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Reviewed by Anne Boling for Readers' Favorite
The 1700 British government used Australia as a penal colony. The convicts were loaded on a ship, and six months later, they disembarked in a land that was mostly untamed and harsh. Accused of assaulting her stepmother, Maryanne was sentenced to seven years in Australia. Raised a parson’s daughter, she knew little about the life of a convicted criminal. A prostitute named Libby befriended her. The two women made a pack to survive. Life was cruel. The women were subject to rape and beatings. From the moment Maryanne met Jake, she loved him. The man carried resentment in his heart. Could her love tame the savage in him?
Savage Utopia has a fascinating plot. There is a lot of violence and brutality, but that was the life of the prisoners. Margaret Tanner gave each character a distinct voice. Maryanne began as a naïve young woman; by the end of the story, she has matured into a remarkable woman. Denied his birthright, Jake is angry and violent. I enjoyed his character for the way he developed from a womanizing criminal to a loving person. My favorite character was Libby; her character had incredible depth. She was a feisty survivor. Fans of historical romance will enjoy Savage Utopia.
