Tuesday, 8 October 2013

[LISTOPIA] M/M Stories of Fallen Princes as Slave or Pet for Sexual Amusement of his Keeper

A list of books or stories of Princes that was taken as slave or pet for the sexual amusement of their keeper/captor. (Princes that has fell from grace).

The story must have this theme featured as its main plot. Meaning said Prince must be the main character (protagonist) of the story and not a side or supporting character.

Dark fiction with such a theme should fit like a glove. And humiliation and degradation would definitely play a strong part too.

The story must be of the M/M or M/M/M genre (gay fictions ONLY). Unpublished works like Original Online Fiction are most welcomed too.


In short, the CRITERIA are:
★ The fallen Prince as slave/pet MUST BE the Main Character.
★ The story MUST centralized on the fallen Prince on his journey as a plaything.
★ Dark Fictions with such a theme should be the target here.
★ Humiliation and degradation is the key.
★ The book MUST BE of the M/M or M/M/M genre (gay fictions ONLY).
★ Original Online Fiction are welcomed too apart from published works.



Tags: captive-prince, pleasure-slave, price-of-war, prince, princeling, sacrificial-lamb, sacrificial-prince, sexual-pet, sexual-plaything, sexual-slave, slave-prince, son-of-a-monarch, spoils-of-war, tribute

* ONLY BOOK ONE OF A SERIES OR THE RELATED BOOK IN A SERIES WILL BE LISTED.



An Uncommon Whore
(An Uncommon Whore #1)
by Belinda McBride

The Invisible Chains: Bonds of Hate
(Dark Tales of Randamor the Recluse #1)
by Andrew Ashling

Prince Miro's Capture
(The Royal Captive #1) by Aphrodite Hunt

A Warrior Reborn by Nikki Jenkins (NikkiJ)

This list will be updated as and when new suitable books are found.





Source: GOODREADS Listopia M/M Stories of Fallen Princes & BOOKLIKES Listopia M/M Stories of Fallen Princes

Cosy Bookworm Corner


I've decided to give BLOGSPOT a go as an additional platform for my reading adventure. A place where all my book reviews and bookish thoughts are safely documented.

Yours,
Kynthos



Thursday, 3 October 2013

[REVIEW] Soulless by T. Baggins

My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Recommended by: Syfy
Recommended for: All M/M readers especially those who adores the vampire folklore.
Read from August 22 to September 25, 2013 — I own a copy


FIVE STARS for Outstanding Writing

I felt like I have just watched an amazing and beautifully crafted vampire blockbuster on the big screen. In fact, this is how I felt throughout my reading. It was like I am watching a movie instead of reading. The pace, tension and tone was perfect even for the big screen. How I wish it's a film.

The characters are alive, dynamic and very real to me. Nicholas, Bancroft, Grand-Mamma, Martha, Dr. Flowers and his nephew is living, breathing and walking this earth somewhere. That's an example how strong the characters' presence are in this book. So real they at times reminds me of people I know.


THE CHARACTERS:
The two MCs has such contrasting personality, the suave Bancroft aka Ban was so perfect on the outside yet flawed and weak on the inside, so very unlike beautiful Nicholas aka Nicky who's so damaged and flawed on the outside yet stronger than any immortal beings on the inside. Nicky was righteous and courageous while Ban was corrupted and cowardly. Why would I say so? It's because...
Spoiler:
Nicky has saved Martha twice and even refused to forsake her to the care of evil Sebastian when Ban selfishly proposed that notion to him in view of safeguarding their own happiness. Nicky was also adamant to save and protect the village of Maidenstone even at the cost of his own life.

Ban is a rather selfish being and would only make exception for Nicky but no one else. Make no mistake that he is evil and care for no one but his Nicky.
Ban had often fantasized about taking a human pet. Keeping him bound hand and foot, bleeding him slow and making him last for days, even weeks.
- Evil yet I still find him so sensual and alluring. He's such a sexy monster. It's a girls-likes-bad-boys thing.

Another reason why I adore Ban is his dirty sex talk. He had it down to the pat.
"But I'm safe from you. I have nothing to offer."
Ulwin grinned, animal in the depths of his eyes. "Do you not? I see one warm, wet hole between red lips. Wouldn't you love to taste my cock? Welcome it with your tongue?"
Nicholas gasped. He was dreaming. Dreaming....
"After that, I'll put you on your belly." Ban's long, cool fingers played over Nicholas's hand in a delicate yet startlingly intimate fashion. "Grease my staff and plow between your cheeks. Tell me the truth. Has any man filled you?"
"No," Nicholas whispered.
"I'm quite large." Ban's mouth found Nicholas's ear, his tongue tracing the lobe wetly, obscenely.
"You'll scream before I'm done. Scream and pray for release."
Nicholas tried to order Ulwin out, to condemn such filth with every fiber of his being. Instead he lifted his chin. Awaiting the kiss he feared he couldn't deny, he shivered when Ulwin cupped his face with both hands.

"Mind you... I fear my backside will ache for hours to come."
Ban raised up on his elbow for a peek. "Ah. Yes. Cream trickling from delicate Italian pastry."
"Meaning?"
"Meaning, if English law requires proof seed was transmitted, your arse condemns you."
"God damn you." Serafino started to rise.
"No, don't stir, I beg you." Ban held the mortal's shoulders as firmly as he dared. "It's lovely. The loveliest sight I've ever seen. In fact...."

- Ban's such a cheeky one and I like him all the more for it.

"No doubt. But did you enjoy that finger up your arse?"
Blushing, Nicholas kissed Ban again.
"Because I'm longing to press something up your arse. Long and stiff, yet gentle."

Oh, and Nicky can be a rather kinky one....
Transfixed, Nicholas had a sudden vision of himself: stripped to the waist, flesh cut in dozens of places, rivulets of blood decorating his cheeks, biceps, nipples. Offering himself as a feast, an unfolding banquet for all Ban's senses....
- Hhmm... I approved.

Sebastian the master and creator of Ban is a true sadist who achieves his sexual heights by inflicting untold pain and sufferings towards others especially his unfavored fledgling, Ban. To him, Ban is just a pretty face, a lowly peasant boy with inferior intelligence. A servant bound eternally to him to do his bidding and serves his needs.

The tortures Ban faced under his Master's tyranny was of unspeakable horror. Eventhough he would heal from the bodily wounds perfectly, his soul was forever wretched and corrupted by the fear and hatred towards his maker. It's a wonder how Ban could have survived for centuries together with his Master when to me, his existence was nothing short of hell-on-earth. A fire would have been a bless oblivion to end his misery.
Sometime in the wee hours, after the clock struck three, Ban managed to drag himself upstairs on hands and knees. After expending such effort, climbing into his bed seemed impossible, so he lay under it, curled into a ball. And there he slept, and did not sleep, and wept a little, keeping his hand pressed in his mouth to be certain no one heard.
- This was after his horrific punishment with the 'Phallus' which was in fact a thick oaken table leg used not to bash him with but to turn his innards to pulp. Sebastian is a very inventive bastard when it comes to torturing Ban.

There are two side characters which I liked very much. Both are strong willed woman and a tad eccentric. Grand-Mamma, Mrs. Parthenia Jane Robinson is such a fascinating and mysterious wise old woman. She is quick-witted and has a pretty sharp tongue. Somehow, she made me miss my late-grandmama which I loved dearly. Martha on the other hand is quite the little Einstein and a peculiar young woman. Sometimes the things she says makes me question if she has any social communication disorder like Asperger? Lol. Mind you, she does says the darnedest things.
"What do you mean by love? You mean, you want to stick your cock in me?" Martha asked.


THE VAMPIRES (the term used here was Vârkolak):
I have enjoyed reading this author's brand of vampires. They are superior, intimidating and evil, yet they are somewhat vulnerable and not entirely immortal or indestructible. Fire is their biggest weakness even the Sun failed to compete with - quite the opposite of Anne Rice's vampires.

Ms. Baggins' vampires has an interesting twist to its origins which differs much from Rice's vampires that has an ancient Egyptian root. I was pleasantly surprised by it. I would say it's a nice touch indeed.

