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Ivory Prison #1
The Ivory Prison
Official Description: Gabriel didn't always have a name. Born in a mysterious facility, he knows he's not human, but an experiment with a purpose that no one is willing to reveal. His life is a routine and an hourglass of when he will disappear. He has no hopes, no dreams, until one day someone new interrupts that routine. Someone like him, someone free, and it changes everything.
26 pages, ebook
First published May 26, 2012
615 people are currently reading
565 people want to read
About the author
Myka Ramos
11 books63 followersMyka (Me-kah) has been creating stories from a young age. From turning purple and orange plush dragons into characters, to an endless collection of notebooks and word files. Myka's favorite type of story is the one that tears at your heart, even more if it includes things that go bump in the night. Her love of fantasy, sci-fi, romance, and LGBT characters fill her stories.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
November 29, 2020
3.5 Stars
An interesting premise and introduction about secret experiments and secret agendas with a very intriguing reveal at the end. Unfortunately, the sequel in ebook format is nowhere to be found.
An interesting premise and introduction about secret experiments and secret agendas with a very intriguing reveal at the end. Unfortunately, the sequel in ebook format is nowhere to be found.
May 27, 2012
I really really enjoyed this free short story.
The only thing I can complain about is this felt like a prologue. An awesome prologue, but now I want the rest of the story.
The only thing I can complain about is this felt like a prologue. An awesome prologue, but now I want the rest of the story.
December 5, 2015
Without a name, without ever having seen the outside world and without tender human touch, a young teenage boy is growing up in a myterious medical facility. He knows that he is not human and he knows that the people working for the facility are waiting for him to accomplish what he is made fore. Unfortunately, he doesn't know what they are expecting. Seeing the boys from the other rooms around him disappearing one after the other, he is growing up in fear and helplessness.
One day, his routine is changing. Lukas, a boy close to his age is moving into the facility as his mother is taking over the job of supervising. He finally gets a name, Gabriel and he learns more and more about the outside world and his purpose. Will he be able to accomplish what his creatores want him to or will he be terminated just like the other boys?
This was a very dark and mysterious read. I loved the atmosphere and the world building and I was very excited when I saw that the author is planing to write a sequel. I hope that it will be published soon.
4 stars!
One day, his routine is changing. Lukas, a boy close to his age is moving into the facility as his mother is taking over the job of supervising. He finally gets a name, Gabriel and he learns more and more about the outside world and his purpose. Will he be able to accomplish what his creatores want him to or will he be terminated just like the other boys?
This was a very dark and mysterious read. I loved the atmosphere and the world building and I was very excited when I saw that the author is planing to write a sequel. I hope that it will be published soon.
4 stars!
February 13, 2013
3.5 stars
Short, emotional, and intriguing. I can only hope for future books to continue the story of Gabriel & Lukas. I see so much potential on where this novella could be leading us, on their relationship, on them being weapons, on the reason & people behind all the experiments...So much more! Fingers crossed for more to come!
Short, emotional, and intriguing. I can only hope for future books to continue the story of Gabriel & Lukas. I see so much potential on where this novella could be leading us, on their relationship, on them being weapons, on the reason & people behind all the experiments...So much more! Fingers crossed for more to come!
October 11, 2012
Scary is the first word that came to my mind when I thought about describing this story. The kind of scary that shows us what human nature can be like when scientists or the military or members of any organization with some goal forget that they are human and start chasing their objectives with no regard for the consequences. It has happened before, it is happening now, and I am afraid it will happen again. And each time the stakes get higher because our technological abilities grow, and with them, the potential to do harm.
Brutal – the kind of brutal that happens when the 'experiments' are human beings just like you and me, and yet they are being treated like 'things'. Killed if they do not perform. Having a living, feeling human being describe what that is like is extremely powerful and had me alternately crying in sadness and yelling in anger while reading this story. Feeling for the characters and their issues? Understanding what they went through? In spades!
Realistic is the final descriptor I would use for this story, and in this case, I am not sure that is a good thing (because of the scary and the brutal factors above). The problem in this story is huge – and anything that looks like a traditional happy ending in so short a space would not work. I hated this ending, but it had to be this way to keep the story believable. All I can hope for is that the author will one day write a full novel – which would offer the time and depth needed to develop the characters and plotline to the point where a somewhat more optimistic solution might be possible.
If you are interested in a story that might take your breath away, if human nature interests you and you want to see it from the point of view of someone not considered human, and if you think you can deal with the fallout of an ending that is just – shocking in many ways, then you should download this free story and embark on the adventure. I certainly won’t forget this one anytime soon!
Brutal – the kind of brutal that happens when the 'experiments' are human beings just like you and me, and yet they are being treated like 'things'. Killed if they do not perform. Having a living, feeling human being describe what that is like is extremely powerful and had me alternately crying in sadness and yelling in anger while reading this story. Feeling for the characters and their issues? Understanding what they went through? In spades!
Realistic is the final descriptor I would use for this story, and in this case, I am not sure that is a good thing (because of the scary and the brutal factors above). The problem in this story is huge – and anything that looks like a traditional happy ending in so short a space would not work. I hated this ending, but it had to be this way to keep the story believable. All I can hope for is that the author will one day write a full novel – which would offer the time and depth needed to develop the characters and plotline to the point where a somewhat more optimistic solution might be possible.
If you are interested in a story that might take your breath away, if human nature interests you and you want to see it from the point of view of someone not considered human, and if you think you can deal with the fallout of an ending that is just – shocking in many ways, then you should download this free story and embark on the adventure. I certainly won’t forget this one anytime soon!
October 3, 2015
I really liked this story even though it had a fairly abrupt ending. I wish there was more about what happened next even though it wasn't necessary. The one thing I found confusing was their ages. I will definitely read more from this author. 4.5 stars rounded up because it was really sweet.
Happy ending?
Happy ending?
May 26, 2012
3.5-4*
This was such a sad and bleak story, yet ended on such a hopeful note that i really would like to know how Lukas and Gabriel continue, just to make sure they get some of the happiness they deserve.
This was such a sad and bleak story, yet ended on such a hopeful note that i really would like to know how Lukas and Gabriel continue, just to make sure they get some of the happiness they deserve.
May 19, 2012
Okay, so I requested the changling story, and I may be biased in my rating, but that story is seriously NOT finished. I want so much more than that! =)
Gabe knows he is an experiment of some kind. He's never seen the outside of this room. They come in, make him drink things, perform all kinds of tests on him, but he has no idea what they want. He finds out he's not alone, but he also discovers that if the men make you leave the room, you'll never come back from it. He knows he's a failure, and it's only a matter of time...
And then someone new comes in and takes over. And she brings Lukas with her. Lukas is a light in the dark for Gabe. Lukas shows him the outside world for the first time. And Lukas is also an experiment; he's the same as Gabe, only better. There are more tests, but Gabe is still a failure, and time runs out when the brass finally shows up demanding results Gabe can't produce.
This was everything I could have hoped for with the prompt I posted for the Love is Always Write event, except for full length novel. There is so much more to this story. I need to know what happens next!! =)
Gabe knows he is an experiment of some kind. He's never seen the outside of this room. They come in, make him drink things, perform all kinds of tests on him, but he has no idea what they want. He finds out he's not alone, but he also discovers that if the men make you leave the room, you'll never come back from it. He knows he's a failure, and it's only a matter of time...
And then someone new comes in and takes over. And she brings Lukas with her. Lukas is a light in the dark for Gabe. Lukas shows him the outside world for the first time. And Lukas is also an experiment; he's the same as Gabe, only better. There are more tests, but Gabe is still a failure, and time runs out when the brass finally shows up demanding results Gabe can't produce.
This was everything I could have hoped for with the prompt I posted for the Love is Always Write event, except for full length novel. There is so much more to this story. I need to know what happens next!! =)
December 3, 2012
Hoo-boy... this story was really a doozy. At least for me. It's more of a sci-fi deep friendship story. If you look at the undertones, you can see love. But, the boys in this story, not human boys, but technically that's what they were. Their age was fifteen or thereabouts. They were experimental weapons; and were to begin "shifting" to other people. I'm not exactly sure why except that they were designed to be weapons. Maybe to sabotage other military operations? I had a difficult time reading about the termination of the other "subjects" all because they showed too much humanity. This is only my opinion, of course, but it was a much more difficult story to get into. The chapters are very short so you can breeze through it, but the subject matter may cause a little consternation. It did for me. What I can say, is that it certainly maintains a sci-fi feeling for all those interested in the genre.
March 10, 2013
I was already fascinated after reading the 1st paragraph. It is quite a disturbing story to read about living feeling beings being treated like a thing, an object to do with as one wished and to be disposed off on a whim.
I truly wish for more of this fascinating story after finishing it. It made me thirst to know more of what fate would Lukas and Gabriel face in the future.
I truly wish for more of this fascinating story after finishing it. It made me thirst to know more of what fate would Lukas and Gabriel face in the future.
April 18, 2015
4.5
Loved it!!! This was such an intriguing story, it was sad to see end. It felt like a prequel though. I would love to read more about this world. Thank you Ashlyn 'Myka' Daube, for donating your time and talent.
Loved it!!! This was such an intriguing story, it was sad to see end. It felt like a prequel though. I would love to read more about this world. Thank you Ashlyn 'Myka' Daube, for donating your time and talent.
October 3, 2012
I guess from reading the reviews, I should have realized this was a short story and not a book. I, like others, felt like this was a well-written prologue to a longer story. Hopefully, the story of Gabriel and Lukas will surface soon in a complete novel.
October 29, 2013
This was an interesting take on experimentation and shape-shifting in a sci-fi universe. Ashlyn Daube handled this particular story request (which can be read in detail on The Ivory Prison's Goodreads page) excellently and has a knack for immersing readers into this eerily quiet, single-room world—or, at least Gabriel's room feels as though it's the whole world. And for him it really was.
I loved how easy it was to empathize with him, especially because we begin learning the outside world with him. Like that friend you latch onto when neither one of you knows where you're going. Gabriel is so innocent compared to the place he's confined to, and it's a relief when the facility finally changes hands and the workers handle him more gently, even going as far as to give him greater freedom than what was available before.
That, of course, is also where Lukas comes in. Lukas is an unbelievable sweetheart, particularly towards Gabriel, and since they are experiencing similar situations; they hit it off immediately. Supportive, affectionate, and kind, he is able to walk Gabriel through the hardships the two boys share. They bond quickly and convincingly.
The ending… I won't spoil it; but the ending successfully ties up the loose ends and opens new questions for the upcoming sequel. It can work as a standalone, a short one-shot "fluff" if you will, but I know I'm looking forward to seeing even more.
I loved how easy it was to empathize with him, especially because we begin learning the outside world with him. Like that friend you latch onto when neither one of you knows where you're going. Gabriel is so innocent compared to the place he's confined to, and it's a relief when the facility finally changes hands and the workers handle him more gently, even going as far as to give him greater freedom than what was available before.
That, of course, is also where Lukas comes in. Lukas is an unbelievable sweetheart, particularly towards Gabriel, and since they are experiencing similar situations; they hit it off immediately. Supportive, affectionate, and kind, he is able to walk Gabriel through the hardships the two boys share. They bond quickly and convincingly.
The ending… I won't spoil it; but the ending successfully ties up the loose ends and opens new questions for the upcoming sequel. It can work as a standalone, a short one-shot "fluff" if you will, but I know I'm looking forward to seeing even more.
December 7, 2013
WHOA O_O
OMG
Oh, ma frickin' G.
I got chills man. Chills.
Talk about being stuck between a rock and a hard place. Gabe literally has no good options
It's short, of course. There's a lot still left unsaid. Hopefully, that which needs to be elaborated on shall be in the next one.
OMG
Oh, ma frickin' G.
I got chills man. Chills.
Talk about being stuck between a rock and a hard place. Gabe literally has no good options
It's short, of course. There's a lot still left unsaid. Hopefully, that which needs to be elaborated on shall be in the next one.
June 3, 2012
This story felt like it had so much intrigue surrounding it! Definitely a lot of mystery attached to exactly what was supposed to be happening and what all the testing was about. I’m so glad that Gabe found a little oasis in the form of Lukas in the ivory prison. Very interesting – very much enjoyed it! :)
May 26, 2012
I was lucky and got to Beta this story. Loved it! I can't wait for her to write a novel spun from it -and if I'm lucky I'll get to Beta again ;)
May 28, 2012
This one has to be made in to a book! What a great teaser....
August 11, 2016
It feels more like prologue and not complete story.
May 31, 2015
Gabe and Lucas a bittersweet tale that has love and pain.
September 14, 2013
3.5
This depressed the hell out of me but I want to know MOAR!
This depressed the hell out of me but I want to know MOAR!
July 24, 2025
It’s really more of a 3.5. If GR ever allows for more nuanced ratings I’m going to have to spend so much time revising my reviews.
This was a horror story. There’s no other way to put it. Gab-27 was raised in complete isolation. Other than the cruel men who visited him to do their experiments he has no idea that others existed. Then one day he got a window and there were glass walls. He wasn’t alone. But, like I said, it’s a horror story and the two Gab’s he’d seen did not last long.
Someone else comes in and Gab-27, now given the name of Gabriel, receives better treatment. There’s also another boy named Lukas who is just like him. He’s appalled to learn that Gabriel has never in his life left the room.
Make no mistake that there is an element of LGBTQ in this but how it comes about is only revealed after Gabriel learns his true purpose. He is still a thing - except to two people - but becomes one who is useful.
This was a horror story. There’s no other way to put it. Gab-27 was raised in complete isolation. Other than the cruel men who visited him to do their experiments he has no idea that others existed. Then one day he got a window and there were glass walls. He wasn’t alone. But, like I said, it’s a horror story and the two Gab’s he’d seen did not last long.
Someone else comes in and Gab-27, now given the name of Gabriel, receives better treatment. There’s also another boy named Lukas who is just like him. He’s appalled to learn that Gabriel has never in his life left the room.
Make no mistake that there is an element of LGBTQ in this but how it comes about is only revealed after Gabriel learns his true purpose. He is still a thing - except to two people - but becomes one who is useful.
April 29, 2018
I became engrossed with this short story but the ending was very abrupt. It feels unfinished.
September 22, 2018
I Need more of this! I hope so much the author is making a whole novel out of this.
November 18, 2012
The Ivory Prison is about Gabriel, a young man who has been held in a research facility for his entire life. He's not even allowed to communicate with others, and other boys at the facility often vanish without trace. Things change, however, when the lab gets a new researcher in charge, who brings along her son, Lukas. Lukas and Gabriel start to form a connection that not only changes their lives, but also helps Gabriel realize his true purpose.
I really enjoyed The Ivory Prison. I've always been fascinated by the sort of "lab rat" stories; people who've been isolated and kept apart their whole lives who suddenly find themselves dealing with people and human relationships for the first time. There are some very tender and emotional scenes that really tug on the heartstrings as Gabriel struggles to become what his masters want him to be, and Lukas desperately tries to help him so he won't be left alone.
The Ivory Prison isn't a story about sex or desire; the protagonists are under eighteen and even kisses are only hinted at, which I have no problem with. A story can be intimate and beautiful without sex and The Ivory Prison certainly achieves this. It's a story that's provocative in the emotional sense; the fact that these two young men are truly alone in the world without each other really gives a sense of danger and urgency when the boys are facing a life and death situation.
My only complaint about this book is that there were a couple of misplaced apostrophes towards the end, but this is a problem that could be easily rectified in a later update. Don't let this very minor issue stop you from enjoying a fantastic, moving read.
This review was cross-posted to Infinite Love.
I really enjoyed The Ivory Prison. I've always been fascinated by the sort of "lab rat" stories; people who've been isolated and kept apart their whole lives who suddenly find themselves dealing with people and human relationships for the first time. There are some very tender and emotional scenes that really tug on the heartstrings as Gabriel struggles to become what his masters want him to be, and Lukas desperately tries to help him so he won't be left alone.
The Ivory Prison isn't a story about sex or desire; the protagonists are under eighteen and even kisses are only hinted at, which I have no problem with. A story can be intimate and beautiful without sex and The Ivory Prison certainly achieves this. It's a story that's provocative in the emotional sense; the fact that these two young men are truly alone in the world without each other really gives a sense of danger and urgency when the boys are facing a life and death situation.
My only complaint about this book is that there were a couple of misplaced apostrophes towards the end, but this is a problem that could be easily rectified in a later update. Don't let this very minor issue stop you from enjoying a fantastic, moving read.
This review was cross-posted to Infinite Love.
September 10, 2012
Ivory Prison was just brilliant. I absolutely loved this story, as short as it may have been. The author designed a dark and beautiful dystopia and filled it with strong and lovable characters. It was a pleasure to join Gabe through seriously harsh times, and also those touching moments of true happiness. Every little thing that happened was fascinating in one way or another. He was just so innocent and sweet that I authentically cared for his well-being and was thrilled when people entered his life who felt the same. The romance between him and Lukas built up naturally. They were perfect for each other.
I sincerely hope the author decides to continue the story. I would happily return to this world she created. It was powerful enough to be one of those stories that lingers on the mind for days and I am very grateful to have crossed it.
I sincerely hope the author decides to continue the story. I would happily return to this world she created. It was powerful enough to be one of those stories that lingers on the mind for days and I am very grateful to have crossed it.
June 16, 2015
****Reviewed for Prism Book Alliance****
4.5 Stars - This free story was as riveting as it was short. I really appreciated the descriptiveness of the Ivory Prison and its bleak walls. It gave a good sense of foreboding and of the danger that faced Gabriel. I was so thankful for Lukas and his friendship to Gabriel.
As my only complaint was that I wanted more of their story, I am happy to report that The Dark Chamber, book two, will be released this year.
4.5 Stars - This free story was as riveting as it was short. I really appreciated the descriptiveness of the Ivory Prison and its bleak walls. It gave a good sense of foreboding and of the danger that faced Gabriel. I was so thankful for Lukas and his friendship to Gabriel.
As my only complaint was that I wanted more of their story, I am happy to report that The Dark Chamber, book two, will be released this year.
June 30, 2012
"Beautiful" might seem like an odd word to apply to this story, but it's the first that came to mind. So very beautiful!
Gabe's life is horrific, on a scale that's difficult to truly imagine. But his relationship with Lukas is good and bright and hopeful enough to make up for everything else.
The world-building here is amazing and the characters are beautifully crafted and believable. This is one that I would love to see turned into a longer work or a series. I'm left with so many questions about Gabe and Lukas and their world-- not in the "I wish this were more fleshed-out" way, but in the "this world and these characters are awesome, give me more!" way.
Bonus star for being free.
Gabe's life is horrific, on a scale that's difficult to truly imagine. But his relationship with Lukas is good and bright and hopeful enough to make up for everything else.
The world-building here is amazing and the characters are beautifully crafted and believable. This is one that I would love to see turned into a longer work or a series. I'm left with so many questions about Gabe and Lukas and their world-- not in the "I wish this were more fleshed-out" way, but in the "this world and these characters are awesome, give me more!" way.
Bonus star for being free.
June 24, 2013
My Thoughts - 3 out of 5 unicorns - I liked it!
I liked this story, but too many unanswered questions. It didn’t feel like it should be a short story. It is a quick read only 18 pages. It is a story of what I call emotional/psychological torture and how the boy is struggling to get past it & of 2 boys who grew up different, but clinging to each other because they are the same. It will be interesting to see if it becomes a series as Goodreads suggests. Lots of questions I want answered, but I can’t put them here or it will spoil your reading of the story :)
Best part is that it is FREE, so why not read it :)
I liked this story, but too many unanswered questions. It didn’t feel like it should be a short story. It is a quick read only 18 pages. It is a story of what I call emotional/psychological torture and how the boy is struggling to get past it & of 2 boys who grew up different, but clinging to each other because they are the same. It will be interesting to see if it becomes a series as Goodreads suggests. Lots of questions I want answered, but I can’t put them here or it will spoil your reading of the story :)
Best part is that it is FREE, so why not read it :)
July 24, 2013
I am all about giving 5 stars when I review a book. But I can't for this one as it has excellent bone structure with no filling. The concept of genetic shifting being SPOILER HERE..............non animal was fantastic. I wasn't prepared for boy/man <3 boy/man. I am not into that so sadly I will not be following this series though it has great potential for this short. Implied violence and one gun shooting along with the male love thing makes me recommend this for 18 and over. Otherwise I love tbe concept and would enjoy following Gabe and I understand his need for and even approve of his love, it's just not for me. After all he has endured he deserves love and much more.
December 13, 2012
I really didn't know what to expect when I started reading this book. But once I got into it, I really enjoyed it. I felt sorry for Gab. because he doesn't know anything but the inside of his ivory walls. Glad he has a friend, just like himself. I wanted more; I didn't want it to end so quickly. Author needs to write a sequel to this to keep us up to date on Gab's progress. Thanks for writing... I.c. Hearts
Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews