White Tiger

Dragomir 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 realises 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 + + +!

Reviewed by: Naomi