Another point of interest is that Ms. Baggins' vamps does not have fangs. I am unsure if I like this missing attribute as I have always find them to be sexier with a set of keen pointed tooth and it is a defining characteristics of a vampire although they are some in other stories depicted without it too. I particularly like retractable ones. If you have watched Byzantium (2012) one of the latest vampire film, you would have noticed that the vampires in it lacks fangs too (I haven't watch it yet but knew of it). They uses retractable thumb-talon to pierce the victim's skin. Ban and his lot had to utilize a razor-sharp prongs to seal the deal. Somewhat troublesome isn't it? Not that elegant or erotic anymore. I still think Rice's vampires rocks! Their feeding was highly sensual and the vamps would telepathically bonds with their victims too. It's like a two-way exchange of intimate thoughts - very much like a bridge of memories between them.


THE STORY:
It took me a while to be immersed in the story. This might be me having to adjust and get comfortable with the olden days English tongue. Truthfully, I had only started to get interested and engaged when Ban took Nicky as his personal plaything or you can say... when things started to get hot, heavy and sweaty. Despite Nicky being ill-equipped, their lovemaking was still highly stimulating if not even more so. Ban's skillful lovemaking makes Nicky loose himself so wantonly. It was a beautiful sight to see Nicky melts in the embrace of Ban.

There are frequent exchange of intellectual debates on philosophies, theologies even the scientific aspect was discussed in the story making it all the more compelling to read. Even the plot itself was saturated by these theories.

The highly remarked upon tortures and rapes was not gratuitously inserted for the shock-value. It was appropriately handled and not as graphic as most think it was. The tortures was mostly shown after it has taken place or was fade to black soon. There wasn't detailed description of how the victim suffered during the ordeal.

I am not saying that these scenes are mild or weak as I most certainly do not underestimate a reader's power of imagination. With the right words and suggestions, a whole new terror could be created in our own mind to piece the whole scene together however gory we wanted it to be. Sometimes, I would prefer telling more than showing when it comes to such scenes as I love to experience it with my own over imaginative mind. I could fill in all those blanks flawlessly with much pleasure.

The plot was thick in this story yet it flowed smoothly thanks to the superb writing skill of Ms. Baggins. There's one key mystery throughout the story that would determine not only the fate of both MCs but the whole Maidenstone village as well. I am excited that my guess of what the 'Vessel' means isn't too far from its mark. Brilliant aren't I? I am certain the Vessel would keep readers guessing actively throughout the reading process.

There are a couple of flashbacks stories and it was handled very well too. I really enjoyed reading about Serafino and Arabella, Simon and Hob. I was horrified by what befell...
Spoiler:
...Arabella when she was captured and tortured by Sebastian's fanatically loyal Brethren.
It was the most disturbing event of all that had happened. Even Serafino's...
Spoiler:
...final fate paled in comparison. At least, his death was considered swift unlike Arabella's drawn out sufferings.

I am curious as to why so many readers objected to....
Spoiler:
Martha having children with Ban? As far as I know, Emily was fathered by Sebastian, only Peter was the actual offspring of Ban. Am I right? Because, I am a little confused by Emily's parentage. She was said to mirror Sebastian's look, so I deduce that Sebastian took Martha's virginity and begets a child due to that union.

I know some might view Ban having such a relationship with Martha was a betrayal to Nicky, but to me it was realistic turn of event and much forgivable. It wasn't an easy feat to wait for centuries all alone for that small possibility of the love of your life to be reincarnated and for that chance in a million of finding him again. I actually felt thankful to Martha for being there for Ban to ease his loneliness, keeping his hope alive and strengthen his willpower to continue his existence without Nicky by his side.

Some of the readers reasoned that this shouldn't happen with Martha as she is asexual. Asexuality does not affect a person's desire to have their own family. They need love too and know love just like all of us do. They just don't have the sexual appetite of the norms. Most of them would engage in sexual activity despite lacking the desire or sexual attraction, due to variety of reasons, such as wanting to please a romantic partners or even the desire to have children of their own.

I really didn't expect Nicky to have that ending after his final confrontation with Sebastian. As I thought...
Spoiler:
...there would definitely be a brilliant plot twist to save Nicky's arse ever since his Grand-Mamma predicted his demise, so that he and Ban could have the happiness they deserved. I was a little sad that the new Nicky doesn't remember Ban or their prior relationships (yes plural for relationship makes more sense here) yet his last comments gave me hope.

I have a feeling that Ban and Nicky are true soulmates, hence they kept finding each other every lifetime although one of them are earthbound forever and destined to be the one waiting and pining for his true love's return.

