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The Arroyo
Isaac is tired to the bones. He keeps his head down and looks after his family, but every two years the sick fear comes around again as the Feds arrive for a new harvest of kids.
It’s Trace’s last sweep; he’s about to serve out his term of slavery. One last run and then… what? A life alone, with his books and music? He’s seen far too much of the dark side of human nature to think that’s a possibility.
Trace and Isaac both know happy ever after doesn’t grow in the parched desert. Maybe together they can change that.
This story was written as a part of the M/M Romance Group's "Love’s Landscapes" event. Group members were asked to write a story prompt inspired by a photo of their choice. Authors of the group selected a photo and prompt that spoke to them and wrote a short story.
Dear Author,
I always knew it was a possibility. Have known since childhood that they could take me someday. The slave traders have been sweeping the area for weeks now but I didn’t think they’d want me. They usually take girls and if they take boys they’re younger, blonder… prettier. There’s not usually a demand for someone who looks like me and has reached the ripe, old age of twenty-four. But I was wrong. Someone did want me. I’m so fucked.
One last sweep of this dirt water town and I can get back to my life. My books, my music, my art and my life that doesn’t revolve around grabbing kids to sell to the highest bidder. I hate this shit. One last run. My debt will be paid and I’ll be free from that son of a bitch who grabbed ME as a kid. Maybe then I can finally stop thinking and dreaming. Turn off those dark desires that swirl in my head and wake me up at night in a cold sweat. I’m not HIM. I will never be HIM. My last fucking run and it all goes to shit when some guy, trying to be the hero, gets in my face. He’s too old, too dark, too inked… but God help me I want him.
I don’t know what I was thinking when I stood up to him. I just wanted the kid to have half a chance at getting away. He’s so angry. I screwed up his quota and now I’m going to pay for that. He told me to get clean. EVERYWHERE. Then he gave me a thick chain with a padlock on it and told me to chain myself to the table when I was done. Something about “inspecting the merchandise”. I’m so fucked.
Photo Description:
A dark-haired, young man crouches naked in the corner of a bathtub, beneath a spray of water. White tiles and chrome fittings surround him. A heavy chain with a sturdy padlock is draped over his right shoulder, above a large tribal tattoo on his bicep. The man protects his head and chest with his arms, cowering, as he apprehensively meets the gaze of the viewer staring down at him.
This story may contain sexually explicit content and is intended for adult readers. It may contain content that is disagreeable or distressing to some readers. The M/M Romance Group strongly recommends that each reader review the General Information section before each story for story tags as well as for content warnings.
It’s Trace’s last sweep; he’s about to serve out his term of slavery. One last run and then… what? A life alone, with his books and music? He’s seen far too much of the dark side of human nature to think that’s a possibility.
Trace and Isaac both know happy ever after doesn’t grow in the parched desert. Maybe together they can change that.
This story was written as a part of the M/M Romance Group's "Love’s Landscapes" event. Group members were asked to write a story prompt inspired by a photo of their choice. Authors of the group selected a photo and prompt that spoke to them and wrote a short story.
Dear Author,
I always knew it was a possibility. Have known since childhood that they could take me someday. The slave traders have been sweeping the area for weeks now but I didn’t think they’d want me. They usually take girls and if they take boys they’re younger, blonder… prettier. There’s not usually a demand for someone who looks like me and has reached the ripe, old age of twenty-four. But I was wrong. Someone did want me. I’m so fucked.
One last sweep of this dirt water town and I can get back to my life. My books, my music, my art and my life that doesn’t revolve around grabbing kids to sell to the highest bidder. I hate this shit. One last run. My debt will be paid and I’ll be free from that son of a bitch who grabbed ME as a kid. Maybe then I can finally stop thinking and dreaming. Turn off those dark desires that swirl in my head and wake me up at night in a cold sweat. I’m not HIM. I will never be HIM. My last fucking run and it all goes to shit when some guy, trying to be the hero, gets in my face. He’s too old, too dark, too inked… but God help me I want him.
I don’t know what I was thinking when I stood up to him. I just wanted the kid to have half a chance at getting away. He’s so angry. I screwed up his quota and now I’m going to pay for that. He told me to get clean. EVERYWHERE. Then he gave me a thick chain with a padlock on it and told me to chain myself to the table when I was done. Something about “inspecting the merchandise”. I’m so fucked.
Photo Description:
A dark-haired, young man crouches naked in the corner of a bathtub, beneath a spray of water. White tiles and chrome fittings surround him. A heavy chain with a sturdy padlock is draped over his right shoulder, above a large tribal tattoo on his bicep. The man protects his head and chest with his arms, cowering, as he apprehensively meets the gaze of the viewer staring down at him.
This story may contain sexually explicit content and is intended for adult readers. It may contain content that is disagreeable or distressing to some readers. The M/M Romance Group strongly recommends that each reader review the General Information section before each story for story tags as well as for content warnings.
97 pages, ebook
First published August 4, 2014
6 people are currently reading
420 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 91 reviews
October 3, 2014
appallingly effective.
i don't make a habit of dipping a toe into slavefics or extreme kinkfics, but when i do, they're often written by m. caspian.
i love the setting, which i thought well-conceived and beautifully executed even in its austerity. the heat, the grit, the... hopeless extension of kindness in a fucked-up situation... it's really affecting when it plays out against such a bleak backdrop.
the prompt was pretty specific, so there's not much to say about that stuff; it had to be there, and while i don't particularly get into that kind of creepy/hot power dynamic, i have to say it's especially well-done, here—not least because of the clever inversion of the typical trope i can't discuss without spoiling it.
but what really stood out for me was the prose. i really, really enjoyed Kraken by the same author. and while the style of prose in this one was missing the sense of humor i loved in the other, i still noted a general sense of subtle refinement that makes me especially keen to read more of caspian's work.
not my kink, but good stuff all the same.
i don't make a habit of dipping a toe into slavefics or extreme kinkfics, but when i do, they're often written by m. caspian.
i love the setting, which i thought well-conceived and beautifully executed even in its austerity. the heat, the grit, the... hopeless extension of kindness in a fucked-up situation... it's really affecting when it plays out against such a bleak backdrop.
the prompt was pretty specific, so there's not much to say about that stuff; it had to be there, and while i don't particularly get into that kind of creepy/hot power dynamic, i have to say it's especially well-done, here—not least because of the clever inversion of the typical trope i can't discuss without spoiling it.
but what really stood out for me was the prose. i really, really enjoyed Kraken by the same author. and while the style of prose in this one was missing the sense of humor i loved in the other, i still noted a general sense of subtle refinement that makes me especially keen to read more of caspian's work.
not my kink, but good stuff all the same.
August 6, 2014
“The people who make the rules don’t have to follow the rules. That’s the one thing that stays the same no matter where you go.”
I’ve been waiting for this one ever since I saw the prompt and who picked it. Checking my computer and the event page like a madwoman.
If you haven’t read Kraken that shit is whack and a must read. This author certainly has a penchant for mindfuckery with a hint of horror. If you know me, you know horror isn’t my thing, but this author has a way of constructing worlds, characters and storylines wherein the horror bits are incorporated into the landscape. I find myself cringing and cheering simultaneously. An odd dichotomy to be sure, but I somehow crave it all the same.
The Arroyo is a dystopian tale wonderfully told with rich imagery, loathsome characters, and some of the most beautiful sentences I’ve read in quite some time. I blasted through this thing so quickly I didn’t have time to status update, but the language is both evocative and provocative. There aren’t many authors who can utilize such a dearth of words that conjure so much. There’s a precision here, a succinctness that’s very gratifying.
He clenched and unclenched his hands, and Trace was there, touching him, grounding him, smoothing across the landscape of his body and giving him something to cling on to that wasn’t this growing urge to come and come and shout and flail.
Oh, this was better; he could move now, mumbling incoherent words against Trace’s back as he pumped his hips and wished his skin could speak his feelings.
Trace is a slave, harvested twenty years ago with eight weeks left on his sentence to the Colonel. The Colonel is a bastard. Excuse me, a monstrous, fuckwit bastard. Trace has endured unspeakable things. He doesn’t remember a time when he made his own decisions, chose his own path and that sort of suppression leaches all the optimism out of a soul. The sense of despair and hopelessness permeates his thoughts until Isaac. Isaac doesn’t transform everything to rainbows and butterflies, no. Isaac does give Trace a sense of purpose and an emotion long forgotten, possessiveness. He wants Isaac. He knows it’s an impossibility, but the heart wants what it wants.
The world building here is divine. I could see what’s become of America in all its desolate glory through this author’s eyes. Medical kink doesn’t do much for me, but it’s done well here. Trace and Isaac definitely have chemistry. Some will say this is instalove. I disagree, but I can’t say why for it’d be too spoilery. I like both of these characters so much, neither of whom are perfect, one of which has a touch of malevolence in him, both of whom leapt off the page. The literature references were a lovely touch. This author clearly enjoys reading. I, personally, would’ve liked a prologue with some further explanation of the Protectorate, the Federation of American States and why the harvest was instituted, but that’s probably me being curious by nature. And greedy. A solid 4.5 Stars rounded up.
Don’t let the warning tags scare you away from reading The Arroyo. It’s beautiful and awful like any great story should be.
Thanks to the author and the team for this wonderful addition to the LL event.
August 5, 2014
I think it's the mark of well-written kink when there's a scene that's really not my thing, but it's so well written that I can see exactly what the characters get out of it.
I should not have opened my review with that because, despite the kink, this book is not about kink at all. The scenes are incredibly...not always hot, but always totally visceral, which is more memorable in the end.
But back to that kink just for a moment. The scene where Trace. Shouldn't be hot, right? Still was. And the reason this is what he chooses to do becomes totally clear later on. Because this isn't kink just for kink's sake either. No, there are reasons.
Trace is a heartbreaking character. He's a slave, close to the end of his twenty years service -- although nobody's ever met an ex-slave, right?-- and he's had a lot of time to come to terms with his lot in life, serving his master the Colonel and anyone else the Colonel chooses to share him with. Trace has flashes of rebellion amidst his stoicism -- he reads forbidden books -- but his rebelliousness is heartbreaking. He kind of hopes they'll find him with his illegal books, and kill him.
A man at the end of his servitude meets a man at the beginning of his: Isaac. It's Trace's job to train Isaac, like he's trained so many slaves before. Isaac's got secrets of his own though.
It's no secret I love M. Caspian's writing. Even without any tentacles, this is a great read. Caspian imbues her stories with a sense of place that I completely envy --There. I've admitted it -- and a vibe that's both melancholy and full of foreboding at the same time.
Read this. You won't regret it.
OMG, the thing? Not only utterly fascinating to see exactly why also a fantastically creep way of demonstrating exactly what slavery means. Not pretty, not kinky. The real deal. The ultimate in non-consent.
Shivers.
Also, can we get a shoutout for Pete, please? A guy who, at the beginning, I thought was just another asshole who saw Trace as less than human. It was nice to be wrong.
And another shoutout for that ending. Books and stories and hope.
I should not have opened my review with that because, despite the kink, this book is not about kink at all. The scenes are incredibly...not always hot, but always totally visceral, which is more memorable in the end.
But back to that kink just for a moment. The scene where Trace. Shouldn't be hot, right? Still was. And the reason this is what he chooses to do becomes totally clear later on. Because this isn't kink just for kink's sake either. No, there are reasons.
Trace is a heartbreaking character. He's a slave, close to the end of his twenty years service -- although nobody's ever met an ex-slave, right?-- and he's had a lot of time to come to terms with his lot in life, serving his master the Colonel and anyone else the Colonel chooses to share him with. Trace has flashes of rebellion amidst his stoicism -- he reads forbidden books -- but his rebelliousness is heartbreaking. He kind of hopes they'll find him with his illegal books, and kill him.
A man at the end of his servitude meets a man at the beginning of his: Isaac. It's Trace's job to train Isaac, like he's trained so many slaves before. Isaac's got secrets of his own though.
It's no secret I love M. Caspian's writing. Even without any tentacles, this is a great read. Caspian imbues her stories with a sense of place that I completely envy --There. I've admitted it -- and a vibe that's both melancholy and full of foreboding at the same time.
Read this. You won't regret it.
OMG, the thing? Not only utterly fascinating to see exactly why also a fantastically creep way of demonstrating exactly what slavery means. Not pretty, not kinky. The real deal. The ultimate in non-consent.
Shivers.
Also, can we get a shoutout for Pete, please? A guy who, at the beginning, I thought was just another asshole who saw Trace as less than human. It was nice to be wrong.
And another shoutout for that ending. Books and stories and hope.
August 8, 2018
****4.5 Stars****
Review updated 30/12/16
Kill me now. This crushed me.
It's another day and the first thought that crossed my mind when I opened my eyes this morning wasn't my to do list for my New Year's Eve dinner party. It's this freaking awesome story.
Book hangover.
I am not a fan of dystopia and I think it's because the things are too incredible for my taste. I am more into realistic things. However, a magic writing rich in credible details brought life to this science fiction story and I can't get this out of my head. Highly convincing.
I have to say that the things it made me feel against all the odds (being short and dystopia) is all down to this author.
I am in awe.
Brilliant writing.
Now, this was heavy stuff and I need this out of my mind.
************************************************************************
29/12/16
Wow.
So short yet so powerful.
Stories as short as this tend to disappoint me due to lack of consistency and depth. Somehow it didn't happen here. This shite felt horrifyingly real.
I am so impressed.
It was a strange story and I caught myself weirdly fascinated for its darkness.
Warning:
Click here to download: The Arroyo
Review updated 30/12/16
Kill me now. This crushed me.
It's another day and the first thought that crossed my mind when I opened my eyes this morning wasn't my to do list for my New Year's Eve dinner party. It's this freaking awesome story.
Book hangover.
I am not a fan of dystopia and I think it's because the things are too incredible for my taste. I am more into realistic things. However, a magic writing rich in credible details brought life to this science fiction story and I can't get this out of my head. Highly convincing.
I have to say that the things it made me feel against all the odds (being short and dystopia) is all down to this author.
I am in awe.
Brilliant writing.
Now, this was heavy stuff and I need this out of my mind.
************************************************************************
29/12/16
Wow.
So short yet so powerful.
Stories as short as this tend to disappoint me due to lack of consistency and depth. Somehow it didn't happen here. This shite felt horrifyingly real.
I am so impressed.
It was a strange story and I caught myself weirdly fascinated for its darkness.
Warning:
Click here to download: The Arroyo
August 23, 2014
This story was brutal and depressing, set in an alternate future where right-wing morality perpetuates horrific cruelties in the name of its god.
The bleakness of the setting unsettled me. Trace's bravery and Isaac's kindness made me gasp, as did the reveal regarding Trace's name (Why Trace? You'll see).
This novella doesn't fuck around; there's medical kink, slave abuse, non- and dubcon. None of this did a thing for me, but it's there, and it's necessary.
The fucker Miller got all he deserved. The characters were exceptionally well sketched, the world-building less so. But the writing was strong. The story is on point, relentless.
Not an enjoyable read, but a powerful one, the kind that lingers.
The bleakness of the setting unsettled me. Trace's bravery and Isaac's kindness made me gasp, as did the reveal regarding Trace's name (Why Trace? You'll see).
This novella doesn't fuck around; there's medical kink, slave abuse, non- and dubcon. None of this did a thing for me, but it's there, and it's necessary.
The fucker Miller got all he deserved. The characters were exceptionally well sketched, the world-building less so. But the writing was strong. The story is on point, relentless.
Not an enjoyable read, but a powerful one, the kind that lingers.
August 5, 2014
I read this--after the very first few paragraphs--as a full-on horror/dystopian story rather than an m/m-romance, and it didn't disappoint me there.
I refer to other reviews for a recap of content, see for instance that of Optimist King's Wench or Lisa Henry.
The worldbuilding was exquisite and just enough, yet not too much. It allowed an intelligent reader to think over some of the past and current tendencies and realise that this might be a result. The medical activities were numerous, detailed and quite horrific, though for me not erotic. In fact the for me most erotic moments were related to Trace's physical state. I adored the many small tongue-in-cheek references, to books, to other writers. Easter eggs which I for once mostly cottoned on to. The horror of slavery, the soul-numbing dreadfulness of it came across perfectly, and I was thankful for that. And the horror. Well, there are a few moments involving Miller which I thoroughly... enjoyed. I fell in love with Pete by the way!
There's a minor niggle which took this down from a full 5*.
These are only niggles, so I wholeheartedly suggest everyone read this who likes a wild, well-written mix of desperate characters, a believable dystopia and horrific bad guys as well as some real horrible gore!
I refer to other reviews for a recap of content, see for instance that of Optimist King's Wench or Lisa Henry.
The worldbuilding was exquisite and just enough, yet not too much. It allowed an intelligent reader to think over some of the past and current tendencies and realise that this might be a result. The medical activities were numerous, detailed and quite horrific, though for me not erotic. In fact the for me most erotic moments were related to Trace's physical state. I adored the many small tongue-in-cheek references, to books, to other writers. Easter eggs which I for once mostly cottoned on to. The horror of slavery, the soul-numbing dreadfulness of it came across perfectly, and I was thankful for that. And the horror. Well, there are a few moments involving Miller which I thoroughly... enjoyed. I fell in love with Pete by the way!
There's a minor niggle which took this down from a full 5*.
These are only niggles, so I wholeheartedly suggest everyone read this who likes a wild, well-written mix of desperate characters, a believable dystopia and horrific bad guys as well as some real horrible gore!
April 3, 2015
Now free from spoilers!
Super kinky. Disturbing and sad, but apparently I get off on cryrape. So, this story has taught me that about myself.
I tried to read it while squinting my eyes because, in my weird little brain, I thought the less clearly I could read the words, the lesser it would disturb me. Well, that was wrong.
Medical kink is my new thing, though. I've just decided.
I also thought the writing was great. Flowed smoothly. Very good dialogue.
Oh, and it addresses the prompt perfectly. A+ for cryrape.
August 30, 2014
Dark and bleak until the end.
Hardcore, so don't approach serendipitously. Serious objectification with this institutionalized slavery in a dystopian future after a major ecological disaster. Depressing, but some high quality violence tempered the rage feelings, so ends well for me. Might be a bit much for others.
SERIOUSLY, read the tags. Otherwise, good, but closer to horror than romance.
Hardcore, so don't approach serendipitously. Serious objectification with this institutionalized slavery in a dystopian future after a major ecological disaster. Depressing, but some high quality violence tempered the rage feelings, so ends well for me. Might be a bit much for others.
SERIOUSLY, read the tags. Otherwise, good, but closer to horror than romance.
December 2, 2014
4.5 stars
The Arroyo… or, what goes around, comes around.
Wow. This is probably one of the more wrenching reads I’ve encountered in this genre, wonderful in its mix of dystopian horror and unsettling sensuality. Totally held me in its spell, so intelligently crafted, I ate it up, couldn’t turn away. Tore my heart into pieces.
It’s storytelling outside the box, maybe not for everyone, but for those who get it, refreshing. This author continues to grow and flex those writerly muscles. Stand back.
The flashes of violence against Trace, a slave to the Federation of the American States, are gut-twisting, graphic and shocking. He was born and raised in the Protectorate of Southern California, important for its slave exportation in this dystopian new world. For twenty years, half his life, he’s been owned by the Colonel, living under his foot, passed around like a pet whipped into obedience, treated like nothing more than a cigarette butt ground into the dirt.
We get an up close and personal view of just what this life has done to Trace, how this man who reads Flaubert and listens to Bach in his precious-little personal time, subjugates himself to the degradation of others. Dystopian horror: Trace is also right hand to the Colonel’s brutality, forced to exact the same evil that is acted on him. He’s been trained as a medic, a scientist, really, and his job is to carry out the census and the culling of future-slaves, procuring and indoctrinating them.
Enter young Isaac; he’s new bait. Taken from the herd, Trace is priming him for his own twenty years. But Isaac has issues of his own…
Is Trace a monster? He certainly walks a line between victim and perpetrator. He’s a man with nothing, forced against his softer sentiments, forced to find his replacement. No one-dimensional character here… Trace is literate, sensitive, and has the incredible ability to shut himself off from the vicious abuse while perpetrating it.
It’s central to this story… just who is this man and why does his story reach its climax now?
The characters are unforgettable, Trace and Isaac, Pete… the evil Colonel and his monster side-kick, Sergeant Miller ( “He [Trace] wasn’t even real to Miller: just a piece of equipment waiting for its turn.” )… I keep coming back to them. They offset Trace’s struggle. If you’re gonna write a bad guy, make it good. Make them real, something for our nightmares. So that the torment is made more real, so that the oppressed can rise that much more sweetly above it, shine more brightly through it, or fight more desperately against it. There is nothing scarier than the evil that can live within someone who looks on surface, and is deemed by society, to be normal.
The setting is scary good… this dystopian United States known as the Federation where supposedly god-fearing Citizens can have it written into their creed who are the haves and who are the have nots. Where ordinary, common people can be rewritten as classless subordinates to those in power. This Federation becomes the limitless bad-guy. Not just one or two monsters… society has become the monster.
In the end, I do wonder what will become of Trace and Isaac.
“The people who make the rules don’t have to follow the rules. That’s the one thing that stays the same no matter where you go.”
So good, this one will stick with you for a long time. Kudos to the author for matching the prompt and delivering so much more.
July 18, 2025
2025 Review:
I decided to reread this in memory of the author, an old friend on Goodreads back when I first discovered the m/m genre in the early 2010s, when it was still niche, not yet mainstream. That was really a special time on the site that I remember so fondly for the community we had, lasting friendships that were formed, and SO many interesting and entertaining conversations we all had in the comments of reviews and in groups. Most of those people are no longer active on Goodreads, and the ones I am still friends with communicate with me through other apps. I had noticed that Emma was no longer reviewing m/m books, and wished she were, because she was one of the few who very closely matched my dark tastes. I always valued her reviews for that reason. I only found out the other day that she had been battling cancer, and passed away very recently.
It's a painful reminder of how short life is, and how important it is to value our time with loved ones. I wanted to read this story again so that Emma's words could live on in my mind. Reading the author bio at the end broke my heart.
This novella was even better the second time around. It has been nearly 11 years since I read it the first time, so I'd forgotten most of it. After reading mainstream m/m these past few years, it really makes me appreciate the unique, boundary-pushing, skilled writing that was easier to find back then, before it was drowned out by truck loads of cliched fluffy romances, or "dark" romances that are just silly and over the top instead of truly gripping tales like The Arroyo. I did not realize at the time how spoiled I was.
My old review is accurate. I'm definitely still evil 😈 I loved this story. So dark, also with my favorite kink, great world building; I felt their despair and rage and hope, loved their resilience and their connection to one another. It felt fitting, given the hellscape my country is becoming. I saved so many quotes. Certain parts were VERY cathartic, considering my own helpless rage about the dehumanization of so many people that I've witnessed the past few years. Thank you, Emma. 💔
Original 2014 Review:
This story reminded me that I am slightly evil, because my response to the scene with was YESSSSS.
I decided to reread this in memory of the author, an old friend on Goodreads back when I first discovered the m/m genre in the early 2010s, when it was still niche, not yet mainstream. That was really a special time on the site that I remember so fondly for the community we had, lasting friendships that were formed, and SO many interesting and entertaining conversations we all had in the comments of reviews and in groups. Most of those people are no longer active on Goodreads, and the ones I am still friends with communicate with me through other apps. I had noticed that Emma was no longer reviewing m/m books, and wished she were, because she was one of the few who very closely matched my dark tastes. I always valued her reviews for that reason. I only found out the other day that she had been battling cancer, and passed away very recently.
It's a painful reminder of how short life is, and how important it is to value our time with loved ones. I wanted to read this story again so that Emma's words could live on in my mind. Reading the author bio at the end broke my heart.
This novella was even better the second time around. It has been nearly 11 years since I read it the first time, so I'd forgotten most of it. After reading mainstream m/m these past few years, it really makes me appreciate the unique, boundary-pushing, skilled writing that was easier to find back then, before it was drowned out by truck loads of cliched fluffy romances, or "dark" romances that are just silly and over the top instead of truly gripping tales like The Arroyo. I did not realize at the time how spoiled I was.
My old review is accurate. I'm definitely still evil 😈 I loved this story. So dark, also with my favorite kink, great world building; I felt their despair and rage and hope, loved their resilience and their connection to one another. It felt fitting, given the hellscape my country is becoming. I saved so many quotes. Certain parts were VERY cathartic, considering my own helpless rage about the dehumanization of so many people that I've witnessed the past few years. Thank you, Emma. 💔
Original 2014 Review:
This story reminded me that I am slightly evil, because my response to the scene with was YESSSSS.
August 8, 2018
Exceptional Dark Dystopian Love Story!
I should have known better. I should have remembered that this was an M. Caspian story. I should have remembered that the pretty doesn’t exist in these stories. Or it does, but only to serve as a foil to the darkness that’s brutally served to us readers:
Slavery
Brutality
Torture
Mutilation (off page)
Non-con
Dub-con
Murder
Reading
Smoking
Friendship
Trust
Love
Freedom
I loved this story while it made me hot and turned my stomach. If you’re up for those same feels. Dig in. Caspian has yet to disappoint me.
I should have known better. I should have remembered that this was an M. Caspian story. I should have remembered that the pretty doesn’t exist in these stories. Or it does, but only to serve as a foil to the darkness that’s brutally served to us readers:
Slavery
Brutality
Torture
Mutilation (off page)
Non-con
Dub-con
Murder
Reading
Smoking
Friendship
Trust
Love
Freedom
I loved this story while it made me hot and turned my stomach. If you’re up for those same feels. Dig in. Caspian has yet to disappoint me.
March 22, 2017
damn, this was incredible. It makes me want to knock every other book I've read down a half star so I can give this the honest 5 stars it deserves. Just excellent.
June 8, 2017
Okay...
The idea was nice, but the execution didn't satisfy me.
Trace has been a slave for 20 years, working for the Federation (a conservative regime ruled by religious dogmas where homosexuality is a sin, but abusing a male slave is of course allowed...). He is a medic and assists his owner, a Fed Colonel, in harvesting more slaves from a region in Southern California, where they simply steal kids to train them as slaves.
Trace's newest catch is a 24 year old guy who steps in to save his younger brother from being "harvested" (yes, very much like Hunger Games). Even though the guy is actually too old to become a slave, Trace starts the examination and things unfold...
Sadly, the story was very inconsistent. The big plot twist is not pulled through, as Trace and Isaac sometimes know more than they would know if the plot twist was actually a secret.
The sex was very clinical and left me cold and the psychology behind slavery (which was oh so great in The Flesh Cartel) totally fell flat here. I also want to complain about the dying scene of a person in this story that was VERY detailed and gruesome, yet the guy simply DIDN'T DIE!! Totally disturbing!
I also didn't feel the connection between Trace and Isaac. Maybe the story would have been more interesting if it had developed between Trace and Pete. I liked Pete, whereas I never warmed to Isaac.
However, I liked very much that Trace loved to read books that he finds somewhere (even 'Non-White List' titles such as Harry Potter) . And also Trace being impressed me pretty much.
However, as an overall rating, this doesn't get more than 2 stars, unfortunately.
The idea was nice, but the execution didn't satisfy me.
Trace has been a slave for 20 years, working for the Federation (a conservative regime ruled by religious dogmas where homosexuality is a sin, but abusing a male slave is of course allowed...). He is a medic and assists his owner, a Fed Colonel, in harvesting more slaves from a region in Southern California, where they simply steal kids to train them as slaves.
Trace's newest catch is a 24 year old guy who steps in to save his younger brother from being "harvested" (yes, very much like Hunger Games). Even though the guy is actually too old to become a slave, Trace starts the examination and things unfold...
Sadly, the story was very inconsistent. The big plot twist is not pulled through, as Trace and Isaac sometimes know more than they would know if the plot twist was actually a secret.
The sex was very clinical and left me cold and the psychology behind slavery (which was oh so great in The Flesh Cartel) totally fell flat here. I also want to complain about the dying scene of a person in this story that was VERY detailed and gruesome, yet the guy simply DIDN'T DIE!! Totally disturbing!
I also didn't feel the connection between Trace and Isaac. Maybe the story would have been more interesting if it had developed between Trace and Pete. I liked Pete, whereas I never warmed to Isaac.
However, I liked very much that Trace loved to read books that he finds somewhere (even 'Non-White List' titles such as Harry Potter) . And also Trace being impressed me pretty much.
However, as an overall rating, this doesn't get more than 2 stars, unfortunately.
January 25, 2018
Well then. That was disturbing. For most of it I was convinced I hated it, but then it turned out I didn't hate it at all.
August 24, 2014
Author M. Caspian pens a well written dystopian world where people are either part of the righteous Federation or one of the soulless others - others who are not even considered human. This is disturbing yet easy to visualize.
My friend (Optimist) recommended this to me because it's dark, depraved and involves a bit of medical play. I think I'm too jaded. I kept waiting for the part where I'd be guiltily horrified and titillated with rape, body modification and medical play. It.Does.Not.Happen. I repeat, this does not happen. There is a reference to the body modification. If a reader is expecting a graphic modification scene or a deviant sexual medical play scene, strike that. This is not the book for you. If you are interested in slavery, humiliation and a budding romance, this is the book for you!
This is a story about two men who find each other and bond under bad circumstances. The revelations of who they are, are not a surprise. Author M. Caspian does a nice job of providing hints and setting it up. The resolution to the conflict in this story is also no surprise. The resolution does give a feel good vibe although not bloody enough for me - the vengeance queen that I am. Death is too good for villains. Tortures both mental and physical for years later makes me smile. Alas, this does not happen in this story either.
This story is recommended to m/m lovers who enjoy dystopian worlds where love still conquers all.
My friend (Optimist) recommended this to me because it's dark, depraved and involves a bit of medical play. I think I'm too jaded. I kept waiting for the part where I'd be guiltily horrified and titillated with rape, body modification and medical play. It.Does.Not.Happen. I repeat, this does not happen. There is a reference to the body modification. If a reader is expecting a graphic modification scene or a deviant sexual medical play scene, strike that. This is not the book for you. If you are interested in slavery, humiliation and a budding romance, this is the book for you!
This is a story about two men who find each other and bond under bad circumstances. The revelations of who they are, are not a surprise. Author M. Caspian does a nice job of providing hints and setting it up. The resolution to the conflict in this story is also no surprise. The resolution does give a feel good vibe although not bloody enough for me - the vengeance queen that I am. Death is too good for villains. Tortures both mental and physical for years later makes me smile. Alas, this does not happen in this story either.
This story is recommended to m/m lovers who enjoy dystopian worlds where love still conquers all.
April 22, 2015
Yes, I would have liked this book to be longer and yes, I would have enjoyed a lot more detail but otherwise this is just my kind of thing. I love dystopian books, they are usually incredibly sad and depressing but there is always a touch of hope mixed in as well. Really enjoyable!
March 21, 2016
I can't even!..
...except for Pete. There must be a Pete's story!
A very solid read.
...except for Pete. There must be a Pete's story!
A very solid read.
August 20, 2014
This story was written based on my prompt for the M/M Romance group's latest Don't Read in the Closet writing event.
I'm always a little nervous about reading "my" story in these events. My prompts tend to be a little darker and edgier and I always hope whoever picks my prompt is willing to push the envelope. M. Caspian did not disappoint. She combined two of my favorite elements, a dystopian society and medical kink. I got exactly what I asked for and more.
This story is dark and brutal but beautiful all at the same time. Thank you so much M. for taking my prompt and making it your own.
I'm always a little nervous about reading "my" story in these events. My prompts tend to be a little darker and edgier and I always hope whoever picks my prompt is willing to push the envelope. M. Caspian did not disappoint. She combined two of my favorite elements, a dystopian society and medical kink. I got exactly what I asked for and more.
This story is dark and brutal but beautiful all at the same time. Thank you so much M. for taking my prompt and making it your own.
August 8, 2018
This is a dystopian story that tells the meeting between Trace (or rather Tres, three in Spanish) and Ocho (or eight). Trace is an old slave and a medic and works for the Colonel, the slaver who works for the government and takes a part of the young population to enslave them. There is a small (very small) plot.
The bulk of the story describes the medical (and erotic) examinations that Ocho undergoes at the hands of Trace. For a medical-plays enthusiast, this story could be fascinating, but I found it rather trite.
I didn't know if I should give it 2 or 3 stars.
The bulk of the story describes the medical (and erotic) examinations that Ocho undergoes at the hands of Trace. For a medical-plays enthusiast, this story could be fascinating, but I found it rather trite.
I didn't know if I should give it 2 or 3 stars.
June 11, 2018
Wonderfully written, dark, dystopian love story. Some parts are a bit hard to read but just right for the story, too. The ending was just perfect. Characters wonderfully drawn, the world created so full and vivid (if incredibly bleak), and the writing superior.
April 22, 2015
Blew me away.
Pretty much flawless.
I love every single person who had a hand in this, and to the author- Utter joy, this was a pleasure indeed! Thank you!
Pretty much flawless.
I love every single person who had a hand in this, and to the author- Utter joy, this was a pleasure indeed! Thank you!
April 17, 2015
This was a very good, fairly short story that I didn't want to end. I wanted to know more of Alejandro and Isaac...after finding out the meaning of Trace I felt disinclined to use it as a name as I felt it demeaned the lovely dear man as the bastard Colonel intended.
But to clarify...this is a distopian future of what had once been the USA. now called the Federation...it seemed to be the world that corporations like Coca Cola, oil companies, pharmaceutical companies and their ilk would like to have...no real regard to human well being apart from the few, or natural planet, just the control of mankind and people dependent on their products and them in political power, a dangerous view and one too close to comfort and one I fear as too plausible.
Humans as teens are harvested as slaves...I felt sick at the thought of for what...
Trace, as has been a slave coming to the end of his time as one... Enter Isaac, a whole lot of med kink so erotic, I felt as a voyeur. There is still beauty in two people attracted, and seeing their relationship blossom and hope and romance spring eternal.
But be warned there's horror, vileness, humans so base, vile and disgusting, yet they have power and control. I didn't feel sorry about the consequences of being people like the Colonel or Miller...I would have stood by and not lifted a hand to help either.
M.Caspian has a richness to the language he used, almost poetic at times. He paints the picture of his story so clearly, shows us through vivid imagery so we feel as well as telling us events.
I find med kink a turn on, some don't so be aware. There's also loose reference to underage sex use of harvested slaves, and non con/rape scenes so I recommend this but with individuals to be aware that that this may be out of their comfort zone. But it is a good story, well written, and I loved the hope of the outcome. This to me is a good 4 star read... Close to 5 in my opinion...I would have liked this as a full length novel.
But to clarify...this is a distopian future of what had once been the USA. now called the Federation...it seemed to be the world that corporations like Coca Cola, oil companies, pharmaceutical companies and their ilk would like to have...no real regard to human well being apart from the few, or natural planet, just the control of mankind and people dependent on their products and them in political power, a dangerous view and one too close to comfort and one I fear as too plausible.
Humans as teens are harvested as slaves...I felt sick at the thought of for what...
Trace, as has been a slave coming to the end of his time as one... Enter Isaac, a whole lot of med kink so erotic, I felt as a voyeur. There is still beauty in two people attracted, and seeing their relationship blossom and hope and romance spring eternal.
But be warned there's horror, vileness, humans so base, vile and disgusting, yet they have power and control. I didn't feel sorry about the consequences of being people like the Colonel or Miller...I would have stood by and not lifted a hand to help either.
M.Caspian has a richness to the language he used, almost poetic at times. He paints the picture of his story so clearly, shows us through vivid imagery so we feel as well as telling us events.
I find med kink a turn on, some don't so be aware. There's also loose reference to underage sex use of harvested slaves, and non con/rape scenes so I recommend this but with individuals to be aware that that this may be out of their comfort zone. But it is a good story, well written, and I loved the hope of the outcome. This to me is a good 4 star read... Close to 5 in my opinion...I would have liked this as a full length novel.
August 10, 2014
Sci-fi/Futuristic with a dash of horror
Set in a future where the Federation takes slaves from the populace deemed not to be citizens on a bi annual basis, Trace is coming to the end of his 20 year term as a slave. Not only is he a medic and part of the harvesting programme, but he is the Colonel's body slave. Issac is a 24 year old and when the harvesting team swings through it's his younger brother that's picked to become a slave, insisting he runs, Issac takes his brother's place. As he is prepared to become a slave by Trace the pair become close.
To be honest, having read some of the reviews I was expecting something harsher - which consider there are some pretty heavy scenes I am not sure what that says about me! Despite the setting and what the characters went through there is a hope written into the story, and an interesting twist regarding Issac's history. I really enjoyed this one and am happy to believe that Trace and Issac got away, picked up the rest of the family and live in peace, with lots of books
Set in a future where the Federation takes slaves from the populace deemed not to be citizens on a bi annual basis, Trace is coming to the end of his 20 year term as a slave. Not only is he a medic and part of the harvesting programme, but he is the Colonel's body slave. Issac is a 24 year old and when the harvesting team swings through it's his younger brother that's picked to become a slave, insisting he runs, Issac takes his brother's place. As he is prepared to become a slave by Trace the pair become close.
To be honest, having read some of the reviews I was expecting something harsher - which consider there are some pretty heavy scenes I am not sure what that says about me! Despite the setting and what the characters went through there is a hope written into the story, and an interesting twist regarding Issac's history. I really enjoyed this one and am happy to believe that Trace and Issac got away, picked up the rest of the family and live in peace, with lots of books
March 3, 2015
★★★★☆
Considering the first story I read by this author was Kraken
I wasn't sure what to expect and this is just as creepy in a different way.
Dystopian slave society that has those in power twisting God's word to their benefit and enslaving and breeding whole generations. The scary thing? I can visualize this as a reality!
Trace has two months left to survive his 20 years as a slave. And being free is questionable. And he meets someone (again) who turns his world upside-down. You have to read for yourself to see what happens.
Considering the first story I read by this author was Kraken
I wasn't sure what to expect and this is just as creepy in a different way. Dystopian slave society that has those in power twisting God's word to their benefit and enslaving and breeding whole generations. The scary thing? I can visualize this as a reality!
Trace has two months left to survive his 20 years as a slave. And being free is questionable. And he meets someone (again) who turns his world upside-down. You have to read for yourself to see what happens.
December 1, 2015
"The Arroyo" is a gripping and deeply schocking dystopia with amazing characters. The moment I started reading, I wasn't able to lay down this book. The pace was perfect, the suspense high and I really liked the storytelling in itself. 5 stars for this amazing piece of art.
March 2, 2016
Spellbinding to me. This is exactly the type of story I like - all sorts of conflict, redemption of a sort. Twisty paths. Great!
January 15, 2019
This was a bit predictable with the big reveal at the end but it was still a very compelling book. I do wish it was longer, I feel like the justice Issac meted out was not enough in the couple of lines, it should have been pages instead.Maybe i'm just too bloodthirsty. A very enjoyable read.
May 3, 2015
This book has destroyed me.
As dark as it is devastating, The Arroyo is set in a dystopian future where the Federation harvests young teeneagers to be used as slaves. "Used" couldn't be a more appropriate word, as The Federation strips them of everything and uses the slaves until there is nothing left. And while the term of slavery is meant to last twenty years, there is a reason why you'll never see an aged out slave. With nothing left and no where to go... well, you can just imagine.
This is the predicament of Trace who is nearing the end of his twenty year service. He quietly rebels with his hidden stash of books and music, but he wishes each day that there would be an end to it all, and wonders more and more when he should write his own final chapter. It takes a rash decision while harvesting new slaves for the Federation, an unexpected kindness, and some horrific circumstances for Trace to reclaim something of himself and see another way.
There isn't a Happily-Ever-After at the end of this story. In fact, I'd argue if it's even a Happy-For-Now. It's left open for a follow up that hasn't arrived, and may never come. It's a snippet of a hard fought life and even harder to deal with circumstances. But there's optimism and hope that both Trace and Isaac can forge a better future for themselves.
A few warnings before you read: Trace's situation is heart wrenching and horrific, even down the the origin of his name. Secondly, there are triggers in this story, especially for anyone who feels faint at the sight of a needle or squeamish at the description of gore. It's all there in this story, and it's completely unavoidable. It's harsh, but necessary. But don't let these two things sway you. This is as beautiful as it is desolate, and the spark of hope it leaves you with will be worth it.
My thanks to the author for their time and participation in the love's landscapes event.
As dark as it is devastating, The Arroyo is set in a dystopian future where the Federation harvests young teeneagers to be used as slaves. "Used" couldn't be a more appropriate word, as The Federation strips them of everything and uses the slaves until there is nothing left. And while the term of slavery is meant to last twenty years, there is a reason why you'll never see an aged out slave. With nothing left and no where to go... well, you can just imagine.
This is the predicament of Trace who is nearing the end of his twenty year service. He quietly rebels with his hidden stash of books and music, but he wishes each day that there would be an end to it all, and wonders more and more when he should write his own final chapter. It takes a rash decision while harvesting new slaves for the Federation, an unexpected kindness, and some horrific circumstances for Trace to reclaim something of himself and see another way.
"You're speaking like I'm going to step out of this medunit and all my life will come rushing back, flowing to fill the gaps and crack of my life." He could barely choke the words out for the anguish that overflowed him. "I don't know how not to be a slave, Isaac. I'm as barren as this fucking desert. I have nothing inside me left for you."
There isn't a Happily-Ever-After at the end of this story. In fact, I'd argue if it's even a Happy-For-Now. It's left open for a follow up that hasn't arrived, and may never come. It's a snippet of a hard fought life and even harder to deal with circumstances. But there's optimism and hope that both Trace and Isaac can forge a better future for themselves.
A few warnings before you read: Trace's situation is heart wrenching and horrific, even down the the origin of his name. Secondly, there are triggers in this story, especially for anyone who feels faint at the sight of a needle or squeamish at the description of gore. It's all there in this story, and it's completely unavoidable. It's harsh, but necessary. But don't let these two things sway you. This is as beautiful as it is desolate, and the spark of hope it leaves you with will be worth it.
My thanks to the author for their time and participation in the love's landscapes event.
August 11, 2014
wow...just....WOW!
I don't think I can put into words how I felt about this book. Very well written and horrific all in one go.
An amazing story, but if anything in the tags is a trigger for you DO NOT READ!! There are many cringe worthy scenes and the revelations at the end still have me reeling.
Not sure I can say I "loved" it but I definitely couldn't put it down.
I don't think I can put into words how I felt about this book. Very well written and horrific all in one go.
An amazing story, but if anything in the tags is a trigger for you DO NOT READ!! There are many cringe worthy scenes and the revelations at the end still have me reeling.
Not sure I can say I "loved" it but I definitely couldn't put it down.
August 24, 2018
I was expecting more from this, maybe more personal experiences and pasts and it seemed to end so abruptly also. This did have a lot of potential it just didn’t amaze me with all the other positive reviews. 😩
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