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White Tiger
"...kept me enthralled from the first
page...a thrilling science fiction romance"
"...an
exceptional tale that belongs in a place of honor
"...this is
one futuristic that you do not want to miss!"
"...unique and extremely well constructed"
Rating: 4 1/2 stars
I'm adding this to my "keeper" shelf and on the "to be re-read" list Niniri Theriault for The Road to Romance
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Read full reviews from:
Coffee Time Romance | Fallen Angel Reviews | Road to Romance | Book Ideas.com | Gottawrite network | Paranormal Romance"...an exceptional tale that belongs in a place of honor
on keeper shelves everywhere."
Johnna Flores - Coffee Time Romance
5-cups rating
Read it on the reviewer's siteIn a future world, where humans live as in days of old and are ruled by powerful advanced beings known as Godds, a battle for power is about to begin. Tora is a warrior known to her troops as the White Tiger, brave and fierce when standing up for what she believes in. The gruesome murder of her father leads her to view the world around her through newly opened and untrusting eyes.
When the battle against the attacking barbarian Zerkers begins, it is Tora who will help lead the troops to battle. There she meets Dragomir, a mutant sent by the Godds to spy and perhaps aid during the ensuing war. Smart and brave, Dragomir follows orders and does what he must do all the while wishing for more, more freedom to choose his own path in life. Meeting Tora makes him long for things he will never be allowed to have. Tora, at once, feels a kinship and a passion she has never known. Torn between the causes they must fight for and the desire they both feel for each other; they face an uncertain future filled with fighting, betrayal, and perhaps the very destruction of the world they fight so fiercely to protect.
I loved this book from page one and was sorry to see it end. The characters, and the world the author has created for them to live in, are so well formed that they truly become real to the reader. This story reads like an epic fantasy adventure with powerful and memorable characters and a wonderful plot line to grab and hold your interest throughout. I admit to losing track of time while being swept along with Tora and Dragomir, their against-all-odds love and their fight for the future of their world. White Tiger by Vijaya Schartz is an exceptional tale that belongs in a place of honor on keeper shelves everywhere. I highly recommend it!
"...this is one futuristic that you do not want to miss!"
Naomi - Fallen Angels Reviews
rating: 5 angels - Recommended Read
Read it on the reviewer's siteDragomir was born to serve the Godds. When he disobeyed their rules he found love and acceptance in one woman. Now he must fight to keep her alive.
Major Tora, “White Tiger” is a strong and decisive warrior, and a capable leader. Her responsibilities weigh heavily, but she also has a realistic view of the often-short lives of her fighting force. Her codes of honour and duty to the emperor and Godds were learnt from her father, the widely respected General Tomaso. When Tomaso is dying, he reveals some secrets to Tora that completely stun her. He is not her true father because her beautiful young mother was already pregnant when they were married, but later she died tragically in childbirth. Recently Tomaso had discovered a traitor within their ranks and was attacked by his large feline pet, causing the wounds that are quickly killing him. He does not want Tora to look for the traitor, for her own protection. Now Tora feels that she has lost her identity. She has never understood why she alone had six fingers or a telepathic ability to control animals. The answers must be in her unknown parentage.
The well-constructed society in which Tora and her fellow Kassouk humans dwell is in a state of upheaval. The planet’s temperatures have dropped rapidly and the neighbouring primitive giants, the Zerkers, have assembled in organized large groups, preparing for an attack on the Kassouk. The Godds deny the peoples’ pleas for warmer weather.
Major Tora and her Tiger Company are evacuating a town of its people when she first senses someone is watching. He is waiting for her in a cabin in the next town. Dragomir is the most beautiful man Tora has ever seen. His presence, handsome looks and body would tempt a saint; Tora finds him compelling. He seems to know her secrets and has some unusual technology from the Godds. Like herself, Dragomir has six fingers.
