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Thrall Prince #1
Prince for Sale
David Thomen is Earth's premier scientist, and he wants to be alone with his inventions, his money, and his PTSD. Instead, a mute, starving, alien slave is dropped in his lap. Not just any alien slave - the leader of Earth's first alien invasion, defeated by David's technology.
Vell was a prince, a conqueror, a warrior-mage. Now, he is bound by a magical slave-collar that forces him to debase himself for the gratification of his master. On Earth, he finally finds someone who can see the torment behind his submission. Someone who may be willing to give him his freedom, his dignity, or even just a hot meal.
Unwilling to let Vell die, David begins a journey that will compromise his morals, challenge his scientific beliefs, and teach him about loyalty, brotherhood, passion, and love.
Note to readers: This is an MM Romance book for mature readers, it contains dubious consent, memories of past rape, and steamy, consensual sex scenes.
Vell was a prince, a conqueror, a warrior-mage. Now, he is bound by a magical slave-collar that forces him to debase himself for the gratification of his master. On Earth, he finally finds someone who can see the torment behind his submission. Someone who may be willing to give him his freedom, his dignity, or even just a hot meal.
Unwilling to let Vell die, David begins a journey that will compromise his morals, challenge his scientific beliefs, and teach him about loyalty, brotherhood, passion, and love.
Note to readers: This is an MM Romance book for mature readers, it contains dubious consent, memories of past rape, and steamy, consensual sex scenes.
226 pages, Paperback
First published December 4, 2018
207 people are currently reading
629 people want to read
About the author
Caroline Gibson
4 books94 followersFantasist, daydreamer and occasional author of MM Romance novels.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 150 reviews
December 16, 2020
That was a quite a change from my current Christmas romances marathon.
I'm not a fan of master/slave stories, especially when it's roleplay, but whenever there is a real master/slave situation, I find myself intrigued.
Before I dive into the plot, a word on the world-building:
This story is a bit sci-fi and a bit fantasy, with an alien invasion on Earth thrown together with some old fashioned magic (aka 'science that we do not yet understand').
Prince Vell of Otharn is a handsome prince from another planet where magic is common. He conspires with some evil aliens and attacks Earth.
Why?
Nobody knows. His motives are not really mentioned. In any case, Vell's brother Lonn is an ally of Earth's, aka of David Thomen's, the one person on Earth who understands a bit of the magic that the aliens use and is able to defend Earth alongside Prince Lonn using some inventions that are able to channel crystal energy.
If that went over your head, you're not alone.
In any case, Prince Vell is punished for his misdeeds by his father, the king of Otharn. As punishment, he is sold to some aliens who put a collar around Vell's neck and keep him as a slave.
Prince Lonn saves Vell after 2 years of torture as a slave and brings him to David on Earth where he shall be kept safe until Lonn discovers a way to remove the (magical, because of course) collar around his brother's neck.
So, New York scientist and reclusive savior of Earth, David Thomen, suddenly finds his former war enemy in his apartment, naked, with a collar around his neck and unable to speak.
David is willing to let Vell stay for Lonn's sake, but more or less ignores the guy at first, until he realizes that the collar seems not to allow Vell to eat. But anything David tells him to do, results in the collar causing electric shocks to his guest, especially when David tries to force Vell to eat something, after he went without food for five days.
In short:
Vell's collar has several 'modes'. The yellow mode (which is on when Vell appears in David's apartment) is a punishing mode that hurts Vell. The collar requires the slave's master to abuse him/debase him in order to turn into blue mode, where the slave is able to eat, talk and simply exist without pain. Any slave should achieve blue mode by obeying his master's wishes (which should consist of humiliating the slave, not coddling him).
Once he has a hunch about the logic behind the collar and not knowing how else to get Vell to eat, David has non-consensual sex with him, turning the collar to blue mode which gives Vell permission to eat.
It's all really complicated and I didn't find the logic behind this very convincing. There is also a white mode when the sex is so great that even the slave enjoyed it, apparently. I did not really discover its purpose.
There's also a bit of back and forth between Vell's former owner wanting him back and David fighting to save Vell, bla bla bla. The usual trope.
It was a nice read for a change, but definitely below my initial expectations. I found the story to be a bit too tongue-in-cheek for a story that involves non-consensual intimacy.
Not to mention, I constantly found myself thinking of Fran's best friend Val, whenever I read Vell's name, LOL. But that's on me.
3 stars!
I'm not a fan of master/slave stories, especially when it's roleplay, but whenever there is a real master/slave situation, I find myself intrigued.
Before I dive into the plot, a word on the world-building:
This story is a bit sci-fi and a bit fantasy, with an alien invasion on Earth thrown together with some old fashioned magic (aka 'science that we do not yet understand').
Prince Vell of Otharn is a handsome prince from another planet where magic is common. He conspires with some evil aliens and attacks Earth.
Why?
Nobody knows. His motives are not really mentioned. In any case, Vell's brother Lonn is an ally of Earth's, aka of David Thomen's, the one person on Earth who understands a bit of the magic that the aliens use and is able to defend Earth alongside Prince Lonn using some inventions that are able to channel crystal energy.
If that went over your head, you're not alone.
In any case, Prince Vell is punished for his misdeeds by his father, the king of Otharn. As punishment, he is sold to some aliens who put a collar around Vell's neck and keep him as a slave.
Prince Lonn saves Vell after 2 years of torture as a slave and brings him to David on Earth where he shall be kept safe until Lonn discovers a way to remove the (magical, because of course) collar around his brother's neck.
So, New York scientist and reclusive savior of Earth, David Thomen, suddenly finds his former war enemy in his apartment, naked, with a collar around his neck and unable to speak.
David is willing to let Vell stay for Lonn's sake, but more or less ignores the guy at first, until he realizes that the collar seems not to allow Vell to eat. But anything David tells him to do, results in the collar causing electric shocks to his guest, especially when David tries to force Vell to eat something, after he went without food for five days.
In short:
Vell's collar has several 'modes'. The yellow mode (which is on when Vell appears in David's apartment) is a punishing mode that hurts Vell. The collar requires the slave's master to abuse him/debase him in order to turn into blue mode, where the slave is able to eat, talk and simply exist without pain. Any slave should achieve blue mode by obeying his master's wishes (which should consist of humiliating the slave, not coddling him).
Once he has a hunch about the logic behind the collar and not knowing how else to get Vell to eat, David has non-consensual sex with him, turning the collar to blue mode which gives Vell permission to eat.
It's all really complicated and I didn't find the logic behind this very convincing. There is also a white mode when the sex is so great that even the slave enjoyed it, apparently. I did not really discover its purpose.
There's also a bit of back and forth between Vell's former owner wanting him back and David fighting to save Vell, bla bla bla. The usual trope.
It was a nice read for a change, but definitely below my initial expectations. I found the story to be a bit too tongue-in-cheek for a story that involves non-consensual intimacy.
Not to mention, I constantly found myself thinking of Fran's best friend Val, whenever I read Vell's name, LOL. But that's on me.
3 stars!
December 24, 2018
I rarely get a sample of a kindle book but this one called out to me. I was not sure if I wanted to take the chance but I read the sample and immediately got it from KU. This is an excellent debut - much stronger than many. The story is more complex in many ways - this is not just any old MM slave story. There were a few odd phrases and ways to describe things in it - but I really liked the characters. The relationship dynamics were fascinating - although I was not sure about the constant reference to validity of consent. To her credit the author did not hit you over the head with it. The hurt/comfort was high in this one - the abuse was there but referred so you don't see it much. I barely missed it!
September 11, 2023
Call me crazy but... this is basically marvel fanfiction. Not that I mind.
David = Tony Stark [Tech genius, rich, had been kidnapped, tortured abroad and made to make things for his captors]
Vell = Loki [dark haired misunderstood villain, secret cinnamon roll underneath the mischief]
Lonn = Thor [muscled hero, wants to do the right thing, loves his brother even when he's doing terrible shit]
Otharn = Asgard
King Covl = Odin
Despite that, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. At times the writing was a little rocky, and there was an overabundance of exclamation points, but I really enjoyed the plot and the characters. More than I thought I would. I liked that David was a reluctant master, and didn't want to abuse his power. He feels guilty when he has to use Vell (for his own good). He ultimately set Vell free when he was able, even though he knew that he could lose him forever. This is the type of slave fic that doesn't leave a bad taste in my mouth. David is a good guy and doesn't abuse his power, he and Vell get to know and trust each other and ultimately the slave is set free. And of course then returns for more fun, because Vell secretly loves power exchange when it's on his terms.
Overall, this was a fun time and I enjoyed the villains getting their just deserts.
5 stars!
David = Tony Stark [Tech genius, rich, had been kidnapped, tortured abroad and made to make things for his captors]
Vell = Loki [dark haired misunderstood villain, secret cinnamon roll underneath the mischief]
Lonn = Thor [muscled hero, wants to do the right thing, loves his brother even when he's doing terrible shit]
Otharn = Asgard
King Covl = Odin
Despite that, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. At times the writing was a little rocky, and there was an overabundance of exclamation points, but I really enjoyed the plot and the characters. More than I thought I would. I liked that David was a reluctant master, and didn't want to abuse his power. He feels guilty when he has to use Vell (for his own good). He ultimately set Vell free when he was able, even though he knew that he could lose him forever. This is the type of slave fic that doesn't leave a bad taste in my mouth. David is a good guy and doesn't abuse his power, he and Vell get to know and trust each other and ultimately the slave is set free. And of course then returns for more fun, because Vell secretly loves power exchange when it's on his terms.
Overall, this was a fun time and I enjoyed the villains getting their just deserts.
5 stars!
September 14, 2020
Audio 4 Stars
Story 2 Stars
Story 2 Stars
November 12, 2019
You know me if you have been following my reviews for long. 😁 I love aliens and I love slave-fic so I knew I was going to love this book and I wasn’t disappointed at all. My first time reading Caroline Gibson but definitely won’t be my last. 💜😉
David Thormen is a genius scientist who protected against earth’s very first alien invasion. Not only did he protect the earth, he even managed to subdue the alien prince who lead the invasion and managed to capture him. Fast forward two years later, he found himself unceremoniously dumped with the very alien prince he captured as his slave to take care of. He knew nothing about taking care of someone. He’s barely able to take care of himself. But although he doesn’t have any warm feelings towards the alien slave prince, he definitely doesn’t want him to starve and die. The question is .. with a cursed thrall collar around the prince’s throat which only allows him to eat after being debased and used sexually by his master, Davis must find a way to take care of the prince. Or will he become the slave of prince’s heart while trying to free him?
Despite what the book’s blurb suggested, this definitely has very little amount of smut in it. 😅 Sure, there are some scenes where David had to use Vell because that’s the only way he could eat but the actual love making scenes were only at the end. I love that this isn’t a mere smutty slave-fic. 😌 The world building is expansive and intriguing and the MCs were super colorful and realistic. I loved how kind and loving Davis was towards Vell after a few first awkward moments. Vell is also an enigmatic and fascinating character. There’s a reason why he did what he did. And he was really lucky that David became his master and fell in love with him. 🥰 I really enjoyed the storyline too, unique and suspenseful and with a really evil villain to keep me on my edge of my seat, I read this book in one sitting. I think the ending was a very lovely ending those two lovers definitely deserve. 💜 Although the smut was fewer than I expected in this story, what was in there was really erotic and smoking hot. 🔥 Loved it a lot. I’m glad that the second book is already out because I can’t wait to continue to read Vell and David’s love story. 🥰
4.5 I might be your master but I’m the slave of your heart stars
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
David Thormen is a genius scientist who protected against earth’s very first alien invasion. Not only did he protect the earth, he even managed to subdue the alien prince who lead the invasion and managed to capture him. Fast forward two years later, he found himself unceremoniously dumped with the very alien prince he captured as his slave to take care of. He knew nothing about taking care of someone. He’s barely able to take care of himself. But although he doesn’t have any warm feelings towards the alien slave prince, he definitely doesn’t want him to starve and die. The question is .. with a cursed thrall collar around the prince’s throat which only allows him to eat after being debased and used sexually by his master, Davis must find a way to take care of the prince. Or will he become the slave of prince’s heart while trying to free him?
Despite what the book’s blurb suggested, this definitely has very little amount of smut in it. 😅 Sure, there are some scenes where David had to use Vell because that’s the only way he could eat but the actual love making scenes were only at the end. I love that this isn’t a mere smutty slave-fic. 😌 The world building is expansive and intriguing and the MCs were super colorful and realistic. I loved how kind and loving Davis was towards Vell after a few first awkward moments. Vell is also an enigmatic and fascinating character. There’s a reason why he did what he did. And he was really lucky that David became his master and fell in love with him. 🥰 I really enjoyed the storyline too, unique and suspenseful and with a really evil villain to keep me on my edge of my seat, I read this book in one sitting. I think the ending was a very lovely ending those two lovers definitely deserve. 💜 Although the smut was fewer than I expected in this story, what was in there was really erotic and smoking hot. 🔥 Loved it a lot. I’m glad that the second book is already out because I can’t wait to continue to read Vell and David’s love story. 🥰
4.5 I might be your master but I’m the slave of your heart stars
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
December 26, 2018
4.5 stars
Overall this is a really good debut novel by this author. This story is about David, a scientist who helped stop Vell, an alien prince from another world who came to try and conquer earth. It opens two years after that with Vell's brother and Crown Prince, Lonn, bringing Vell for David to look after.
Turns out bringing him to David meant he was Vell's new Master, as in those two years Vell has been enslaved, primarily as a bed slave. He has been tortured, physically and sexually abused - raped constantly for two years - and he has been beaten down from who he used to be.
At first David doesn't do anything with Vell, as he's still angry at Vell for trying to conquer Earth and for almost killing him and just wants him gone, and that is actually detrimental to Vell's health, because he has a collar around his neck that, when it's not lit up, he can't talk or think for himself really, or eat. When it's yellow, he's being "punished" and is in incredible pain.
It takes David a few days to realize what has to be done to get the color to go blue - and thus allowed Vell some modicum of freedom to eat and talk and almost be himself.
Of course, he's never really free, but when it's blue, that's what is best for Vell.
This book deals heavily with consent. Vell is a bed slave, so for him to get that blue color, David has to use him for sex, and the more punishing and satisfying it is for David, the bluer Vell's color is - which means it stays bluer for longer and Vell gets to be mostly himself for longer.
David refuses at first because he refuses to rape Vell, and he doesn't want to become a monster. But he does have to give in and have Vell do somethings. First just a hand job, but then mainly blowjobs.
Like, I do have to say that I kind of felt like David in the scenes where sex stuff happened...like it was hot...but also very uncomfortable because Vell wasn't fully consenting at all, even if he was "eager" to please his "master" just so he could get to eat and talk and almost be himself for however long. Like on the one hand you didn't want it to happen, but on the other...without it he Vell would eventually starve and die...and the selfish part of David liked the pleasure he got from Vell. But I think the very fact that he was so distressed about liking it and that he was kind of forced into doing it as well, in a way, made it better to handle.
I was much happier when it got to consensual sex between them - and anything submissive Vell did, he did it because he wanted to.
The story was intriguing and I couldn't put it down - only for sleeping and Christmas activities.
I do wish we had gotten some more things than what we got - like maybe some flashbacks to everything before those last two years, when he tried to take over Earth to get a better understanding of David and Vell's history, as well as . I also wish we had gotten a few more answers like how are David and Vell, Lonn and other aliens able to understand each other? I like how in "Calluvia's Royalty" books by Alessandra Hazard, it says they have translating chips - if we'd gotten a quick little aside about something similar to that in this book, that would have been nice.
Oh, also, it is said that Lonn didn't understand why his brother became so power hungry and became a warrior to try and conquer earth, when he wasn't like that before. So...what changed? Why did he act like that?
These little questions ultimately made me take off half a star, even though they, for the most part, weren't too detrimental to my overall enjoyment of this book.
I also wish we had gotten more detailed sex once it was consensual. I wanted to see them be able to have consensual sex and shake off what had to be done when Vell was a slave. But we did get a hot blowjob scene at the end that was very much consensual, which I was very happy about - and also, man this author can write really hot sex scenes. (which is why I would have love more detailed consensual scenes between them. It would have been off the roof hot!)
Overall this was very good and I really, really enjoyed it. David and Vell had great chemistry and their relationship was built believably and how they ended up was believable too.
I say that if you are okay with reading dubious-consent and a slave story, then this can be read. If it's too much for you, then I definitely say to skip this. You gotta take care of yourself before anything else, and there are things in this that could be triggering. Even though David and Vell are both forced into the sex, David still isn't forced to obey and there is a power dynamic there that Vell never really gets a say in until he's freed. So read this at your own risk if the dubious-consent is too much for you.
For me this was a pretty great opening novel for this author - and aside from a few grammar errors here and there, it was pretty well written. Thumbs up from me!
Overall this is a really good debut novel by this author. This story is about David, a scientist who helped stop Vell, an alien prince from another world who came to try and conquer earth. It opens two years after that with Vell's brother and Crown Prince, Lonn, bringing Vell for David to look after.
Turns out bringing him to David meant he was Vell's new Master, as in those two years Vell has been enslaved, primarily as a bed slave. He has been tortured, physically and sexually abused - raped constantly for two years - and he has been beaten down from who he used to be.
At first David doesn't do anything with Vell, as he's still angry at Vell for trying to conquer Earth and for almost killing him and just wants him gone, and that is actually detrimental to Vell's health, because he has a collar around his neck that, when it's not lit up, he can't talk or think for himself really, or eat. When it's yellow, he's being "punished" and is in incredible pain.
It takes David a few days to realize what has to be done to get the color to go blue - and thus allowed Vell some modicum of freedom to eat and talk and almost be himself.
Of course, he's never really free, but when it's blue, that's what is best for Vell.
This book deals heavily with consent. Vell is a bed slave, so for him to get that blue color, David has to use him for sex, and the more punishing and satisfying it is for David, the bluer Vell's color is - which means it stays bluer for longer and Vell gets to be mostly himself for longer.
David refuses at first because he refuses to rape Vell, and he doesn't want to become a monster. But he does have to give in and have Vell do somethings. First just a hand job, but then mainly blowjobs.
Like, I do have to say that I kind of felt like David in the scenes where sex stuff happened...like it was hot...but also very uncomfortable because Vell wasn't fully consenting at all, even if he was "eager" to please his "master" just so he could get to eat and talk and almost be himself for however long. Like on the one hand you didn't want it to happen, but on the other...without it he Vell would eventually starve and die...and the selfish part of David liked the pleasure he got from Vell. But I think the very fact that he was so distressed about liking it and that he was kind of forced into doing it as well, in a way, made it better to handle.
I was much happier when it got to consensual sex between them - and anything submissive Vell did, he did it because he wanted to.
The story was intriguing and I couldn't put it down - only for sleeping and Christmas activities.
I do wish we had gotten some more things than what we got - like maybe some flashbacks to everything before those last two years, when he tried to take over Earth to get a better understanding of David and Vell's history, as well as . I also wish we had gotten a few more answers like how are David and Vell, Lonn and other aliens able to understand each other? I like how in "Calluvia's Royalty" books by Alessandra Hazard, it says they have translating chips - if we'd gotten a quick little aside about something similar to that in this book, that would have been nice.
Oh, also, it is said that Lonn didn't understand why his brother became so power hungry and became a warrior to try and conquer earth, when he wasn't like that before. So...what changed? Why did he act like that?
These little questions ultimately made me take off half a star, even though they, for the most part, weren't too detrimental to my overall enjoyment of this book.
I also wish we had gotten more detailed sex once it was consensual. I wanted to see them be able to have consensual sex and shake off what had to be done when Vell was a slave. But we did get a hot blowjob scene at the end that was very much consensual, which I was very happy about - and also, man this author can write really hot sex scenes. (which is why I would have love more detailed consensual scenes between them. It would have been off the roof hot!)
Overall this was very good and I really, really enjoyed it. David and Vell had great chemistry and their relationship was built believably and how they ended up was believable too.
I say that if you are okay with reading dubious-consent and a slave story, then this can be read. If it's too much for you, then I definitely say to skip this. You gotta take care of yourself before anything else, and there are things in this that could be triggering. Even though David and Vell are both forced into the sex, David still isn't forced to obey and there is a power dynamic there that Vell never really gets a say in until he's freed. So read this at your own risk if the dubious-consent is too much for you.
For me this was a pretty great opening novel for this author - and aside from a few grammar errors here and there, it was pretty well written. Thumbs up from me!
November 3, 2020
3,75 stars
That was a great take on the master/slave trope!
The sci-fi setting is captivating and written with lots of detail and imagination.
David is a true gent, and I loved the various sides of his personality: nerdy and awkward, cute and warm-hearted, a brilliant scientist and most of all, a very kind and genuine man. One who is willing to do whatever it takes to keep Vell out of pain. Some of that is not exactly a chore, let me tell you, (and what a surprise how things turn out in the bedroom!) even if it burdens David’s conscience quite considerably.
Vell is quite complex and difficult to ‘feel’ to start with because the collar suppresses much of his personality. The abuse he’s experienced up to this point is pretty horrific, and it did make me shudder on quite a few occasions. I think there's a lot more to discover about Vell , and I can't wait to find out more about his powers and magic! I guess that book 2 might illuminate us there!
The development of their relationship from pure slave/reluctant master to lovers in very teeny steps is totally engaging, with David really shining here.
But I think what I loved most is the thorough exploration of what submission and sexual consent mean (or what it doesn’t) when the slave has no other choice but to give it. And also, what it does to the person/master who has the power to ask for that.
All in all, this was very entertaining, and I would have gone for a full 4 stars, if it hadn’t been for repeated POV changes within a couple of chapters which whiplashed me into checking in whose mind we were.
However, David and Vell were great fun, and I’ll certainly revisit this universe to see what happens next at one point!
Best and very topical quote: "Power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely"
That was a great take on the master/slave trope!
The sci-fi setting is captivating and written with lots of detail and imagination.
David is a true gent, and I loved the various sides of his personality: nerdy and awkward, cute and warm-hearted, a brilliant scientist and most of all, a very kind and genuine man. One who is willing to do whatever it takes to keep Vell out of pain. Some of that is not exactly a chore, let me tell you, (and what a surprise how things turn out in the bedroom!) even if it burdens David’s conscience quite considerably.
Vell is quite complex and difficult to ‘feel’ to start with because the collar suppresses much of his personality. The abuse he’s experienced up to this point is pretty horrific, and it did make me shudder on quite a few occasions. I think there's a lot more to discover about Vell , and I can't wait to find out more about his powers and magic! I guess that book 2 might illuminate us there!
The development of their relationship from pure slave/reluctant master to lovers in very teeny steps is totally engaging, with David really shining here.
But I think what I loved most is the thorough exploration of what submission and sexual consent mean (or what it doesn’t) when the slave has no other choice but to give it. And also, what it does to the person/master who has the power to ask for that.
All in all, this was very entertaining, and I would have gone for a full 4 stars, if it hadn’t been for repeated POV changes within a couple of chapters which whiplashed me into checking in whose mind we were.
However, David and Vell were great fun, and I’ll certainly revisit this universe to see what happens next at one point!
Best and very topical quote: "Power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely"
August 4, 2019
Very enjoyable!
Audiobook version: https://www.audible.com/pd/Prince-for...
Audiobook version: https://www.audible.com/pd/Prince-for...
August 23, 2023
Absolute Power Corrupts, Absolutely!
A simplistic magic system. With a charismatic forced indentured prince. All to do with crystals. How else does one punish a wayward son.
Yes, you could read the blurb. Know that David is a scientist and a hero of earth. During an invasion he figured out how to close the rift. The devise used to transport Prince Val and his army to earth. After the princes failed, his invasion of earth. The king, his father, sentenced him to slavery.
But not because of a failed invasion. There is another reason hinted at.
So, I picked this book because of all the comments. That r@pe shouldn't be used as a plot device. Slavery....and so on.
It isn't really the main point of this book. But opens up for a lot to discuss. The punishment was ment to weaken the prince. To what end....I have no clue.
That much trauma requires healing. Which is also presented in the book.
A simplistic magic system. With a charismatic forced indentured prince. All to do with crystals. How else does one punish a wayward son.
Yes, you could read the blurb. Know that David is a scientist and a hero of earth. During an invasion he figured out how to close the rift. The devise used to transport Prince Val and his army to earth. After the princes failed, his invasion of earth. The king, his father, sentenced him to slavery.
But not because of a failed invasion. There is another reason hinted at.
So, I picked this book because of all the comments. That r@pe shouldn't be used as a plot device. Slavery....and so on.
It isn't really the main point of this book. But opens up for a lot to discuss. The punishment was ment to weaken the prince. To what end....I have no clue.
That much trauma requires healing. Which is also presented in the book.
October 9, 2021
Lowering the rating to 3 stars cause I don't even remember the plot! :(
ORIGINAL REVIEW:
4 kinky Prince-slave and his sweet Owner stars!
It was actually much better than I'd expected! :) I've read it in one sitting and it made me think of many dirty, naughty things... ;)
The beginning was a bit strange - we are dumped right in the middle of action that we don't understand and we get no background about, but it isn't very much disturbing in following the main plot.
We get a sex-slave/reluctant owner trope in some distant future New York with energy crystals, interplanetary travel and high-tech armours. We get a former Prince Vell, now sentenced to life of slavery by his own father, and a crystal energy nerd/knight, David Thomen, who saved Earth from alien invasion and thanks to that gained some powerful Otharian allies.
Prince Lonn, Vell's brother, rescued Vell from a cruel master on some other planet and entrusted his brother to David, not knowing that Vell's complicated collar was forcing him to basically be a sex-slave: always ready and in need of presenting himself to his Master in order to be able to eat, speak and think clearly.
The plot reminded me a bit of Control by Cordelia Kingsbridge.
David had to have Vell do a lot of sexy, kinky (and humiliating) stuff for the both of them to be able to try to figure out how Vell's slave collar works and how to remove it.
As with such tropes, we get a lot of kinky sex and a lot of interplanetary politics, but, unfortunately, the book lacked in world-building and background info and we didn't get to know anything about Vell's past and we still don't know why his father did what he did. And I would very much like to understand more things about this strange world(s). Hence, 1 star down from me.
ORIGINAL REVIEW:
4 kinky Prince-slave and his sweet Owner stars!
It was actually much better than I'd expected! :) I've read it in one sitting and it made me think of many dirty, naughty things... ;)
The beginning was a bit strange - we are dumped right in the middle of action that we don't understand and we get no background about, but it isn't very much disturbing in following the main plot.
We get a sex-slave/reluctant owner trope in some distant future New York with energy crystals, interplanetary travel and high-tech armours. We get a former Prince Vell, now sentenced to life of slavery by his own father, and a crystal energy nerd/knight, David Thomen, who saved Earth from alien invasion and thanks to that gained some powerful Otharian allies.
Prince Lonn, Vell's brother, rescued Vell from a cruel master on some other planet and entrusted his brother to David, not knowing that Vell's complicated collar was forcing him to basically be a sex-slave: always ready and in need of presenting himself to his Master in order to be able to eat, speak and think clearly.
The plot reminded me a bit of Control by Cordelia Kingsbridge.
David had to have Vell do a lot of sexy, kinky (and humiliating) stuff for the both of them to be able to try to figure out how Vell's slave collar works and how to remove it.
As with such tropes, we get a lot of kinky sex and a lot of interplanetary politics, but, unfortunately, the book lacked in world-building and background info and we didn't get to know anything about Vell's past and we still don't know why his father did what he did. And I would very much like to understand more things about this strange world(s). Hence, 1 star down from me.
January 20, 2019
Dnf this is just boring and poorly written. It also reads to me as poorly disguised avengers slavefic with loki and tony. I enjoy slavefic and i couldnt even find enough desire to care about either of them
August 15, 2019
Well this was a steamy little story packed with action and emotions. If you’re looking for something well-written and well-plotted, with a lovely complicated relationship that deals up-front with issues of consent, check
This one out!!
This one out!!
December 7, 2018
Absolutely horrible. The writing is more than sophomoric, it verges on the crudely purple, between the nursery-type syntax, the limited vocabulary (ever opened a thesaurus, lady?), poor choice of tenses and inflections, and that portent of illiteracy, the endless repetitions at very close range of the same operative words, be them connectives, pronouns, auxiliary verbs, or conjunctions (e.g. "David rolled his eyes. “You eat it!” he said, taking it back and unwrapping it before handing it over again. Vell took it, still uncertain. He tried to bring it to his mouth, but the gems flared up again, and he dropped it instantly" ~"he knew what he had to do now. Vell had to eat. He had to, and he had been very clearly communicating to David what he needed to do to earn his food. It went against every moral principle David had, but he could not let Vell starve right before his eyes, just to preserve his own morals. No, he knew what he had to do, and it was time to face it" ~"he must know what was coming. He had been offering himself this way every night, but after the first few refusals, he must have known that David was unlikely to take him up on it. Now though, he knew. It was time"). So much authorial laziness is evinced by these pages that one must look elswehere for world building, as can easily be grasped by the following snippet, easily one of the entire story's most elaborate attempts at setting the scene:
"David palmed himself over his pants. Against all the odds, he was getting hard. He stayed focused on the physical sensation, and on the pleasing visual picture Vell made, laid out on his floor, hair tumbled over his face, his arms up over his head. David felt his belly begin to heat, he let his imagination take over. He had an Otharnian under him, face down his floor, obeying his orders. Otharnians rarely came to Earth, even after he had unlocked the gateway to the other worlds and Earth had become known to the wider universe. David was sure the Otharnians considered Earth somewhat of a backwater. Perhaps compared to their own golden world, it was. But still, David had their former prince on his belly, on his bedroom floor. He was breathing harder now, rocking his hips, leaning low over Vell’s back, grinding against his soft flesh. Each stroke built that exquisite tension, increased his heat and pleasure."
Not only does such a way of putting things unmasks poor writing technique and a magisterial lack of concern for building strings of sentences that cohere together into a logical whole; it sinks this book to the bottom of the sea as the author never bothered developing her universe to make it more than a flat, unidimensional token. One similarly looks in vain for sense of pacing; depth of characters through the use of POVs (mostly by the so-called scientist, with a few chapters in the alien prince's voice thrown in for good measure; both come off as immature children instead of grown, responsible men with important responsibilities); descriptions of the cast and the places (for example, we know the human scientist built up from scratch an AI who serves no purpose in the story, yet gets a fair amount of air); and chemistry between the two leads (how could this happen when they read as never evolving caricatures, and ones endowed with the emotional density of Playmobil figures?). Of course, the resulting story could not fail to be utterly unromantic and sometimes downright creepy - not so much because Mrs Gibson's pretty unsophisticated use of the trope of the collar crippling the prince degenerates into gratuitous porn of the dub-con variety (which could be entertaining when written with zest) than because it serves as a pretext for some nasty, almost vengeful, exchanges of power between master and thrall the point of whom I was unable to spot as they contribute nothing to the story and the reader's enjoyment.
"David palmed himself over his pants. Against all the odds, he was getting hard. He stayed focused on the physical sensation, and on the pleasing visual picture Vell made, laid out on his floor, hair tumbled over his face, his arms up over his head. David felt his belly begin to heat, he let his imagination take over. He had an Otharnian under him, face down his floor, obeying his orders. Otharnians rarely came to Earth, even after he had unlocked the gateway to the other worlds and Earth had become known to the wider universe. David was sure the Otharnians considered Earth somewhat of a backwater. Perhaps compared to their own golden world, it was. But still, David had their former prince on his belly, on his bedroom floor. He was breathing harder now, rocking his hips, leaning low over Vell’s back, grinding against his soft flesh. Each stroke built that exquisite tension, increased his heat and pleasure."
Not only does such a way of putting things unmasks poor writing technique and a magisterial lack of concern for building strings of sentences that cohere together into a logical whole; it sinks this book to the bottom of the sea as the author never bothered developing her universe to make it more than a flat, unidimensional token. One similarly looks in vain for sense of pacing; depth of characters through the use of POVs (mostly by the so-called scientist, with a few chapters in the alien prince's voice thrown in for good measure; both come off as immature children instead of grown, responsible men with important responsibilities); descriptions of the cast and the places (for example, we know the human scientist built up from scratch an AI who serves no purpose in the story, yet gets a fair amount of air); and chemistry between the two leads (how could this happen when they read as never evolving caricatures, and ones endowed with the emotional density of Playmobil figures?). Of course, the resulting story could not fail to be utterly unromantic and sometimes downright creepy - not so much because Mrs Gibson's pretty unsophisticated use of the trope of the collar crippling the prince degenerates into gratuitous porn of the dub-con variety (which could be entertaining when written with zest) than because it serves as a pretext for some nasty, almost vengeful, exchanges of power between master and thrall the point of whom I was unable to spot as they contribute nothing to the story and the reader's enjoyment.
September 5, 2020
I want to gouge my eyes out at 20% it's so boringly dreadful
DNF
DNF
Want to read
March 28, 2019Okay, I'm going to put this back on the TBR shelf for later.
I feel like I've been dropped into the middle of a story and after reading some reviews it seems like the questions I have about Vell's origin and motives for invading Earth aren't addressed in this installment. So, knowing there are more to come I will hold off until the 'verse is fleshed out more.
Massive props to the author though; there is one pretty scathing review where she kind of takes a fan to task for disagreeing with the review, even thanking the reviewer for the comments because not every book is gonna please every reader and it sounds like she took it as constructive criticism. Actual Classy Author is Classy.
I feel like I've been dropped into the middle of a story and after reading some reviews it seems like the questions I have about Vell's origin and motives for invading Earth aren't addressed in this installment. So, knowing there are more to come I will hold off until the 'verse is fleshed out more.
Massive props to the author though; there is one pretty scathing review where she kind of takes a fan to task for disagreeing with the review, even thanking the reviewer for the comments because not every book is gonna please every reader and it sounds like she took it as constructive criticism. Actual Classy Author is Classy.
May 4, 2025
1.5
I really thought I would get used to the writing but honestly as the book went on it got harder and harder not to dnf. There really wasn’t any kind of chemistry between the MCs at all. It was also exceptionally boring.
I really thought I would get used to the writing but honestly as the book went on it got harder and harder not to dnf. There really wasn’t any kind of chemistry between the MCs at all. It was also exceptionally boring.
January 7, 2019
More!
This was an interesting new twist on dub-con, non-con. I don't generally enjoy slave tropes; in fact, I tend to avoid them. This one, however, struck a very nice balance between what was necessary to 'keep' a person as physically and mentally healthy as possible while still striving to liberate said person.
The world-building was weak-ish. I have so many unanswered questions! And the sci-fi/fantasy aspect was also a bit lacking, but I hope some of that fleshes out in future installments. I will also say that it was hot without being skeevy, although I wish there was more smexiness included on the consensual end.
A more cohesive, or at least, a more evident overarching plotline would have been nice, but overall, the thrall aspects were well handled, the title was well written and well edited, and I am looking forward to more.
This was an interesting new twist on dub-con, non-con. I don't generally enjoy slave tropes; in fact, I tend to avoid them. This one, however, struck a very nice balance between what was necessary to 'keep' a person as physically and mentally healthy as possible while still striving to liberate said person.
The world-building was weak-ish. I have so many unanswered questions! And the sci-fi/fantasy aspect was also a bit lacking, but I hope some of that fleshes out in future installments. I will also say that it was hot without being skeevy, although I wish there was more smexiness included on the consensual end.
A more cohesive, or at least, a more evident overarching plotline would have been nice, but overall, the thrall aspects were well handled, the title was well written and well edited, and I am looking forward to more.
February 17, 2021
Not only did this make me super uncomfortable, but it only took a little bit to realize that this is a FrostIron (Tony Stark/Loki) fanfic.
May 4, 2023
2.5 stars. I kinda have to laugh at this. Not in a mean or bad way, but... I have to laugh. Listen, I have zero problems with reading reskinned fanfiction published as novels. Literally my favourite book last year was originally DWP fic. But in this case, I went in not knowing that this was originally a fic, and within like 7 minutes of the audiobook I could tell that it was, and from what fandom, and who the characters originally were. I was absolutely down for the premise; I wanted to read some scifi romance with captor/captive vibes (though this wasn't exactly that). Just... the serial numbers needed to be more thoroughly filed off, man! For the life of me, I could not see these people as new, original characters; I JUST saw the people from the movies. And that wouldn't have been a huge problem, but given the fact that we only get the merest couple of sentences to cover an extensive backstory, and a lot of details from the movies were barely changed, and one of the characters isn't my favourite in the first place... eh.
Anyway. This is about David, a rich tech genius who helped save the world from an alien prince and an invading army two years ago. In the current timeline, Vell, said prince, is unceremoniously given over to David's care, after apparently being subjected to a lot of heinous torture and punishment, via a cruel slave collar. The story follows them getting closer, building trust, and trying to get rid of the collar. I liked the moral quandaries (David is compelled to cross a lot of lines that he doesn't want to), the hurt/comfort and the healing. Vell's pretty easy to like. The plot isn't the best but it isn't the worst either. I just couldn't get into it somehow. The fact that I kept seeing the movie character kept me from really being convinced of any genuine attraction and bond between them.
Listened to the audiobook as read by Matt Haynes; a pretty good performance. There were some humorous lines and bits that he did justice too, and there was nice accent variation. This ends pretty abruptly; not on a cliff-hanger, but not in a particularly satisfying way? I don't really have any plans to continue the series, but I guess we'll see.
Content warnings:
Anyway. This is about David, a rich tech genius who helped save the world from an alien prince and an invading army two years ago. In the current timeline, Vell, said prince, is unceremoniously given over to David's care, after apparently being subjected to a lot of heinous torture and punishment, via a cruel slave collar. The story follows them getting closer, building trust, and trying to get rid of the collar. I liked the moral quandaries (David is compelled to cross a lot of lines that he doesn't want to), the hurt/comfort and the healing. Vell's pretty easy to like. The plot isn't the best but it isn't the worst either. I just couldn't get into it somehow. The fact that I kept seeing the movie character kept me from really being convinced of any genuine attraction and bond between them.
Listened to the audiobook as read by Matt Haynes; a pretty good performance. There were some humorous lines and bits that he did justice too, and there was nice accent variation. This ends pretty abruptly; not on a cliff-hanger, but not in a particularly satisfying way? I don't really have any plans to continue the series, but I guess we'll see.
Content warnings:
September 4, 2019
Wow..!
This was good! The plot! The aliens! The writing! This was one really well thought out story. Really enjoyed it! I just have one small confession to make - I thought the blurb sounded like it was a lot of sex and not much plot. So I let this languish in my Kindle library for weeks. Weeks! 😳
Silly me. So I made up for it by staying up way too late to finish this. But it was definitely worth it 😬
Here, we have David who’s a genius like Tony Stark and while he doesn’t have an Iron Man alter ego, he does have an Iron Man-esque suit. 🤨 And since we’re talking Marvel, Vell was maybe kinda like...Vision? Or perhaps Dr Strange? 🤔 one of the two or a mashup of the two... but alien rather than human.
It’s just a small thing but I like that the author understood technology and AI and applied it really well in a futuristic sense. So two thumbs up from me! 👍👍
Also, another perhaps small thing, I really like the morality the author gives to David. We don’t spend a lot of time in David’s head, hearing his internal monologue and struggle with the morality of having a slave and having to essentially mistreat his slave in a way because otherwise said slave gets punished. But we are brought along in his struggle and his moral conundrum vs being cruel-to-be-kind (but in this case, not quite how it’s usually applied). I just find it interesting is all 😬
This is closer to 4.5 stars for me and I don’t even know why I’m rounding this down. Just feels right? 🧐
This was good! The plot! The aliens! The writing! This was one really well thought out story. Really enjoyed it! I just have one small confession to make - I thought the blurb sounded like it was a lot of sex and not much plot. So I let this languish in my Kindle library for weeks. Weeks! 😳
Silly me. So I made up for it by staying up way too late to finish this. But it was definitely worth it 😬
Here, we have David who’s a genius like Tony Stark and while he doesn’t have an Iron Man alter ego, he does have an Iron Man-esque suit. 🤨 And since we’re talking Marvel, Vell was maybe kinda like...Vision? Or perhaps Dr Strange? 🤔 one of the two or a mashup of the two... but alien rather than human.
It’s just a small thing but I like that the author understood technology and AI and applied it really well in a futuristic sense. So two thumbs up from me! 👍👍
Also, another perhaps small thing, I really like the morality the author gives to David. We don’t spend a lot of time in David’s head, hearing his internal monologue and struggle with the morality of having a slave and having to essentially mistreat his slave in a way because otherwise said slave gets punished. But we are brought along in his struggle and his moral conundrum vs being cruel-to-be-kind (but in this case, not quite how it’s usually applied). I just find it interesting is all 😬
This is closer to 4.5 stars for me and I don’t even know why I’m rounding this down. Just feels right? 🧐
December 23, 2018
I loved this story, don't judge it by the cover-the cover makes it look like one of many alien erotic romance dime a dozen carbon copy novels Amazon is saturated with but this story is more than that, it is an m/m romance about a man who was once a prince of an alien planet who was sentenced into slavery by his father, a very powerful king and locked into a very complicated sort of punishment type of enslavement with a complicated technological obedience collar forcing him into obedience in a very complicated and cruel way and I won't explain all the details as I don't want to give away too much of the plot of this novel. He is sold to a man on another planet who is very cruel and sadistic, whose people created this collar and its technology, and who mistreats him terribly in every way for a period of years, shares him with others who do the same, abuses him physically, mentally, and sexually until he is very mentally and emotionally broken.
His brother still cares about him and finally learns what has become of him and where he is at and rescues him and although he cannot remove the collar and doesn't understand how it works and the cruel rules it enforces and that the collar will make anyone he is with his "master" and force him to obey and satisfy them to stay alive, he delivers him to a friend he trusts on earth for safekeeping while he returns to his father to confront him and to the planet he rescued him from where now due to his actions, war has broken out. His human friend and scientist David is forced to learn the hard way through trial and error how the collar works and what sort of relationship it forces he and the former prince, now slave to enter into in order to keep the slave from suffering painful punishements delivered by the collar and in order to do simple things like be able to speak and eat. It rewards not just sexual submission on the part of the slave but humiliation and punishment. Simple obedience and household chores are enforced but not enough to be rewarded for with food or speech. But the story is not just about sex or power, but also politics and action occur in the story and they are forced to travel to the planet that once held the former prince in slavery and confront the relatives of his former owner and there is lots of stress and excitement in the story and also from start to finish lots of humour woven throughout the story which is something I love most about this book. There is angst and real emotional depth, the characters are very likeable, the romance and the way it develops is enjoyable and even though there is a forced power imbalance David tries very hard not to abuse it even though the temtation is there, he tries to act like a decent human being throughout and comes off as a good man making the best of a really bad situation he hates. There is a very happy ending for these characters and even though there is no hint of a sequel I have a feeling it could still be possible?? There could be complications with the father still out there and who knows what could happen and I would love to read more about these two and the brother later on. Highly recomend to fantasy, m/m romance fans, fan-fiction readers.
His brother still cares about him and finally learns what has become of him and where he is at and rescues him and although he cannot remove the collar and doesn't understand how it works and the cruel rules it enforces and that the collar will make anyone he is with his "master" and force him to obey and satisfy them to stay alive, he delivers him to a friend he trusts on earth for safekeeping while he returns to his father to confront him and to the planet he rescued him from where now due to his actions, war has broken out. His human friend and scientist David is forced to learn the hard way through trial and error how the collar works and what sort of relationship it forces he and the former prince, now slave to enter into in order to keep the slave from suffering painful punishements delivered by the collar and in order to do simple things like be able to speak and eat. It rewards not just sexual submission on the part of the slave but humiliation and punishment. Simple obedience and household chores are enforced but not enough to be rewarded for with food or speech. But the story is not just about sex or power, but also politics and action occur in the story and they are forced to travel to the planet that once held the former prince in slavery and confront the relatives of his former owner and there is lots of stress and excitement in the story and also from start to finish lots of humour woven throughout the story which is something I love most about this book. There is angst and real emotional depth, the characters are very likeable, the romance and the way it develops is enjoyable and even though there is a forced power imbalance David tries very hard not to abuse it even though the temtation is there, he tries to act like a decent human being throughout and comes off as a good man making the best of a really bad situation he hates. There is a very happy ending for these characters and even though there is no hint of a sequel I have a feeling it could still be possible?? There could be complications with the father still out there and who knows what could happen and I would love to read more about these two and the brother later on. Highly recomend to fantasy, m/m romance fans, fan-fiction readers.
August 17, 2020
Wow. This is just Tony Stark/ Loki Marvel fanfiction. Oh and Thor is there also.
And it isn’t even *good* fanfiction. Someone just learnt how to use the find and replace function on Microsoft.
...I mean even down to the infinity sto-ahem I mean the magic crystals.
No wonder everyone is commenting that they feel lost, being thrown into a story in the middle...yes that is because fanfiction uses already established worlds and characters, relying on the reader’s prior knowledge of backstory and personality. I love fanfiction, but this book (and audiobook) just fell flat and did not make a good standalone adaption. The characters were completely two dimensional and frankly quite boring and predictable. For example David describes how well spoken and intelligent Vell is...ahem when is that going to happen? Also David is meant to be a genius...why does he act so obtuse? Even in regards to technology (his thing)?
Fifty shades of grey at least had backstory and minor character deveoplement. This is just a hot mess of nothing.
Don’t bother - flick though AO3 for better quality.
And it isn’t even *good* fanfiction. Someone just learnt how to use the find and replace function on Microsoft.
...I mean even down to the infinity sto-ahem I mean the magic crystals.
No wonder everyone is commenting that they feel lost, being thrown into a story in the middle...yes that is because fanfiction uses already established worlds and characters, relying on the reader’s prior knowledge of backstory and personality. I love fanfiction, but this book (and audiobook) just fell flat and did not make a good standalone adaption. The characters were completely two dimensional and frankly quite boring and predictable. For example David describes how well spoken and intelligent Vell is...ahem when is that going to happen? Also David is meant to be a genius...why does he act so obtuse? Even in regards to technology (his thing)?
Fifty shades of grey at least had backstory and minor character deveoplement. This is just a hot mess of nothing.
Don’t bother - flick though AO3 for better quality.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 22, 2019
en-THRALL-ed! 😋
I was enthralled by the Thrall-Prince. The characters of David and Vell had a past, as enemies, and through a series of events and after a couple of years Vell was now dropped at David's door as his slave. The two have to go through some trials and errors to learn how to be "master and slave" to each other.
This story takes place in NYC and in another alien realm, but has a futuristic sci-fi flare.
There were some holes in the story, almost like I was reading a book that was part of a series. It didn't detract from the overall theme, just felt a little disjointed at times. There were also quite a few grammar issues. Again, not enough to ruin the story, but enough to know they are there.
Top notch inventive story.
I was enthralled by the Thrall-Prince. The characters of David and Vell had a past, as enemies, and through a series of events and after a couple of years Vell was now dropped at David's door as his slave. The two have to go through some trials and errors to learn how to be "master and slave" to each other.
This story takes place in NYC and in another alien realm, but has a futuristic sci-fi flare.
There were some holes in the story, almost like I was reading a book that was part of a series. It didn't detract from the overall theme, just felt a little disjointed at times. There were also quite a few grammar issues. Again, not enough to ruin the story, but enough to know they are there.
Top notch inventive story.
June 21, 2019
I got about 40% into this book before I quit. I think the author is rereleasing the series as they other cover/title has v. 1 on it but I quite like this cover better. I tried to give this story a fair trial and kept pushing past things I struggled with but in the end I gave up. Vell and David have a tough road ahead of them. Vell can't shake his slave collar and his thoughts vary as to whether he appreciates David being able to control him as he was better than his previous master, or whether he is frustrated with David for not using him like he needs. Now they have to go back and pretend to be master and slave despite David not wanting to 'own' Vell so they can save the day? No thanks. Maybe i'll revisit but for now, i'm not invested.
January 7, 2019
Nah
This book was interesting and unique. But the main characters never developed a real relationship. When David finally sets Vall free at the 90% mark of the book Vall immediately leaves, vanishes, for a month. For the remaining dregs of the book we can see a weak bond forming between them and I say weak because Vall still doesn’t trust David completely. Vall with disappear for a day or two then return to have sex. There is no HEA. There is so many loose ends that haven’t been tied up. I do not recommend this book.
This book was interesting and unique. But the main characters never developed a real relationship. When David finally sets Vall free at the 90% mark of the book Vall immediately leaves, vanishes, for a month. For the remaining dregs of the book we can see a weak bond forming between them and I say weak because Vall still doesn’t trust David completely. Vall with disappear for a day or two then return to have sex. There is no HEA. There is so many loose ends that haven’t been tied up. I do not recommend this book.
March 27, 2019
I really enjoyed this! Scifi-ish/fantasy type of universe. I saw shades of Tony Stark in David, the billionaire genius inventor, with his body armor and house AI. But David’s personality was so much more. Here he was unknowingly forced to take on his close friend’s brother as a slave. And through out the story, he never abused his power over Vell. This was a story of love and trust. Enjoyable!
April 23, 2019
Interesting Read
I found this book accidentally and must say it was a good find. The author did a great job of developing the main characters and describing the changes in the world along with new technologies. This book highlighted just how cruel folks can be. It was an interesting story.
I found this book accidentally and must say it was a good find. The author did a great job of developing the main characters and describing the changes in the world along with new technologies. This book highlighted just how cruel folks can be. It was an interesting story.
September 14, 2020
5*******
Hell yes, loved this.
I dont think this will be everyone's cup of tea because in a sense it is quite dark but then again, the whole focus of the story is more or less on the growing romance rather than the dark moments that have happened , holy hell i loved it. I loved Vell.
RE READ 16/05
Hell yes, loved this.
I dont think this will be everyone's cup of tea because in a sense it is quite dark but then again, the whole focus of the story is more or less on the growing romance rather than the dark moments that have happened , holy hell i loved it. I loved Vell.
RE READ 16/05
August 30, 2019
It was perfect until 90% of the book. After that it went downhill so fast it dropped two stars from me.
January 1, 2019
I very much enjoyed reading Caroline Gibson’s debut story Prince for Sale from the Thrall Prince Collection. The title and summary tease a plot that would be right up the alley of many fans of fantasy romance-erotica. A royal prince and warrior is brought to his knees and at the mercy of his former enemy. But this scenario is complicated by the terms of the magical binding connecting the two men. While the sex scenes are incredibly hot, what truly shines through is the character-driven interactions that quickly pull in the reader’s investment until they are struggling with the same moral dilemmas.
“The binding pressed down on him, dragging him into a vortex of submission and gratitude and a bottomless need to be pleasing and obedient.”
Though the details of Vell’s past exploits are vague, it is difficult for any reader not to empathize with the situation of his enslavement. Though the majority of the novel is told from the point of view of David, a brilliant scientist and inventor, this perspective allows us to follow the growth of both characters. As the two are forced into intimacy, David must toe the line between necessity and abuse - complicated both by the power bestowed on him by the magical binding and his growing fondness for the former prince. As if that were not enough, political entanglements from Vell’s home world and the world of his former master have the potential to threaten the precarious arrangement Vell and David have as well as Earth itself. The author balances the situation with great moments of humor and wit - even the seemingly broken Vell has a fantastic personality that shines through as the two build a shaky trust.
“David rolled his eyes. ‘Are you always such a little shit?’ he asked, shaking his head…
‘Indeed, you can ask my brother. I always am the same. I am Vell.’”
This novel has a great balance of emotion, comfort, action, and sex that made it a fantastic read, and I really look forward to reading more stories with these characters. If you’re a fan of sexually charged scenes that compliment an emotion-driven plot with moments of peril, this novel has everything you like!
“He was getting in over his head with this situation. He was losing sight of what was right and wrong. The collar was compromising him.”
Can you bend your morals without breaking them if the situation demands it? What’s to stop you from going past the point of no return? Find out by reading Prince for Sale!
“The binding pressed down on him, dragging him into a vortex of submission and gratitude and a bottomless need to be pleasing and obedient.”
Though the details of Vell’s past exploits are vague, it is difficult for any reader not to empathize with the situation of his enslavement. Though the majority of the novel is told from the point of view of David, a brilliant scientist and inventor, this perspective allows us to follow the growth of both characters. As the two are forced into intimacy, David must toe the line between necessity and abuse - complicated both by the power bestowed on him by the magical binding and his growing fondness for the former prince. As if that were not enough, political entanglements from Vell’s home world and the world of his former master have the potential to threaten the precarious arrangement Vell and David have as well as Earth itself. The author balances the situation with great moments of humor and wit - even the seemingly broken Vell has a fantastic personality that shines through as the two build a shaky trust.
“David rolled his eyes. ‘Are you always such a little shit?’ he asked, shaking his head…
‘Indeed, you can ask my brother. I always am the same. I am Vell.’”
This novel has a great balance of emotion, comfort, action, and sex that made it a fantastic read, and I really look forward to reading more stories with these characters. If you’re a fan of sexually charged scenes that compliment an emotion-driven plot with moments of peril, this novel has everything you like!
“He was getting in over his head with this situation. He was losing sight of what was right and wrong. The collar was compromising him.”
Can you bend your morals without breaking them if the situation demands it? What’s to stop you from going past the point of no return? Find out by reading Prince for Sale!
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