment.

I enjoyed Tigers, Not Daughters but I think my expectations were a bit off. This book is written for readers ages 14+ and placed in the YA category. The book reads more simply than the YA books I enjoy. Tigers, Not Daughters reads more like a middle reader, but with more mature topics. I am seeking deeper character development and a more fleshed out story line for a YA novel. I'll bet girls who are actually in high school would really enjoy this book.

The cover is gorgeous! Thanks to Algonquin Books for sending this copy my way!

Haunting and beautifully written, Tigers, Not Daughters by Samantha Mabry is a raw, empowering, and deeply moving story about grief, self-discovery, and the unbreakable bond between sisters. It’s a tragic, painful, and dark story, but it’s also wonderfully healing, hopeful and filled with so much love.

The Torres sisters are dealing with their own battles and grief over losing their eldest sister, Ana. Rafe, their father, has demons of his own and isn’t the easiest person to live with. They’re all struggling and hurting in their own ways and when Ana’s ghost starts to haunt them, the sisters come together and find the strength they need to overcome their fears and finally move forward.

I took a while to get through this book not because it wasn’t amazing cause it’s definitely that in so many ways. I just felt like I had to get to know the Torres sisters really well, be with them, and experience whatever they feel. Their pain was so palpable and watching the sisters deal with their grief made my heart ache. They’re flawed and not always easy to relate with, but there’s something so magnetic, genuine, and real about them. I definitely have a soft spot for Rosa, but all the sisters affected me. Jessica frustrated me cause of her relationship with her boyfriend, but I also felt her anger and anguish the most. Iridian’s insecurities made me hurt and I just wanted to protect her. And even though the sisters are in their own little world searching for something to ease their pain of losing Ana, I loved that they’re always there to protect each other no matter what happens.

This story is breathtakingly mesmeric, unique, and touching. Samantha Mabry’s writing is gorgeous, riveting and had me enthralled until the end. The plot is filled with aches and pain, but also joy and hope. I enjoyed the magical realism, the few lighthearted moments, the thrills, and the surprises that had me turning the pages. I loved the Torres sisters and the side characters are quite interesting too. I really enjoyed reading this book and can't wait to read more from Mabry. Tigers, Not Daughters is truly a beautiful and engrossing story and I honestly can’t recommend it enough.

I received a copy of this book from the author and publisher, Algonquin Young Readers, in exchange for a fair and honest review and for participating in the Book Tour. All thoughts are my own.

Tigers, Not Daughters by Samantha Mabry is the first book of a new young adult series that felt mostly contemporary while following the lives of a group of sister but also has a touch of fantasy involved. The story changes the point of view between the characters as it goes on to tell of their lives after a tragedy.

A year before there where actually four Torres sisters in the family living with a not so kind father when Ana, the oldest of the daughters, tried to climb out of her window and fell to her death. This left behind the three younger sisters, Jessica, Iridian, and Rosa who after a year since Ana’s passing are still grieving her death daily as they each go about coping in their own ways.

For me Tigers, Not Daughters just did not flow very well and often seemed too scattered for me to really enjoy. Quite honestly in my opinion the characters just weren’t very likable or engaging to me. Then there is also just so much going on in the book that for lack of a better term is just “wrong” and then sort of blown over and not addressed or felt as if shrugged off. With this being marked as a first I probably wouldn’t continue myself although I do seem to be in a minority on this one so anyone interested may want to try it out and form their own opinion.

I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.

Mabry's tale of three siblings dealing with grief and family turmoil is tinged with magic realism. Set in San Antonio's latino community, Mabry deals with three sisters who each deal with the death of their oldest sister in differing ways. Compelling.

*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.