The Nuworld Series, Book I: Nuworld [Paperback]

Tara decides to remain with the Gothman woman to learn their ways. She vows to be submissive and domestic-she could not have chosen a lifestyle more foreign to her. Women in the Gothman world live a life of domesticity, completely oblivious to anything outside their regular routine. They grow up anxious to be claimed, and then fall into a life of servitude and gossip. It does not take long, however, for her draw the attention of Darius, ruler of the Gothman, and win his claim. But he has a lot to learn about Runner women, and the independence they preserve, especially when Darius makes a mistakes that endangers not only his love with Tara, but their two nations.

Author Lorie O'Clare pens an intriguing dark romance in NUWORLD. Male and female roles are challenged, explored, and exploited in a way that will leave readers questioning the complexities and compromises of their own lives. O'Clare creates a memorable cast of characters: Tara is a powerful warrior woman determined to maintain her independence even as Darius is determined to control her. In addition, extended relationships provide marvelous secondary characters, especially Tara's parents. With a fast paced plot, ruthless bids for power and invasion reveal a dangerous world where life and death are closely linked. Indeed, issues of relationships, equality and war lend powerful depth to the novel, resulting in a read impossible to put down. NUWORLD comes highly recommended.

Soon after entering Gothman territory, Tara realizes that in order to study the enemy she must pass as one of them. Not an easy task, for women are nothing but passive, domestic and submissive objects in Gothman, qualities totally alien to Tara, who comes from a society where women are raised as strong, resourceful and independent as men.

One day Tara catches the eye of none other than Lord Darius, Ruler of Gothman, a powerful leader highly respected and feared by his people, a man suspected of having drowned his own brother for the power of the throne. In a land where women are simply claimed and taken, Darius decides Tara will be his.

Thus starts their tempestuous relationship. In spite of their different ways, soon Tara grows attached to this people and learns that shes somehow part of them in more ways than one. The dark mystery of her origins and identity becomes clear and Tara realizes she holds the future of both the Runners and Gothman in her hands.

But Darius makes a terrible mistake, one that threatens to destroy Taras love and the possible alliance between the two powerful lands. Will Tara be able to forgive him for the sake of their nations?

This story will enthrall you from beginning to end. It is a delightful battle of wills. This talented author has masterfully drawn a heroine to fall in love with; Tara is proud, brave and loyal, sensitive to the core yet a fierce warrior and leader. The hero is irresistible and his many human flaws only add to his character, making him so real hell seem to jump up the page. Suspenseful action scenes and natural dialogue flow with ease. The ending is a promise of more to come and will leave you on edge. Nuworld is a great start to The Nuworld Series and I am impatiently looking forward to read the sequel. Highly recommended.

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