In the end, that unexpected ending works out pretty well too. I like Jean-Paul *winks* Such a succulent morsel *smacks lips*.


FINAL VERDICT:
I am ever so glad I decided to read this book despite the off-putting book cover. The cover was so uninspiring and boring and I especially disliked the look of that two male models. Blargh! They absolutely CANNOT represent the Bancroft and Nicholas in my heart or in the book.

If not for Syfy's enthusiasm over this book, I would have just missed this treasure due to my aversion towards that bookcover. Hence I shall kiss the ground Syfy walks on and follow her breadcrumbs diligently from now on. *wide grin*

I love the chemistry between Ban and Nicky, they are perfect together. How I enjoyed Ban's cheeky teasing of Nicky - I see it as a loving display of affection.

It has been such a long time since I last read a vampire book almost on par with my favorite author, Anne Rice's work. I am now thirsting for more of such stories. Maybe I should go re-read my beloved Vampire Chronicles series by Anne Rice just to calm this newly rekindled blood sucking craving of mine.

The book has a harmonious mixture of historical romance, horror, supernatural, thriller and mystery, creating a dark, chilling yet erotically spellbinding story that intoxicate the mind of the readers.

I would HIGHLY RECOMMEND this book to all M/M readers especially those who adores the vampire folklore.



The accused bookcover:

























Friday, 13 September 2013

[REVIEW] Taken by the Minotaur by Isabel Dare

Taken by the Minotaur (Taken by the Minotaur #1)
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Read from September 08 to 10, 2013


3.5 stars

A short hot read on the deflowering of a virginal pretty princeling by an insatiable brute with monstrous drippy peen. The young man was quickly filled to the brim on both ends and dying for more.  Seems like the little Princeling has quite a bit of submissive blood in him. He has enjoyed being dominated and manhandled by the beast. 

There's even a stimulating rimming session that mimicked tentacles sex quite well. I adored that scene, it was hawt imo.  Imagine a wriggly rough tongue on the sensitive-you-know-where. Hmm... how deep could a bull's tongue go? How long was it anyway?

This story somehow reminds me of Bloodraven by PL Nunn especially when the beast was gently preparing the Princeling in order to take his cherry for the first time just like Bloodraven would coax Yhalen to submission before he plows him senseless.


_______________________________________________________________________

8th Sept 2013:

MONSTER SEX! This one sounds so naughty. I love the blurb. All about sexing up halpless pretty boy :3

Which one's sexier?





Wednesday, 14 August 2013

[REVIEW] Gamble Everything by Cari Waites

My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Recommended for: those who enjoy depraved mindfucks.
Read from August 07 to 12, 2013 — I own a copy, read count: 1

5 full stars cos I floated in subspace

I blame my swollen bottom lip on this piece of mindfuck extraordinaire. It had me nibbling on my lip every so often trying to distract myself from the fierce intensity of the mind-blowing scenes and ocean of feels it invoke.

Overall, the story has a nice flow to it and promotes smooth reading experience. The characters stays in character, how nice is that. I love all the mindfucking Archer did to poor Danny aka Daniel aka Baby-boy. Archer's method of unmaking Danny to create Daniel could give the best psychologist a run for their money.

Archer plays Danny's body and mind like a fine tuned piece of musical instrument. He's so good he makes Danny aches for more even though he was repulsed by it. Archer had effectively turned Danny into Daniel, his affectionate baby-boy who finds joy in his boy-pussy especially when his daddy plays with it.

It was utmost fascinating and arousing to watch the training and reconditioning of Danny's mind. All those fierce canings and the after-cares by Archer was exquisite and most effective in molding Danny's mind to become Daniel. This part of the story kind of reminds me of Home Trained For You by Selim whereby the protagonist's identity was forcefully ripped away to be replaced by an ideal of his captor's choice by way of harsh punishments and some gentler coaxing of soft praises and rewards. Should anyone has similar stories like these please do rec it to me for I have deep fascination with how a mind could bend to another's will the right amount of inner and outer conditioning.

At first I had thought that the author is going for D.I.D (Dissociative Identity Disorder)* and that this is what Archer is aiming at when he was training Danny to become his ideal boy. Then, this theory was dispelled when that blows-me-away ending wraps everything up nice and tight. I was left in a daze of what had just took place and was in much awe to be able think clearly. I even had to reread that scene to shake off my state of shock. *Note: Home Trained For You by Selim has D.I.D - which is why I find it most engrossing.

Whatcha gonna get from this book (just to name a few):
  • Hurt-comfort - it is so good it will make your body purrs.
  • Orgasm denial - a caged cock is frustratingly arousing to the readers as well. It was utterly blissful whenever Danny gets to release his sexual tension via his boy-pussy or during rare occasions when he was rewarded a 'release' for good behavior *mind floods with endorphin*.
  • Enema - 'The Chair' only makes it all the more erotic - All that futile struggling and going no way. *Sighs contently*
  • Sounding - The Chair + Teddy = delightful combination to up the eroticism. Soon, Daniel boy was stuffed and fucked.
  • Fisting - in 'The Chair' of course! Poor Daniel suffers so beautifully for his daddy. Teddy da Bear was there to hold his hands all the way too.
  • Multiple Partners - Sharing is caring?
  • Toys - oh, don't forget the toys. A good boy must have toys - in this case, an ever growing butt plug to seal the deal.
  • Bondage - usually minor ones like wrist cuff but upped a few notch when he's in 'The Chair'.
  • Age-play - top to toe, down to every details - little boy's cartoon T-Shirts, PJs, Boxer briefs with the flap at the back, Shorts, bedroom full of robots, aeroplanes, spaceships, moon and bean bag plus many more kiddo stuff to content with. Just missing the diapers (bummer that).
  • Daddy-kink - when you have age-play in M/M of course it must go hand in hand with a Daddy in tow. This daddy has a real firm hands. His dominant controlling ways are very sexy.
He treats me like a child, and I don’t mean that in some whiny teenage way. I mean he literally treats me like a child. I wear kids’ clothes. I sleep in a bedroom with a robot poster on the wall, a beanbag on the floor, and coloring-in books on the shelves. I eat cereal for breakfast and peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for lunch.
At night, he tucks me in.
Then fucks me.
I call him Daddy.
He calls me his baby boy
.
I know this excerpt/quote sounds crazy to some of you and you might think that this is just another one of those plotless PWP smut-galore. All I could say is that, wait till it blows you to smithereens. I dare you to get your mindfuck dosage here.

Ahh, what a ride this was. I was positively tripping over all those free flowing unrestrained angst. I am both drowning and floating in it. Loving every bit of this feeling and savoring every moment of it. When Daniel floats in subspace, I find myself floating along.

Once again I am going to say, I strongly recommend this book to those who could enjoy mindfucks even if it is on the depraved side of things. Imho, this is THE finest mind-bending erotica!

NOTE: I would advise those who MUST have Safe Words and such in their D/S stories to turn away from this book right now. The rest of you, please step this way and have fun in this succulent piece of fantasy.




PREVIOUS COMMENTS:

August 12th, 2013:- 
My god, this is the BIGGEST mind fuckery EVER! I am still trying to catch my breath now. What an ending. So wrong yet so right. 

I've been totally mindfucked and loved every moment and milliseconds of it. Such an intense book this was. Many would have thought that this is just one of those plotless smut-galore. Wait till it blows you AWAY to smithereens. Then you will learn to NEVER EVER judge a book by its cover again. 

I got what I wanted from the book. In fact, it gave me more than what I expected from it. So much more that it broke my emotional dam and I am drowning in it yet savoring every minute of that feeling. I am floating. 

I strongly recommend this to those who enjoyed mind fucks. This is THE finest! 

I will try to review properly once I get my head back on straight.



August 7th, 2013:  
This series is now also available at SMASHWORDS as a bundle or 7 books (whole series) for only USD3.99 - Superb! 

Smashwords link: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/338043 

( ^◡^)っ ❤ Go get yours now if you haven't already. 

I have just added this Bundle edition into GR database for ease of review. I am going to do my updates and review on this thread instead rather than the previous single book thread

I really think I am going to love this book very much since it has age-play/infantilism AND it's M/M too. Such a rare combination. I want moar already! 
 

Thursday, 4 July 2013

[REVIEW] Muscling Through by J.L. Merrow

Muscling Through
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Recommended by: Buddy Read with Loederkoningin, Anna (Bananas!) and Lee.
Recommended for: All M/M readers
Read from July 01 to 03, 2013 — I own a copy, read count: 1


4 emotionally rewarding stars!

A heartwarming, funny as hell yet meaningful story of a simple, endearing, built like an ox guy named Al (Alan Fletcher) who works down Scudamore at Cambridge, England pulling punts for tourist. He may have a scary mug as he calls it but inside he is all soft and cuddly. A gentle giant who have a fetish for all things small and cute. That's why he can't help falling in love with pretty Larry who's skinny and in Al's opinion, so little and fragile that Al wished he could wrap him up in a warm cocoon to protect and worship.

Larry (Lawrence Morton) is a History of Art professor at Cambridge University and both he and Al had actually met in the most unconventional way. Their first meeting cracks me up so much I cannot stop laughing and even snorted several times when I tried to suppress it lest those around me thinks I have gone psycho. Let's just say that their unique love story started with a wazz in an alley.

I find Larry's skittishness quite adorable, he reminds me so much of this little fellow here...

You really couldn't blame Larry for being such a timid guy since he is so tiny and as Al puts it, he could easily snap little Larry in half effortlessly. I love that Larry likes to snuggle alot and that jives so well with Al's urge to cuddle him all the time. Larry is such a classical giggly uke too, plus he also has a submissive side - he gets excited when Al goes alpha mode during sex. I am loving all these physical and characteristic aspect of the MCs because I have a thing for large alpha-ish men with their little man. Which is why I enjoyed books by Lynn Hagen, Joyee Flynn, Gabrielle Evans and a couple of others that features twinks in the arms of muscle-bound men. Oh yea and Want Me by Rowan McBride tickles this fancy of mine very well too. So now you know why I don't exactly need sex for a book to work for me - it's the fetish that gets me going. *tongue-in-cheek*

Please don't get me wrong tho, I love the sex in this book. I think it is handled pretty well and rather sensual too. By the way, Larry is a quite a good rider considering the fact that he does have the right bronco under him. Psst.. and that little rough patch by the wall is jism. Al says not to tell and it was Larry's idea not to clean it up :3

I have to say, I thoroughly enjoyed seeing things through Al's eyes. Yup, this book is entirely written in first person's POV or in this case, Al's POV. His simplistic and practical calm approach at handling situations is refreshing and at times eye-opening too. Frankly, it is a rather soothing and soul enriching experience not to mention hilarious as hell too. Because....

.... Al tends to say the darndest things at times:
On Tuesday we were both a bit sore, so we went to the gallery with Michelangelo’s David in. He looks a lot like Larry, but for a seventeen foot tall guy, he’s got a really tiny cock. Larry’s cock is a lot bigger than that. Larry said that Michelangelo was a poof, so I wondered why he’d sculpted a guy with a really tiny cock. But I know when you go to old houses, the doorways are much smaller, ’cause people were shorter then, so maybe cocks were smaller too. It makes me glad I wasn’t born a few centuries ago.

To me, I do not think Al is stupid or slow or anything like that, he is quite smart actually. Thing is, he is just misunderstood by others as he lacks the natural inborn ability to interpret people correctly. Seems like he might have a milder form of autism known as the Asperger syndrome/disorder, with symptoms that affect his social interaction and behaviour.

I would recommend reading House Rules by Jodi Picoult if you are interested to learn more about this unique disorder in a more interesting way rather than just googling up boring medical materials. The book itself is fast paced and full of interesting plots and feelings. The characters are well drawn and compelling. I've enjoyed it immensely and learned much about this condition through the eyes of a very young man facing crime prosecution that he may or may not have committed. If you are a mother, this will not be an easy read as you could literally feel the anguish his loving and supportive mother has to go through.

While we are at it, I also wish to recommend a movie featuring an lovable handsome young man with Asperger syndrome. The film was poignant, endearing and a pleasure to watch - Adam (2009)



Now back to the story...
I'll say, Muscling Through ended on the right note and totally made my day. Dear author, thank you so much for this:
Click to View:
I was ecstatic when this pair of match made in heaven couple was able to seal their love with matrimony.

Now to wrap this review up, I would highly recommend it all M/M readers as I feel that this book does seems to work well with readers across the board. Just that you might have to risk your face freezing up due to too much grinning from the beginning until the end.