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Unnatural Means
Confessor Isak is charged with the task of forcing Sain to confess his sins of murder and witchcraft before inevitable execution. Torturing in the name of the Divine is difficult enough, but the process is nothing new to him, and he is confident he can effect Sain's salvation. This time is different, though, when he begins to feel Sain's seductive magic take hold of him. Suddenly, Isak isn't at all sure it will be Sain who breaks under pressure to find release.
- GenresHistoricalM M Romance
27 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 22, 2013
11 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
July 10, 2013
When witchcraft is involved, the result could go either way. I can definitely see why "the church" or any religious institution intent on controlling what its followers believe might be interested in stamping it out. By "any means necessary", as the Inquisition has proven in our history, or as "the Question" does in the fantasy world created by the authors of this short story. Same difference, except the authors have removed the Christian aspect, possibly to make a more generalized point.
Isak is a Confessor, tasked with getting witches and other sinners to repent before they are executed. He takes his responsibilities seriously, but knows he is tempted to "the sins of the flesh". When he is given Sein's case, things escalate fast. Despite all the prayer and meditation he can muster, he cannot forget the attractive witch and having to torture him (one severe whipping scene and lots of threats), he has as hard a time of it as Sein.
Sein is a witch, accused of seducing a man then manipulating him to hand over all his wealth. While we don't get to see his point of view, his actions and hints of his abilities made me suspect something more might be going on than meets the eye. And even though Sein is the one who is tied up when Isak "takes advantage of him", it's clear the he holds the power.
This is a very clever role reversal. The confessor becomes the confessee, and the prisoner holds a lot more power than normal. If you like cleverly written short stories with a few twists and a surprise ending, if you enjoy psychological drama and expert manipulation skills, and if you're looking for a short read that will make you think, you might like this short story.
Isak is a Confessor, tasked with getting witches and other sinners to repent before they are executed. He takes his responsibilities seriously, but knows he is tempted to "the sins of the flesh". When he is given Sein's case, things escalate fast. Despite all the prayer and meditation he can muster, he cannot forget the attractive witch and having to torture him (one severe whipping scene and lots of threats), he has as hard a time of it as Sein.
Sein is a witch, accused of seducing a man then manipulating him to hand over all his wealth. While we don't get to see his point of view, his actions and hints of his abilities made me suspect something more might be going on than meets the eye. And even though Sein is the one who is tied up when Isak "takes advantage of him", it's clear the he holds the power.
This is a very clever role reversal. The confessor becomes the confessee, and the prisoner holds a lot more power than normal. If you like cleverly written short stories with a few twists and a surprise ending, if you enjoy psychological drama and expert manipulation skills, and if you're looking for a short read that will make you think, you might like this short story.
July 8, 2013
3 Stars
Isak works to save people’s souls by getting them to confess their sins. His current assignment is a young man charged with witchcraft and murder. The young man, Sain, is already scheduled to be executed for committing murder but Isak has been taught if he gets a confession that will somehow clear the evil of practicing witchcraft on his former boss and lover. Isak’s order has been taught torturing confessions out of prisoners is worth clearing the taint off their souls. When Isak starts to feel lust for Sain he thinks the young man must be using it on him. He acts on his lust thinking if he gets it out of his system he’ll be able to do his job properly but the few days spent with the prisoner make him start to rethink everything he’s ever been told.
This was a pretty good little read. To me it seemed more like an intriguing beginning to a story. I’d like to read more about the characters and what becomes of them and the order. This touched on thecaptor/prisoner sex kink but Sain was definitely willing. I liked this story enough that I’ll be checking out more from this author.
Isak works to save people’s souls by getting them to confess their sins. His current assignment is a young man charged with witchcraft and murder. The young man, Sain, is already scheduled to be executed for committing murder but Isak has been taught if he gets a confession that will somehow clear the evil of practicing witchcraft on his former boss and lover. Isak’s order has been taught torturing confessions out of prisoners is worth clearing the taint off their souls. When Isak starts to feel lust for Sain he thinks the young man must be using it on him. He acts on his lust thinking if he gets it out of his system he’ll be able to do his job properly but the few days spent with the prisoner make him start to rethink everything he’s ever been told.
This was a pretty good little read. To me it seemed more like an intriguing beginning to a story. I’d like to read more about the characters and what becomes of them and the order. This touched on thecaptor/prisoner sex kink but Sain was definitely willing. I liked this story enough that I’ll be checking out more from this author.
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January 25, 2021★ - Read in Like it or Not
November 26, 2013
2.5 Hearts
Review written for MM Good Book Reviews
As much as I like fantasy stories, witchcraft and a plot with dubious consent, I believe this one didn’t hold much interest for me. The plot was fairly transparent; you know from the blurb and the beginning of this short what will happen. So as I tried to let myself enjoy the ride, (see I don’t really mind knowing the plot beforehand) I found it a bit bland, a bit flat...
Read the rest of the review here.
Thommie.
Review written for MM Good Book Reviews
As much as I like fantasy stories, witchcraft and a plot with dubious consent, I believe this one didn’t hold much interest for me. The plot was fairly transparent; you know from the blurb and the beginning of this short what will happen. So as I tried to let myself enjoy the ride, (see I don’t really mind knowing the plot beforehand) I found it a bit bland, a bit flat...
Read the rest of the review here.
Thommie.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews