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Ganymede Quartet #0.5
A Superior Slave
Martin of House Ganymede, trained as a companion slave, is eager for a master of his own. Everything he’s done in his short life has been to prepare him for auction day, and now all that remains is to be chosen. In being sold, he’ll be separated from the boys he’s lived and trained with his entire life, and it’s possible he won’t see them ever again. Goodbyes are hurried and emotions are raw as the slaves go on display for prospective masters. Martin has ideas about what he’d like in a master, though of course he’ll have no say in who will buy him. When he meets tall, handsome Henry Blackwell, he’s found the one he wants, but does this shy master want him?
A Superior Slave is a prequel introducing the books of the Ganymede Quartet, a fantasy of Gilded Age New York in which young men from the richest families form intense bonds with the slaves who serve them.
A Superior Slave is a prequel introducing the books of the Ganymede Quartet, a fantasy of Gilded Age New York in which young men from the richest families form intense bonds with the slaves who serve them.
106 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 15, 2014
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
November 15, 2015
A lovely porny dream.
AU with legal slavery. New York City, 1900.
Martin is a Superior Slave and the top boy of his cohort. He is destined to be owned by a rich young boy his own age. Martin is a companion and as such he has received the best education, in clothing, in servicing, in sports, in music, in languages, in dancing... and in sex.
But he has inappropriate desires, the expectations that companion slaves as himself can't consider reasonable. Still, he longs for them just the same. He wants a handsome dark boy who kisses him and cherishes him. And he is eager to serve said master.
When he meets the master of his dreams, Henry, he will everything he can to call his attention to become his. To serve every one of his desires.
However, he will miss all his mates in the breeding House he was been raised in. He has to say goodbye to good friends he probably will never see again in the future. Because the following day is the most important day of their lives: they are going to be sold in the auction in and the Ganymede House offers the best specimens.
It's true that some questions are left unanswered: Where do the slaves come from? Are they sold from free people or do they breed them from other slaves? What happens to those slaves who are not sold or are all of them sold every year in the auction? There is really no way or law to regulate how slaves are treated. Which are the origins of these Houses that exist here? How do they get the most beautiful and most clever boys when they are taken at such a young age? What do they do with those that turned out ugly or stupid or both? Why has slavery never been abolished? Some AU need answers and here some of them were covered, but some weren't.
A lightweight reading, kinky and dirty but of the adorable kind. The puppies have been bred together and their displays of affection are very varied and very public. And they celebrate their last moments together the best they can.
AU with legal slavery. New York City, 1900.
Martin is a Superior Slave and the top boy of his cohort. He is destined to be owned by a rich young boy his own age. Martin is a companion and as such he has received the best education, in clothing, in servicing, in sports, in music, in languages, in dancing... and in sex.
But he has inappropriate desires, the expectations that companion slaves as himself can't consider reasonable. Still, he longs for them just the same. He wants a handsome dark boy who kisses him and cherishes him. And he is eager to serve said master.
When he meets the master of his dreams, Henry, he will everything he can to call his attention to become his. To serve every one of his desires.
However, he will miss all his mates in the breeding House he was been raised in. He has to say goodbye to good friends he probably will never see again in the future. Because the following day is the most important day of their lives: they are going to be sold in the auction in and the Ganymede House offers the best specimens.
It's true that some questions are left unanswered: Where do the slaves come from? Are they sold from free people or do they breed them from other slaves? What happens to those slaves who are not sold or are all of them sold every year in the auction? There is really no way or law to regulate how slaves are treated. Which are the origins of these Houses that exist here? How do they get the most beautiful and most clever boys when they are taken at such a young age? What do they do with those that turned out ugly or stupid or both? Why has slavery never been abolished? Some AU need answers and here some of them were covered, but some weren't.
A lightweight reading, kinky and dirty but of the adorable kind. The puppies have been bred together and their displays of affection are very varied and very public. And they celebrate their last moments together the best they can.
January 14, 2015
This was very sweet and a nice background to Martin and his life on the farm prior to the auction and being sold for House Ganymede. Again, it's an idyllic representation of slavery and the austere, yet sufficient upbringing illustrates the gap between Martin and his future owner, Henry quite well. The insecurities, worries and the loss of lifelong friends is especially touching as they each are sold to go their own way.
Still want to understand the premise of this AU with legalized slavery during the Gilded Age of New York, but I guess that is the fundamental difference between science fiction and alternate universe and coming from a sci-fi background I always question and want to know rather than just accept it point blank as a primary principle.
Favorite quote:
Still want to understand the premise of this AU with legalized slavery during the Gilded Age of New York, but I guess that is the fundamental difference between science fiction and alternate universe and coming from a sci-fi background I always question and want to know rather than just accept it point blank as a primary principle.
Favorite quote:
“Everything familiar is being taken from you, after all. You’re all being very brave.”
November 7, 2014
Sweet intro to a promising new series. A bit sad as boys who grew up together and trained as slaves are auctioned off to new families, likely to never see each other again, but also hopeful as the boys start their new lives.
I'll be reading the next story :)
I'll be reading the next story :)
March 23, 2015
BR with Adam a.k.a. former slavefic virgin.
I had similar feels on this prequel to A Most Personal Property as Adam. The world building wasn't anywhere near the level achieved in book 1. I didn't become as engrossed in this one either. BUT I loved getting Martin's POV after having read book 1 and going through all the emotional turmoil with Henry and suspecting Martin was similarly affected. It makes it feel as though they were destined. I was also highly amused that all the slaves thought Henry odd and that Martin almost immediately began defending him.
I've still got questions about this slave system that I'm not sure will ever be answered regarding its origins and the breeding systems. Still we were given a peek into the farm and how the boys were raised most of which I found bittersweet. Some of the boys are quite attached to one another and it must be a harsh experience to have your best friend/brother (of sorts) ripped out of your life at 16 and in all likelihood never seen again no matter how well prepared you are. I do hope Frankie, Charlie and Georgie meet up with Martin again at some point.
Not as good as book 1 but a good taste. Probably 3.5 Stars.
Final thought: that Adam Pettibone better get what's coming to him.
Thanks Adam for the BR!
I had similar feels on this prequel to A Most Personal Property as Adam. The world building wasn't anywhere near the level achieved in book 1. I didn't become as engrossed in this one either. BUT I loved getting Martin's POV after having read book 1 and going through all the emotional turmoil with Henry and suspecting Martin was similarly affected. It makes it feel as though they were destined. I was also highly amused that all the slaves thought Henry odd and that Martin almost immediately began defending him.
I've still got questions about this slave system that I'm not sure will ever be answered regarding its origins and the breeding systems. Still we were given a peek into the farm and how the boys were raised most of which I found bittersweet. Some of the boys are quite attached to one another and it must be a harsh experience to have your best friend/brother (of sorts) ripped out of your life at 16 and in all likelihood never seen again no matter how well prepared you are. I do hope Frankie, Charlie and Georgie meet up with Martin again at some point.
Not as good as book 1 but a good taste. Probably 3.5 Stars.
Final thought: that Adam Pettibone better get what's coming to him.
Thanks Adam for the BR!
April 21, 2015
2.5 stars
BR with Wench! =D
I think I would have enjoyed this more if I had come back and read this after reading the first full-length book in this series, A Most Personal Property.
Martin is a slave-in-training in House Ganymede. In this alternate universe, rich families buy high-trained slaves for their sons, so that their sons may 'become men', so to speak, in a safe and clean manner. Though beyond that, slaves are also tutors, sporting companions and even friends to their masters. However, Martin wants something more than just a traditional master-slave relationship. He wants a master who genuinely cares for him as a lover.
The first half of this novella was just okay. I didn't really like Martin or any of the other boys, and their actions and words seemed very juvenile. Now I know this is young-adult fiction, and all of those boys are sixteen, but I don't remember being that emotional at 16 years old. I prefer my YA to be a bit more mature. And while we're on the topic:
Now the second half, I did enjoy that more. Martin's voice become more mature. The whole auction process was fascinating. And we're introduced to Henry Blackwell, Martin's eventual owner. As soon as discussions about 'prospectives' began, I was rooting for Martin. I'm glad that the other boys got favourable outcomes as well.
So overall, this introduction to the Ganymede Quarter series was just a tad better than okay. I don't see myself continuing it, but the first book does seem to already have quite a few fans, so I'm sure there's something there that I'm missing out on.
BR with Wench! =D
I think I would have enjoyed this more if I had come back and read this after reading the first full-length book in this series, A Most Personal Property.
Martin is a slave-in-training in House Ganymede. In this alternate universe, rich families buy high-trained slaves for their sons, so that their sons may 'become men', so to speak, in a safe and clean manner. Though beyond that, slaves are also tutors, sporting companions and even friends to their masters. However, Martin wants something more than just a traditional master-slave relationship. He wants a master who genuinely cares for him as a lover.
The first half of this novella was just okay. I didn't really like Martin or any of the other boys, and their actions and words seemed very juvenile. Now I know this is young-adult fiction, and all of those boys are sixteen, but I don't remember being that emotional at 16 years old. I prefer my YA to be a bit more mature. And while we're on the topic:
Now the second half, I did enjoy that more. Martin's voice become more mature. The whole auction process was fascinating. And we're introduced to Henry Blackwell, Martin's eventual owner. As soon as discussions about 'prospectives' began, I was rooting for Martin. I'm glad that the other boys got favourable outcomes as well.
So overall, this introduction to the Ganymede Quarter series was just a tad better than okay. I don't see myself continuing it, but the first book does seem to already have quite a few fans, so I'm sure there's something there that I'm missing out on.
September 25, 2014
Liked this one, the prologue to A Most Personal Property which appeared out of the ether on my kindle yesterday. 4 stars from me. Can't wait to see what happens to Martin, and hope that the other books in the series will let us know what has happened to Charlie, Georgie and the others...even Noah. Thanks Leta for the rec.
October 20, 2014
This alternate-reality historical fiction novella provides an in-depth look at the world of companion slaves. It is set in 1900 New York and follows the day in the life of Martin, Head Boy for the Ganymede House--one which is known for producing excellent slave stock.
All of the characters are male, and it is expected that male companion slaves are to be sold to wealthy young men to be uesd as a sexual training partner, companion and trusted friend. All slaves are expected to assist their owners with schooling, to entertain them in arts, and to be proper social counterparts in riding and other sports.
Martin is not sad to be sold. It is what he has been training for his entire life. He has worked hard to be the Head Boy--by studying his lessons, and perfecting his violin, and he truly loves to be a companion to other boys. Like all his fellow slaves, he was raised at Ganymede Farm, and after age 12 he entered into the Companion training. He relishes being with other boys and is a generous and caring lover. What he longs for in a master is one who will allow him to be pleasurable. One who will adore him. And, hopefully, one who will be a great friend to him once his master grows old enough to take a wife.
Martin is a bit melancholy of the prospect of leaving behind his fellow companion-trainees, nonetheless. They have grown up together and shared uninhibited sexual relations for years now. This journey from farm to city, from training to service is a huge step, however, and brings new challenges. There is a sincere, bittersweet emotional context here. Many of the boys have preferred lovers--boyfriends, per se, and there are numerous instances of sorrow in these last-ever couplings. There was the great potential for this to be melodramatic, but I felt the story had a deft touch, just enough vulnerability to allow for deep sympathy.
I enjoyed the story very much. It had an honesty to it--Martin is a very honest narrator--and it's impossible not to get sucked into his hopes and desires. They are so natural: to find a kind and loving "partner"/master, one he could admire and serve with his whole heart. Martin and his comrades are really just boys--all 16--but they have kind hearts and are engaging. At first, I was a bit overwhelmed by the many characters but soon Martin's voice carried me through.
The auction house experience was as daunting for myself as it was for Martin, and I ached for him to be taken by the one prospective owner with whom he truly connected. This a truly interesting world, and I wonder how the next book will turn out.
All of the characters are male, and it is expected that male companion slaves are to be sold to wealthy young men to be uesd as a sexual training partner, companion and trusted friend. All slaves are expected to assist their owners with schooling, to entertain them in arts, and to be proper social counterparts in riding and other sports.
Martin is not sad to be sold. It is what he has been training for his entire life. He has worked hard to be the Head Boy--by studying his lessons, and perfecting his violin, and he truly loves to be a companion to other boys. Like all his fellow slaves, he was raised at Ganymede Farm, and after age 12 he entered into the Companion training. He relishes being with other boys and is a generous and caring lover. What he longs for in a master is one who will allow him to be pleasurable. One who will adore him. And, hopefully, one who will be a great friend to him once his master grows old enough to take a wife.
Martin is a bit melancholy of the prospect of leaving behind his fellow companion-trainees, nonetheless. They have grown up together and shared uninhibited sexual relations for years now. This journey from farm to city, from training to service is a huge step, however, and brings new challenges. There is a sincere, bittersweet emotional context here. Many of the boys have preferred lovers--boyfriends, per se, and there are numerous instances of sorrow in these last-ever couplings. There was the great potential for this to be melodramatic, but I felt the story had a deft touch, just enough vulnerability to allow for deep sympathy.
I enjoyed the story very much. It had an honesty to it--Martin is a very honest narrator--and it's impossible not to get sucked into his hopes and desires. They are so natural: to find a kind and loving "partner"/master, one he could admire and serve with his whole heart. Martin and his comrades are really just boys--all 16--but they have kind hearts and are engaging. At first, I was a bit overwhelmed by the many characters but soon Martin's voice carried me through.
The auction house experience was as daunting for myself as it was for Martin, and I ached for him to be taken by the one prospective owner with whom he truly connected. This a truly interesting world, and I wonder how the next book will turn out.
December 29, 2014
Oh wow! This is a fabulous introduction to the alternative universe created by Darrah Glass, and I was hooked from the first page. In a world where slavery is accepted and wealthy young men are provided with a companion slave following their sixteenth birthday, this story takes a unique perspective of a slave anticipating his imminent purchase.
The story weaves the experience of Martin, born into slavery who uses all his focus and skills to become the best he can be and his hope for the future. Martin is proud of his accomplishments and his ability to serve. He is content to be a worthy slave trained by the House of Ganymede (one of the most prestigious training establishments). This short story told in the third person from Martin's perspective, details his final days at Ganymede as he prepares for the slave auction in 1900 New York. A coming of age story, it outlines his optomisim for an exciting future, his yearning for love and his acceptance that this is unlikely to happen, coupled with his knowledge that his destiny lies at the whim of others. Martin is generous to his fellow slaves and braces himself to say goodbye and begin a new life. As we follow Martin to the auction block we experience his powerlessness as perspective purchasers consider whether or not they will bid on him.
In a stroke of genius the author describes the morning of the auction from Martin's perspective which is then repeated from his future owner's perspective in A Most Personal Property
The story highlights Martin's views about sex and love and his willingness to serve. It sets up a deeper level of understanding for the reader which enriches the reading experience as the story unfolds in the full length book that follows. Highly recommended.
The story weaves the experience of Martin, born into slavery who uses all his focus and skills to become the best he can be and his hope for the future. Martin is proud of his accomplishments and his ability to serve. He is content to be a worthy slave trained by the House of Ganymede (one of the most prestigious training establishments). This short story told in the third person from Martin's perspective, details his final days at Ganymede as he prepares for the slave auction in 1900 New York. A coming of age story, it outlines his optomisim for an exciting future, his yearning for love and his acceptance that this is unlikely to happen, coupled with his knowledge that his destiny lies at the whim of others. Martin is generous to his fellow slaves and braces himself to say goodbye and begin a new life. As we follow Martin to the auction block we experience his powerlessness as perspective purchasers consider whether or not they will bid on him.
In a stroke of genius the author describes the morning of the auction from Martin's perspective which is then repeated from his future owner's perspective in A Most Personal Property
The story highlights Martin's views about sex and love and his willingness to serve. It sets up a deeper level of understanding for the reader which enriches the reading experience as the story unfolds in the full length book that follows. Highly recommended.
September 27, 2014
OK I'm hooked. I'll be reading book one for sure!
November 2, 2014
Beautifully written and strikingly original take on slaves-in-training. This free prequel sets up the historical AU worldbuilding (New York City in 1900, unusual!) and introduces many characters.
It is told from the POV of Martin, the most esteemed and valuable member of his class of trained slaves. Martin and his group of age cohorts (sixteen year olds) have spent their lives on a farm preparing for the day they will be auctioned off. The story takes us through Martin’s last few days on the farm, which he spends in reminiscences and prolific sexual activity with his fellows, and the auction itself, where he finally meets his destined lifetime master.
Warning for underage (only between peers). The author’s decision to set the MC ages at 16 instead of 18, while fitting believably into the story, makes the book risky for mainstream distribution. (The sexual content is too frequent and too graphic for YA.) Grab this one before Amazon yanks it--and the next in the series, as well.
Recommended.
It is told from the POV of Martin, the most esteemed and valuable member of his class of trained slaves. Martin and his group of age cohorts (sixteen year olds) have spent their lives on a farm preparing for the day they will be auctioned off. The story takes us through Martin’s last few days on the farm, which he spends in reminiscences and prolific sexual activity with his fellows, and the auction itself, where he finally meets his destined lifetime master.
Warning for underage (only between peers). The author’s decision to set the MC ages at 16 instead of 18, while fitting believably into the story, makes the book risky for mainstream distribution. (The sexual content is too frequent and too graphic for YA.) Grab this one before Amazon yanks it--and the next in the series, as well.
Recommended.
October 13, 2015
So I'm starting to read this series, and doing in order obviously. I heard the first book is all in Henry's POV so i enjoyed reading about Martin's character and how he feels about his slavery. Its very sweet short story and also pretty sexy, more sex than i was expecting which is major plus points :) I'm off to read the first one now and am pretty excited, i'm already completely drawn into this world.
April 30, 2015
Well, I'm on the fence with what to write.
I really enjoyed it, but feel so wrong for enjoying it. I'm disturbed by the 16 year old sex, but then I remember what I was like at 16, and I suppose these are slaves training, and part of their job will be pleasure... so.... I still feel like a dirty old woman for enjoying the erotica in this story, but I'll get over it.
Great beginning. I'm totally invested in finding out more about young Henry, and how Martin settles into life in his new role.
I love that Martin is a little kinky.
Lots of sad goodbyes.... *sniff*
I have some issues with the plot, but this is entirely my own problem.
This is light, and if you can get over the age of the characters, I think this is suitable for most people who enjoy historical master-slave stories.
I really enjoyed it, but feel so wrong for enjoying it. I'm disturbed by the 16 year old sex, but then I remember what I was like at 16, and I suppose these are slaves training, and part of their job will be pleasure... so.... I still feel like a dirty old woman for enjoying the erotica in this story, but I'll get over it.
Great beginning. I'm totally invested in finding out more about young Henry, and how Martin settles into life in his new role.
I love that Martin is a little kinky.
Lots of sad goodbyes.... *sniff*
I have some issues with the plot, but this is entirely my own problem.
This is light, and if you can get over the age of the characters, I think this is suitable for most people who enjoy historical master-slave stories.
January 12, 2015
A Joyfully Jay review.
5 stars
A Superior Slave is a prequel to A Most Personal Property and takes place the day before and the day of the slave auction. It really wonderfully sets up this amazing world Glass has created, giving us a window into the life of the companion slaves. We learn about House Ganymede, what their lives and training is like, and the relationships that have developed between them. This story is told from Martin’s POV, which gives us a chance to see how he feels about his role as a slave, what he looks for in his master, and what kind of person he really is. It is particularly helpful in illuminating aspects of A Most Personal Property, since Henry spends much of that book uncertain about Martin’s feelings. Having read this story first, we have the window into Martin’s real feelings, which really adds a lot to the main storyline. I found this one so good and just fascinating and it is wonderful set up to the larger series.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
5 stars
A Superior Slave is a prequel to A Most Personal Property and takes place the day before and the day of the slave auction. It really wonderfully sets up this amazing world Glass has created, giving us a window into the life of the companion slaves. We learn about House Ganymede, what their lives and training is like, and the relationships that have developed between them. This story is told from Martin’s POV, which gives us a chance to see how he feels about his role as a slave, what he looks for in his master, and what kind of person he really is. It is particularly helpful in illuminating aspects of A Most Personal Property, since Henry spends much of that book uncertain about Martin’s feelings. Having read this story first, we have the window into Martin’s real feelings, which really adds a lot to the main storyline. I found this one so good and just fascinating and it is wonderful set up to the larger series.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
January 27, 2015
This concerns slavery in New York City in 1900 among the wealthy. For this reason it could be troubling, treating slavery as if it were not evil. Better to set it in another world.
Ignoring this issue, this is a sweet story sbout 16 year old boys trained to be companions for the sons of rich men. There is a lot of camera dearie and anxiety about what will come next. It focuses on Martin and his interactions. There is quite a bit of casual gay sex.
The story is addictive and I have read the following three books. I am eagerly awaiting the next one.
Ignoring this issue, this is a sweet story sbout 16 year old boys trained to be companions for the sons of rich men. There is a lot of camera dearie and anxiety about what will come next. It focuses on Martin and his interactions. There is quite a bit of casual gay sex.
The story is addictive and I have read the following three books. I am eagerly awaiting the next one.
March 22, 2015
I downloaded this book late Thursday night and on my nook app, mainly because it was free. I must admit I was thinking I would most likely delete it after reading a page or two, and that I was going to find it boring. Three days of countless hours of reading, I had finished all 4 of the books available, and was hungry for more. I love the world created in this series. I would recommend reading if you're not put off by explicit sex, more so found in later installments. A really good series!
October 13, 2014
I loooved getting to know Martin! What a great prequel to find out just who Martin is and what he is experiencing during this time. I adored seeing the friendships and relationships unfold between all the guys! Thank you for letting us get to know Martin! :D
October 1, 2014
The slave auction through Martin's eyes. We learn more of him. Gosh, I love the boy. Bless his heart. He deserved his new master, he really did.
March 14, 2015
I can't say how much I loved this one.
August 26, 2015
A Superior Slave was read for a BDSM book challenge. It’s about these young boys that are coming of age who were trained to be companions to their Masters’ sons. They were trained for all positions, and the ones who commanded the highest price were the ones who were the most flexible and talented in all areas including lovemaking. The boys didn’t practice with the teachers, but with one another in that regard.
There was a beautiful boy named Martin who was eager to have a master of his own. Martin had ambition and dreams to be a Master’s love interest, but he knew that as a slave he shouldn’t have those desires because slaves and masters don’t mix. His master may enjoy his company, but he would live a life as outside custom may dictate and Martin would have to be okay with that. Well, the time had come for the boys to be offered up on the auction block to be handled like cattle to prospective buyers. They were touched and poked and prodded for the benefit of others. Martin saw one boy that stood out from the rest. This boy was tall, handsome, but he was shy. Henry Blackwell was who Martin wanted, but he wasn’t sure if the feelings were mutual. Henry did like Martin, he just couldn’t express himself as all of his feelings were on the inside, but he was too awkward to speak the truth plainly.
This story is just a taste of the beginning of a series starting with Martin and Henry’s companionship and how they will navigate their world together.
This book made me a little uncomfortable because the boys were on the young side. I couldn’t enjoy any of the feistiness and vitality but I enjoyed the relationships between the boys because it seemed genuine and loving. It’s worth continuing the series to find out more about these two and how Martin helps Henry grow as a person. This book was just a taste of what is to come.
There was a beautiful boy named Martin who was eager to have a master of his own. Martin had ambition and dreams to be a Master’s love interest, but he knew that as a slave he shouldn’t have those desires because slaves and masters don’t mix. His master may enjoy his company, but he would live a life as outside custom may dictate and Martin would have to be okay with that. Well, the time had come for the boys to be offered up on the auction block to be handled like cattle to prospective buyers. They were touched and poked and prodded for the benefit of others. Martin saw one boy that stood out from the rest. This boy was tall, handsome, but he was shy. Henry Blackwell was who Martin wanted, but he wasn’t sure if the feelings were mutual. Henry did like Martin, he just couldn’t express himself as all of his feelings were on the inside, but he was too awkward to speak the truth plainly.
This story is just a taste of the beginning of a series starting with Martin and Henry’s companionship and how they will navigate their world together.
This book made me a little uncomfortable because the boys were on the young side. I couldn’t enjoy any of the feistiness and vitality but I enjoyed the relationships between the boys because it seemed genuine and loving. It’s worth continuing the series to find out more about these two and how Martin helps Henry grow as a person. This book was just a taste of what is to come.
May 10, 2015
This was a nice beginning for what promises to be an interesting series. Martin was very likeable. It was a little sad to watch him having to say good bye to everybody and everything he knows, being forced to start over with a boy he knows nothing about. But this wasn't an angsty story. Because while Martin is sad that he has to leave his friends behind, he's also very much looking forward to finally growing up and hopefully finding a kind master. We get plenty of good bye sex. The Ganymede boys are very liberal with their physical intimacies and some of those scenes were REALLY hot.
I did miss some background info on how the slave system works, though. It's obviously not based on race or looks or something like that. There's a brief mention about "breeding", but that's about it. But this is just a little prequel, so I'm hoping to find out more in the later books. I'm looking forward to part one!
I did miss some background info on how the slave system works, though. It's obviously not based on race or looks or something like that. There's a brief mention about "breeding", but that's about it. But this is just a little prequel, so I'm hoping to find out more in the later books. I'm looking forward to part one!
November 27, 2014
My first thought once I started reading this was that it didn't seem too historical given that it's based in 1900. I did google showers and saw that they were invented in the 1800s so okay. Also I wanted to know how did the boys end up on the farm initially as slaves? Did their parents sell them because they knew they'd have better lives with rich people?
I was initially drawn to A Most Personal Property because of the blurb but realized there was a prequel so decided it'd be best if I read it first. There really isn't much of a plot here. The book only got exciting once we got to the auction. Let's see how the "real" story turns out.
I was initially drawn to A Most Personal Property because of the blurb but realized there was a prequel so decided it'd be best if I read it first. There really isn't much of a plot here. The book only got exciting once we got to the auction. Let's see how the "real" story turns out.
February 10, 2015
** 3.5 Stars **
This short story is a very nice prologue to "A Most Personal Property". I'm looking forward to learning more about Martin and Henry!
October 13, 2015
Reading this series and I like this whole slave/master thing - loving the 2 MC's. More to come!!
July 30, 2017
4 stars for the whole series - 0.5, 1, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4 & 4.5. Each book was not robust enough to stand on its own nor receive an individual rating. I recommend reading book 0.5 AFTER book 1.
Coming of age slave fic set in 1900 AU. The story was told mostly through the limited view of a naive, unsocialized, emotionally neglected, over indulged, gay, 16 year old boy Henry. Important events were also depicted by Martin, Henry's personal slave. The writing style was almost in diary format. The time line was very slow in each installment and the series took place over the course of one year. The plot line was dependent upon completing the series with books 4 and 4.5 vital to wrapping it up.
After completing this series, I felt as though I had earned a merit badge. I'm glad I had the patience and tenacity to finish. The beauty of the slow pace and length was that the character and relationship development was so natural and organic. The limited world building was like blinders and forced me to look at life within Henry and Martin's adolescent and social class perspectives.
Coming of age slave fic set in 1900 AU. The story was told mostly through the limited view of a naive, unsocialized, emotionally neglected, over indulged, gay, 16 year old boy Henry. Important events were also depicted by Martin, Henry's personal slave. The writing style was almost in diary format. The time line was very slow in each installment and the series took place over the course of one year. The plot line was dependent upon completing the series with books 4 and 4.5 vital to wrapping it up.
After completing this series, I felt as though I had earned a merit badge. I'm glad I had the patience and tenacity to finish. The beauty of the slow pace and length was that the character and relationship development was so natural and organic. The limited world building was like blinders and forced me to look at life within Henry and Martin's adolescent and social class perspectives.
August 10, 2015
The way that I found this book was an unusual way for me. I had seen a friend share it a few times, talking about how great it was. To be honest, the first few times that I read the blurb, I wasn’t that interested. But after my friend started talking about the book for the 10th time, I figured it was worth a shot to download and see how I felt about it.
I am so glad that I did download it! This has quickly become one of my favorite series of the year, and I can’t believe that I waited so long to start it.
A Superior Slave is a novella for sure, and it is told from Martin’s POV. (This is important for the future books!) I loved how Glass went about this story because we were given a lot of back information about Martin, and what exactly the auction was about. I really loved how we were able to get into Martin’s head throughout this story because it was a very trying time for him, and we were right there with him through it all.
The love that he had for his friends was completely obvious, but I really loved the outlook that he had on his future as well. It wasn’t just a “oh this is what I have to do” outlook, but more a “This is what I want and I will do whatever I can to be successful at it” outlook.
I will admit though, that even though I did love this book, it took me a bit to actually get into it. I would recommend that if you are on the fence about it, I would try it. Go into it with an open mind and just enjoy the world that Glass takes you too!
Reviewed by Crystal Marie for Crystal’s Many Reviewers
*Copy BOUGHT for review*
I am so glad that I did download it! This has quickly become one of my favorite series of the year, and I can’t believe that I waited so long to start it.
A Superior Slave is a novella for sure, and it is told from Martin’s POV. (This is important for the future books!) I loved how Glass went about this story because we were given a lot of back information about Martin, and what exactly the auction was about. I really loved how we were able to get into Martin’s head throughout this story because it was a very trying time for him, and we were right there with him through it all.
The love that he had for his friends was completely obvious, but I really loved the outlook that he had on his future as well. It wasn’t just a “oh this is what I have to do” outlook, but more a “This is what I want and I will do whatever I can to be successful at it” outlook.
I will admit though, that even though I did love this book, it took me a bit to actually get into it. I would recommend that if you are on the fence about it, I would try it. Go into it with an open mind and just enjoy the world that Glass takes you too!
Reviewed by Crystal Marie for Crystal’s Many Reviewers
*Copy BOUGHT for review*
July 17, 2016
An interesting start to a series of books that takes place in an alternate universe where young men are sold into slavery after years of training. These young men are highly-trained to be among other things companions, sexual partners, and tutors. This is a luxury that only the most wealthy can afford for their sons. I would like to have had a little more background on where these future slaves came from and hope that some of that is covered in the next book. Yup, already hooked enough to know I am reading the next book.
November 17, 2014
This was a super quick read. There were moments where I thought this book was going to be better than it was (there was some really good longing early on). But ultimately the rest of the book didn't live up to the promise of those few good moments. I also found the pacing off. The longing eventually dragged on for too long. And then everything was resolved by 75-80% of the way through so the last quarter of the book was pointless. I kept expecting something tragic to happen. But there was just too much book and not enough plot left.
April 30, 2015
This was a good short read and gives you background on what is going on in this world. So many of the boys caught my heart and I hope the very best for them all. I'm looking forward to watch Henry & Martin's love grow.
January 4, 2017
This was the book was the start of what seems like an interesting story, and even though I know its centered around newly purchased slave Martin to shy rich boy Howard... I hope the series does bring us news of some of the other slaves purchased in the auction.
April 27, 2021
Interesting world
Very original world that the author built around a master/slave dynamic. It spent quite a bit of time introducing many boys with Martin being the MC and I’m wondering if they becoming reoccurring in future books.
Very original world that the author built around a master/slave dynamic. It spent quite a bit of time introducing many boys with Martin being the MC and I’m wondering if they becoming reoccurring in future books.
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