Power Play and Moral Decay—A Review of “The Tigress” by Anna Mocikat

It’s been a while since I’ve read the books from Behind Blue Eyes series by Anna Mocikat, so I wanted to refresh my memory before I started “The Tigress”. If you’ve read any of her books, you know they’re fast-paces and filled with action and there are a lot of things you need to keep track of. Perusing the first four books in the series reminded me how much I love Anna Mocikat’s storytelling. It’s vivid and immersive in a way I haven’t experienced in other authors. If you need to refresh your memory, here's my review of the first installment int the series. “The Tigress picks up where “The Last Stand” ended and keeps you engaged from the first page. Needless to say, I loved it and I’ll explain why without spoiling the action.

What I Loved

The world-building is amazing. Her depiction of the cyberpunk universe is rich, detailed, and brimming with suspense. 

What truly gripped me was the unexpected evolution of certain characters throughout the series. It’s fascinating to see how the author plays with the moral compass of her characters, turning previous heroes into figures of utter vileness while giving villains a chance to reveal their more human side.

Jake, for instance, started the series as the good guy, but in “The Tigress”, he’s shockingly blind to his own culpability in some truly horrific crimes. On the flip side, Metatron, a character who was once obsessed with his goals, begins to question his actions and the ethics of the Board.

The level of character development in this part is superb. Mocikat shifts the focus from high-octane action to a more introspective exploration of her characters’ humanity, which I found to be a refreshing and much-needed change of pace. This shift allows the story to breathe, giving the characters—particularly Nephilim, Jake, Siro, Finwick, and Metatron—space to grow and develop in complex, unexpected ways.

The way the political intrigue is handled is another standout aspect. The machinations of the Board and the dark secrets that underpin this world make the story more intense.

What Didn’t Resonate With Me

As much as I enjoyed The Tigress, there were a couple of elements that didn’t quite hit the mark for me. First and foremost is the cliffhanger ending. You know I’m not a huge fan of cliffhangers in general, and this one left me feeling a bit frustrated. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing because it makes me want to read the next book as soon as possible. However, I have a feeling that it’s going to be awhile until the sixth book hits the shelves.

Also, I’m not a big fan of the ongoing relationship between Metatron and Nephilim. I get that their relationship is complicated, but let’s not forget that it started with Metatron erasing Nephilim’s memory in the first book. While Metatron starts to display some moral repulsion towards the Board’s actions, I still find it hard to overlook the past.

Themes and Tropes

“The Tigress” explores themes of power, control, and moral ambiguity. Mocikat continues to probe how the line between good and evil can blur, especially in a world where survival often entails moral compromises. The transformation of characters like Jake and Metatron serves as a powerful commentary on the corrupting influence of power and the potential for redemption.

The trope of the fallen hero is particularly prominent here. Jake’s turn to the dark side is a tragic yet intriguing reminder that even the best intentions can lead down a dark path. Conversely, the redemption arc for Metatron adds a layer of hope to the narrative, suggesting that change is possible, even for those who have committed terrible acts.

Autonomy and coercion in relationships and power dynamics is another theme that keeps coming back. Nephilim’s relationship with Metatron is a prime example, forcing you to consider the ethical implications of their interactions and the lingering impact of past actions.

Conclusion

“The Tigress” is a strong continuation of the Behind Blue Eyes series, offering a mix of intense character development, intricate world-building, and well-crafted political intrigue. I feel like each book in this series is better than the previous. 

I recommend this series (please read the books in order) to all cyberpunk and dystopian lovers. And if you’re a fan of morally complex characters and a world filled with intrigue, “The Tigress” won’t disappoint.