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Tales of Amaranth #4
Runaway Heart
BDSM LGBT Fantasy Paranormal
Tales of Amaranth; Previous Hidden Heart
On a drunken bet, Marc broke into Baron Thiviers’ mansion to steal something precious. Discovered and almost caught, he’s being hunted by the baron and his hounds when Finn, the runaway slave boy, saves his life. Marc claims possession of Finn, to redeem that foolish bet--what’s more precious than a beautiful boy? But his so-called friends reject him, and the baron comes after him relentlessly, so he takes the boy and flees again.
Yet it’s Finn the baron can track, by means of renegade magic, and in the end, Finn has no choice. He runs from the new young master he’s come to love and confronts the chasing baron, sacrificing himself to save Marc’s life. Except that Marc too is in love, and so comes after his errant boy, throwing his own life into danger yet again.
Publisher's This book contains explicit sexual content, graphic language, and situations that some readers may find strong BDSM theme and elements, male/male sexual practices, master/slave dynamic.
Tales of Amaranth; Previous Hidden Heart
On a drunken bet, Marc broke into Baron Thiviers’ mansion to steal something precious. Discovered and almost caught, he’s being hunted by the baron and his hounds when Finn, the runaway slave boy, saves his life. Marc claims possession of Finn, to redeem that foolish bet--what’s more precious than a beautiful boy? But his so-called friends reject him, and the baron comes after him relentlessly, so he takes the boy and flees again.
Yet it’s Finn the baron can track, by means of renegade magic, and in the end, Finn has no choice. He runs from the new young master he’s come to love and confronts the chasing baron, sacrificing himself to save Marc’s life. Except that Marc too is in love, and so comes after his errant boy, throwing his own life into danger yet again.
Publisher's This book contains explicit sexual content, graphic language, and situations that some readers may find strong BDSM theme and elements, male/male sexual practices, master/slave dynamic.
153 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 17, 2011
3 people are currently reading
146 people want to read
About the author
Thom Lane
12 books85 followersAuthor Thom Lane is an English writer who has published romances and erotica as well as fantasies and other books under other names. In his tales of Amaranth, he is combining as many of those genres as possible…
http://www.loose-id.com/authors/q-t/t...
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
April 14, 2017
The weakest part of Tales of Amaranth yet... But still a solid 4-star read ;)
It is the 4th instalment of Thom Lane's series, after: Dark Heart, Healing Heart and Hidden Heart. You can find my reviews of those here, here and here respectively.
Although being IMO the weakest part of the series, it still got to my "absolute favourites" shelf simply because Tales of Amaranth are my favourite Master/slave stories I've read so far! (And I've read a lot of M/s books, believe me!)
The Master MC of this part is not a Mage but a young, impoverished nobleman, Marc who, due to a drunken bet, is fleeing from the Baron's estate into the woods surrounding the castle and straight into Finn's arms.
Marc:
Finn is a runaway slaveboy - too proud to acknowledge Marc as his new Master - but still caring enough and obedient enough to save the reckless youngster's life. He so desperately wants to be a good boy, a good slave but he's suffered so much from his previous Masters, especially from the Baron, that he's afraid and reluctant to submit to yet another free man.
Finn:
This time there is no "big mystery" to be solved although there's a handful of dark, foul magic. The Baron's burn for revenge urges our MCs to flee once again. This time on a ship.
The relationship between Marc and Finn is affectionate and quite loving, even if the Master knows how to wield his whip. It felt more like Coryn and Raff's relation with Marc only slightly older than his sweet slave. But don't be fooled, Finn craves that strong hand holding and groping and cuffing him and Marc is happy to provide all of that ;)
"I didn't need my hands, much though I loved to hold him. It was enough that he held me, that his hands played with me. He knew already what his touch did to my skin, to my heart, to my cock too. Not that he cared just then how I was feeling. I could feel the heat pulse through him; he was all master now, focused on his own pleasure and utterly heedless of mine.
As he should be, of course. It wasn‟t only his moments of care and concern that made me adore him. I could adore this too, the rampant selfishness that made me choke on a sudden giggle even as I worked with lips and teeth and tongue. And then the strong fingers under my chin, forcing my head up, and the quizzical smile as he said, “What? What‟s funny, little slut?”"
I did take 1 star away from my rating because it's the first instalment in which we don't get any glimpse of Master Mage Lucan and his slaveboy Tam ... :( What we do get, however, is a fake Mage chasing and hunting our MCs and that's what links this story to the city of Amaranth - not enough for me, I'm afraid :(
So, if you love my kink, a Master/slave relationship, as much as I do, I'd still recommend this story to you! ;)
It is the 4th instalment of Thom Lane's series, after: Dark Heart, Healing Heart and Hidden Heart. You can find my reviews of those here, here and here respectively.
Although being IMO the weakest part of the series, it still got to my "absolute favourites" shelf simply because Tales of Amaranth are my favourite Master/slave stories I've read so far! (And I've read a lot of M/s books, believe me!)
The Master MC of this part is not a Mage but a young, impoverished nobleman, Marc who, due to a drunken bet, is fleeing from the Baron's estate into the woods surrounding the castle and straight into Finn's arms.
Marc:
Finn is a runaway slaveboy - too proud to acknowledge Marc as his new Master - but still caring enough and obedient enough to save the reckless youngster's life. He so desperately wants to be a good boy, a good slave but he's suffered so much from his previous Masters, especially from the Baron, that he's afraid and reluctant to submit to yet another free man.
Finn:
This time there is no "big mystery" to be solved although there's a handful of dark, foul magic. The Baron's burn for revenge urges our MCs to flee once again. This time on a ship.
The relationship between Marc and Finn is affectionate and quite loving, even if the Master knows how to wield his whip. It felt more like Coryn and Raff's relation with Marc only slightly older than his sweet slave. But don't be fooled, Finn craves that strong hand holding and groping and cuffing him and Marc is happy to provide all of that ;)
"I didn't need my hands, much though I loved to hold him. It was enough that he held me, that his hands played with me. He knew already what his touch did to my skin, to my heart, to my cock too. Not that he cared just then how I was feeling. I could feel the heat pulse through him; he was all master now, focused on his own pleasure and utterly heedless of mine.
As he should be, of course. It wasn‟t only his moments of care and concern that made me adore him. I could adore this too, the rampant selfishness that made me choke on a sudden giggle even as I worked with lips and teeth and tongue. And then the strong fingers under my chin, forcing my head up, and the quizzical smile as he said, “What? What‟s funny, little slut?”"
I did take 1 star away from my rating because it's the first instalment in which we don't get any glimpse of Master Mage Lucan and his slaveboy Tam ... :( What we do get, however, is a fake Mage chasing and hunting our MCs and that's what links this story to the city of Amaranth - not enough for me, I'm afraid :(
So, if you love my kink, a Master/slave relationship, as much as I do, I'd still recommend this story to you! ;)
May 2, 2016
Full guest review (of Tales of Amaranth: The Boxed Set) to follow shortly on Boy Meets Boy Reviews
Yet another aspect of the Master/slave dynamic is explored this time told from the perspective of a free person Marc he recounts how Finn came into his possession. I liked this tale least of all of the Amaranth stories most probably because Marc shows very few redeeming qualities.
Having agreed to a prank to steal something of value from the baron, Marc must make his escape or face capture (and if caught endure a life of likely slavery). He is rescued by a runaway who knows how to evade the chasing hounds.
Whilst owing his freedom to his rescuer, Marc concocts a daring plan to get them both off the baron's land. Regrettably he has no compunction in claiming the slave and naming him Finn.
Clearly Finn does not wish for the life of slavery he was born to, however a lifetime of servitude makes it impossible for him to resist Marc. Slavery has an element of safety where the boundaries are very clear compared to the vagaries and uncertainties of freedom.
Finn readjusts almost immediately to life once more as a slave. "..You’re way too lovely to be free.”
I found this story particularly unsettling and yet it is full of rescue, betrayal and adventure. Definitely an interesting exploration of entitlement; and there remains a ray of hope that having taken responsibility for Finn, Marc may properly re-evaluate his priorities and eventually be a worthy Master of his slave.
The delineation of slavery is unremitting, so for those who find non-consensual liaisons problematic this book may not be a good fit.
'...all the resistance left him in a rush and he stood as still as any slave, mute and surrendered, starkly terrified...'
Yet another aspect of the Master/slave dynamic is explored this time told from the perspective of a free person Marc he recounts how Finn came into his possession. I liked this tale least of all of the Amaranth stories most probably because Marc shows very few redeeming qualities.
Having agreed to a prank to steal something of value from the baron, Marc must make his escape or face capture (and if caught endure a life of likely slavery). He is rescued by a runaway who knows how to evade the chasing hounds.
Whilst owing his freedom to his rescuer, Marc concocts a daring plan to get them both off the baron's land. Regrettably he has no compunction in claiming the slave and naming him Finn.
Clearly Finn does not wish for the life of slavery he was born to, however a lifetime of servitude makes it impossible for him to resist Marc. Slavery has an element of safety where the boundaries are very clear compared to the vagaries and uncertainties of freedom.
Finn readjusts almost immediately to life once more as a slave. "..You’re way too lovely to be free.”
I found this story particularly unsettling and yet it is full of rescue, betrayal and adventure. Definitely an interesting exploration of entitlement; and there remains a ray of hope that having taken responsibility for Finn, Marc may properly re-evaluate his priorities and eventually be a worthy Master of his slave.
The delineation of slavery is unremitting, so for those who find non-consensual liaisons problematic this book may not be a good fit.
August 13, 2018
Hmmm....
This was admittedly less exciting and intriguing than the previous books. I think that’s pretty obvious from the time I started it till I finished it. I think it took me 2 weeks? I just couldn’t get past the first chapter. It was....bland, compared with its predecessors. I almost expected no magic at all for this instalment. It does make an appearance, albeit a short one towards the very end of the book but nothing exciting even.
I very badly wanted to DNF this book but I like Thom Lane as an author too much, even if this book was a tad lacklustre. I do think the next books will be better. Let’s hope eh 🤞
This was admittedly less exciting and intriguing than the previous books. I think that’s pretty obvious from the time I started it till I finished it. I think it took me 2 weeks? I just couldn’t get past the first chapter. It was....bland, compared with its predecessors. I almost expected no magic at all for this instalment. It does make an appearance, albeit a short one towards the very end of the book but nothing exciting even.
I very badly wanted to DNF this book but I like Thom Lane as an author too much, even if this book was a tad lacklustre. I do think the next books will be better. Let’s hope eh 🤞
August 11, 2015
This was the first time that a slave was able to elude one master to take up with a new one. I enjoyed the alternating POVs between Fin and Marc. The beauty of this story unlike the other Amaranth books is that the lines between free and slave were blurred.
November 19, 2012
I really struggle with how to rate this story. In the end I gave it a 3 but really view it more at about a 2.5.
I think the idea in the story was a strong one. Finn is a runaway slave caught in the woods by young Marc who was also being chased by Finn's owner.
I have two huge issues with the story.
First Finn seems to fall back into slavery too easily (I might have liked to have seen this explored a little more) and there is nothing in the story that makes me believe Finn really loves or is even attached to Marc.
Second is Marc. I mostly found him an unlikeable character. Who was irresponsible to a major degree and way too easily influenced by his friends.
It is almost like the author ignored the story I would have found interesting-the growth of Marc-for the shorter and easier to write story of Finn's and Marc's escape from his former owner.
The book ended when the issue of ownership was resolved, when what interested me far more would have been Marc growing up, going home and reuniting with his father and deciding to grow up.
I also wish the author had done more to convince me that Finn really had reason to love Marc and attempt to sacrifice himself for him. I just didn't buy the motivations for Finn to do the things he did.
I also missed the Mage's. This is the first book in the series where none of the mage's makes an appearance and aren't even tangentally part of the story.
I do still like this world a lot, and would read any future stories set in this world, but I can't say that I really liked this story.
I think the idea in the story was a strong one. Finn is a runaway slave caught in the woods by young Marc who was also being chased by Finn's owner.
I have two huge issues with the story.
First Finn seems to fall back into slavery too easily (I might have liked to have seen this explored a little more) and there is nothing in the story that makes me believe Finn really loves or is even attached to Marc.
Second is Marc. I mostly found him an unlikeable character. Who was irresponsible to a major degree and way too easily influenced by his friends.
It is almost like the author ignored the story I would have found interesting-the growth of Marc-for the shorter and easier to write story of Finn's and Marc's escape from his former owner.
The book ended when the issue of ownership was resolved, when what interested me far more would have been Marc growing up, going home and reuniting with his father and deciding to grow up.
I also wish the author had done more to convince me that Finn really had reason to love Marc and attempt to sacrifice himself for him. I just didn't buy the motivations for Finn to do the things he did.
I also missed the Mage's. This is the first book in the series where none of the mage's makes an appearance and aren't even tangentally part of the story.
I do still like this world a lot, and would read any future stories set in this world, but I can't say that I really liked this story.
April 16, 2013
Eh. Why the hell not?
Post-read ETA:
I'm actually not quite sure if I liked it or not. I'll give it the 4 stars, though, because the writing really is pretty good.
This one actually explored the different aspects of slave-master dynamics. I actually found it quite unsettling at times, but in a good way. It was highly thought-provoking and had me reflexively up in arms a couple of times. I don't quite know if I like the conclusion (or non-conclusion) the book seemed to end with, but *shrug
It doesn't really seem to take you anywhere in terms of development of a message. It's actually quite consistent throughout and just leaves you even more unsettled.
It's worth the read, though, I think, but I wouldn't read it if you're in the market for a light floofy read with a beautiful HEA.
Post-read ETA:
I'm actually not quite sure if I liked it or not. I'll give it the 4 stars, though, because the writing really is pretty good.
This one actually explored the different aspects of slave-master dynamics. I actually found it quite unsettling at times, but in a good way. It was highly thought-provoking and had me reflexively up in arms a couple of times. I don't quite know if I like the conclusion (or non-conclusion) the book seemed to end with, but *shrug
It doesn't really seem to take you anywhere in terms of development of a message. It's actually quite consistent throughout and just leaves you even more unsettled.
It's worth the read, though, I think, but I wouldn't read it if you're in the market for a light floofy read with a beautiful HEA.
maybe-read
February 27, 2013I know there's only so many plots in the world. but I swear this is a rewrite of Anne McCaffrey's short story The Thorns of Barevi, which became her Freedom's Landing series.
I was reading the preview and thought "all we need now is for the escaped slave to lead the MC to a hideyhole in a thorn thicket", and lo! It was so.
I was reading the preview and thought "all we need now is for the escaped slave to lead the MC to a hideyhole in a thorn thicket", and lo! It was so.
January 12, 2017
I didn't find this book as much fun as the rest of the series and lost interest halfway through. I got there in the end though and was pleased with the ending.
March 5, 2023
This is probably the last Amaranth book I’m reading. Sadly, after reading 5 out of 8 volumes of this series, I’ve now come to accept that I’m just reading the exact same thing just reskinned in a different name. Regardless of the plot, the characters, the dynamics, the thoughts, the feelings, the attitudes, everything is just the same. The slave is the same slave with different names, the master is the same master with the slightest, tiniest difference in how cold they are; at the end of the day though, they are exactly the same really.
The only one that stood out for me was Heart’s hunt.
I’m really disappointed because the author writes pretty well but is just writing the same thing over and over…
The only one that stood out for me was Heart’s hunt.
I’m really disappointed because the author writes pretty well but is just writing the same thing over and over…
October 29, 2011
Thom Lane writes a heartbreaking story of a master and his slave. Usually a master/slave relationship is difficult to understand, but can be viewed from different points of view. I found it difficult to understand the relationship despite the era it was staged in. The master/slave relationship in Runaway Heart is one born out of the times and is no way a choice, which is often found in contemporary master/slave relationships. For all the harshness of the story, love grows between the two and the lines between master and slave become blurred. I enjoy the writing of Thom Lane and Runaway Heart is an interesting and thought provoking read.
Delane
Reviewer for Coffee Time Romance and More
https://www.coffeetimeromance.com/Boo...
Delane
Reviewer for Coffee Time Romance and More
https://www.coffeetimeromance.com/Boo...
December 17, 2013
I'm happy that the POV switches in this one. Infinitely happy actually since the reason I didn't like some of the books in this series was because it was all from the slaves POV.
Now this one didn't appeal to me mainly because I feel like the series ran it's course a long time ago. Every book in the series gets compared to the first one since in my opinion it was the best and really blows the next 4 books out of the park. So comparatively this wasn't great.
The boys just seem to get wimpier as the series progresses and the masters more naive and stupid.
Last thing, this is the only story that Master Luke and Tam don't show up.
If you are a devotee to the series give this one a go but if not, don't bother. Read the first book and you'll be fine.
Now this one didn't appeal to me mainly because I feel like the series ran it's course a long time ago. Every book in the series gets compared to the first one since in my opinion it was the best and really blows the next 4 books out of the park. So comparatively this wasn't great.
The boys just seem to get wimpier as the series progresses and the masters more naive and stupid.
Last thing, this is the only story that Master Luke and Tam don't show up.
If you are a devotee to the series give this one a go but if not, don't bother. Read the first book and you'll be fine.
Read
December 22, 2014Unfortunately I neglected to write a review at the time of reading and I can't remember enough about the book to give a fair review now, 4 months later ... I think my main 'issue' with this book was that I was burnt out after reading the first 3 books in two days then diving straight into this one ... this series is a wee bit dark at times and by book 4, I was so over the series ... will re-read and review in 2015
June 20, 2016
While not my favorite of the series, it nevertheless made me tear up at one point. I missed Master Luke and Tam, and I wondered how these two fit into the narrative of the series, but it was a good diversion from everything else. Well written characters that make you care. I just wish it was a little longer so I could see more of who Marc is and what his relationship to Finn will be like once they return home.
March 19, 2012
I'm still trying to figure out if I like Marc enough to make this a four star. I know I like Finn, but the fact that Marc is such a fly by night (at first) make it difficult to like him. But he is there for Finn even when Finn is trying to save Marc from the Baron by giving himself up.
Good read, recommended.
Good read, recommended.
November 22, 2017
Although I enjoyed the other books, this one just didn't do it for me. One thing that irked me was to read modern day slang, one of the main characters was completely unlikeable, at least for me and my two favorite characters from the first story weren't a part of this one.
The writing is good and there are no cliffhangers.
The writing is good and there are no cliffhangers.
October 25, 2011
**3.5 upped to a 4** I liked this one better than the previous 2 but not as well as the first one. The characters were more likeable and I came to care about them, while the plot was hashed out a little more.
September 4, 2011
Bleh. Even for slave fantasy id fic its terrible.
January 11, 2016
3.5 stars.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews