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Concubine
A BDSM LGBT Futuristic Fantasy
Scholar, captain...war prize. Prince Kael of Korai is stunned when his father gives him to an enemy warlord in a desperate attempt to salvage Korai's reputation. With his country's honor at stake, Kael resolves to submit to Warlord Taren's every debauched whim.
But life in Zandria isn't anything like what Kael imagined. Instead of pain and cruelty, Warlord Taren seduces Kael until the bewildered prince craves his Master's every intimate caress. As he sinks into the decadent, sensual life of a concubine, Kael makes a powerful enemy, one who wants him removed from Zandria by any means necessary. Betrayed by his body, trapped by his honor, Kael must learn to trust his Master or get them both killed.
Publisher's Note: This book contains explicit sexual content, graphic language, and situations that some readers may find objectionable: BDSM theme and elements (including/not limited to bondage, gagging, tethering), dubious consent, exhibitionism, male/male sexual practices.
Scholar, captain...war prize. Prince Kael of Korai is stunned when his father gives him to an enemy warlord in a desperate attempt to salvage Korai's reputation. With his country's honor at stake, Kael resolves to submit to Warlord Taren's every debauched whim.
But life in Zandria isn't anything like what Kael imagined. Instead of pain and cruelty, Warlord Taren seduces Kael until the bewildered prince craves his Master's every intimate caress. As he sinks into the decadent, sensual life of a concubine, Kael makes a powerful enemy, one who wants him removed from Zandria by any means necessary. Betrayed by his body, trapped by his honor, Kael must learn to trust his Master or get them both killed.
Publisher's Note: This book contains explicit sexual content, graphic language, and situations that some readers may find objectionable: BDSM theme and elements (including/not limited to bondage, gagging, tethering), dubious consent, exhibitionism, male/male sexual practices.
262 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 10, 2010
40 people are currently reading
2183 people want to read
About the author
Jill Knowles
9 books65 followersJill is a former archaeologist turned full-time writer. In her spare time, she makes fine silver jewelry and is learning glass blowing. She lives in Tucson, Arizona, and is owned by far too many cats.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 267 reviews
August 8, 2015
my god in heaven.
(original rating: two stars)
this is a story so stunningly juvenile and silly, i kept wondering if i'd somehow suffered brain trauma without realizing it.
...to match the trauma to my poor cock, y'see, which i have abused mercilessly for days, on account of the insanely sexy smut scenes.
in fact, at one point i found it convenient to simply forego the use of pants altogether, thus permitting easy access to my previously-slicked genitalia at a moment's notice, whenever bothersome tumescence occurred.
it got so bad i took a three-day break because i was simply sick to death of playing with my dick.
but i came back.
i always came back.
so, total story fail—but smexy WIN!
i masturbated twice while writing this review alone.
the shirt i'm wearing is so crispy with protein it would probably shatter if i tried to fold it.
real-talk. i'm exhausted.
***
i think I'm gonna use this review as a fapjournal. i shall call it Onan's Book of Days (working title).
10/04/13 was too lazy to search for porn. settled on this. so good i shot clear across the bed like i'd been edging for three hours instead of the three minutes of combination fapping/skimming it took to find the bit about the purple scales along the vein on the underside of his enormous cock. outstanding. (raised the rating by a star.)
10/14/13 i'm cold. no heat. cats insufficient. bitterly regret taking off my sweats for a proper fap. the scene where he decides sucking a half-demon's dick offers some unexpected satisfaction was almost worth the light cough i now endure. (raised the rating by a star.)
11/4/13 my cough has deepened into what i can only presume is consumption. i stopped wearing clothes altogether—the better to masturbate as needed without cumbersome drawstrings or buttons or zippers in the way. winter came to new york, but still i did not trouble to dress—preferring to lie nude on the floor with a roll of toilet paper and my much-depleted bottle of silicone-based lubricant. i regret nothing. i find it a fitting end to my time on this planet, given the volume of bodily fluids this book has wrung from me. of late it has been on account of a butt-plug with a ruby "the size of an egg" on the end. my last act before i expire is to raise my rating a third and final time: five stars for this life-ending, bejeweled-butt-plug-and-purple-demon-cock-laden erotica.
(original rating: two stars)
this is a story so stunningly juvenile and silly, i kept wondering if i'd somehow suffered brain trauma without realizing it.
...to match the trauma to my poor cock, y'see, which i have abused mercilessly for days, on account of the insanely sexy smut scenes.
in fact, at one point i found it convenient to simply forego the use of pants altogether, thus permitting easy access to my previously-slicked genitalia at a moment's notice, whenever bothersome tumescence occurred.
it got so bad i took a three-day break because i was simply sick to death of playing with my dick.
but i came back.
i always came back.
so, total story fail—but smexy WIN!
i masturbated twice while writing this review alone.
the shirt i'm wearing is so crispy with protein it would probably shatter if i tried to fold it.
real-talk. i'm exhausted.
***
i think I'm gonna use this review as a fapjournal. i shall call it Onan's Book of Days (working title).
10/04/13 was too lazy to search for porn. settled on this. so good i shot clear across the bed like i'd been edging for three hours instead of the three minutes of combination fapping/skimming it took to find the bit about the purple scales along the vein on the underside of his enormous cock. outstanding. (raised the rating by a star.)
10/14/13 i'm cold. no heat. cats insufficient. bitterly regret taking off my sweats for a proper fap. the scene where he decides sucking a half-demon's dick offers some unexpected satisfaction was almost worth the light cough i now endure. (raised the rating by a star.)
11/4/13 my cough has deepened into what i can only presume is consumption. i stopped wearing clothes altogether—the better to masturbate as needed without cumbersome drawstrings or buttons or zippers in the way. winter came to new york, but still i did not trouble to dress—preferring to lie nude on the floor with a roll of toilet paper and my much-depleted bottle of silicone-based lubricant. i regret nothing. i find it a fitting end to my time on this planet, given the volume of bodily fluids this book has wrung from me. of late it has been on account of a butt-plug with a ruby "the size of an egg" on the end. my last act before i expire is to raise my rating a third and final time: five stars for this life-ending, bejeweled-butt-plug-and-purple-demon-cock-laden erotica.
September 2, 2015
Who likes futuristic fantasy M/M involving concubines?
Who likes freaktastic bdsm demon-with-scales sex?
Who thinks this book was quite possibly and most likely utterly and completely ridiculous?
Who doesn't give one single flying FUCK and is rating this shit 5 stars?
This slut right here, that's who.
Who likes freaktastic bdsm demon-with-scales sex?
Who thinks this book was quite possibly and most likely utterly and completely ridiculous?
Who doesn't give one single flying FUCK and is rating this shit 5 stars?
This slut right here, that's who.
August 21, 2025
Now I know what we are all thinking, that cover is absolutely gorgeous. I'm joking. 😂 At least in my opinion I think it’s definitely a bit… odd? Straight up bad. But hey! This is one of those easy fixes where you can just close your eyes (really tightly) while opening the book and ignore the cover completely. Because honestly it does not live up to the story at all.
We are dropped among two countries at war. Korai, where the MC Prince Kael lives and Zandria, where the demons loom. Zandria generally holds more power than Korai and while it suffers beneath the heavy pressure of its constant loss the King gives Kael as a concubine to Warlord Taren on the enemy’s side to try and smooth things over.
Kael at first is completely mortified. He grew up with the lesson that any sexual relationship between males was wrong. And when he is forced to bow down to one, let alone the enemy, he has to throw himself into a different headspace in order to survive. However, to his surprise Taren turns out to be a lot gentler than Kael expected and he steadily starts to enjoy the role he partakes in at his side and in his bed.
Despite losing his freedom Kael feels as though he has gained something else. Another chance to live free from the pressure of the kingdom and his father. He was originally a soldier and he never liked being the cause of so much death. So while grieving his life as a Prince he also feels a certain relief at being able to stop pretending that he enjoyed his work.
Overall, this book was generally what I expected but here are a few things that surprised me. First: the writing, a lot better than I thought it would be, simple with a hint of poetry when needed. Second: the emotional scenes scattered about!? I wasn’t expecting to be so incredibly drawn in by these tender moments between Kael and Taren. Third: the plot, along with the smut you also follow a mystery, since Kael seems to attract some faceless enemies while by Taren’s side and I was honestly shocked by the few twists and turns.
There are some fantasy themes sprinkled in, such as Taren is half demon like most of Zandria, with a body full of sparkling purple scales. And while it seems like these demon inhabited lands should hold more world-building I honestly didn’t mind the lack since the main story follows Kael and Taren’s relationship. It's not really a fantasy.
We are dropped among two countries at war. Korai, where the MC Prince Kael lives and Zandria, where the demons loom. Zandria generally holds more power than Korai and while it suffers beneath the heavy pressure of its constant loss the King gives Kael as a concubine to Warlord Taren on the enemy’s side to try and smooth things over.
Kael at first is completely mortified. He grew up with the lesson that any sexual relationship between males was wrong. And when he is forced to bow down to one, let alone the enemy, he has to throw himself into a different headspace in order to survive. However, to his surprise Taren turns out to be a lot gentler than Kael expected and he steadily starts to enjoy the role he partakes in at his side and in his bed.
Despite losing his freedom Kael feels as though he has gained something else. Another chance to live free from the pressure of the kingdom and his father. He was originally a soldier and he never liked being the cause of so much death. So while grieving his life as a Prince he also feels a certain relief at being able to stop pretending that he enjoyed his work.
Overall, this book was generally what I expected but here are a few things that surprised me. First: the writing, a lot better than I thought it would be, simple with a hint of poetry when needed. Second: the emotional scenes scattered about!? I wasn’t expecting to be so incredibly drawn in by these tender moments between Kael and Taren. Third: the plot, along with the smut you also follow a mystery, since Kael seems to attract some faceless enemies while by Taren’s side and I was honestly shocked by the few twists and turns.
There are some fantasy themes sprinkled in, such as Taren is half demon like most of Zandria, with a body full of sparkling purple scales. And while it seems like these demon inhabited lands should hold more world-building I honestly didn’t mind the lack since the main story follows Kael and Taren’s relationship. It's not really a fantasy.
July 7, 2016
CANDYLAND THUNDERDOME: Baby vs. Cupcake: The Sequel
FIVE HEARTS--I'm that girl over there, playing in the lavender white jizz and glitter. Pay me no mind.
Why haven't I read this already? This seems to be my mantra for 2015. All thanks goes to the glorious Cupcake for booting my ass to this lavender oil scented goodness.
THIS WAS SMUTASTIC! THIS WAS FUCKTACULAR! THIS WAS DEMON PERMA-DICK!
If I close my eyes, I can see rivers of lavender-white, demon cum running at full force.
And I want to swim in it.
If Taren wasn't taken, I swear I'd kick Kael to the side and ride that demon into the sunset.
All these years this book has sat on my Kindle, collecting dust, while I could have been surfing on Taren's purple scaled surfboardt. *dances like Beyonce*
This book has all the things:
* royal turned into slave/concubine
* big guy bottoming! *applauds*
* demons! (one of my FAVORITE paranormal beings)
* kinky toys *coughs*
* a believable GFY
* SMUT for all seasons (and it didn't read repetitive)
* fantasy warriors (yay- that's my shit)
* cross-dressing
* enemies to lovers (also a fave of mine)
* great banter between the main characters (I loved the snark and even the bit of depth)
* possessiveness a.k.a. the almighty "mine" (I never get tired of a well placed "mine")
There is suspense, I guess, but it wasn't in the forefront. Know what is? That would be Taren's ever ready dick!
Prince Kael gets tricked into being his enemy's concubine. Taren, a 3/4 demon warlord eases Kael into his new role of personal whore. Kael struggles to accept his new royal and the betrayal all while falling for his Master and trying not to lose his sense of self.
Kael's struggle with his sexuality while being introduced to his anus?
This story was mostly sex but the story of Kael and Taren? That was pretty hot and sweet too. I liked the secondary characters. I loved that Kael still remained true to his character. Okay, maybe I was slightly iffy on the last scene but why should I care? Kael loves it. What more matters?
This is definitely on my favorites shelf - not just for the fantastic smut. But for the warriors came to love each other.
If you haven't read Concubine and my laundry list looks enticing, jump aboard and read about Taren and Kael. It's a read that I'll remember for days.
Thanks to Cupcake! She knows Baby very well.
FIVE HEARTS--I'm that girl over there, playing in the lavender white jizz and glitter. Pay me no mind.
Why haven't I read this already? This seems to be my mantra for 2015. All thanks goes to the glorious Cupcake for booting my ass to this lavender oil scented goodness.
"This is pleasure, my catamite prince. I can taste my cum in your mouth while yours drizzle from my ass. I'm going to spill inside you soon, and then we'll sleep, and I'll fuck you again tomorrow."
THIS WAS SMUTASTIC! THIS WAS FUCKTACULAR! THIS WAS DEMON PERMA-DICK!
If I close my eyes, I can see rivers of lavender-white, demon cum running at full force.
And I want to swim in it.
If Taren wasn't taken, I swear I'd kick Kael to the side and ride that demon into the sunset.
All these years this book has sat on my Kindle, collecting dust, while I could have been surfing on Taren's purple scaled surfboardt. *dances like Beyonce*
This book has all the things:
* royal turned into slave/concubine
* big guy bottoming! *applauds*
* demons! (one of my FAVORITE paranormal beings)
* kinky toys *coughs*
* a believable GFY
* SMUT for all seasons (and it didn't read repetitive)
* fantasy warriors (yay- that's my shit)
* cross-dressing
* enemies to lovers (also a fave of mine)
* great banter between the main characters (I loved the snark and even the bit of depth)
* possessiveness a.k.a. the almighty "mine" (I never get tired of a well placed "mine")
"You have a gift for designing beautiful accessories, Taren, though why you feel the need to decorate my asshole with gemstones escapes me." "It's my favorite part of you--after your mind." "Charmer."
There is suspense, I guess, but it wasn't in the forefront. Know what is? That would be Taren's ever ready dick!
Prince Kael gets tricked into being his enemy's concubine. Taren, a 3/4 demon warlord eases Kael into his new role of personal whore. Kael struggles to accept his new royal and the betrayal all while falling for his Master and trying not to lose his sense of self.
Kael's struggle with his sexuality while being introduced to his anus?
This story was mostly sex but the story of Kael and Taren? That was pretty hot and sweet too. I liked the secondary characters. I loved that Kael still remained true to his character. Okay, maybe I was slightly iffy on the last scene but why should I care? Kael loves it. What more matters?
"I am ewe to your ram. How can I call myself a man anymore?" "The penis is a dead giveaway."
This is definitely on my favorites shelf - not just for the fantastic smut. But for the warriors came to love each other.
If you haven't read Concubine and my laundry list looks enticing, jump aboard and read about Taren and Kael. It's a read that I'll remember for days.
Thanks to Cupcake! She knows Baby very well.
August 5, 2016
Written February 2, 2014
3.7 Steamy Stars - an erotic kinky slave-fantasy with warmth and a lot of lovely affection
This M/M-saga started very well but I've to admit that I lost my interest a bit towards the end. It became kind of a replay of the just showed replay. It can be to much smex in a smut-romance too. ~ Though anyway - I really enjoyed it. ~ Another good enough romance.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Overall, I still can not help but smile with joy when I think of the royal prince Kael who, as a gift from his father, King Harrrimund of Korai, comes to Warlord Taren in the neighboring, much bigger and powerful kingdom, Zandria.
Taren, with partly demon blood in his veins, is King Grayson's beloved half-brother. A half demon warlord but also a neat man who prefer men. It all start with a quite happy and satisfied Taren who got his beautiful, very proud but of course shocked, new pet and toy - the princeling Kael.
A horrible start for poor prince Kael (..d@mn his weak father) but it soon became better...
Concubin is about h@rny men and it's filled with a lot of sex, talk about sex, thoughts and dreams about sex. There is also kinky (BDSM similar) play ..light, but with accessories. Maybe not really my piece of pie in all parts, but it was easy to like these two MC's and the love felt genuine.
I haven't read that many books (..a few**) in this slave-fantasy-genre, but I still think I can say that Concubine is a very sweet, and in the end a cozy romantic, slave-romance. Nothing to fear here... ~ Moreover prince Kael want pretty soon nothing more than to kneel before his (well-equipped and experienced) owner and Master. ~ This can also be tucked into the genre Gay For You - Quite quickly as well...
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Besides the sex/love story, there is also some nasty envy (from the Concubine Guild) and a malicious murder attempt. The two men's newfound bed-chamber adventure is therefore soon threatened. The mystery part was perhaps not really hugely interesting but it happened a lot of unexpected stuff and events that made me jump high, both now and then.
It's decadent and sparkly. The warlord is nifty and hot with purple-black hair, scorching violet eyes and a demanding tongue. The slave-prince becomes so beautifully decorated, adorned and pampered. It is a shimmer of glittering purple and gold diamond dust. ~ Irresistible!
Okay, but did i like it?
Yes, absolutely, it's a enjoyable tale. Concubine is almost erotica in most parts. ~ "A wet dream" would probably not be an entirely wrong epithet. ~ Maybe not a M/M reading to be taken too seriously. This is fantacy and it is both too much, too melodramatic and too unbelievable sometimes. But still it was a fun read. I loved the tender romantic love. Kael & Taren together is a memorable lovely couple, I really cared about them. - And if I care - I like!!
I LIKE - erotic purple dream world with sucking allure
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
** ...but I've read a few
3.7 Steamy Stars - an erotic kinky slave-fantasy with warmth and a lot of lovely affection
“We most humbly offer our youngest son as concubine to you Warlord Taren as a gesture of faith in the new peace treaty.”
This M/M-saga started very well but I've to admit that I lost my interest a bit towards the end. It became kind of a replay of the just showed replay. It can be to much smex in a smut-romance too. ~ Though anyway - I really enjoyed it. ~ Another good enough romance.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Overall, I still can not help but smile with joy when I think of the royal prince Kael who, as a gift from his father, King Harrrimund of Korai, comes to Warlord Taren in the neighboring, much bigger and powerful kingdom, Zandria.
Taren, with partly demon blood in his veins, is King Grayson's beloved half-brother. A half demon warlord but also a neat man who prefer men. It all start with a quite happy and satisfied Taren who got his beautiful, very proud but of course shocked, new pet and toy - the princeling Kael.
“Plesaure me.”
Kael stared at the warlord in disbelief.’
A horrible start for poor prince Kael (..d@mn his weak father) but it soon became better...
“You belong to me. I will do as I wish with your body.”
Concubin is about h@rny men and it's filled with a lot of sex, talk about sex, thoughts and dreams about sex. There is also kinky (BDSM similar) play ..light, but with accessories. Maybe not really my piece of pie in all parts, but it was easy to like these two MC's and the love felt genuine.
I haven't read that many books (..a few**) in this slave-fantasy-genre, but I still think I can say that Concubine is a very sweet, and in the end a cozy romantic, slave-romance. Nothing to fear here... ~ Moreover prince Kael want pretty soon nothing more than to kneel before his (well-equipped and experienced) owner and Master. ~ This can also be tucked into the genre Gay For You - Quite quickly as well...
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Besides the sex/love story, there is also some nasty envy (from the Concubine Guild) and a malicious murder attempt. The two men's newfound bed-chamber adventure is therefore soon threatened. The mystery part was perhaps not really hugely interesting but it happened a lot of unexpected stuff and events that made me jump high, both now and then.
“Claim me, my concubine,” Taren whispered, his violet eyes glittering with emotion.
“Mine,” Kael said, ...’
It's decadent and sparkly. The warlord is nifty and hot with purple-black hair, scorching violet eyes and a demanding tongue. The slave-prince becomes so beautifully decorated, adorned and pampered. It is a shimmer of glittering purple and gold diamond dust. ~ Irresistible!
‘A hundred spider silk-fine gold chains dangled from the plug, each one with a sparkling diamond chip at the end. Kael moved his hips, making the chains sway.’
Okay, but did i like it?
Yes, absolutely, it's a enjoyable tale. Concubine is almost erotica in most parts. ~ "A wet dream" would probably not be an entirely wrong epithet. ~ Maybe not a M/M reading to be taken too seriously. This is fantacy and it is both too much, too melodramatic and too unbelievable sometimes. But still it was a fun read. I loved the tender romantic love. Kael & Taren together is a memorable lovely couple, I really cared about them. - And if I care - I like!!
I LIKE - erotic purple dream world with sucking allure
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
** ...but I've read a few
January 18, 2012
Very enjoyable. Not dub-con at all: Kael and Taren find twue wuv and Kael finds happiness and ultimate sexual fulfillment in submission. The story is about who in the palace wants to get rid of Kael, and this plot is served up in teeny slices in between copious amounts of sex involving lavender oil, glass dildos, ring gags, restraints, and a three-quarters-demon cock.
The writing was competent overall, even if some of the smex got a bit purple. A few details dragged me out of the world of the story e.g. in a pre-industrial feudal society, skin-tight velvet is not a sexy fabric. It has absolutely no give in it, and without some elastane/lycra in there it will be complete hell to wear. Make that double-face velvet (pile on both sides) and not only will you feel like you're wearing an inch-thick furry fetish-suit, but you will be unable to sit down or get up with ease because the fabric is so bulky (especially sit down on a cushion on the floor!) Here's one occasion where fewer details would have made a better story.
No violence, so good if you like a very soft-BDSM love story.
The writing was competent overall, even if some of the smex got a bit purple. A few details dragged me out of the world of the story e.g. in a pre-industrial feudal society, skin-tight velvet is not a sexy fabric. It has absolutely no give in it, and without some elastane/lycra in there it will be complete hell to wear. Make that double-face velvet (pile on both sides) and not only will you feel like you're wearing an inch-thick furry fetish-suit, but you will be unable to sit down or get up with ease because the fabric is so bulky (especially sit down on a cushion on the floor!) Here's one occasion where fewer details would have made a better story.
No violence, so good if you like a very soft-BDSM love story.
February 8, 2017
DAMN! I WANNA MAKE OUT WITH THIS BOOK!
Hot Concubine is hot.
I've always loved the word concubine. It's so sexy, reminiscent of bondage with the whole 'bine'-ness.
*purrs*
Concubine is a lot like Captive Prince except Taren is three quarters demon with purple scales and kinky. Ok so, it's not really like Captive Prince.
Where the hell is Captive Prince 3????
Cupcake needs.
Anyhoo…
*sigh*
Kael is given to Taren by his father as a peace offering. Once he gets to Zandria it's a kinkfest tailor made for Cupcake!!!
Complete with:
✸ Collars, leashes AND calling him 'pet'
✸ Feeding while kneeling at the master's feet
✸ Piercing
✸ AMBER BUTT PLUGS!!! Amber butt plugs? Yes. I have a thing for amber. Don't judge. Plus, the other butt plugs are BEDAZZLED!!!!! *squeee*
✸ Exhibitionism
✸ Growling
✸ Mine-ing
✸ Cross-dressing
And the pièce de résistance…
*growls*
Sweet Cheezus in his Golden fleece diaper!!!!
Who could ask for anything more?
Well, I couldn't but I'm sure others could.
On top of that poo poo platter of kink, is oodles of sex, a purple demon monster cock with a perm-a-boner that shoots raspberry flavored lavender jizz!!!
I know, right?!?!?
There's even a wisp of a story!
Mostly it's some KRAZY HOT TOTALLY FAPWORTHY DELICIOUSLY KINKY SEX!
"Someday soon, I'll have you join me here. You can kneel at my feet as I work and when I feel the need for a break, you can suck me off. Then, at the end of the day, I'll bend you over the desk and fuck your delicious ass."
Bonus that I liked both these characters and that Kael didn't lose himself and become a mindless fucktoy for Taren. A solid 4.5 Kinktastic Smuterific Stars from me. Rounded up.
◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆
On a personal note this is my 500th review here on GR!!!
This calls for a celebration!
Closer and Thank you.
DING DING DING! WINNER, WINNER CHICKEN DINNER!
As an aside, Baby, it's CANDYLAND THUNDERDOME time.
The sequel.
Yes indeedy.
Read
May 1, 2021DNF
I just can't 😭🤣😭🤣
This book was just too absurd to handle 👀🙈😆🤣
I just can't 😭🤣😭🤣
This book was just too absurd to handle 👀🙈😆🤣
August 11, 2010
4.5 on this one.
Red Hot! The contents of this book makes your blood boil, your skin prickle and your desire flow, it’s completely an erotic tale in the BDSM genre from the heat of the scenes that take place. There’s a sneaky plot that even develops within the story that eventually unfolds. You might not want to miss experiencing this appetizing and tasty morsel of a read. Also, I wouldn’t say that this book is first person because it’s written in third, but it could surpass as one since it all generally is told by one character’s POV only.
For a half-demon which is pointed out to us repeatedly and a warlord, Taren is surprisingly caring and patient in taking his time with prepping Kael to be his concubine after Kael is given to the warlord by his father and the feeling of betrayal is great. Kael has never been with a man so he’s virginal in every way in pleasing another of his same sex. Taren takes Kael to the heights of pleasure in masterful ways of seducing Kale, feeding into Kael’s feelings of doubts, betrayal and deception only to have them replaced with mind numbing pleasures, which lead to admiration, companionship and even trust between them as Kael settles gradually into the acceptance of his submissive role.
Apart from the over excessive use of a few words repeatedly the story is finely tuned, verbally well written, masterfully done and I would recommend this one to the BDSM lovers who like these types of genre but with a lighthearted touch to it. You won’t find brutality or pain or mistreatment in the erotic acts other than what should be rightfully painful along with just the control of a master’s erotic touch and the submissive surrender. As the reader, I was completely swept up and swallowed up into their world of eroticism, bondage, and play and had no problems connecting with both characters. Kael’s reactions, nicely detailed took me there and Taren’s soft spoken words kept me enthralled, it penetrated my senses and left me so deeply seated into this book that I was left with wanting more.
Red Hot! The contents of this book makes your blood boil, your skin prickle and your desire flow, it’s completely an erotic tale in the BDSM genre from the heat of the scenes that take place. There’s a sneaky plot that even develops within the story that eventually unfolds. You might not want to miss experiencing this appetizing and tasty morsel of a read. Also, I wouldn’t say that this book is first person because it’s written in third, but it could surpass as one since it all generally is told by one character’s POV only.
For a half-demon which is pointed out to us repeatedly and a warlord, Taren is surprisingly caring and patient in taking his time with prepping Kael to be his concubine after Kael is given to the warlord by his father and the feeling of betrayal is great. Kael has never been with a man so he’s virginal in every way in pleasing another of his same sex. Taren takes Kael to the heights of pleasure in masterful ways of seducing Kale, feeding into Kael’s feelings of doubts, betrayal and deception only to have them replaced with mind numbing pleasures, which lead to admiration, companionship and even trust between them as Kael settles gradually into the acceptance of his submissive role.
Apart from the over excessive use of a few words repeatedly the story is finely tuned, verbally well written, masterfully done and I would recommend this one to the BDSM lovers who like these types of genre but with a lighthearted touch to it. You won’t find brutality or pain or mistreatment in the erotic acts other than what should be rightfully painful along with just the control of a master’s erotic touch and the submissive surrender. As the reader, I was completely swept up and swallowed up into their world of eroticism, bondage, and play and had no problems connecting with both characters. Kael’s reactions, nicely detailed took me there and Taren’s soft spoken words kept me enthralled, it penetrated my senses and left me so deeply seated into this book that I was left with wanting more.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 12, 2013
If i were rating this book solely on enjoyment, i'd give it five stars because it's hot enough to make me blush days after reading it. I mean, crazy-hot.
But hey, there were words in it so... I had some problems with the voice. Lots and lots of epithets. Lots of juvenile phrasing. Just not really strong writing.
The plot is a silly structure used to display the crazy-hot sex. And that's fine. Sometimes, that's all i want to read. Something silly with lots of crazy-hot sex.
So there you have it: recommended for the sheer, delustful bawdiness. Don't even try to take it seriously. Have fun.
But hey, there were words in it so... I had some problems with the voice. Lots and lots of epithets. Lots of juvenile phrasing. Just not really strong writing.
The plot is a silly structure used to display the crazy-hot sex. And that's fine. Sometimes, that's all i want to read. Something silly with lots of crazy-hot sex.
So there you have it: recommended for the sheer, delustful bawdiness. Don't even try to take it seriously. Have fun.
February 2, 2017
Some stuff happened and a prince became a concubine to an alien or a demon or some such thing.
After a few days of some uncomfortable humiliation tactics our prince really gets into his role as a submissive to a warlord and well I have no idea what the plot does after that, I just know that lots and lots of smut followed. Twas great.
PWP.
I'd like to blame Julio but I won't because...
May 9, 2018
3.4 Stars
Rating this one was hard for me. On the one hand I loved Kael's character growth, how he found strength in submission (as coached by Taren) and how he had to struggle to overcome even the internalized prejudices about his new status. And I really liked how this wasn't a typical "forced" claiming as I'm sort of used to running across in the genre; while I probably never mentioned such in a review I know I've frequently (mentally) lamented how much easier and even more sadistic/mind-f*cky it would be to seduce a captive, tempt the protagonist into capitulation (and play their body against them) than it would be to go through all the non-con scenes and have the new property fight their fate every step of the way.
Kinda like the old honey vs. vinegar argument...only on a more demented level. Because it would still be non/dub con but on a cerebral level. (Thinky smart "bad guys" are HOT.)
And that's what this book does well. With some hot AF scenes.
BUT...
I feel like all we got was Kael's story. With no POV from Taren I still have only a vague handle on who he was (other than a half-demon warlord half-brother to the King).
The reasoning for the war in the first place was just...you know I had a vague suspicion it had to do with their superstitions but OMFG that is some seriously f*cked up warmongering right there. It's not like the, oh I don't know, KING OF KORAI couldn't work to change the law (or just do it, because King)? That they had to resort to whoring out his son to forge this secret alliance and in the process were responsible for thousands of their own people dying? Shit, just have the balls to admit that to Kael if nothing else; let him know that he's the lynch pin in a MUCH bigger deal. Given the characterization we see I don't think that knowledge (or even realizing he sort of had to entice Taren into keeping him, caring for him, etc.) would have made it any easier to accept.
The Guild plots and schemes were just a little too OTT and inept. Would have worked better if those whores (literally) had teamed up with other nobles or maybe a rival nation because just having some of the police and a castle steward on their side seemed feeble. Like, how did they not see they'd fail in the long run if the people they derived their power from were bored of them? Better to have a completely new power base to build from...
And while I loved the characters from the dress shop I just felt like that whole last chapter was a bit unnecessary. We knew Kael'd accepted and embraced his fate, loved his position and Taren and stopped (for the most part) being embarrassed by the clothing and ass-jewelry he was made to wear. Such a public spectacle felt like a cheap stunt rather than the empowering scene I think it was supposed to represent.
Finally: OMFG can we please STAAHP with "the other man" "the smaller man" "the half-demon" "the warlord" overuse? I swear, in one scene it felt like there were 8 people in that bed considering the number of those pronoun/name replacements used. Just use "Kael" or "Taren" FFS...even if you have to repeat it a couple of times. (Or, you know, structure the paragraph/section so that it's not necessary by making longer, more descriptive compound sentences.)
Still...as a whole the book was better than I expected it to be. I have issues with reading books that were published so long ago; half the time I think I'd have loved them back then and I feel alternately guilty for not getting around to them sooner and glad that maybe my tastes have changed and/or my expectations have matured. IDK...
I do wish we learned why Taren's spunk was Raspberry flavor...I think that's a secret a lot of us would like to know. For...uh...reasons.
Rating this one was hard for me. On the one hand I loved Kael's character growth, how he found strength in submission (as coached by Taren) and how he had to struggle to overcome even the internalized prejudices about his new status. And I really liked how this wasn't a typical "forced" claiming as I'm sort of used to running across in the genre; while I probably never mentioned such in a review I know I've frequently (mentally) lamented how much easier and even more sadistic/mind-f*cky it would be to seduce a captive, tempt the protagonist into capitulation (and play their body against them) than it would be to go through all the non-con scenes and have the new property fight their fate every step of the way.
Kinda like the old honey vs. vinegar argument...only on a more demented level. Because it would still be non/dub con but on a cerebral level. (Thinky smart "bad guys" are HOT.)
And that's what this book does well. With some hot AF scenes.
BUT...
I feel like all we got was Kael's story. With no POV from Taren I still have only a vague handle on who he was (other than a half-demon warlord half-brother to the King).
The reasoning for the war in the first place was just...you know I had a vague suspicion it had to do with their superstitions but OMFG that is some seriously f*cked up warmongering right there. It's not like the, oh I don't know, KING OF KORAI couldn't work to change the law (or just do it, because King)? That they had to resort to whoring out his son to forge this secret alliance and in the process were responsible for thousands of their own people dying? Shit, just have the balls to admit that to Kael if nothing else; let him know that he's the lynch pin in a MUCH bigger deal. Given the characterization we see I don't think that knowledge (or even realizing he sort of had to entice Taren into keeping him, caring for him, etc.) would have made it any easier to accept.
The Guild plots and schemes were just a little too OTT and inept. Would have worked better if those whores (literally) had teamed up with other nobles or maybe a rival nation because just having some of the police and a castle steward on their side seemed feeble. Like, how did they not see they'd fail in the long run if the people they derived their power from were bored of them? Better to have a completely new power base to build from...
And while I loved the characters from the dress shop I just felt like that whole last chapter was a bit unnecessary. We knew Kael'd accepted and embraced his fate, loved his position and Taren and stopped (for the most part) being embarrassed by the clothing and ass-jewelry he was made to wear. Such a public spectacle felt like a cheap stunt rather than the empowering scene I think it was supposed to represent.
Finally: OMFG can we please STAAHP with "the other man" "the smaller man" "the half-demon" "the warlord" overuse? I swear, in one scene it felt like there were 8 people in that bed considering the number of those pronoun/name replacements used. Just use "Kael" or "Taren" FFS...even if you have to repeat it a couple of times. (Or, you know, structure the paragraph/section so that it's not necessary by making longer, more descriptive compound sentences.)
Still...as a whole the book was better than I expected it to be. I have issues with reading books that were published so long ago; half the time I think I'd have loved them back then and I feel alternately guilty for not getting around to them sooner and glad that maybe my tastes have changed and/or my expectations have matured. IDK...
I do wish we learned why Taren's spunk was Raspberry flavor...I think that's a secret a lot of us would like to know. For...uh...reasons.
November 27, 2024
I'm giving it 5 stars because even with the questionable cover, the usage of the word anus and the repetition of "sweet spot", the weird pace and a few more issues, I see that Jill Knowles walked so our favourite smut authors could run. It's got a super kinky D/s dynamic, with a pleasure Dom demon warlord. And ofc, court intrigues after all the fvcking. And during. And after. So yeah, 10/10 would recommend.
March 26, 2011
4.5 stars
In this fantasy story, Kael is a scholar and army leader in his country. They are at war against a neighboring country who are half-demons and have decimated Kael's army. At the formal cessation talks, Kael is stunned to find that his father has gifted him to the warlord, Taren, as his concubine. Kael's country does not condone gay relationships, and he is shocked to say the least that his father would betray him this way. However, he knows if he doesn't do his duty, more people will die and he can't have that, so he is determined to take it. He is surprised by Taren's world. It is much more advanced than his own, running water, beautiful buildings, delicious foods and Taren is very kind to him and to be honest, Kael's always been a teeny bit curious about gay sex. Taren's culture is VERY open sexually and he's into BDSM, Kael is his concubine and he decks him out in fancy jewelled butt plugs, revealing clothes and the half-demons think nothing have having a little sex with their coffee after dinner in the salon with everyone else. I really liked this story and how Kael dealt with his new position. He was determined to accept it for his people but he also had to accept that maybe he liked it, and Taren. He spent a lot of time working out the whole thing in his head as Taren pushed him sexually, but was always kind. The second half of the book gets into political intrigue as the concubine guild try to attack Kael and they have to figure out who is behind the attacks. While I don't mind political intrigue plots, I really thought the strength in this book was Taren and Kael working out their relationship, Kael accepting his role and Taren working to slowly bring an untrained concubine to his full potential and get him to believe that it didn't make him less of a man. The second half was less that and to me less gripping. However, Taren's spunk tastes like raspberries. Bonus! I would recommend this one and it was one of my fave reads in the past while.
In this fantasy story, Kael is a scholar and army leader in his country. They are at war against a neighboring country who are half-demons and have decimated Kael's army. At the formal cessation talks, Kael is stunned to find that his father has gifted him to the warlord, Taren, as his concubine. Kael's country does not condone gay relationships, and he is shocked to say the least that his father would betray him this way. However, he knows if he doesn't do his duty, more people will die and he can't have that, so he is determined to take it. He is surprised by Taren's world. It is much more advanced than his own, running water, beautiful buildings, delicious foods and Taren is very kind to him and to be honest, Kael's always been a teeny bit curious about gay sex. Taren's culture is VERY open sexually and he's into BDSM, Kael is his concubine and he decks him out in fancy jewelled butt plugs, revealing clothes and the half-demons think nothing have having a little sex with their coffee after dinner in the salon with everyone else. I really liked this story and how Kael dealt with his new position. He was determined to accept it for his people but he also had to accept that maybe he liked it, and Taren. He spent a lot of time working out the whole thing in his head as Taren pushed him sexually, but was always kind. The second half of the book gets into political intrigue as the concubine guild try to attack Kael and they have to figure out who is behind the attacks. While I don't mind political intrigue plots, I really thought the strength in this book was Taren and Kael working out their relationship, Kael accepting his role and Taren working to slowly bring an untrained concubine to his full potential and get him to believe that it didn't make him less of a man. The second half was less that and to me less gripping. However, Taren's spunk tastes like raspberries. Bonus! I would recommend this one and it was one of my fave reads in the past while.
October 24, 2013
2.5 Stars
I...don't...quite...know...what...to...say. I ... I ... Hmmm.
First, let's start with the positive: interesting premise. Loads of hawt sex. Too much, unfortunately, IMHO. The book was basically a BIG (and scaley) ASS sexcapade. The BDSM element was pronounced. The political intrigue was too simplistic. Political intrigue is supposed to be, well, intriguing. It requires a lot of character development. It's all about nuances, subtleties, and suspense because it's the epitome of show, don't tell. The plot thickens and the characters are robust and it's edge-of-your-seat stuff. Here, the political intrigue was thinly veiled and one-dimensional. Jill Knowles had the basis for some interesting on-up-manship but it was underdeveloped.
Lastly, what was with the jeweled butt plugs with swishy, golden chains for a "tail?" Ummmm ... no.
Bottom line: One big demonic sex romp.
I...don't...quite...know...what...to...say. I ... I ... Hmmm.
First, let's start with the positive: interesting premise. Loads of hawt sex. Too much, unfortunately, IMHO. The book was basically a BIG (and scaley) ASS sexcapade. The BDSM element was pronounced. The political intrigue was too simplistic. Political intrigue is supposed to be, well, intriguing. It requires a lot of character development. It's all about nuances, subtleties, and suspense because it's the epitome of show, don't tell. The plot thickens and the characters are robust and it's edge-of-your-seat stuff. Here, the political intrigue was thinly veiled and one-dimensional. Jill Knowles had the basis for some interesting on-up-manship but it was underdeveloped.
Lastly, what was with the jeweled butt plugs with swishy, golden chains for a "tail?" Ummmm ... no.
Bottom line: One big demonic sex romp.
January 17, 2011
Wow, simply fantastic and thoroughly entertaining. This is a book to grab when you need to be taken away from reality. Now I fear every book I read in this genre will pale in comparison.
My full review was written for a newsletter and I can't repost it, but it has been archived on the website HERE if you want to torture yourself with more of my gushing.
My full review was written for a newsletter and I can't repost it, but it has been archived on the website HERE if you want to torture yourself with more of my gushing.
August 20, 2011
^^LOVE ME SOME PURPLE!^^
More of my reviews and thoughts on my blog PANTS OFF REVIEWS
Concubine was just pure awesome, I am in all kinds of love with the world the author created. Although, Taren influenced my liking that sexy purple demon who makes me want to burn all my pants. It was incredibly sexy, sweet, and downright sinful. Concubine is so much more than its cover.
We meet Prince Kael, respected and loved by his people and captain of their army. His life is good, but he hates the fighting and wishes it to end, because the death of his people could have been avoided if only his father had listened. Fighting a war with the demons will eventually lead to their demise, cus they fight like the devil himself. So when his country is about to lose it all, what does his father do (the king)? Gives him up as a war prize, to be concubine to warlord Taren. Did his father miss the part where he was a guy and a fecking Prince!
So being the honour bound guy that Kael is, he decides to submit to Taren for the good of his people. Where he thought the demon would have just bent him over the closest surface. Taren begins a slow seduction and teaches Kael about his world. Leaving the prince confused and angry, because he has always been attracted to women but Taren is bringing out some serious feelings. Plus, all the bondage play is turning Kael on something fierce leading him to call himself some hateful names.
Through it all it quite apparent that they care for each other. In the beginning the relationship might have been one of his master and slave, but I felt that somehow they evolved to something more. On the surface, it looks like Taren is in charge, but if you look closely Kael holds the card. Because Taren would be beastly without him.
I loved Taren; purple is my new fave color. Let me tell you cum has never been particular attractive to me, but somehow a lavender color most definitely kicks it up a notch. It reminds me of sunshine and rainbows *winks*. I also loved the scales, jeez its like keep me away from the fishes, because scales is the new sexy. I guess I could talk about Taren's height, but whom the fuck cares; the man is sex on legs. I equally am a little obsessed with Kael call me a character slut.
More of my reviews and thoughts on my blog PANTS OFF REVIEWS
Concubine was just pure awesome, I am in all kinds of love with the world the author created. Although, Taren influenced my liking that sexy purple demon who makes me want to burn all my pants. It was incredibly sexy, sweet, and downright sinful. Concubine is so much more than its cover.
We meet Prince Kael, respected and loved by his people and captain of their army. His life is good, but he hates the fighting and wishes it to end, because the death of his people could have been avoided if only his father had listened. Fighting a war with the demons will eventually lead to their demise, cus they fight like the devil himself. So when his country is about to lose it all, what does his father do (the king)? Gives him up as a war prize, to be concubine to warlord Taren. Did his father miss the part where he was a guy and a fecking Prince!
So being the honour bound guy that Kael is, he decides to submit to Taren for the good of his people. Where he thought the demon would have just bent him over the closest surface. Taren begins a slow seduction and teaches Kael about his world. Leaving the prince confused and angry, because he has always been attracted to women but Taren is bringing out some serious feelings. Plus, all the bondage play is turning Kael on something fierce leading him to call himself some hateful names.
Through it all it quite apparent that they care for each other. In the beginning the relationship might have been one of his master and slave, but I felt that somehow they evolved to something more. On the surface, it looks like Taren is in charge, but if you look closely Kael holds the card. Because Taren would be beastly without him.
I loved Taren; purple is my new fave color. Let me tell you cum has never been particular attractive to me, but somehow a lavender color most definitely kicks it up a notch. It reminds me of sunshine and rainbows *winks*. I also loved the scales, jeez its like keep me away from the fishes, because scales is the new sexy. I guess I could talk about Taren's height, but whom the fuck cares; the man is sex on legs. I equally am a little obsessed with Kael call me a character slut.
October 13, 2013
Fabulously filthy and stupendously silly, I enjoyed every wicked moment. Not suitable for prudes or those with literary pretensions. Four well deserved smutty stars.
October 14, 2019
Reread- October 2019 - First reread of this and it was interesting... I can't say I have ever read an insta-love slave fic, but this book goes there and actually pulls it off. I found this book very fluffy this time round, I know I've desensitised myself to dark stories over the years, but this really was the fluffiest dub-con ever.
Still delicious and very fun and easy to read.
Review
I LOVED this story!! It was sexy as fuck. Definitly dub-con, but very very sweet. Taren was strong and oh so deliciously dominant, he was also patient and understanding and smitten with Kael.
The slave aspect was well done, like I said definitly dub-con not non-con, so I reckon it's a good place to start if your wanting to dip your toe into some slave fic.
This book had heaps more kinks than i was expecting and I LOVED all of them! Mm... all the 'Master' and 'pet' talk, I just loved it, as you can probably guess right about now :-P will definitly re read!!! LOVED IT!!
Still delicious and very fun and easy to read.
Review
I LOVED this story!! It was sexy as fuck. Definitly dub-con, but very very sweet. Taren was strong and oh so deliciously dominant, he was also patient and understanding and smitten with Kael.
The slave aspect was well done, like I said definitly dub-con not non-con, so I reckon it's a good place to start if your wanting to dip your toe into some slave fic.
This book had heaps more kinks than i was expecting and I LOVED all of them! Mm... all the 'Master' and 'pet' talk, I just loved it, as you can probably guess right about now :-P will definitly re read!!! LOVED IT!!
Read
January 5, 2011In a fantasy world where being a concubine is not the best expectation for your future, but it’s not even a dishonorable end, Kael, youngest son of the prince of Korai, is given as a pawn to the brother of the King of Zandria, the warlord Taren.
Now if you expect the usual Master and slave story, with Kael being a little and pretty man and Taren the strong and rude warrior who will master him, then you are prime for a surprise. The first description you have of Taren is “The warlord was half a hand span below average in height and lacked the heavy muscles of a man used to swinging a broadsword”, so not exactly an intimidating character; moreover later in the novel the reader will receive other details that will help him to imagine Taren as the pretty man you were expecting to be Kael.
And Kael? He is the captain of the roya guard, he is skilled with the sword and an expert in tactics, but sincerely, from here and there, I had of him an idea of a man who was not happy with his role, who would have preferred to be a scholar, to work more with his mind than his body, and above all, he seemed to me a bit too much fussy; indead he was perfect for the role of a princeling, because it was clear that he was used to be served, even if he had a coscience that sometime made him wonder if it was right for him to be so privileged. But the thought was passing and soon forgotten.
Another point that allowed Kael to be able to adapt to the turn from warrior to concubine, is that he had already had gay “curiosity”; in the society in where Kael was living, homosexuality is not illegal but neither fully accepted, gay men are still ostracized even if they were not forbidden to follow their feelings. But for a princeling, for a warrior, it was not allowed, he has responsibilities and duties; responsabilities and duties that his father conveniently forgets when he decides to “gift” Kael as a concubine to a man, well knowing his fate.
In a way I think Kael was grateful for the escape he was given: he can now fully explore man to man sex with the solace that he is “obliged” that is not really his choice; more he is doing the “honorable” thing, obeying his father’s command. It was quite funny when they tried to “rescue” him, and he was like “let me go, let me go, I have to sacrifice myself… having satisfying sex with my captor!”
And with that I introduced the sex factor: the story is very much centered on the debauching of Kael (that as I said is not so much against the idea); more than a warrior society, Kael seems to have moved in a free sex community; no one is questioning his role as concubine, the only problem they have, apparently, is that he is enjoying too much being one, and in his enthusiasm, he is making look bad the real “professionals” of the concubine guild.
Concubine is more light than what I was expecting, as usual I have always the feeling that the fantasy setting has to be for an “heavy” story, but this is not the case.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00466H36I/?...
Now if you expect the usual Master and slave story, with Kael being a little and pretty man and Taren the strong and rude warrior who will master him, then you are prime for a surprise. The first description you have of Taren is “The warlord was half a hand span below average in height and lacked the heavy muscles of a man used to swinging a broadsword”, so not exactly an intimidating character; moreover later in the novel the reader will receive other details that will help him to imagine Taren as the pretty man you were expecting to be Kael.
And Kael? He is the captain of the roya guard, he is skilled with the sword and an expert in tactics, but sincerely, from here and there, I had of him an idea of a man who was not happy with his role, who would have preferred to be a scholar, to work more with his mind than his body, and above all, he seemed to me a bit too much fussy; indead he was perfect for the role of a princeling, because it was clear that he was used to be served, even if he had a coscience that sometime made him wonder if it was right for him to be so privileged. But the thought was passing and soon forgotten.
Another point that allowed Kael to be able to adapt to the turn from warrior to concubine, is that he had already had gay “curiosity”; in the society in where Kael was living, homosexuality is not illegal but neither fully accepted, gay men are still ostracized even if they were not forbidden to follow their feelings. But for a princeling, for a warrior, it was not allowed, he has responsibilities and duties; responsabilities and duties that his father conveniently forgets when he decides to “gift” Kael as a concubine to a man, well knowing his fate.
In a way I think Kael was grateful for the escape he was given: he can now fully explore man to man sex with the solace that he is “obliged” that is not really his choice; more he is doing the “honorable” thing, obeying his father’s command. It was quite funny when they tried to “rescue” him, and he was like “let me go, let me go, I have to sacrifice myself… having satisfying sex with my captor!”
And with that I introduced the sex factor: the story is very much centered on the debauching of Kael (that as I said is not so much against the idea); more than a warrior society, Kael seems to have moved in a free sex community; no one is questioning his role as concubine, the only problem they have, apparently, is that he is enjoying too much being one, and in his enthusiasm, he is making look bad the real “professionals” of the concubine guild.
Concubine is more light than what I was expecting, as usual I have always the feeling that the fantasy setting has to be for an “heavy” story, but this is not the case.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00466H36I/?...
October 16, 2013
Very...satisfying ;)
*hat tip to Julio*
*hat tip to Julio*
October 23, 2016
I enjoyed this book much more than I thought I would. I even loved parts of it. But my difficulty with TPE overcame me by the last fourth of the book.
Some things I liked:
Almost not sexist! There was a female second in command of the military. Concubines are both men and women. The monarchy heads were all men, though.
The things the slave felt in the beginning were natural and real.
The book made me think. At once point the slave calls himself some nasty things and the master asks why those things are bad. I had to think about it myself. I came up with reasons for a couple of them, but not all.
Some of the scenes were quite drool-worthy.
Aside from the genre plot (meaning, the plot with the slave accepting being mastered), the plot wasn't predictable and it was interesting. The mystery was pretty good, too.
The world building was excellent, the societies well formed.
The pace was great and kept me reading, even when I was annoyed.
The book was well written.
The characters were interesting and not cookie-cutters.
Some things I didn't like:
One of the MCs was frequently referred to as "the smaller man" even mid sex scene, which just yanks me right out of it. We're supposed to be in the head of the person whose POV it is. Who thinks of their lover as "the smaller man"? (And oddly, the cover has "the smaller man" as the bigger one.)
A character uses the expression "gah" which I think of as rather modern, and very recently so, slang. It jerked me right out of the story. There are other words that would have worked better and not sounded anachronistic. Even "ack" is older.
WAY too much sex.
This bugged the hell out of me:
I really and truly hate the word "pussy." It's so tacky. I have never heard any of my friends (which includes a lot of lesbians) use that word and we talk about sex a lot. I think they would use "cunt" before it. I hate that word, too, but it's better than "pussy."
But the big thing was how the slave accepted the TPE and it bugged me a lot. Kelly's rant about slavery not being consensual TPE: Only read if you aren't offended by someone's dissing TPE and especially dissing master/slave relationship where it's legally a true master/slave relationship.
I never quite really bought Kael's turnaround to willing submissive slave. I mean, some of it, yeah, but the part not so much.
If I remove myself from the equation, I'd say this is a solid 4.5-5 point book. But I have to put in my feelings about the TPE stuff because it's my review about how I liked it and I really didn't like that. So I'm knocking it down a star. Still, four stars from me for a master slave book is high praise indeed.
Some things I liked:
Almost not sexist! There was a female second in command of the military. Concubines are both men and women. The monarchy heads were all men, though.
The things the slave felt in the beginning were natural and real.
The book made me think. At once point the slave calls himself some nasty things and the master asks why those things are bad. I had to think about it myself. I came up with reasons for a couple of them, but not all.
Some of the scenes were quite drool-worthy.
Aside from the genre plot (meaning, the plot with the slave accepting being mastered), the plot wasn't predictable and it was interesting. The mystery was pretty good, too.
The world building was excellent, the societies well formed.
The pace was great and kept me reading, even when I was annoyed.
The book was well written.
The characters were interesting and not cookie-cutters.
Some things I didn't like:
One of the MCs was frequently referred to as "the smaller man" even mid sex scene, which just yanks me right out of it. We're supposed to be in the head of the person whose POV it is. Who thinks of their lover as "the smaller man"? (And oddly, the cover has "the smaller man" as the bigger one.)
A character uses the expression "gah" which I think of as rather modern, and very recently so, slang. It jerked me right out of the story. There are other words that would have worked better and not sounded anachronistic. Even "ack" is older.
WAY too much sex.
This bugged the hell out of me:
The proprietress, a matronly gray-haired woman who still bore traces of the beauty she'd had when younger...So she's older and therefore no longer beautiful?
I really and truly hate the word "pussy." It's so tacky. I have never heard any of my friends (which includes a lot of lesbians) use that word and we talk about sex a lot. I think they would use "cunt" before it. I hate that word, too, but it's better than "pussy."
But the big thing was how the slave accepted the TPE and it bugged me a lot. Kelly's rant about slavery not being consensual TPE: Only read if you aren't offended by someone's dissing TPE and especially dissing master/slave relationship where it's legally a true master/slave relationship.
I never quite really bought Kael's turnaround to willing submissive slave. I mean, some of it, yeah, but the part not so much.
If I remove myself from the equation, I'd say this is a solid 4.5-5 point book. But I have to put in my feelings about the TPE stuff because it's my review about how I liked it and I really didn't like that. So I'm knocking it down a star. Still, four stars from me for a master slave book is high praise indeed.
March 14, 2017
The war between the small country of Korai and the decadent, demon-tainted Zandria ends in a painful alliance: Price Kael of Korai is offered as a concubine to the half-demon warlord Taren. Grim fate for a royal price and respected warrior.
Interesting premise, poor execution.
After Kael wakes up in Taren’s palace and is immediately forced to give him a handjob, the book can only be described as: SEX. Where was the plot? Where is the gradual building of trust, the concern for Kael’s feelings, the resistance on his part? It felt rushed and implausible.
These characters were so disappointingly flat that the only sure thing I can say about them is that they were horny. All the fucking time. And they were going at it like rabbits. There's no other clear characteristic for them. Was Kael really a submissive pet? Did he resent Taren’s demands or did he finally grow to accept them? Was he genuinely comfortable with his role as a concubine? His inconsistent behavior made it hard to figure him out. As for Taren… Who the hell is Taren (aside from being a kinky sex addict)? At least we know his favorite color is blue. That seemed really important.
The best thing about this book is one adorable little scene, when Kael wakes up in Taren’s bed after their first night together. At first he tries to lie still, barely breathing, then he tentatively starts stroking Taren’s hair, smelling it, comparing it to his own, brushing it over his lips. When Taren wakes up, he freezes, responding to Taren’s “Good morning” with a nod. It was pretty adorable.
So. If you can stomach characters devoid of personality and tons of kinky sex (I don’t have a problem with “kinky”, just with “tons”), then give this a try. If not, try something else. There are lots of good books out there.
Interesting premise, poor execution.
After Kael wakes up in Taren’s palace and is immediately forced to give him a handjob, the book can only be described as: SEX. Where was the plot? Where is the gradual building of trust, the concern for Kael’s feelings, the resistance on his part? It felt rushed and implausible.
These characters were so disappointingly flat that the only sure thing I can say about them is that they were horny. All the fucking time. And they were going at it like rabbits. There's no other clear characteristic for them. Was Kael really a submissive pet? Did he resent Taren’s demands or did he finally grow to accept them? Was he genuinely comfortable with his role as a concubine? His inconsistent behavior made it hard to figure him out. As for Taren… Who the hell is Taren (aside from being a kinky sex addict)? At least we know his favorite color is blue. That seemed really important.
The best thing about this book is one adorable little scene, when Kael wakes up in Taren’s bed after their first night together. At first he tries to lie still, barely breathing, then he tentatively starts stroking Taren’s hair, smelling it, comparing it to his own, brushing it over his lips. When Taren wakes up, he freezes, responding to Taren’s “Good morning” with a nod. It was pretty adorable.
So. If you can stomach characters devoid of personality and tons of kinky sex (I don’t have a problem with “kinky”, just with “tons”), then give this a try. If not, try something else. There are lots of good books out there.
October 18, 2010
Prince Kael of Korai is shocked when he finds out his father has 'given' him to the enemy; he is to serve as the concubine of the half demon Warlord Taren. But with his country's fate at stake, Kael resolves to give in to the torture he think he awaits. Only Warlord Taren turns out to be much more different than Kael had expected...
Concubine was an okay story with quite engaging characters. But unfortunately I've found that these kind of stories are not my style. I don't have a problem with BDSM or the slave theme in general (some parts were really hot), but I did have a problem with the fact that, despite all the love and respect between them, the men never were on equal ground. Kael remained a concubine (inside and outside of bed).
Also: the story got a little silly towards the ending. With one of the last scenes to top it of: Taren talking war strategies with his second in command, while fucking Kael with a glass dildo. Talk about multi tasking...
Concubine was an okay story with quite engaging characters. But unfortunately I've found that these kind of stories are not my style. I don't have a problem with BDSM or the slave theme in general (some parts were really hot), but I did have a problem with the fact that, despite all the love and respect between them, the men never were on equal ground. Kael remained a concubine (inside and outside of bed).
Also: the story got a little silly towards the ending. With one of the last scenes to top it of: Taren talking war strategies with his second in command, while fucking Kael with a glass dildo. Talk about multi tasking...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 4, 2011
I expected something harsh or brutal and this was neither. The King of Korai, through a series of bad decisions, starts a war with a powerful neighbor Zandria. With many concessions in a bid for peace the King gives his youngest son to the enemy half-demon Warlord Taren.
Prince Kael had no idea of what his father and King had planned. Even through his shock, he acted with restraint and honor; collared as a slave and concubine in front of royal courts inner most family and counselors. To forever be an outcast, reviled by his people and his people's laws.
This was such a great story with vivid clashing cultures. Something’s moved a little too fast for me when it came to integration and acceptance. I expected the transition to be harder for him. I don't think the ending fit Kael's character.
And regardless of the motivations, I don't think I would forgive my father for a long, long time.
Prince Kael had no idea of what his father and King had planned. Even through his shock, he acted with restraint and honor; collared as a slave and concubine in front of royal courts inner most family and counselors. To forever be an outcast, reviled by his people and his people's laws.
This was such a great story with vivid clashing cultures. Something’s moved a little too fast for me when it came to integration and acceptance. I expected the transition to be harder for him. I don't think the ending fit Kael's character.
And regardless of the motivations, I don't think I would forgive my father for a long, long time.
March 13, 2015
I loved all the things that happened in this book.
It was a fun fantasy with just enough intrigue from the vindictive whore brigade to keep it interesting.
Also, Vindictive Whore Brigade is the name of my new band.
Taren and Kael are a perfectly filthy match and I loved the visuals the author described. Taren's scales had me hooked from the beginning. He's a very wise half-demon and I totally appreciated his non-verbal communication skills. Kael is a tough cookie and his snark and attitude were a really good balance to his new life. I liked that he kept his personality after being given away as a concubine and was smart enough to appreciate all the good.
It was a fun fantasy with just enough intrigue from the vindictive whore brigade to keep it interesting.
Also, Vindictive Whore Brigade is the name of my new band.
Taren and Kael are a perfectly filthy match and I loved the visuals the author described. Taren's scales had me hooked from the beginning. He's a very wise half-demon and I totally appreciated his non-verbal communication skills. Kael is a tough cookie and his snark and attitude were a really good balance to his new life. I liked that he kept his personality after being given away as a concubine and was smart enough to appreciate all the good.
September 22, 2012
This book bears a lot of similarities to Lisa Henry's Tribute, which I read first but was published later, so I cannot help but think of the books in relationship to each other. Both stories deal with the experience of a young prince being given as a sex slave to a warlord as part of a peace treaty. The comparison does not harm either book, because unsurprisingly the authors focus on very different things.
[Mild Spoilers Alert]
Concubine is not as stressful a read for several reasons. The bond between the main couple forms earlier and is from the outset more affectionate. Kael in Concubine does not suffer the kind of anguish and uncertainty that his counterpart, Kynon, does, and he is given much more freedom to show his personality, to speak his mind, and spar verbally with his master; Ms. Knowles is not interested in showing how a person is broken and reformed by slavery, so much as how he discovers a true if hidden desire. I found the love scenes sensual and very steamy; though Taren definitely demands a very thorough submission from Kael, the overall focus was not so much on humiliation or cruelty but very much on pleasure. It really did not read like a dub-con or non-con scenario to me, but more like a breaking down of artificial societal barriers, though I realize it may read differently to others.
The main external conflict with the concubines guild was not the most interesting part of the story. I would have liked a more developed reason for such a deadly antagonism. But overall, I really enjoyed reading the book and will probably read it again.
[Mild Spoilers Alert]
Concubine is not as stressful a read for several reasons. The bond between the main couple forms earlier and is from the outset more affectionate. Kael in Concubine does not suffer the kind of anguish and uncertainty that his counterpart, Kynon, does, and he is given much more freedom to show his personality, to speak his mind, and spar verbally with his master; Ms. Knowles is not interested in showing how a person is broken and reformed by slavery, so much as how he discovers a true if hidden desire. I found the love scenes sensual and very steamy; though Taren definitely demands a very thorough submission from Kael, the overall focus was not so much on humiliation or cruelty but very much on pleasure. It really did not read like a dub-con or non-con scenario to me, but more like a breaking down of artificial societal barriers, though I realize it may read differently to others.
The main external conflict with the concubines guild was not the most interesting part of the story. I would have liked a more developed reason for such a deadly antagonism. But overall, I really enjoyed reading the book and will probably read it again.
June 6, 2016
Why is this only one book? Where did the author go? It is as if she disappeared completely. I enjoyed this sexy dub-con sex slavery book. Woohoo! From Royalty with people bending down and bowing to butt fucking whore by bending over for your master. Oddly enough, this story is not dark at all. It is sweet and the kinky stuff is medium. Whilst it does say BDSM in the blurb, most of the story is just a little light bondage. Okay, so the guy wears a collar. I've been told people outside of the lifestyle wear collars too. Near the end, we finally see the dungeon. AND the story is over. WAAAAHHHHHH!!!!! Too bad there isn't a follow up with kinky scenes of Kael getting whipped, flogged, spanked and tormented. Still, this is a delightful story which moved at a decent pace. There are a few threads I would have liked to explore more, but it seems the author is now done with writing. That is a shame. This m/m kinky story is recommended to those who like happily ever afters with their sexual slavery.
December 20, 2016
Extremely bad. Every second phrase is a cliché: 'I want someone to look at me that way someday', 'I'll kill you if you cheat on me', 'You are mine', 'I don't want to hurt you', blah-blah-blah. Although, it's an extremely helpful book for a person who actually wants to learn clichés of m/m romance in English, to avoid them in the future.
I'm reluctant even to put it on noncon-dubcon shelf, because there is absolutely no hint of dubcon anywhere. The prince is a latent homosexual, who is attracted to his 'captor' and wants sex approximately after two minutes of foreplay. Then he happily submits to BDSM routine and to being a pet and a concubine.
UPD: After trying to read Prisoner I went and added a star to the rating of this book, at least it's readable and appears much better in comparison XD
I'm reluctant even to put it on noncon-dubcon shelf, because there is absolutely no hint of dubcon anywhere. The prince is a latent homosexual, who is attracted to his 'captor' and wants sex approximately after two minutes of foreplay. Then he happily submits to BDSM routine and to being a pet and a concubine.
UPD: After trying to read Prisoner I went and added a star to the rating of this book, at least it's readable and appears much better in comparison XD
July 12, 2017
This is one of those books that I struggle to rate and review. Why? Because on the one hand, I loved it. I loved the world-building. I loved the hot and sexy characters. And I loved the smexing that was just....wow.
The way Taren's dual nature was described was well done. And I loved the fact that Kael, forced to become a concubine, give himself over to his master and become submissive, still retains his spirit and his "self".
What made it a struggle was they way everything seemed to be so easy, so effortless, nearly. Not that I need a bucketful of angst, no please not! But a little more conflict, a little more effort might have captured my interest a little more. I found it hard at times to stay connected to the story and that does diminish the pleasure I get from reading a book.
The way Taren's dual nature was described was well done. And I loved the fact that Kael, forced to become a concubine, give himself over to his master and become submissive, still retains his spirit and his "self".
What made it a struggle was they way everything seemed to be so easy, so effortless, nearly. Not that I need a bucketful of angst, no please not! But a little more conflict, a little more effort might have captured my interest a little more. I found it hard at times to stay connected to the story and that does diminish the pleasure I get from reading a book.
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