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The Slave Breakers ##0.5
Holden and Yves – The Early Years
Holden and Yves – The Early Years is a mini-prequel tale in the Slave Breakers saga, but is best read after the other stories in the series.
Imagine a modern society parallel to our own where impoverished peasants are legally permitted to sell their children into slavery starting at age 15. The upper class households in this world demonstrate their wealth by buying the best of everything - including people.
Holden and Yves – The Early Years gives us a glimpse (told through individual scenes) into the beginnings of the Slave Breakers family.
This book originally appeared as posts on LiveJournal and still contains some editing notes. The text is sexually explicit (including m/m and polyamorous situations) and is intended for adult readers.
Imagine a modern society parallel to our own where impoverished peasants are legally permitted to sell their children into slavery starting at age 15. The upper class households in this world demonstrate their wealth by buying the best of everything - including people.
Holden and Yves – The Early Years gives us a glimpse (told through individual scenes) into the beginnings of the Slave Breakers family.
This book originally appeared as posts on LiveJournal and still contains some editing notes. The text is sexually explicit (including m/m and polyamorous situations) and is intended for adult readers.
85 pages, ebook
First published April 1, 2008
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340 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
January 2, 2014
This was definitely my favourite book of the series! It was great to read about Holden and Yves' early years, when they first became master and slave.
Quote from the book:
"So you like being mine?" he asked in Yves' ear as he pulled him closer.
"Love it, master," said Yves softly. "Love being yours - and love you."
"I love you too," said Holden, and nibbled at Yves' earlobe.
Quote from the book:
"So you like being mine?" he asked in Yves' ear as he pulled him closer.
"Love it, master," said Yves softly. "Love being yours - and love you."
"I love you too," said Holden, and nibbled at Yves' earlobe.
January 16, 2013
I've read all the books in the series Slave Breakers. I think the author did not like slavery. She does not really believe that it may be good for anyone. One could describe Holden, the main character, as a master who has a velvet hand in a velvet glove.
I understand that the author has created a situation where the retrainers are literally saving the lives of slaves cruelly mistreated by their former masters. We could not bring a broken slave to life by hitting him, even gently. So her context is well suited to the nature of the dominant -- not so dominant.
As for her slaves, although they are 16 or 17 years-old, they behave like lost 11-12 years-old children, always snuggling against everyone and sitting on every adult's lap. It is charming but unrealistic. My knowledge of teenagers aged 16-17 has a different story. And even in the context of slavery, since they are first sold at the age of 15 years, they should rebel against the cruelty of their masters. But no, they crash, let themselves be destroyed. The only ex-slave who is said having been resisting is Holden himself, but the author does not describe (or very little) that part of his life.
As I was about to read the first book of the series, I imagined a couple receiving of other masters discouraged by their rebellious slaves, and the couple finding a way to break theses slaves into the perfect ones that any master would dream. But no, these are the stories of loving dominants with broken slaves.
I understand that the author has created a situation where the retrainers are literally saving the lives of slaves cruelly mistreated by their former masters. We could not bring a broken slave to life by hitting him, even gently. So her context is well suited to the nature of the dominant -- not so dominant.
As for her slaves, although they are 16 or 17 years-old, they behave like lost 11-12 years-old children, always snuggling against everyone and sitting on every adult's lap. It is charming but unrealistic. My knowledge of teenagers aged 16-17 has a different story. And even in the context of slavery, since they are first sold at the age of 15 years, they should rebel against the cruelty of their masters. But no, they crash, let themselves be destroyed. The only ex-slave who is said having been resisting is Holden himself, but the author does not describe (or very little) that part of his life.
As I was about to read the first book of the series, I imagined a couple receiving of other masters discouraged by their rebellious slaves, and the couple finding a way to break theses slaves into the perfect ones that any master would dream. But no, these are the stories of loving dominants with broken slaves.
October 12, 2016
Review is for the overall series rather than individual books.
I can't even say how much I'm crushing on these characters and this universe. Fucking LOVE it! Sooo damn good! If you're a fan of slave stories (and free reads), this is one you won't want to miss!
I can't even say how much I'm crushing on these characters and this universe. Fucking LOVE it! Sooo damn good! If you're a fan of slave stories (and free reads), this is one you won't want to miss!
March 19, 2011
This review is for all of the "slave breakers" series. I enjoyed them all about the same, except maybe the prequel which is my least favorite, but still very good.
I was not sure what to think of this story before I started reading it. I saw where one of my friends here on Goodreads rated it very well. Then I saw that it was posted on LiveJournal and that there are writer's note within the story. I was worried then that the story would not be well written because of this, but based on the the ratings, I decided to give it a try. I am extremely glad I did. These stories have very high sexual context to them and they are pretty much all M/M (which I have read some but not much).
Although these stories are about true sex slaves (no in the play world like in a BDSM, where the "slave" can call a safeword), the BDSM is very light. These slaves are true property of their owners. They bring up in the story that the owners can kill their slaves in front of witnesses and there are no repercussions.
Great stories, I hope to see them truly published one day. I also hope that people are going to the LiveJournal page to donate to the author because it would be great to continue to have more of these stories.
I was not sure what to think of this story before I started reading it. I saw where one of my friends here on Goodreads rated it very well. Then I saw that it was posted on LiveJournal and that there are writer's note within the story. I was worried then that the story would not be well written because of this, but based on the the ratings, I decided to give it a try. I am extremely glad I did. These stories have very high sexual context to them and they are pretty much all M/M (which I have read some but not much).
Although these stories are about true sex slaves (no in the play world like in a BDSM, where the "slave" can call a safeword), the BDSM is very light. These slaves are true property of their owners. They bring up in the story that the owners can kill their slaves in front of witnesses and there are no repercussions.
Great stories, I hope to see them truly published one day. I also hope that people are going to the LiveJournal page to donate to the author because it would be great to continue to have more of these stories.
April 30, 2011
Even though the blurb indicates this book is best read after the other books in the series, I’m glad I read it after Bran’s story. I remember thinking that I wish I knew more about Holden and Yves’ history and that it might have even upped my enjoyment of Bran’s story – well, now I have it. I loved this book! I love the relationship between Holden and Yves. I love that Holden is so smitten with his new slave and the idea of owning him that he can hardly contain himself. I also love that Holden isn’t afraid to go against the popular notion of what the Master/slave relationship should look like. It was wonderful to see Yves blossom under the attention of his Master, and to actually reach a point where he was confident enough to show his Master the error of his ways. I love this series and I especially love these two stars (Holden and Yves) that are at the very center of it. Can’t wait to read the rest!!!
June 3, 2012
The moment when I realized I liked the books and LOVED the prequel! This provides so much more than fun hot times. It's the backstory and foundation for all of the other books in the series. The how and the why of Holden and explains a relationship that aged and seemed odd dating back to the first book. I loved this insight. While Holden and Bran were my one true pair I really see more if Holden here and I loved it! I want to reread the series now just to focus on Yves!
December 29, 2013
OK I'm definitly intriqued to see where this will go and I will review each individually for now. This was really broken apart and skipped ahead toward the end in huge chunks. I think I was expecting something way different. I enjoyed it but still feel kinda like I missed something. Yes it was short, but felt off not because of that. This may change once I get to the next books. 3.5 stars for me, closer to 3 thats why I went with the less stars.
May 14, 2013
OMG, this was so good. Short stories starting from when Holden bought Yves. I want more.
May 15, 2019
3.5 stars
Nice look at Holden and Yves' beginning.
Nice look at Holden and Yves' beginning.
May 6, 2016
This is a collection of stories set before Bran's Story, chronicling Holden and Yves's relationship. It begins with Holden buying Yves and ends with him making Yves a part of his will.
It's a selection of one shots, so there isn't a great amount of cohesion between the parts. I mean, they're all part of the same story, but, you know, things obviously jump around a lot. This is all right when you understand that from the beginning, but lessened my enjoyment somewhat from the actual series. Perhaps if I'd read it on Livejournal my feelings would be different.
But that's by no means a reason not to read this one.
I loved getting an insight into Yves and Holden's early relationship, and into seeing how much they both have changed over the years. Once again, it's the characters that really make this story.
Definitely should be read after the main series, because, somehow, I don't think it'd be very satisfying otherways!
All in all, a short but sweet read.
It's a selection of one shots, so there isn't a great amount of cohesion between the parts. I mean, they're all part of the same story, but, you know, things obviously jump around a lot. This is all right when you understand that from the beginning, but lessened my enjoyment somewhat from the actual series. Perhaps if I'd read it on Livejournal my feelings would be different.
But that's by no means a reason not to read this one.
I loved getting an insight into Yves and Holden's early relationship, and into seeing how much they both have changed over the years. Once again, it's the characters that really make this story.
Definitely should be read after the main series, because, somehow, I don't think it'd be very satisfying otherways!
All in all, a short but sweet read.
June 17, 2012
Now this was cute. Reading about the young Holden and Yves coming together was lovely little piece. We can definitely see the growth and maturity for both Holden and Yves in the later books. I think this is what I liked best about this story. It shows an unfinished couple who are starting the journey in their relationship. Greta is a little twit. I never liked her much in any of the stories I've read so far. Reading about her in this prequel cemented it. I don't see what anyone sees so great about her. She wonders why Alix and Yves loves Holden. I wonder why Alix likes Greta. She's a useless cheating slag.
I did enjoy the insight into how Holden and Yves came to be. This is a nice addition to the Slave Breaker series. Recommended for m/m lovers who enjoy a bit of sexual slavery.
I did enjoy the insight into how Holden and Yves came to be. This is a nice addition to the Slave Breaker series. Recommended for m/m lovers who enjoy a bit of sexual slavery.
June 30, 2013
I hesitated to read this because after the trilogy, it felt like more would just shadow the overall impression that I had from the main story.
And I didn't want to do that since the main story was just so delicious in so many ways.
And it's not like this isn't -- nor do I doubt the others will be as well -- but it won't have the extra cohesive factor that I'd approve of.
Since this, and the other little shorts online haven't been integrated truly into the story, it distracts, I suppose (no matter how lovingly written), from the effect I'm getting.
I might revise this opinion in the future because this author is such an amazing one and I'd be drawn to well-written loveliness, but at the moment? I'll settle for a pleasant approval of what I've gotten.
And I didn't want to do that since the main story was just so delicious in so many ways.
And it's not like this isn't -- nor do I doubt the others will be as well -- but it won't have the extra cohesive factor that I'd approve of.
Since this, and the other little shorts online haven't been integrated truly into the story, it distracts, I suppose (no matter how lovingly written), from the effect I'm getting.
I might revise this opinion in the future because this author is such an amazing one and I'd be drawn to well-written loveliness, but at the moment? I'll settle for a pleasant approval of what I've gotten.
September 2, 2016
I liked those little stories, because I love Yves, he's my absolutely favorite character in the series, and it was great to find out more about him, and about his relations with Holden. It still makes me question...
October 25, 2011
Loved this great, but somewhat short addition to the Slave Breakers series. I just love Holden. I wish he was real and mine!
This book gave us a bit more of Holden and Yves background. It starts when Holden and Alix acquire Yves. Yves is strictly for Holden and this book tells about their first weeks as Master and Slave. It's really interesting to see the mindset of Yves. In face, it's an interesting aspect of all of the books. I won't say much more other than I wish there were more of these Slave Breaker stories out there. I guess that's impossible considering how the 3rd book ended. I found all of them particularly enjoyable and particularly loved Holden in all of the books.
This book gave us a bit more of Holden and Yves background. It starts when Holden and Alix acquire Yves. Yves is strictly for Holden and this book tells about their first weeks as Master and Slave. It's really interesting to see the mindset of Yves. In face, it's an interesting aspect of all of the books. I won't say much more other than I wish there were more of these Slave Breaker stories out there. I guess that's impossible considering how the 3rd book ended. I found all of them particularly enjoyable and particularly loved Holden in all of the books.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 7, 2013
I read all of the other books last year and am finally reading this prequel. And, I'm so happy I did. It explains a lot about Holden's relationship with Yves, who is considerably older in all of the other books. And it makes Yves' relationship with Bran and the others so much more interesting. Just knowing how his thinking and emotions evolved over time is so helpful. I appreciate that the author took the time to do the backfill and enjoyed the way it was put together. If you've read the others in the series, don't miss this one.
February 25, 2015
It was really nice to read the backdrop to Holden and Yves characters. I loved seeing when Holden bought Yves and how their relationship evolved. I really do wish these books were "finished" and re-released because they are some of the best I have ever read. This series was done by a very gifted writer. This would be a good one to start with before Bran's story or even after Lee's story, it works either way.
November 26, 2014
This is actually a collection of many stories based on Holden and Yves (before Holden ends up with 5 pretty boys to play with in his house!) I haven't read all of them, but most of them. I did enjoy a lot of them, especially since it explained a bit more of the missing history of their relationships.
February 3, 2011
I really enjoyed this book and loved hearing about Yves & Holden after reading Bran’s story and being introduced to them. Their relationship is amazing, and even though this genre is not my cup of tea, I like the storyline and enjoyed the m/m relationship…. After getting to know Holden in the last book and more so in this one, I may volunteer to be his slave too!
August 10, 2016
This Slave-Breakers prequel is quite the treat. I especially enjoyed getting to see Yves as a young, sweet boy rather than the experienced older man we see in the trilogy. Seeing how Holden and Yves met and gradually fell in love was another particularly gratifiying experience. A must read for fans of the series.
March 5, 2012
I started this series with Bran's Story, then read this segment. I really enjoyed reading about the beginning of Holden and Yves' relationship. I especially enjoyed the paragraph style giving headings about different aspects that added to the depth of their love and feelings for each other. I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
January 15, 2015
I didn't like this book I read the first and liked this one I felt as if I should just read it to get it over. I thought that at least it would be a good sex scene but no sadly that didn't safe this book for me.
July 17, 2016
**4.5 Stars
I accidentally read this short after reading Bran's Story but in my opinion it worked out better that way. It was nice to know who Holden and Yves were before learning how they became a couple.
A great addition to the series!!!!
November 4, 2010
More episodic than the previous stories - these are more vignettes, though at least they're in order. Still wonderfully well written. Love the series and will always want to see more. =)
January 31, 2011
Amazing, really builds up the backstory behind Holden and Yves. Because, I mean, who doesn't love them? How can you not love them?
September 12, 2014
This was just so sweet. Really enjoyed seeing the history of these two coming together.
July 26, 2011
I actually enjoyed it, a bit short but always straight to the point.
December 28, 2012
Sweet little interlude about the early years. Loved it!
January 4, 2015
This is a prequel to Bran's story about two of the main characters. It was a lovely story that managed to fill in background but still felt fresh and interesting.
August 23, 2013
Just the basics of the beginning of Holdenand Yves relationship.
7-tbr-ooit
July 14, 2016LET OP!!! The Early Years is a mini-prequel tale in the Slave Breakers saga, but is best read AFTER the other stories in the series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews