Review: powerful futuristic storyline that throws out political correctness - loved it!
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 09 2, 2013
It's tradition that Runners on the cusp of adulthood leave their clan to explore Nuworld and experience different cultures, this is known as the Age of Searching.  It's a time of grand adventure and discovery but Tara uses it to assuage her curiosity about the Gothman.  Raised in a society where women are taught to fight and work alongside their men Tara finds it difficult to understand one where only the men are trained in battle while women are considered little more than property.  Gothman and Runners are powerful races in their own rights, but they are enemies and the Gothman has a policy that Runners who cross their border are to be shot on sight.  Tara's solution to that little kink in her adventure is simply to not be seen.Lord Darius recently took over as the ruler of the Gothman following his father's demise and his oldest brother, Juro's, subsequent drowning soon after.  He's a powerful and fearless leader who doesn't tolerate any insubordination or defiance and sees no reason to change the ways of his people - even if he does question some of the policies his father instituted. The shooting of Runners on Gothman land doesn't strike him as reasonable and he chooses to rescind that order and soon discovers that there's much to be admired about the Runner people.Thanks to Patha's stories Tara knows to visit Reena, a Gothman living on the outskirts who welcomes Runners to her home, who in turn aids her in fitting in amongst the Gothman people.  Instead of her protective garb, Tara's soon wearing flowing dresses and attempting to act demure, all while seething over the injustice of being a second class citizen.  It isn't until she uses an advanced weapon that Lord Darius's never seen before while saving his younger brother from bullies that Tara comes to his attention.  As an unclaimed woman he has the right to take her if he so chooses, but he bides his time and watches her instead - admiring the differences between her and the Gothman women.  Oh yes, Darius is well aware that Tara is the Runner who's snuck into Gothman territory, what he doesn't know is that she's the daughter and heir to the leader of the Blood Circle Clan.  Love won't come easy as they challenge each other over and over - and with threats from the Sea People on the horizon it's going to take an ingenious approach and acceptance between the two mighty nations to bring about a solution that will unite them as allies.Forget everything you've ever known about political correctness, equality, and your perceptions of right and wrong.  In CLAIMING TARA Laurie Fitzgerald throws out all the rules and completely reinvents society in stunning clarity that's as engrossing as it is shocking.  Tara's got this strength of character that really grabs your attention, especially when she's faced with the superiority complexes of the Gothman males.  At first Lord Darius comes off as overwhelmingly demanding and unwilling to accept change but with Tara he seems more adaptable and even interested in life outside Gothman territory.  I loved how Darius and Tara challenge each other and even their lovemaking serves a coming together or two warring cultures.  CLAIMING TARA is a wonderful read that really opens up your imagination so I'd suggest dumping any women's lib sensitivities and preconceived notions about what an `ideal future' for the world might be and just hop on and enjoy the ride.  Tara certainly seems to do just that in every respect - whether it's her bike, Darius or just an unforeseeable future.The next book in this sweeping futuristic saga, TARA'S REVENGE, releases in February 2014 - and there will be many more to follow so be sure to check out Ms. Fitzgerald's website and/or sign up for her newsletter to keep informed.Chrissy Dionne (courtesy of Romance Junkies)