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Skaia
Skaia was only a child when his village was burned and his family killed by Julius Caesar's troops in their attempt to add all of Gaul to the Roman Empire. Sold as a slave in Rome, he adjusts to his life in the Suetonius family, with the help of other slaves and the friendship of his young master, Glaucus. When Glaucus leaves for his tour of Greece, marking his official entry into manhood, Skaia is left behind, to the doubtful mercies of Glaucus' father, Thaddeus. Again, he adjusts and his life turns out far differently than he ever imagined, as he befriends and loves multiple generations of the family that owns him.
560 pages, ebook
First published May 14, 2009
7 people are currently reading
499 people want to read
About the author
Ayden Sadari
5 books20 followersAyden's interest in slash began with Mary Renault's The Persian Boy. She began writing in various 'Alexander fan-fic' communities based more-or-less on movie-verse. (Which, unfortunately, did not conform closely to actual history in its dealings with Bagoas, her favorite character...)
Historical settings are still her favorite - times and civilizations where notions of heterosexual and homosexual did not exist. Where slavery and power-based relationships DID. Though her work is frequently dark and angsty, she very much prefers happy endings.
Historical settings are still her favorite - times and civilizations where notions of heterosexual and homosexual did not exist. Where slavery and power-based relationships DID. Though her work is frequently dark and angsty, she very much prefers happy endings.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
June 2, 2012
Loved it and devoured in short order. I'm not usually a fan for soap-operas, and essentially this is what this book is: we follow the MC through many years of his life. However, a mix of excellent supporting characters, vivid historical detail, developing love, uber-possessiveness, and hot dub-con made this a winner.
So well-written I cried. Twice. Lots.
So well-written I cried. Twice. Lots.
March 24, 2012
I rather enjoyed this book. It drew me in from the beginning, and there was little I could do but go along for the ride.
Skaia is a slave boy that refuses to accept that as his fate. While he submits, he always finds little ways to rebel. The author was very talented at capturing my heart, putting it through the ringer, and starting all over again.
This is a very candid story - and I didn't see warnings in the summary (other than a mention of slavery), so here they are. There is slavery. There is beating/violence. There is rape. There is an almost complete trampling of a person's sense of self. I have read a fair amount of stories that include the above, and at times I still found this one hard to take. I believe that is the case because of the author's skill in putting you inside Skaia's life. Where you may read similar situations described in other books, you don't aleays 'live' it quite as much.
Still, there were instances in which I was left wanting more from this book. I struggled with the rating on this, because I felt like the book list a lit of steam toward the end - maybe the ending just felt too normal after all that preceded it, but it felt like a tiny bit of a letdown. Not because of where the storyline went, but because it failed to maintain my interest quite as much. This may be because the book seemed to climax in the middle, leaving is with a ling cool-down period. Then again, it would be difficult for such a long book to be riveting throughout. Regardless, I decided on four stars because I enjoyed most of the book quite a lot. I hope to see more from this author.
Skaia is a slave boy that refuses to accept that as his fate. While he submits, he always finds little ways to rebel. The author was very talented at capturing my heart, putting it through the ringer, and starting all over again.
This is a very candid story - and I didn't see warnings in the summary (other than a mention of slavery), so here they are. There is slavery. There is beating/violence. There is rape. There is an almost complete trampling of a person's sense of self. I have read a fair amount of stories that include the above, and at times I still found this one hard to take. I believe that is the case because of the author's skill in putting you inside Skaia's life. Where you may read similar situations described in other books, you don't aleays 'live' it quite as much.
Still, there were instances in which I was left wanting more from this book. I struggled with the rating on this, because I felt like the book list a lit of steam toward the end - maybe the ending just felt too normal after all that preceded it, but it felt like a tiny bit of a letdown. Not because of where the storyline went, but because it failed to maintain my interest quite as much. This may be because the book seemed to climax in the middle, leaving is with a ling cool-down period. Then again, it would be difficult for such a long book to be riveting throughout. Regardless, I decided on four stars because I enjoyed most of the book quite a lot. I hope to see more from this author.
August 28, 2016
Extremely long and extremely satisfying. The characters are all depicted with depth. The slavery is brutal and some of the psychological abuse is even worse than the noncon, but this was in the end something of a love story. Same author wrote Collateral Damage.
July 14, 2015
Word of warning:
Heavily romanticised depiction of slavery, paper thin characters, an MC who reads as clinically retarded and cries every other page, and a "kind" master who starts developing feelings for the slave in between bouts of raping/beating the shit out of him.
I'm obviously an idiot, because the blurb alone should have told me this was not going to be sexual slavery Spartacus, but rather some absurd roman version of Okane Ga Nai. If that doesn't sound appealing to you, you really shouldn't even consider spending 10 bucks on this.
Heavily romanticised depiction of slavery, paper thin characters, an MC who reads as clinically retarded and cries every other page, and a "kind" master who starts developing feelings for the slave in between bouts of raping/beating the shit out of him.
I'm obviously an idiot, because the blurb alone should have told me this was not going to be sexual slavery Spartacus, but rather some absurd roman version of Okane Ga Nai. If that doesn't sound appealing to you, you really shouldn't even consider spending 10 bucks on this.
March 22, 2013
An excellent read. The reason I'm giving this 4 stars instead of 5 is that I don't quite trust myself to rate it so soon after finishing the book.
Random thoughts.
There seems to be some genre-slip happening as the story progressed. I found it a little disconcerting to be reading historical slavery themed M/M, and suddenly finding myself confronted with recognizable contemporary BDSM-genre practices and archetypes.
I found myself questioning if Thaddeus' way of thinking was too anachronistically modern. Which led to wondering about the historical authenticity of the Roman master-slave relationships depicted, and at that point, generally screwing up my story immersion.
I'd recommend this book to fans of Tionne Rogers' "The Substitute". I think the characters personalities and dynamic are similar, but there is much less psychological trauma in Skaia, and it achieves a sweetly-gentle conclusion. Lacks the emotional impact (sledgehammer)of "The Substitute", but probably ends up more pleasant to read as a result.
Random thoughts.
There seems to be some genre-slip happening as the story progressed. I found it a little disconcerting to be reading historical slavery themed M/M, and suddenly finding myself confronted with recognizable contemporary BDSM-genre practices and archetypes.
I found myself questioning if Thaddeus' way of thinking was too anachronistically modern. Which led to wondering about the historical authenticity of the Roman master-slave relationships depicted, and at that point, generally screwing up my story immersion.
I'd recommend this book to fans of Tionne Rogers' "The Substitute". I think the characters personalities and dynamic are similar, but there is much less psychological trauma in Skaia, and it achieves a sweetly-gentle conclusion. Lacks the emotional impact (sledgehammer)of "The Substitute", but probably ends up more pleasant to read as a result.
February 2, 2017
I like these kinds of stories, you know that. I like a little bit of torture and mindbending of MCs (okay maybe a LOT) but you lose me when you incorporate flowers pretty colors clouds butterflies love. Please. I also read literary fiction, so I know about quality fiction, and I like my stories realistic. (And well written. )
Skaia was little of either of those things. The writing was so simple it bored me. And description was so sparse I forgot to transport to ancient Rome. Props but no dimensions. The characters were the same way. The main character was sometimes just downright stupid. The masters were cuts, and sometimes they did unbelievable things. Like making slaves lick up vomit, to kissing them. Never forgiving your best childhood friend simply because he was forced to do a lot of things...no attention to the fact he was a slave and had no choice.
Two stars for the drama though. I like drama and I can't lie. I love evil characters and crazy conflicts in stories. Shakespeare. Liane Moriarty. Kate Quinn. You know that's how it is with me. So that part was good. But not being too taken by romance, I grew a bored when the relationship between Skaia and Thaddeus started to turn.
And the ending. Just left me like, Ah, okay, whatever. I guess Skaia forgot about all those ways Thaddeus was cruel to him. But they said love covers sins.
Skaia was little of either of those things. The writing was so simple it bored me. And description was so sparse I forgot to transport to ancient Rome. Props but no dimensions. The characters were the same way. The main character was sometimes just downright stupid. The masters were cuts, and sometimes they did unbelievable things. Like making slaves lick up vomit, to kissing them. Never forgiving your best childhood friend simply because he was forced to do a lot of things...no attention to the fact he was a slave and had no choice.
Two stars for the drama though. I like drama and I can't lie. I love evil characters and crazy conflicts in stories. Shakespeare. Liane Moriarty. Kate Quinn. You know that's how it is with me. So that part was good. But not being too taken by romance, I grew a bored when the relationship between Skaia and Thaddeus started to turn.
And the ending. Just left me like, Ah, okay, whatever. I guess Skaia forgot about all those ways Thaddeus was cruel to him. But they said love covers sins.
February 14, 2018
I was addicted to this book, much more than I expected to be. When I stumbled upon this one, I was as excited as I was wary. I was in the mood to read something dark but at the same time I do not like books that are too dark. This can definitely present a problem at times when searching for books. What I look for is somewhat of a balance between something that is dark and twisted and yet romantic with a HEA. I understand that this is very difficult thing to achieve and I am so glad to say that this book found that balance, at least for me.
The slave aspect was hard to swallow at times and that is what made this book so great for me. It was challenging to accept and yet that made everything feel all the more real. You feel as if you are experiencing the world through Skaia's eyes and it is harsh, unfair, cruel even, and yet there is hope and love and protection at the same time. It becomes all twisted together in this mess of confusing feelings. You are aware of how messed up everything is and yet, by the end, you come to accept it for what it is and embrace the love that is so uncommon in this world, much like Skaia himself.
I think that was what I appreciated most about the book. It honestly pulls you so into the world. None of the character's are perfect. Each of them is messed up in their own way, even the one's you want to like can't help but be cruel because that was what was expected of them in society. There were so many ups and downs with the book as a whole. This dichotomy worked to make the story feel so realistic. You loved the characters at times and then you also hated them. You love learning about Roman society and how great it was but you also feel so uncomfortable by how wrong and cruel it was at the same time. Nothing and nobody was perfect in this book and that is what made this book perfect for me.
The slave aspect was hard to swallow at times and that is what made this book so great for me. It was challenging to accept and yet that made everything feel all the more real. You feel as if you are experiencing the world through Skaia's eyes and it is harsh, unfair, cruel even, and yet there is hope and love and protection at the same time. It becomes all twisted together in this mess of confusing feelings. You are aware of how messed up everything is and yet, by the end, you come to accept it for what it is and embrace the love that is so uncommon in this world, much like Skaia himself.
I think that was what I appreciated most about the book. It honestly pulls you so into the world. None of the character's are perfect. Each of them is messed up in their own way, even the one's you want to like can't help but be cruel because that was what was expected of them in society. There were so many ups and downs with the book as a whole. This dichotomy worked to make the story feel so realistic. You loved the characters at times and then you also hated them. You love learning about Roman society and how great it was but you also feel so uncomfortable by how wrong and cruel it was at the same time. Nothing and nobody was perfect in this book and that is what made this book perfect for me.
March 8, 2021
Before actually reading it, I made a mistake of looking into the comments. I have to admit that some of the vicarious experience did affect my view on this book, at least for two-third of its length. But after putting this down, I realized something vital in reading historical fictions: that readers, regardless of background knowledge on the matter, must not judge the character's actions with modern perspective.
This book tells the life story of Skaia, a Gallic boy whose homeland was conquered by Caesar and he himself was sold into slavery. Having been bought by Thaddeus-head of the Suetonius household, Skaia was to be gifted to Thaddeus' son-Glaucus. The boys grew fond of each other, and Thaddeus was alarmed. When Glaucus was on a trip of which Skaia was denied accompanying his master, Thaddeus then devised a plan to 'break' him-namely by forced sexual services. And from that point onward, things got weird. Well, as weird as the modern perspective perceives it.
At first I was not as put off by the vomit-licking, blood-shedding penetration as I was baffled by the 'love' for Skaia that Thaddeus declared. How ironic is that? The slave he tried do alienate, to detach from his son ended up being his greatest interest. Throughout the book, I kept asking myself the same question: does Thaddeus really love; no-'love' to me seemed too strange for this context, let's say "care"; does Thaddeus really care for Skaia? Their chemistry, especially around the second half when Glaucus returned was somewhat strained, and I just couldn't understand the need for Thaddeus to whip Skaia to the point it drew blood so as to teach his mulish daughter-in-law a lesson. In spite of how Thaddeus mused Skaia as his "love", as "a confidant, one he could count on", their relationship remained as master and slave. Thaddeus exerted authority, demanding total obedience as Skaia had no choice but to please him. And that's exactly what it was like in those times: there was no such thing as a romantic, norm-defying relationship between masters and servants, only periodical tolerance and dubious leniency veiled by modern perception of love, if any.
Sometimes, to find a peaceful state of mind we have to let go, drop all resistance and give in. That would apply perfectly to Skaia. This was a strange yet enthralling journey which I don't think I could recommend widely to everyone but if you're interested in ancient Rome and its domestic affairs, it'd be a good read. The history elements woven into the plot stayed in the background, did nothing remarkable to affect the storyline whatsoever. The world-building of this books seems a little bit lackluster also, but given that this is like a memoir of a slave, I wouldn't set my hope high: everything was sufficient to set the background for the plot and that was enough.
This book tells the life story of Skaia, a Gallic boy whose homeland was conquered by Caesar and he himself was sold into slavery. Having been bought by Thaddeus-head of the Suetonius household, Skaia was to be gifted to Thaddeus' son-Glaucus. The boys grew fond of each other, and Thaddeus was alarmed. When Glaucus was on a trip of which Skaia was denied accompanying his master, Thaddeus then devised a plan to 'break' him-namely by forced sexual services. And from that point onward, things got weird. Well, as weird as the modern perspective perceives it.
At first I was not as put off by the vomit-licking, blood-shedding penetration as I was baffled by the 'love' for Skaia that Thaddeus declared. How ironic is that? The slave he tried do alienate, to detach from his son ended up being his greatest interest. Throughout the book, I kept asking myself the same question: does Thaddeus really love; no-'love' to me seemed too strange for this context, let's say "care"; does Thaddeus really care for Skaia? Their chemistry, especially around the second half when Glaucus returned was somewhat strained, and I just couldn't understand the need for Thaddeus to whip Skaia to the point it drew blood so as to teach his mulish daughter-in-law a lesson. In spite of how Thaddeus mused Skaia as his "love", as "a confidant, one he could count on", their relationship remained as master and slave. Thaddeus exerted authority, demanding total obedience as Skaia had no choice but to please him. And that's exactly what it was like in those times: there was no such thing as a romantic, norm-defying relationship between masters and servants, only periodical tolerance and dubious leniency veiled by modern perception of love, if any.
Sometimes, to find a peaceful state of mind we have to let go, drop all resistance and give in. That would apply perfectly to Skaia. This was a strange yet enthralling journey which I don't think I could recommend widely to everyone but if you're interested in ancient Rome and its domestic affairs, it'd be a good read. The history elements woven into the plot stayed in the background, did nothing remarkable to affect the storyline whatsoever. The world-building of this books seems a little bit lackluster also, but given that this is like a memoir of a slave, I wouldn't set my hope high: everything was sufficient to set the background for the plot and that was enough.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 13, 2012
I am currently reading this and am so embroiled in the goings on that I don't want it to ever end. It's a long book (which I LOVE) and you get the chance to really get involved in all the characters' lives. The main character is called Skaia. He was bought, at age 9, by a Roman named Thaddeus to give to his 7 year old son, Glaucus. Glaucus is supposed to use Skaia as a friend but, primarily, as a slave. And, as he grows, he is allowed to use Skaia in any which way he chooses including as a sexual object. They grow up together and love each other and Glaucus insists on educating Skaia (which is unusual in slaves). Sadly for Skaia Thaddeus (and his father, Paulinus) realize that Glaucus is becoming too attached to Skaia and that he's treating him more like an equal than a slave.
When Glaucus reaches 17 he is supposed to leave to go and learn his way in the world and had been hoping to take Skaia with him (and had made Skaia think that this could actually happen so Skaia was excited). Unfortunately for Glaucus and Skaia this was not possible. Although using male slaves as sexual objects is acceptable in Roman society they aren't supposed to be friends with Roman nobility. Glaucus gave too much thought to Skaia's feelings and paid him too much attention and Thaddeus had to put a stop to this. So Glaucus leaves with his two friends and Skaia stays behind and is tortured. Thaddeus wants to break Skaia. He's exceptionally cruel to Skaia.
I really got immersed in the story (not finished yet) and I have laughed and cried (several times now) throughout the book thus far. So many cruel moments and a few truly sad and emotional scenes. It's a lovely book and I feel so bad for the role that slaves played in society back in that time. I wish this book would never end. I know the author has not had anything else published and that's odd because she's a good writer and this book was published years ago.
When Glaucus reaches 17 he is supposed to leave to go and learn his way in the world and had been hoping to take Skaia with him (and had made Skaia think that this could actually happen so Skaia was excited). Unfortunately for Glaucus and Skaia this was not possible. Although using male slaves as sexual objects is acceptable in Roman society they aren't supposed to be friends with Roman nobility. Glaucus gave too much thought to Skaia's feelings and paid him too much attention and Thaddeus had to put a stop to this. So Glaucus leaves with his two friends and Skaia stays behind and is tortured. Thaddeus wants to break Skaia. He's exceptionally cruel to Skaia.
I really got immersed in the story (not finished yet) and I have laughed and cried (several times now) throughout the book thus far. So many cruel moments and a few truly sad and emotional scenes. It's a lovely book and I feel so bad for the role that slaves played in society back in that time. I wish this book would never end. I know the author has not had anything else published and that's odd because she's a good writer and this book was published years ago.
March 3, 2016
As another reviewer of "Skaia" stated this book is really a soap opera set in the age of the Roman empire. The book was long, basically focusing on one multi-generational Roman family during the time of Julius Caesar, Marc Anthony and the slow collapse of the Roman empire where having slaves was accepted, even normal in the wealthier households. The stars of this book were Skaia (slave) and Thaddeus (master of the household).
I loved reading this tale and didn't want it to end. In fact, there is quite a detailed epilogue at the end of this book that I wish had been another long book that I would have gladly consumed detailing the further lives of this interesting and diverse group of characters.
I have no idea if the details of ancient Rome and its political dealings that were presented were all that factual. But, I guess in a good soap opera you always suspend belief a little bit.
I loved reading this tale and didn't want it to end. In fact, there is quite a detailed epilogue at the end of this book that I wish had been another long book that I would have gladly consumed detailing the further lives of this interesting and diverse group of characters.
I have no idea if the details of ancient Rome and its political dealings that were presented were all that factual. But, I guess in a good soap opera you always suspend belief a little bit.
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December 12, 2014Abandoned on page 100.
I felt sick. I don't read to feel sick. I like to suffer, but not to REALLY suffer. So NO.
I felt sick. I don't read to feel sick. I like to suffer, but not to REALLY suffer. So NO.
June 5, 2025
I have mixed feelings about this book. So I’ll give it a middle grade.
If you have concerns regarding slavery in ancient times, this is probably not a good book for you. On the one hand, it depicts slavery as possibly romantic, giving off BDSM vibes, and generally appalling. On the other hand, some of it was probably common, and if you can handle appalling, it makes for an interesting story.
Skaia, poor Skaia. He always cries, which is sometimes irksome. I want to yell “Grow up!”. But then, if I were in his position, I’d probably cry all the time too. Thaddeus is someone to both hate and like. He is the Master, and he does have some character growth, but he is ultimately a typical product of Roman aristocracy. He is the master, full stop. And yet, their story was strangely compelling, which is why I have mixed feelings. Bad, ewww, asshole, stop it. But then… awww, kinda sweet, cheering them on. All these emotions I felt… I guess that’s the point of a story. To feel something when reading it.
The writing style was a bit odd. Not terrible, and thankfully the editing was decent, minus a few oopsies like “It was a long a moment”. But I can forgive a few typos, especially if it’s an indie author. Everyone’s point of view was blended, but it wasn’t confusing at least.
Lots and lots of MM sexy times. But it’s to be expected, as it’s essentially erotica. While some of it read a little bit modern, it still had a historical novel feel, and there were nice details that make it a step above erotica in my opinion.
Anyway, I actually enjoyed it for the most part, but there is still a bit of an ick factor, especially in the beginning. Then again, icky things were commonplace, so it isn’t inaccurate.
If you have concerns regarding slavery in ancient times, this is probably not a good book for you. On the one hand, it depicts slavery as possibly romantic, giving off BDSM vibes, and generally appalling. On the other hand, some of it was probably common, and if you can handle appalling, it makes for an interesting story.
Skaia, poor Skaia. He always cries, which is sometimes irksome. I want to yell “Grow up!”. But then, if I were in his position, I’d probably cry all the time too. Thaddeus is someone to both hate and like. He is the Master, and he does have some character growth, but he is ultimately a typical product of Roman aristocracy. He is the master, full stop. And yet, their story was strangely compelling, which is why I have mixed feelings. Bad, ewww, asshole, stop it. But then… awww, kinda sweet, cheering them on. All these emotions I felt… I guess that’s the point of a story. To feel something when reading it.
The writing style was a bit odd. Not terrible, and thankfully the editing was decent, minus a few oopsies like “It was a long a moment”. But I can forgive a few typos, especially if it’s an indie author. Everyone’s point of view was blended, but it wasn’t confusing at least.
Lots and lots of MM sexy times. But it’s to be expected, as it’s essentially erotica. While some of it read a little bit modern, it still had a historical novel feel, and there were nice details that make it a step above erotica in my opinion.
Anyway, I actually enjoyed it for the most part, but there is still a bit of an ick factor, especially in the beginning. Then again, icky things were commonplace, so it isn’t inaccurate.
November 13, 2018
3.5 stars. It was long. It was entertaining. It was historical. And in spite of what I went in believing there was a main couple, which was Thadeous/skaia. Over all not bad but not glaringly good.
October 6, 2012
I really enjoyed this story. There are some very dark moments, but then slavery is rather dark.
I liked the way the characters grew in this story-I think if not for the growth of Thaddeus the love aspect would have been hard to swallow, but his own personal growth made it more believable.
One aspect I really loved as well were the various, well developed secondary characters.
The story is long, and does involve some non con moments, but then it is set in ancient Rome where slavery existed had built in cruelty that was socially acceptable. One of the things I liked was that the author didn't go out of her way to sugar coat it-the slaves and their lives are very real and it is interesting how each of the slaves in the story views their position in society and what/where they could put their hopes.
I liked the way the characters grew in this story-I think if not for the growth of Thaddeus the love aspect would have been hard to swallow, but his own personal growth made it more believable.
One aspect I really loved as well were the various, well developed secondary characters.
The story is long, and does involve some non con moments, but then it is set in ancient Rome where slavery existed had built in cruelty that was socially acceptable. One of the things I liked was that the author didn't go out of her way to sugar coat it-the slaves and their lives are very real and it is interesting how each of the slaves in the story views their position in society and what/where they could put their hopes.
February 4, 2020
A very long read set in ancient Rome as a young slave boy grows up serving an upcoming Senatorial family. Inevitably, his red-haired beauty attracts the attentions of several generations of the same family .... and of course other more nasty and vicious Roman sorts. This not a regular M-M romance read, given the prevailing Roman sentiment / belief systems regarding master-slave relations. However, the author does give us the M-M action along with some brutality and cruelty. The book reminds me why I used to enjoy Mary Renault but with a less polished (uneven) style.
3.5 stars rounded up to 4 stars.
3.5 stars rounded up to 4 stars.
June 15, 2013
I really enjoyed this story, and thought the author did a commendable job of getting into the mindset of masters and slaves in ancient times. Is it historically accurate? No. Definitely not. The author's knowledge or research into the time period seems largely drawn from the television series, "Rome," by HBO. I say this with confidence because many of that show's historical errors are repeated in Skaia. However, it still makes for a quick, enjoyable read with some of the best characterizations I've encountered in erotic fiction.
April 9, 2013
Absolutely loved this book... some sad dark moments, but a touching love story
July 10, 2014
Very entertaining read, sexy, realistic (for the time period) and a total must read for m/m bdsm or romance genre book lovers.
I may read it again!
I may read it again!
September 25, 2016
This was a wonderful slavefic. It depicts the ancient Roman society beautifully and Ayden Sadari is a very gifted writer. This was very quality writing.
May 18, 2011
Enjoyed the book very much!
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews