Ever wonder what it would be like if the world truly existed on a Darwinian level where only the fittest survived? That's the challenge Tory faces in Blatant Appeal's book, The Proving Zone: Tory's Story. This science fiction futuristic page turner blends a real life Survivor with The Bachelor.

Tory, a petit cherubic female, bids her family farewell wondering if it will be the last. Her family believes she is returning to her job as one of the top scientists of the planet. But in truth, she's going to the deadly Proving Zone. Years ago, when indiscriminate mating and child bearing became a problem which led to overpopulation and weak offspring, a social agreement was formed for all the people: those who wished to bear children must prove their suitability in the harsh conditions of the Proving Zone. Only the genetically and physically superior were able to survive and have the implants that made them sterile removed. Then they were allowed to find a non-sterile mate, if they didn't already have one.

This was Tory's plan despite the fact that she didn't fit in with the tall, athletic-inclined people of her family. They would advise her not to try because it would surely mean her death. Children were trained from birth for the rigors of the arid deserts and steamy jungles of the Zone. Not only did one have to survive the rigors of the environment, but also often had to outpace the fellow entrants--survival of the fittest. After a while it became obvious to her that she wasn't being trained. Perhaps her family had no faith in her because of her small stature. Still she had to try. Was it wrong to want a child and a man to call her own?

Survival classes, running, and knife fighting were only part of the training she took to get ready. Most people enter the Zone with their potential mate by their side; Tory stood alone contemplating her situation. Her best bet was to disguise herself as a male since some men did enter the Zone alone. Later, once she got past the starting point, she could find the unattached males. Tory didn't want any type in particular, just someone to love. The last thing Tory remembered was the snake.

Natan's first emotion is anger when he finds the slight boy comatose due to a hitsnake bite. When he treats and cleans his precious burden, he is amazed that such a beautiful, delicate woman would be out in the Zone alone. He wonders aloud where her man is because there has to be a man. As if to confirm this fact, a masculine ring tumbles out of Tory's pack. How will he ever give up this beauty when her man comes? Better yet, how will he survive the hardship of the Zone while caring for his new found friend?

The Proving Zone: Tory's Story asks the ultimate question: what are you willing to do for love? Tory, the courageous heroine, is willing to do anything. You can't help cheering for spunky Tory who undervalues her own gifts because she's different. Natan, as her counterpart, is the classic, strong, taciturn man: the tall, dark, handsome type who, if you could get him to talk, would say something wonderful. Natan does, but mostly when he thinks Tory can't hear. He proves his love over and over as they both fight for survival and love. This book is well worth the read. In fact, it is a stay up really late and read straight through type of book.

Reviewed by Morgan Wyatt
© December 2004