Vijaya Schartz’s futuristic vision leaps off the pages with detailed and vivid descriptions. There are many different species, each with conflicting agendas to use this primitive planet and its people. The Reptoids, a type of lizard people, seem so realistic that this reader easily shared Dragomir’s repulsions of their habits. Dragomir is a larger than life character trying hard to disguise his uniqueness in an increasingly hostile world. He has become disillusioned with the world that he thought he knew. As he realizes that his world was only an illusion, he becomes determined to create a bond with Tora, the first woman that he has ever felt close to. If he goes against his teachings and mates with a human, his punishment would be death. Dragomir is willing to make this sacrifice for one night of honest bliss, not knowing that one night will never be enough for Dragomir or Tora. Their loyalty to each other and their kindred is tested when their world succumbs to war and plague, leading to some unforgettable action sequences. The plot is quite complex. When it looks as if all will be lost, Vijaya Schartz neatly and satisfactorily wraps up the final chapters. Be prepared for some grizzly battle scenes because this is one futuristic that you do not want to miss! Highly Recommended with a + + +!
"I'm adding this to my "keeper" shelf and on the "to be re-read" list" Review by Niniri Theriault for The Road to Romance - March 21, 2005
On a frigid world, where civilization began in the wake of a crash landing, and humanity thrives in a Renaissance stage of development, while a genetically advanced race of humanoid aliens are worshiped as gods dictate direction of human development.
Tora learned to fight as the tigers during her childhood and now wields a ready blade in defense of her people. But when her father is murdered, she vows to avenge his death. The invasion of a fringe barbarian people sends Tora to the plains to lead the fight. Amidst the chaos of war, treason and intrigue, will she ever hold her father's murderer at the point of her sword?
Dragomir is the handsome Mutant and spy for the alien Fathers, and he knows this war is more than what it appears to be. The humans are mere pawns in a very dangerous game of chess. There's something about the intense warrior on her white horse that fascinates him—and while their meeting is anything but fortuitous, he suspects he knows something of the secrets of her birth.
Tora and Dragomir are divided between loyalty and the undeniable passion they share. They will fight for what they feel is right, but can they survive the political climate and ultimately, will they accept their destiny and place in the world?
White Tiger is a fully realized epic fantasy where the balance of a world rests in the hands of a very few. Ms. Schartz doesn't spare the details of a world at war and the reality of strife during the course of her tale. Like Dragomir, this reviewer found the Reptoids to be rather disturbing in their ways. It is a richly done tapestry that enables an author to affect her audience, while still keeping them utterly engaged in her work.
I'm adding this to my "keeper" shelf and on the "to be re-read" list because as with other favorite reads, I'll get something new with another trip into the world of Kassouk.
Rating: 4 1/2 stars
Review by Tami Brady at Book Ideas.comTora, known to the military company she commands as White Tiger, is about to have her world turned upside down. Her father Tomaso is fatally injured, betrayed by one of their own soldiers. Evidentially, Tomaso had uncovered the man’s plot to kill the emperor and take his place. Unfortunately, the only identification Tomaso can give of this conspirator is that he is a man who controls wild felines.
As if this scandalous piece of news where not enough, Tomaso makes a shocking confession on his deathbed. Tomaso tells Tora, the girl he has raised since her mother died during childbirth, that she is not his natural daughter. The dying man tells Tora that he had agreed to marry her mother only to protect her from great mysterious powers that were hunting her and that he was never told the name of Tora’s biological father.
White Tiger contains an adventurous action filled storyline in a world full of Humans, Godds, Reptoids, and Mutants. The world the author has created is both unique and extremely well constructed creating a feeling that is a little bit science fiction and a touch fantasy-like in nature. The character of Tora is especially well developed and realistic. She is strong, confident, stubborn, and loyal to a fault. Her unique abilities add spice to these personality traits.
"...fast-paced story that draws the reader in and keeps him/her reading... The characters' personalities are believable and well rounded." 3 1/2 Tigers - Michelle Thomas - Gottawrite Network
The story opens with General Tomaso laying on his death bed after an attack by an assassin's trained cat. He confesses to Tora that he was struck down because he did not join a conspiracy against the Emperor of Kassouk and makes Tora promise not to attempt to locate the assassin. Tora promises even though she has every intention of locating and killing him. General Tomaso also tells Tora of the signs that he has seen of the coming of the Reptoids and warns her that the Godds have secrets. He tells Tora that her mother was pregnant when he married her. It was his way of protecting her and he wasn't aware of her father's identity. Tora reassures him that he is the only father she has loved. She sits with him as he passes on.
Then war starts and Tora volunteers to take her troops and face the Zerkers as they gather forces to attack the Kassouks. She is sent to Marshal Killian, not knowing that he is the man who assassinated her father. As the troops travel across land moving farmers to Kassouk and burning villages so that the Zerkers can't use them, Tora meets Dragomir in one of the villages. He has waited to tell her that there is a traitor in the army, though he does not know that it is Major Killian. Dragomir was instructed not to warn the humans or assist them, but he can not resist Tora. After meeting her, Dragomir realizes that she is part mutant and explains this to her. He also informs her that The Godds killed her real father for mating with a human because it is forbidden. As Tora and Dragomir spend time together, they end up giving into their desire for each other. Even though it is forbidden, their love is worth the risk of death. Afterwards, they must part so that Dragomir can infiltrate the Reptoid base and Tora can join her troops with the rest of the army to face the Zerkers.
Tora and Dragomir must face betrayal, threat of a manufactured plague and the outbreak of a war to be together.
It is a well written, fast-paced story that draws the reader in and keeps him/her reading to find out how the hero and heroine are going to deal with every challenge. The characters' personalities are believable and well rounded. The only complaint I had is that the majority of the story is given away in the first couple of chapters and the rest of the book is just how the characters react to the occurrences. While this makes an enjoyable story, it leaves nothing to jump out at you later.
"...kept me enthralled from the first page...a thrilling science fiction romance"
Marlene Breakfield, Paranormal Romance Reviews, October 29, 2005Tora is a major in the forces of Emperor Selig on New Earth. The humans of New Earth worship aliens called Godds, who have been manipulating the humans for decades. The Godds keep humans and Mutants, the offspring of humans and Godds, under an iron thumb. The Mutants have been genetically altered to obey the Godds. On New Earth a war is brewing between the Emperor's forces and the savage Zerkers, humans who live on the fringes and are addicted to a drug. However, both sides are being used by the Godds and their enemies, the Reptoids, and there are traitors at every turn. Unfortunately, Tora and the Mutant that she has grown to love, Dragomir, are caught in the middle of this conflict.
WHITE TIGER is a very enjoyable science fiction romance with entertaining characters and a very involving plot. Ms. Schartz creates a complex world, in which humans have regressed to a primitive technological state and the aliens take advantage of their ignorance. Ms. Schartz's world kept me enthralled from the first page. Dragomir and Tora face so many obstacles and adversities, that I was on the edge of my seat most of the time! WHITE TIGER is a thrilling science fiction romance; I highly recommend it.
White Tiger - Excerpt
Tora knocked on the door. It opened on an impossibly tall, muscular man with shiny dark hair falling straight to the shoulders. His fine features included a high forehead, copper-tan skin, and a pair of compelling hazel eyes.
"I was hoping it would be you." A dazzling smile revealed pure white teeth. "Please come into the warmth of my humble home." He let her in and closed the door, eyes sparkling with intelligence, and something else Tora could not define.
"Do we know each other?" Tora had to ask, although she would never forget such a striking man.
"Not yet." He grinned. "Let me help you with your coat. It's warm in here."
Tora handed him coat and hat, noticing the pleasant temperature of the room. The small fire burning in the hearth could not provide such even heat, but she saw no other fire. "This must be the most comfortable cottage in the village. I feel no draft at all."
The young man smiled as he spread Tora's fur by the fire. She removed her mittens, sat on the fur and accepted a bowl of hot kawa.
"Who are you?" Intrigued, Tora tried to sound neutral.
The striking man sat facing her. "My name is Dragomir. What might be yours?"
Unnerved by the stranger's nearness, Tora tried to collect her thoughts. Dragomir looked about twenty-five. His melodious voice, smooth skin, foreign look, the unique quality of the white clothes and the refinement of his manners screamed high nobility. This was no farmer.
"I'm Tora, White Tiger." She felt a strange vulnerability in his presence, as if he could read her most intimate thoughts. She had to steady her voice. "What are you doing here? This is a dangerous place to be alone. Bands of Zerkers have been spotted just south of here. When the lake freezes solid, their invading army will launch itself onto the plain."
"I know." Dragomir held her gaze. "I can see why they call you White Tiger."
"Really?" Amused at his pretense of knowing her, Tora settled on the fur. When she changed position, the jewel on her sword handle caught the light of the flames.
Dragomir reached for the hilt.
Hand on the sword, ready to draw, Tora froze. In the grip of his hand immobilizing hers, she sensed great physical strength. For an instant, their eyes locked, then Dragomir relaxed but didn't move. Tora now stared at the offensive hand covering hers. It had six fingers like hers!
She'd never met anyone else with six fingers before. Who or what was this man? What was she, for that matter? Questions filled Tora's mind but her throat constricted, and she couldn't talk.
Seemingly undisturbed, Dragomir removed his hand then casually opened his silky shirt on a well muscled, hairless chest. Tora skipped a breath. On the smooth copper skin hung a faceted gem, a twin to that on her sword hilt. Unhooking the scabbard, she brought the hilt to the light. Same size, same cut, same azure brilliance, same silver heart in the center...
Dragomir's eyes flashed. "Where did you get it?"
Challenged, Tora finally found her voice. "It was my mother's. Where did you get yours?"she asked, a little too eager. "I've never seen another one before. I was told it was the work of the Godds." Barely containing her excitement, Tora hoped she would learn something about her mother.
"I received mine from the proper source." Dragomir looked grave, older despite a youthful face. "But I can't tell you about it."
Tora had no patience for games. "You can, but you won't. What are you hiding, Dragomir? You are obviously no peasant, so who are you?"
"A man on a mission." He looked away.
Tora sighed. "I wouldn't doubt it. Whose side are you on?"
"There are more than two sides to this war, Tiger." Dragomir raised one eyebrow and took a sip of kawa. "Do you know which side you fight for?"
Tora sat up straight. How dared this upstart question her allegiance? "I fight to save my country from the invader." Why did she even bother to answer?
"Are you sure you are not helping a traitor open the way wide for your enemy, herding the population? A city can be easily destroyed with the appropriate weapons." He set down his bowl.
"I know of no weapon that can destroy a city." Tora controlled her temper. She resented being accused of treason.
"The Godds have such weapons, so do the Reptoids."
"Reptoids?" Tora remembered her father predicting a Reptoid invasion on his deathbed, along with a conspiracy, and weapons that could destroy even stone. "What can those weapons do?"
"Fired from faraway, they explode in a sea of fire."
If such weapons existed, the war could be lost before it started. "But Kassouk is the safest citadel on this continent. Besides, it's protected by the Godds themselves. They will fight the Reptoids for us."
Dragomir scoffed softly. "I wouldn't be so sure."
Outraged by his insolence, Tora rose and drew her blade. She pointed the steel at his throat. "I do not like your insinuations, Dragomir, if that's your true name."
She expected him to go for the knife at his belt, but instead the man nonchalantly reclined on the furs in a graceful motion. One hand under his head, he turned the azure jewel in the light while his bare chest rose and fell under his even breathing. "I do not tell all I know, Tiger, but I do not lie. There are many facets to the truth, some of them hidden underneath, like on this jewel."
Confused, Tora stared at the man lying at her feet. He returned a steady gaze. Never in her life had she seen anyone more beautiful, not even a woman. Such smooth skin on perfect muscles, harmonious proportions, sublime grace despite his height, mystery in thick black lashes, and hazel eyes that could see all the way to her soul.
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White Tiger
Tora, human warrior, learned to fight with tigers in childhood.
That's how she earned her nickname, White Tiger. She
wields a valiant blade as an officer in the cavalry. When her father is murdered, Tora vows to avenge
the old man's death. But the Zerkers, barbarians of the fringe, invade
the plains and Tora leads the fight. In the vortex of war, treason and
intrigue, through blizzards, bloody battles, rebellions and ambushes, will
Tora hold her father's murderer at the point of her sword?
Dragomir,
handsome Mutant and spy for his alien Fathers, knows the war is not what
it seems and the humans are pawns in a dangerous alien game. Something
about the fierce woman warrior on her white horse fascinates him. Their
encounter is anything but fortuitous, and he suspects the
secret of her birth.
Torn
between loyalty and the undeniable passion they feel for each other, Tora
and Dragomir will both face death if discovered. They thirst for justice, but can
they survive the betrayals and persecutions? Can they save their beloved
planet from certain destruction? Will they discover their destiny
and can they accept their own truth?