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Human Pets of Talin #1
Loving Captivity
Sold into slavery at the age of sixteen, Sora serves an abusive master for ten years. Then, to deal with his debts, she finds herself at auction again. Without her youth or any sought-after skills to make her valuable, her future looks bleak. Slaves like her rarely survive long, and she expects to suffer and die soon after she’s bought, either as a mine slave or in a meat bordello.
Searin, Prime Son of Talin and one of two potential next Monarchs, is suffering the early effects of the Fading; losing his appetite. The next step will be to lose interest in working, then lying down and waiting to die. Those afflicted with the Fading are treated as if suffering from a shameful self-inflicted disease. They’re considered weak among the Talin, where love and bonding are strictly prohibited for “the good of the species.”
Searin is desperate enough to borrow his good friend’s pet human for quick cuddles to stave off the Fading. Humans are popular pets among the Talin. Perceived as weak, needy, and fragile, they’re seldom sold, even when they become old and infirm. They’re prized possessions among his species.
Because humans need so much affection, according to Talin doctrine, to stay healthy and happy, there’s no shame in cuddling or comforting a human pet. Finally, Searin decides he needs one of his own and considers himself fortunate when he finds Sora at the auction house. With the human home world Earth long ago destroyed, humans are rare and scattered across the galaxy in small communities. This little female is a prize and he hopes she’ll come to trust him despite her previous experiences.
Sora isn’t sure about this new master. He’s kind and gentle and wants to hold and carry her. It doesn’t take long for her to come to trust him and realize that her new role is that of pet, not slave. She’s never lived in such comfort and finds herself feeling real affection for her new master.
Everything changes while Searin’s away and his sister decides to manipulate the situation. Soon secrets are revealed and consequences need to be faced. Can Searin figure out a way to be a good Prime Son but keep Sora and himself safe?
This is a standalone 90K word novel. This book is intended for mature audiences, 18+ readers only.
Searin, Prime Son of Talin and one of two potential next Monarchs, is suffering the early effects of the Fading; losing his appetite. The next step will be to lose interest in working, then lying down and waiting to die. Those afflicted with the Fading are treated as if suffering from a shameful self-inflicted disease. They’re considered weak among the Talin, where love and bonding are strictly prohibited for “the good of the species.”
Searin is desperate enough to borrow his good friend’s pet human for quick cuddles to stave off the Fading. Humans are popular pets among the Talin. Perceived as weak, needy, and fragile, they’re seldom sold, even when they become old and infirm. They’re prized possessions among his species.
Because humans need so much affection, according to Talin doctrine, to stay healthy and happy, there’s no shame in cuddling or comforting a human pet. Finally, Searin decides he needs one of his own and considers himself fortunate when he finds Sora at the auction house. With the human home world Earth long ago destroyed, humans are rare and scattered across the galaxy in small communities. This little female is a prize and he hopes she’ll come to trust him despite her previous experiences.
Sora isn’t sure about this new master. He’s kind and gentle and wants to hold and carry her. It doesn’t take long for her to come to trust him and realize that her new role is that of pet, not slave. She’s never lived in such comfort and finds herself feeling real affection for her new master.
Everything changes while Searin’s away and his sister decides to manipulate the situation. Soon secrets are revealed and consequences need to be faced. Can Searin figure out a way to be a good Prime Son but keep Sora and himself safe?
This is a standalone 90K word novel. This book is intended for mature audiences, 18+ readers only.
283 pages, ebook
Published April 30, 2021
262 people are currently reading
693 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 175 reviews
July 11, 2022
This had an original concept and I did appreciate this author's take on the whole keeping humans as pets trope. Our girl Sora is actually quite a strong cookie sold into slavery as a teenager by her uncle she’s made the best of things and considering her treatment is exceptionally pragmatic about things. Finding herself ten years later back on the auction block her prospects dire with no real skills to offer she expects the worst.
Searin is a prime son and prince on his planet part of a race called the Talin he’s now suffering from a particular affliction common to his species the fading. Many years prior his race outlawed scent bonds and tactile affection now they live solely for their honour and attachments are not encouraged. It was initially done to protect his species but the repercussions are now a race of outwardly cold individuals who desperately crave something more.
On Talon it’s considered acceptable though to purchase a human pet one that you can shower affection on. It’s also common for the humans to scent bond with their owners but never for their owners to bond back. Humans are considered a weak fragile species that need constant care and affection to thrive. It’s for this reason to cure his melancholy that Searin purchases Sora he knows instantly he will have to have patience with her because it’s obvious she’s suffered abuse in the past but he wants to try.
I liked the dynamic between these two Sora is very accepting of her new role, pet is definitely a step-up from slave in her eyes and where before she’s faced daily abuse now she pampered and coddled. The developed romance was sweet and all-consuming and the road to getting there was believable.
It may seem initially that the Talin’s have all of the power here but it soon becomes apparent that the humans are desperately needed without their presence here things would be so much worse in regards to the fading. Humans provide something that is fundamentally missing from this society and they almost indulge and humour their alien overloads.
There are some roadblocks to Searin and Sora’s future together a scene that was pretty disturbing involving Searin’s sister and I’m not sure I could have been so forgiving in the circumstances. There’s also interference from outside forces that places Sora in some grave danger.
I enjoyed this and found it intriguing I did think the ending was slightly rushed and would have liked maybe some more closure I was also vexed by some of Sora’s later decisions but overall this was a unique read with some excellent world-building.
Going forward it’s obvious the winds are changing political unrest and society structure is fragile so it will be interesting to see how this develops. If you like your sci-fi romances different and unique this is sure to be a fit.
Reviewed By Beckie Bookworm
https://www.bookbub.com/profile/63435390
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May 18, 2023 dnf at %50
the rape attempt at the %40 ruined the book honestly. it's DOUBLE rape if that's possible or if there's another term idk, they try to force both of the humans to have sex and it was so upsetting. and then main couple have sex for the first time but he still sees her as pet and they drugged her so she's extremely horny. this was a weird and questionable book👹
i skipped to the ending and i guess at some point she got pregnant, kidnapped,have a new master, hero had depression....yeah that's a lot.
i was expecting something like mandy and the tentacle monster because they think she was a pet too BUT this didn't work 🤷🏼♀️
i hope that's not what happens if i ever get abducted by aliens?? because i always imagine something between ruby dixon and honey phillips kind of world building, so being a pet does not work for me ☝🏻😡
the rape attempt at the %40 ruined the book honestly. it's DOUBLE rape if that's possible or if there's another term idk, they try to force both of the humans to have sex and it was so upsetting. and then main couple have sex for the first time but he still sees her as pet and they drugged her so she's extremely horny. this was a weird and questionable book👹
i skipped to the ending and i guess at some point she got pregnant, kidnapped,have a new master, hero had depression....yeah that's a lot.
i was expecting something like mandy and the tentacle monster because they think she was a pet too BUT this didn't work 🤷🏼♀️
i hope that's not what happens if i ever get abducted by aliens?? because i always imagine something between ruby dixon and honey phillips kind of world building, so being a pet does not work for me ☝🏻😡
April 19, 2022
I am on an Aliens-and-their-Human-pets spree.
The story may have its issues but is a novel approach.
3*.
The story may have its issues but is a novel approach.
3*.
February 13, 2023
This was interesting. Rather than the spunky stubborn heroine who tries to escape her enslavement, Sora has accepted that she is a slave but is determined to survive. When she is sold to a new master and realizes humans are treated as prized pets, rather than worthless slaves, her life gets infinitely better.
A fun read, with obviously the MMC falling in love with him human pet and realizing his entire society is doing the same thing with their own pets. I'll probably keep reading the series.
She’s never had the luxury to ponder these concepts before, but now she wonders. What’s more important, living as an owned being, or dying as a free one?
A fun read, with obviously the MMC falling in love with him human pet and realizing his entire society is doing the same thing with their own pets. I'll probably keep reading the series.
April 26, 2024
This book is so fantastic, I'm going to try something new
I'm going to try to convince others to give it a try.
The premise
Earth has been gone for generations. Self-destroyed by its own sentient species: humans. Considered nothing more than silly parasites for having done so and for living on the charity of other sentient species, humans have it hard in the universe.
Our heroine, Sora, was sold into slavery by her own uncle. It wasn't even greed so much as he simply didn't have enough to feed her.
For ten years she's at the mercy of a cruel master (beaten sometimes, but no SA). She's trained to be meek and quiet, to never draw attention to herself. When her master falls into hard times, he puts her up for sale. She's found by an almost legendary species: The Talin.
The Talins are conquerors, rulers of their own part of the universe. Colony to them means a planet. They are ruled by strict societal and militaristic laws and conventions that have served them for generations.
Searin is the name of Sora's new master. She's told she's now his pet. That she's to be pampered and cuddled. Terrified of the other shoe dropping she bows her head, observing quietly. She knows how to survive, she knows how to keep herself safe. And she doesn't trust Searin is not secretly trying to get pass her defenses, only to take it all away when she's finally at peace.
However, her observations reveal something unexpected. The Talin aren't as omnipotent as they project to the rest of the world. A mysterious sickness is killing them slowly form the inside. A sickness that seems to get better when a Talin owns a human pet.
For, despite being a tactile species, social conventions forbid them from having any sort of unnecessary contact with each other. They don't hug, kiss, or barely even have sex. That's because a millennia ago, when the Talin took to the stars, bonded pairs began to die from the separations. A dreaded phenomenon called 'Scent Collapse' occurs when a mated pair is separated for long. That meant that for every mated soldier lost, every warriors gone too long, two Talins would be lost. Mating was forbidden, "for the sake of the empire".
For generations it served them well, they expanded, won galactic wars, made interplanetary allies, but their laws can't erase their biology. Unmated Talins are slowly dying, and that includes Sora's own Searin. The salvation rests in her small, human hands.
The possible triggers
Even though I would love for everyone to adore this book, it's pointless if some aspects of it will trigger you and therefore take away from your enjoyment.
✦ Humans don't have equal rights on Talin. They are pets to society and therefore you will see a lot of random Talins talking and treating Sora as if she were a child.
⤷ The reason is two fold: stereotype from being a species without a planet and willful blindness so that they can touch, hug and cuddle them. Remember, they can't do it with themselves. But a pet? Oh! A pet is fine. They're soft and in need of protection, it would be cruel to deny them touch.
✦ Sora and another male human are almost forced to have sex against their will (they aren't at the end)
✦ Sora is kidnapped away from Searin and is almost forced to have a medical procedure she doesn't want.
✦ Some separation happens during the last 30% or so of the book. It serves mostly as a way of introducing the future characters (a bit annoying).
I think those are all (hopefully I didn't forget something)
Last attempt
I know it might seem like a silly or even enraging premise. Humans are smart and sentient, why would those 'born in captivity' accept their lot and not fight? Why do the 'wild caught' not fight even more? The answers is different in each book (Book 2, Escaping Captivity and Book 4, Fighting Captivity have heroines that really fight it and win. Book 4 especially, with a deaf heroine and a mute hero, will heal you heart ❤︎)
In Sora's case, she knows the universe isn't a happy or easy place. It's unforgiving. Without a centralized government to fight for themselves in various alliances and entities, humans are defenseless. In Talin, they might be seen as cute pets, but they aren't cruel (well, there are exceptions) Humans are pampered and cared for. Sora will instead chose to stay and slowly but surely fight for the rights of humans and even those of Talins, to bond, mate and love freely.
The overarching story of traditionalists vs those who wish to change the laws is still on going, but getting a step closer with each book.
This is like my third re-read and I still love this book so much!
I'm going to try to convince others to give it a try.
The premise
Earth has been gone for generations. Self-destroyed by its own sentient species: humans. Considered nothing more than silly parasites for having done so and for living on the charity of other sentient species, humans have it hard in the universe.
Our heroine, Sora, was sold into slavery by her own uncle. It wasn't even greed so much as he simply didn't have enough to feed her.
For ten years she's at the mercy of a cruel master (beaten sometimes, but no SA). She's trained to be meek and quiet, to never draw attention to herself. When her master falls into hard times, he puts her up for sale. She's found by an almost legendary species: The Talin.
The Talins are conquerors, rulers of their own part of the universe. Colony to them means a planet. They are ruled by strict societal and militaristic laws and conventions that have served them for generations.
Searin is the name of Sora's new master. She's told she's now his pet. That she's to be pampered and cuddled. Terrified of the other shoe dropping she bows her head, observing quietly. She knows how to survive, she knows how to keep herself safe. And she doesn't trust Searin is not secretly trying to get pass her defenses, only to take it all away when she's finally at peace.
However, her observations reveal something unexpected. The Talin aren't as omnipotent as they project to the rest of the world. A mysterious sickness is killing them slowly form the inside. A sickness that seems to get better when a Talin owns a human pet.
For, despite being a tactile species, social conventions forbid them from having any sort of unnecessary contact with each other. They don't hug, kiss, or barely even have sex. That's because a millennia ago, when the Talin took to the stars, bonded pairs began to die from the separations. A dreaded phenomenon called 'Scent Collapse' occurs when a mated pair is separated for long. That meant that for every mated soldier lost, every warriors gone too long, two Talins would be lost. Mating was forbidden, "for the sake of the empire".
For generations it served them well, they expanded, won galactic wars, made interplanetary allies, but their laws can't erase their biology. Unmated Talins are slowly dying, and that includes Sora's own Searin. The salvation rests in her small, human hands.
The possible triggers
Even though I would love for everyone to adore this book, it's pointless if some aspects of it will trigger you and therefore take away from your enjoyment.
✦ Humans don't have equal rights on Talin. They are pets to society and therefore you will see a lot of random Talins talking and treating Sora as if she were a child.
⤷ The reason is two fold: stereotype from being a species without a planet and willful blindness so that they can touch, hug and cuddle them. Remember, they can't do it with themselves. But a pet? Oh! A pet is fine. They're soft and in need of protection, it would be cruel to deny them touch.
✦ Sora and another male human are almost forced to have sex against their will (they aren't at the end)
✦ Sora is kidnapped away from Searin and is almost forced to have a medical procedure she doesn't want.
✦ Some separation happens during the last 30% or so of the book. It serves mostly as a way of introducing the future characters (a bit annoying).
I think those are all (hopefully I didn't forget something)
Last attempt
I know it might seem like a silly or even enraging premise. Humans are smart and sentient, why would those 'born in captivity' accept their lot and not fight? Why do the 'wild caught' not fight even more? The answers is different in each book (Book 2, Escaping Captivity and Book 4, Fighting Captivity have heroines that really fight it and win. Book 4 especially, with a deaf heroine and a mute hero, will heal you heart ❤︎)
In Sora's case, she knows the universe isn't a happy or easy place. It's unforgiving. Without a centralized government to fight for themselves in various alliances and entities, humans are defenseless. In Talin, they might be seen as cute pets, but they aren't cruel (well, there are exceptions) Humans are pampered and cared for. Sora will instead chose to stay and slowly but surely fight for the rights of humans and even those of Talins, to bond, mate and love freely.
The overarching story of traditionalists vs those who wish to change the laws is still on going, but getting a step closer with each book.
This is like my third re-read and I still love this book so much!
August 16, 2023
Chapters 1-16 felt like a 4+⭐ read.
Chapters 17-32 felt like a 2⭐read.
The first half was just a feast of hurt/comfort & caregiving. Basically, every scene with Sora and Searin together was sweet, cute, hilarious, and hot. Searin was such a sympathetic character: earnest, confused, and innocent in many ways. Sora was adaptable and sweet. And I loved the idea of mass social "plausible deniability": "We obviously don't need affection - but these poor human pets require it, so you gotta do what you gotta do!" 😂
Thankfully I knew spoilers so I wasn't upset/surprised by the turn the book made. Still, I personally can't justify more than 3 stars. Big spoilers for the 2nd half of the book:
I could mostly sympathize with her reasoning, even when I didn't love her choices. But near the end, she learns that (more spoilers) See what I mean? This is actually a love story to moms.
Some safety info:
Chapters 17-32 felt like a 2⭐read.
The first half was just a feast of hurt/comfort & caregiving. Basically, every scene with Sora and Searin together was sweet, cute, hilarious, and hot. Searin was such a sympathetic character: earnest, confused, and innocent in many ways. Sora was adaptable and sweet. And I loved the idea of mass social "plausible deniability": "We obviously don't need affection - but these poor human pets require it, so you gotta do what you gotta do!" 😂
Thankfully I knew spoilers so I wasn't upset/surprised by the turn the book made. Still, I personally can't justify more than 3 stars. Big spoilers for the 2nd half of the book:
I could mostly sympathize with her reasoning, even when I didn't love her choices. But near the end, she learns that (more spoilers) See what I mean? This is actually a love story to moms.
Some safety info:
July 17, 2023
3.5 stars (rounded up)
I found this book through the authors Tiktok and I was SO excited to find another new alien author! I love this trope, its my guilty pleasure. And its done so well in this book! It gave me very much Beyond the Next Star vibes, so if you liked that book you'll love this! Both books handle the human pet trope the way I like best, where the Alien truly does think humans are pets, see's everything through the veil of "I need to take care of this creature." Concerned with their diet, their health and enclosure and being the best pet owner they can. and I LOVE that, Its so funny and I love seeing their different point of views. Swinging from pet owner to human whos just trying to survive is amazing.
I have two reasons why I didn't rate this 5 stars, and believe me I wanted to rate this 5 stars so badly, but I couldn't for these two reasons: one is kind of minor and the other isn't.
But before I get into my two gripes I need to say that this could have easily been a 5 star read, everything else was done so well! The tension and the buildup was immaculate! The reasoning behind why this race of aliens needs humans was so unique and so fucking well done. I applaud this author for their plot and their relatable characters and how real and alive they felt. These next two paragraphs are why I couldn't rate 5 stars, and are meant as constructive criticism because I really would love to read more from this author, and ate this book up!
The biggest reason is one that I feel like is hindering this author greatly, because I almost DNFed this book at the very beginning because of it. Its written in third person. And god is that hard to get used to. I forced myself past it, but only because this is my absolute favorite trope to read and its rarely done the way I like. So if I was just a little less interested in the trope then I would have dropped this book FAST. Which is a shame because I feel this author writes extremely well, its just that I feel the weird choice in using 3rd person is going to be an uphill battle for them. They are already in a very niche market with alien books, and writing not in first person is only going to make it harder :( Even after pushing myself through the initial "getting use to it" stage it kept bothering me all through out the book at random times, and every time that happened it ended up ripping me out of the story and I'd have to spend a little bit struggling to get back into it.
The minorish gripe I had is for more spicy scenes! They finally get together at around the 55% mark and.... thats it. Theres one sex scene in the entire book. One. and that one scene was kind of short, even when towards the end of that scene its implied that they kept going at it for the next few days ?!?! Like hello, I thought this was going to be a bit of an erotic book, so I was a little miffed I missed that, but I didn't let it bother me too much at the time because I was assuming I'd get more sex scenes. but nope, that was it. Its inferred and even spoken that they regularly do engage, but we never see it again. But maybe I read the room wrong, and this was never meant to be erotica, just a romance. but even then, I feel like more than one scene would be expected right? The slow burn and build up was SO well done that I thought the natural progression would have been more than one sex scene and a little more detailed/ drawn out. but again, that could have just been me having wrong expectations.
So personally, because of those two things, I don't think I'll be reading more from this author for a little bit. Maybe in a couple of months I'll check out the other books in this series, because again, this is my favorite trope, and it was done well, despite the above 'issues'. and I'll be sure to keep tabs on them for the next few years to come.
I found this book through the authors Tiktok and I was SO excited to find another new alien author! I love this trope, its my guilty pleasure. And its done so well in this book! It gave me very much Beyond the Next Star vibes, so if you liked that book you'll love this! Both books handle the human pet trope the way I like best, where the Alien truly does think humans are pets, see's everything through the veil of "I need to take care of this creature." Concerned with their diet, their health and enclosure and being the best pet owner they can. and I LOVE that, Its so funny and I love seeing their different point of views. Swinging from pet owner to human whos just trying to survive is amazing.
I have two reasons why I didn't rate this 5 stars, and believe me I wanted to rate this 5 stars so badly, but I couldn't for these two reasons: one is kind of minor and the other isn't.
But before I get into my two gripes I need to say that this could have easily been a 5 star read, everything else was done so well! The tension and the buildup was immaculate! The reasoning behind why this race of aliens needs humans was so unique and so fucking well done. I applaud this author for their plot and their relatable characters and how real and alive they felt. These next two paragraphs are why I couldn't rate 5 stars, and are meant as constructive criticism because I really would love to read more from this author, and ate this book up!
The biggest reason is one that I feel like is hindering this author greatly, because I almost DNFed this book at the very beginning because of it. Its written in third person. And god is that hard to get used to. I forced myself past it, but only because this is my absolute favorite trope to read and its rarely done the way I like. So if I was just a little less interested in the trope then I would have dropped this book FAST. Which is a shame because I feel this author writes extremely well, its just that I feel the weird choice in using 3rd person is going to be an uphill battle for them. They are already in a very niche market with alien books, and writing not in first person is only going to make it harder :( Even after pushing myself through the initial "getting use to it" stage it kept bothering me all through out the book at random times, and every time that happened it ended up ripping me out of the story and I'd have to spend a little bit struggling to get back into it.
The minorish gripe I had is for more spicy scenes! They finally get together at around the 55% mark and.... thats it. Theres one sex scene in the entire book. One. and that one scene was kind of short, even when towards the end of that scene its implied that they kept going at it for the next few days ?!?! Like hello, I thought this was going to be a bit of an erotic book, so I was a little miffed I missed that, but I didn't let it bother me too much at the time because I was assuming I'd get more sex scenes. but nope, that was it. Its inferred and even spoken that they regularly do engage, but we never see it again. But maybe I read the room wrong, and this was never meant to be erotica, just a romance. but even then, I feel like more than one scene would be expected right? The slow burn and build up was SO well done that I thought the natural progression would have been more than one sex scene and a little more detailed/ drawn out. but again, that could have just been me having wrong expectations.
So personally, because of those two things, I don't think I'll be reading more from this author for a little bit. Maybe in a couple of months I'll check out the other books in this series, because again, this is my favorite trope, and it was done well, despite the above 'issues'. and I'll be sure to keep tabs on them for the next few years to come.
did-not-finish
November 25, 2022DNF at 40%. I stopped reading right as the heroine is about to be raped. Maybe that doesn’t happen, but enough ickyness is happening that it stresses me out.
She’s a pet. And the society that she’s in doesn’t value affection between two equals but allows it with pets. This is a setup for a really icky world. She’s trapped in an enclosure and forcibly cuddled throughout. Her “master” (the hero) treats her well. As a pet. But he doesn’t adequately protect her from others who forcibly cuddle her or try to breed her. This just makes for a really sucky read and I’m done.
She’s a pet. And the society that she’s in doesn’t value affection between two equals but allows it with pets. This is a setup for a really icky world. She’s trapped in an enclosure and forcibly cuddled throughout. Her “master” (the hero) treats her well. As a pet. But he doesn’t adequately protect her from others who forcibly cuddle her or try to breed her. This just makes for a really sucky read and I’m done.
April 28, 2024
2⭐️ I was fully prepared to love this book, especially because I was in the mood for a good scifi romance, but it was a letdown.
The premise of this book was interesting, very intriguing, but sadly, some of the scenes were poorly executed.
Now, it wasn’t entirely bad, because there were some endearing moments here and there, but I just couldn’t get past the owner/pet thing. 🙈 Also, check your TW because there is a scene with SA in this. So you want to be aware of that. But while that wasn’t fun to read about, it was not what I’ve struggled with the most, because Searin rescued Sora just in time and nothing happened to her.
No, what bothered me the most, was that the Talin referred to humans as these mindless creatures with no bodily autonomy. They treated humans like literal pets with collars, leashes, cages (not a small cage or anything, more like a big enclosed space, but a cage nonetheless) and shit. 🙈😩
Going into this, I knew that humans were seen as pets and in the beginning I was ok with that, because I had hoped and kept expecting the Talin to come to the realization/conclusion that humans are just as worthy and deserving of freedom as them! That didn’t really happen! Humans were still seen as pets, even in the end. I’m aware that the author couldn’t have all the Talin change their mind overnight, because otherwise she wouldn’t have anything write about…but I expected someeeething at least..and got nothing. Not even from Searin!😕
Here is a snippet of the conversation that took place between Searin and Sora, right after they had sex. Keep in mind that this was around the 50% mark and by that point he was already obsessed and very possessive of her:
„Humans survive as pets or slaves, not as sovereign entities. It appears your belief in love hasn’t served you very well, has it, pet?” He emphases the last word, expecting her to become irritated at his deliberate cruelty.“
Does that sound like love or affection to you, or more like an owner talking to his slave/pet?! Because that’s how it felt to me. :(
And if I’m perfectly honest with you, I would have been able to look past that and rate it higher, IF by the end of the book, I would have seen a healthy improvement in their relationship!! But nothing changed.
Even in the last chapter of the book, Searinn still treated her as a pet, albeit a valuable one but a pet nonetheless, by locking her up in their quarters whenever he was away.
Sooo yeaah…🫣🤷🏻♀️
Ps: English is not my first language, so I apologize for my grammatical errors ✌🏻
The premise of this book was interesting, very intriguing, but sadly, some of the scenes were poorly executed.
Now, it wasn’t entirely bad, because there were some endearing moments here and there, but I just couldn’t get past the owner/pet thing. 🙈 Also, check your TW because there is a scene with SA in this. So you want to be aware of that. But while that wasn’t fun to read about, it was not what I’ve struggled with the most, because Searin rescued Sora just in time and nothing happened to her.
No, what bothered me the most, was that the Talin referred to humans as these mindless creatures with no bodily autonomy. They treated humans like literal pets with collars, leashes, cages (not a small cage or anything, more like a big enclosed space, but a cage nonetheless) and shit. 🙈😩
Going into this, I knew that humans were seen as pets and in the beginning I was ok with that, because I had hoped and kept expecting the Talin to come to the realization/conclusion that humans are just as worthy and deserving of freedom as them! That didn’t really happen! Humans were still seen as pets, even in the end. I’m aware that the author couldn’t have all the Talin change their mind overnight, because otherwise she wouldn’t have anything write about…but I expected someeeething at least..and got nothing. Not even from Searin!😕
Here is a snippet of the conversation that took place between Searin and Sora, right after they had sex. Keep in mind that this was around the 50% mark and by that point he was already obsessed and very possessive of her:
„Humans survive as pets or slaves, not as sovereign entities. It appears your belief in love hasn’t served you very well, has it, pet?” He emphases the last word, expecting her to become irritated at his deliberate cruelty.“
Does that sound like love or affection to you, or more like an owner talking to his slave/pet?! Because that’s how it felt to me. :(
And if I’m perfectly honest with you, I would have been able to look past that and rate it higher, IF by the end of the book, I would have seen a healthy improvement in their relationship!! But nothing changed.
Even in the last chapter of the book, Searinn still treated her as a pet, albeit a valuable one but a pet nonetheless, by locking her up in their quarters whenever he was away.
Sooo yeaah…🫣🤷🏻♀️
Ps: English is not my first language, so I apologize for my grammatical errors ✌🏻
June 6, 2021
Human Pets
I really enjoy stories like this where humans are kept as spoiled pets. This one was especially cute with the aliens believing that humans need snuggling and pampering or they’ll get sick. It was adorable <3
I really enjoy stories like this where humans are kept as spoiled pets. This one was especially cute with the aliens believing that humans need snuggling and pampering or they’ll get sick. It was adorable <3
February 16, 2023
2.5⭐️ I really liked the premise, I found the idea of an Alien species, deprived of love and affection, keeping humans as prized pets in order to feed said deprivation to be interesting. It was a fresh take on alien/human romance. There were some twists and turns in the story that kept it exciting and good world building with a lot of politics and set up for future books. My reason for the lower rating is that the book is written in present tense and there were some words missing from sentences/wrong words used in sentences, that really bothered me. With the present tense, I felt like I was reading multiple statements rather than a story, making it hard to stay engaged. The writing could be improved. I think with stronger writing this would be a really great story but as is it was still entertaining.
May 28, 2021
New to me author, and I'm now binging her books. I loved how this plot was different. It actually had a good (and different) storyline. That's why I gave this a try. Why I kept reading, was that the writing keep me interested, and I like the characters. The hero is strong, but has a soft and caring side. The heroine is smart and capable. And the hero values and respects her. The reason the Talin have human pets was a different viewpoint, and kinda funny. I am really looking forward to more of her books!
September 11, 2024
it was okay
The steamy factor is: Lima bean
The book isn’t bad. Except for the fact that we have a long book without real understanding of what happened to earth if anything. The other thing is I still have NO idea really of what the aliens look like. Let alone anything with their kibbles and bits.
The steamy factor is: Lima bean
The book isn’t bad. Except for the fact that we have a long book without real understanding of what happened to earth if anything. The other thing is I still have NO idea really of what the aliens look like. Let alone anything with their kibbles and bits.
April 22, 2025
Loving Captivity is the first book in R.K. Munin’s sci-fi romance series Human Pets of Talin. It blended space opera with the quirky, and often unsettling, tropes of the alien abduction/pets subgenre. It’s a niche sub-genre for sure but for some reason I find I’m strangely drawn to it! I typically like it when books in this genre lean towards romcom but this one was more earnest and serious in tone. Luckily, it still worked for the story.
The plot was definitely a little…weird. The story followed Sora, a human who was enslaved and abused for more than a decade before being sent back to the auction block only to be purchased by Searin, a Talin Prime Son (prince) suffering from the early stages of the Fading. The Fading was a terminal decline caused by the Talin repression of emotional bonds. In Talin society humans were prized as pampered “pets”. It was believed they required constant attention and affection to survive! Searin hoped Sora’s presence would halt his deterioration but their relationship soon evolved into something deeper, and culturally taboo, as they got to know each other all while navigating political schemes, more cultural taboos, and threats from Searin’s whole family.
The Talin’s emotion suppressing culture and reliance on human companionship created a world that was both fascinating and infuriating in equal measure. Though the worldbuilding was a bit minimal, it was efficient and effective for this small scale romance focused story. The larger scale story of a species doomed by its own austerity/repression and only being saved from themselves by enslaving beings they infantilised was intruiging and interesting but also, at times, quite infuriating! This tale definitely had some unsettling power dynamics, what with the Talin viewing humans as fragile pets despite their sentience, and with how a lot of the humans seemed infuriatingly happy to accept their fate and place in this weird alien society.
The tale definitely glossed over some ethical complexities of humans being kept as pets in general, and how that lead to relationships with massive power imbalances. Towards the end the story did make a few more efforts to critique Talin hypocrisy, particularly their denial of human agency even as they depended on them for survival, and began to show some divide in Talin society on how they felt like humans should be treated but I think it still ended up a bit of a problem for the story. It was a little disturbing how happy with slavery the humans were even if we did get hints that not all of the Talin were so dismissive of humans. It drove me crazy at times but I guess if all the flaws in Talin society were solved in this first book we would not have got a series out of it so I guess I can live with the weirdness if it means I get more of these books!
The fact that humans had long since destroyed Earth and were struggling to survive on the fringes of other alien cultures did give this sci-fi world a unique and fresh twist when compared to the average sci-fi alien abduction romance tale.
On the plus side Sora and Searin were surprisingly sympathetic leads. Sora’s resilience and kindness made her easy to like while Searin’s caring nature and patience added depth to his possessive alien archetype. Their romance, though ethically questionable, felt genuine thanks to the quiet moments of trust and vulnerability and the slow burn nature of how things developed.
I definitely liked Sora and Searin and was invested in their story/romance but I felt a real strength of this book was how the support characters, like Searin’s scheming sister, his friend Tiene (another human owner), Dalt (a helpful Talin with an interesting backstory), and more, were well drawn enough to intriguingly fuel my curiosity for future books in the series. Hopefully some of the support characters in this one get their own stories or at least pop up again in the sequels.
The tone veered wildly between cute and cozy scenes (think cuddling and petting rituals) and darker elements like slavery, medical coercion, and attempted assaults. This weird blend kept the story unpredictable. The plot actually offered quite a few twists and turns that kept the tale interesting and offered a bit more than just the standard romance story.
All in all I really enjoyed this one despite its flaws. It was addictive and compelling. The writing was the type that sucked me in, the characters were likeable, the alien culture weird but fascinating, and the romance easy to root for. This was a flawed but super compelling read and a fun sci-fi romance. I’ll be reading the sequels for sure! Despite the deficiencies this was still one of the more fun alien romances I’ve read in the genre so far.
Rating: 4 stars. I’m a little torn on this. It was compelling enough to earn 4.5 or even 5 stats but it did have a few things that drove me crazy so I’m sticking to 4 stars.
The plot was definitely a little…weird. The story followed Sora, a human who was enslaved and abused for more than a decade before being sent back to the auction block only to be purchased by Searin, a Talin Prime Son (prince) suffering from the early stages of the Fading. The Fading was a terminal decline caused by the Talin repression of emotional bonds. In Talin society humans were prized as pampered “pets”. It was believed they required constant attention and affection to survive! Searin hoped Sora’s presence would halt his deterioration but their relationship soon evolved into something deeper, and culturally taboo, as they got to know each other all while navigating political schemes, more cultural taboos, and threats from Searin’s whole family.
The Talin’s emotion suppressing culture and reliance on human companionship created a world that was both fascinating and infuriating in equal measure. Though the worldbuilding was a bit minimal, it was efficient and effective for this small scale romance focused story. The larger scale story of a species doomed by its own austerity/repression and only being saved from themselves by enslaving beings they infantilised was intruiging and interesting but also, at times, quite infuriating! This tale definitely had some unsettling power dynamics, what with the Talin viewing humans as fragile pets despite their sentience, and with how a lot of the humans seemed infuriatingly happy to accept their fate and place in this weird alien society.
The tale definitely glossed over some ethical complexities of humans being kept as pets in general, and how that lead to relationships with massive power imbalances. Towards the end the story did make a few more efforts to critique Talin hypocrisy, particularly their denial of human agency even as they depended on them for survival, and began to show some divide in Talin society on how they felt like humans should be treated but I think it still ended up a bit of a problem for the story. It was a little disturbing how happy with slavery the humans were even if we did get hints that not all of the Talin were so dismissive of humans. It drove me crazy at times but I guess if all the flaws in Talin society were solved in this first book we would not have got a series out of it so I guess I can live with the weirdness if it means I get more of these books!
The fact that humans had long since destroyed Earth and were struggling to survive on the fringes of other alien cultures did give this sci-fi world a unique and fresh twist when compared to the average sci-fi alien abduction romance tale.
On the plus side Sora and Searin were surprisingly sympathetic leads. Sora’s resilience and kindness made her easy to like while Searin’s caring nature and patience added depth to his possessive alien archetype. Their romance, though ethically questionable, felt genuine thanks to the quiet moments of trust and vulnerability and the slow burn nature of how things developed.
I definitely liked Sora and Searin and was invested in their story/romance but I felt a real strength of this book was how the support characters, like Searin’s scheming sister, his friend Tiene (another human owner), Dalt (a helpful Talin with an interesting backstory), and more, were well drawn enough to intriguingly fuel my curiosity for future books in the series. Hopefully some of the support characters in this one get their own stories or at least pop up again in the sequels.
The tone veered wildly between cute and cozy scenes (think cuddling and petting rituals) and darker elements like slavery, medical coercion, and attempted assaults. This weird blend kept the story unpredictable. The plot actually offered quite a few twists and turns that kept the tale interesting and offered a bit more than just the standard romance story.
All in all I really enjoyed this one despite its flaws. It was addictive and compelling. The writing was the type that sucked me in, the characters were likeable, the alien culture weird but fascinating, and the romance easy to root for. This was a flawed but super compelling read and a fun sci-fi romance. I’ll be reading the sequels for sure! Despite the deficiencies this was still one of the more fun alien romances I’ve read in the genre so far.
Rating: 4 stars. I’m a little torn on this. It was compelling enough to earn 4.5 or even 5 stats but it did have a few things that drove me crazy so I’m sticking to 4 stars.
April 3, 2023
3.5 stars. Rounded up.
Sora had been a slave since 16 years old. She's known nothing but abuse for 10 years until her owner needs to sell her to pay off his gambling debt. Searin has started the first phase of Fading, which almost always leads to death. His friend recommends a human pet and he ends up buying Sora from an auction.
Seriously enjoyed this one. I felt so bad for Sora and loved how she was determined to survive no matter what. It took her a while to trust Searin, poor thing was just waiting for the awfulness to begin. This story really took me out. Seeing humans being treated and talked about by the Talin like prized dogs was wild. The Talin even has their own version of PETA. lol. Only one sex scene throughout the whole story and Talin and Sora being apart for almost half the book. Really loved the first half but was so pissed with Sora. She refuses to talk to Searin and find out how he feels. If it wasn't for his bad ass mom who made Sora cut her bullshit, he would've died because of her. He didn't feel like a priority to Sora. Plus even though I understood Searin's sister being desperate for a baby, what she tried to do to Sora was unforgivable. Wish there'd been an epilogue with the baby. But I still enjoyed the writing and look forward to Dalt's book.
Sora had been a slave since 16 years old. She's known nothing but abuse for 10 years until her owner needs to sell her to pay off his gambling debt. Searin has started the first phase of Fading, which almost always leads to death. His friend recommends a human pet and he ends up buying Sora from an auction.
Seriously enjoyed this one. I felt so bad for Sora and loved how she was determined to survive no matter what. It took her a while to trust Searin, poor thing was just waiting for the awfulness to begin. This story really took me out. Seeing humans being treated and talked about by the Talin like prized dogs was wild. The Talin even has their own version of PETA. lol. Only one sex scene throughout the whole story and Talin and Sora being apart for almost half the book. Really loved the first half but was so pissed with Sora. She refuses to talk to Searin and find out how he feels. If it wasn't for his bad ass mom who made Sora cut her bullshit, he would've died because of her. He didn't feel like a priority to Sora. Plus even though I understood Searin's sister being desperate for a baby, what she tried to do to Sora was unforgivable. Wish there'd been an epilogue with the baby. But I still enjoyed the writing and look forward to Dalt's book.
May 18, 2023
Ok so…
I really enjoyed the concept and beginning of this book. In fact, I wish more alien romances had this concept! Unfortunately, I feel like the whole “pet” thing didn’t last very long at all. And in my opinion the ending of this book really fell flat. Like I was smacking my forehead with everyone’s decisions.
I really enjoyed the concept and beginning of this book. In fact, I wish more alien romances had this concept! Unfortunately, I feel like the whole “pet” thing didn’t last very long at all. And in my opinion the ending of this book really fell flat. Like I was smacking my forehead with everyone’s decisions.
October 15, 2023
This had the potential to be so amazing but unfortunately it fell short in a lot of regards which was disappointing. I LOVE the plotline and the basis for the story - a society where this race - talins - had banned any kind of touch or affection so they were forced to turn to their human 'pets' to get it the only way it's acceptable. It's a brilliant set up for a love story but doesn't work for several reasons. Firstly the MFC is soooo dumb. It's almost unbearable to read her pov. She acts and thinks like the animal the talins believe her to be - which in turn doesn't make sense as they can speak to each other and are fully aware humans are sentient. The fc is content to be fed, petted, bathed and safe and that's it. She doesn't want any more from her life, she has no wants or dreams or aspirations of her own whatsoever. Secondly,
Another gripe I have is that there's no clear description of the talins so I couldn't picture them at all. I'm not sure what the cover is meant to be but the ripped human man with a bit of texturing that's pictured doesn't seem to fit the vague references to plates and spikes at all. Similarly, there is no description of their surroundings or the worlds so the whole thing is very hard to picture while reading.
I will say that I love the fact it's in third person as personally I can't read things in first person, I also really like the use of present tense, doesn't seem to be a popular opinion but I prefer it to past. It makes the story feel more like it's happening right when you're reading. I also like the author's writing, there are a fair few typos but that isn't something that bothers me with indie novels. So much potential here with the premise just sadly unfulfilled. I'm not sure I'll read any more in the series as I really strongly dislike the fact that the power imbalance remains to the end but I probably would read something different by this author. Giving it 3 stars because despite my disappointment of the way it went, the premise is so fantastic and it's beautifully written.
Another gripe I have is that there's no clear description of the talins so I couldn't picture them at all. I'm not sure what the cover is meant to be but the ripped human man with a bit of texturing that's pictured doesn't seem to fit the vague references to plates and spikes at all. Similarly, there is no description of their surroundings or the worlds so the whole thing is very hard to picture while reading.
I will say that I love the fact it's in third person as personally I can't read things in first person, I also really like the use of present tense, doesn't seem to be a popular opinion but I prefer it to past. It makes the story feel more like it's happening right when you're reading. I also like the author's writing, there are a fair few typos but that isn't something that bothers me with indie novels. So much potential here with the premise just sadly unfulfilled. I'm not sure I'll read any more in the series as I really strongly dislike the fact that the power imbalance remains to the end but I probably would read something different by this author. Giving it 3 stars because despite my disappointment of the way it went, the premise is so fantastic and it's beautifully written.
February 3, 2023
loved this book!
Surprisingly awesome book!!! Definitely a hangover cure for Melody Johnson’s beyond the next star. Can’t wait to read more by this author!!!
Surprisingly awesome book!!! Definitely a hangover cure for Melody Johnson’s beyond the next star. Can’t wait to read more by this author!!!
November 17, 2023
It was fine up until the surprise pregnancy; then it unravels into a complete mess. The plot takes wild turns, stretches way too long, and the FMC makes stupid choices. I kinda liked the premise but the plot itself is way too dumb for me to continue with the series. I also have to add the forced rape segments were insane; in two occasions the FMC straight up determines she will let herself be raped and that situation is fine by her. And then everyone forgives the sister in law who was the one forcing her to get raped, no accountability, no punishment, no anything. That itself makes this book and series a hard no for me.
TW: Sexual assault on the FMC on repeated occasions and in troubling circumstances. Also sexual assault on another character in which they attempt to get him hard enough so he could rape the FMC. Surprise pregnancy.
Steam: 1.5 out of 5.
TW: Sexual assault on the FMC on repeated occasions and in troubling circumstances. Also sexual assault on another character in which they attempt to get him hard enough so he could rape the FMC. Surprise pregnancy.
Steam: 1.5 out of 5.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 21, 2023
Prime Son of Talin, Searin adopts the human slave Sora as a pet, but soon finds himself developing certain emotions that are forbidden for those of his race!
This book had a really great start! I was hooked on the cool Talin lore, and the characters were interesting and sweet! The later parts of the book frustrated me, though. Both Sora and Searin made stupid mistakes that lead to Sora being kidnaped...or pet-naped I guess? Her time away from Searin was also really drawn out (probably as a means of introducing other characters like Dalt for sequels) which I didn't really like either.
Another minor grievance of mine is that there was really only one spicy scene in the entire book. The rest took place off page which was a bit lame!
Overall the story was good, but the later parts kinda turned me off from continuing with the series.
This book had a really great start! I was hooked on the cool Talin lore, and the characters were interesting and sweet! The later parts of the book frustrated me, though. Both Sora and Searin made stupid mistakes that lead to Sora being kidnaped...or pet-naped I guess? Her time away from Searin was also really drawn out (probably as a means of introducing other characters like Dalt for sequels) which I didn't really like either.
Another minor grievance of mine is that there was really only one spicy scene in the entire book. The rest took place off page which was a bit lame!
Overall the story was good, but the later parts kinda turned me off from continuing with the series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 28, 2025
I still can't quite get over the idea of fucking a creature you regard as a pet. Even if it's sentient, it's still weird.
This was an interesting book. I liked the idea of depression/lack of love being the downfall of their society.
This was an interesting book. I liked the idea of depression/lack of love being the downfall of their society.
May 21, 2023
1.5/5 — An interesting and unique concept even for an alien romance but the gratuitous attempted rapes and love triangle ruined it for me unfortunately.
July 24, 2023
Fue interesante ese concepto de "Ser mascota" y como el afecto recibido, evita que mueran los talins.
March 17, 2023
DNF at 25%.
I really couldn't make myself read any farther. The Talin race is well aware that humans are sentient beings with wants and needs and yet, fully believe that keeping them as pets is the best thing for them. Fuck trying to help them by giving them technology or education... nope... just put them in a cage, feed them snacks and cuddle them. They take humans to a VET goddammit. The whole thing is extra fucked up when you learn that humans can carry Talin babies. I just can't even take the time to explain how messed up that is to use your pet slave as your breeder. Is it bestiality or slavery.... who knows? All this isn't helped by the fact that the human FMC acts and thinks like a toddler. Her actions and internal thoughts didn't really jive with someone who has been abused for the past 10 years.
The scene that made me decide to quite this whole gong show consisted on FMC's Talin master bathing her and getting 'excited'. It was just gross. If you are going to do a slave/master romance then you need to be pretty careful to make sure there is an emotional relationship that levels (somewhat) the power dynamic before things start getting sexual, because otherwise it just feels gross. This book very clearly was not taking that path and I have no time to walk along with car wreck of a romance.
I really couldn't make myself read any farther. The Talin race is well aware that humans are sentient beings with wants and needs and yet, fully believe that keeping them as pets is the best thing for them. Fuck trying to help them by giving them technology or education... nope... just put them in a cage, feed them snacks and cuddle them. They take humans to a VET goddammit. The whole thing is extra fucked up when you learn that humans can carry Talin babies. I just can't even take the time to explain how messed up that is to use your pet slave as your breeder. Is it bestiality or slavery.... who knows? All this isn't helped by the fact that the human FMC acts and thinks like a toddler. Her actions and internal thoughts didn't really jive with someone who has been abused for the past 10 years.
The scene that made me decide to quite this whole gong show consisted on FMC's Talin master bathing her and getting 'excited'. It was just gross. If you are going to do a slave/master romance then you need to be pretty careful to make sure there is an emotional relationship that levels (somewhat) the power dynamic before things start getting sexual, because otherwise it just feels gross. This book very clearly was not taking that path and I have no time to walk along with car wreck of a romance.
March 15, 2023
TW : attempted r@pe, sexual assault, abuse
Story : 📖📖/5
Character : 👽👽/5
Romance : 💕/5
Spice : 🔥/5
My, did this one disappointed me.
The first half was okay, the concept seemed interesting at first but the characters do NOT evolve. It's obvious the FMC is a sentient species but she's still called a pet ? Even tho the MMC has sexual relationship with her ? Wtf ?
I did not belive in the romance since it's about an owner and his pet (human) and I can't emphasis enought that there is no progress from there ! She's still a pet in his eyes which is so gross.
Also, the attempted r@pe was way too graphic for me. The characters are not likeable, the romamce makes no sense and nothing happens in the story. And the ending was even worse. I didn't understand the FMC motives (and the pregnant trope was just 🫣). I would not recommend this book.
Story : 📖📖/5
Character : 👽👽/5
Romance : 💕/5
Spice : 🔥/5
My, did this one disappointed me.
The first half was okay, the concept seemed interesting at first but the characters do NOT evolve. It's obvious the FMC is a sentient species but she's still called a pet ? Even tho the MMC has sexual relationship with her ? Wtf ?
I did not belive in the romance since it's about an owner and his pet (human) and I can't emphasis enought that there is no progress from there ! She's still a pet in his eyes which is so gross.
Also, the attempted r@pe was way too graphic for me. The characters are not likeable, the romamce makes no sense and nothing happens in the story. And the ending was even worse. I didn't understand the FMC motives (and the pregnant trope was just 🫣). I would not recommend this book.
December 26, 2021
Best New Series
First series about Human Pets. These are humans who are owned by aliens who need us to cuddle, hug and pamper and to sometimes fall in love with. We have the ability to stop the Fading, a disease caused by a lack of love and touch.
Sora was an abused slave and now owned by the Talin Prime Son. Searin is in line to rule his planet but is suffering the onset of Fading. Humans have the ability to stop the Fading.
There is danger, suspense and falling in love. Great start to a fun series.
First series about Human Pets. These are humans who are owned by aliens who need us to cuddle, hug and pamper and to sometimes fall in love with. We have the ability to stop the Fading, a disease caused by a lack of love and touch.
Sora was an abused slave and now owned by the Talin Prime Son. Searin is in line to rule his planet but is suffering the onset of Fading. Humans have the ability to stop the Fading.
There is danger, suspense and falling in love. Great start to a fun series.
May 8, 2024
The Characters are well developed and the story was great. At first I wasn't sure what to expect but the author has created an entire fascinating universe where humans are almost extinct and another race keeps them as pets. The lies they are taught about the humans and their reasons for keeping them is sad. This story had funny, touching, sweet and scary moments.
I have read this twice and enjoyed it even more the second time.
I have read this twice and enjoyed it even more the second time.
July 23, 2021
Excellent
I have never read a book as excellent as this one. I could not put it down. 👍 The best book I have ever. This Author knows how to write. Can't wait to read more books from this Author. BEST BOOK EVER.👍👍👍
I have never read a book as excellent as this one. I could not put it down. 👍 The best book I have ever. This Author knows how to write. Can't wait to read more books from this Author. BEST BOOK EVER.👍👍👍
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March 15, 2024🎁 FREE on Amazon today (12/15/2021)! 🎁
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