Review: Blurring the Lines by SA Payne

Genre: Supernatural, futuristic, mystery
Elements: vampire-like and succubus-like humans, BDSM

Rating:

• Characters - 4 - A great mix of characters from all sorts of backgrounds in this world.
• Setting - 4 - The story's setting is a fascinating idea of a genetic mutation gone horribly wrong. This world is the far-future aftermath, where those descended from those who survived are just being allowed to interact with those who managed to avoid the mutation.
• Plot - 5 - Very well woven, and utterly fascinating. A great mix of light sci-fi and mystery and romance that will keep you reading to the end.
• Genre Elements - 5 - The I/S that Payne has invented are a fascinating culture, and I would love to read more about them. They feel real and not fantastical at all, and make me want to know more. Some of the elements do seem a little ridiculous until they are explained, though.
• Voice - 5 - Perfect. Though she switches constantly between the two main characters, never once do you mistake one for the other when they are the one telling the tale.
• Romance Elements - 4 - The two get together a little too easily for my tastes, though their separate pasts do make things difficult for quite some time even after they admit their feelings. I definitely think the romance works well for this story.
• Overall - 4.5 - This really is a fascinating story with a few odd choices and a few grammar and spelling flaws, but the story is so interesting that it is very easy to overlook them. Well worth reading.

Basic story -
Mick used to be a cop, but then was kicked off the force due to a false accusation. He ends up becoming the bodyguard of the son of one of the richest men in town. Toshi doesn't like having people around. He's a recovering addict and half I/S, a new breed of humans that are carefully watched by the government. Mick's definitely going to have his hands full.

My thoughts -
I'm going to say this right off the bat: I have an inner grammar nazi. I discovered it reading Harry Potter fanfiction. If an author made too many mistakes or made too many questionable choices, I gave myself permission to page back and find something else to read. It happened quite often with fanfiction. It happens less often with original fic, but that has it too. But with original fic, I do try to give more leeway. It's harder to create a whole world on your own than to write in someone else's world, as I am well aware. So when I started reading this and saw some of the issues Payne has in her writing (than instead of then most particularly comes to mind), I thought that this might be one of those stories I just couldn't finish. But her story is fascinating enough that it kept me reading. And I'm very glad I did.

This world and her characters are incredibly complex and rich, and I found myself drawn in by the idea of a genetic race created from a mutation that killed so much of the world. It wasn't something we saw, but rather saw the effect of in Toshi, who is neither because he is both. His story is heartbreaking, but in the long run ultimately triumphant, and the people he slowly surrounds himself with are just who he needs to make his world a better place. Through having them in his life, he becomes more confident, and can take the steps he knows needs to be taken.

Mick is interesting as well. He's a little mixed up, though he definitely doesn't show it at first. It's Toshi who helps him to open up, despite the fact that he has friends and family all around him. Together the two really do make a perfect team. Not so much brains and brawn, for they each have their own version of both, but a subtle mix of all sorts of things that each brings to the table that can help the other face the world and everything it has put them through. Together, they make an excellent team because they can help each other. This is a real relationship, unlike most romances, where things are so obviously imbalanced to one side or another. Very enjoyable to read.

I loved reading this story, and slowly learning about the I/S mutation and how it came to be. I also loved that both sides of Toshi's family are incredibly strong and powerful. Once he lets go of some of his fear and most of his insecurity, he really comes into his own, and you can see that he will definitely be a force to be reckoned with in years to come. Especially with Mick at his side.

Read it for the romance. Read it for the supernatural elements. Read it for the mystery. But definitely find yourself a copy of this and read it. It's free on Payne's blog. Definitely worth your time.

Warnings -
Drug use, non and dubious consensual sexual acts, mention of rape and torture, and murder.

Overall Recommendation -
Definitely one to read. I highly recommend it to those who enjoy anime-like settings and incubus/vampire type tales.

Link to the story - Blurring the Lines (Personal Blog)
Author Link - SA Payne (on Goodreads)
If you liked this story, try -

• Undesirable by Velvet Mace (LJ) 
• Club Trinity by Minxie (AO3) (read my review here) 
• Soulless by T Baggins (on Goodreads) (read my review here) 
• The Fall of the Dragon King by MomsDarkSecret (Fiction Press) (read my review here)
• The Quartz Key by Lianne Burwell (Online link)  (read my review here) 

Review: Club Trinity by Minxie

Genre: Supernatural, crime
Elements: BDSM, vampires

Rating:

• Characters - 4 - Great takes on the usual crime and vampire archetypes.
• Setting - 5 - Excellently detailed. This feels like a place you could easily walk into and easily find your way around.
• Plot - 5 - A fantastic melding of Crime, BDSM, and Supernatural elements.
• Genre Elements - 5 - Not only does the crime feel interesting and realistic, but the BDSM elements are excellent, and she makes the Supernatural elements all her own.
• Voice - 4 - The characters are very distinct, despite some scenes meant to tease with identity. It all works very well with the overall flow of the story.
• Romance Elements - 4 - Highly inspiring. But then, I have a fondness for Vampires and their mates, whatever form they take.
• Overall - 4.5 - An excellent story, and well worth reading if you like any of the genre elements listed above.

Basic story -
Someone's haunting the BDSM club in town, and Detective Zane Jeffries needs to find out who's doing it, but what he doesn't expect is the twists and turns this case will take.

My thoughts -
I was already a fan of Minxie's Harry Potter fic before I read Club Trinity. Even if I had not known her work, reading this story would have told me that it is the work of a talented writer. I hope in the end she finds a way to get it published, because it deserves to be. I'd love to read more stories about these characters. I want to read so much more about these vampires and the Lilim she created as an unusual addition to the vampire mythos. Most of all, I can't wait to see what she comes up with next.

This isn't a time period I tend to prefer, but in Supernatural and BDSM stories, but it is something I'm willing to read. Especially when written by good writers like Minxie. Both are more likely to be set in modern day. Crime is also something I don't just seek out. But Minxie's style makes this story more than worth it.

I'm particularly fond of her take on vampires in this story. I don't want to into too much detail for fear of spoiling others, but she adds some fantastic details that I don't believe I've ever seen before. And she makes them not only work, but they feel real, especially in the context of this story.

Despite the fact that this is truly an amazing story, it's completely free online. For now, at least. As I said, I really do hope it gets published. And if it is, I will be first in line to buy it. It is definitely worth owning.

Warnings -
BDSM, violence, character death, and scary crime scenes. If you're not overly sensitive to those things, you'll probably be fine, as they're not horribly graphic, but still elements to be wary of if you have issues with any of them.

Overall Recommendation -
Definitely a read if you like crime stories, BDSM, or vampires. A highly unique fusion of all three.

Link to the story - Club Trinity (on AO3)
Author Link - Minxie (on AO3)
If you liked this story, try -

• Undesirable by Velvet Mace (LJ) 
• Slavebreakers by Maculategiraffe (free online) (read my review here)
• Under Contract by Helen Saito  (Goodreads Page) (read my review here)
• Simon & Sir by MaineBoyXY (Nifty Archive)
• Above the Dungeon by SM Johnson (Goodreads Page)

Review: The Book of Myth by Qui

Genre: Fantasy
Elements: BDSM, threesomes, harem, naga, djinn, incubus, faeries, dragon, satyr, kitsune, demon

Rating:

• Characters - 3 - The characters here are cute, but really, they are only devices for the smut in each chapter, so they are molded by what the author needs to make that smut work. Cute, but not characters that stand on their own.
• Setting - 4 - Good for the type of story this is, but not overly detailed either.
• Plot - 3 - While not quite PWP, it definitely comes close.
• Genre Elements - 5 - This is where the story excels. Not only does the author have one fantasy creature to decide the details for, but practically one per chapter, and manages to give us insight into each beautifully. And on top of that, finds a way to twist that difference into smut each and every chapter.
• Voice - 3 - The voices get a bit muddy at times, but mostly because there's not a lot of thought past how to get to the smut.
• Romance Elements - 3 - There is an element of romance here between the two main characters, but it's minimal as they spend most of the story apart from one another.
• Overall - 3.5 - Cute and fun, especially for a free online read.

Basic story -

In a far away kingdom, there is a dangerous book that has drawn many to their doom. This is one such tale; of a young prince waiting for an ambassador to arrive, and finding a book to pass the time.

My thoughts -
A cute story with very little plot, and at least one chapter most smut-readers will find enjoyable, depending on their kink. Most of the well-known kinks are represented at one point. The characters are really secondary to the story, which is just about using the most kinks possible inherent in mythical creatures. It's fun and mostly light, and a fun way to pass a few hours.

The flow of the story is random so as to cover all the kinks it does, but each chapter works fairly well on its own, if you don't care for the larger story. Despite the randomness, there is an overall plot, if you read through the entire thing, and it is shockingly sweet for a smut piece like this one.

This one's definitely for anime/manga fans, as the ideas in it represent that sort of take on smut and romance. Also, several of the creatures involved are the Japanese or Oriental versions of these myths.

The best reason to read this aside from smut and variety is that it's free to read online. It's fairly well edited, though there are a few errors here and there, as there are on most Fiction Press or AO3 stories.

Overall, I enjoyed reading it, but I probably won't be looking for more from this author, as I tend to prefer more realistic worlds, even in my fantasy.

Warnings -
Dub-con, but only in the lightest of senses. Most of the smut is pretty consensual, really. A bit of bestiality, so stay away if that bothers you, but even that is minor.

Overall Recommendation -
Cute. Not for those who don't appreciate yaoi, as this is basically yaoi in text form, rather than as a manga. But fun to read for all the different creatures she writes about. 

Link to the story - Book of Myth (on Fiction Press)
Author Link - Qui (on Fiction Press)
If you liked this story, try -

• The Dream of a Thousand Nights by Shira Anthony (Goodreads) (read my review here)
• The Fairest in the Land by LuccaAce (FictionPress - unfinished story)  
• Cinder by Marie Sexton (Goodreads Page) (read my review here)
• Fireflies by Ally Blue (on Goodreads) (read my review here)
• The Mist Behind and the Light Before by Cathalin (AO3)

GBLT Online Comics

I randomly read a lot of online comics, so I have a small selection of GLBT comics I follow. For the purposes of this blog, I will only list the ones that fit the strictures I hold books to, but there are many more out there. If you like the comic, check the creator's site. Quite often they will have links to other GLBT friendly comics.

After scouring my comic links (well, aside from the Yaoi manga I read, which is something else again), I've only managed to find four that fit my rules for this blog:

Shades of A by Tab Kimpton
Genre: Romance
Elements: BDSM, Crossdressing, Asexuality
Summary: Amal is a university student with a problem. He's not interested in sex, unlike his ex. Then one day he runs into someone at a club with his ex.
Comments: If you like this one, I highly recommend Kaos Komix as well, which has a number of different pairings, all of which are GLBT in some form or another.

Starfighter by Hamletmachine
Genre: Science Fiction
Elements: D/s, Military
Summary: Cain and Abel are a pilot and his navigator in the space corp. And it's very important that they bond well.
Comments: This one's Yaoi in art style as well as the way the boys come together--as in there's definitely dubious consent their first time. But if you can get past that, it's an interesting idea.

Teahouse by CC and E
Genre: Fantasy
Elements: prostitution, BDSM
Summary: The city of Ivore has a high-class brothel. This comic tells some of their tales.
Comments: The art in this is amazing, and the characters are incredibly varied. Especially for a brothel story. Definitely highly recommended.

Oglaf by Trudy Cooper
Genre: Fantasy/Comedy
Elements: You name it, it's probably in there.
Summary: A sexy gag fantasy comic strip. You never know what will post next.
Comments: Just read it. It's wonderful and hilarious and perfect.

Review: His Client by Ava March

Genre: Historical, Regency
Elements: BDSM, prostitution

Rating:

• Characters - 5 - The characters themselves are quite nice, if a little typical for this sort of story.
• Setting - 4 - Quite typical of this sort of story, though I do like the addition of how Jasper tries to reestablish himself in the country.
• Plot - 4 - Again, quite typical, though with the lovely addition of BDSM elements that I particularly approve of.
• Genre Elements - 4 - Nicely thought out, the characters fit into this world without bending credulity too much.
• Voice - 5 -  Both characters are quite distinct from each other, as are the others they speak with.
• Romance Elements - 5 - Slow-building enough to make me smile, though on occasion, I do want to smack Nathaniel for how dense he is.
• Overall - 4 - A great book for those who enjoy historical romance.

Basic story -
Jasper has broken the one rule all whores try to abide by. Never fall in love with a customer.

My thoughts -
Though this doesn't rank as high as some of the others I have posted reviews for here, this book truly started an obsession for me. Ava March creates lovely characters, and her details of a more formal world where homosexuality could only ever be a secret are always perfect. I highly recommend all her stories, if you prefer Regency or Victorian stories.

This story in particular appealed to me for two reasons. The first is that Jasper and Nathaniel play with both bondage and cross-dressing, both of which I have a great fondness for. The other is the angst inherent in their story. Nathaniel has had a passion for his very straight best friend since school, while Jasper only has eyes for Nathaniel. It is only when Nathaniel realizes he is gone that things change. A truly lovely angsty romance with a distinctly happy ending.

The great thing about this story is that they each fix themselves. Jasper chooses to leave rather than waiting until Nathaniel rescues him, and Nathaniel realizes things on his own terms, rather than being forced into falling for Jasper. Both of them grow up, and grow back together, and that's the brilliance of March's works--she's good at letting the characters learn on their own, rather than forcing a couple into love. Every time, it's believable and right.

Warnings -
Only very minor ones here for the BDSM, which itself is very mild.

Overall Recommendation -
A great historical novel, and well worth the price to buy.

Link to the story - His Client (on Goodreads)
Related stories - His Request (Sequel - on Goodreads)
Author Link - Ava March (on Goodreads)
If you liked this story, try -

• Blood and Roses by Aislinn Kerry (on Goodreads)
• Object of His Desire by Ava March (on Goodreads)
• Seducing Stephen by Bonnie Dee and Summer Devon (on Goodreads) (read my review here)
• All in with the Duke by Ava March (on Goodreads)
• Soulless by T Baggins (on Goodreads) (read my review here)

Review: The Violet and the Tom by Eve Ocotillo

Genre: Historical, Roman
Elements: BDSM, slavery
Rating:

• Characters - 5 - Each character is unique and real, distinct from each other.
• Setting - 5 - Roman Europe is a fairly unique historical setting, especially as an AU history, where the Empire never fell. Excellent choices.
• Plot - 5 - Though the summary leads you to believe it will be one sort of story, it ends up being something quite different all together.
• Genre Elements - 5 - Both the historical period and the BDSM aspects are very well explored.
• Voice - 5 - Both of the main characters are very distinct in voice, and easily told apart.
• Romance Elements - 5 - The romance here is almost frustrating with how slow it builds, but once it's there, it's undeniable.
• Overall - 5 - One of my all-time favorite stories.

Basic story -
Sylvan is given to a young lord who doesn't want him. What follows is a long period of adjustment for both as they try to adjust to their new life together.

My thoughts -
This story is lovely and rich, and once I'd finished it, I didn't want to leave the world it is set in. The AU Roman setting was intriguing, as I don't read a lot of Roman History romances. I'm sure others exist out there, possibly even with Romance elements, but the AU aspect of it makes this one a little more unique. Really, the alternate history is minor in comparison to the flow of the romance between Sylvan and his owner Nyall.

The slavery is fairly true to Roman times, with a bit of sexual training added to the idea. And when you mix in the BDSM aspects, it's quite fascinating, and something that very much appeals to me. In particular the way the BDSM aspects are the big secret in this story. Especially how the young Lord prefers it. I'll keep that aspect to myself for the readers out there to discover, but trust me, it's a lovely twist on the usual Master/servant story.

Sylvan and Nyall's story as they come together is real and frustrating and beautiful. You feel Sylvan's confusion and upset as Nyall ignores him. And once Nyall starts to accept him, it's so perfect. All you want is for them to come together and be happy with each other, regardless of everything else around them.

The BDSM aspects are perfect. Never once do you get the feeling that either is being coerced or forced into what they do together. Even those moments of hesitance are shown to be a person trying to decide if they want to continue, and not someone unwilling even to try. I highly recommend this one as an interesting primer on BDSM lifestyle.

A very inspiring story, and one I'll go back to often, I think.

Warnings -
Strong BDSM aspects, as well as institutionalized slavery. Also some Romanized aspects of violence, and abuse of slaves.

Overall Recommendation -
Very highly recommended for those interested in BDSM, and for those who like a Roman setting.

Link to the story - The Violet and the Tom (on Fiction Press)
Author Link - Eve Ocotillo (on Goodreads)
If you liked this story, try -

• Slavebreakers by Maculategiraffe (free online) (read my review here)
• Under Contract by Helen Saito  (Goodreads Page) (read my review here)
• Dolls and Seesaws by Menswear (AO3 - unfinished story)
• The Adorned by John Tristan (Goodreads) (read my review here)
• The Quartz Key by Lianne Burwell (Online link) (read my review here)

Review: Under Contract by Helen Saito

Genre: Near-future, Dystopia
Elements: BDSM, contract slavery

Rating:

• Characters - 5 - The characters in this story are quite believable, and each have their own little bit to contribute to the larger story. There are even a couple stories I wish we'd hear more about.
• Setting - 4 - Though the world is interesting, we don't get quite enough detail for my tastes to tell us how all this came about, where they are, and what the world is like now.
• Plot - 5 - The plot very much lives up to the premise, and pulls you along, keeping you guessing as to how it will all end.
• Genre Elements - 5 - The BDSM aspects of this story are excellent. There's something for just about all BDSM lovers.
• Voice - 5 - Never once do I get any of the three main characters confused, even when they are not initially named in voice-shifts. They're all quite unique.
• Romance Elements - 4 - Both the romance of Gavin and Alex and Gavin and Sam are quite good, though they never quite reach the level of "can't-live-without-you" romance.
• Overall - 4.5 -Very highly recommended. After Slave Breakers, probably my favorite BDSM story. Definitely one of my all-time favorites so far.

Basic story -
Gavin is a trainer at Cascade. He very much enjoys his job. Far more than he ever liked being a slave. But when he meets Alex, he finds that perhaps being a slave isn't entirely a bad thing. At least, for Alex. As Gavin's attraction to Alex grows, he struggles with truths he's been convinced of for a very long time. Can he find a place in his life for Alex, or should he let him go?

My thoughts -
I'm a big fan of BDSM stories, especially when well written, and this one definitely is. You get various points of view when it comes to how this system works, and each person has their own preferences and kinks. Saito gives us a great glimpse into a world where this is the norm for this group, and each little detail just makes it that much more real.

The two central characters show us a great cross-section, especially. Gavin as the long-time practitioner, who only indulges at work or with his partner, Sam, and Alex as the newcomer who barely knows what he wants. Gavin's experiences as a slave leave him wary of letting anyone who doesn't have experience in this world become a slave, but he also makes sure to give Alex a good grounding.

The plot builds from Gavin's doubts about Alex, and also his attraction to him. There's no real jealousy between he and Sam--their agreement allows for some flexibility, given Gavin's job. The real tension comes from the fact that it is Gavin's job to train Alex to be sold, but he's not sure he wants Alex to fall into the same trap he felt he himself was in as a slave. And, of course, the question of whether he wants to save him from himself, or save him for himself.

What follows is a very satisfying story. Between the characters, setting, and the BDSM elements, this story will keep you reading from beginning to end.

Warnings -
Slavery and heavy BDSM elements.

Overall Recommendation -
Definitely for anyone who loves reading BDSM. 

Link to the story - Under Contract (at Goodreads)
Author Link - Helen Saito (at Goodreads)
If you liked this story, try -

• The Adorned by John Tristan (Goodreads) (read my review here)
• Slavebreakers by Maculategiraffe (free online) (read my review here)
• The Violet and the Tom by Eve Ocitillo (Fiction Press) (read my review here)
• The Ennik Series by Kim Fielding (Goodreads) (read my review here)
• Undesirable by Velvet Mace (LJ)

Review: Soulless by T Baggins

Genre: Regency, Supernatural
Elements: BDSM, Vampires, Reincarnation
Rating:

• Characters - 5 - There's a huge variety of characters in this story, some character types of which are rather startling, as I can't say I've seen them written in this way before, if I've seen them at all.
• Setting - 4 - The setting is pretty usual for a Regency story--a Lord and his people, the small town he is lord of, his manor. It's nicely detailed, but there isn't much that stands out until you get the details of the True Vampires and their secrets.
• Plot - 5 - Though it seems a simple, typical setup for a male romance regency story, it quickly becomes so much more. When Nicholas and Bancroft meet, everything changes. It's a great story with a lot of twists and turns that you might never predict.
• Genre Elements - 5 - Subtle at first, but lots of details that really make the story come to life.
• Voice - 5 - Both characters are very distinct, and each of the other characters as well. Never once are they in the least similar.
• Romance Elements - 4 - You can't help but root for Nicky and Ban through all the twists and turns of their romance. it's really quite sweet.
• Overall - 4.5 - One of my favorites, and highly recommended.

Basic story -
Nicholas Robinson, Lord of Grantley, is a man obsesses with science in a world that still relies more on spirituality. So when he meets Bancroft Ulwin, he's not sure how to deal with something he is sure should not exist.

My thoughts -
What starts as an incredibly typical set-up changes the moment the character of Ban meets Nicholas. Suddenly everything goes out the window. Between the vampire mythos, which is very unique and quite well-thought-out, and the reincarnation aspect (which works well when combined with vampire mythos), this story becomes something entirely new.

Nicholas is mostly quiet, and the people who surround him love him, but seem content to just let him suffer as he is, knowing they can't cure what ails him. The only ones who seem to challenge him at all before Ban's appearance are his failing grandmother and a young housemaid he's taken under his wing to teach the science he so loves.

Ban, on the other hand, lives large, and even though he's not exactly a great person, you can't help but fall for him. Especially since, underneath it all, he's not a bad person. Even if he is a vampire. His backstory helps the reader feel for him, and you can't help but hope that in the end, he will live happily ever after.

The story takes he and Nicholas on quite the journey, and you never truly know how it will end until it does. I won't spoil those who are about to read it, except to say that I loved this book, and I hope to god I find more like it. T Baggins has really created an amazing story.

Warnings -
BDSM, some dub- and non-con, and severe emotional and physical abuse. Particularly the latter. Most of it is glossed over, but there are a few particularly horrific scenes in the book, so just be aware that they are there.

Overall Recommendation -
If you like vampires and reincarnation, this one is a must-read. This one definitely goes on my top recommendations list.

Link to the story - Soulless (on Goodreads)
Author Link - T Baggins (on Goodreads)
If you liked this story, try -

• Blood and Roses by Aislinn Kerry (Goodreads)
• Undesirable by Velvet Mace (on LJ)
• From Afar by Ava March (Goodreads) (read my review here)
• Club Trinity by Minxie (AO3) (read my review here)
• Blood Bathory: Like the Night by Ari McKay (Goodreads)

Review: Slavebreakers by Maculategiraffe

Genre: Near-future, Dystopia
Elements: slavery, BDSM

Rating:

• Characters - 5 - A brilliant cast of dozens of characters, each as unique as the next.
• Setting - 5 - A soft setting, but well thought-out and explained to the reader in a way that makes it feel quite real.
• Plot - 5 - The sub-stories each have unique plots, and their overreaching arc just makes the world work that much better.
• Genre Elements - 5 - Between the detail of this near-future world, the slavery elements so very prominent to the story, and the BDSM concepts involved in a few of the tales, the whole series is fascinating from beginning to end.
• Voice - 5 - Never once did I get any of the characters confused. Each is unique, and very easy to tell apart.
• Romance Elements - 5 - Wonderful detail here, as well. Both for the existing romances and the ones that grow over the period of the stories. Each gets its own chance to shine.
• Overall - 5 - This one absolutely gets my top recommendation for any BDSM story anywhere.

Basic story -
In a future where slavery is commonplace once more, a couple called the Slavebreakers take Slaves from their masters that are no longer wanted and retrain them before selling them once more. But Holden and his wife Alix are more than they appear.

My thoughts -
This series hits on many of my favorite things. D/s, hurt/comfort, even slavery, when done in the right way. The world is shockingly rich for how subtle and slow the details are revealed, and the characters really pull you along in the story.

This is actually a series of stories set in this world. The first, Bran's story, is my favorite of the series, though all of the characters show in the others in the series as well. Bran's story highlights the abuses of the system. The second, Jesse is more about those who try to fight the system when they're stuck in it. And there are so many other stories in this series. Each one provides a different angle, a different insight. Never once do you feel you're rereading the same story in a different character's voice.

Even Holden and Alix have their own stories to tell, as well as their oldest slave, Yves, who is actually one of their oldest friends. Each time you think you know the full story, more is revealed. It's definitely not the kind of story that will bore anyone.

That said, I personally love Bran's story the most because it hits most of my favorite kinks about slave stories, and has an incredibly satisfying ending. I think that everyone who reads this series will be drawn to one story or another, depending on their preferences. Really, there's something here for every reader of m/m slave stories. You wouldn't think there would be broad preferences there, but there really are, and this story seems to hit on so many of them.

I do hope that someday the author gets this professionally polished and published in paper form, because it's just a gorgeous series, and deserves to be.

Warnings -
Strong warning for slavery, also for dub-con, D/s and other aspects of BDSM, and for abuse of slaves.

Overall Recommendation -
This one has my top recommendation. If you like slavery, D/s, or BDSM, this is definitely the story to read.

Link to the story - Slavebreakers (index page on dreamwidth)
Author Link - Maculategiraffe (at Goodreads)
If you liked this story, try -

•  Cinder by Gryvon (AO3) (read my review here)
•  The Adorned by John Tristan (Goodreads) (read my review here)
• The Violet and the Tom by Eve Ocitillo (Fiction Press) (read my review here)
• His Client/His Request by Ava March (Goodreads) (read my review here)
• Under Contract by Helen Saito  (Goodreads Page) (read my review here)

Review: The Prince's Boy by Cecilia Tan

Genre: Fantasy
Elements: magic, magical bonding, BDSM
Rating:

• Characters - 4 - The archetypes Cecilia uses are very familiar to me, and make the characters that much easier to love. She's got a great selection of characters, all of which are unique and interesting.
• Setting - 5 - Cecilia's world is quite extensive and fascinating. Kenet and Jorin's journeys take them all over this kingdom, and each location feels real to me, both in level of detail and in relation to what has come before.
• Plot - 5 - The story she has written keeps you reading, and when it's over, you just want to read it all over again.
• Genre Elements - 5 - Cecilia is a master of BDSM, as well as fantasy, and she doesn't skimp in detail of either.
• Voice - 5 - All of the characters' voices are distinct and unique, and never once did I get them confused, regardless of how long it had been since I read the previous chapter.
• Romance Elements - 5 - Kenet and Jorin's love is lovely to watch grow. You root for them from beginning to end.
• Overall - 4.5 - One of my favorites, and highly recommended for those who love long romance and fantasy.

Basic story -
Prince Kenet is heir to the throne, and as such, untouchable. So he has a whipping boy. One he has chosen for himself. As he and Jorin grow older, and Kenet learns what a whipping boy is for, the two boys grow closer. But can a prince and a low-level servant truly be allowed to stay so close, or will the world conspire to tear them apart?

My thoughts -
I have known of Cecilia Tan for some time now, but this was her first original work that I had read. I was in no way disappointed. The characters were  immediately appealing and only grew more interesting as the story progressed. Never once did I feel bored while reading. She has a great touch for pulling you along, and knows just when to cut off a scene to keep you reading.

There are so many great characters in this story, and each of them has an important role. Even better, each has journies of their own and not one of them is quite the same in the end. Truly, you never quite know where the story will take you next, or how it could possibly end well, but it does.

One thing I love about Cecilia is how involved she is with her readers. She posts her stories on her blog first, so you can read as the story goes along. In fact, I have been meaning to buy myself this series so that I can read it on Kindle. I look forward to meeting Kenet and Jorin again, and discovering the things I have now forgotten, not to mention finding new things I missed the first time.

I'm certain it will be well worth the money, as soon as I can afford the expense.

Warnings -
BDSM; dubious consent in places, including a near rape; slavery and near-slavery, and abuse.

Overall Recommendation -
If you're a fan of strong fantasy, especially fantasy with BDSM elements, this is the story for you. It's great fun to read, and you will just fall in love with the characters.

