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The Transcended #1
My Lord
"You try to comfort yourself with visions of events that didn't happen, but that doesn't mean that what did happen left no scars."
~
After losing hearth and home, Meya attempts to escape the traumatic memories by travelling east. In 13th century Tristanja, however, it’s not safe to be alone.
A local slave trader catches wind of the kinless woman and abducts her in the dead of night. Beaten and abused, the now meek Meya is sold to Lord Deminas. He's known to be cruel, yet becomes strangely protective of his new chambermaid, punishing anyone who dares hurt her. After cutting her to drink her blood, he even uses his own to heal her wounds.
Meya and her paramour wonder if Deminas' dark secret is why servants regularly vanish, including the lord's previous chambermaids. However, the two women quickly learn that Lord Deminas isn't the only danger lurking in the castle's shadows.
~
MY LORD is a queer, slow-burn erotic gothic horror novel about rediscovering yourself after trauma—with kinky, blood-drinking immortals and polyamory.
~
Image descriptions and content warnings can be found under the Q&A section here on GoodReads.
~
After losing hearth and home, Meya attempts to escape the traumatic memories by travelling east. In 13th century Tristanja, however, it’s not safe to be alone.
A local slave trader catches wind of the kinless woman and abducts her in the dead of night. Beaten and abused, the now meek Meya is sold to Lord Deminas. He's known to be cruel, yet becomes strangely protective of his new chambermaid, punishing anyone who dares hurt her. After cutting her to drink her blood, he even uses his own to heal her wounds.
Meya and her paramour wonder if Deminas' dark secret is why servants regularly vanish, including the lord's previous chambermaids. However, the two women quickly learn that Lord Deminas isn't the only danger lurking in the castle's shadows.
~
MY LORD is a queer, slow-burn erotic gothic horror novel about rediscovering yourself after trauma—with kinky, blood-drinking immortals and polyamory.
~
Image descriptions and content warnings can be found under the Q&A section here on GoodReads.
362 pages, Paperback
First published October 31, 2020
13 people are currently reading
126 people want to read
About the author
L.B. Shimaira
6 books38 followersL.B. Shimaira is from the Netherlands, born in 1989, married and a mother. She has a Bachelor of Applied Science degree and currently works as a research technician, where she helps develop vaccines.
She considers herself a horror addict, having been into the genre since she was a little kid. As she often finds horror too predictable, she enjoys trying to make her works full of surprises.
The majority of her works are inspired by her own dreams and nightmares, giving them a vivid sense of realism. She's autistic, struggled with depression as a teen, and received therapy for PTSD in 2019.
She is polyamorous and currently identifies as pan grey-asexual idemromantic. She uses both she/her and they/them pronouns. Thinking about her own gender too much can give her quite the headache—especially since feelings fluctuate—so the term quoigender fits her best, though she's fine calling herself female. As there are a lot of labels, it's often easier to simply say she's queer.
Polyamory tends to sneak into her works, even if just a notion, and LGBTQ+ characters are always present in her novels.
On Wattpad, she shares some of her work. The first part of her horror novel They call him Lucius was featured by Wattpad itself for 3 years (2014-2017), and a paranormal thriller she co-wrote with the user Godhand under the name G.S. Lucent was featured for Halloween of 2019. She has won several user-run awards on the platform.
In May 2020, she joined the Wattpad Stars and remained a star until it disbanded at the end of 2022. She continued her Wattpad journey as a Wattpad Creator.
Gurt Dog Press welcomed her as a proofreader at the start of 2021, and she helped them out until they closed at the end of January, 2023. She will also proofread for friends when spoons permit.
She considers herself a horror addict, having been into the genre since she was a little kid. As she often finds horror too predictable, she enjoys trying to make her works full of surprises.
The majority of her works are inspired by her own dreams and nightmares, giving them a vivid sense of realism. She's autistic, struggled with depression as a teen, and received therapy for PTSD in 2019.
She is polyamorous and currently identifies as pan grey-asexual idemromantic. She uses both she/her and they/them pronouns. Thinking about her own gender too much can give her quite the headache—especially since feelings fluctuate—so the term quoigender fits her best, though she's fine calling herself female. As there are a lot of labels, it's often easier to simply say she's queer.
Polyamory tends to sneak into her works, even if just a notion, and LGBTQ+ characters are always present in her novels.
On Wattpad, she shares some of her work. The first part of her horror novel They call him Lucius was featured by Wattpad itself for 3 years (2014-2017), and a paranormal thriller she co-wrote with the user Godhand under the name G.S. Lucent was featured for Halloween of 2019. She has won several user-run awards on the platform.
In May 2020, she joined the Wattpad Stars and remained a star until it disbanded at the end of 2022. She continued her Wattpad journey as a Wattpad Creator.
Gurt Dog Press welcomed her as a proofreader at the start of 2021, and she helped them out until they closed at the end of January, 2023. She will also proofread for friends when spoons permit.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
November 2, 2020
My Lord follows Meya, who is taken from her bedchambers and sold by slavers to work as the chambermaid for Lord Deminas. She has seen first hand his cruelty, and soon learns just how brutal he can really be to those who cross him. However, he is also strangely kind to, and protective of, her, going as far to punish those who hurt her. Even as he drinks her blood, he is always sure never to drink too much, and to quickly heal the cuts he makes. But as servants start going missing and a new guest arrives in the castle, Meya starts to fear for her life, as she also starts to fall in love.
From the synopsis alone, I was already hooked on the book, and I definitely was not disappointed! The book starts off as quite a slow burn, slowly introducing you to the gloomy surroundings of Tristanja and getting to know the various characters, but as soon as you hit the 50% mark is when things really start ramping up and the horror element of the book really kicks in! You get lulled into almost a false sense of security as you follow Meya in her daily tasks as the Lord’s chambermaid but as the stakes start getting higher and threats start becoming more and more real, the book leaves you on the edge of your seat, dying to know what’s happened next.
I would say that this book is a great mix of character-driven and plot-driven. We see a lot of growth in Meya’s character, from a scared, yet feisty young woman as she is captured by slavers, as she develops into someone a lot more confident and sure of herself. We see her selfless tendencies quite prominently throughout the book, as she offers to take on the punishment of someone that she barely knows and who wrongs her, and (without spoiling anything) it’s interesting to see how that part of her personality develops as the story continues, particularly at the end of the book. Lord Deminas is, as you’d imagine of a brutal, ruthless Lord, quite a terrifying character at times, but he never forces Maya, or any woman for that matter, into doing anything sexual that she does not wish to do – even going as far as to capture and torture the man who raped Meya at the start of the story and always asking her for consent. In many of the sex scenes, Meya is always told that if she is not comfortable with anything she is free to stop whenever she wishes, which I think was an absolutely crucial addition to the book. Another character I enjoyed was, of course, Nina – another of Lord Deminas’ slaves who becomes quick friends and confidants with Meya. She is extremely strong and kind-hearted and I, again, loved her growth throughout the story, and I’m excited to see whatever a potential sequel has in store for her.
As I mentioned, the story deals with some more difficult topics. Meya is raped at the start of the book, so please do proceed with caution, though it is all off screen and rape is continuously, explicitly opposed throughout the novel. There are also scenes of gore, torture, cannibalism and several scenes where BDSM is involved – so please do read at your discretion. However, if you do pick up this book, and I highly recommend that you do, this book is the perfect queer gothic horror that’ll keep you on your toes if you want the spooky season to last that little bit longer!
Thanks to BProudPR for an eARC copy for the Release Tour!
From the synopsis alone, I was already hooked on the book, and I definitely was not disappointed! The book starts off as quite a slow burn, slowly introducing you to the gloomy surroundings of Tristanja and getting to know the various characters, but as soon as you hit the 50% mark is when things really start ramping up and the horror element of the book really kicks in! You get lulled into almost a false sense of security as you follow Meya in her daily tasks as the Lord’s chambermaid but as the stakes start getting higher and threats start becoming more and more real, the book leaves you on the edge of your seat, dying to know what’s happened next.
I would say that this book is a great mix of character-driven and plot-driven. We see a lot of growth in Meya’s character, from a scared, yet feisty young woman as she is captured by slavers, as she develops into someone a lot more confident and sure of herself. We see her selfless tendencies quite prominently throughout the book, as she offers to take on the punishment of someone that she barely knows and who wrongs her, and (without spoiling anything) it’s interesting to see how that part of her personality develops as the story continues, particularly at the end of the book. Lord Deminas is, as you’d imagine of a brutal, ruthless Lord, quite a terrifying character at times, but he never forces Maya, or any woman for that matter, into doing anything sexual that she does not wish to do – even going as far as to capture and torture the man who raped Meya at the start of the story and always asking her for consent. In many of the sex scenes, Meya is always told that if she is not comfortable with anything she is free to stop whenever she wishes, which I think was an absolutely crucial addition to the book. Another character I enjoyed was, of course, Nina – another of Lord Deminas’ slaves who becomes quick friends and confidants with Meya. She is extremely strong and kind-hearted and I, again, loved her growth throughout the story, and I’m excited to see whatever a potential sequel has in store for her.
As I mentioned, the story deals with some more difficult topics. Meya is raped at the start of the book, so please do proceed with caution, though it is all off screen and rape is continuously, explicitly opposed throughout the novel. There are also scenes of gore, torture, cannibalism and several scenes where BDSM is involved – so please do read at your discretion. However, if you do pick up this book, and I highly recommend that you do, this book is the perfect queer gothic horror that’ll keep you on your toes if you want the spooky season to last that little bit longer!
Thanks to BProudPR for an eARC copy for the Release Tour!
October 8, 2023
Loved this, such a fresh take on vampires while being so joyously traditional in their setting. Like they live in cold castles and are wonderfully kinky and horny bisexuals, but the mechanics of how they vampire and their intentions are a little different. The poly relationships feel so refreshingly natural too!
Also gorgeous use of art throughout. Hyped for the next one in the series ❤️
Also gorgeous use of art throughout. Hyped for the next one in the series ❤️
November 25, 2021
I want to start by saying I've spoken with L.B. Shimaira, and she's one of the sweetest, most supportive people in the writing community. I wanted to support her because I love darker books, and I'm really glad I did.
'My Lord' begins with Meya, a woman who had lost pretty much everything to war. She's captured and abused by slavers, and after getting sexually assaulted -- which Shimaira does not describe but fades to black -- Meya realizes her fate is inevitable. She is sold to Lord Deminas, who is a sadistic and inhuman ruler. Yet, he treats her differently from the other servants, and he seems to enjoy teasing her more than entertaining the idea of actually harming her. And he drinks blood...
At first, I suspected this might be a vampire story due to the blood-drinking. It's definitely something much more than that, although it's never truly clarified other than stating that Deminas is an immortal. I like that, though. It adds to the air of mystery around the sadistic Lord, and it made him that much more enticing to read. And he truly was a character that made me squirm a bit in all the good ways.
I couldn't put this book down. Granted, I may be biased because this is exactly the kind of plot I crave in darker fiction, but this is genuinely a gripping book. Meya seems to be in danger quite a bit, and although we know the Lord likes her more than the others, we aren't quite sure that he isn't above harming her. This is what had me turning pages most of all. Shimaira leads you into a false sense of security repeatedly, and it truly makes you feel what Meya is most likely feeling.
One of my favorite aspects of the book is the strange wholesomeness I didn't expect. Yes, there's sadism, BDSM, cruelty, death, blood-drinking, and other things I won't mention to not spoil it, but the companionship Meya finds in Nina, another servant, is so refreshing. And just when you think there might be a love triangle, there isn't really. That was also refreshing. I rarely, actually never, see polyamory in the books I read. I loved it!
Consent was also a point that was repeatedly enforced, even by Deminas, and that was amazing. I truly didn't think a book like this could be written with wholesome and ethical themes, but I stood corrected. It was such a wonderful mix of wholesome and darkness.
Overall, I have no nit-picks about this book like I normally do. I got a good sense of the characters, who they were, where they came from, and I fell in love with them. The ending was so fulfilling and felt complete even though it mentioned it was to be continued, and I will definitely await the next book if there is one.
Shimaira is an amazing writer. 'My Lord' is full of dark and wonderful surprises that feel like little rewards after enduring the pain with Meya. I truly did appreciate, and I applaud, Shimaira for including a note at the end of the book explaining things. She states specifically what Deminas did wasn't a realistic way of helping a victim of sexual assault, and she also details safe BDSM practices and, also, what not to do. That was a very caring touch to show that Shimaira truly cares about her readers. I don't see that. Ever.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys deliciously dark naughtiness, but not in the traditional erotic sense. There is an amazing story to be told alongside the erotic themes that fall just in the right places, and they aren't too heavy until the very end. And the last erotic scene we get is something else. I'll leave it at that. I look forward to reading more from Shimaira.
'My Lord' begins with Meya, a woman who had lost pretty much everything to war. She's captured and abused by slavers, and after getting sexually assaulted -- which Shimaira does not describe but fades to black -- Meya realizes her fate is inevitable. She is sold to Lord Deminas, who is a sadistic and inhuman ruler. Yet, he treats her differently from the other servants, and he seems to enjoy teasing her more than entertaining the idea of actually harming her. And he drinks blood...
At first, I suspected this might be a vampire story due to the blood-drinking. It's definitely something much more than that, although it's never truly clarified other than stating that Deminas is an immortal. I like that, though. It adds to the air of mystery around the sadistic Lord, and it made him that much more enticing to read. And he truly was a character that made me squirm a bit in all the good ways.
I couldn't put this book down. Granted, I may be biased because this is exactly the kind of plot I crave in darker fiction, but this is genuinely a gripping book. Meya seems to be in danger quite a bit, and although we know the Lord likes her more than the others, we aren't quite sure that he isn't above harming her. This is what had me turning pages most of all. Shimaira leads you into a false sense of security repeatedly, and it truly makes you feel what Meya is most likely feeling.
One of my favorite aspects of the book is the strange wholesomeness I didn't expect. Yes, there's sadism, BDSM, cruelty, death, blood-drinking, and other things I won't mention to not spoil it, but the companionship Meya finds in Nina, another servant, is so refreshing. And just when you think there might be a love triangle, there isn't really. That was also refreshing. I rarely, actually never, see polyamory in the books I read. I loved it!
Consent was also a point that was repeatedly enforced, even by Deminas, and that was amazing. I truly didn't think a book like this could be written with wholesome and ethical themes, but I stood corrected. It was such a wonderful mix of wholesome and darkness.
Overall, I have no nit-picks about this book like I normally do. I got a good sense of the characters, who they were, where they came from, and I fell in love with them. The ending was so fulfilling and felt complete even though it mentioned it was to be continued, and I will definitely await the next book if there is one.
Shimaira is an amazing writer. 'My Lord' is full of dark and wonderful surprises that feel like little rewards after enduring the pain with Meya. I truly did appreciate, and I applaud, Shimaira for including a note at the end of the book explaining things. She states specifically what Deminas did wasn't a realistic way of helping a victim of sexual assault, and she also details safe BDSM practices and, also, what not to do. That was a very caring touch to show that Shimaira truly cares about her readers. I don't see that. Ever.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys deliciously dark naughtiness, but not in the traditional erotic sense. There is an amazing story to be told alongside the erotic themes that fall just in the right places, and they aren't too heavy until the very end. And the last erotic scene we get is something else. I'll leave it at that. I look forward to reading more from Shimaira.
February 4, 2022
This was definitely a different book than I'm used to reading, and I can definitely say it'd be a hit with some people! As for me, I didn't really attach to the characters at all, and I especially disliked Lord Deminas. I understand what the aim was here, of course, with his character, but I personally just didn't enjoy that aspect at all. Those who enjoy the darker aspects of BDSM might, and I'm into BDSM myself, but this was a personal miss for me.
The vampire lore in this work was interesting, where no fangs were to be had and knives were used for cuts. Vampires in this work have unusual blue blood, which is definitely a cool twist on the lore. To be honest, I wish I saw more of the worldbuilding with that than the relationship dynamics between the characters for sure.
**SPOILERS**
Meya and Nina were a very enjoyable couple, at least, and those were the two that I liked a lot. They were very wholesome and excellent in general. I had fun reading about them quite a bit. I was glad there was consensual understanding between everyone involved in the relationship, of course, and enjoy such rep! I just didn't like Lord Deminas as a character in the dynamic at all.
The plot was pretty slow, and I winced at the heavy punishments from the main character upon people. He cut off tongues for rumors, ears for those listening in too much, and such like that. I think it's due to historical accuracy, of course, but it didn't help me sympathize with him. I might not be exposed to nor like the historical fantasy genre enough, however, which would be a reader issue.
I understand that he set up for Meya to enjoy things, but it really felt uncomfortable how he forced her to strip and constantly reminded her that he could do whatever he wanted. Sure, she started developing feelings for him and was even turned on in the beginning by some of his actions, but the connection didn't click for me. It's definitely on the darker spectrum of romance which other folks might be into. As for me, it made the character pretty unlikable.
**END SPOILERS**
All in all, it was likely a miss due to me not connecting to the historical genre as much. The setting took place in the Lord's home for almost the entire story, which meant it was pretty slow. The relationships were okay, with a couple of characters, at least, but my dislike for one in particular just made the story not click.
That said, the spicy scenes were well written, and I feel the work would hit strongly with an audience who enjoys historical fantasy. There isn't any fantasy elements aside from the light vampire lore, however, so I wouldn't enter expecting any heavy fantasy either (something else that made it a miss, unfortunately).
Consent is very important and was acknowledged to be so in this work, which is good. I also enjoyed how those who did horrible things like the slaver in the beginning ended up punished for what they did. That aspect was pretty cathartic to read.
The vampire lore in this work was interesting, where no fangs were to be had and knives were used for cuts. Vampires in this work have unusual blue blood, which is definitely a cool twist on the lore. To be honest, I wish I saw more of the worldbuilding with that than the relationship dynamics between the characters for sure.
**SPOILERS**
Meya and Nina were a very enjoyable couple, at least, and those were the two that I liked a lot. They were very wholesome and excellent in general. I had fun reading about them quite a bit. I was glad there was consensual understanding between everyone involved in the relationship, of course, and enjoy such rep! I just didn't like Lord Deminas as a character in the dynamic at all.
The plot was pretty slow, and I winced at the heavy punishments from the main character upon people. He cut off tongues for rumors, ears for those listening in too much, and such like that. I think it's due to historical accuracy, of course, but it didn't help me sympathize with him. I might not be exposed to nor like the historical fantasy genre enough, however, which would be a reader issue.
I understand that he set up for Meya to enjoy things, but it really felt uncomfortable how he forced her to strip and constantly reminded her that he could do whatever he wanted. Sure, she started developing feelings for him and was even turned on in the beginning by some of his actions, but the connection didn't click for me. It's definitely on the darker spectrum of romance which other folks might be into. As for me, it made the character pretty unlikable.
**END SPOILERS**
All in all, it was likely a miss due to me not connecting to the historical genre as much. The setting took place in the Lord's home for almost the entire story, which meant it was pretty slow. The relationships were okay, with a couple of characters, at least, but my dislike for one in particular just made the story not click.
That said, the spicy scenes were well written, and I feel the work would hit strongly with an audience who enjoys historical fantasy. There isn't any fantasy elements aside from the light vampire lore, however, so I wouldn't enter expecting any heavy fantasy either (something else that made it a miss, unfortunately).
Consent is very important and was acknowledged to be so in this work, which is good. I also enjoyed how those who did horrible things like the slaver in the beginning ended up punished for what they did. That aspect was pretty cathartic to read.
November 2, 2020
This book is unlike anything I've read before. It kept me up until 1 AM on two separate occasions and is compulsively readable. Meya, the main character, is extremely likable and sympathetic, as are the secondary characters - particularly Nina.
I loved the polyam romance with an emphasis on communication and consent, as well as the various sexualities of the main characters. Nothing is explicitly stated, but it seems like everybody is bi- or pansexual, and it isn't seen as subversive or unexpected, which is so refreshing.
There are some Very Spicy Scenes that are well-written and emphasize consent. But this is definitely an adult book.
I really can't state how much I enjoyed this one - the mythology is so cool and I can't wait to read the next one in the series.
I loved the polyam romance with an emphasis on communication and consent, as well as the various sexualities of the main characters. Nothing is explicitly stated, but it seems like everybody is bi- or pansexual, and it isn't seen as subversive or unexpected, which is so refreshing.
There are some Very Spicy Scenes that are well-written and emphasize consent. But this is definitely an adult book.
I really can't state how much I enjoyed this one - the mythology is so cool and I can't wait to read the next one in the series.
November 15, 2025
This is the furthest I've ventured outside my wheelhouse as a reader, wading into both horror and erotic territory, and a story with more tension than I normally read. But from the earliest pages, Meya's plight and the story's pacing had me gripped, despite its limited setting, a story feature that would normally struggle to hold my attention, but didn't in this case. This is a well written, well paced tale in which fear, darkness, tension, and some unpleasant things are balanced with kindness, friendship and sexy times. Then twists and turns for good measure. Its encouraged me to continue being adventurous in my reading.
April 28, 2023
Edit: Updated version for self-publishing. This was fantastic! A self-identified asexual, I found myself given access to a wondrous world of romance, Gothic horror, mysteries, and sexual intimacy. The character development moves along so smoothly that 300 pages goes by so fast. I read this in a matter of hours and was left wanting for more, which this had! There was a delicious choose-your-own-adventure game that integrated perfectly and made this version a definite favourite read.
A smashingly good success in the erotica realm of writing, as well as countless others! From sexy to sad, to powerful and intense, the characters within, especially Meya, our heroine, express such a human range of emotions and decisions. Meya's growth as a person, from wanting to move past her abuse in the past and find comfort in her current life, to accepting the desires that she wants, is inspiring and stands as a true test of what self-worth and love can accomplish.
The polyromantic aspect of her character opens up a world of truth and aching sympathy, and dares to ask more questions about the self, rather than focusing on the sexual aspect of her life. Being free to choose, and being supported in her decisions by all of her lovers proposes a wonderful change of pace in romantic writing, and the emphasis on consent is marvelous. At no point do we get an orgy of senseless sex - every character who explores with Meya does so with her permission, and teaches her something about herself.
Anybody who wants a moving, sensual tale of standing up for what you desire and for defending your worth should definitely give this several reads and share with many loved ones, who might not see that we are all humans, and deserving of love.
A smashingly good success in the erotica realm of writing, as well as countless others! From sexy to sad, to powerful and intense, the characters within, especially Meya, our heroine, express such a human range of emotions and decisions. Meya's growth as a person, from wanting to move past her abuse in the past and find comfort in her current life, to accepting the desires that she wants, is inspiring and stands as a true test of what self-worth and love can accomplish.
The polyromantic aspect of her character opens up a world of truth and aching sympathy, and dares to ask more questions about the self, rather than focusing on the sexual aspect of her life. Being free to choose, and being supported in her decisions by all of her lovers proposes a wonderful change of pace in romantic writing, and the emphasis on consent is marvelous. At no point do we get an orgy of senseless sex - every character who explores with Meya does so with her permission, and teaches her something about herself.
Anybody who wants a moving, sensual tale of standing up for what you desire and for defending your worth should definitely give this several reads and share with many loved ones, who might not see that we are all humans, and deserving of love.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 3, 2020
A very, very grounded dark fiction, erotic novel that not only delves into varied aspects of queer and non-conventional sexual intimacies but through the characters lovingly explains it to anyone who might not have been exposed to these aspects.
As an overview, this book is a five out of five for many reasons. There is a story, lore, characters that have depth and are written with love. There is top-notch writing, and a narrative that moves at a brisk pace. If you are looking for something dark that has sensual overtones and a rich story, you will love this book!
In my opinion, there isn't a true MC because each character is central and important. But, one of the MCs, Meya, has a continuous inner dialogue that defines the conflict of the book throughout, in a very realistic manner. Without hesitation, you begin to voice her inner monologue yourself and easily slip into her character. You experience her character development and you root for her in the end. This is the mark of great writing and excellent character development.
The rest of the characters also shine through, but I will refrain from mentioning more or else I'll enter spoiler territory. Just know that if you like character-driven stories and a quick-paced novel. This is very high on my list of recommendations.
Another great aspect apart from the characters is the amount of detail given to every erotic scene. There is no overtly gratuitous sexual writing. Every sensual scene is just that... sensual. It entices your senses and makes you feel what the characters are feeling. There is a lot of care given to the scenes where partners engage in non-conventional sexual play. Nothing is too much or too little, it is just right. One BIG thing that elevates the sensual scenes is the care given to consent. Even in the throes of passion consent is never forgotten by any of the characters.
Then there are the queer aspects. Without revealing too much, there is a strong theme of polyamory running throughout the book. But, it is never shoved in your face, it is laid out for you to read, understand and accept. There are moments where this theme brings a sense of conflict between the characters, but it is just the right amount and never exaggerated for the sake of meaningless drama.
Even if you are someone who isn't as exposed to these themes you will never feel left out or uninformed. This book will lovingly tell you about these themes and help you understand them just a bit better.
In conclusion, the author, Shimaira has carefully weaved a tale of dark intrigue, of engaging lore and of pure love between her characters. Definitely a five out of five. Must Read.
As an overview, this book is a five out of five for many reasons. There is a story, lore, characters that have depth and are written with love. There is top-notch writing, and a narrative that moves at a brisk pace. If you are looking for something dark that has sensual overtones and a rich story, you will love this book!
In my opinion, there isn't a true MC because each character is central and important. But, one of the MCs, Meya, has a continuous inner dialogue that defines the conflict of the book throughout, in a very realistic manner. Without hesitation, you begin to voice her inner monologue yourself and easily slip into her character. You experience her character development and you root for her in the end. This is the mark of great writing and excellent character development.
The rest of the characters also shine through, but I will refrain from mentioning more or else I'll enter spoiler territory. Just know that if you like character-driven stories and a quick-paced novel. This is very high on my list of recommendations.
Another great aspect apart from the characters is the amount of detail given to every erotic scene. There is no overtly gratuitous sexual writing. Every sensual scene is just that... sensual. It entices your senses and makes you feel what the characters are feeling. There is a lot of care given to the scenes where partners engage in non-conventional sexual play. Nothing is too much or too little, it is just right. One BIG thing that elevates the sensual scenes is the care given to consent. Even in the throes of passion consent is never forgotten by any of the characters.
Then there are the queer aspects. Without revealing too much, there is a strong theme of polyamory running throughout the book. But, it is never shoved in your face, it is laid out for you to read, understand and accept. There are moments where this theme brings a sense of conflict between the characters, but it is just the right amount and never exaggerated for the sake of meaningless drama.
Even if you are someone who isn't as exposed to these themes you will never feel left out or uninformed. This book will lovingly tell you about these themes and help you understand them just a bit better.
In conclusion, the author, Shimaira has carefully weaved a tale of dark intrigue, of engaging lore and of pure love between her characters. Definitely a five out of five. Must Read.
November 21, 2021
More of a 3.5, but rounding up since I did very much enjoy the kinky parts!
I would rate My Lord by L. B. Shimaira the following, with 5 being the max:
⭐⭐⭐ 3/5 for the writing style. It could have used a touch more editing, but no glaring typos. Just personal stylistic choices I would enjoy done a little differently.
⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4/5 for the characters. Overall, I enjoyed the main characters a lot! However, it does seem odd that there were so many misbehaving slaves/servants when the consequences were so dire, and the difference between page 1 Meya and page 50 Meya seemed a little off, so one star off. But overall, lovely chemistry and I had fun reading!
⭐⭐ 2/5 for worldbuilding. Giving points for the unique take on vampires (though they're never called as such and use a knife instead of teeth/fangs), as I enjoyed that creativity. But aside from that, there simply wasn't a lot of worldbuilding. That's not bad, since the story's not about the world and instead focuses on the people, but I can't give points for what's not there.
⭐⭐⭐ 3/5 for the plot. The plot is fine. It's not surprising, it does what you expect, but that's not a bad thing. The plot is the relationships and the horror.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5/5 for the romance! Focusing only on what I saw as romantic, the relationship with Nina, I loved it. They were adorable together. I can't consider Lord Deminas to be a true romantic partner for most of the book as he always held too much power for true consent to be reached, but he was good in other ways, with very enjoyable kink and erotic sections, so still 5/5!
🩺🩺🩺🩺 This was interesting to try to grade, but I ultimately decided on 4/5 stethoscopes for how healthy the relationships are. Not to say that the relationship between Meya and Lord Deminas is healthy... at all. He literally owns her and could and would mutilate or murder her if he wanted to. And he has to others. That's not healthy, so point off because I can't let that slide. HOWEVER, and this is huge, the author knows this. This book is not written to be super healthy in that regard, for the fun of the readers and the writer, but does heavily press the importance of consent in sex. If the author hadn't been so clear and hadn't provided good education, this would be a 2/5, with points given because Lord Deminas isn't a rapist (thank goodness, one sin he doesn't indulge) and because Nina is an absolute delight.
Ultimately, if you enjoy horror and kink, with a Master/slave bdsm dynamic, pick up this book and have a good time!
Full detailed review available on my website: https://eternalevelyn.com/2021/11/20/...
I would rate My Lord by L. B. Shimaira the following, with 5 being the max:
⭐⭐⭐ 3/5 for the writing style. It could have used a touch more editing, but no glaring typos. Just personal stylistic choices I would enjoy done a little differently.
⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4/5 for the characters. Overall, I enjoyed the main characters a lot! However, it does seem odd that there were so many misbehaving slaves/servants when the consequences were so dire, and the difference between page 1 Meya and page 50 Meya seemed a little off, so one star off. But overall, lovely chemistry and I had fun reading!
⭐⭐ 2/5 for worldbuilding. Giving points for the unique take on vampires (though they're never called as such and use a knife instead of teeth/fangs), as I enjoyed that creativity. But aside from that, there simply wasn't a lot of worldbuilding. That's not bad, since the story's not about the world and instead focuses on the people, but I can't give points for what's not there.
⭐⭐⭐ 3/5 for the plot. The plot is fine. It's not surprising, it does what you expect, but that's not a bad thing. The plot is the relationships and the horror.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5/5 for the romance! Focusing only on what I saw as romantic, the relationship with Nina, I loved it. They were adorable together. I can't consider Lord Deminas to be a true romantic partner for most of the book as he always held too much power for true consent to be reached, but he was good in other ways, with very enjoyable kink and erotic sections, so still 5/5!
🩺🩺🩺🩺 This was interesting to try to grade, but I ultimately decided on 4/5 stethoscopes for how healthy the relationships are. Not to say that the relationship between Meya and Lord Deminas is healthy... at all. He literally owns her and could and would mutilate or murder her if he wanted to. And he has to others. That's not healthy, so point off because I can't let that slide. HOWEVER, and this is huge, the author knows this. This book is not written to be super healthy in that regard, for the fun of the readers and the writer, but does heavily press the importance of consent in sex. If the author hadn't been so clear and hadn't provided good education, this would be a 2/5, with points given because Lord Deminas isn't a rapist (thank goodness, one sin he doesn't indulge) and because Nina is an absolute delight.
Ultimately, if you enjoy horror and kink, with a Master/slave bdsm dynamic, pick up this book and have a good time!
Full detailed review available on my website: https://eternalevelyn.com/2021/11/20/...
August 9, 2021
The perfect combination of mystery, horror, and romance.
I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who enjoys complex characters, a portion of eroticism, and a good mystery in their literature. So, if you are looking for a hot romance wrapped in dark secrets, spiced up with a pinch of horror, you've come to the right place.
My Lord takes you to the inhospitable times of middle age where the options for anybody are very limited. Where servants are to obey and the Lords hold the absolute power over the life, or death, of every one of their subjects… and sometimes, he drinks their blood.
Though this book is not your usual vampire story (there are absolutely no vampires whatsoever) and it’s not a simple love story of a Lord and his servant either.
Having read 'They Call Him Lucius' by Shimaira first, I knew what I was getting into and my expectations were rather high. I was not disappointed.
I was drawn into the world of blood, death, and raw desires. Meya does her best to navigate a situation she has absolutely no control over while dealing with PTSD, and inner struggle over her romantic feelings towards both of the objects of her attention.
If you let yourself be pulled into this wonderful world too and will enjoy it as much as I have, be sure to check out the #luciuschallenge on Twitter. Things will get bloodier and nastier there.
I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who enjoys complex characters, a portion of eroticism, and a good mystery in their literature. So, if you are looking for a hot romance wrapped in dark secrets, spiced up with a pinch of horror, you've come to the right place.
My Lord takes you to the inhospitable times of middle age where the options for anybody are very limited. Where servants are to obey and the Lords hold the absolute power over the life, or death, of every one of their subjects… and sometimes, he drinks their blood.
Though this book is not your usual vampire story (there are absolutely no vampires whatsoever) and it’s not a simple love story of a Lord and his servant either.
Having read 'They Call Him Lucius' by Shimaira first, I knew what I was getting into and my expectations were rather high. I was not disappointed.
I was drawn into the world of blood, death, and raw desires. Meya does her best to navigate a situation she has absolutely no control over while dealing with PTSD, and inner struggle over her romantic feelings towards both of the objects of her attention.
If you let yourself be pulled into this wonderful world too and will enjoy it as much as I have, be sure to check out the #luciuschallenge on Twitter. Things will get bloodier and nastier there.
January 10, 2022
After reading In Sickness and in Hell, I was sure that I would be into anything Shimaira produced. I ordered a copy of My Lord in hardcover because it is gorgeous, and meant to leisurely read it over time, letting myself live and bask in the world for a while.
Yeah, I binged it. Every deep and dark sultry page.
I was hooked from the get go—I knew that Shimaira was good at horror, and given the time period and gothic feel, expected terror at every turn. But My Lord is much more subtle, an underlying tendril of dread mixed with curiosity and intrigue that kept me up at night reading. I had to know what was up with Lord Deminas. I had to know if Meya would be betrayed by her peers in the castle. I had to know if she was going to get closer to the other ladies working alongside her—and in none of these things did Shimaira disappoint.
My Lord begins Meya's journey being captured into a life of servitude, and though it's all new and scary, it's not all bad. Lord Deminas is a hardass, but he's fair, and despite his sadism she is curious about him, and in turn, so was I! He never ceased to surprise me, and neither did any of the other characters.
Shimaira easily weaves romance and even tenderness into her horror, but in My Lord this is even more of a feat because one of the love interests is kind of also the antagonist. Lord Deminas is a complicated man, but he's interesting and sexy and Meya does what she must with the libido and curiosity and opportunities she is given. It's organic and fascinating, and mygawd the steam.
Let's just say my favourite scene between the two of them has to do with a particular hot melty substance...
Yeah, I binged it. Every deep and dark sultry page.
I was hooked from the get go—I knew that Shimaira was good at horror, and given the time period and gothic feel, expected terror at every turn. But My Lord is much more subtle, an underlying tendril of dread mixed with curiosity and intrigue that kept me up at night reading. I had to know what was up with Lord Deminas. I had to know if Meya would be betrayed by her peers in the castle. I had to know if she was going to get closer to the other ladies working alongside her—and in none of these things did Shimaira disappoint.
My Lord begins Meya's journey being captured into a life of servitude, and though it's all new and scary, it's not all bad. Lord Deminas is a hardass, but he's fair, and despite his sadism she is curious about him, and in turn, so was I! He never ceased to surprise me, and neither did any of the other characters.
Shimaira easily weaves romance and even tenderness into her horror, but in My Lord this is even more of a feat because one of the love interests is kind of also the antagonist. Lord Deminas is a complicated man, but he's interesting and sexy and Meya does what she must with the libido and curiosity and opportunities she is given. It's organic and fascinating, and mygawd the steam.
Let's just say my favourite scene between the two of them has to do with a particular hot melty substance...
November 9, 2020
This is an LGBTQ+ Ployamory gothic horror romance.
It revolves around Meya who is forced into a life of slavery against her will and made to be the chambermaid to a Lord Deminas. His reputation as being cold and ruthless preceeds him but he will brutally punish anyone who does her wrong.
As Meya is thrust into her new life and adopts her new role, she meets someone who makes her life more bearable.
But what she doesn't understand are Lord Demina's intentions and what he intends to do with her once he has taken all he wants from her.
The writing style is dark, gothic and gory and suited the overall mood of the story. The characters were engaging and well sketched out.
The storyline had me intrigued and compelled me.
This is unlike any gothic horror I have ever read and I liked the element of romance that was added into it.
This may not be for everyone, so please read the content warnings before heading into this.
If you like a dark gothic horror featuring a polyamory relationship and compelling characters, I would recommend you give this a go.
Content Warning!
This story contains sexual abuse (rape is condemned), explicit sexual content (consent is emphasised), some kink play, violence, vampirism, and cannibalism. It deals with PTSD and features a queer, polyamorous relationship.
It revolves around Meya who is forced into a life of slavery against her will and made to be the chambermaid to a Lord Deminas. His reputation as being cold and ruthless preceeds him but he will brutally punish anyone who does her wrong.
As Meya is thrust into her new life and adopts her new role, she meets someone who makes her life more bearable.
But what she doesn't understand are Lord Demina's intentions and what he intends to do with her once he has taken all he wants from her.
The writing style is dark, gothic and gory and suited the overall mood of the story. The characters were engaging and well sketched out.
The storyline had me intrigued and compelled me.
This is unlike any gothic horror I have ever read and I liked the element of romance that was added into it.
This may not be for everyone, so please read the content warnings before heading into this.
If you like a dark gothic horror featuring a polyamory relationship and compelling characters, I would recommend you give this a go.
Content Warning!
This story contains sexual abuse (rape is condemned), explicit sexual content (consent is emphasised), some kink play, violence, vampirism, and cannibalism. It deals with PTSD and features a queer, polyamorous relationship.
October 10, 2024
Ending was fun
Ending was super fun with the whole "chose your way"
It's so fun to watch Wattpad writers make books I've read both the Wattpad version and now the book one. I didn't read this all in one go as I planned but it was really nice to have an ongoing book I can read! Idk if you're planning to make a book 2 but you should! I loved the polyamory. (Sorry for messed up names my memory isn't the best)
Lord deminas: nice job on the whole "dark love inrest" he was nice and I love him sm. And the whole dungeon scene where they get rid of the MC assaulter.
Nina: sweetest girl ever I loved her also. I love women love interests and I like how her and Lord Deminas personality contrast and shes like the sweet one.
Mc: (how I for the name idk), she went through so much and actually deserves so much better in the beginning later on with the whole conflict with gleen/Gwen?? (Sry I forgot) She handled it well
Overall nice job I don't tend to read books of this genre cuz of triggers but you did a good job of doing it without being to graphic!
Ending was super fun with the whole "chose your way"
It's so fun to watch Wattpad writers make books I've read both the Wattpad version and now the book one. I didn't read this all in one go as I planned but it was really nice to have an ongoing book I can read! Idk if you're planning to make a book 2 but you should! I loved the polyamory. (Sorry for messed up names my memory isn't the best)
Lord deminas: nice job on the whole "dark love inrest" he was nice and I love him sm. And the whole dungeon scene where they get rid of the MC assaulter.
Nina: sweetest girl ever I loved her also. I love women love interests and I like how her and Lord Deminas personality contrast and shes like the sweet one.
Mc: (how I for the name idk), she went through so much and actually deserves so much better in the beginning later on with the whole conflict with gleen/Gwen?? (Sry I forgot) She handled it well
Overall nice job I don't tend to read books of this genre cuz of triggers but you did a good job of doing it without being to graphic!
May 8, 2023
(Rounded up from 4 1/2)
This book is different than what I usually read in terms of genre, but is also exactly what I was looking for. I've been on a dark fantasy kick lately, and have also been trying to read steamier books to get me in the mood for a project I'm working on. Finding both of those things in a single title that was written so engagingly that it could hold my focus during this stupid fever was a dream come true - and this had the added bonus of fantastic representation.
Not only was the kink lifestyle represented well (and with post-story disclaimers), but there was also pan/bi rep, and more astonishingly, a healthy polyamorous depiction. This is my first time actually reading that in a fantasy book where it came across as something positive. I feel very seen.
Aside from just being a goldmine of things I've been looking for but having a tough time finding, there is a lot to appreciate about My Lord. There's a considerable amount of range from dark fantasy (that borders on horror in a few places) to a steamy romance. There's magic, mystery, revenge, and a healthy dose of anticipation.
My favorite aspect of the book was the protagonist, Meya. She is a great balance of strong-willed and reasonable, which is yet another thing I've been struggling to find in some of my recent reads. She weighs her options carefully, and there's always a good reason behind her actions.
That actually leads me to my least favorite aspect of the book, which was that I found the pacing to be a double-edged sword. The fact that it was so character driven and I got to see so much of what was inside Meya's head made me feel connected to her in some places, but slowed down the action in others. There were also times when something interesting was going on in areas of the story that Meya didn't have access to, and we were kept in the dark from. I think that aspect could have been very effective for building tension had it been utilized a little more, and had we not had just a few chapters of perspective shift. Those few chapters where a different character was followed were the only time I felt really taken out of the narrative.
There were sections that were heavy with internal monologue where Meya works through the same problems repeatedly. In contrast some of the action scenes, and to a certain extent the ending, felt rushed. The writing was strong enough that I would have been happy to either see some of the fretting scenes trimmed down or some of the action extended, but I do wish they had been more even.
The last thing I'll say is that is was light on plot for a book of this length. That is in no way a criticism. The decision to let it be more intricately focused on the experience of a single character and what's she's going through worked well for a book that incorporates so many elements. Having the threats of war and magic and all the lore-building sort of on the backburner made this a unique and deeply focused story. I just know that this is not the sort of story that is going to be for everyone. Meya overcomes a lot of her internal struggles through calculation and reflection, but does very little external problem-solving.
This was a book that came along right when I needed it. It was engaging, it was unique, and it had all the representation I've been looking for and struggling to find. I had a great time reading it, and am looking forward to future installations.
This book is different than what I usually read in terms of genre, but is also exactly what I was looking for. I've been on a dark fantasy kick lately, and have also been trying to read steamier books to get me in the mood for a project I'm working on. Finding both of those things in a single title that was written so engagingly that it could hold my focus during this stupid fever was a dream come true - and this had the added bonus of fantastic representation.
Not only was the kink lifestyle represented well (and with post-story disclaimers), but there was also pan/bi rep, and more astonishingly, a healthy polyamorous depiction. This is my first time actually reading that in a fantasy book where it came across as something positive. I feel very seen.
Aside from just being a goldmine of things I've been looking for but having a tough time finding, there is a lot to appreciate about My Lord. There's a considerable amount of range from dark fantasy (that borders on horror in a few places) to a steamy romance. There's magic, mystery, revenge, and a healthy dose of anticipation.
My favorite aspect of the book was the protagonist, Meya. She is a great balance of strong-willed and reasonable, which is yet another thing I've been struggling to find in some of my recent reads. She weighs her options carefully, and there's always a good reason behind her actions.
That actually leads me to my least favorite aspect of the book, which was that I found the pacing to be a double-edged sword. The fact that it was so character driven and I got to see so much of what was inside Meya's head made me feel connected to her in some places, but slowed down the action in others. There were also times when something interesting was going on in areas of the story that Meya didn't have access to, and we were kept in the dark from. I think that aspect could have been very effective for building tension had it been utilized a little more, and had we not had just a few chapters of perspective shift. Those few chapters where a different character was followed were the only time I felt really taken out of the narrative.
There were sections that were heavy with internal monologue where Meya works through the same problems repeatedly. In contrast some of the action scenes, and to a certain extent the ending, felt rushed. The writing was strong enough that I would have been happy to either see some of the fretting scenes trimmed down or some of the action extended, but I do wish they had been more even.
The last thing I'll say is that is was light on plot for a book of this length. That is in no way a criticism. The decision to let it be more intricately focused on the experience of a single character and what's she's going through worked well for a book that incorporates so many elements. Having the threats of war and magic and all the lore-building sort of on the backburner made this a unique and deeply focused story. I just know that this is not the sort of story that is going to be for everyone. Meya overcomes a lot of her internal struggles through calculation and reflection, but does very little external problem-solving.
This was a book that came along right when I needed it. It was engaging, it was unique, and it had all the representation I've been looking for and struggling to find. I had a great time reading it, and am looking forward to future installations.
December 21, 2020
This was a really interesting read.
I enjoyed the relationships as well as the general plot, but it did move a little slow. I did find myself reading faster towards the second half and really enjoyed the plot more in the second half.
The first half had a bit too much about the gossip, a bit much repetition of the main character's questions and feelings (I'd have preferred to work some of it out myself instead of being told over and over), and the dialog felt a bit flat or unrealistic.
There were some things that went a little far even for me which is pretty tough, but I can appreciate different levels of intensity and taste and I think it fit the story.
Overall I enjoyed the book and think I would pick up the sequel.
I enjoyed the relationships as well as the general plot, but it did move a little slow. I did find myself reading faster towards the second half and really enjoyed the plot more in the second half.
The first half had a bit too much about the gossip, a bit much repetition of the main character's questions and feelings (I'd have preferred to work some of it out myself instead of being told over and over), and the dialog felt a bit flat or unrealistic.
There were some things that went a little far even for me which is pretty tough, but I can appreciate different levels of intensity and taste and I think it fit the story.
Overall I enjoyed the book and think I would pick up the sequel.
July 3, 2023
I just put this book down, and “WOW” is all I can say. I didn’t know what to expect going into this other than a dark fantasy full of polyamory and queer themes, but that’s just from what I know about the author. This book takes the reader into a dark fantasy world where men aren’t what they seem, human servants are disposable commodities, and love is found in the most unlikely of places. Whatever you’re thinking, this book will take you elsewhere. You won’t expect it, but you’ll love the ride. The mystery behind the darkness is worth wading into it, and the intrigue behind every twist and turn will have you turning the page with anticipation, wanting more.
Shimaira has penned a frightening story with BDSM aspects and polyamorous love, all with consent at the front and center. There are content warnings for this book that one should heed, but it is a lot of bloody fun.
Shimaira has penned a frightening story with BDSM aspects and polyamorous love, all with consent at the front and center. There are content warnings for this book that one should heed, but it is a lot of bloody fun.
January 8, 2021
(I’ll try to leave spoilers out) There’s so many aspects to this book that I enjoyed! I loved how it wasn’t the typical romance story, there’s an interesting twist to it. Then it wasn’t the typical vampire story and wasn’t in your face like “fangs and blood oh my!” it was very subtle. I also liked how consent was kept between the main characters. The author really strived to keep that I could tell while at the same time maintaining the lord/servant dynamic. The Lord himself was very enchanting and I just loved the personality overall of the characters and how dynamic they were. A definite overall amazing read!
May 18, 2021
This book will have you on the edge of your seat (in the most fantastic way possible). When I first read this book I was completely and utterly sucked into the world of “My Lord”. This work of art is by far the greatest thing that my eyes have seen. I’m so glad I read this. It’s 100% a true page turner!! To find out all of the mysteries, and to see the way that the author has put so much time into character develop is honestly just breathtaking!! Do yourself a favor, go get this book!! You’re eyes and mind will thank you. I know mine did.
December 3, 2020
I first read this book on wattpad, while this author was still querying. I was so ecstatic to hear she found a publisher for it! Woot! That wattpad to published pipeline!
This is such a unique and dark, twisty story. Part horror part romance. What other book has cannibalism and erotic bathtimes? The strange contrast was something I couldn't get enough of.
Shimaira is a truly talented author and deserves all of her success <3
This is such a unique and dark, twisty story. Part horror part romance. What other book has cannibalism and erotic bathtimes? The strange contrast was something I couldn't get enough of.
Shimaira is a truly talented author and deserves all of her success <3
December 28, 2020
One of the easiest five stars I've given a book. This dark tale was a pleasure to read, it's well-written with amazing details and characters you can't help but love (and hate... Commander Andreas, I'm looking at you.). This is a story I've read twice in a short while and I'm pretty sure I'll be reading it many more times. If you're a fan of dark works, then My Lord is going to make you very happy. L. B. Shimaira is an author your going to be seeing a lot of in the future.
March 22, 2021
Absolutely phenomenal! My Lord is the perfect book for people who love Gothic themes, horror, romance, supernatural characters, erotica, and gore. The characters are well-made and well-rounded. The plot is both chilling and absolutely amazing, and the writing is beautiful! It's a great addition to your bookshelf!
October 21, 2025
I really enjoyed this book. I went in completely blind not knowing what is was about and it surprised me. The characters were easy to come to love, mysterious but also kind of familiar. The author also pointed out some subjects that are not always well received by people and i completely adored that. It is renewing to read about certain things that are taboo for some but also kinda interesting if you want to know more about it.
Although you quickly pick up where the story leads to, it is fast paced, funny, lovingly written. Can't wait till the next book comes out!
Although you quickly pick up where the story leads to, it is fast paced, funny, lovingly written. Can't wait till the next book comes out!
March 1, 2021
This book was amazing!! I enjoyed it all the way, definitely one of my favourites. The characters are portrayed so uniquely and brilliantly, I loved it.
April 26, 2021
The book its amazing and very captivating. I LOVE allí Shimaira's books because they keep you hooked!
April 1, 2022
Deliciously dark and full of characters with strength, this erotic gothic book with vampirism and cannibalism satisfied my kink craving.
April 1, 2021
L.B Shimaira is a fantastic writer whose characters captivate from start to finish. Though the tale is dark, it is the relationship between the characters that show hope and love even in dire circumstances.
My Lord is a must read that will not disappoint.
Sure we will be hearing plenty of good things in the future from this infinitely talented writer.
My Lord is a must read that will not disappoint.
Sure we will be hearing plenty of good things in the future from this infinitely talented writer.
April 28, 2022
🔥I enjoyed this over all. The story was good, slow but good.
I didn't love the totally modern language. Like, ok I didn't want it to be Chaucer, but I'd expect something different for a book set in the 1200s. Idk. The words used didn't support the setting. Also the setting was generated by what I know of the time period basically. Not much world building. It was fine, but worth mentioning.
Overall I liked the characters except for the main one. Meya was way too passive. Everyone kept saying how strong and fierce she was but she was really a wet blanket to me. When D&N hooked up before he did with Meya I was like of course he liked the other one better! She has a personality!
If this is a series I'll read the rest of it!
I didn't love the totally modern language. Like, ok I didn't want it to be Chaucer, but I'd expect something different for a book set in the 1200s. Idk. The words used didn't support the setting. Also the setting was generated by what I know of the time period basically. Not much world building. It was fine, but worth mentioning.
Overall I liked the characters except for the main one. Meya was way too passive. Everyone kept saying how strong and fierce she was but she was really a wet blanket to me. When D&N hooked up before he did with Meya I was like of course he liked the other one better! She has a personality!
If this is a series I'll read the rest of it!
February 20, 2022
The perfect mix of romance, kink and horror. If that wasn't amazing enough it also has poly rep!
May 17, 2023
I received an advance reader copy of My Lord for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Erotica and horror can make for entertaining bedfellows, but they can be difficult to balance. Thankfully, My Lord balances the two genres, ensuring both aspects complement each other. With a strong sense of character that examines its protagonist’s trauma, it tells a story about her growth, and becomes something stronger than a simple combination of erotica and horror.
As it tells the story of slave Meya, a sexual assault survivor drawn into the world of BDSM by her vampiric master, Lord Deminas, trigger warnings are naturally a necessity. It includes all sorts of violence, ranging from battery to cannibalism, and explicit descriptions of sex, including polyamory, wax play, knife play, and master-servant dynamics. Rape also plays a part throughout the novel, but is presented without the same level of detail.
Consent plays a key role in My Lord, with characters seeking and offering consent for the various acts partaken in. As Meya is a rape survivor, it establishes the difference between providing consent and having something taken from you; written with the utmost sensitivity. Given the master-servant relationship between her and Lord Deminas, highlighting the concept of consent is tricky, but something that is, for the most part, handled well. Early encounters where Deminas forces Meya to strip don't sit entirely well with me, although the author articulates her reasons for this in the afterword.
I find Deminas to be largely unpleasant, using control to his advantage, enjoying the superiority he holds in their power dynamic. While this plays to their master-servant relationship, I didn’t see any reason for Meya to be drawn to him outside of it. As the book shows more of his devotion to Meya, I found their interplay to be entertaining. Throughout the book, Meya maintains open sexual relationship with both Deminas and fellow slave Nina, and the relationship between the women is beautiful; a true highlight of the book.
Meya is a wonderful protagonist. She is put through the wringer, leaving her broken both physically and emotionally. As strong as she is, her trauma has left her with a sole purpose of survival, resulting in someone who tries to mind her place for fear of upsetting those in power. The author often steps out of the prose to provide a window into Meya’s thoughts, which show a juxtaposition between her thoughts and words. As Meya grows in confidence, her journey is an absolute joy.
The dialogue is written well, capturing the thirteenth century without becoming bogged down in old-style speech patterns. The prose is clear and inviting, making for a pleasant, easy reading experience. In some ways, this inviting tone belies My Lord’s darkness, with a style that wouldn’t be out of place in a YA book. This dissonance with gothic horror works in the book’s favour, helping the reader see the world through Meya’s eyes. This makes the horror elements that much more shocking, particularly given how grounded as they are.
My Lord is a reasonably quick reading experience, thanks largely to its easy reading style. The page count includes some great additional material, including a wonderful afterword discussing kink and consent, a bonus scene, and a fun text game reminiscent of those old MS-DOS and Commodore 64 games (or even Choose Your Own Adventure books).
My Lord is the Transcended series, but there’s no need to be wary about it being part of a series; it stands alone perfectly. There’s certainly more story to come, but this ends on a satisfying note.
While the lack of consent in forcing Meya to strip naked doesn’t sit entirely right with me, and I’m not a huge fan of Lord Deminas, My Lord remains a thoroughly engaging read that finds the perfect balance between horror and erotica, and tells a great story about its protagonist moving past her trauma.
My full review will be available on my website from 19 May, 2023. To read it, and a host of other reviews, click here.
Erotica and horror can make for entertaining bedfellows, but they can be difficult to balance. Thankfully, My Lord balances the two genres, ensuring both aspects complement each other. With a strong sense of character that examines its protagonist’s trauma, it tells a story about her growth, and becomes something stronger than a simple combination of erotica and horror.
As it tells the story of slave Meya, a sexual assault survivor drawn into the world of BDSM by her vampiric master, Lord Deminas, trigger warnings are naturally a necessity. It includes all sorts of violence, ranging from battery to cannibalism, and explicit descriptions of sex, including polyamory, wax play, knife play, and master-servant dynamics. Rape also plays a part throughout the novel, but is presented without the same level of detail.
Consent plays a key role in My Lord, with characters seeking and offering consent for the various acts partaken in. As Meya is a rape survivor, it establishes the difference between providing consent and having something taken from you; written with the utmost sensitivity. Given the master-servant relationship between her and Lord Deminas, highlighting the concept of consent is tricky, but something that is, for the most part, handled well. Early encounters where Deminas forces Meya to strip don't sit entirely well with me, although the author articulates her reasons for this in the afterword.
I find Deminas to be largely unpleasant, using control to his advantage, enjoying the superiority he holds in their power dynamic. While this plays to their master-servant relationship, I didn’t see any reason for Meya to be drawn to him outside of it. As the book shows more of his devotion to Meya, I found their interplay to be entertaining. Throughout the book, Meya maintains open sexual relationship with both Deminas and fellow slave Nina, and the relationship between the women is beautiful; a true highlight of the book.
Meya is a wonderful protagonist. She is put through the wringer, leaving her broken both physically and emotionally. As strong as she is, her trauma has left her with a sole purpose of survival, resulting in someone who tries to mind her place for fear of upsetting those in power. The author often steps out of the prose to provide a window into Meya’s thoughts, which show a juxtaposition between her thoughts and words. As Meya grows in confidence, her journey is an absolute joy.
The dialogue is written well, capturing the thirteenth century without becoming bogged down in old-style speech patterns. The prose is clear and inviting, making for a pleasant, easy reading experience. In some ways, this inviting tone belies My Lord’s darkness, with a style that wouldn’t be out of place in a YA book. This dissonance with gothic horror works in the book’s favour, helping the reader see the world through Meya’s eyes. This makes the horror elements that much more shocking, particularly given how grounded as they are.
My Lord is a reasonably quick reading experience, thanks largely to its easy reading style. The page count includes some great additional material, including a wonderful afterword discussing kink and consent, a bonus scene, and a fun text game reminiscent of those old MS-DOS and Commodore 64 games (or even Choose Your Own Adventure books).
My Lord is the Transcended series, but there’s no need to be wary about it being part of a series; it stands alone perfectly. There’s certainly more story to come, but this ends on a satisfying note.
While the lack of consent in forcing Meya to strip naked doesn’t sit entirely right with me, and I’m not a huge fan of Lord Deminas, My Lord remains a thoroughly engaging read that finds the perfect balance between horror and erotica, and tells a great story about its protagonist moving past her trauma.
My full review will be available on my website from 19 May, 2023. To read it, and a host of other reviews, click here.
June 8, 2024
The plot follows Meya as she is captured and is taken to the castle where she meets other slaves and serves under her lord. It’s a suspenseful and captivating with twists and turns guaranteed to keep readers on their toes. 10/10 would recommend.
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