Book Reviews

Book Blurb

For some people there's nothing more appealing than the idea of a man forced to serve against his will, as a second-class citizen: a slave. Despite the dark history surrounding forced servitude and slavery, there remains a growing desire for depictions of fetishized slavery fantasies. Like rape fantasy, the appeal for readers in slave fiction lies not in a desire for the actual act, but in the ability to explore such things in a safe space. Many people harbor a secret wish to be forced into certain acts that they know they want, but have been socially conditioned to abhor. Such is the core of the Serve Me anthology. Be warned: these are not stories of consensual, negotiated power exchange. The stories in this anthology focus on true sexualized, erotic slavery: stories of men forced, coerced, or otherwise bound into a second-class life servicing another in whatever ways their master sees fit.

Idris is part of The Spoils of war: the last surviving member of a barbarian clan, he is famed in the gladiatorial arena for his bloody ruthlessness and outside the arena for his carnal appetites. His inner beast is calmed by the presence of his slave and lover, Theo, but to be true to his heart, Idris may have to risk breaking it. Samuel has spent years striving toward the Viscount's circles, where rich and fantastical parties are given and elaborate slave auctions held. He thinks he wants a young lover, but when he buys an Adonis known as Apollo, he realizes what he was truly missing. Now Apollo gives the orders, and it is Samuel saying, As You Wish. Life is Unforgiving for Aidan and Aaron, criminals who have been doomed to live as slaves to vampire masters, whose appetites can be agony... or bliss. When Aidan is given a new lease on life with a benevolent Master, his relief is tainted by pain at leaving Aaron behind; pain which only his Master Ryce has the power to end. Yuta is a gentle giant who joins a local gang for the sense of family that they can provide, but when they leave him high and dry in the middle of a failed heist, it's his captor, Takashima, who shows him what family can really mean as the vicious gang enforcer tenderly turns him into Takashima's Pet.

 

Book Review

'Serve Me' is an anthology where each of the four stories deals with a form of slavery, in all its basest delineations. I think the concept of slavery, where one is completely at the mercy of another human being, can be titillating and arousing for some people. I found the subject fascinating but more from a clinical perspective in terms of understanding the appeal. Each of these four stories are well written and vary enough from the other that I didn't lose interest.

The Spoils by Anna Hedley
Idris is a slave, forced to fight in the arena as a gladiator. He was captured and sold mainly due to him being a berserker, which made him a heathen and an oddity to the Grecian people. Joining him in his horror of a life is Kage, who claims to be a demon, and Theo, whom Master Dominic gave to Idris. Kage is trying to help Idris, to remind him there are things to live for that don't involve killing, and Theo brings a caring and a humanity to Idris's world.

This is a story of brutality, debasement, and freedom. It's not easy to read as scenes of ordered rape are many and often accompanied by severe pain. The underlying message, though, is one of redemption and justice which enabled me to enjoy the story more than I would have otherwise.

As You Wish by Gabriel Belthir
Samuel is an accountant, quiet, very private and desperately wanting to make an entrance into high society. Specifically, the high society that buys and sells personal body slaves for use. At his very first auction he is beyond thrilled when he purchases Apollo, a gigantic dark-skinned man, who has quite the dominant streak toward his 'Little Master'. Now Samuel's true fantasies can begin, the ones where he wears the collar, is the slave, and lets go of all his responsibilities.

This story is about allowing yourself to let go, to trust and the hope that comes with falling in love. I really liked this story because it depicted that no matter what your 'status' in society, the heart and your desires will always rule. Plus, I liked these two characters very much.

Life is Unforgiving by Lor Rose
Aiden is a vampire master's blood bag, to be used, abused, humiliated, and destroyed in any manner which his master desires. Separated from his love, Aaron, when his old master sells him, Aiden is beyond distraught and once again revisits the idea of suicide to escape the sheer hell his life is. Aiden's new master, Ryce, confuses him. He lets him wear clothing, he doesn't keep him chained up, he feeds him regularly, and most importantly, he shows Aiden that a vampire bite can be painful (as Aiden knows) or it can bring indescribable pleasure.

This story is about the differences to be had based on whom the master is. One can deliver horrible fear and pain, while the other can provide warmth, respect and love. It's also about getting your very own happy ever after. This was probably my favorite of the four stories and that might be because Ryce is insistent that everyone deserves a happy ever after and I love that idea.

Takashima's Pet by Fox Lee
Yuta is a member of a Tokyo street gang who gets caught stealing by the yakuza boss's second in command, Takashima. Yuta's "friends" abandon him and Takashima takes him as his sex slave, but as soon as he discovers that Yuta is not only gay but a virgin, Takashima takes Yuta as his possession. He treats him well, much like a pet, but he isn't cruel or abusive and Yuta thrives under this care and attention. When Yuta's former gang members kidnap him to extort money, Yuta learns the extent of his master's love.

I didn't really view this story in a slave manner, more of a D/s type relationship. It was a very enjoyable love story.

 

 

 

 

DISCLAIMER: Books reviewed on this site were usually provided at no cost by the publisher or author. This book has been provided by Storm Moon Press for the purpose of a review.

Additional Information

Format	ebook
Length	Anthology/ 4 Short Stories, 53000 words
Heat Level
Publication Date	23-August-2013
Price	$6.99 ebook
Buy Link	https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-serveme-1271244-362.html