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Pledged to Magic #1
Apprenticed to Pleasure
Pledged to Book 1
As a musician in Pella’s finest brothel, Ander thought he knew all about sex between men. He was wrong. One night, two handsome lovers draw him irresistibly to a intense pleasure can be a gateway to magical realms. As his mind and body reel from passionate new experiences, Ander discovers a destiny far greater than making music for companions and their customers.
Ander’s mentor in this new art—the leader of a small group of insurrectionists against the tyranny of pain—is a mage named Thane, who has paid a terrible price for his knowledge. Ander’s strength and ingenuity are quickly tested against great odds, and although his burgeoning abilities can help his new companions, he’s fully aware that the greatest challenge of all may be winning his mentor’s love.
As a musician in Pella’s finest brothel, Ander thought he knew all about sex between men. He was wrong. One night, two handsome lovers draw him irresistibly to a intense pleasure can be a gateway to magical realms. As his mind and body reel from passionate new experiences, Ander discovers a destiny far greater than making music for companions and their customers.
Ander’s mentor in this new art—the leader of a small group of insurrectionists against the tyranny of pain—is a mage named Thane, who has paid a terrible price for his knowledge. Ander’s strength and ingenuity are quickly tested against great odds, and although his burgeoning abilities can help his new companions, he’s fully aware that the greatest challenge of all may be winning his mentor’s love.
223 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 1, 1997
3 people are currently reading
223 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
August 16, 2012
4.5 Stars
There is magic, fantasy, adventure, romance, love and oh yeah sex and I mean a lot of sex but all the sex in this book is there for a reason. It’s hot and steamy very descriptive but magically it works I never thought for a moment that this was one of those books that people call “porn without a plot”. There was a plot a really good one. It’s was exciting and interesting I loved it from start to finish.
All the characters were great, but Thane has a special place in my heart, I thought he was funny and sexy but at the same time sad and haunted until he meets Ander, then the romance begins *sigh* it is so beautiful! I can’t wait to see what happens with Thane and Ander and I’m hoping there will be more of Nicolai and Sorel in the second book Conjuring the Flesh. It’s a trilogy but the book doesn’t end with a cliff hanger, there is so much more to be done. If all you read is this one book it would work the HEA is there, but I'm pretty sure like me you won't be able to stop here.
If you would like to read a story about magic and romance, with villains and heroes, something that has a bit of a twist, this is that story.
There is magic, fantasy, adventure, romance, love and oh yeah sex and I mean a lot of sex but all the sex in this book is there for a reason. It’s hot and steamy very descriptive but magically it works I never thought for a moment that this was one of those books that people call “porn without a plot”. There was a plot a really good one. It’s was exciting and interesting I loved it from start to finish.
All the characters were great, but Thane has a special place in my heart, I thought he was funny and sexy but at the same time sad and haunted until he meets Ander, then the romance begins *sigh* it is so beautiful! I can’t wait to see what happens with Thane and Ander and I’m hoping there will be more of Nicolai and Sorel in the second book Conjuring the Flesh. It’s a trilogy but the book doesn’t end with a cliff hanger, there is so much more to be done. If all you read is this one book it would work the HEA is there, but I'm pretty sure like me you won't be able to stop here.
If you would like to read a story about magic and romance, with villains and heroes, something that has a bit of a twist, this is that story.
May 30, 2012
What an entirely delightful story, one that puts real magic into the equation of sex and comes up with love. Good action-adventure wraps around lubricity of a high order and leaves you wanting to know more about Ander and Thane’s next task in Conjuring the Flesh> (the next purchase).
January 7, 2013
Hmmmm, what to say about this one…. The story started out promisingly enough, but not long after the adventure begins the “sex magic” element entered the plot and I’m afraid I was rolling my eyes a bit. Okay, the existence of a magical system that relies on sexual activity to power all spells and incantations and whatnot, admittedly gives the author a good excuse to include a fair amount of sexual content in the book. And of course since Ander is learning to be a mage, he necessarily has to have a lot of sex in the process of his studies. Groan…. For me it was a case of “familiarity breeds contempt” because after a while I was thinking, okay, great, they’re going to have sex yet again?
I’m not sure why I have such an issue with this. Because I’ve read literally hundreds, if not thousands, of other fantasy stories in my life which describe in detail a wide variety of magical systems. Systems that work in any number of a variety of ways---though waving a wand, or muttering words from an old book, or brewing potions---the lot. So why does the idea of sex-powered magic seem so, well, silly to me? (Quite apart from the fact that it’s kind of messy and time-consuming.)
Another thing that was an issue for me is that the characters are rather free with their favours, here. While we do see some committed couples, they aren’t sexually exclusive, and only too willing to invite others to participate in a little “fun.” Well---the whole point of the story is that Ander has sex with a variety of people in the course of his training. And frankly, I am SO not into threesomes or foursomes or whatever. If this had been a contemporary drama, with this sort of content, I probably wouldn’t have even bothered to finish the book. But since this novel falls into classic fantasy territory (in a place “far away and long ago” and all that), I was willing to give it some slack. But still---this just isn’t my thing at all.
The bare bones of this fantasy story aren’t bad. And I think if the sexual aspect of the plot was toned down, and the relationship between Ander and Thane better developed (with those two being exclusive and monogamous), I could have really liked this one. But as it is---eh, I’m afraid the general tone of the story isn’t a good fit with my personality in general.
This is the first in the "Pledged to Magic" series; I believe the story concludes in two follow-up volumes. And I’d really have to think about it, before deciding to continue on with the series, because (working with a limited budget) there are so many other books on my wish list that I’d probably buy before spending money on the sequels. As I said, the book isn’t bad necessarily, but it simply strays too far from my comfort zone and it wasn’t a good fit for me. But for others here, it may be a perfect sort of read.
I’m not sure why I have such an issue with this. Because I’ve read literally hundreds, if not thousands, of other fantasy stories in my life which describe in detail a wide variety of magical systems. Systems that work in any number of a variety of ways---though waving a wand, or muttering words from an old book, or brewing potions---the lot. So why does the idea of sex-powered magic seem so, well, silly to me? (Quite apart from the fact that it’s kind of messy and time-consuming.)
Another thing that was an issue for me is that the characters are rather free with their favours, here. While we do see some committed couples, they aren’t sexually exclusive, and only too willing to invite others to participate in a little “fun.” Well---the whole point of the story is that Ander has sex with a variety of people in the course of his training. And frankly, I am SO not into threesomes or foursomes or whatever. If this had been a contemporary drama, with this sort of content, I probably wouldn’t have even bothered to finish the book. But since this novel falls into classic fantasy territory (in a place “far away and long ago” and all that), I was willing to give it some slack. But still---this just isn’t my thing at all.
The bare bones of this fantasy story aren’t bad. And I think if the sexual aspect of the plot was toned down, and the relationship between Ander and Thane better developed (with those two being exclusive and monogamous), I could have really liked this one. But as it is---eh, I’m afraid the general tone of the story isn’t a good fit with my personality in general.
This is the first in the "Pledged to Magic" series; I believe the story concludes in two follow-up volumes. And I’d really have to think about it, before deciding to continue on with the series, because (working with a limited budget) there are so many other books on my wish list that I’d probably buy before spending money on the sequels. As I said, the book isn’t bad necessarily, but it simply strays too far from my comfort zone and it wasn’t a good fit for me. But for others here, it may be a perfect sort of read.
July 23, 2015
Ander was a pampered musician in Pella's finest brothel. Having grown up there he was free to play his music and only go with men who HE wanted. But that was beginning to be a problem in that a Seraskier, one of the Zamindar's fiercest guards had taken a fancy to him. And just when Sorel and Nicolai, two amazingly attractive young men from out of town had chosen him to "get acquainted" with.
So starts a fantasy adventure unlike anything else I've read. It seems that magic (or the Kei as its termed here) can be worked only through pleasure or pain. And if the Zamindar has chosen pain, Thane and his student have chosen to explore the power of pleasure, something that Ander is particularly gifted at.
This book is one of the best blends of the erotic with the narrative tale that I've encountered in a long long time. Sure its all about the working of magic but if that requires hot hot sex, well I'm willing to suffer through such things for the sake of a good story. And this IS a good story. Also one of the hottest I've read in a while. The sex scenes are better described than most things I've read and the prose is so skilfully crafted that the reader is drawn into some very vivid scenes... And that's the real magic here.
I'm avidly looking forward to Conjuring the Flesh and Sex Rites parts 2 and 3 of this great swords and sorcery fantasy.
One complaint... The image on the cover of this book suggested to me that it was a stroke fiction work of lesser quality than the story inside turned out to be. I actually bought this book over a decade ago and it's been languishing in my TBR queue. If only I'd known how well written it was it would have been read years ago.
So starts a fantasy adventure unlike anything else I've read. It seems that magic (or the Kei as its termed here) can be worked only through pleasure or pain. And if the Zamindar has chosen pain, Thane and his student have chosen to explore the power of pleasure, something that Ander is particularly gifted at.
This book is one of the best blends of the erotic with the narrative tale that I've encountered in a long long time. Sure its all about the working of magic but if that requires hot hot sex, well I'm willing to suffer through such things for the sake of a good story. And this IS a good story. Also one of the hottest I've read in a while. The sex scenes are better described than most things I've read and the prose is so skilfully crafted that the reader is drawn into some very vivid scenes... And that's the real magic here.
I'm avidly looking forward to Conjuring the Flesh and Sex Rites parts 2 and 3 of this great swords and sorcery fantasy.
One complaint... The image on the cover of this book suggested to me that it was a stroke fiction work of lesser quality than the story inside turned out to be. I actually bought this book over a decade ago and it's been languishing in my TBR queue. If only I'd known how well written it was it would have been read years ago.
August 11, 2011
Okay, the cover is awful. Really awful. It makes the book seem like ordinary porn, when in fact it is actually extraordinary porn! This fantasy-based erotica is extremely well-written. "Apprenticed to Pleasure" is the first in a trilogy. There is frequent hot, explicit sex in the series. A lot. However, the author has also created a detailed and unique world in which to showcase that sex - magic can be created and manipulated during sex. The hitch is, it only works for same-sex pairings (or threesomes!) But, magic can also be fueled by blood, violence and death. This is where the evil villain comes in, of course.
If you are looking for hot gay fantasy romance, with a story, then this trilogy is for you. The sex is frequent, inventive and quite steamy. Fox spent some time developing the world his characters inhabit, so the novel never felt like porn without plot. The characters were developed; there was a villain, and our heroes must work together to overthrow him. Secondary characters are also developed, and play a part in the action. Sadly, the trilogy is out of print, but worth fnding on the second hand market. Highly recommended!
If you are looking for hot gay fantasy romance, with a story, then this trilogy is for you. The sex is frequent, inventive and quite steamy. Fox spent some time developing the world his characters inhabit, so the novel never felt like porn without plot. The characters were developed; there was a villain, and our heroes must work together to overthrow him. Secondary characters are also developed, and play a part in the action. Sadly, the trilogy is out of print, but worth fnding on the second hand market. Highly recommended!
March 11, 2010
Okay, you have to overlook the porno-flick cover and how often characters gush over how perfect each thinks the others are, but this book is great fun if you like stories that are heavy on sex and light on plot. This is part I of a trilogy, but it doesn't end with any cliffhangers, so you can enjoy it on its own.
Other books in the trilogy:
Book 2: Conjuring the Flesh
Book 3: Sex Rites
Other books in the trilogy:
Book 2: Conjuring the Flesh
Book 3: Sex Rites
June 13, 2007
Vaguely embarrassed to own it, and not because of the gay sex.
June 20, 2012
I liked the characters and thought the story had potential, but amazingly enough I was bored with all the sex.
June 28, 2012
This is a sweet example of unabashedly fun gay literature. There are a several serious undertones required for the plot development, but overall an incredible shiny ride.
I mean, who can really resist Nicolai, an oversexed 22 year old total hunk blond acrobat who is also part of a skilled secret sex magic brotherhood who wants to test your abilities? I say bring it on!!
The best review I have read can be found on the following website. I could not possible write a better review.
http://www.reviewsbyjessewave.com/?s=...
I mean, who can really resist Nicolai, an oversexed 22 year old total hunk blond acrobat who is also part of a skilled secret sex magic brotherhood who wants to test your abilities? I say bring it on!!
The best review I have read can be found on the following website. I could not possible write a better review.
http://www.reviewsbyjessewave.com/?s=...
August 24, 2012
I loved this one. At what point does porn become art? This book is sex, romance, adventure, and perfect fantasy characters. I have to read the other two books now and hope nothing happens to my friends. I think I must be a fickle slut though that I can keep falling in love with so many fictional characters. I wonder if I would like gay romance like this so much if it had been available to me in high school.
November 13, 2014
I got half way through this book. I did read the reviews and some said about there being so much sex, so I was prepared for some but this book is ridiculous. I was a little offended, but then again I have just spent 7 weeks reading every day. I may have had too much of a good thiong. Whatever it is I am not planning to finish this as I am not interested in the characters.
March 20, 2012
This is mostly an action novel that also includes a touching M/M romance. There is a fair amount of sex, since the mages in this novel practice sex magic.
April 12, 2013
Interesting book, easy to read, and hard to put down. I really liked all the magic and how they actually needed to work to access and use it.
November 20, 2017
Great writing that pulls you in. Wish I knew this writer's other pen names...
December 30, 2017
Just a quick review because I feel that if I don’t let out my frustrations I may never finish the series.
Though skilfully written, Apprenticed to Pleasure by Brandon Fox reads like an elaborate porn screenplay. In no way was I fooled into thinking this would be something other than what it is but it’s what the story lacks that makes it so frustrating.
Firstly, Anders is naively acquiescent about the whole sex and magic thing given the fact that he was apparently much more guarded and assessing with partners in the past even though he worked in a brothel. Fox hedges around this by making Anders’ teachers sexy and worldly but Anders doesn’t even pause for thought. His ‘little head’ does all the decision making without any reflection or remorse afterwards. Ugh.
Secondly, the sex (at least when Anders is being taught something) is quite cringeworthy in places. Lotions that produce so much pleasure an untrained user can die, oils that enhance feeling (for magical purposes only, of course!) and an annoying overuse of edging because it’s only magic if you don’t come until you’re allowed to. Duh.
There are other contrivances that made me roll my eyes such as the magic master and creator of the art, Thane, an immortal boy of 19 years. (What 19 year old boy has the patience to craft magic out of orgasm denial?) Also, the sheer inconvenience of sex as a form of magic. For anything more than a quick spell, the magic users require enough time to drop trousers and do the dirty, but of course, not come until they’re begging for it.
Apprenticed to Pleasure would have worked nicely enough if these kinks (pun intended) in the story had been ironed out or perhaps if the story had been written as a burlesque form of fantasy and erotic fiction combined but the entirely too-serious nature of the story leaves the reader no room to take the material with a grain of salt and thereby lays bare all its faults.
Read it for the sex but don’t take it too seriously or your eyes may very well roll right out of your head. I’m off to try my luck with the sequel. Hope springs eternal.
Though skilfully written, Apprenticed to Pleasure by Brandon Fox reads like an elaborate porn screenplay. In no way was I fooled into thinking this would be something other than what it is but it’s what the story lacks that makes it so frustrating.
Firstly, Anders is naively acquiescent about the whole sex and magic thing given the fact that he was apparently much more guarded and assessing with partners in the past even though he worked in a brothel. Fox hedges around this by making Anders’ teachers sexy and worldly but Anders doesn’t even pause for thought. His ‘little head’ does all the decision making without any reflection or remorse afterwards. Ugh.
Secondly, the sex (at least when Anders is being taught something) is quite cringeworthy in places. Lotions that produce so much pleasure an untrained user can die, oils that enhance feeling (for magical purposes only, of course!) and an annoying overuse of edging because it’s only magic if you don’t come until you’re allowed to. Duh.
There are other contrivances that made me roll my eyes such as the magic master and creator of the art, Thane, an immortal boy of 19 years. (What 19 year old boy has the patience to craft magic out of orgasm denial?) Also, the sheer inconvenience of sex as a form of magic. For anything more than a quick spell, the magic users require enough time to drop trousers and do the dirty, but of course, not come until they’re begging for it.
Apprenticed to Pleasure would have worked nicely enough if these kinks (pun intended) in the story had been ironed out or perhaps if the story had been written as a burlesque form of fantasy and erotic fiction combined but the entirely too-serious nature of the story leaves the reader no room to take the material with a grain of salt and thereby lays bare all its faults.
Read it for the sex but don’t take it too seriously or your eyes may very well roll right out of your head. I’m off to try my luck with the sequel. Hope springs eternal.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 4, 2015
The most erotic m/m story I have read thus far... not that I have read many as I just started getting really into this genre being that I newly discovered it. In the beginning I was like... "WOAH what am I reading" but then I quickly changed my mind on the book. It was highly focused on "Sex magic" between partners of the same sex whether it be male or female. Although the book does not involve deep descriptions of anything involving females (Which I am not saying is a bad thing at all). The existence of this private sect of magic/sorcery is to defeat the opposing side who uses pain and suffering to fuel their magic. It builds deep relationships between its main characters and you tend to love each and every one. I have to say I could not put the book (kindle) down as I brought it everywhere but I had to turn the screen off when people walked by so they didn't read the crazy sex scenes every other page of the book (Not really every other page but close enough). If you don't mind reading the m/m genre and aren't turned off by vivid descriptions of how guys have sex I recommend reading this book :P. Definitely something new for me... lol.
April 17, 2014
If I could I'd rate this 3.5 stars.
It's a cute story with interesting characters and the action moves along at a good click. The sex/magic link, interesting at first, becomes repetitious as a plot device over time but does provide a way for the characters to have sex.
This is the first part of a trilogy and I'm looking forward to reading the next installment soon.
It's a cute story with interesting characters and the action moves along at a good click. The sex/magic link, interesting at first, becomes repetitious as a plot device over time but does provide a way for the characters to have sex.
This is the first part of a trilogy and I'm looking forward to reading the next installment soon.
May 18, 2012
Very yummy, very original and well written!
July 19, 2012
What a great book!
Available for Kindle
Available for Kindle
May 13, 2012
3 ½ Stars
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews