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400 Days of Oppression
Are you oppressed? Can you really imagine what it’s like to be a slave? Erotic and psychological, Wrath James White has created a new genre of BDSM novels. Natasha has found the man of her dreams. Kenyetta has given her a sense of safety and opened her up to a new world of sexual experiences. Now that Natasha is comfortable, Kenyetta is raising the stakes on their erotic games. Take the ultimate BDSM challenge, but beware, once you open 400 Days of Oppression… There is no safe word! “If Wrath James White doesn’t make you cringe, you must be riding in the wrong end of a hearse.” ~ Jack Ketchum
256 pages, Paperback
First published October 19, 2013
48 people are currently reading
721 people want to read
About the author
Wrath James White
125 books1,132 followersWrath James White is a badass motherfucker who writes baddasss books for other badass motherfuckers. He is a J.F. Gonzalez Lifetime Achievement Award winner and a Bram Stoker Award nominee with over two dozen books in print.
Wrath is the author of RABBIT HUNT, THE BUG COLLECTOR, and such extreme horror classics as THE RESURRECTIONIST (now a major motion picture titled "Come Back To Me") SUCCULENT PREY, it's sequel PREY DRIVE, 400 DAYS OF OPPRESSION, and many others.
To follow his Substack, purchase books, get the latest updates about upcoming releases, signed books, merchandise, and more, go to:
https://linktr.ee/wrathjameswhite
Wrath is the author of RABBIT HUNT, THE BUG COLLECTOR, and such extreme horror classics as THE RESURRECTIONIST (now a major motion picture titled "Come Back To Me") SUCCULENT PREY, it's sequel PREY DRIVE, 400 DAYS OF OPPRESSION, and many others.
To follow his Substack, purchase books, get the latest updates about upcoming releases, signed books, merchandise, and more, go to:
https://linktr.ee/wrathjameswhite
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 89 reviews
January 17, 2022
I don't know how I feel about this book. It made me very uncomfortable, but maybe that was the point. Natasha is an idiot. I don't care how good the sex is, no one is putting me in a box to torture slowly. White really outdid himself with this one. Just when you think Natasha is not going to agree to do that crazy thing, she does. Kenyetta has some serious, deep-rooted issues that I don't think therapy would help.
😺😺😺
😺😺😺
March 23, 2017
This is my first read of a Wrath James White book and immediately I wanted to dive into another. It's interesting to me how race is still such a taboo topic, even in horror. Cannibalism, incest, bestiality, serial murder. All fine. Race... eh, too risky. So to find a book like this written with such intensity, such complex characters and brutal, heavy themes... it was both refreshing and eye-opening. I'm not squeamish by a longshot. That said I don't generally read erotica. This book not only delves headfirst into slavery (via the fictional historical text "400 Years of Oppression," which Kenyatta aka King uses as his torture manual), it also goes deep into the S&M subculture in San Francisco. I'm not sure how accurate this depiction is, although many of the things mentioned I am very aware of. Not sure if there are modern-day "plantations" like the one presented in the book, for instance, but it wouldn't surprise me. Everything else seemed pretty bang-on, so to speak. And there was A LOT of everything else, believe me. Reading this on the train was an interesting experience. If you're a horror fan you've probably read your share of torture porn. 400 Days immediately turns this subgenre on its head by presenting the "victim" as a woman allowing herself to be tortured, so she can get the "black experience." Kenyatta's torture techniques are brilliantly conceived (such as the "safe word," and the hot, cramped coffin on pulleys that swings and sways, giving Natasha a small idea of what it might have been like on a slave ship), and often I got the sense he was putting himself through torture too. That he was as much a slave to his obsession with history as Natasha, the narrator, was to her obsession with Kenyatta. It's a rare treat to find such a well-written genre book that takes the time to explore heavy themes and is still entertaining. This book will stay with me for a long time, I'm sure.
May 24, 2021
This book wasn't like Wraths usual work, it was still savage, horrifying, shocking and thought provoking, but in a different way.
A brutal, dark, erotic, horror story about understanding racism and slavery, in the worst way possible.
This book literally grabbed me from the very beginning and didn't let me go until the very satisfying and perfect ending!
It really makes you stop and think, and it will continue to do so for a very long time. 🖤
A brutal, dark, erotic, horror story about understanding racism and slavery, in the worst way possible.
This book literally grabbed me from the very beginning and didn't let me go until the very satisfying and perfect ending!
It really makes you stop and think, and it will continue to do so for a very long time. 🖤
March 16, 2023
400 DAYS OF OPPRESSION by Wrath James White is a good and original horror story, based on important historical tragedies and S&M lifestyle.
This book made me feel so many emotions but mostly anger, sadness and frustration. The characters development is good and complex. I didn’t like them, but I couldn’t stop reading.
I loved the unique approach of this story.
I highly recommend it.
This book made me feel so many emotions but mostly anger, sadness and frustration. The characters development is good and complex. I didn’t like them, but I couldn’t stop reading.
I loved the unique approach of this story.
I highly recommend it.
November 11, 2023
Mind = BLOWN
October 27, 2013
4 1/2 Stars
Kenyatta is in love with Christie. School is ending and he knows he won't see her again because he's transferring to a new one. On their walk home he confesses his love and seals it with a kiss. Christie runs off and leaves Kenyatta heartbroken.
Kenyatta decides to try again over the phone. Their feelings may be reciprocated, but Christie's parents don't believe in that; black boys dating white girls. Kenyatta doesn't care though. His obsession is stronger than that and no one will stand in his way.
Years later:
Enter Natasha. She's been through a lot. Being molested at a young age has damaged her confidence and self-esteem. She went through men, drugs, and alcohol, but somehow she managed to get good grades and become a teacher.
A night out with a friend leads to an unexpected meeting.
Kenyatta and Natasha clash instantly. He's hot and seems into her, but he starts a conversation about race which has both of them on the defensive. His political debate excites her though. A smart, fine guy, looking for a commitment was interested in her? There's got to be something wrong with him, right?
Kenyatta dominates her and she's soon head over heals. He wants to be with her, but first she must understand the black man's struggle. If she can submit, he will marry her. How much degradation could you endure for the sake of love. How many whippings would you take before saying the safe word. How much is too much?
I found out quickly that this was not your typical erotic story. Race was the force behind this read. Kenyatta's historical lessons from the "book" were a little much and preachy.
Kenyatta and his start-up conversation put up big yellow and red lights. CAUTION. GET THE HELL AWAY FROM HIM! SLOW DOWN. STOP. THIS DUDE IS CRAZY! I was instantly put-off by him and I had a hard time seeing exactly what is was that attracted Natasha to him. He was aggressive in a psychotic cave-man, bash you over the head sorta way, not in an "you're mine" possessive, growl, love me long time way.
The stuff he made her go through as a "slave" was unsettling and the fact that she was doing it willingly made it even tougher to read about. She wasn't dumb. She knew what she was doing. She was actually quite strong to be able to submit to such extremes.
This is not an easy read. It has whippings, light blood play, physical violence, and a little more woman-on-woman than I'm comfortable with. The half star came off due to the time she spent on the ranch which didn't really interest me. I felt that Kenyatta kind of disappeared from the story for too long. The other part was the educational moments.
That's being said, this is Wrath's most in-depth work I've read so far. In his other reads something was always missing. In this read there were no holes, no guessing. It is what it is. It's cruel. It's dark. It's twisted.
The ending was perfect. Natasha. Master of her own life.
Kenyatta is in love with Christie. School is ending and he knows he won't see her again because he's transferring to a new one. On their walk home he confesses his love and seals it with a kiss. Christie runs off and leaves Kenyatta heartbroken.
Kenyatta decides to try again over the phone. Their feelings may be reciprocated, but Christie's parents don't believe in that; black boys dating white girls. Kenyatta doesn't care though. His obsession is stronger than that and no one will stand in his way.
Years later:
Enter Natasha. She's been through a lot. Being molested at a young age has damaged her confidence and self-esteem. She went through men, drugs, and alcohol, but somehow she managed to get good grades and become a teacher.
A night out with a friend leads to an unexpected meeting.
Kenyatta and Natasha clash instantly. He's hot and seems into her, but he starts a conversation about race which has both of them on the defensive. His political debate excites her though. A smart, fine guy, looking for a commitment was interested in her? There's got to be something wrong with him, right?
Kenyatta dominates her and she's soon head over heals. He wants to be with her, but first she must understand the black man's struggle. If she can submit, he will marry her. How much degradation could you endure for the sake of love. How many whippings would you take before saying the safe word. How much is too much?
I found out quickly that this was not your typical erotic story. Race was the force behind this read. Kenyatta's historical lessons from the "book" were a little much and preachy.
Kenyatta and his start-up conversation put up big yellow and red lights. CAUTION. GET THE HELL AWAY FROM HIM! SLOW DOWN. STOP. THIS DUDE IS CRAZY! I was instantly put-off by him and I had a hard time seeing exactly what is was that attracted Natasha to him. He was aggressive in a psychotic cave-man, bash you over the head sorta way, not in an "you're mine" possessive, growl, love me long time way.
The stuff he made her go through as a "slave" was unsettling and the fact that she was doing it willingly made it even tougher to read about. She wasn't dumb. She knew what she was doing. She was actually quite strong to be able to submit to such extremes.
This is not an easy read. It has whippings, light blood play, physical violence, and a little more woman-on-woman than I'm comfortable with. The half star came off due to the time she spent on the ranch which didn't really interest me. I felt that Kenyatta kind of disappeared from the story for too long. The other part was the educational moments.
That's being said, this is Wrath's most in-depth work I've read so far. In his other reads something was always missing. In this read there were no holes, no guessing. It is what it is. It's cruel. It's dark. It's twisted.
The ending was perfect. Natasha. Master of her own life.
April 23, 2020
Holy $hit, this was amazing!!
Why did I not read this before now?
Learn from my mistakes, and read this one ASAP!
Even for love, I would have never made it as far as Natasha did. I don't care how shitty I would feel doing what was necessary to quit - if I got out of that Hell when I needed to, you'd have heard me scream it from a block away.
I can tell you that I was thinking some even nastier words for Kenyatta at the end, when we find out his whole game... what a d-bag.
I might have to say that this book is equal to The Resurrectionist. Highly recommended!
Why did I not read this before now?
Learn from my mistakes, and read this one ASAP!
Even for love, I would have never made it as far as Natasha did. I don't care how shitty I would feel doing what was necessary to quit - if I got out of that Hell when I needed to, you'd have heard me scream it from a block away.
I can tell you that I was thinking some even nastier words for Kenyatta at the end, when we find out his whole game... what a d-bag.
I might have to say that this book is equal to The Resurrectionist. Highly recommended!
December 17, 2022
I love hated this. Natasha made me SO angry - like GIRL. Walk the fuck away from this. But the whole idea was so interesting and wild that it kept me super hooked the whole time!
November 3, 2023
Living alone in the city was scary sometimes. I had long ago taken to carrying protection. I felt the familiar weight of it in my hand as I approached the two of them. I had been submissive for far too long. It was time to end the game for real. And this time, there would be no safe word.
September 22, 2025
How far would you go for LOVE ❤️ ? Natasha went too far in my eyes!
This book was so emotional, somewhat sad and hard to take in with some extreme violence and brutal acts of sexual abuse.
Both Kenyatta and Natasha needed some serious therapy and help.
The story blew my mind to pieces...shattered it...then stamped on it just for the fun of it.
Wrath James White doesn't hold back here and it has to be one of his best books yet.
A subject that isn't often approached or written about, but WJW did it so well.
Some will be shocked, offended and sickened by the contents between the pages of this book...so tread carefully with caution.
Well worth the read.
5 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟's
This book was so emotional, somewhat sad and hard to take in with some extreme violence and brutal acts of sexual abuse.
Both Kenyatta and Natasha needed some serious therapy and help.
The story blew my mind to pieces...shattered it...then stamped on it just for the fun of it.
Wrath James White doesn't hold back here and it has to be one of his best books yet.
A subject that isn't often approached or written about, but WJW did it so well.
Some will be shocked, offended and sickened by the contents between the pages of this book...so tread carefully with caution.
Well worth the read.
5 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟's
September 8, 2020
Well, Wrath has done it again. This book pulled me in immediately and didn't let go until I turned the very last page. 400 Days of Oppression felt a little different than his other books, with it's dark and disturbing love story underneath the violence and depravity. Smart and brutal storytelling, which is what I've come to expect from WJJ. Another 5/5 skull book 💀
May 8, 2024
This was definitely one of Wrath's best books!
It's a very depressing story with all the violence you would expect by this author. How far would you go for the one that you love?
There is also a lot of history about slaves in the 1800's that made this a very interesting read. This was another book I was unable to put down, needing to know what happens next!
4/5
It's a very depressing story with all the violence you would expect by this author. How far would you go for the one that you love?
There is also a lot of history about slaves in the 1800's that made this a very interesting read. This was another book I was unable to put down, needing to know what happens next!
4/5
January 19, 2017
I’d previously read Wrath James White's collaboration with Edward Lee, Teratologist , and was horrified by the depravity their two minds concocted. That book left me slightly traumatized and unable to scrub the images from my brain. So, of course, when I saw that Wrath’s newest title was classified as “dark erotica” I had to read it.
400 Days of Oppression is very much dark erotica but it never went too far. I was prepared for something truly soul destroying and disgusting but there was nothing here that I couldn’t handle. In fact there were really only two scenes that take place on/after “the farm” that were gruesome to me (one hilarious, the other just horrific but well deserved). In all honesty, I was a little disappointed by the lack of gore and body fluids but there’s probably something wrong with me. This book isn’t being marketing as “erotic horror” for a reason.
With all that said, I’ll try to tell you a little bit about the story without giving it all away. Kenyatta is a black man who, as a young teen, fell in love with a white girl and had his heart stomped on. Kenyatta did not take this well. This vignette was so innocent and sweet and heart-wrenching that when the story flashes forward to a grown up Kenyatta it was a bit jarring. He has never forgotten that experience and when he grew up, he discovered a love and talent for the BDSM scene. He meets Natasha. Natasha is pretty, white and very insecure. She is longing for love and will do whatever it takes to win the eternal love and devotion of Kenyatta.
Kenyatta uses a book based on slavery called “400 Days of Oppression” as a guide to torment and preach at Natasha. If she can endure everything the blacks endured during their enslavement he will marry her. All the girls before her have failed but Natasha is quite damaged when they meet and knows how to endure. The story is fueled by sex and pain and I have to admit that it left me feeling very sad. Sad for humanity and the pain people inflict on each other, sad for Kenyatta who felt the need to do this, and sad for Natasha for needing a man so badly that she allowed it all to happen.
This is a difficult book to rate. It is a very grueling read with little to no relief from all of the suffering. I enjoyed the implied ending but I wish it hadn’t been quite so abrupt. I like dark stories, I like erotica, and I usually enjoy extreme love stories but this one? I don’t know, it didn’t entirely work for me on any of those levels. It has a load of darker edged sex including whippings, dub-con, f/f, attempted rape and all that stuff and though most of it was erotic and well written, it left me feeling drained and upset at both Natasha and Kenyatta.
400 Days of Oppression is very much dark erotica but it never went too far. I was prepared for something truly soul destroying and disgusting but there was nothing here that I couldn’t handle. In fact there were really only two scenes that take place on/after “the farm” that were gruesome to me (one hilarious, the other just horrific but well deserved). In all honesty, I was a little disappointed by the lack of gore and body fluids but there’s probably something wrong with me. This book isn’t being marketing as “erotic horror” for a reason.
With all that said, I’ll try to tell you a little bit about the story without giving it all away. Kenyatta is a black man who, as a young teen, fell in love with a white girl and had his heart stomped on. Kenyatta did not take this well. This vignette was so innocent and sweet and heart-wrenching that when the story flashes forward to a grown up Kenyatta it was a bit jarring. He has never forgotten that experience and when he grew up, he discovered a love and talent for the BDSM scene. He meets Natasha. Natasha is pretty, white and very insecure. She is longing for love and will do whatever it takes to win the eternal love and devotion of Kenyatta.
Kenyatta uses a book based on slavery called “400 Days of Oppression” as a guide to torment and preach at Natasha. If she can endure everything the blacks endured during their enslavement he will marry her. All the girls before her have failed but Natasha is quite damaged when they meet and knows how to endure. The story is fueled by sex and pain and I have to admit that it left me feeling very sad. Sad for humanity and the pain people inflict on each other, sad for Kenyatta who felt the need to do this, and sad for Natasha for needing a man so badly that she allowed it all to happen.
This is a difficult book to rate. It is a very grueling read with little to no relief from all of the suffering. I enjoyed the implied ending but I wish it hadn’t been quite so abrupt. I like dark stories, I like erotica, and I usually enjoy extreme love stories but this one? I don’t know, it didn’t entirely work for me on any of those levels. It has a load of darker edged sex including whippings, dub-con, f/f, attempted rape and all that stuff and though most of it was erotic and well written, it left me feeling drained and upset at both Natasha and Kenyatta.
March 15, 2023
I hated the two main characters. But surprisingly that didn't make it a bad book for me. I needed to keep reading. I needed to know how far things would go. A lot of this book was like a punch to the gut. An engaging story of a BDSM relationship full of red flags that will have you screaming at the book. Graphic and violent I could not put it down.
January 11, 2024
I am lost for words to even give a somewhat decent review for this... but I will say that 400 Days Of Oppression has easily became one of the best books I have read in my lifetime thus far.
This has left me with so many mixed emotions, from my heartbreaking to arousal.
I will definitely be reading more from Wrath James White.
This has left me with so many mixed emotions, from my heartbreaking to arousal.
I will definitely be reading more from Wrath James White.
October 26, 2013
Wow I don't even know where to start. This is a new to me author so I was not at all sure what to expect other than that it would be dark erotica, a genre I love!
Wrath James White pushes the boundaries of race and sexuality in this dark, erotic novel-easily his most controversial yet
This story is not for the faint hearted, it contains a barrage of not so pretty sexual content .
Kenyatta believes Natasha has to experience similar things to what his ancestor's (black slaves) had to endure before he can marry her, so she agrees to play his 'game'. She could stop the game at any time by using her safeword, a derogative term at that!
I was really drawn into this story and constantly wondering if she would tell him enough was enough or end up marrying him. What happened.....not telling, but lets just say the ending surprised me!
The only reason I didn't give it five stars, is that at times I felt the story got bogged down with the history of blacks and the 1800's. I get it was a necessary part of the story, to move it along, but I didn't need page after page of references to the 1800's and black and white segregation. If I wanted a history lesson I would buy a history book not a dark erotica book. That said the author obviously knew what he was talking about and is a very talented author.
Wrath James White pushes the boundaries of race and sexuality in this dark, erotic novel-easily his most controversial yet
This story is not for the faint hearted, it contains a barrage of not so pretty sexual content .
Kenyatta believes Natasha has to experience similar things to what his ancestor's (black slaves) had to endure before he can marry her, so she agrees to play his 'game'. She could stop the game at any time by using her safeword, a derogative term at that!
I was really drawn into this story and constantly wondering if she would tell him enough was enough or end up marrying him. What happened.....not telling, but lets just say the ending surprised me!
The only reason I didn't give it five stars, is that at times I felt the story got bogged down with the history of blacks and the 1800's. I get it was a necessary part of the story, to move it along, but I didn't need page after page of references to the 1800's and black and white segregation. If I wanted a history lesson I would buy a history book not a dark erotica book. That said the author obviously knew what he was talking about and is a very talented author.
May 10, 2022
Amazing
I absolutely loved this read, it was so captivating and the characters were amazing. But most of all there was so much truth, heartache and so many things that you learnt and could scream and shout about, that people should never of been made to ensure and suffer, and still to this day so many do. And what for? The colour of skin? I find it ridiculous. People pay and Do so much to have the same colour skin, the fact that we are all the same and should be treated the same vexs me unbelievably. I bet those people that are so cruel wouldn't refuse there blood or an organ or their assistance or help if it was greatly needed. Anyway I'm going off on a tangent. I apologise. But this book brings so much to the forefront of your thoughts. As well as an amazing storyline with some brutal ways kenyatta tried to help to make Natasha/kitten see and understand, to then find the truth is so shocking. Some great twists and some amazing descriptions and true to life morals and life horrors. An incredible journey for a young woman falling in love. Definitely recommend
I absolutely loved this read, it was so captivating and the characters were amazing. But most of all there was so much truth, heartache and so many things that you learnt and could scream and shout about, that people should never of been made to ensure and suffer, and still to this day so many do. And what for? The colour of skin? I find it ridiculous. People pay and Do so much to have the same colour skin, the fact that we are all the same and should be treated the same vexs me unbelievably. I bet those people that are so cruel wouldn't refuse there blood or an organ or their assistance or help if it was greatly needed. Anyway I'm going off on a tangent. I apologise. But this book brings so much to the forefront of your thoughts. As well as an amazing storyline with some brutal ways kenyatta tried to help to make Natasha/kitten see and understand, to then find the truth is so shocking. Some great twists and some amazing descriptions and true to life morals and life horrors. An incredible journey for a young woman falling in love. Definitely recommend
June 6, 2021
This was an intense read! I expected no less from Wrath James White.
Natasha falls head over heels for Kenyatta. How far will Natasha go to prove her love to Kenyatta? When he asks Natasha to endure an experiment to be his slave and achieve a better understanding of what his African American ancestors endured does she volunteer? Will she survive 400 days of oppression? Read this book to find the answers.
Wrath James White tells a brutal tale of race, oppression, and unhealthy love. Natasha is a white woman who has lead a life of adversity. Kenyatta is an African American man who wants to make Natasha understand what his ancestors went through.
While well written, this story is not for the faint of heart. I highly recommend this story to fans of extreme horror and erotica. While this is not a straight up horror novel, there are definitely elements of psychological horror in a way only Wrath James White can write. 5 out of 5 stars.
Natasha falls head over heels for Kenyatta. How far will Natasha go to prove her love to Kenyatta? When he asks Natasha to endure an experiment to be his slave and achieve a better understanding of what his African American ancestors endured does she volunteer? Will she survive 400 days of oppression? Read this book to find the answers.
Wrath James White tells a brutal tale of race, oppression, and unhealthy love. Natasha is a white woman who has lead a life of adversity. Kenyatta is an African American man who wants to make Natasha understand what his ancestors went through.
While well written, this story is not for the faint of heart. I highly recommend this story to fans of extreme horror and erotica. While this is not a straight up horror novel, there are definitely elements of psychological horror in a way only Wrath James White can write. 5 out of 5 stars.
July 18, 2024
Natasha is in love with the love of her life. She'll do absolutely anything for Kenyatta, anything. When Kenyatta proposes an experiment and the grand prize is marrying him, Natasha can't say no! What Natasha doesn't know is just how bad these next 400 days will actually get.
Alright, this invoked a lot of feelings from me. Mainly rage for Natasha! Having to go through torture like his ancestors did was intense. And Kenyatta was a character! He can be loving and a complete dick. This was an interesting concept and honestly it did keep me intrigued. But If Natasha was my friend, I'd slap the shit outta her 😂 sex was great also! Give this a shot.
Alright, this invoked a lot of feelings from me. Mainly rage for Natasha! Having to go through torture like his ancestors did was intense. And Kenyatta was a character! He can be loving and a complete dick. This was an interesting concept and honestly it did keep me intrigued. But If Natasha was my friend, I'd slap the shit outta her 😂 sex was great also! Give this a shot.
January 15, 2025
Wrath James White’s 400 Days of Oppression is a raw and visceral journey into the darkest corners of the human psyche and deals with bondage of many physical and mental levels. White’s unflinching prose tackles themes of power, control, and suffering with brutal honesty, making for a deeply impactful read. This book isn’t for everyone, but fans of extreme horror and transgressive fiction will find it both thought-provoking and unforgettable.
June 28, 2023
Legitimately have no idea how I feel about this read. I loved it but not sure if I liked it. Know what I mean? There is so much to unpack within these pages.
This is horror. This is erotica. I am all for kink. Live your life the way that makes you happy - or the way you think makes you happy. I appreciated the consent part in the relationship between Kenyatta and Natasha. The dom/sub relationship has to be consensual and with proper communication. Adding the race aspect and the lesson Kenyatta is trying to teach Natasha with the ultimate promise of being his queen. FFS. Layers upon layers to unpack. For a moment I wondered if I could be in such an extreme relationship and then I bit the inside of my cheek eating a sandwich and was like yeah, no, probably not. haha
While the complexity of the racial aspects of this story was a heavy part of the storyline, the approach of the BDSM world and their relationship in this aspect took the forefront once you got into the meaty part of this read. The ending was not one I was expecting though, that's for sure.
Oh and Michael, you got what you deserved - this particular part of the story made me wince but was also very satisfying. Despite Kenyatta's very domineering stature, there was a part of me that found it romantic in his treatment towards Natasha (at times).
This is a tough story to read for many reasons. I was utterly fascinated throughout. While this could've been edited a bit further as I found quite a bit of typos, it didn't take away from the impact of what the author was sharing. Dig in if you dare.
This is horror. This is erotica. I am all for kink. Live your life the way that makes you happy - or the way you think makes you happy. I appreciated the consent part in the relationship between Kenyatta and Natasha. The dom/sub relationship has to be consensual and with proper communication. Adding the race aspect and the lesson Kenyatta is trying to teach Natasha with the ultimate promise of being his queen. FFS. Layers upon layers to unpack. For a moment I wondered if I could be in such an extreme relationship and then I bit the inside of my cheek eating a sandwich and was like yeah, no, probably not. haha
While the complexity of the racial aspects of this story was a heavy part of the storyline, the approach of the BDSM world and their relationship in this aspect took the forefront once you got into the meaty part of this read. The ending was not one I was expecting though, that's for sure.
Oh and Michael, you got what you deserved - this particular part of the story made me wince but was also very satisfying. Despite Kenyatta's very domineering stature, there was a part of me that found it romantic in his treatment towards Natasha (at times).
This is a tough story to read for many reasons. I was utterly fascinated throughout. While this could've been edited a bit further as I found quite a bit of typos, it didn't take away from the impact of what the author was sharing. Dig in if you dare.
December 5, 2018
December 5th, 2018 12:03am
400 Days Of Oppression by: Wrath James White
I read a lot. I love to read. I have favorite books. This book is an end all book. I just now finished reading it and I’m not sure how I will pick up the next one and start reading. I started this book last night after doing the pod cast that I co-host with Jesse Dedman. It was midnight and I figured I would read just a hour or two at the most. By 3am I was only 20% in the book and had already been mad as hell, cried like a fool and didn’t know if it would be possible to read more. I couldn’t put it down. It had me in its grips and it wasn’t going to let go. Truth be told, I didn’t want it to let go. I was totally amazed.
I have always had a great respect for Wrath. He is smart, talented and strong. He has a presence about him that tells you I don’t take shit. I wish I was more like that at times. He is also outspoken and stands tall for what he believes. I have said many times that if someone was bothering me at a convention and I knew he was there I would run straight to him. I have no doubt I would be safe. Now, I tell you all this to say… my opinion of Wrath has changed. Reading this book I saw a side of him I didn’t know. A side I really like. A deeply sensitive and caring side of him. It is profound. I find it hard to convey in words exactly how I feel. So, I will say that admiration would be quite appropriate.
There are two main characters in this book. A white woman who is a school teacher. She grew up in a trailer park, had a rough life. Was raped and abused as a young girl but was determined to do better. The other character is a black man. He grew up in the ghetto. His mother faked their address to send him to a good school so that he got an education. She wanted better for him. She wanted him to have a better life. He became an entrepreneur. Smart, good looking and talented. They meet at a night club. She is with a cute girlfriend of hers and is shocked that this beautiful man shows interest in her and ignores her friend. At the end of the night he asks for her phone number. She laughs but gives it to him thinking she won’t hear from him again. He calls several days later and immediately asks for her address. Not sure why or if he will show she gives it to him. He comes over and they start dating. She falls hard for him and he falls for her. He then informs her that in order for her to be with him she needs to learn what his ancestors suffered. So that she understands him and what he has faced in life. He explains what all this will involve and tells her that she will suffer the same things they did for 400 days. He provides her with a safe word. If she says it then it will end and they will be done. He will walk away. If she succeeds then he will marry her. She agrees. Now at this point I will tell you that he is involved in the BDSM lifestyle and he brings her into this. Some of it is hot some will make you cringe. If you think that this book isn’t horror you are mistaken. At one point reading a scene I yelled now this is how you write horror! The cats ran! Lol There are so many twists and turns in this book that will leave you with your mouth on the floor. I was shocked and couldn’t decide if I wanted to save her or smack her at times. You will love both characters and the ending totally threw me. I never expected it and no it isn’t a happily ever after. This is horror! In my opinion everyone should read this book. I knew a lot about what the slaves went through but I can say that I learned a lot. Some times I felt like it was me going through what she suffered through. He described this book to me as an emotional roller coaster. That is no lie!
This is an easy engrossing read. It quickly pulls you in and really twists you up. Unfortunately, I have seen first hand prejudice. It is an ugly thing to me. I will never understand it. I have always seen people. It doesn’t matter to me color, religion or sexual preference. I know that many people don’t see it that way. I also know that many people are treated bad and differently because of this and it makes me mad. There is a small town in Tennessee called Brownsville. It is racially divided. My mother side of the family was from there. I had not been there since I was 7 years old until a year after my mom died. I went back to see the house she lived in and the town that I grew up in thinking since it was now 2011 things surely had changed. I was mistaken. It is still much the same. The hotel I stayed at was a Hampton Inn. A nice hotel. Clean and the front desk staff was friendly. There was a McDonald’s in front of the hotel and I stopped there for breakfast the next morning on my way out of town. The young lady that was working the drive thru took my order. When I pulled to the window to pay she refused to look at me. She took the money and handed me the order and shut the window. I thanked her but she didn’t speak to me or ever looked up. It confused me. I didn’t get it then it hit me. I was white. She had been made to think somewhere along the lines that she wasn’t to look up. I don’t think I will ever forget how that made me feel. Much like this story it cut me to the core of my soul. How could one person think they were better than another? Damn it! It was 2011. This shouldn’t be happening. The sad fact is that it still does happen. My long winded point is expand your views, read this book it will change how you see things. That is a great and wonderful thing my friends! Thank you Wrath, for being you, for writing this book and for teaching me more about life and what other have lived through and still live through! It is an honor to know you and call you my friend!
400 Days Of Oppression by: Wrath James White
I read a lot. I love to read. I have favorite books. This book is an end all book. I just now finished reading it and I’m not sure how I will pick up the next one and start reading. I started this book last night after doing the pod cast that I co-host with Jesse Dedman. It was midnight and I figured I would read just a hour or two at the most. By 3am I was only 20% in the book and had already been mad as hell, cried like a fool and didn’t know if it would be possible to read more. I couldn’t put it down. It had me in its grips and it wasn’t going to let go. Truth be told, I didn’t want it to let go. I was totally amazed.
I have always had a great respect for Wrath. He is smart, talented and strong. He has a presence about him that tells you I don’t take shit. I wish I was more like that at times. He is also outspoken and stands tall for what he believes. I have said many times that if someone was bothering me at a convention and I knew he was there I would run straight to him. I have no doubt I would be safe. Now, I tell you all this to say… my opinion of Wrath has changed. Reading this book I saw a side of him I didn’t know. A side I really like. A deeply sensitive and caring side of him. It is profound. I find it hard to convey in words exactly how I feel. So, I will say that admiration would be quite appropriate.
There are two main characters in this book. A white woman who is a school teacher. She grew up in a trailer park, had a rough life. Was raped and abused as a young girl but was determined to do better. The other character is a black man. He grew up in the ghetto. His mother faked their address to send him to a good school so that he got an education. She wanted better for him. She wanted him to have a better life. He became an entrepreneur. Smart, good looking and talented. They meet at a night club. She is with a cute girlfriend of hers and is shocked that this beautiful man shows interest in her and ignores her friend. At the end of the night he asks for her phone number. She laughs but gives it to him thinking she won’t hear from him again. He calls several days later and immediately asks for her address. Not sure why or if he will show she gives it to him. He comes over and they start dating. She falls hard for him and he falls for her. He then informs her that in order for her to be with him she needs to learn what his ancestors suffered. So that she understands him and what he has faced in life. He explains what all this will involve and tells her that she will suffer the same things they did for 400 days. He provides her with a safe word. If she says it then it will end and they will be done. He will walk away. If she succeeds then he will marry her. She agrees. Now at this point I will tell you that he is involved in the BDSM lifestyle and he brings her into this. Some of it is hot some will make you cringe. If you think that this book isn’t horror you are mistaken. At one point reading a scene I yelled now this is how you write horror! The cats ran! Lol There are so many twists and turns in this book that will leave you with your mouth on the floor. I was shocked and couldn’t decide if I wanted to save her or smack her at times. You will love both characters and the ending totally threw me. I never expected it and no it isn’t a happily ever after. This is horror! In my opinion everyone should read this book. I knew a lot about what the slaves went through but I can say that I learned a lot. Some times I felt like it was me going through what she suffered through. He described this book to me as an emotional roller coaster. That is no lie!
This is an easy engrossing read. It quickly pulls you in and really twists you up. Unfortunately, I have seen first hand prejudice. It is an ugly thing to me. I will never understand it. I have always seen people. It doesn’t matter to me color, religion or sexual preference. I know that many people don’t see it that way. I also know that many people are treated bad and differently because of this and it makes me mad. There is a small town in Tennessee called Brownsville. It is racially divided. My mother side of the family was from there. I had not been there since I was 7 years old until a year after my mom died. I went back to see the house she lived in and the town that I grew up in thinking since it was now 2011 things surely had changed. I was mistaken. It is still much the same. The hotel I stayed at was a Hampton Inn. A nice hotel. Clean and the front desk staff was friendly. There was a McDonald’s in front of the hotel and I stopped there for breakfast the next morning on my way out of town. The young lady that was working the drive thru took my order. When I pulled to the window to pay she refused to look at me. She took the money and handed me the order and shut the window. I thanked her but she didn’t speak to me or ever looked up. It confused me. I didn’t get it then it hit me. I was white. She had been made to think somewhere along the lines that she wasn’t to look up. I don’t think I will ever forget how that made me feel. Much like this story it cut me to the core of my soul. How could one person think they were better than another? Damn it! It was 2011. This shouldn’t be happening. The sad fact is that it still does happen. My long winded point is expand your views, read this book it will change how you see things. That is a great and wonderful thing my friends! Thank you Wrath, for being you, for writing this book and for teaching me more about life and what other have lived through and still live through! It is an honor to know you and call you my friend!
January 24, 2023
Oof quite the read here… I was not aware this was an erotica heavy book so that threw me off a bit, I’m not a big erotica person. The story however was very uncomfortable and thought provoking which I think was successful. Natasha is an idiot, and it made it hard for me to care about her character. If you are a fan of erotica and you liked “things have gotten worse since we last spoke”, you will enjoy this one! It was more successful and definitely left me feeling unnerved.
March 18, 2023
"400 Days of Oppression"
For once I'm going to pull from the book of Rachel and I'm not going to tell you what this book is about. I'm gonna tell you how it ripped my heart to shreds instead and also suggest you go in blind and open to the storyline.
*As always, please check triggers!*
This story was so much more than I expected it to be. I was aware of some of the plot and what was involved, but this story is so much more than what's at the surface. You gotta dig deep and not care to get dirty. This story changed my outlook on so many things; slavery, the BDSM world, and even psychological trauma.
In our buddy read Natasha was a character we discussed a lot and I'm still not sure how I feel about her. Her character created a wave of emotions inside of me ranging from disgust all the way to respect. Kenyatta's character was a brutal and cruel man. As Natasha stated, "he was never a slave", so his desire to torture and create chaos inside these women who loved him so much is beyond understanding to me.
You don't have to have an understanding of the BDSM dynamics and community to read this story, though it does help. All you need to really know and understand is that everything this woman endures will never truly compare to what actual slaves endured, there's no true comparison. For me, this was the most important party of the story. The second being that love can make you act foolishly, without any self respect, at basically any time. If you find yourself ever feeling some of the emotions Natasha expresses inside these pages, take that as your sign to run. The BDSM world doesn't work this way, this isn't the dynamic they want amongst their ranks.
I think the tattoo scene of this book is what sticks with me the most. The rage and pain Natasha feels is palpable at the end but still, it isn't any true comparison to what black women and men experience every single day. This book isn't just about kinks and sex, it's about so so much more. You just have to be open and brave enough to pick it up.
For once I'm going to pull from the book of Rachel and I'm not going to tell you what this book is about. I'm gonna tell you how it ripped my heart to shreds instead and also suggest you go in blind and open to the storyline.
*As always, please check triggers!*
This story was so much more than I expected it to be. I was aware of some of the plot and what was involved, but this story is so much more than what's at the surface. You gotta dig deep and not care to get dirty. This story changed my outlook on so many things; slavery, the BDSM world, and even psychological trauma.
In our buddy read Natasha was a character we discussed a lot and I'm still not sure how I feel about her. Her character created a wave of emotions inside of me ranging from disgust all the way to respect. Kenyatta's character was a brutal and cruel man. As Natasha stated, "he was never a slave", so his desire to torture and create chaos inside these women who loved him so much is beyond understanding to me.
You don't have to have an understanding of the BDSM dynamics and community to read this story, though it does help. All you need to really know and understand is that everything this woman endures will never truly compare to what actual slaves endured, there's no true comparison. For me, this was the most important party of the story. The second being that love can make you act foolishly, without any self respect, at basically any time. If you find yourself ever feeling some of the emotions Natasha expresses inside these pages, take that as your sign to run. The BDSM world doesn't work this way, this isn't the dynamic they want amongst their ranks.
I think the tattoo scene of this book is what sticks with me the most. The rage and pain Natasha feels is palpable at the end but still, it isn't any true comparison to what black women and men experience every single day. This book isn't just about kinks and sex, it's about so so much more. You just have to be open and brave enough to pick it up.
January 21, 2023
Spoiler Free Review/TL;DR:
This was an entertaining read with a very intriguing story concept and social commentary. I absolutely LOVED the prologue, my mouth dropped! The descriptions of the torture endured isn’t for the weak, so take caution. This also isn’t your book if you aren’t into erotica. While this book was advertised to me as extreme horror, it read more like erotica-horror to me. Many of the sex scenes did nothing to progress the plot or flesh out the characters, and have awkward phrases that take you out of the reading, like magnificent organ. Yes, you read that correctly, and yes, your involuntary cringe is valid.
All jokes aside, I had other gripes with the book. I didn’t like any of the characters; they were all one-dimensional and just had dislikeable qualities. No one changed or transformed in a significant way. The narrator’s “transformation” is arguable, but discussing this would spoil the ending (I do talk about this in more depth below). Wrath James White had the opportunity to create a rich, dynamic, and strong female main character, but did not. I felt the FMC was very dislikeable from her introduction and had no redeeming qualities. Her pivotal moment in the novel fell very short for me as a Feminist. Again, if I discuss this it will spoil it, so read it if you’d like. Or scroll below and spoil it. Your choice!
I enjoyed this book. It has its flaws, but everything does. From what I’ve read from other readers, this is White’s worst work. Of course the caveat to this is that these are people that I agree with. There are plenty of 4-5 star reviews on this book. I do think it’s worth the read for the social commentary, and some of the sex scenes are well written and quite spicy. I’ll definitely be reading more of Wrath James White.
SPOILERS BELOW!!!
As always, I’ll start with what I liked.
1.Engaging social commentary
1.1.There are SO many points for a thoughtful discussion: domestic violence, slavery and its aftermath today, and the BDSM community.
1.1.1.The author described the process and cycle of abuse through Natasha’s eyes well. The reader keeps scratching their head as to why Natasha hasn’t left yet, but White did well in highlighting how Kenyatta treated her lavishly in the beginning of their relationship. Even the “experiment” itself symbolized the cycle of a domestic relationship, particularly at the beginning when she was still in the box: Kenyatta treats Natasha very poorly, Kenyatta then comforts and treats Natasha very well, Natasha is happy, and then it repeats. Even before the “experiment” started, Kenyatta demonstrated love-bombing behavior. Natasha repeatedly stated that he treated her better than everyone else, she was in a realtively better realtionship, but it was still abusive. But it's hard to see that when you're on the inside. As a current graduate student in clinical mental health counseling, this felt pretty accurate in representing the cycle of abuse within a relationship and withing a survivors lifespan.
I’m not sure what the overall message is in regards to DV with the ending of the book, but I’ll talk more about that in the dislikes.
2.Intriguing concept
2.1.As soon as I heard the plotline I knew I had to read this book. As a multiracial woman, I’m always interested in anything that explores race and conversations surrounding race. This was a fantastic, and horrifying, story idea.
2.2.The prologue beautifully, and horrifically, set the stage for the novel. The prologue provided a great introduction as to why Kenyatta is so absorbed with having a white, female slave. His first love destroyed him and rejected him for something he had no control over, something his people had struggled to live in for centuries. It broke him, and since murdering the girl's parents he has tried to find a white, female slave to have for the rest of his life.
3.Horrifying descriptions
3.1.The way Wrath James White describes some of the torture that Natasha goes through, and the metaphorically ways Kenyatta simulates slavery for Natasha, in a sickening way. They were very effective in evoking emotions out of me. I kept thinking, Wow, that is so fucking awful, I can’t believe she’s going through that. And then I rejoiced because I know that people reading this would feel as I did, hopefully extending that empathy to slaves in the United States, and black people today. It was heartbreaking to read a first hand account of what my own ancestors went through. Wrath executed this very well and deserves high praise for this.
As for what I didn't like:
1.Disliked all the characters
1.1The two main characters, Natasha and Kenyatta, are very flat. The only thing we really know about them is that Natasha (white) grew up in poverty and battled sexual and physical abuse all of her life, and Kenyatta (black) is a rich, mysterious, BDSM “King” that is passionate about the historical and current oppression of African Americans. Oh, and we also know that Natasha was a school teacher. They also both love sex and BDSM. That’s about it. That is the substance we get with these characters. If that’s how the two main characters are presented, you can imagine what the rest feel like.
1.2.Not only are they flat, but I dislike them. Natasha was shitting on her friend in the beginning, calling her a slut and a whore, and would continue to say ignorant things during her narration (I do believe this was intentional on the author's part to symbolize the general lack of education around black people in America, but without and redeeming qualities I couldn’t get past them). I don’t expect to completely love a character, but I expect them to have some sort of redeeming quality. Zero characters in this novel have this. They all feel like props.
1.3.I also have to add in here that one of the female characters (Kenyatta’s ex-wife) can, “...bench press a hundred pounds, squat two hundred pounds, and curl seventy-five pounds”
1.3.1Bitch whet? I'm a certified strength and conditioning coach and I would put money on it being impossible for a female to brag about benching 100 pounds while also curling 75 pounds?!?? This makes no sense. Unless was this a little joke about her being lesbian, as the old saying in the weight room goes, “Gotta get the curls for the girls” If that was the intention then that’s hilarious, but I wish it was executed with more realisticness.
2.Numerous unnecessary scenes that didn’t contribute to the plot
2.1.I was under the impression that this was an extreme horror novel; it’s not. This is erotica-horror. While I love a good sex scene, many of these awkwardly phrased sex scenes simply did nothing to progress the plot or provide depth to the characters. I found myself skipping through some of them towards the end because it was getting ridiculous. I just wanted to find out what was going to happen with the story. Some of the sex scenes had merit, but they were few and far between. The balance between sex scenes and story content was off, at least for the genre I thought I was reading. But even if it is erotica, I would think readers of that genre would want sex scenes that contribute to the plot or character development? I don’t read that genre so I'm not sure about that.
2.2.These sex scenes had some of the most cringey descriptions I have ever heard, which honestly made me genuinely laugh. I don’t think that was the intention though. Feast your eyes on just some of the interesting word choice I found:
2.2.1.His magnificent organ dangling inches from my lips.
2.2.2.He masturbated me to orgasm.
2.2.3.…grinding her sex into my face.
2.2.4.I purred.
2.2.5. Magnificent penis
2.2.6.…leaned down, still holding one of her huge mammaries
3.Weak female lead
3.1.I was holding out hope that she was going to undergo this amazing transformation, but she did not. From the start of the story she is an unlikable character. As the story progresses, Kenyatta’s torture and humiliation progresses. I hoped she would eventually come to her senses, especially because there are little hints of her understanding how morally wrong this is, but she resolves these feelings by confirming her love for Kenyatta. After being trained to be his eternal slave for a year, (because I’m convinced that was Kenyatta’s intention all along, to have a white female slave) it was the fact that he cheated on her with his ex-wife that did her in? Really?
3.1.1.I seriously hate that it took knowing that he was sleeping with another woman for Natasha to come to her senses. That was such a let down. that the last straw is when your abuser cheats on you, not when they manipulate you into believing that you must endure torture to prove your love. I suppose it can be seen as the ultimate betrayal of loyalty, but I personally find it an awful message. My takeaway is that your personal wellbeing and safety is less important than your partner's commitment to monogamy. I suppose that brings into question whether books have to have a morally sound ending, and you can make a convincing argument no. But this my review, therefore my opinion.. I think it’s important to consider messaging when showcasing artwork; it’s a reflection of yourself and is absorbed by the minds of our society. Often very malleable minds. But again, that’s just my opinion.
3.1.2.I was really hoping for some sort of poetic justice: Natasha priotizies her wellbeing and safety over a man, Kenyatta realizes the error in his thinking and self-crucifies, Angela and Natasha kill him, together. So many options for a better ending. I think Wrath James White missed a HUGE opportunity to make another comment on the social climate of the United States. When Natasha after Kenyatta hit her in the face, I was convinced this was a masterful ending. I thought Wrath White was going to comment on police brutality with black Americans, but nope. She calls and it ends. In the epilogue Kenyatta is seen walking around with another white woman by Natasha, so she decides to walk up and shoot him. That’s the resolution we have. After everything she went through, that was what we got! She didn’t even get to confront him. Didn’t have her mic drop moment to the man that manipulated and abused her in the name of love.
See last paragraph of TL;DR for conclusion :)
This was an entertaining read with a very intriguing story concept and social commentary. I absolutely LOVED the prologue, my mouth dropped! The descriptions of the torture endured isn’t for the weak, so take caution. This also isn’t your book if you aren’t into erotica. While this book was advertised to me as extreme horror, it read more like erotica-horror to me. Many of the sex scenes did nothing to progress the plot or flesh out the characters, and have awkward phrases that take you out of the reading, like magnificent organ. Yes, you read that correctly, and yes, your involuntary cringe is valid.
All jokes aside, I had other gripes with the book. I didn’t like any of the characters; they were all one-dimensional and just had dislikeable qualities. No one changed or transformed in a significant way. The narrator’s “transformation” is arguable, but discussing this would spoil the ending (I do talk about this in more depth below). Wrath James White had the opportunity to create a rich, dynamic, and strong female main character, but did not. I felt the FMC was very dislikeable from her introduction and had no redeeming qualities. Her pivotal moment in the novel fell very short for me as a Feminist. Again, if I discuss this it will spoil it, so read it if you’d like. Or scroll below and spoil it. Your choice!
I enjoyed this book. It has its flaws, but everything does. From what I’ve read from other readers, this is White’s worst work. Of course the caveat to this is that these are people that I agree with. There are plenty of 4-5 star reviews on this book. I do think it’s worth the read for the social commentary, and some of the sex scenes are well written and quite spicy. I’ll definitely be reading more of Wrath James White.
SPOILERS BELOW!!!
As always, I’ll start with what I liked.
1.Engaging social commentary
1.1.There are SO many points for a thoughtful discussion: domestic violence, slavery and its aftermath today, and the BDSM community.
1.1.1.The author described the process and cycle of abuse through Natasha’s eyes well. The reader keeps scratching their head as to why Natasha hasn’t left yet, but White did well in highlighting how Kenyatta treated her lavishly in the beginning of their relationship. Even the “experiment” itself symbolized the cycle of a domestic relationship, particularly at the beginning when she was still in the box: Kenyatta treats Natasha very poorly, Kenyatta then comforts and treats Natasha very well, Natasha is happy, and then it repeats. Even before the “experiment” started, Kenyatta demonstrated love-bombing behavior. Natasha repeatedly stated that he treated her better than everyone else, she was in a realtively better realtionship, but it was still abusive. But it's hard to see that when you're on the inside. As a current graduate student in clinical mental health counseling, this felt pretty accurate in representing the cycle of abuse within a relationship and withing a survivors lifespan.
I’m not sure what the overall message is in regards to DV with the ending of the book, but I’ll talk more about that in the dislikes.
2.Intriguing concept
2.1.As soon as I heard the plotline I knew I had to read this book. As a multiracial woman, I’m always interested in anything that explores race and conversations surrounding race. This was a fantastic, and horrifying, story idea.
2.2.The prologue beautifully, and horrifically, set the stage for the novel. The prologue provided a great introduction as to why Kenyatta is so absorbed with having a white, female slave. His first love destroyed him and rejected him for something he had no control over, something his people had struggled to live in for centuries. It broke him, and since murdering the girl's parents he has tried to find a white, female slave to have for the rest of his life.
3.Horrifying descriptions
3.1.The way Wrath James White describes some of the torture that Natasha goes through, and the metaphorically ways Kenyatta simulates slavery for Natasha, in a sickening way. They were very effective in evoking emotions out of me. I kept thinking, Wow, that is so fucking awful, I can’t believe she’s going through that. And then I rejoiced because I know that people reading this would feel as I did, hopefully extending that empathy to slaves in the United States, and black people today. It was heartbreaking to read a first hand account of what my own ancestors went through. Wrath executed this very well and deserves high praise for this.
As for what I didn't like:
1.Disliked all the characters
1.1The two main characters, Natasha and Kenyatta, are very flat. The only thing we really know about them is that Natasha (white) grew up in poverty and battled sexual and physical abuse all of her life, and Kenyatta (black) is a rich, mysterious, BDSM “King” that is passionate about the historical and current oppression of African Americans. Oh, and we also know that Natasha was a school teacher. They also both love sex and BDSM. That’s about it. That is the substance we get with these characters. If that’s how the two main characters are presented, you can imagine what the rest feel like.
1.2.Not only are they flat, but I dislike them. Natasha was shitting on her friend in the beginning, calling her a slut and a whore, and would continue to say ignorant things during her narration (I do believe this was intentional on the author's part to symbolize the general lack of education around black people in America, but without and redeeming qualities I couldn’t get past them). I don’t expect to completely love a character, but I expect them to have some sort of redeeming quality. Zero characters in this novel have this. They all feel like props.
1.3.I also have to add in here that one of the female characters (Kenyatta’s ex-wife) can, “...bench press a hundred pounds, squat two hundred pounds, and curl seventy-five pounds”
1.3.1Bitch whet? I'm a certified strength and conditioning coach and I would put money on it being impossible for a female to brag about benching 100 pounds while also curling 75 pounds?!?? This makes no sense. Unless was this a little joke about her being lesbian, as the old saying in the weight room goes, “Gotta get the curls for the girls” If that was the intention then that’s hilarious, but I wish it was executed with more realisticness.
2.Numerous unnecessary scenes that didn’t contribute to the plot
2.1.I was under the impression that this was an extreme horror novel; it’s not. This is erotica-horror. While I love a good sex scene, many of these awkwardly phrased sex scenes simply did nothing to progress the plot or provide depth to the characters. I found myself skipping through some of them towards the end because it was getting ridiculous. I just wanted to find out what was going to happen with the story. Some of the sex scenes had merit, but they were few and far between. The balance between sex scenes and story content was off, at least for the genre I thought I was reading. But even if it is erotica, I would think readers of that genre would want sex scenes that contribute to the plot or character development? I don’t read that genre so I'm not sure about that.
2.2.These sex scenes had some of the most cringey descriptions I have ever heard, which honestly made me genuinely laugh. I don’t think that was the intention though. Feast your eyes on just some of the interesting word choice I found:
2.2.1.His magnificent organ dangling inches from my lips.
2.2.2.He masturbated me to orgasm.
2.2.3.…grinding her sex into my face.
2.2.4.I purred.
2.2.5. Magnificent penis
2.2.6.…leaned down, still holding one of her huge mammaries
3.Weak female lead
3.1.I was holding out hope that she was going to undergo this amazing transformation, but she did not. From the start of the story she is an unlikable character. As the story progresses, Kenyatta’s torture and humiliation progresses. I hoped she would eventually come to her senses, especially because there are little hints of her understanding how morally wrong this is, but she resolves these feelings by confirming her love for Kenyatta. After being trained to be his eternal slave for a year, (because I’m convinced that was Kenyatta’s intention all along, to have a white female slave) it was the fact that he cheated on her with his ex-wife that did her in? Really?
3.1.1.I seriously hate that it took knowing that he was sleeping with another woman for Natasha to come to her senses. That was such a let down. that the last straw is when your abuser cheats on you, not when they manipulate you into believing that you must endure torture to prove your love. I suppose it can be seen as the ultimate betrayal of loyalty, but I personally find it an awful message. My takeaway is that your personal wellbeing and safety is less important than your partner's commitment to monogamy. I suppose that brings into question whether books have to have a morally sound ending, and you can make a convincing argument no. But this my review, therefore my opinion.. I think it’s important to consider messaging when showcasing artwork; it’s a reflection of yourself and is absorbed by the minds of our society. Often very malleable minds. But again, that’s just my opinion.
3.1.2.I was really hoping for some sort of poetic justice: Natasha priotizies her wellbeing and safety over a man, Kenyatta realizes the error in his thinking and self-crucifies, Angela and Natasha kill him, together. So many options for a better ending. I think Wrath James White missed a HUGE opportunity to make another comment on the social climate of the United States. When Natasha after Kenyatta hit her in the face, I was convinced this was a masterful ending. I thought Wrath White was going to comment on police brutality with black Americans, but nope. She calls and it ends. In the epilogue Kenyatta is seen walking around with another white woman by Natasha, so she decides to walk up and shoot him. That’s the resolution we have. After everything she went through, that was what we got! She didn’t even get to confront him. Didn’t have her mic drop moment to the man that manipulated and abused her in the name of love.
See last paragraph of TL;DR for conclusion :)
October 26, 2016
Ehhh-this is the first time I can't give White's writing a really good grade. This is ok, but doesn't hold up to 'Resurrectionist' or 'Succulent Prey.'
If you need the plot, here is the RDCV: white trailer trash girl dates handsome educated black man. He feels she doesn't understand anything about what 'his people' went through, so he has her take a leave of absence from work so he can treat her as a slave for 400 days. If she manages to do the 400 days without quitting, he will marry her. If she quits, he dumps her. Sex and violence ensue. The End.
The good: although the idea is ludicrous, it IS an original idea. That's what I like about White's writing, his ideas are usually pretty clever. Some of his ideas for re-creating slavery were clever also, the 'coffin in the basement' idea to re-create a slave ship hold was a nifty idea. The ending was also a good one, White usually throws a curveball at the end, and this is no different. Unfortunately, that's about where the good in the book ends-the idea and ending.
The bad: look, I can live with a ludicrous plot, it's fiction, after all. What's tough is having a protagonist you really don't like or feel any sympathy for. I could not care less if the protagonist got killed-she was the dumbest bitch on the planet. People that dumb deserve to be wiped from the gene pool.
The sex got to be too much-it was just overkill. Again, I can live with it if it adds to the plot (even if it is graphic) but it seemed to take up at least a third of the book. I had to start skimming sections, it added nothing to the story. Plus, do you really need to include descriptions of asshole-licking? The book at times seemed more like porn writing than horror story.
Note: the violence in this is tamer than his other books, except for a few parts. I have to give him credit, the scene with the vodka bottle and baseball bat was one of the nastiest pieces of torture I have ever read.
Overall, I won't say I'm sorry I read this one, but I could have lived without it.
If you need the plot, here is the RDCV: white trailer trash girl dates handsome educated black man. He feels she doesn't understand anything about what 'his people' went through, so he has her take a leave of absence from work so he can treat her as a slave for 400 days. If she manages to do the 400 days without quitting, he will marry her. If she quits, he dumps her. Sex and violence ensue. The End.
The good: although the idea is ludicrous, it IS an original idea. That's what I like about White's writing, his ideas are usually pretty clever. Some of his ideas for re-creating slavery were clever also, the 'coffin in the basement' idea to re-create a slave ship hold was a nifty idea. The ending was also a good one, White usually throws a curveball at the end, and this is no different. Unfortunately, that's about where the good in the book ends-the idea and ending.
The bad: look, I can live with a ludicrous plot, it's fiction, after all. What's tough is having a protagonist you really don't like or feel any sympathy for. I could not care less if the protagonist got killed-she was the dumbest bitch on the planet. People that dumb deserve to be wiped from the gene pool.
The sex got to be too much-it was just overkill. Again, I can live with it if it adds to the plot (even if it is graphic) but it seemed to take up at least a third of the book. I had to start skimming sections, it added nothing to the story. Plus, do you really need to include descriptions of asshole-licking? The book at times seemed more like porn writing than horror story.
Note: the violence in this is tamer than his other books, except for a few parts. I have to give him credit, the scene with the vodka bottle and baseball bat was one of the nastiest pieces of torture I have ever read.
Overall, I won't say I'm sorry I read this one, but I could have lived without it.
November 28, 2023
Everyone in this book needs therapy. Period.
Myself included, because I thought it was pretty damn decent. Not my favorite, but I’d say better than average. I read this all in one sitting, so that’s also extra points. Natasha was so so so difficult and frustrating to experience. I have have made some poor decisions with men in the past, I have low self esteem, and I’ve got a big ol’ dollop of trauma atop that, but I draw the line at being forced to stew in my own feces and having someone’s ex wife take their rage out on me in the form of sexual violence. Sorry, I just don’t want to be forced to lay in my own bodily fluids just so I can marry some chiseled sadist. Relationships like that are about give and take, and respect, and mutual understanding, and I think this more reflected someone taking advantage of someone who is severely mentally ill and doesn’t think she deserves any better.
The plot was quite interesting and provided me with some insight for what I’m working on right now which is nice. Also, I did read this is one sitting which shows how intriguing it was. I thought it would be quite twisted if after everything, he just said “nah sorry jk I’m not marrying you” but it kinda went in a different way. Girl, we’ve all had dreams about doing what was implied in the end, but we don’t act on ‘em. For me, it is more rewarding to live a happy and fulfilled life as opposed to what is implied at the end. Now you don’t get to silently rub their face in how great you’re doing. Did I mention this book kinda touched a nerve with me? Cuz it did. Sorry for blabbing, that’s why I come on here as opposed to talking to people in real life about the things I read.
Overall, very solid, has some hiccups but most books do. Sometimes you don’t want to think too hard about what you’re reading and have a good time.
Gonna read Master of Pain next, hope it’s just as good!
Myself included, because I thought it was pretty damn decent. Not my favorite, but I’d say better than average. I read this all in one sitting, so that’s also extra points. Natasha was so so so difficult and frustrating to experience. I have have made some poor decisions with men in the past, I have low self esteem, and I’ve got a big ol’ dollop of trauma atop that, but I draw the line at being forced to stew in my own feces and having someone’s ex wife take their rage out on me in the form of sexual violence. Sorry, I just don’t want to be forced to lay in my own bodily fluids just so I can marry some chiseled sadist. Relationships like that are about give and take, and respect, and mutual understanding, and I think this more reflected someone taking advantage of someone who is severely mentally ill and doesn’t think she deserves any better.
The plot was quite interesting and provided me with some insight for what I’m working on right now which is nice. Also, I did read this is one sitting which shows how intriguing it was. I thought it would be quite twisted if after everything, he just said “nah sorry jk I’m not marrying you” but it kinda went in a different way. Girl, we’ve all had dreams about doing what was implied in the end, but we don’t act on ‘em. For me, it is more rewarding to live a happy and fulfilled life as opposed to what is implied at the end. Now you don’t get to silently rub their face in how great you’re doing. Did I mention this book kinda touched a nerve with me? Cuz it did. Sorry for blabbing, that’s why I come on here as opposed to talking to people in real life about the things I read.
Overall, very solid, has some hiccups but most books do. Sometimes you don’t want to think too hard about what you’re reading and have a good time.
Gonna read Master of Pain next, hope it’s just as good!
September 14, 2015
Kenyatta proposes marriage to Natasha. Natasha eagerly accepts.
Simple and happy enough, right?
Well, it's a bit more complicated than that. See, Kenyatta happens to be African-American, and he feels he can't marry a woman who doesn't fully understand the black experience, so his proposal comes with a condition: Natasha must undergo a condensed version of the 400 years of violence and discrimination that his people have endured.
I'll just put it out there: this story isn't for everyone. The depictions of torture, humiliation, and sexual violence White creates are both inventive and horrifying, but they also have a point to them. As ugly as Kenyatta's tutorial gets--which is very--every situation serves as an effective analogy for both Natasha and the reader.
More impressive, though, is WJW's level-headedness in telling the story. He fully acknowledges that anyone who would subject their betrothed to this kind of cruelty is, frankly, out of his damn mind. To be honest, I came to a point where I was ready to call bullshit on the character of Natasha. After all, no real woman would put herself through all this for a man, right? Then it hit me that yes, a great many women and men put up with this kind of torment in order to not lose their partner. In that sense, this book also works as a portrait of domestic abuse and explores, in a thorough and satisfying way, the factors that would lead a woman like Natasha to stay with this guy.
I recommend this book, but don't say you weren't warned.
Simple and happy enough, right?
Well, it's a bit more complicated than that. See, Kenyatta happens to be African-American, and he feels he can't marry a woman who doesn't fully understand the black experience, so his proposal comes with a condition: Natasha must undergo a condensed version of the 400 years of violence and discrimination that his people have endured.
I'll just put it out there: this story isn't for everyone. The depictions of torture, humiliation, and sexual violence White creates are both inventive and horrifying, but they also have a point to them. As ugly as Kenyatta's tutorial gets--which is very--every situation serves as an effective analogy for both Natasha and the reader.
More impressive, though, is WJW's level-headedness in telling the story. He fully acknowledges that anyone who would subject their betrothed to this kind of cruelty is, frankly, out of his damn mind. To be honest, I came to a point where I was ready to call bullshit on the character of Natasha. After all, no real woman would put herself through all this for a man, right? Then it hit me that yes, a great many women and men put up with this kind of torment in order to not lose their partner. In that sense, this book also works as a portrait of domestic abuse and explores, in a thorough and satisfying way, the factors that would lead a woman like Natasha to stay with this guy.
I recommend this book, but don't say you weren't warned.
January 30, 2015
3 AND 1/2 STARS
Wrath James White is one of the more effective hardcore horror authors that writes violence and gore with bit more substance and intelligence than most. Here he takes on a very taboo subject and although it was more tame than some of his prior work, his translating of what a slave went through and applying it to modern times with this couple was clever and always entertaining.
The author mixes his scenes very well, from erotic and sensitive to graphically brutal and emotional. I had some issues with some of the dialogue, however. It was awkward at times and not as smooth and natural-sounding as it should have been. I also did not think the ending was consistent with how Natasha was being portrayed throughout the book. Her obsession with Kenyatta felt all encompassing and I did not agree with how she reacted in the final chapter or epilogue. Regardless, most of the book works well and I would still recommend it for readers with a strong stomach for graphic sex and violence.
Wrath James White is one of the more effective hardcore horror authors that writes violence and gore with bit more substance and intelligence than most. Here he takes on a very taboo subject and although it was more tame than some of his prior work, his translating of what a slave went through and applying it to modern times with this couple was clever and always entertaining.
The author mixes his scenes very well, from erotic and sensitive to graphically brutal and emotional. I had some issues with some of the dialogue, however. It was awkward at times and not as smooth and natural-sounding as it should have been. I also did not think the ending was consistent with how Natasha was being portrayed throughout the book. Her obsession with Kenyatta felt all encompassing and I did not agree with how she reacted in the final chapter or epilogue. Regardless, most of the book works well and I would still recommend it for readers with a strong stomach for graphic sex and violence.
October 30, 2013
I spent most of the book, feeling quite angry about the supposed message contained within this story and what I felt was the exploitation of black history to make a completely invalid point and also feeling that Wrath James White must have a asteroid sized chip on his shoulder.
However, without wanting to give too much away, one chapter turned it all around for me and it turned out that WJW totally duped me in so many ways.
Agreed. One of his best!
However, without wanting to give too much away, one chapter turned it all around for me and it turned out that WJW totally duped me in so many ways.
Agreed. One of his best!
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