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Shackled
Aeliea is an evil princess with a taste for torture. In order to save his mother’s life, Markus defies the future queen. She condemns the proud, strong warrior to her dungeons. Night after night he is brought, naked and shackled, to stand before Aeliea. Markus is determined to change the woman whose treacherous whims terrify her empire.
Aeliea rolled her wrist and examined her fingernails. The three rings on her left hand were worth more than an entire generation of her people could ever hope to make in their lifetime. She liked it that way. Her fresh linen dress was stitched with elaborate gold and silver thread. It had taken four women three straight months to make it for her.
She would wear it this once and then cast it aside. Today she would parade, carried in a sedan chair by her guards. From her lofty perch she would point a glittering finger at anyone she fancied. And they would be dragged back to her dungeon, where most likely they would die. Today she pointed at an older woman who was far too pretty for Aeliea’s liking.
“Markus, no, please. No!” The woman said. She was in a panic as a reckless warrior came from the shadows to stand in front of her.
He ignored the frantic pleading and locked his deep green eyes on Aeliea. He was tall and well-muscled. His hair was too long and disheveled, but his jaw was strong and his confidence was huge. The hate in his eyes glowed.
Aeliea felt a huge burst of jealously. The handsome man would dare to stand in front of her guards to protect a lowly pauper?
“You, foolish man, why do you stand in front of this woman?” Aeliea tried to look as condescending as she could, but his eyes were searing into her. He was a good ten years older than she and had tremendous poise.
“This woman is my mother. I will kill all that surround you if you touch her. When they have fallen, I’ll send this blade into your black heart,” Markus snarled at her.
The woman clutched at his arms and sobbed into his back. “Please, Markus. I’ll not lose my last son. Please, kind Majesty, listen not to him. He’s mad with grief. He knows not what he does.”
Markus did not look crazy. He looked ready. Aeliea felt fear.
The man kept his eyes on her as he reached his hand behind him, touching his mother’s face. “Mother, I would rather die here in this street than live under the tyranny of that one when she becomes queen.”
This man had defied Aeliea and it was…appealing.
Aeliea rolled her wrist and examined her fingernails. The three rings on her left hand were worth more than an entire generation of her people could ever hope to make in their lifetime. She liked it that way. Her fresh linen dress was stitched with elaborate gold and silver thread. It had taken four women three straight months to make it for her.
She would wear it this once and then cast it aside. Today she would parade, carried in a sedan chair by her guards. From her lofty perch she would point a glittering finger at anyone she fancied. And they would be dragged back to her dungeon, where most likely they would die. Today she pointed at an older woman who was far too pretty for Aeliea’s liking.
“Markus, no, please. No!” The woman said. She was in a panic as a reckless warrior came from the shadows to stand in front of her.
He ignored the frantic pleading and locked his deep green eyes on Aeliea. He was tall and well-muscled. His hair was too long and disheveled, but his jaw was strong and his confidence was huge. The hate in his eyes glowed.
Aeliea felt a huge burst of jealously. The handsome man would dare to stand in front of her guards to protect a lowly pauper?
“You, foolish man, why do you stand in front of this woman?” Aeliea tried to look as condescending as she could, but his eyes were searing into her. He was a good ten years older than she and had tremendous poise.
“This woman is my mother. I will kill all that surround you if you touch her. When they have fallen, I’ll send this blade into your black heart,” Markus snarled at her.
The woman clutched at his arms and sobbed into his back. “Please, Markus. I’ll not lose my last son. Please, kind Majesty, listen not to him. He’s mad with grief. He knows not what he does.”
Markus did not look crazy. He looked ready. Aeliea felt fear.
The man kept his eyes on her as he reached his hand behind him, touching his mother’s face. “Mother, I would rather die here in this street than live under the tyranny of that one when she becomes queen.”
This man had defied Aeliea and it was…appealing.
38 pages, ebook
First published February 16, 2012
363 people want to read
About the author
Debra Anastasia
42 books3,806 followers USA Today Bestselling Author Debra Anastasia creates pretend people in her head and paints them on the giant, beautiful canvas of your imagination.
She has a Bachelor of Science degree in political science but writes new adult angst and romantic comedies. She lives in Maryland with her husband and two amazing children. She is always surrounded by her shelter kitties who listen to all the scenes she's writing as she acts them out.
Become a Daredevil reader today.
She has a Bachelor of Science degree in political science but writes new adult angst and romantic comedies. She lives in Maryland with her husband and two amazing children. She is always surrounded by her shelter kitties who listen to all the scenes she's writing as she acts them out.
Become a Daredevil reader today.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
February 19, 2012
Shackled by Debra Anastasia
What a terrific short story!!
I was pleasantly surprised to find out about this story from Mrs. Anastasia.
And even though it’s a short story, it was exactly what I expect from her storytelling. However the story is very different, but then again I haven’t read one of her stories that are similar to each other. Reading this short story displays the versatility of Mrs. Anastasia’s writing, and I look forward to many more stories from this amazing lady.
Aeliea is the Princess of Indovia, and finds pleasure in others pain. But when she comes face to face with a man who is willing to sacrifice himself for his mother and a child and become Aeliea’s prisoner. She accepts this trade off seemingly because she finds Markus attractive. Markus has experienced first hand the devastation Aeliea’s cruelty caused, and while she summons him every night to her bedchambers for conversation and a little peepshow on the sly, LOL! Markus is cultivating a plan that will show her what it feel like to lose something you love to another’s cruelty. When Aeliea experiences loss, she begins to see the error of her ways and instead of torturing her people she embraces them and helps them. As Aeliea changes her ways, Markus finds forgiveness in his heart for her, although she knows she doesn’t deserve it.
Aeliea’s parents have arranged a marriage between her and Sylo the Marauder, who is known for killing his wives. She doesn’t fight this because she feels she deserves it after everything she has done in the past. But as her recent past catches up with her, and she finds herself with child, she would do whatever necessary to protect the unborn child and the secret of the baby’s true parentage. Sylo starts to reek havoc on her people in his quest for power, and it’s up to Aeilea to save her people from his destruction.
For such a short story, this is really well written and plotted. I found myself unable to put it down until I was finished. Good Job Mrs. Anastasia! You can tell me a story anytime!!
*This is rated on the basis of a short story.
March 18, 2012
Shackled is a short story by Debra Anastasia. My friends know that I have a thing for men in shackles *blushes* so I was eager to read this story and it did not disappoint! I loved Debra’s novel Crushed Seraphim as well.
Aeliea is a bitchy real-life princess who gets whatever she wants and kills whoever she wants, especially when she’s PMSing (hee hee). She’s about to order the death of an innocent woman when the woman’s grown son steps forward, sacrificing himself to take her place. Markus definitely catches Aeliea’s eye:
He locked his deep green eyes on Aelia. He was tall and well-muscled. His hair was too long and disheveled, but his jaw was strong and his confidence was huge. The hate in his eyes glowed.
Aeliea orders Markus to be shackled and brought to the castle as her new boy toy. Her threats to kill him mean nothing to him, and she’s shocked he won’t bow down to her. The sexual tension is thick, though Aeliea won’t stoop to consider a commoner and Markus would rather die than touch her.
My favorite stories involve characters growing and changing, and when Markus says “You know you don’t have to be like this. You could change. If you could find even one drop of sensitivity…” I got excited. Can Aeliea develop some empathy for those she rules? If anyone can teach her how to love, it’s Markus.
Aeliea is a bitchy real-life princess who gets whatever she wants and kills whoever she wants, especially when she’s PMSing (hee hee). She’s about to order the death of an innocent woman when the woman’s grown son steps forward, sacrificing himself to take her place. Markus definitely catches Aeliea’s eye:
He locked his deep green eyes on Aelia. He was tall and well-muscled. His hair was too long and disheveled, but his jaw was strong and his confidence was huge. The hate in his eyes glowed.
Aeliea orders Markus to be shackled and brought to the castle as her new boy toy. Her threats to kill him mean nothing to him, and she’s shocked he won’t bow down to her. The sexual tension is thick, though Aeliea won’t stoop to consider a commoner and Markus would rather die than touch her.
My favorite stories involve characters growing and changing, and when Markus says “You know you don’t have to be like this. You could change. If you could find even one drop of sensitivity…” I got excited. Can Aeliea develop some empathy for those she rules? If anyone can teach her how to love, it’s Markus.
October 12, 2014
Wow! What a story! I want to buy this in print and keep in on my nightstand. Only good dreams would come from reading this before bed. And I have a new book boyfriend too.
I wouldn't expect any less from this author. Her books leave me satisfied, but selfishly wanting more, this book included. I mean, seriously, 35 pages? Gimme more, like 800!
Though it's a very quick read, has a fast pace, and takes a complete 180, I loved it and I fell for it all. I'm impressed to find there's no cheese involved as there usually is in these too-shorts. And if there were cheese I totally bought it without knowing.
Don't let the cover fool you. This is a historical romance and a too-short story. I recommend reading the blurb so you're not left in the dark when you begin, but I skipped the excerpt because I wanted to experience that in the read.
Aeliea is the future queen of Indovia, an evil bitch, and she hates competition; all the beautiful women in her country are imprisoned, sent straight to the dungeons. In steps Markus and this is where things get interesting. I'd love to add onto this, but I don't like to spoil.
May 4, 2015
My full review for the Summer Lovin' anthology can be found here - http://thebookboudoir.blogspot.com/20... Shackled was part of that limited edition collection.
"Shackled by Debra Anastasia Aeliea is a princess not so loved by her people. They all live in fear of her; worried about getting thrown in her horrible dungeon. When Markus stands up to her she orders him to be taken to the palace. Aeliea is horrible but Markus makes me swoon. It's amazing the way she starts to change with him there. He starts to show her she can be a good person. These two are the perfect example of characters that help one another grow into better people. His influence over her just makes me happy sigh. Even in the end, when you think things are going to end badly, he rides in on his white horse. Perfection."
"Shackled by Debra Anastasia Aeliea is a princess not so loved by her people. They all live in fear of her; worried about getting thrown in her horrible dungeon. When Markus stands up to her she orders him to be taken to the palace. Aeliea is horrible but Markus makes me swoon. It's amazing the way she starts to change with him there. He starts to show her she can be a good person. These two are the perfect example of characters that help one another grow into better people. His influence over her just makes me happy sigh. Even in the end, when you think things are going to end badly, he rides in on his white horse. Perfection."
April 21, 2013
I really think that reading is a personal experience. In my case, Debra Anastasia, words always speak direct to my heart! Her stories repeatedly teach me something about Love, Friendship, Redemption. Same here, in this short story. A selfish princess who learns important lessons about life & changed her current actions after a encounter with a man who has all the reasons to hate her :) A must read for sure!! LOVE IT!
September 4, 2012
Princess Aeliea is a spoiled, mean, evil Princess. Her parents give her everything she wants except their love and attention. So Aeliea has found other ways to occupy her time. She loves to pour fear into her subjects. Punish them for the smallest infractions, and kill them to make examples out of them. It brings her pleasure to see her orders carried out. But one day, one man stands up to her. Markus is beautiful man with hatred in his eyes that are directed right at her. Aeliea has never encountered someone so bold as to defy her, so she must have fun with this new toy she has found. She takes him back and throws him in the dungeon. She can't wait to break this man. But Markus is not so easily broken.
I was so impressed with this book. I always think it is an amazing feat for an author to make you dislike a character so much at the beginning and then change your feelings so completely by the end of the book. That can't be an easy thing to do, but it especially can't be easy to do in a short story. A lot happened in this story, but it never felt rushed. The story flowed really well.
Surprisingly, one of my favorite characters was Sylo. I can't say that liked him personality wise, but some of the things he said cracked me up. Like when they were in the coliseum and he slaps Aeliea for outsmarting him and then praises her for being so evil. I loved that. Good villain. Good story.
I was so impressed with this book. I always think it is an amazing feat for an author to make you dislike a character so much at the beginning and then change your feelings so completely by the end of the book. That can't be an easy thing to do, but it especially can't be easy to do in a short story. A lot happened in this story, but it never felt rushed. The story flowed really well.
Surprisingly, one of my favorite characters was Sylo. I can't say that liked him personality wise, but some of the things he said cracked me up. Like when they were in the coliseum and he slaps Aeliea for outsmarting him and then praises her for being so evil. I loved that. Good villain. Good story.
June 5, 2012
Debra Anastasia is a fantastic writer. She knows how to take you on a journey and keep you captive while she spins her tale for you. This story is about a spoiled, evil princess who will one day be queen. She is feared by all in the kingdom and in her ward. She learns, however, that her evil has a price, though it may not always be for her to pay.
The only downside of this book was that it was too short. Admittedly, it is a short story... but it allowed for too little room to expand on the characters. Most of it flowed perfectly, with only one... bump, shall we say? There was a change in a character, but it was far too quick. I would have loved to have it drawn out quite a bit more. But again, short story...
Even in this small space, you come to know and understand all of the characters for who they are and who they become. You can see the situations, the people, everything; as Anastasia is well versed in storytelling.
The only downside of this book was that it was too short. Admittedly, it is a short story... but it allowed for too little room to expand on the characters. Most of it flowed perfectly, with only one... bump, shall we say? There was a change in a character, but it was far too quick. I would have loved to have it drawn out quite a bit more. But again, short story...
Even in this small space, you come to know and understand all of the characters for who they are and who they become. You can see the situations, the people, everything; as Anastasia is well versed in storytelling.
October 4, 2012
I loved this story. Sometimes stories don't have to be full-blown novels to tug at your heart in several different directions. In the beginning I really disliked Aeliea--hate is really too strong a word. I just assumed she was spoiled because her parents catered to her every whim.
Then as Markus began to break through her rough exterior I began to take pity on her and almost feel sorry for her. She was pretty much left to her own devices as her parents left to conduct the business of the realm.
Finally, I am happy for her because Markus gets through to Aeliea and she feels remorseful for the things she's done or been responsible for. But I also feel sorry for her because she now understands how her subjects suffered because she is forced to suffer in the same manner.
This is a very quick read but well worth your time if you want something down and dirty without a lot of back story.
Then as Markus began to break through her rough exterior I began to take pity on her and almost feel sorry for her. She was pretty much left to her own devices as her parents left to conduct the business of the realm.
Finally, I am happy for her because Markus gets through to Aeliea and she feels remorseful for the things she's done or been responsible for. But I also feel sorry for her because she now understands how her subjects suffered because she is forced to suffer in the same manner.
This is a very quick read but well worth your time if you want something down and dirty without a lot of back story.
August 20, 2012
My biggest gripe: it was too short. This story has some real potential for complex character development and deep world-building, Honestly, I was shocked–and impressed–that the author was able to turn Aeliea’s character so completely in so few pages. The pet mouse, Markus’ motivations, the shaven handmaiden were all brilliant tools in this transformation. I’d love to see more of this world.
August 16, 2013
I would have liked this so much more if it had been longer.
Too much needed detail was skipped over and it left me disconnected from the characters.
But there was definitely a good story here, although I'm not convinced someone could change that much in such a short period of time.....but again that could be due to the above mentioned details skipped over.
Too much needed detail was skipped over and it left me disconnected from the characters.
But there was definitely a good story here, although I'm not convinced someone could change that much in such a short period of time.....but again that could be due to the above mentioned details skipped over.
September 4, 2012
My only complaint...I need more!!! More please. Yes sir, can I have another! That Debra Anastasia, she's a saucy little minx and it shows in her writing! Great short story!!
Here's a link to my Scandalicious Book Review:
http://www.scandaliciousbookreviews.c...
Here's a link to my Scandalicious Book Review:
http://www.scandaliciousbookreviews.c...
February 26, 2012
I've always enjoyed Debra's work, this short but steamy story is no exception! Great use of narrative and I loved the setting - I can't wait to see what she's got for us next!
February 27, 2012
Oh Debra, why tease us with short stories?! You just have a way of pulling us in, having us fall for you characters, and leaving us wanting more.
March 5, 2012
So much awesome in such a little package.
May 17, 2012
Just okay quick read...
September 4, 2012
I will read anything that Debra Anastasia writes because she is one talented lady. Now I just need to be patient while waiting for her next creation! Grrrrr....
November 14, 2012
Will review soon...
July 20, 2014
Really enjoyable. :) This was a free download on Omnific.
October 18, 2013
I downloaded "Shackled" by Debra Anastasia via the Omnific Publishing website and it definitely lives up to the saying "The best things in life are free!" ^.^
Princess Aeliea is a young woman whose beauty belies such an evil nature that her entire kingdom fears and hates her. When she crosses paths with Markus, a young man who stands up for his mother and her students, she believes she can break him by having him shackled and tortured. Markus stands his ground and teaches Aeliea a lesson or two (or more), making the once-selfish royal see beyond her own selfish whims.
This is a novella and a short one at that but what it may seem to lack in quantity, it more than makes up for in weaving a creative and original story and interesting and well-thought out characters. I was told that this actually began as Twilight fanfic but there's nothing about it that would conjure up images of the characters or the story line from that series, which is definitely a good thing because it proves that it is able to stand on its own. ^.^
"Shackled" is definitely one of my favorite stand-alone novellas and I would be more than happy to recommend it to anyone wanting a quick but great read. ^.^ Five out of five stars for this gem!
Princess Aeliea is a young woman whose beauty belies such an evil nature that her entire kingdom fears and hates her. When she crosses paths with Markus, a young man who stands up for his mother and her students, she believes she can break him by having him shackled and tortured. Markus stands his ground and teaches Aeliea a lesson or two (or more), making the once-selfish royal see beyond her own selfish whims.
This is a novella and a short one at that but what it may seem to lack in quantity, it more than makes up for in weaving a creative and original story and interesting and well-thought out characters. I was told that this actually began as Twilight fanfic but there's nothing about it that would conjure up images of the characters or the story line from that series, which is definitely a good thing because it proves that it is able to stand on its own. ^.^
"Shackled" is definitely one of my favorite stand-alone novellas and I would be more than happy to recommend it to anyone wanting a quick but great read. ^.^ Five out of five stars for this gem!
September 15, 2012
Sometimes it's nice to read a short story in between longer novels or a series. That's why I chose to read 'Shackled' before moving on to something new.
On the whole, I enjoyed the story, though I felt at times that way too much was going on for it to fit into such a short format. I also felt that some of the dialogue style didn't really fit with the characters - at times they spoke in formal, stilted fashion reminiscent of Roman times, at others they used words like "Okay" - which didn't really work for me.
Still, there's a definite storyline - a beginning, a middle, and an end - so I wasn't left feeling dissatisfied. I'd certainly read more of this author's work.
On the whole, I enjoyed the story, though I felt at times that way too much was going on for it to fit into such a short format. I also felt that some of the dialogue style didn't really fit with the characters - at times they spoke in formal, stilted fashion reminiscent of Roman times, at others they used words like "Okay" - which didn't really work for me.
Still, there's a definite storyline - a beginning, a middle, and an end - so I wasn't left feeling dissatisfied. I'd certainly read more of this author's work.
July 31, 2014
In shackled by Debra Anastasia, the princess is a spoiled brat that has struck terror into the hearts of all of her subjects. This story is one about selfishness, self-realization, love, forgiveness and sacrifice. It is not a very long book, but I did enjoy the storyline. It was different than all of the others that have become so popular.
I give this book 4 stars. In the beginning, you could not find one redeeming quality about the heroine. Towards the end of the story, you find yourself actually liking the princess. You have to read the story to find out what makes the princess sing a different tune.
I give this book 4 stars. In the beginning, you could not find one redeeming quality about the heroine. Towards the end of the story, you find yourself actually liking the princess. You have to read the story to find out what makes the princess sing a different tune.
April 26, 2013
Nice short story. It is about an evil princess who is horrid in the beginning but through the help of one of her own prisoners that defies her initially and it intrigues her enough that in the end, her love for him changes whom she becomes as queen. Love the fairy tale aspect but mature at the same time.
February 5, 2017
The power of love
A wonderfully compelling short story with power ,and loss, teaching and redemption.and Action
A love story that will have you on the edge of your seat.
5 stars
October 11, 2012
This was an okay story... It was very short and it seemed like the characters were forced into so much in a short amount of time. I would have liked it better if it was a longer story where I could have maybe have a better connection.
November 3, 2013
Did not realise that this was a former fan fiction when I read it. Read on a train journey and it was a good story to pass the time with. Could not say that the writing or story line was brilliant or original but it was a pleasant enough read and good for a freebie.
December 29, 2024
I loved reading Shackled by Debra Anastasia. It was another great book by the author. Aelia is an evil princess who crosses paths with the strong warrior Markus. I love how no matter what torture Aelia places on Markus, he is determined to help/change her. This was a great book with a great ending.
June 29, 2012
Really enjoyed this short story! I appreciated how this woman changed her ways!
February 12, 2013
I love Debra but this just didnt do it for me.
February 13, 2014
Awesome little short story.
March 11, 2015
interesting
Short sweet quite a change from Poughkeepsie! It's good that a author can venture out into a different genre! Interesting premise on redemption
Short sweet quite a change from Poughkeepsie! It's good that a author can venture out into a different genre! Interesting premise on redemption
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews