Showing posts with label Alternate Universe. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Alternate Universe. Show all posts

Wednesday, 4 June 2014

[REVIEW] Brethren, Life In Bondage: Book Two by F.B. Peaches

My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Recommended for: Sadomasohism, D/S & TPE fans
Read from February 19 to June 03, 2014 — I own a copy, read count: 1 





Hellish sadomasochism play here. Ranges from consensual to non-consensual. Lots of cringe-worthy tortures. I am sorry to say Book Two isn't my cup of tea. I can't stand pain especially when inflicted upon females. More so when it is directed at the private parts. Owwwweee.... vagina burns! Makes me wish I am not a woman.

Basically Book Two is about a Slave Boarding Service run by a couple of cruel dominants. The concept itself is fascinating but the harsh tortures kinda puts me off. I guess I am mainly a bondage kinda girl. That's why Book One rocks my world. Actually there are also lots of bondage scenes here but since it was all aimed at delivering extreme pain, I couldn't get into enjoying it much. Pain that does not followed by pleasure for the sub was a deal breaker for me.

I must confess I am now curious bout Book Three due to the snippet at the end of this book. I am guessing it involves Adult Baby play with forced regression and perhaps bit of body modification. Too bad this series only focus on female subs. Sighhhh

I am giving Book Two a 3 stars in view of the boldness and creativity. Although it didn't strike my fancy I am certain it would be a hit for sadomasochism readers especially if they are also into extreme bondage.



BOOK DETAILS:
Author: F.B. Peaches
Publication Date: October 5th, 2012
Publisher: Self-pub
Genre: Alternate Universe M/F Erotica
Type: Short Story, approximately 13,723 words
Tags/Keywords: dubcon-noncon, consensual, slavery, slave boarding, slave training, slave conditioning, extreme bondage, sadomasochism, maledom, femdom, dom, domme, submissive, dominance-submission, D/S, sadistic masters/mistress, pain, abuse, lashing, whipping, confinement, sensory deprivation, sexual organ torture, tortures, breast torture, heterosexual, rape, enema, forced feeding, TPE, total power exchange

Description:
Old school bondage meets with high Tech fetish, in this, the second book in the Brethren series. With a respectful nod to House of Gord and maybe just a touch of Insex, Fb presents a feast of flesh and fetish, purely for your titillation. Practising submissive and hoarder of all things kinky she knows exactly what buttons to push!

Brethren, book two
The world has moved on. The stuff of fantasy has become reality but most important of all, there is now absolute truth. Advances in technology mean citizens are no longer able to lie to the law givers. Those dispensing justice can do so without fear of punishing the innocent. Society is no longer prepared to keep or tolerate those who choose to do harm.

And so the Brethren have arisen.

They offer the world another way, a natural justice. They keep the criminals contained and restrained whilst indulging their fetishes and desires. Criminals are presented to the Brethren to live out their days owned and degraded . Within the city's and county's given over to the elite of the Brethren, normality is subjective. Segregated from the rest of society they indulge without prejudice or interference.


WHERE TO PURCHASE:
★|| SMASHWORDS ||★|| AMAZON ||★


* Reviewed on June 4th, 2014

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NOTE: This is a review copy extended to me by the author.


Friday, 25 April 2014

[REVIEW] Stung: Winter Special by K.A. Merikan

Stung: Winter Special (Zombie Gentlemen)
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Read from April 23 to 25, 2014 — I own a copy, read count: 1



This shorty serves as an epilogue of Stung. While it does not exactly spell out the answers readers are seeking for this unconventional pair of lovers, we at least get a taste of what they are both like when their life is not at stake.

Crunch decided to pay Victor a visit in the city. It was a reunion after a long parting between him and Victor subsequent to the liberation of the Honeyhill prison camp. He wasn't sure if he would be welcome with open arms by the man who fills his every waking moment. The liberated Victor now might not be the needy Victor back then when they first met at the camp.

Right. We get all of Crunch uncertainties and conflicting thoughts in this piece as opposed to the first book where Victor was the center of attention. This is great as we get deeper understanding of Crunch and his motivations. It was good to know outside of his tough demeanor, he is very much like us -- afraid of rejection and getting hurt.

The authors seems to make Victor's feelings less pronounce by intention of building up Crunch and the reader's anxiety over their long awaited reunion. I was just as anxious as Crunch to know how much Victor had changed and if this visit will be a fruitful one. I like that this pair of ingenious authors always knows how to end their stories and it always takes me by surprise. This is one of the many reasons that make it worthwhile to read their books. I love unpredictable and original stories. I would say K.A. Merikan is a worthy investment because you would be sure of not buying yet another recycled story with predictable plot-line and ending.

I am glad to get more of sultry Victor with his simple, honest man Crunch. I could never tire of their playful teasing ways towards one another. Read it to find out if they leave the bed ablaze. Right now, I am craving for some lemon curd scones *sucking at curd blissfully* Crunch is a man with great taste.



BOOK DETAILS:
Author: K.A. Merikan
Publication Date: January 8th, 2014
Publisher: Acerbi & Villani Ltd
Type: Short Story, approximately 9,000 words
Genre: Dystopian homoerotic romance, M/M, Gay, Erotica, Contemporary, Consensual
Main Characters:
Title of Spoiler:
Crunch (MC) and Victor Sheppard (second MC)
Tags/Keywords:
Title of Spoiler:
alternate universe, reunion, anal sex, blowjob, romance, lovers, age difference, social status difference, upper and lower class social status, rich love interest, poor main character, beauty mark, victorian, gentle and loving sex, adoring lover

Description:
It's been a few months since Crunch and his comrades liberated the mob-run prison camp HoneyHill. But content as he is, Crunch can't forget Victor, the beautiful prisoner with whom he shared a brief affair. Taking a leap of faith, he shows up at Victor's door, but will it turn out he really was missed?
*
This short story is set a few months after the events described in our novel, 'Stung'. It could be read separately, but we advise to read the novel first, as it is not a stand alone.
*
The book contains explicit M/M erotic content.

Wordcount: 9000



This review has also been cross-posted on my blogs:
  


WHERE TO PURCHASE:
★|| SMASHWORDS;; ||★|| ALL ROMANCE EBOOKS ||★|| BARNES&NOBLES; ||★|| AMAZON;; ||★



* Reviewed on April 25th, 2014

*:--☆--:*:--☆:*:--☆--:*:--☆--:*:--☆--:*:--☆:*:--☆--:*:--☆--:*

Tuesday, 8 April 2014

[REVIEW] The Pet Whisperer by liliaeth

The Pet Whisperer

My rating: 2 of 5 stars
Read from April 05 to 08, 2014 — I own a copy, read count: 1


What a Horrifying and Disturbing Story! I have been forcefully defiled. Mind Raped!

I admit it does have some entertainment value, but the munching on humans killed me. I mean I love the angst and liked the wicked pet training, but.... PLEASE! DO NOT EAT PEOPLE! Argh!

Humans as main course on the dining table of Gods. *dying* Gods hunting humans as food, even the children aren't safe. *dies in agony* Keeping humans as livestock for their juicy meat. *am so dead* Some of luckier ones are kept as household slaves, and the luckiest are those pretty ones which the Gods kept as eye-candies aka pets. The pets aren't exactly safe from ending up on the table as well. Da fuq!

How I wish this story could just focus on the pet training and leave out the grisly stuff. Each time I think of it... I.... *pukes everywhere* The slaughter of innocents both angers and sickens me so much I could feel my soul burning at the atrocities happening at every turn of the story. The author is sure brave and daring but too over-the-top with the horror aspect, it squicked me out even knowing she might be trying to deliver her message on animal abuse and to encourage vegetarianism.

The thing is, this story is utterly disturbing and horrifying as the amount of outright cannibalism overshadowed the pet training aspect eventhough petplay should be the main focus of this story as per suggested by its title and blurb. I kept on reading this morbid tale because I couldn't stop until I find out what would happen to Dean at the end.

WARNING: You really can't unseen what you have seen. For sure this is NOT for the faint-of-heart unless you are into gore and cannibalism. Beware of being eaten alive while kicking and screaming even your soul aren't spared. If you could curb your curiosity, I would advice you to stay away from this. The blurb didn't have any warning on the extreme cannibalism. I did blame myself for not checking out the story tags throughly before diving into it.

I am pretty sure that title and blurb would potentially leads unsuspecting readers who are looking forward to some petplay fun with added bonus of the famous Castiel-Dean pairing into the darkest void of evil and then gets drown in human misery so great one would felt scarred for life; speaking from the view of a traumatized reader. I have no way out now, it's too late for me. Go safe yourself!

Da fuq I've just read. @_@;
I need fluff pronto!

THE RATING
I am giving this a 2 stars not entirely because of the disturbing nature of the in-depth cannibalism, it is also due to the quality of the writing itself. There are parts where the plots fails and the characters has OOC moments here and there. I am also deducting points for not staying focus on the promised petplay theme. To be clear, I did appreciate the parts on the pet training and the melding of multiple mythologies with modern religion.

To put it in other words, this story is as entertaining as an intense nightmare you fought to wake up from.



STORY DETAILS:
Author: liliaeth
Publication Date: July 21st, 2012
Type: Fanfiction of the Supernatural TV Series, 66,475 words (Completed fanfic)
Genre: Alternate Universe M/M-F/M-M/F Fan Fiction, Horror
Characters: Castiel, Dean Winchester, Original Female Character(s), Hades (Greek and Roman Mythology), Demeter & Persephone (Greek and Roman Mythology), God (Supernatural), God!Castiel
Tags/Keywords:  cannibalism, vore, pagan gods, eating humans, dehumanization, slavery, dubious consent, body modification, sounding, butt plugs, piercings, conditioning, rape, pet training, bisexual, gay, heterosexual, multiple partners, breeding

Description:
The pagan goddess Despoine is widely regarded as the best trainer of human pets in the supernatural world. When the new god Castiel demands her aid in training his pet Dean, she definitely knows better than to say no.

Words:66,475 Complete - Chapters:19/19 - Free Download
Supernatural Fanfic




* Reviewed on April 8th, 2014

*:--☆--:*:--☆:*:--☆--:*:--☆--:*:--☆--:*:--☆:*:--☆--:*:--☆--:*

Saturday, 5 April 2014

[REVIEW] Proper Omegas don’t drive cars by liliaeth

Proper Omegas don’t drive cars

My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Read on April 05, 2014 — I own a copy, read count: 1


Around 2.5 Stars rounding up to 3 Stars since I got myself sucked into the story regardless of the quality. If a story entertains its readers, then it is a success.

I am pretty torn as to how to rate this because the plots was contradicting each other. I'd say that the facts are just all over the place that it's hard to make sense of things.

Even though I have those concerns niggling me as I read, I just couldn't seem to put it down. Instead I got my nose stuck in it till I finished the whole story. That's a rare thing for a slow reader like me. This story can be considered a novelette length.

I am blaming my keen attraction to this story on my love for angsty story. Angst IS like crack to me. There's ample angst in this story to keep me on a constant high. I believe I am broken somewhere but I liked the way I am.

In this story, Dean was confined in an institution when his long hidden status as an omega was found out. Omegas are not even proper citizens. The most they are treated like pets and not even trusted enough to be home alone without a nanny. Disobedience are curbed instantaneously with a good spanking or some prefers swatting them with rolled newspapers. Omegas are believed to be mindless therefore they don't know what is good for them hence they have zero autonomy or rights in the eyes of the Alphas and Beta. It's all for their own good and safety.

While Dean was in custody, Sam and his dad was desperate to get Dean out of that brainwashing place. A place where they turn omegas into the perfect sex toy any Alphas could ever ask for. Was it too late for Dean now? That was a question to be answered in the coming sequel. Damnit!

The story is took place in an alternate universe setting. I found the societal setup intriguing. This story is purely focused upon the dynamics of Alpha, Beta and Omega. Naturally, the Alphas are those in authority or in position of power. Betas are their support basically. And those poor Omegas are less than human. Although some would cherish them especially for their breeding ability, they are those who would exploit them through sex slavery and other form of slaveries. The worst place an omega could find themselves in was the those illegal breeding farms.

Since the facts are so messed up, I am still trying to figure out whether Alphas are the only one who could get an omega pregnant or the betas could also do the same? And how does a female alpha impregnate their male omega? I don't see the alphas even the female ones would bear the baby since omegas regardless of their sex are supposed to be the ultimate breeding machines.

About the concern on that 'under-age' tag on the story, there isn't a need worry as any under-age events are rather implied and off page. To those who are seeking for romance in this story, there's none to be found here. The sequel could have such a possibility due to events unfolded in part one. Nope, no sexy times in this one also but as I've said, watch out for the sequel. I am the sequel would bring these missing elements and answer some of my questions. Otherwise, I could just hope for more delicious angst and be satisfied with that at least.


MAIN CAST:

Starring...

Dean Winchester, our sad and angsty omega who hides from his true identity.
A broken and vulnerable Dean is very adorable.


Sam Winchester is Dean's clueless brother who is a young alpha studying law.


John Winchester the irresponsible, missing father.
I hope to see him cry a little for his fuq up on parenting.


Victor Henriksen is the alpha that owns Dean.
Will he acknowledge Dean as an equal? Is he the kind of alpha a spirited omega like Dean wish for?



STORY DETAILS:
Author: liliaeth
Publication Date: October 8th, 2013
Cover Art: Lylithj2
Type: Fanfiction of the Supernatural TV Series, 33,084 words (Completed fanfic)
Genre: Alternate Universe M/M Fiction, Alpha/Beta/Omega Dynamics
Characters: Dean Winchester, Sam Winchester, John Winchester, Victor Henriksen, Gordon Walker, Zachariah (Supernatural), Ellen Harvelle, Kevin Tran, Tamara (Supernatural), Calvin Reidy
Tags/Keywords: Alpha/Beta/Omega Dynamics, dub-con, Brainwashing, Sexism, Bottom Dean, Alternate Universe - Modern Setting, Alternate Universe - Slavery, Gender Roles

Description:
In a world where Omegas are treated as perpetual children, with only few more rights than pets, Dean spent most of his life hiding that he was an Omega. When his true gender is discovered in the worst possible way, Dean is sent in the guardianship of his younger brother Sam. Omegas after all, can’t look after themselves.



WHERE TO READ THIS FANFIC:



* Reviewed on April 5th, 2014

*:--☆--:*:--☆:*:--☆--:*:--☆--:*:--☆--:*:--☆:*:--☆--:*:--☆--:*




Tuesday, 4 March 2014

[REVIEW] Fear (The Copper Horse #1) by K.A. Merikan

Fear (The Copper Horse #1)
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Recommended by: ARC
Recommended for: A must read for all ponyplay/animal role play fans
Read from February 24 to 27, 2014 — I own a copy, read count: 1

5 Thrilled Stars cos I love this fuck-horse-slave-thing. It makes me tingly all over!

I am pleased that Fear is not some cocktease ponyplay book. The human pony here is for real not the kind of dom/sub play session to get each other off. Fear comes with all sorts of delightful pony get-ups like tail plugs, halter, harnesses, bit gag and a horse mane haircut and various other pony training devices. What's more exciting is the presence of a groom and a firm owner who wasn't shy on dishing out punishments to a deserving pony. The story has subjugation of a young man with mild humiliation and degradation. And the protagonist had to endure whole lot of torments on his body and soul to be transformed into a mere pet, a plaything of a wealthy tyrannic crime lord. 

THE STORY & CHARACTERS
Reuben was a down on his luck poor baker's son who was gradually reduced to the status of a pet horse by a manipulative man he was now forced to call his master. No matter how hard he resisted, Erik always has the right punishment to cure him of his disobedience. Erik is a fascinating character to me. I think he is a very good psychological manipulator (check out the link, he ticks almost all the boxes). He is such an eccentric, he baffles both Reuben aka Copper (his pet name now) and me. Copper struggles to understand his master in his effort to avoid those devious punishments he fears so much. Unfortunately this is a tough thing to do as Erik is much like Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde. Poor Copper, his days are spent tip-toeing around his master.

Copper's master has a strong kink for all things equestrian. The choice of an equine themed home decor in his house is a great example aside from his deviant habit of keeping humans as pet horses. He is a shameless debaucher who derives his sexual fulfillment through bedding two-legged horses. On the other hand, Reuben was a closeted gay feeling shameful of his sexual orientation and would try his best to repress it. Which is why he found being stuck as a pet to a perverted handsome master has its own merits. It was liberating to be able to enjoy his guilty pleasure minus the guilt factor since he has no say in whatsoever perverted games his master forced upon him. Besides that he does enjoys being pampered, have his every needs taken care of and receiving praises lavished upon him which felt real good. His master is actually kind and fair when he is a good horse. He was cherished as a prized stallion and was doted on by both his master and groom. Only all these good things comes with a hefty price -- his total lost of freedom and his dignity as a man is at risk. Could he give up all this for a taste of luxury? 

As days goes by, Copper learned that the best way to stay pain-free and enjoy more guilt-free sex is to act like a real horse his master had wanted him to be. He would whinny and nuzzle his master affectionately to gain his approval and hope for rewards. I love it when he does that.  
"I don't! I never lie! I am a very honest horse!" Reuben tried being funny again and nuzzled Erik's cheek. His master's expression softened at the caress, and Reuben felt Erik's hands circling his waist.

Me thinks Copper is damn cute when he is a fine and obedient horse. I would want him for myself if I could. I'll dote on him and give him all the sugar cubes he could eat then make him run on the treadmill till he drop. ∋━━o(`∀´oメ)~→


WHAT I LIKE MOST

★ I adore the angst and the hurt-comfort thing going on with Copper and his master and also with Jack his groom who dotes on him.

 I love that the author knows how to dish out exciting sexual tension. Copper was so torn between liking the sexual attention and loathing his positive reactions to it. He felt ashamed of his weakness. Erik is such a beast when it comes to feeding his carnal urges, he has no qualms advertising his sexual desire for his male pet horse even with an audience. I applaud him for embracing his kink so proudly. I heart Erik (。♥‿♥。)

 Ample focus on the ponyplay part. I enjoyed Copper's pony training very much and loves how firm and authoritative his master was throughout his training. Copper's master may be strict but he does not neglect Copper's pleasures. I also like how Copper gradually adapts to his pet status in Erik's household. His reluctance and angst was a divine feast to me.


OVERVIEW
Fear was a bravely written ponyplay erotica that is very much dedicate to pet play. It was truly fascinating to watch the bonding of this pair of master and pet. They seemed to be made for each other. The story was rather sweet and funny. Most importantly, it was hot as hell. My body and mind took much pleasure in reading it. No kidding, I was tingly all over and loving every moment of it. *bliss*

I admit that there are some minor editing issues here and there maybe because mine was an advance review copy. Yet I am glad it did not affect my level of enjoyment. I am very proud of the K.A. Merikan team for nailing this theme perfectly and I can't wait for the next installment of this thrilling ponyplay trilogy. I need to know if Reuben has truly submitted to his tyrannic master. Please don't make me wait too long.

Lastly I wish to commend the authors for not skimping on the word count just because the book was part of a serialization. In my humble opinion, Fear is a full-fledged novel and worthy of it's price tag.

If you are a true fan of ponyplay and had always wished to get more than a glimpse of it from the books you read, then you will love this one for sure. Not only did it not shy away from the subject, it stays focused on it as well. This point alone already made it a rare gem.


THESE ALL MY LOVELY STALLIONS!


Ain't he ravishing?


He takes me places in exchange for sugar cubes.


Giddy-Up! *cracks whip on a defenseless firm buttock*


He's all cosy in his new stable with lots of soft hay to bounce on.


Meet Stallion Bond. Such a gorgeous stud.


Save the best for the last... a Unicorn-play! Such a sexy stud.

*:--☆--:*:--☆:*:--☆--:*:--☆--:*:--☆--:*:--☆:*:--☆--:*:--☆--:*


This pair of fabulous authors has great taste in book covers.


BOOK DETAILS:

Title: Fear
Author: K.A. Merikan

Publication Date: March 7th, 2014
Publisher:  Storm Moon Press
Type: Novel, 97,606 words (approximate)
Genre: M/M, Gay Fiction, Erotica, Dystopia, Alternate World
Tags/Keywords: Ponyplay, Animal Role Playing, Gay, Master & Pet, Groom, Pony Training, D/S, Dominance-Submission, Forced Submission, Mild Humiliation & Degradation, Zombies, Dystopia, Erotica, Noncon-Dubcon, Restraints/Bondage, Horse halter, Horse Bit, Bridle, Horse Harness, Carting, Rape, Caning, Flogging, Corporal Punishments, Smaller Top/Dominant, Profound Physical Size Difference, Captive-Captivity, Kidnapped, Slave, Enslavement, Restricted Freedom, Horse Grooming, Stables, Hay, Haystack, Alternative Victorian London

Description:

London
1907, twenty years into the zombie Plague

Reuben is a baker living in the slums of London, sharing a room with his father and an extended family of cockroaches. Poor, uneducated, and repressing all his sexual desires, he leads a life of misery, only sometimes sprinkled with gin and a rough tumble in a filthy back alley.

But when he is abducted into Bylondon to be the slave of a wealthy crime family member named Erik Dal, his values are put to the test. His new master is obsessed with all things equestrian, and Reuben soon learns that if he obeys and performs well as Erik's horse, he might just get everything he yearns for: pampering, foods he never even dreamed of, and shameless sex with a demonically handsome young man in leather riding boots.

As Copper, Erik's treasured dun stallion, Reuben must submit to his new master's obscene fancy of possessing another man completely. That is, if he yearns for treats and not the lick of a riding crop. Fake tails, harnesses, and a new haircut to his ginger mane help Reuben transform into Copper, but the fear of losing his dignity in the eyes of society might just prove to be a bigger restraint than any bit, bridle, or handcuffs.

All that for the small price of his freedom. Though at times, Reuben feels it's his soul that Erik is after instead.



This review has also been cross-posted on my blogs:
  




WHERE TO BUY:




* Reviewed on March 4th, 2014


*:--☆--:*:--☆:*:--☆--:*:--☆--:*:--☆--:*:--☆:*:--☆--:*:--☆--:*

NOTE: This is an ARC (Review Copy) extended to me for reviewing purpose.






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Thursday, 16 January 2014

[REVIEW] Surprises (The Administration, #2.4) by Manna Francis

Surprises (The Administration, #2.4)Surprises by Manna Francis
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Recommended for: those who enjoys slow-burn romances
Read from January 01 to 16, 2014 — I own a copy, read count: 1

After six hours of foreplay with an interrupted fuck and minutes of adolescent groping, both Toreth and Warrick has finally moved their relationship from occasional fuck-buddy to something a little more solid. Although the hypocritical bad boy Toreth is still far from settling down with a singular person, at least now with Warrick's careful calculated nudges, they are heading towards a true relationship.

I love how Warrick's casual words could make Toreth all fired up...

Toreth: "How do you feel about mayonnaise?"

Warrick: "Absolutely not. I am not spending the rest of the evening smelling of egg."

Toreth: "You can always have a wash."

Warrick: "True, but that removes half the attraction of the idea."

Toreth: "Which is?"

Warrick: "The prospect of walking around with you afterwards, knowing that you've fucked me. That you've come inside me. Feeling taken." He shrugged, managing to sound almost matter-of-fact.

(...) Toreth swallowed, his mouth suddenly dry.

Also love how Toreth plays with Warrick's kink on being bound while he was roughly taken. That guy knows how to turn up the heat where Warrick's concern. Warrick was an excitable quivering mess whenever Toreth mentally and physically tops him.

This unlikely pair sure have the longest slow burn romance going-on. I am getting anxious to hear the word 'exclusive' by now.




View all my reviews

Tuesday, 10 December 2013

[REVIEW] Worthy by Lia Black

Recommended for: Fluffy Slavefic aficionados
Read from December 05 to 10, 2013 — I own a copy, read count: 1


3 Stars for the effort and for being a good diversion to pass the time.

A sweet and caloric slavefic fairytale. Enjoyable at first bite, unfortunately it only makes you hunger for something more sustainable than a sugar fix. (See this? I could write short reviews too)

Dare I stop my review here? I could, couldn't I? I maybe should too. Because what comes after this is a product of my over analyzing.

Nudge me if you wish for my trademark long-ass review.


*Edits 10/12/13 @ 11.03pm:
I have just answered some fun and interesting questionnaires on this book over at the Goodreads BDSM Group . I thought maybe I should share it here as well:

WARNING:  MAY CONTAIN SPOILER - Highlight text selection to read content.


1. Do you have a favorite character? Why?

Maybe Demetrie. His way of enjoying Sev's body excites me. Just like Sev, I am taken with Demetrie's commanding air and finding him hard to resist. That's something rare for me as I usually see myself from the perspective of the dom rather than the sub.

I wished I could like the protagonist better but to me, Sev is not a well developed character. For someone who has known joy of family even only an adoptive one and used to having his own freedom, Sev does seem to give up on his identity and self worth quite easily. Many times he feels much like a puppet without free will and lacks sense of self preservation. This was observed even at the early stage of Demetrie's ownership of him. He does not even question internally on Demetrie's demanding request of him. He is too naive and trusting to be a street smart boy with a nomadic tribe upbringing. This doll like quality of his is rather disturbing.


2. Does a particular scene stick in your mind? Or a quote? What resonated with you?
I like Demetrie's blindfold punishment for Sev. Very interesting way of training trust. Just like one would apply to an animal like a horse. I just read one femdom story on human pony training that applies such technique too. Fascinating. >:D


3. Homogeneity is important to Athena. What was your reaction?
A place that lacks originality and individuality. No wonder Demetrie is so bored of his life there. In real life homogeneity is also known as racism ;)

In the olden days, aristocrats tends to put very high standards on pure blood marriages. This might also still be true till this age and time.


4. This is a highly stratified society with roles strictly delineated. Do you think our society is similar? Maybe we don't acknowledge it, but it exists?
Yes it does exist in our real world. Look around you. The poor is still dirt poor and the rich is still filthy rich. Who will have the more power? Money makes the political world goes round. What would that means to the lower income class? We feel such oppression daily.

Athena seems to be a place that discourages change in order to maintain firm control over its citizen and resources. Those who refused to conform would be ousted like Demetrie as a safeguard to its system.

This unfortunately leads me to question the plotline whereby Demetrie gave his title and name to Sev when he decided to leave Athena as an outcast. I mean how could this possibly be done when Demetrie himself is to be stripped off his title even to the extend that his assets will be seized just because he wouldn't fulfill his obligation as an aristocrat? There is simply no reason whatsoever for Athena or its aristocratic members to honor Demetrie's transfer of his title and name to Sev a mere dreg with zero rights or even simple recognition as a human being? To me, this plotline is OTT and does not conform with the oppressive and autocratic universe created by the author.


5. What did you think of Demetrie's plan?
Childish and fanciful, borderline idiotic. It shouldn't even be successful or plausible if the plots were tight enough and if the characters are well built. Yes I am saying it IS unrealistic. It is contradictory to the strict caste system of Athena. Think politically... would Demetrie's rebellious, traitorous way of escaping the system be ignored by his autocratic government? Wouldn't it be wiser for them to curb it at its stem before it becomes a precedent?

This quote sums up Athena for us:
Michael nodded. “I heard that Athena cleared out another section of her ghetto last night. What are they calling it these days? Oh yes, ‘progressive beautification’.” He shook his head slowly. Soon there would be no ghettos; the dregs would be buried under swimming pools, shopping centers, and aristolitical complexes. The sign of a thriving society was its lack of a lower caste, and since raising dregs up economically, socially, and politically would create a strain on the wealthy, it made far more sense to eliminate the problem more permanently by eliminating those who suffered it.


6. Do you think the author's story answered the member's photo and prompt?
Firstly, I am excited a photo of the bookcover from one of my favorite M/M Psychological Thriller graphic novel was used In These Words by Kichiku Neko & TogaQ. TogaQ's art is to die-for. And Kichiku Neko writes awesome psychological thrillers of the erotic kind.

Okay back to the prompt. I think it was answered quite well. The author even incorporated the limberness of the slave in the picture into the story and the cards strewed across the floor was also applied to the story. I dig the sex scenes too. It was sensual and erotic.


7. Do you wish something different was done or incorporated into the story?
Not really. The author tried her best to deliver according to the prompt and she has succeeded in that goal alone. I hope that by reading the honest reviews of her readers, she would be able to improve her writings further, especially in terms of character development and making tighter plotlines. I could see that she has lots of potential to excel. All she needs was more experience and constructive feedbacks.





BOOK DETAILS:

Title: Worthy
Related: Love Has No Boundaries, Don't Read in the Closet Events
Author: Lia Black
Publication Date: June 15th, 2013
Type: Short Story, 47,228 words
Genre: Dystopian, Alternate Universe, M/M, Gay, Romance, Erotica, Consensual, Light BDSM
Tags/Keywords:
Click to View:
Master/Slave, One-time Threeseome, Cross-dressing, Bondage, Dominance-Submission, BDSM, Acrobat, Contortionist, Circus Performer, Gypsy, Slave, Pleasure/Sexual Slave, Willing-slave, Chastity device/belt, Orgasm-denial, Whipping/Flogging, corporal Punishment, Rough Sex, Maledom, Interracial, Master/Pet, Menage, Threesomes, Romance, Young Man, Adored Pet/Slave, Age gap, Alpha Dominant Male, Alternate Universe, Anal Sex, Oral Sex, Hand-job,Androgyny, Bareback, Collaring & Leash, Cute Adorable Character, Effeminate Male Character, Erotica, HEA, Loving adoring partner, Piercing, Possessive Master, Twink, Restricted Freedom, Rich Wealthy MC, Rimming, Sensual, Slave Market, Slave Training, Submissive protagonist, Voyeurism, Fluffy


Description:
Dear Author,
This is a dystopian class-based society where being a slave boy is a prized position. For those not born into the wealthy class, there are few options for work. A position as a slave boy means security and safety from a life of poverty and the danger of the streets.
Dystopian - set in a world similar to ours but with a few tweaks. Usually a bit darker or a more frightening version of what our society could become.

Photo Description: (Click here to view the photo)
An agile young slave is bent backward over the knees of his doting master; his bindings are loose and their arrangement is “in the cards”.

This story was written as a part of the M/M Romance Group's "Love Has No Boundaries" event. Group members were asked to write a story prompt inspired by a photo of their choice. Authors of the group selected a photo and prompt that spoke to them and wrote a short story.



WHERE TO GET THIS BOOK:

This is a FREEBIE in conjunction with the Goodreads M/M Romance group's Love Has No Boundaries event for year 2013.




* Reviewed on December 10th, 2013

View all my reviews