Link to the story -The Prince's Boy (Goodreads) (Circlet Press - online for free, but buy it, guys, it's worth it)
Author Link - Cecilia Tan (Goodreads)
If you liked this story, try -

• Brendan and the Beast by Czarina Kodora (AO3) (read my review here)
• The Adorned by John Tristan (Goodreads) (read my review here)
• The Violet and the Tom by Eve Ocitillo (Fiction Press) (read my review here)
• Slavebreakers by Maculategiraffe (free online) (read my review here)
• Cinder by Gryvon (AO3) (read my review here)

Review: Cinder by Gryvon

Genre: Fantasy, Fairy Tales
Elements: magic, bonding, magical beings, BDSM

Rating:

• Characters - 4 - I very much enjoyed the characters in this, though they are a bit archetypal. The main character and his love interest are the true stand-out characters in the piece.
• Setting - 4 - The setting is a little murky, but not horribly so, and once Cinder is at the celebrations, the location is elaborately detailed.
• Plot - 5 - An excellent take on a story that's been done to death, which really does a fantastic job of making the story its own.
• Genre Elements - 5 - The story features a great deal of detail when it comes to the fairy tale aspects of the story, and the BDSM elements are quite well done.
• Voice - 4 - Only a little muddy, but the main voice we hear is the main character, so the overall detriment to the story is minimal at best, and Cinder's voice is very consistent.
• Romance Elements - 4 - A little quick for my tastes, but then given this is Cinderella, there has to be an aspect of quick to it. The three nights definitely helps the growing attraction seem more natural.
• Overall - 4 - One of my favorite fairy tale slash tales. Well worth reading.

Basic story -
Cinderella is a boy named Cinder who is horribly abused by his step family. When a prince comes to town to find a suitable mate, magic and cunning help Cinder escape his family's clutches and win the prince's heart.
My thoughts -
I know, another fairy tale. But even though my first review was one as well, this one definitely deserved to be one of the first I reviewed. I promise a very different type of story next time.

Cinder is one of those stories that makes me wonder why it has not been polished and sent to a publisher. It's a (generally) light story, but one that has a lot of great detail to it. I definitely think, given the right publisher, it could be sold.

Cinder's story at the beginning is not a happy one, but that's true of all Cinderella stories. I loved the twist on the fairy godmother, and how limited her power was to help him, which is important to understand, given that Cinder has had to endure quite a lot of abuse in his life. If she had helped him then, she could not have given him this now. And, if I recall correctly (it has been a little while since I read the actual story), she actually gives him a choice as to how she should help him. It's much more than a lot of Cinderella stories do.

The Prince is intriguing as well. Here I would have loved a lot more detail. What exactly the Dragon Prince is, and his powers, and where his people came from. I'd also have loved more time with the two of them talking together, getting to know one another, though of course that would have meant less smut...

Mostly, what I loved about this story was that it used the classic three balls instead of the Disney single ball. It gave us time to get to know the two characters, gave Cinder time to realize what he wants, and time for the Prince to decide that Cinder is the right choice.

Gryvon is someone you will see on this blog a few times, as I went through their catalog of stories back when I first started looking for slash tales. But this is my favorite of their stories overall. I definitely recommend it to those who like BDSM and fairy tales.
Warnings -
This story comes with some pretty heavy warnings. Cinder's step-brothers do rape him, and there is a fairy graphic scene at the beginning showing it. And anyone who has issues with BDSM should also stay away from this story, as the Prince's tastes are definitely not light BDSM.
Overall Recommendation -
This one is great for fans of fairy tales and BDSM, though I think if you're not into the latter, this isn't one for you. The reverse is not true, though. I think anyone who likes fantasy and BDSM would enjoy this story. Strongly recommended.  

Link to the story - Cinder (free on AO3)
Author Link - Gryvon @ AO3
If you liked this story, try -

• Dream of a Thousand Nights by Shira Anthony (Goodreads Page) (read my review here)
• The Mist Behind and the Light Before by Cathalin (AO3)
• The Fairest in the Land by LuccaAce (FictionPress - unfinished story)
• Under Contract by Helen Saito  (Goodreads Page) (read my review here)
• The Violet and the Tom by Ocotillo (Fiction Press) (read my review here)