Rainbow Reviews

BOOK BLURB:
In Amaranth, the Wayfarers' Guild attracts all kinds of custom. When Lucan the mage walks into the stable yard with a lame horse in the rain, slave boy Tam runs to serve him ~ and soon Tam wants to do nothing else. Ever.

Lucan is demanding, ruthless, devastating, in bed and out: everything Tam ever yearned for in a master. He's also master of the darkest arts, and not blind to Tam's feelings, but heedless of them. Why would a free man care how a slave feels?

When Tam's mistress asks for the mage's help because the guild is under attack, Master Lucan finds other uses for Tam: as a guide to the city, as payment to a demon in hell. But when he doesn't come back to the guildhouse one night, Tam knows the great man is in trouble ~ and only an insignificant slave boy can save him.

BOOK REVIEW:
This story is thoroughly engaging and wonderfully scripted, incorporating a vibrant BDSM world with fantasy elements. The characters are interesting and captivating and the sexual aspects of the world pale in comparison to the mystery and world building dynamics. Although the world building and characters had problems, the darker edge will entice readers and those who enjoy fantasy mixed with BDSM won't be able to put this book down.

As the blurb suggests, the story is about a house slave Tam who helps a Lucan, a mage, solve the mystery of who is attacking the wealthy and protected guild. Lucan is hired to investigate discretely, often using Tam to help navigate the city. Tam is essential in helping Lucan with the final resolution, but that may not mean much in the world when slaves are insignificant.

The story is told in first person from Tam’s point of view and is well written and complex, incorporating numerous elements and ideas almost seamlessly. The world building is really stunning with the complicated characters yet the strength of the writing shines in the use of magic and recognizable social structure. At the same time, this is one of the major problems with the book. Although the world building is really the best part, simultaneously the world created is too easy. There are very low levels of conflict, if any, within the world and the mystery is the main source of tension in a strictly regulated and harshly run world. The concept and execution of the guilds mean that the kind of destruction and chaos created is almost never heard of and thus, the unusual mystery.

At the same time, there is no abuse of the rules, no rebellion and angst among the slaves. This world is one where technology seems to be absent or at least rudimentary and the slaves are used for everything from message running to cart pulling. Slaves themselves are not bitter, angry, and resentful for their lot in life. Conversely, they accept their beatings as due course and consider their life as lucky for the most part. Even though the Free express their affection with slaps, hits, and the occasional thrown food, slaves fall upon this happily and eagerly. This world is intricate and interesting but skirts the line of too accepting and easy. It's difficult to add complexity and tension in a world where no one abuses slaves, slaves understand and accept beatings almost with a smile, and there is no jealousy or animosity among slaves.

This ease of life is likely created on purpose to offset the darkness of the D/s world where the edgy dynamic could overwhelm the story and turn the reader away. Since Tam has no issues with his treatment, the reader is lured into the same complicity and acceptance. Tam's easy and complete acquiescence of his status, life and treatment is essential to his character. His personality shows hints of intelligence, independence, and wit and these spark with vibrancy when shown against the backdrop of almost blind obedience. Tam is a strong character and craves the domination of his Master while clearly possessing an intelligence and skill set well above the menial and inconsequential tasks of a house slave. I do wish he had shown his personality more as his one, incredibly short lived sulking against his unfair whipping was anemic and showed more weakness of character than strength. If he'd shown more tension and drama for not only that beating but his growing emotional connection to Lucan, this would have added depth to the character.

Either way, Tam is a compelling narrator and creates a dark atmosphere and world with evocative phrases and prose. His views of those around him, specifically Lucan tantalite and show true mastery in almost casual cruelty. This bland acceptance of slaves' obedience and therefore station sparks with tension only intermittently when hints of more depth to Lucan are shown. If these hints remain true, a sequel could delve more intimately into the D/s dynamics of Tam and Lucan and their emotional connection.

Let me say even with the problems I've noted, this is a wonderful story. The prose is engaging and the author's voice as told in first person through Tam is instantly captivating. Especially wonderful is the trip to Hell and the scene of Lucan with the dead bodies. The world building and characters draw the reader in immediately and carry the journey to the end, leaving hope for a sequel. This book lacks the lyrical eloquence of the author's other work but instead delivers a story full of dark energy and creative interest. I eagerly await a sequel and easily recommend this book to those readers who enjoy BDSM themes and darker fantasy stories. Don't worry though, there is a happy ending.

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