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L'Esclave #1
Slave in Training
"Max and his deep reverence and love for his Master was fascinating. [...] And yet, it was so damn believable. The writing was superb." --Boys Meet Boys Review
"This is one of those books that might well get under your skin and stick with you long after you finish reading it." --BDSM Books Review
"I highly recommend this to readers who truly want to understand the desires and motivation of those who choose to serve as slaves and the process." --Hearts on Fire Review
Looking at James, his new physical training teacher, Max falls instantly in love with this black god with a bad reputation. God or the Devil?
When James says to Max that he is the devil, Max answers: “Try me, Satan!” With these words, Max agrees to be trained by James to become a slave. This learning will prove more a hard mental training than a sexual one.
Brilliant, Master James succeeds to convince Max's parent to accept this initiation to slavery.
Once trained to meet every whim of his master, Max will be sold. Deeply in love with his trainer, Max will accept his fate.
Far from being a descent into hell, this training will structure Max's life and allow him to make his way in this BDSM universe.
** This book contains hardcore BDSM scenes and is intended for 18+ readers.
403 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 12, 2012
5 people are currently reading
191 people want to read
About the author
Danny Tyran
21 books190 followersI am French Canadian living in a picturesque hamlet in Quebec Province. As you surely guess, my native language is French. I learned lately to speak English so it's very possible that I forget mistakes in my reviews and other writings as this one. Sorry for that.
I have always been a reader and a guy full of imagination. Even very young, I imagined stories that could be call BDSM because my MCs were always in deep sh*t and/or in pain. lolll But they always got through it and they learned about themselves and what is important in life through their ordeal.
That's why I like BDSM stories, mines and others' (no hard non-con, please). And that's also why I love thrillers, science-fiction (no star wars, please!) and even some horror stories (no werewolves, vampires or gifted people, please"). I also love to read about scientific and technological discoveries, particularly about neurology, quantum, parallel universes,...
I began to write my first novel, "Esclave à l'entraînement", a long time ago, before I lived a BDSM relationship. So this book titled "Slave in Training" in English is a fantasy. But I left this book in a box, not knowing what to do with it. And years later, I get it out of its box, edited it and found a publisher. From that day, I tried to find time to write and I do it as often as possible. But you know what it is, sometimes at night, you're too exhausted to write, then I read.
I love open-minded and bright people. Dim-witted and people with old-fashioned ideas exasperate me. But what bothers me the most are people who believe so much in their own worth that they grant rights to themselves they deny others.
I love gentle eccentrics and even a little border-line people. Originality, if not at all costs, is great. Fashions, all fashions make me turn my back. That sounds too much like baaaah! Following fashions make me feel like I'm one sheep among a lot of others, no more than that.
I am not sure that something called "God" exists. I have a lot of doubts about it. My doubts are based on the fact that so many people need a big Daddy to be able to live their life that someone like them surely created Him in a very distant past. I don't believe in any religion. On the contrary, I find religions dangerous most of the time. That convince people that they are right and know THE truth, but not the other barbarians who believe in something else. Wars began and still begin just for that sort of justifications.
To someone who asked me: "What if God asked you to kill your son?" I answered:
First, I have no son.
Second, I don't believe in God.
Third, if such an entity told me that, I'd ask him his ID cards.
Fourth, I'd ask my psy to increase my medication's dosage.
:)
I have always been a reader and a guy full of imagination. Even very young, I imagined stories that could be call BDSM because my MCs were always in deep sh*t and/or in pain. lolll But they always got through it and they learned about themselves and what is important in life through their ordeal.
That's why I like BDSM stories, mines and others' (no hard non-con, please). And that's also why I love thrillers, science-fiction (no star wars, please!) and even some horror stories (no werewolves, vampires or gifted people, please"). I also love to read about scientific and technological discoveries, particularly about neurology, quantum, parallel universes,...
I began to write my first novel, "Esclave à l'entraînement", a long time ago, before I lived a BDSM relationship. So this book titled "Slave in Training" in English is a fantasy. But I left this book in a box, not knowing what to do with it. And years later, I get it out of its box, edited it and found a publisher. From that day, I tried to find time to write and I do it as often as possible. But you know what it is, sometimes at night, you're too exhausted to write, then I read.
I love open-minded and bright people. Dim-witted and people with old-fashioned ideas exasperate me. But what bothers me the most are people who believe so much in their own worth that they grant rights to themselves they deny others.
I love gentle eccentrics and even a little border-line people. Originality, if not at all costs, is great. Fashions, all fashions make me turn my back. That sounds too much like baaaah! Following fashions make me feel like I'm one sheep among a lot of others, no more than that.
I am not sure that something called "God" exists. I have a lot of doubts about it. My doubts are based on the fact that so many people need a big Daddy to be able to live their life that someone like them surely created Him in a very distant past. I don't believe in any religion. On the contrary, I find religions dangerous most of the time. That convince people that they are right and know THE truth, but not the other barbarians who believe in something else. Wars began and still begin just for that sort of justifications.
To someone who asked me: "What if God asked you to kill your son?" I answered:
First, I have no son.
Second, I don't believe in God.
Third, if such an entity told me that, I'd ask him his ID cards.
Fourth, I'd ask my psy to increase my medication's dosage.
:)
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
October 1, 2014
This is not my book. I can certainly see its appeal for some readers, but the particular dynamic between Max and James leaves me as cold as the Bering Sea in January, and I find the plot strains belief rips through belief, leaving it in tatters, too often to be enjoyable. Danny says straight up, in his review, that this is a fantasy; it's not supposed to be realistic, but still, the extent of this, in the end, divorced me from the story.
The was inventive, clever, and very well done. I found the choice of design kind of naff, but that's a matter of aesthetics; the act itself gets all the stars.
A few of the specific things that grated on me as I read.
The book's been translated into English, which makes commenting on the language difficult, but it does flow well, and is page-turningly readable. There are some sections in which events that seemed to me to be worth notice were related in a passing paragraph, but I think this is, again, more that the things I would find interesting aren't the same things the target reader for this would find interesting.
Danny is my GR friend, and I really wanted to like the book. As I say, it's got great appeal for other people, but just wasn't something I could relate to. At all.
Sorry :(
The was inventive, clever, and very well done. I found the choice of design kind of naff, but that's a matter of aesthetics; the act itself gets all the stars.
A few of the specific things that grated on me as I read.
The book's been translated into English, which makes commenting on the language difficult, but it does flow well, and is page-turningly readable. There are some sections in which events that seemed to me to be worth notice were related in a passing paragraph, but I think this is, again, more that the things I would find interesting aren't the same things the target reader for this would find interesting.
Danny is my GR friend, and I really wanted to like the book. As I say, it's got great appeal for other people, but just wasn't something I could relate to. At all.
Sorry :(
July 21, 2014
What is freedom?
This books asks the reader to think about many fundamental questions. Questions that maybe we already think we know what the answer is. In our present western society we have very specific ideas about what freedom is and how it looks.
The story is a confidential narration by Max of his adolescence through young adult years. Max is following a typical trajectory for a youth in a liberal society until he meets someone who changes his life. Max undertakes a journey that transforms him, frees him, enslaves him.
Max finds something he wants and pursues it even when barriers are put in his path. Becoming a slave was self-motivated by Max, this was not forced upon him.
This book spends a great deal of time exploring the psychological aspects of slavery. In fact, a great deal of the emphasis on Max's training while they may have elements of sex and nudity primarily address the discipline and embracing the role as one's own rather than a parade of salacious acts to titillate. If the reader truly enjoys the mind and the role it plays in sex then a lot of the story will be arousing psychologically.
There are some aspects of Max's mindset that are difficult for me to embrace. First, the post colonialism associated with Max's hallucinations of Master James. Fetishizing his blackness and primitivism--hunting in the jungle, the glow of his teeth against his skin, etc. are intriguing yet, disturbing as one who grew up within the confines of the Golden Triangle and living in a society still dealing with the ramifications of race based slavery and the commodification of humans. Second, this is a mindset I can never truly comprehend. I understand portions of it, and intellectually can wrap my mind around other bits, but it evokes such a desperate gasp for life that I would rather seek death than this. The loss of self, the willingness of Max to accept it is so foreign and terrifying. I don't have that level of trust and never will. But, Master James makes the rules very clear and guides Max along:
So the trajectory of the first half of the story is very much Max's transition from youth to slave. The second half is radically different in tone and plot as Max is tested in a variety of ways in preparation for his sale. The tests are progressively more intense and crueler and the the story becomes somewhat melodramatic, which is something I was not prepared for at all after the logical and methodical training phase.
Finally, the wild roller coaster ride at the end. Up, down, sideways and SLAMMED. There's a definite sensational twist that happens and then lingers to end with a bang! Previously, it read like a highly detailed memoir of a young man's journey into slavery. The crazy train add on totally changed the feel of the book and came as a surprise. Did I think it was necessary? No. I could have been content with the original pace and tone. Now I'm confused. It felt very earnest, intense and extreme, but up until the final events it seemed plausible, this took it to fantasy realm. The effect was that it upset the balance and made question the author's intentions. Truth, fantasy, or blend?
So is freedom a set of behaviors or is it the right choose even if that choice is to give up one's choice? Overall, I highly recommend this to readers who truly want to understand the the desires and motivation of those who choose to serve as slaves and the process.
Favorite quote:
~~A copy was provided to me for a No Glitter Blown review~~
~~~Reviewed for Hearts On Fire Reviews~~~
This books asks the reader to think about many fundamental questions. Questions that maybe we already think we know what the answer is. In our present western society we have very specific ideas about what freedom is and how it looks.
The story is a confidential narration by Max of his adolescence through young adult years. Max is following a typical trajectory for a youth in a liberal society until he meets someone who changes his life. Max undertakes a journey that transforms him, frees him, enslaves him.
"In you, I met someone who demanded of me what I’ve always wanted to give without ever finding anyone to accept my gift."
Max finds something he wants and pursues it even when barriers are put in his path. Becoming a slave was self-motivated by Max, this was not forced upon him.
This book spends a great deal of time exploring the psychological aspects of slavery. In fact, a great deal of the emphasis on Max's training while they may have elements of sex and nudity primarily address the discipline and embracing the role as one's own rather than a parade of salacious acts to titillate. If the reader truly enjoys the mind and the role it plays in sex then a lot of the story will be arousing psychologically.
There are some aspects of Max's mindset that are difficult for me to embrace. First, the post colonialism associated with Max's hallucinations of Master James. Fetishizing his blackness and primitivism--hunting in the jungle, the glow of his teeth against his skin, etc. are intriguing yet, disturbing as one who grew up within the confines of the Golden Triangle and living in a society still dealing with the ramifications of race based slavery and the commodification of humans. Second, this is a mindset I can never truly comprehend. I understand portions of it, and intellectually can wrap my mind around other bits, but it evokes such a desperate gasp for life that I would rather seek death than this. The loss of self, the willingness of Max to accept it is so foreign and terrifying. I don't have that level of trust and never will. But, Master James makes the rules very clear and guides Max along:
He had once said to me, “Beg me to stop, to be less demanding, have mercy on you, and I will just treat you harsher. You must accept my authority as it is, Max. You have no other choice save to forget me.”
So the trajectory of the first half of the story is very much Max's transition from youth to slave. The second half is radically different in tone and plot as Max is tested in a variety of ways in preparation for his sale. The tests are progressively more intense and crueler and the the story becomes somewhat melodramatic, which is something I was not prepared for at all after the logical and methodical training phase.
Finally, the wild roller coaster ride at the end. Up, down, sideways and SLAMMED. There's a definite sensational twist that happens and then lingers to end with a bang! Previously, it read like a highly detailed memoir of a young man's journey into slavery. The crazy train add on totally changed the feel of the book and came as a surprise. Did I think it was necessary? No. I could have been content with the original pace and tone. Now I'm confused. It felt very earnest, intense and extreme, but up until the final events it seemed plausible, this took it to fantasy realm. The effect was that it upset the balance and made question the author's intentions. Truth, fantasy, or blend?
So is freedom a set of behaviors or is it the right choose even if that choice is to give up one's choice? Overall, I highly recommend this to readers who truly want to understand the the desires and motivation of those who choose to serve as slaves and the process.
Favorite quote:
The obligation to please was mine.
~~A copy was provided to me for a No Glitter Blown review~~
~~~Reviewed for Hearts On Fire Reviews~~~
August 18, 2014
I read this and am glad I have read it, though I have to say it was harsher that I'd expected it to be and tested me, my emotions and constitution.
It is also a complex read and addresses psychological issues of slave mentality, the emotional and physical pain, endurance and suppression of self that voluntary slavery, as in the total abject submission to the will of the Master, to giving of life itself if demanded. This was way past my comfort zone and to be honest my real understanding of the mentality of such people able to give this to another or of a person demanding such from another. Worse in my eyes is you can be sold to any Master/Mistress, have no say and be treated worse than an abused dog and that is okay by them!!! Certainly made me realise I may have submissive tendencies but never slave ones.
This starts with the schoolboy Max just before he comes of age, and he's a typical egocentric teen whose childhood is of always trying to outdo his peers and be noticed by adults.
Set in the 1970's, so recent history, it reads as if Max's memoir, recounting his journey from brat to slave and the awakening of his sexuality within the slave training context.
This is not really erotica dominant but slave training dominant.
New black PE teacher, James, whom Max is instantly attracted to as if a demigod, treats Max quite harshly and sees something in his responses as potential slave material. He is prepared to wait until of legal age before anything sexual takes place. Although sexual service is part of his training and there's quite a yearning and fixation by Max as his emotions traverse attraction, adoration to almost idolatry of James as he accepts him as his Master to be trained as a slave. He develops love for his Master but not reciprocated...or is it?
There are times where Max's emotions of jealousy and envy are trialled where he is excluded when James takes other potential slaves under his wing and excludes Max, this had emotions of anger roused in me on Max's behalf.
Also I had to feel so for Max's parents. His mother has no understanding or acceptance of Max, from his sexuality to his slave desires, and his father he tries, way beyond what most fathers would and I think he has a yearning to have gone down that track but only in part himself, even he can't understand the depth of Max's commitment.
Then things changed and a harsh shocking incident occurred that made me wonder of the reality of such slavery, how much reality is there here, and somehow in my heart and head I hope there isn't, it is too much to give, to entrust to others who as the final trials showed were so cruel and harsh, to final body modification as a commitment gesture, no not for me.
Yet I can't deny the skill of the writer and depth that Danny has gone to to produce this story.
Understand also that this has been translated from first language French into English and AB Gayle has done a pretty good job. Better than I could do for sure.
I say this has to be borderline 4/5 stars and as rounding up or down needs doing it has to be 5 stars from me.
It is also a complex read and addresses psychological issues of slave mentality, the emotional and physical pain, endurance and suppression of self that voluntary slavery, as in the total abject submission to the will of the Master, to giving of life itself if demanded. This was way past my comfort zone and to be honest my real understanding of the mentality of such people able to give this to another or of a person demanding such from another. Worse in my eyes is you can be sold to any Master/Mistress, have no say and be treated worse than an abused dog and that is okay by them!!! Certainly made me realise I may have submissive tendencies but never slave ones.
This starts with the schoolboy Max just before he comes of age, and he's a typical egocentric teen whose childhood is of always trying to outdo his peers and be noticed by adults.
Set in the 1970's, so recent history, it reads as if Max's memoir, recounting his journey from brat to slave and the awakening of his sexuality within the slave training context.
This is not really erotica dominant but slave training dominant.
New black PE teacher, James, whom Max is instantly attracted to as if a demigod, treats Max quite harshly and sees something in his responses as potential slave material. He is prepared to wait until of legal age before anything sexual takes place. Although sexual service is part of his training and there's quite a yearning and fixation by Max as his emotions traverse attraction, adoration to almost idolatry of James as he accepts him as his Master to be trained as a slave. He develops love for his Master but not reciprocated...or is it?
There are times where Max's emotions of jealousy and envy are trialled where he is excluded when James takes other potential slaves under his wing and excludes Max, this had emotions of anger roused in me on Max's behalf.
Also I had to feel so for Max's parents. His mother has no understanding or acceptance of Max, from his sexuality to his slave desires, and his father he tries, way beyond what most fathers would and I think he has a yearning to have gone down that track but only in part himself, even he can't understand the depth of Max's commitment.
Then things changed and a harsh shocking incident occurred that made me wonder of the reality of such slavery, how much reality is there here, and somehow in my heart and head I hope there isn't, it is too much to give, to entrust to others who as the final trials showed were so cruel and harsh, to final body modification as a commitment gesture, no not for me.
Yet I can't deny the skill of the writer and depth that Danny has gone to to produce this story.
Understand also that this has been translated from first language French into English and AB Gayle has done a pretty good job. Better than I could do for sure.
I say this has to be borderline 4/5 stars and as rounding up or down needs doing it has to be 5 stars from me.
August 23, 2014
I couldn't put this down.
I was completely drawn into the mind of Max, the young man who undergoes slave training.
It is a very honest portrayal of Max's journey, and although it is devastating, the writing style is matter of fact and without affectation.
Max falls in love with his trainer but their relationship is not romanticized or sentimental. It just is.
I think the author does a fantastic job of showing us the compelling reasons why some people are drawn to this way of life.
It is also an extremely arousing book, although sex is only one part of the training and of the book.
Yes! I was a rabbit in the headlights of a lorry, and I did not care.
I was completely drawn into the mind of Max, the young man who undergoes slave training.
It is a very honest portrayal of Max's journey, and although it is devastating, the writing style is matter of fact and without affectation.
Max falls in love with his trainer but their relationship is not romanticized or sentimental. It just is.
I think the author does a fantastic job of showing us the compelling reasons why some people are drawn to this way of life.
It is also an extremely arousing book, although sex is only one part of the training and of the book.
Yes! I was a rabbit in the headlights of a lorry, and I did not care.
August 3, 2016
Je vous avertis, ceci est un long fantasme. Si vous recherchez quelque chose qui colle à la réalité, passez votre tour. Et c'est un livre écrit par un gars très sado-maso (moi), alors il comprend de dures scènes de "torture".
Je ne peux pas vraiment faire la critique de mon livre, mais je peux au moins copier/coller la critique qu'un autre lecteur a écrite sur un autre site Web:
Ce livre est le récit d'un cheminement d'un jeune homme, Max, qui prend conscience du fait qu'il est esclave, au fond de lui, que tout son être est voué à être esclave. Et il ne peut en prendre conscience que lorsqu'il rencontre James. La notice du livre parle de conscience de son homosexualité. En réalité, Max préfère les hommes, mais peut être attiré aussi par des femmes, il est donc ce qu'il conviendrait d'appeler bisexuel avec une préférence masculine. Lorsqu'il rencontre James, il découvre surtout une vénération pour celui qui deviendra son maître. Cela dépasse la sexualité qui n'est que secondaire dans ce roman, c'est un engouement fondé sur un respect profond, la volonté de servir.
Je ne peux pas vraiment faire la critique de mon livre, mais je peux au moins copier/coller la critique qu'un autre lecteur a écrite sur un autre site Web:
Ce livre est le récit d'un cheminement d'un jeune homme, Max, qui prend conscience du fait qu'il est esclave, au fond de lui, que tout son être est voué à être esclave. Et il ne peut en prendre conscience que lorsqu'il rencontre James. La notice du livre parle de conscience de son homosexualité. En réalité, Max préfère les hommes, mais peut être attiré aussi par des femmes, il est donc ce qu'il conviendrait d'appeler bisexuel avec une préférence masculine. Lorsqu'il rencontre James, il découvre surtout une vénération pour celui qui deviendra son maître. Cela dépasse la sexualité qui n'est que secondaire dans ce roman, c'est un engouement fondé sur un respect profond, la volonté de servir.
September 11, 2015
It doesn't seem fair to take on a book like Slave In Training and to WTF all over it. I mean, it's not like there were hidden themes and I got caught without wearing protective trigger warning safety goggles. Still, even in the context of a slavefic, there were elements of this book that had me shaking my head. However, it did explore some interesting concepts servitude and bondage and, written in first person, it felt very personal and heartfelt.
SIT explores the concept of total power exchange in a semi-alternate universe where there is a small but notable underground community of personal slaves, masters, trainers and slave markets. We meet Max, our teenage protagonist who, after getting to know his PE teacher, feels his true nature and calling is to be a slave. His teacher, James Teka, eventually becomes his trainer and takes Max from a novice trainee through the rigors of becoming a full fledged and certified slave ready for market. Not surprisingly, Max thrives under James' tutelage and many feels develop, but do not think for one second that you will be enjoying a fluffy romantic slavefic (leave that to Bran, Holden, Yves and Jer).
Now for my issues. No doubt, the biggest problem for me was the fact that Max was so young and that he was a minor when he met James and started spending time with him. Yes, they did wait till he was graduated from school and for him to turn 18 before anything hardcore happened. And yes, there was discussion about Max acknowledging that he was entering his training freely and on his own volition. So arguably, it was all consensual. In my opinion, Max as way too young and way too impressionable to be able to give such consent. While turning 18 is a legal milestone with respect to becoming an adult, we all know that nothing magically happens once that birthday happens. Max was immature, just check out this comment he made to his parents (who were logically arguing that this relationship with James was probably a bad idea):
Other issues...
James, the slave trainer was African, and Max ogled over his physical traits. I was not sure what to make of this, but it seemed a bit of 'turn the tables' on the African American slave narrative. It felt awkward to me.
Perhaps there was a bit too much plot? This is really about an emotional journey of self discovery, and the conspiracy sub-plot, while slightly interesting, felt like too much of a good thing. Maybe it would have worked better as a thriller with a slave sub-plot.
The parents. I am really glad they were featured and I am really glad that they weren't complete pushovers. While I wish they were more assertive, I supposed the book would have been over quickly if they were. I appreciate the father trying to understand what Max is going through, but .
Lastly, what's up with brand new security guards ? It seemed inconsistent with the concept of training an certification to give these guys that sort of power.
So yes, I had issues but I also enjoyed reading this. I am curious to hear more from Max at the further adventures hinted at in the epilogue. For sure, there are some very difficult passages. If the topic interests you, and if you can handle cruel masochists in a TPE, this might be a good read. But please do not mistake this for consensual TPE, it's non-con all the way.
SIT explores the concept of total power exchange in a semi-alternate universe where there is a small but notable underground community of personal slaves, masters, trainers and slave markets. We meet Max, our teenage protagonist who, after getting to know his PE teacher, feels his true nature and calling is to be a slave. His teacher, James Teka, eventually becomes his trainer and takes Max from a novice trainee through the rigors of becoming a full fledged and certified slave ready for market. Not surprisingly, Max thrives under James' tutelage and many feels develop, but do not think for one second that you will be enjoying a fluffy romantic slavefic (leave that to Bran, Holden, Yves and Jer).
Now for my issues. No doubt, the biggest problem for me was the fact that Max was so young and that he was a minor when he met James and started spending time with him. Yes, they did wait till he was graduated from school and for him to turn 18 before anything hardcore happened. And yes, there was discussion about Max acknowledging that he was entering his training freely and on his own volition. So arguably, it was all consensual. In my opinion, Max as way too young and way too impressionable to be able to give such consent. While turning 18 is a legal milestone with respect to becoming an adult, we all know that nothing magically happens once that birthday happens. Max was immature, just check out this comment he made to his parents (who were logically arguing that this relationship with James was probably a bad idea):
Yes. You and mom believe a lot of wrong things. You look at the world through your narrow bourgeois vision.Every 18 year old thinks they know everything and have it all figured out, and Max is no exception. And anyone who has lived at least ten years beyond 18 knows that 18 year olds are clueless. Bottom line, this was all non-con for me. I would have enjoyed this much more if Max was 27 going on 28.
Other issues...
James, the slave trainer was African, and Max ogled over his physical traits. I was not sure what to make of this, but it seemed a bit of 'turn the tables' on the African American slave narrative. It felt awkward to me.
Perhaps there was a bit too much plot? This is really about an emotional journey of self discovery, and the conspiracy sub-plot, while slightly interesting, felt like too much of a good thing. Maybe it would have worked better as a thriller with a slave sub-plot.
The parents. I am really glad they were featured and I am really glad that they weren't complete pushovers. While I wish they were more assertive, I supposed the book would have been over quickly if they were. I appreciate the father trying to understand what Max is going through, but .
Lastly, what's up with brand new security guards ? It seemed inconsistent with the concept of training an certification to give these guys that sort of power.
So yes, I had issues but I also enjoyed reading this. I am curious to hear more from Max at the further adventures hinted at in the epilogue. For sure, there are some very difficult passages. If the topic interests you, and if you can handle cruel masochists in a TPE, this might be a good read. But please do not mistake this for consensual TPE, it's non-con all the way.
September 19, 2015
5 stars because this is the best writing of BDSM literature I've yet to come across. Danny Tyran writes with a deep intimate knowledge of his subject and doesn't circumvent the details that most other writers would rather not examine. Instead, he does things like take us headlong into every possible aspect of a young man's coming out to his parents as a slave, even inviting his master to dinner to try to explain their lifestyle to his incredulous mother and father. This is brave, conscious writing. Conscious because he's totally aware at every moment of every detail of the scene he's writing about, down to the color of their socks.
DNF because I have a particular revulsion to female cooties and at the 25% point, the story becomes rife with them, as both tops and bottoms. So 'real' is the tale at this point that I had to remove myself from it to my great regret. This isn't M/M literature. Worse, with the exception of this one book, all of his work is in French and untranslated. Hopefully, a BDSM M/M novel of his will emerge one of these days in English and I'll be right there to devour it.
DNF because I have a particular revulsion to female cooties and at the 25% point, the story becomes rife with them, as both tops and bottoms. So 'real' is the tale at this point that I had to remove myself from it to my great regret. This isn't M/M literature. Worse, with the exception of this one book, all of his work is in French and untranslated. Hopefully, a BDSM M/M novel of his will emerge one of these days in English and I'll be right there to devour it.
September 5, 2015
Certainly this book deserves a four or five star rating, if for no other reason than the strong writing craft and meticulous editing. But I also think the story itself delivers in the way its author intended. The story presents a powerful yet disturbing portrait of a young man who has embraced his identity as a slave. He surrenders himself to the training and domination of a strict master who molds him into a top-notch slave. This relationship exists within the context of an underground BDSM community referred to as "the Market".
I have to offer a caveat to readers, though. Personally I felt a clear disconnect when I read this story. A key element was lacking for me: Love. I'm a big fan of BDSM stories, but I approached this one unaware of the precise dynamic that exists between the main characters. Although I think many stories depict BDSM partners who are Master and sub, such a relationship is quite different from that of a Master and true slave. A slave needs and craves authority, control, and ownership... with or without love. In fact, I'd argue that it might well be easier for both the Master and slave if love does not enter the scene at all.
For me, I yearn to read of loving couples who each embrace their identities as Master and sub but who are both committed to the other. In some ways their love for each other enslaves both of them. But such a story is far different than this one. Slave in Training is a story which makes romantics like myself uncomfortable. It made me squirm, and at times I was angry or tearful. I could not understand how a Master could be so cruel and selfish. I could not understand how a sub could allow himself to be treated so poorly.
But this story is not about me, nor is it about the types of characters I idealize. It's about a type of relationship that does exist and that is significant, meaningful, and fulfilling to a number of people. The story is educational, if nothing else. And it's very entertaining fiction.
I have to offer a caveat to readers, though. Personally I felt a clear disconnect when I read this story. A key element was lacking for me: Love. I'm a big fan of BDSM stories, but I approached this one unaware of the precise dynamic that exists between the main characters. Although I think many stories depict BDSM partners who are Master and sub, such a relationship is quite different from that of a Master and true slave. A slave needs and craves authority, control, and ownership... with or without love. In fact, I'd argue that it might well be easier for both the Master and slave if love does not enter the scene at all.
For me, I yearn to read of loving couples who each embrace their identities as Master and sub but who are both committed to the other. In some ways their love for each other enslaves both of them. But such a story is far different than this one. Slave in Training is a story which makes romantics like myself uncomfortable. It made me squirm, and at times I was angry or tearful. I could not understand how a Master could be so cruel and selfish. I could not understand how a sub could allow himself to be treated so poorly.
But this story is not about me, nor is it about the types of characters I idealize. It's about a type of relationship that does exist and that is significant, meaningful, and fulfilling to a number of people. The story is educational, if nothing else. And it's very entertaining fiction.
July 30, 2015
not my usual reading choice but I enjoyed most of it. some of it was hard to take. If you are not into BDSM, you will probably want to avoid it. The book really make you think, I know that I can be submissive in circumstances but this books take it to a whole nother level.
July 17, 2014
My review of Slave in Training can be found on the BDSM Book Reviews web site.
September 4, 2014
A very powerful personal journey from teenager to slave. There are many elements I liked about this unique book but what really stands out is the portrayal of the M/S relationship.
As a reader I expected to feel conflicted, but this was not my experience. Rather I was swept along by it with no qualms.
The ending? Dear God, hotness.
As a reader I expected to feel conflicted, but this was not my experience. Rather I was swept along by it with no qualms.
The ending? Dear God, hotness.
March 17, 2016
I like HEA stories and this doesn't have one, not even sure if it can be considered HFN either as I don't think James really loved Max. The overall story was very interesting in regards to the training, even though a few things did make me kinda of cringe. I will be looking a future books from this author.
February 11, 2020
Hardcore bdsm..... I wish more of Danny’s books were translated into English.
August 7, 2015
Let me start off by saying the writing was good, and the story was well thought out. I liked the writing style and I had no trouble with the subject matter.
This story starts when Max is a child, and he tells the story of his growth and interest in being praised. His training starts while he is still a minor and in high school. For those who steer clear of any characters under the age of 18, this story is not for you. Even though Max is 'almost 18' he is still not 18 when he starts his slave training. And he is far below 17 in maturity.
There is no content warning for this, so this is your warning.
The majority of his sexual training starts when he turns 18, but he is still naked in front of James and on display while aroused.
This story made me feel like I was watching someone being brainwashed. It just didn't sit well with me. It also didn't sit well that a teacher would take a student from school and start his 'slave training' the way he did. I felt Max was taken advantage of, and even if he did feel all those things on his own, it wasn't like he was allowed room to think anything else. Teenagers are pretty impressionable beings, and can be easily swayed. It wouldn't take much for James to convince Max that this was the right path for him when the boy was crushing on him hard.
Some of the scenes were brutal, and some of them were sexy and brutal. I did like a lot of the kink. That definitely wasn't the problem.
There was an underlying disconnect between the motives of James, and the reactions from Max. I felt a lot like Max's parents..... Completely at a loss as to why Max was even there, and completely desperate to stop him from drinking the Kool-Aid.
Overall the story wasn't horrible, and there was some good stuff in there. But I kept cringing and then becoming distracted, which ultimately tells me it isn't the story for me.
Recommended for those who like dark hardcore Master/slave kink with willing (somewhat) participants. I would call this dub-con because of the age thing. Lots of objectification, humiliation, tongue bathing, and intense SM.
There is some F/m pairing but mostly it is M/m.
This story starts when Max is a child, and he tells the story of his growth and interest in being praised. His training starts while he is still a minor and in high school. For those who steer clear of any characters under the age of 18, this story is not for you. Even though Max is 'almost 18' he is still not 18 when he starts his slave training. And he is far below 17 in maturity.
There is no content warning for this, so this is your warning.
The majority of his sexual training starts when he turns 18, but he is still naked in front of James and on display while aroused.
This story made me feel like I was watching someone being brainwashed. It just didn't sit well with me. It also didn't sit well that a teacher would take a student from school and start his 'slave training' the way he did. I felt Max was taken advantage of, and even if he did feel all those things on his own, it wasn't like he was allowed room to think anything else. Teenagers are pretty impressionable beings, and can be easily swayed. It wouldn't take much for James to convince Max that this was the right path for him when the boy was crushing on him hard.
Some of the scenes were brutal, and some of them were sexy and brutal. I did like a lot of the kink. That definitely wasn't the problem.
There was an underlying disconnect between the motives of James, and the reactions from Max. I felt a lot like Max's parents..... Completely at a loss as to why Max was even there, and completely desperate to stop him from drinking the Kool-Aid.
Overall the story wasn't horrible, and there was some good stuff in there. But I kept cringing and then becoming distracted, which ultimately tells me it isn't the story for me.
Recommended for those who like dark hardcore Master/slave kink with willing (somewhat) participants. I would call this dub-con because of the age thing. Lots of objectification, humiliation, tongue bathing, and intense SM.
There is some F/m pairing but mostly it is M/m.
May 16, 2014
My friend Danny provided me an unedited version of his book for me to gave him my opinion.
I had already read it in French. And although I'm not as fervent a fan of BDSM as him, I must say I have been hooked from the first words uttered by the protagonist.
What we learned from Max at the beginning of the story makes him human and friendly. Although he feels instant love for James, the man who becomes his master and trainer, we understand why he falls head over heals for his physical education teacher.
It is in the nature of Max to love challenges and James will challenge him over and over. To the point that, more than once, Max fears of not being able to continue.
I, too , towards the end, I thought I could not continue, so much the ordeal that twenty people impose on Max is hard. But Max, madly in love with his master, did not want to disappoint him.
The story takes a turn a little "detective & investigation" towards the end, but that spices up the story.
I had already read it in French. And although I'm not as fervent a fan of BDSM as him, I must say I have been hooked from the first words uttered by the protagonist.
What we learned from Max at the beginning of the story makes him human and friendly. Although he feels instant love for James, the man who becomes his master and trainer, we understand why he falls head over heals for his physical education teacher.
It is in the nature of Max to love challenges and James will challenge him over and over. To the point that, more than once, Max fears of not being able to continue.
I, too , towards the end, I thought I could not continue, so much the ordeal that twenty people impose on Max is hard. But Max, madly in love with his master, did not want to disappoint him.
The story takes a turn a little "detective & investigation" towards the end, but that spices up the story.
March 12, 2022
Une très belle histoire
Avec cet auteur on est jamais déçus par l'histoire qui est assez touchante et émouvante, même si certains passages sont un peu dur. Mais malheureusement, beaucoup trop de fautes d'orthographe et de grammaire. Certains dialogue son en anglais et hélas pas traduit c'est très dommage quand on ne parle pas cette langue
Avec cet auteur on est jamais déçus par l'histoire qui est assez touchante et émouvante, même si certains passages sont un peu dur. Mais malheureusement, beaucoup trop de fautes d'orthographe et de grammaire. Certains dialogue son en anglais et hélas pas traduit c'est très dommage quand on ne parle pas cette langue
January 25, 2014
Je voulais juste noter et oublier ce « livre »… puis j’ai lu votre propre commentaire sur votre œuvre…
Apparemment votre maître n’a pas su vous apprendre la modestie et l’humilité. Appliquez au moins ce que vous écrivez à vous-même !
Ce livre ne mérite même pas d’étoile. Le scénario n’est pas crédible. Un jeune de 17 ans qui parle comme un professeur de littérature de 50 ans !
Ce livre n’est qu’une suite de dialogues impossibles à croire, faisant l’apologie de l’esclavage, avec des arguments formatés dignes d’une publicité télévisuelle ventant les mérites et les bienfaits des lavements…
Les situations sont risibles tellement peu crédible et peu réelles :
Il y a des esclaves à tous les coins de rues : 2 voir 3 dans la même classe de lycée !
L’histoire se passe il y a trente ans, mais l’homosexualité ne provoque pas de vagues chez les camarades de classes de Max et même ses parents!
Max accepte instantanément d’être un esclave et d’être vendu, c’est normal ?? !!!!
Vous ne nous épargnez même pas le cliché de l’homme noir maître d’un esclave blanc, accepté par tout le monde (professeurs, parents, élèves !!)…. Et tout cela dans le milieu des années 70 !!!
Personne ne porte plainte pour l’endoctrinement d’un mineur par un adulte, avec sévices sexuels et humiliations!
Tous les gardes du corps sont soit des maîtres sadiques, soit des esclaves refoulés !
Les parents acceptent quasiment sans broncher que leurs fils mineur soit un esclave… (... c'est des parents ça??? )
Mais le père va jusqu'à devenir esclave pendant quelques jours pour comprendre son fils, et ça va changer sa vie et lui ouvrir les yeux! Mais bien sûr ! C’est le monde des bisounours SM…
Ce passage avec le père esclave est un véritable supplice à lire et la scène d’inceste père-fils nous est à peine épargnée !! La mère à une réaction (presque) crédible, mais vous la méprisez, et vous la faite passer pour une demeurée qui ne veut pas essayer elle aussi l’esclavage comme son mari…
En fait, toute la scène avec les parents en visite fait preuve d’un manque de tact et de pudeur ! Le « maître si gentil » fait preuve d’une cruauté mentale inimaginable… dégrader un fils devant ses parents comme ça, sans aucun état d'âme....
En résumé, il n’y a pas de quoi se vanter... Ce livre n’a aucune profondeur, les personnages sont aseptisés, creux et pas crédible pour deux sous. Le scénario est à pleurer – surtout la fin…
Je pourrais en noircir des pages et des pages mais je préfère en rester là…
C’est du temps (à lire ce livre) et de l’argent gaspillé.
PS : je doute de la crédibilité de certain commentaire…
Apparemment votre maître n’a pas su vous apprendre la modestie et l’humilité. Appliquez au moins ce que vous écrivez à vous-même !
Ce livre ne mérite même pas d’étoile. Le scénario n’est pas crédible. Un jeune de 17 ans qui parle comme un professeur de littérature de 50 ans !
Ce livre n’est qu’une suite de dialogues impossibles à croire, faisant l’apologie de l’esclavage, avec des arguments formatés dignes d’une publicité télévisuelle ventant les mérites et les bienfaits des lavements…
Les situations sont risibles tellement peu crédible et peu réelles :
Il y a des esclaves à tous les coins de rues : 2 voir 3 dans la même classe de lycée !
L’histoire se passe il y a trente ans, mais l’homosexualité ne provoque pas de vagues chez les camarades de classes de Max et même ses parents!
Max accepte instantanément d’être un esclave et d’être vendu, c’est normal ?? !!!!
Vous ne nous épargnez même pas le cliché de l’homme noir maître d’un esclave blanc, accepté par tout le monde (professeurs, parents, élèves !!)…. Et tout cela dans le milieu des années 70 !!!
Personne ne porte plainte pour l’endoctrinement d’un mineur par un adulte, avec sévices sexuels et humiliations!
Tous les gardes du corps sont soit des maîtres sadiques, soit des esclaves refoulés !
Les parents acceptent quasiment sans broncher que leurs fils mineur soit un esclave… (... c'est des parents ça??? )
Mais le père va jusqu'à devenir esclave pendant quelques jours pour comprendre son fils, et ça va changer sa vie et lui ouvrir les yeux! Mais bien sûr ! C’est le monde des bisounours SM…
Ce passage avec le père esclave est un véritable supplice à lire et la scène d’inceste père-fils nous est à peine épargnée !! La mère à une réaction (presque) crédible, mais vous la méprisez, et vous la faite passer pour une demeurée qui ne veut pas essayer elle aussi l’esclavage comme son mari…
En fait, toute la scène avec les parents en visite fait preuve d’un manque de tact et de pudeur ! Le « maître si gentil » fait preuve d’une cruauté mentale inimaginable… dégrader un fils devant ses parents comme ça, sans aucun état d'âme....
En résumé, il n’y a pas de quoi se vanter... Ce livre n’a aucune profondeur, les personnages sont aseptisés, creux et pas crédible pour deux sous. Le scénario est à pleurer – surtout la fin…
Je pourrais en noircir des pages et des pages mais je préfère en rester là…
C’est du temps (à lire ce livre) et de l’argent gaspillé.
PS : je doute de la crédibilité de certain commentaire…
October 18, 2012
Il s’agit d’un roman réellement ancré dans le BDSM. Pas un BDSM d’opérette, pas un bdsm qui se croit obligé d’utiliser les codes du genre : paf une fessée, clic des pinces à seins, tout ça dans un ordre bien défini, inutiles les tenues fétichistes, pas une accumulation de scènes de sexe, mais bien plus que tout cela, bien mieux : l’aspect psychologique dominant, la relation maître/esclave en devenir fondée sur une compréhension viscérale des comportements humains, des faiblesses, des doutes mais surtout des aspirations profondes, du ressenti, des émotions. Le maître n’est pas cruel par désir d’être cruel, il ne pense qu’au bien-être de son esclave, à son amélioration constante.
Je n’ai rien lu de tel sur le bdsm depuis longtemps. L’auteur maîtrise la langue, le roman est bien écrit. Je vous le conseille vivement si vous souhaitez lire une œuvre littéraire qui prenne en compte le BDSM dans ce qu’il peut avoir de plus profond.
Je n’ai rien lu de tel sur le bdsm depuis longtemps. L’auteur maîtrise la langue, le roman est bien écrit. Je vous le conseille vivement si vous souhaitez lire une œuvre littéraire qui prenne en compte le BDSM dans ce qu’il peut avoir de plus profond.
August 31, 2015
After reading some of the reviews I wondered what I was going to find in the pages but while some parts were disturbing, I was intrigued and read it over two days. I found the slave test disturbing.
So while the book was well written and I enjoyed the insight to a slave's mentality, parts of it were beyond my comprehension.
Definitely not a book to be taken lightly - 4 stars
So while the book was well written and I enjoyed the insight to a slave's mentality, parts of it were beyond my comprehension.
Definitely not a book to be taken lightly - 4 stars
June 25, 2015
On the one hand, I was uncomfortable and horrified. On the other hand, I read this all in one long sitting, unable to look away even though I had a bunch of other stuff I should have been doing today. I enjoy slave-fic and BDSM, and though this wasn't either of those, exactly, it was disturbingly engrossing. Fascinating read, if a bit clinical at times.
June 29, 2015
I really loved this book. Of cause I was like wtf, but the story was interesting, I could feel Max's desperate want to become a slave without needing to be one myself. The feelings, emotions between him and James had me bound to the book (finished about 3 something in the morning) and I just wanted to know what happens next. I can follow why his parents reacted the way they did, but I thought his dad redeemed himself well.
The epilogue was quite sad though, HFN with a hint to a second book. So want to read that now.
The epilogue was quite sad though, HFN with a hint to a second book. So want to read that now.
July 18, 2015
Though I enjoy a good SMUT book, this was way too heavy for me. At some points, I loved the characters and his intentions. However, more often then not, I was cringing at the content, which as never happened before while reading However, I must admit that it was written exceptionally well.
April 2, 2013
Comme on se prend à aimer ce jeune Max, comme on se surprend à vouloir le cajoler, alors qu'il jouit tant de la douleur et du dépassement de soi.
Trop l'aimer, c'est le décevoir. Il mérite mieux.
A lire sans modération, et avec excès, comme il se doit.
Trop l'aimer, c'est le décevoir. Il mérite mieux.
A lire sans modération, et avec excès, comme il se doit.
Read
March 5, 2023Je ne donne pas d’étoiles car je n’ai pas fini.
L’écriture était passable mais assez simpliste à mon goût.
Cela mis à part, l’histoire elle-même, que dire? Hyper mal à l’aise par certains choix de l’auteur comme le choix de décrire le réveil sexuel du narrateur à un très jeune âge, le choix de décrire une scène où un père montre son sexe à son fils et qui plus est, si j’ai bien lu (peut-être que je l’ai mal fait), il est ‘dur’ quand il le fait (what the fuck). Aussi le choix d’inclure les parents dans l’histoire. Je n’avais vraiment pas compris pourquoi les parents ont été rendus au cours de la relation esclave/maître par l’auteur, du pourquoi des conversations sur ce genre de relations qui, quoique l’auteur dise, ont bien des racines sexuelles, de ces scènes hyper malaisantes où les parents viennent soi-disant petit à petit à accepter l’esclavage de leur fils...
Je ne comprenais pas le pourquoi de tout ceci mais je lis dans une autre critique que par la suite le père du narrateur devient esclave aux côté de son fils pour le même maître!? Tout tombe sous le sens mais, pour moi, pas d’une bonne façon.
Franchement, d’habitude je prend une oeuvre pour ce qu’elle est, sans tenter de trop faire de jugement de moralité etc mais là j’étais mal à l’aise. Il y avait bien des trucs interessants niveau psychologie des personnages mais bon…
L’écriture était passable mais assez simpliste à mon goût.
Cela mis à part, l’histoire elle-même, que dire? Hyper mal à l’aise par certains choix de l’auteur comme le choix de décrire le réveil sexuel du narrateur à un très jeune âge, le choix de décrire une scène où un père montre son sexe à son fils et qui plus est, si j’ai bien lu (peut-être que je l’ai mal fait), il est ‘dur’ quand il le fait (what the fuck). Aussi le choix d’inclure les parents dans l’histoire. Je n’avais vraiment pas compris pourquoi les parents ont été rendus au cours de la relation esclave/maître par l’auteur, du pourquoi des conversations sur ce genre de relations qui, quoique l’auteur dise, ont bien des racines sexuelles, de ces scènes hyper malaisantes où les parents viennent soi-disant petit à petit à accepter l’esclavage de leur fils...
Je ne comprenais pas le pourquoi de tout ceci mais je lis dans une autre critique que par la suite le père du narrateur devient esclave aux côté de son fils pour le même maître!? Tout tombe sous le sens mais, pour moi, pas d’une bonne façon.
Franchement, d’habitude je prend une oeuvre pour ce qu’elle est, sans tenter de trop faire de jugement de moralité etc mais là j’étais mal à l’aise. Il y avait bien des trucs interessants niveau psychologie des personnages mais bon…
April 24, 2018
3.4 Stars
December 2, 2018
Rating: 4.5 stars.
July 25, 2015
I put this aside twice due to boredom, and if I weren't so stubborn, this would be DNF. I regret I didn't delete it the first time I put it aside.
Nothing here drew me in, and the eyeroll coefficient was just too high -- clearly the author's fantasies and mine have nothing in common. Other people praise the writing, but I wonder whether we read the same book. I'd give it 1.5 stars if Goodreads let us, because it's not utterly execrable shite I wanted to hurl against the wall, but i am downgrading to 1 star because I just did not like it at all.
Nothing here drew me in, and the eyeroll coefficient was just too high -- clearly the author's fantasies and mine have nothing in common. Other people praise the writing, but I wonder whether we read the same book. I'd give it 1.5 stars if Goodreads let us, because it's not utterly execrable shite I wanted to hurl against the wall, but i am downgrading to 1 star because I just did not like it at all.
February 6, 2016
Can't decide whether is's wonderful or horrible. At any rate, it's memorable and I'm glad I read it.
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