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Measure of Devotion #1
Measure of Devotion
Jason Wadsworth is finally headed to university. Leaving behind his father's cattle ranch in favor of the posh, gaslit streets of Perdana, Jason is determined to climb the social ladder and forget his country roots. If only his father had gifted him with a more upscale slave.
Kale's been a country slave his whole life. All he wants is to keep his head down and live as comfortable an existence as possible. Unfortunately, his dramatic master despises him and makes life difficult at every turn.
Humbled by his first breakup, Jason grows to appreciate his ever-faithful slave and soon discovers that Kale is everything he's ever wanted. Now he needs to prove to Kale that his love is genuine.
Kale, meanwhile, tries to convince himself that he simply feels the devotion of a slave to his master, but his actions prove what his mind is unwilling to accept: he's falling in love. When Jason's future happiness is in jeopardy, Kale sets himself on a course to make Jason's dreams come true, even if it means facing up to the fact that, for the first time in his life, he loves someone else more than he loves himself.
Measure of Devotion is a bittersweet love story set in an alternate world and contains sexual content and adult language.
Kale's been a country slave his whole life. All he wants is to keep his head down and live as comfortable an existence as possible. Unfortunately, his dramatic master despises him and makes life difficult at every turn.
Humbled by his first breakup, Jason grows to appreciate his ever-faithful slave and soon discovers that Kale is everything he's ever wanted. Now he needs to prove to Kale that his love is genuine.
Kale, meanwhile, tries to convince himself that he simply feels the devotion of a slave to his master, but his actions prove what his mind is unwilling to accept: he's falling in love. When Jason's future happiness is in jeopardy, Kale sets himself on a course to make Jason's dreams come true, even if it means facing up to the fact that, for the first time in his life, he loves someone else more than he loves himself.
Measure of Devotion is a bittersweet love story set in an alternate world and contains sexual content and adult language.
306 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 21, 2012
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 161 reviews
December 20, 2021
3 Stars
Told mostly in dual POV, 3rd person, it’s the first installment in the "Measure of Devotion" series and it’s cliffy. This was my first read by this author and I wasn’t familiar with her/his writing. I have a big problem with this book and it's that Jason turns 180 all of a sudden, from hating Kale to caring for him and even loving him. I understand his reason but it was so sudden and their love was out of the blue. Another thing is in this world that Caethes Faron created, wives accepting their husbands having their slaves in their bed is a bit unnerving. I see it as cheating but apparently, the wives wouldn't see it like that. Despite the issues, I will read book two. All in all, it wasn’t that bad but it wasn’t that good either, hope you enjoy it more than me!
Told mostly in dual POV, 3rd person, it’s the first installment in the "Measure of Devotion" series and it’s cliffy. This was my first read by this author and I wasn’t familiar with her/his writing. I have a big problem with this book and it's that Jason turns 180 all of a sudden, from hating Kale to caring for him and even loving him. I understand his reason but it was so sudden and their love was out of the blue. Another thing is in this world that Caethes Faron created, wives accepting their husbands having their slaves in their bed is a bit unnerving. I see it as cheating but apparently, the wives wouldn't see it like that. Despite the issues, I will read book two. All in all, it wasn’t that bad but it wasn’t that good either, hope you enjoy it more than me!
June 4, 2013
Horrible conundrum: this is half a book! I didn't realise it ends on a cliffhanger, and I am doing Buy No Books June.
While this isn't a good book, and I wouldn't exactly call this a pleasureable reading experience, the last third was pretty compelling.
While this isn't a good book, and I wouldn't exactly call this a pleasureable reading experience, the last third was pretty compelling.
August 10, 2016
Measure of Devotion takes an unusual approach to the subject of slavery. Posit for a moment that the ancient slavery traditions of Rome had carried forward into the present day and that there was still a second lower class of human being that was destined to spend entire lifetimes as the property of someone else. This book makes that assumption and then examines the ramifications of that in a fictional story about one young man and the slave that he is given. Yes, this book has its elements of m/m sex but it's very much subdued by the meatier topics of romance and idealism amid a different social order than what we're used to.
The book is satisfying reading on the m/m romance level but it surpasses that by touching on and considering deeper issues involved in submission and slavery. It's clear that the author has spent a LOT of time considering these aspects of a dominance/submission relationship. Unlike many works of M/M erotica that touch on these themes, this book seems to have been less interested in the eroticism of the relationship than the feelings romantic and otherwise with the characters.
The book is well crafted and fast reading and has enough titillating action that it's never boring but it should also be read with the bigger issues in mind. Who knows? It might just expand the reader's outlook.
I'll definitely be checking out the second installment.
The book is satisfying reading on the m/m romance level but it surpasses that by touching on and considering deeper issues involved in submission and slavery. It's clear that the author has spent a LOT of time considering these aspects of a dominance/submission relationship. Unlike many works of M/M erotica that touch on these themes, this book seems to have been less interested in the eroticism of the relationship than the feelings romantic and otherwise with the characters.
The book is well crafted and fast reading and has enough titillating action that it's never boring but it should also be read with the bigger issues in mind. Who knows? It might just expand the reader's outlook.
I'll definitely be checking out the second installment.
March 20, 2013
Oh my word. That ending just about broke me.
My heart is aching for these two, poor men. It's just bleeding pain from all the cracks caused by their agonizing stupidity and their fierce love. Oh, man, it hurts to have it end there. Like that. In that horribly tragic way. So devastating.
UGH! No no no. I do not accept this ending. It had BETTER get fixed in the next book or I'm gonna be one severely pissed off momma bear!
My heart is aching for these two, poor men. It's just bleeding pain from all the cracks caused by their agonizing stupidity and their fierce love. Oh, man, it hurts to have it end there. Like that. In that horribly tragic way. So devastating.
UGH! No no no. I do not accept this ending. It had BETTER get fixed in the next book or I'm gonna be one severely pissed off momma bear!
November 26, 2015
The first thing that you need to know about this book is that there IS a sequel. I didn't know this and spewed some choice expletives when I got to the end. Finally, I calmed down long enough to see "Want to read more about..." and was able to breathe again. They really need to make the font on that announcement bigger.I can't even imagine finishing this book, with this ending, and having to wait for Book 2. It would NOT have been pretty.
Ok, so onto the story. Hmm, I did really enjoy it for the most part. It is extremely witty. I LOVED the banter between the MCs and was smiling and laughing out loud throughout the book. I didn't have too much of a problem believing them falling in love. Jason was, after all, a boy out of his depth in a new place and after trying too hard to impress society's upper crust, realized they weren't all they were cracked up to be. And who was the one who has his back through the heartbreak? Kale. So that was fine.
I did have issues with characterzation and 'voice'. Even though Jason was a country boy, he was an educated and well read University student. Kale was an illiterate slave. And yet, they had the same voice. Actually Kale (slave), Jason (country boy) and Eric (upper crust) all spoke exactly the same. How exactly did a slave have such an advanced vocabulary, and such proper diction when he couldn't read and hadn't worked for high society?
Kale started off as a very refreshing character. I loved the way he was willing to think ahead and encourage Jason to pursue various interests to ensure his happiness. The author's exploration of Kale's hurt when things started going well was really well done, but then towards the end Kale started getting on my nerves. I know he was a slave, but what exactly is so hard to understand about the fact that Jason loved him? Everybody and their mama was telling him, and yet he found every excuse as to why that couldn't be. And then the ending. Jesus, Mary and Joseph. I swear I sprouted gray hairs. What the eff!!
All I can say is the book is enjoyable but you MUST read Book 2 for any kind of HEA. The ending of Book 1 quite frankly sucks, not a little bit...A LOT!
Ok, so onto the story. Hmm, I did really enjoy it for the most part. It is extremely witty. I LOVED the banter between the MCs and was smiling and laughing out loud throughout the book. I didn't have too much of a problem believing them falling in love. Jason was, after all, a boy out of his depth in a new place and after trying too hard to impress society's upper crust, realized they weren't all they were cracked up to be. And who was the one who has his back through the heartbreak? Kale. So that was fine.
I did have issues with characterzation and 'voice'. Even though Jason was a country boy, he was an educated and well read University student. Kale was an illiterate slave. And yet, they had the same voice. Actually Kale (slave), Jason (country boy) and Eric (upper crust) all spoke exactly the same. How exactly did a slave have such an advanced vocabulary, and such proper diction when he couldn't read and hadn't worked for high society?
Kale started off as a very refreshing character. I loved the way he was willing to think ahead and encourage Jason to pursue various interests to ensure his happiness. The author's exploration of Kale's hurt when things started going well was really well done, but then towards the end Kale started getting on my nerves. I know he was a slave, but what exactly is so hard to understand about the fact that Jason loved him? Everybody and their mama was telling him, and yet he found every excuse as to why that couldn't be. And then the ending. Jesus, Mary and Joseph. I swear I sprouted gray hairs. What the eff!!
All I can say is the book is enjoyable but you MUST read Book 2 for any kind of HEA. The ending of Book 1 quite frankly sucks, not a little bit...A LOT!
August 14, 2017
Не скажу в каком месте, но я расплакалась прям. Душераздирающе!
July 30, 2013
So, now I know why this was offered free at Amazon. The end is not the end. It is the half-way point of the story, and not a happy one. You have to read Measure of Strength to get the rest. I hate when a story is published in two parts and I don't know it before I start reading book 1.
Anyway, MoD is a well-written and edited story. There was some repetition of particular themes, which was tedious to read at times. The characters were interesting and different enough to feel true to life. The setting could have been better used as part of the storytelling, I feel.
What made it a 3-star read for me? Other than the ending, as explained in the first paragraph of this review, I felt some threads in the story were either underutilized or left hanging. Also, I somehow could not find the logic of the AU on which the story is based. Mind you, I don't need to know why the author used an AU at all, but what bothered me was the only differences between it and the old South in the US is that the slaves are white and Jason's farm produces cattle and not cotton. It kind of rubbed me wrong to think an AU had to be created to make it more comfortable for a slave and Master to fall in love with each other.
But then, that could just be me and my pet peeves. If you want to read the beginning of a nice, romantic m/m story, this is a good one. Enjoy.
Anyway, MoD is a well-written and edited story. There was some repetition of particular themes, which was tedious to read at times. The characters were interesting and different enough to feel true to life. The setting could have been better used as part of the storytelling, I feel.
What made it a 3-star read for me? Other than the ending, as explained in the first paragraph of this review, I felt some threads in the story were either underutilized or left hanging. Also, I somehow could not find the logic of the AU on which the story is based. Mind you, I don't need to know why the author used an AU at all, but what bothered me was the only differences between it and the old South in the US is that the slaves are white and Jason's farm produces cattle and not cotton. It kind of rubbed me wrong to think an AU had to be created to make it more comfortable for a slave and Master to fall in love with each other.
But then, that could just be me and my pet peeves. If you want to read the beginning of a nice, romantic m/m story, this is a good one. Enjoy.
September 18, 2012
3.75* rounded up to 4*
I'm not completly sure how to rate this one. On one hand it is a nicely written romance, but on the other there is the end. Yes, I know, there is a warning in the blurb that this is a bittersweet romance... but... somehow, with the writing and the emotions and all the elements of a proper romance (reminded me in a good way a lot of a regency romance) I thought that this had to be a mistake. Well, except, there was this end. Hm. That left me a little in the rain because I couldn't believe it was actually happening.
The other thing is that I'm not a fan of slave fic. I left this point out in the rating because you could argue that in this case I shouldn't have read it. Still, I think it would have worked without slaves as well. Make Kale a servant in need of a position or something.
I know that there was a point to the whole slave thing as the words "dominant" or "submission" were used in strategical places. It's just that I couldn't feel it. There was no D/s relationship between the MCs. Jason, who should have developed into a dominant character, was clueless and manipulated by the people surrounding him. I can't think of a decision he made of his own accord. He was only the master because of the law, not because of his personality. That's one reason why part of the end didn't work for me.
Nevertheless, I suggest you read for yourself! I'm sure this story will find a lot of fans. :)
I'm not completly sure how to rate this one. On one hand it is a nicely written romance, but on the other there is the end. Yes, I know, there is a warning in the blurb that this is a bittersweet romance... but... somehow, with the writing and the emotions and all the elements of a proper romance (reminded me in a good way a lot of a regency romance) I thought that this had to be a mistake. Well, except, there was this end. Hm. That left me a little in the rain because I couldn't believe it was actually happening.
The other thing is that I'm not a fan of slave fic. I left this point out in the rating because you could argue that in this case I shouldn't have read it. Still, I think it would have worked without slaves as well. Make Kale a servant in need of a position or something.
I know that there was a point to the whole slave thing as the words "dominant" or "submission" were used in strategical places. It's just that I couldn't feel it. There was no D/s relationship between the MCs. Jason, who should have developed into a dominant character, was clueless and manipulated by the people surrounding him. I can't think of a decision he made of his own accord. He was only the master because of the law, not because of his personality. That's one reason why part of the end didn't work for me.
Nevertheless, I suggest you read for yourself! I'm sure this story will find a lot of fans. :)
December 6, 2012
I really enjoyed this story. I like that it differed from the typical slave stories I've read before, and I fell in love with Kale right from the start. I had a hard time seeing how I could ever like Jason, but he was able to turn things around eventually. It did seem to drag on just a little bit in the middle, but the end more than made up for it. My heart was just breaking for Kale, and then Jason, and their whole situation. Then, the ending. Holy cow. I cannot get started on the next installment fast enough.
February 7, 2017
I have to admit the whole master/slave dynamic made me uncomfortable at first reading this book. However, as I got to know Jason & Kale I got totally enthralled with their struggle to be together. I would not have been happy with the ending except for knowing that the story was not at its end and it is continued in the next book. The author tackled a disturbing and difficult subject, yet dealt with it in a sensitive and realistic way. I look forward to starting book 2 immediately!
July 29, 2020
I truly liked the story. I thought the plot was really interesting. Kale is given to Jason by his father on the night before he leashes for university. Jason resents Kale and treats him terribly. Their relationship progresses slowly until they eventually become lovers. Even though their society allows an owner to have sex with a slave, there can never be a true relationship. If it’s even suspected they would both be in a great amount of trouble.
So why only three stars. This book has a tremendous amount of inner monologue. It is also bogged down by long tedious descriptions of everything. Story 5 stars, execution 1star equals 3 stars.
Warning: It also ends in a cliffhanger.
So why only three stars. This book has a tremendous amount of inner monologue. It is also bogged down by long tedious descriptions of everything. Story 5 stars, execution 1star equals 3 stars.
Warning: It also ends in a cliffhanger.
January 28, 2014
DNF at 27%
Might contain spoiler.
I found this incredibly stupid.
The whole setting of master and slave in a reality where Kale doesn't have any rights and Jason can do to him what he wants, because he owns him, is difficult to say the least.
So a lot in such a story depends on the personality of the master. And Jason is a stupid, naive, cruel, self-centered and incredibly shallow, social climber asshat. He is childish and arrogant, he punishes and abuses Kale on a whim.
And Kale takes the pain and the humiliation and still harbors some positive feelings toward his ridiculous master, who is not masterful at all.
The last straw for me: When Jason's rich and prestigious boyfriend breaks up with him, ostensibly because Jason was cruel to Kale, what does he do? He asks Kale who came for him to hit him. When Kale doesn't comply, he starts beating Kale up. And Kale totally understands that Jason just needs to get it out of his system.
What utter bullshit.
Might contain spoiler.
I found this incredibly stupid.
The whole setting of master and slave in a reality where Kale doesn't have any rights and Jason can do to him what he wants, because he owns him, is difficult to say the least.
So a lot in such a story depends on the personality of the master. And Jason is a stupid, naive, cruel, self-centered and incredibly shallow, social climber asshat. He is childish and arrogant, he punishes and abuses Kale on a whim.
And Kale takes the pain and the humiliation and still harbors some positive feelings toward his ridiculous master, who is not masterful at all.
The last straw for me: When Jason's rich and prestigious boyfriend breaks up with him, ostensibly because Jason was cruel to Kale, what does he do? He asks Kale who came for him to hit him. When Kale doesn't comply, he starts beating Kale up. And Kale totally understands that Jason just needs to get it out of his system.
What utter bullshit.
February 17, 2013
Free on Amazon.co.uk as of 14th Feb 2013
This is a love story between a slave and his master set in a fantasy world. Beautifully written, leaves you on a cliff-hanger, there is a sequel.
'Rising from his seat, Kale prepared himself to turn away from Jason forever. As much as he wanted to stay, he couldn't. It simply hurt too much. He'd be damned if he was going to cry and run the risk of waking Jason.'
This is a love story between a slave and his master set in a fantasy world. Beautifully written, leaves you on a cliff-hanger, there is a sequel.
'Rising from his seat, Kale prepared himself to turn away from Jason forever. As much as he wanted to stay, he couldn't. It simply hurt too much. He'd be damned if he was going to cry and run the risk of waking Jason.'
finish-later
February 16, 2013kindle freebie 12.4.12. Slave-fic.
January 28, 2015
This fell between a high three- and low four-star read. Some of what I found to be its strengths were, in some places, weaknesses in the story arc. For example, the gradual build at the beginning felt well-paced, but I wish Faron had fleshed out this society's culture and the role of slavery more broadly in it, since I assume it will continue to be a defining feature of Kale's experiences in the next two titles as well. I wondered about how slaves were brokered, titles transferred, protected more or less as property under the law, or the existence of a secretive association to support escapees or punish owners too liberal in their homes.
As the relationship between MCs underwent fundamental transformation, Faron did a good job of letting us into their lives to see personal progressions. Yet, mid-way, I also felt the surrounding context, which devolved to campus interactions and evening social events, missed a little action and sizzle. I found myself wishing for a subplot between Kale and some new character in town and ongoing development between Jason and his father back home.
Heading into the next book in the series, I am ready to give Faron the benefit of the doubt. I accepted the overall premises under which the power exchange between the two MCs occurred. I even kept my scoffing to a minimum in the pivotal scenes in which Kale chose to lie to Jason "for his own good" and Jason agreed to capitulate to his fiancee's demands. I just might make it through the entire set.
As the relationship between MCs underwent fundamental transformation, Faron did a good job of letting us into their lives to see personal progressions. Yet, mid-way, I also felt the surrounding context, which devolved to campus interactions and evening social events, missed a little action and sizzle. I found myself wishing for a subplot between Kale and some new character in town and ongoing development between Jason and his father back home.
Heading into the next book in the series, I am ready to give Faron the benefit of the doubt. I accepted the overall premises under which the power exchange between the two MCs occurred. I even kept my scoffing to a minimum in the pivotal scenes in which Kale chose to lie to Jason "for his own good" and Jason agreed to capitulate to his fiancee's demands. I just might make it through the entire set.
March 26, 2013
Though the theme of the story was intriguing, I felt Jason's transition from a bully to a man with ideals was poorly supported. I really liked how he was made to be obsessive with regards to his love interests and how he threw himself into the act of love without regard to safety or social position, but I don't feel this aspect of him meshed well with the man who perpetrated physical and mental abuse at the beginning of the novel. There was no hint of higher awareness to suggest Jason could be a man with an ability to comprehend or value human rights. Ever. This change in his attitude just wasn't realistically supported.
The story had too much exposition for my tastes. I skimmed a lot to get past the thought processes, not only because they tended to repeat, but because they were too misleading. The unreliable narrative of Jason and sometimes Kale did not serve the story well.
The world building could definitely have been better. The world felt very much a prop rather than real.
Measure of Devotion was not to my tastes for the above reasons, but I continued reading to see what happened to Kale. His love for Jason doesn't make much sense, but after I tossed aside my reasons for not suspending disbelief, I was able to enjoy Kale's character and to enjoy Jason's compulsive love in all its weakness.
The story had too much exposition for my tastes. I skimmed a lot to get past the thought processes, not only because they tended to repeat, but because they were too misleading. The unreliable narrative of Jason and sometimes Kale did not serve the story well.
The world building could definitely have been better. The world felt very much a prop rather than real.
Measure of Devotion was not to my tastes for the above reasons, but I continued reading to see what happened to Kale. His love for Jason doesn't make much sense, but after I tossed aside my reasons for not suspending disbelief, I was able to enjoy Kale's character and to enjoy Jason's compulsive love in all its weakness.
January 8, 2014
Is it possible to fall in love with a book and still be left broken-hearted? This book did that to me.
It was hard getting into this story. I started reading it a couple of times and dropped it twice. I guess my head wasn't prepared to deal with the harsh relationship Jason had with Kale at the start. But a few days ago I decided to bite the bullet and read it. I'm glad I did.
This is a beautiful love story. I say love story because at the end of this book there isn't a happy ending, at least not for Kale or Jason. But the way their story is woven left me breathless and I really wanted things to work out for both of them. Kale's devotion is just out of this world. The love they had for each other was so perfect and imperfect at the same time. There's no other way to explain it.
At the end of this book I cried. Seriously. I don't cry when I read books but this one wrenched it out of me. For the first time in a long time, I care enough about characters in a book longer than 300pages, to follow them on to the next two books in the series. (Measure of Strength is 345pages and Measure of Peace is 253pages long). I want to see them through to their happy ending. But first I must get over my heart ache.
Seriously, if you read MM fiction, you've got to read this. Highly recommended.
It was hard getting into this story. I started reading it a couple of times and dropped it twice. I guess my head wasn't prepared to deal with the harsh relationship Jason had with Kale at the start. But a few days ago I decided to bite the bullet and read it. I'm glad I did.
This is a beautiful love story. I say love story because at the end of this book there isn't a happy ending, at least not for Kale or Jason. But the way their story is woven left me breathless and I really wanted things to work out for both of them. Kale's devotion is just out of this world. The love they had for each other was so perfect and imperfect at the same time. There's no other way to explain it.
At the end of this book I cried. Seriously. I don't cry when I read books but this one wrenched it out of me. For the first time in a long time, I care enough about characters in a book longer than 300pages, to follow them on to the next two books in the series. (Measure of Strength is 345pages and Measure of Peace is 253pages long). I want to see them through to their happy ending. But first I must get over my heart ache.
Seriously, if you read MM fiction, you've got to read this. Highly recommended.
August 5, 2012
I really enjoyed this book.
I thought the first half of the book was stronger than the second half, and I liked the fact that the slaves in the book weren't always working and developed relationships among themselves. I think some of my favorite parts of the book were when Kale and the other slaves would play cards and Kale would work out ways to keep his young owner occupied and later help him find social acceptance.
I also liked the fact that Kale spent a lot of time manipulating Jason. I think slaves have very little power in reality, but find it very believable that they would manipulate what they could to make their lot better.
I very much liked the development and growth of both Kale and Jason in the book. I really respond to characters who have strengths and weaknesses and Faron delivers well developed and very human characters.
My only real issue with the story was the ending-it was rather abrupt with a lot left unresolved, although learned that there is a second book planned which makes this complaint a bit moot.
Great book.
I thought the first half of the book was stronger than the second half, and I liked the fact that the slaves in the book weren't always working and developed relationships among themselves. I think some of my favorite parts of the book were when Kale and the other slaves would play cards and Kale would work out ways to keep his young owner occupied and later help him find social acceptance.
I also liked the fact that Kale spent a lot of time manipulating Jason. I think slaves have very little power in reality, but find it very believable that they would manipulate what they could to make their lot better.
I very much liked the development and growth of both Kale and Jason in the book. I really respond to characters who have strengths and weaknesses and Faron delivers well developed and very human characters.
My only real issue with the story was the ending-it was rather abrupt with a lot left unresolved, although learned that there is a second book planned which makes this complaint a bit moot.
Great book.
November 18, 2013
Ugh. I honestly don't know how I feel about this book. Parts of it tore at my heart, parts made me so angry, and other parts left me feeling indifferent. I do know I greatly dislike Renee.
What makes me maddest is I don't have time to read part 2 if I want to get the gang bang finished on time but I can't not read it. Damn it!!!!
What makes me maddest is I don't have time to read part 2 if I want to get the gang bang finished on time but I can't not read it. Damn it!!!!
February 10, 2020
Oh dear ... what a mess. A mash-up of 1920s British with socially accepted slavery of the lower classes. Did not work for me as alternate-historical, nor as a M-M romance since one of the MCs was so odious I wanted to slap him each time he appeared on the page. BArely got past 50% before giving up.
Want to read
June 2, 2013It's free. Freeeee people! And that photoshop experiment for the cover doesn't look too shabby either. I'm in.
January 29, 2014
I seriously considered one-star for Measure of Devotion. I could've overlooked the superficial characterization and the slow--in fact, plodding--pace because it's a free read, but Jason ruined it for me. I felt entirely out-of-step with the author when it came to his redemption; namely, I felt he never achieved it.
I couldn't stand Jason because from the outset, he sets impossible standards and beats Kale when he fails to satisfy them because he can't take his anger out on his father. He doesn't even have good reason for his anger, not that there's any reason good enough to mistreat someone who can't fight back. However, I recognize that the characters come from a different context than I do and I expect slave fiction to raise ethical questions. I don't expect Jason to beat Kale within five seconds of an apology for the exact same behaviour and I nearly put Measure of Devotion aside when he did. I couldn't have cared less if Jason changed, but I continued because the book isn't terribly long and my completist streak demanded it. I'm a little sorry now that I bothered.
Jason and Kale have some nice moments, like the conversation about the weed in the park. Unfortunately, Jason tends to ruin every positive interaction with threats of violence. Perhaps the author intended me to dismiss it as hyperbolic, humourous, or a product of (understandable) frustration because Jason usually threatens Kale in response to a self-deprecating comment. Given the social context and the history of abusive behaviour, however, I treated his behaviour as a sign that Jason hasn't changed much. He can't tolerate any intrusion on his picturesque worldview and he considers his self-deception more important than Kale's sense of safety.
Kale, of course, doesn't have the luxury of self-deception, except when it comes to his own feelings. I liked his pragmatism because though I think he sacrificed too much for a man unworthy of the gesture, I never felt as if Kale were a victim . I appreciated his perspective and his discussions with Charlie. At the same time, I empathized with him because as a slave, he's never certain of his position and he doesn't have a chance to feel much pity for himself. I felt similarly empathetic towards Renée Arlington
The last third helped to improve my opinion because I ached for Kale and to a much, much lesser extent, for Jason, too. I think for the first time, he realizes he's done wrong. I'm disappointed Measure of Devotion ended on a cliffhanger, but I'm not entirely sure I care enough to pick up Measure of Strength.
Written January 14th, 2014. Edited January 28th, 2014 to correct some typos.
I couldn't stand Jason because from the outset, he sets impossible standards and beats Kale when he fails to satisfy them because he can't take his anger out on his father. He doesn't even have good reason for his anger, not that there's any reason good enough to mistreat someone who can't fight back. However, I recognize that the characters come from a different context than I do and I expect slave fiction to raise ethical questions. I don't expect Jason to beat Kale within five seconds of an apology for the exact same behaviour and I nearly put Measure of Devotion aside when he did. I couldn't have cared less if Jason changed, but I continued because the book isn't terribly long and my completist streak demanded it. I'm a little sorry now that I bothered.
Jason and Kale have some nice moments, like the conversation about the weed in the park. Unfortunately, Jason tends to ruin every positive interaction with threats of violence. Perhaps the author intended me to dismiss it as hyperbolic, humourous, or a product of (understandable) frustration because Jason usually threatens Kale in response to a self-deprecating comment. Given the social context and the history of abusive behaviour, however, I treated his behaviour as a sign that Jason hasn't changed much. He can't tolerate any intrusion on his picturesque worldview and he considers his self-deception more important than Kale's sense of safety.
Kale, of course, doesn't have the luxury of self-deception, except when it comes to his own feelings. I liked his pragmatism because though I think he sacrificed too much for a man unworthy of the gesture, I never felt as if Kale were a victim . I appreciated his perspective and his discussions with Charlie. At the same time, I empathized with him because as a slave, he's never certain of his position and he doesn't have a chance to feel much pity for himself. I felt similarly empathetic towards Renée Arlington
The last third helped to improve my opinion because I ached for Kale and to a much, much lesser extent, for Jason, too. I think for the first time, he realizes he's done wrong. I'm disappointed Measure of Devotion ended on a cliffhanger, but I'm not entirely sure I care enough to pick up Measure of Strength.
Written January 14th, 2014. Edited January 28th, 2014 to correct some typos.
May 5, 2013
Kale and Jason
Jason is a spoiled boy entering the stage of adulthood. He has always gotten what he wanted, except for the slave named Kale. I must say I really disliked Jason in the first half of this book, but he showed some real character development once he realized he is not as important as he thinks. This occurred through a sham of a relationship, and who is left to pick up the pieces non other than the slave he didn't want.
Kale is quite and strong willed. Kale also shows a intelligence that is not common for slaves. But Kale is loyal to a fault and helps Jason through a troubling time.
Both Kale and Jason start forming a strong attachment towards each other. This can only end tragically since a Master and a Slave can't truly have a loving relationship when one owns the other.
The ending is heartbreaking, showing the depth of Kale feelings for Jason when he willing to sacrifice himself for Jason's happiness. Jason showed remarkable character growth and makes a unselfish decision for once in his life. Both thinking they know what is best for the other. Sigh where is the communication.
This was a great book.I was really glad I read it, it surpasses the majority of MM titles available. Which these days are short and focused on only sex, whereas this title actually had a incredible story.
This is the First Book out of two. Thus concluding in the sequel Measure of Strength.
Jason is a spoiled boy entering the stage of adulthood. He has always gotten what he wanted, except for the slave named Kale. I must say I really disliked Jason in the first half of this book, but he showed some real character development once he realized he is not as important as he thinks. This occurred through a sham of a relationship, and who is left to pick up the pieces non other than the slave he didn't want.
Kale is quite and strong willed. Kale also shows a intelligence that is not common for slaves. But Kale is loyal to a fault and helps Jason through a troubling time.
Both Kale and Jason start forming a strong attachment towards each other. This can only end tragically since a Master and a Slave can't truly have a loving relationship when one owns the other.
The ending is heartbreaking, showing the depth of Kale feelings for Jason when he willing to sacrifice himself for Jason's happiness. Jason showed remarkable character growth and makes a unselfish decision for once in his life. Both thinking they know what is best for the other. Sigh where is the communication.
This was a great book.I was really glad I read it, it surpasses the majority of MM titles available. Which these days are short and focused on only sex, whereas this title actually had a incredible story.
This is the First Book out of two. Thus concluding in the sequel Measure of Strength.
August 17, 2014
This was a really nice surprise. Thank you Caethes Faron for keeping it free. I am certainly hooked, and will be buying the remaining two.
While the subject of Master/slave in this context makes me uncomfortable, this was a really good story. The writing was solid, and there was an element that kept it believable.
Kale was a delight to read about. He was not broken or argumentative. He is a realist, if not a little in denial (but most realists I know, myself included, can deny a bit before accepting it as reality). His attitude was refreshing, and a great view of behind the scenes into his personality when he was allowed to just be himself, within the security of the slave quarters.
Jason is truly a sweetheart. Even though he started off playing a man, he really developed as a character, and as a likeable person. His innocence was sweet, and it was hard to see his pain. We all learn some hard lessons when we grow up, and he is still growing. I just hope he gets some of that innocence back in the next book.
While this is not normally the type of book I would pick up, free or not, I'm glad I did.
I look forward to reading the rest of the series.
While the subject of Master/slave in this context makes me uncomfortable, this was a really good story. The writing was solid, and there was an element that kept it believable.
Kale was a delight to read about. He was not broken or argumentative. He is a realist, if not a little in denial (but most realists I know, myself included, can deny a bit before accepting it as reality). His attitude was refreshing, and a great view of behind the scenes into his personality when he was allowed to just be himself, within the security of the slave quarters.
Jason is truly a sweetheart. Even though he started off playing a man, he really developed as a character, and as a likeable person. His innocence was sweet, and it was hard to see his pain. We all learn some hard lessons when we grow up, and he is still growing. I just hope he gets some of that innocence back in the next book.
While this is not normally the type of book I would pick up, free or not, I'm glad I did.
I look forward to reading the rest of the series.
March 31, 2013
The story is from pov of a young man born into slavery with the belief that all things are as they are, as they should be and as they always be. A man peculiarly accepting of a life of hard labor, overt maltreatment and lack of a vision of the future any different from the present.
When given as a gift to a drunken childish adult, despite worsening conditions for the young man, pity and concern flows in the wrong (to me) direction.
The characters are very well written on the surface, but found I had not an iota of understanding, liking or belief in what was going on inside their minds. Love and devotion become so prevalent that the story becomes surreal - leading to a possible destruction of their and other characters' lives. The denouement leads to a sequel, planned, it seems to me, as the point of this entire book. I'm curious about the sequel, but not enough to spend time reading of an author's unrealistic altruism.
When given as a gift to a drunken childish adult, despite worsening conditions for the young man, pity and concern flows in the wrong (to me) direction.
The characters are very well written on the surface, but found I had not an iota of understanding, liking or belief in what was going on inside their minds. Love and devotion become so prevalent that the story becomes surreal - leading to a possible destruction of their and other characters' lives. The denouement leads to a sequel, planned, it seems to me, as the point of this entire book. I'm curious about the sequel, but not enough to spend time reading of an author's unrealistic altruism.
September 16, 2013
freebie on amazon uk 1.2.13
This is a master/slave story, but in the sense that slavery is legal in the particular time and place rather than a D/s +/- BDSM type story. When Jason is to go to university in a far off city his rancher father gifts him with a slave, Kale, to take care of him. Jason is immature, spoilt and determined to make his way in society. Kale is not what he wanted in a slave and the two don’t get off to a good start. Through various events the pair come to realise how much they mean to each other, but this is not a society where masters and slaves can love each other and their relationship can’t survive if Jason is to advance in society. I enjoyed this story, which has a cliff hanger not so happy ending, though I would have preferred a little more world building to give a background to the setting.
This is a master/slave story, but in the sense that slavery is legal in the particular time and place rather than a D/s +/- BDSM type story. When Jason is to go to university in a far off city his rancher father gifts him with a slave, Kale, to take care of him. Jason is immature, spoilt and determined to make his way in society. Kale is not what he wanted in a slave and the two don’t get off to a good start. Through various events the pair come to realise how much they mean to each other, but this is not a society where masters and slaves can love each other and their relationship can’t survive if Jason is to advance in society. I enjoyed this story, which has a cliff hanger not so happy ending, though I would have preferred a little more world building to give a background to the setting.
May 15, 2013
Had I known the plot in the beginning, I might not have read this book. But having read it, I just know this story is going to stay with me for a while. I liked the beginning. A brat master and a sensible slave was a very interesting idea and although I was disappointed that I didn't see Jason growing into a confident master, perhaps that might change in the next installment?
I felt that the middle section was a bit repetitive and wasn't entirely convinced about Jason's change from a brat into a caring master. Jason is still slightly irritating - too naive and too clingy. Nevertheless, when he decides to take charge, he does sound sexy. :D I loved Kale's character and I believe his character is what makes their relationship and the story so believable.
Overall, I found the story a memorable and captivating read.
I felt that the middle section was a bit repetitive and wasn't entirely convinced about Jason's change from a brat into a caring master. Jason is still slightly irritating - too naive and too clingy. Nevertheless, when he decides to take charge, he does sound sexy. :D I loved Kale's character and I believe his character is what makes their relationship and the story so believable.
Overall, I found the story a memorable and captivating read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 5, 2013
4.0
I was not sure what to expect from this book. I found it free on Amazon and made the choice to not read any thing more than the description when I started the book.
I found the beginning disturbing. The relationship of Master/slave and the way the character Kale was treated by Jason really bothered me but it set the tone for how the story progressed.
I enjoyed the story, it had a historical romance feel to it. I kept hoping for a happy ending but it is actually a cliffhanger which I was not prepared for. I was interested enough to do a little research and find that the sequel is out and it does conclude the storyline. As frustrated as I felt with the characters at times and the cliffhanger ending I will read the next book.
I was not sure what to expect from this book. I found it free on Amazon and made the choice to not read any thing more than the description when I started the book.
I found the beginning disturbing. The relationship of Master/slave and the way the character Kale was treated by Jason really bothered me but it set the tone for how the story progressed.
I enjoyed the story, it had a historical romance feel to it. I kept hoping for a happy ending but it is actually a cliffhanger which I was not prepared for. I was interested enough to do a little research and find that the sequel is out and it does conclude the storyline. As frustrated as I felt with the characters at times and the cliffhanger ending I will read the next book.
September 11, 2013
Oh my god, WTF?????? I'm just going to go sob in a corner now.
Ok... wow this book. I wish I had stopped reading at 84%. Really.
The ending was terrible, not just heart-breaking and sad, but truly stupid. I just... ugh. I felt ending it was unnecessarily cruel. Also, the next book is three years past, and I just... angry, frustrated, exasperated, and I seriously just don't trust this author anymore! Why do that to me?
Maybe it's still too fresh or something I don't know. But as of now, I am so let down and depressed about this book, that I cannot even fathom spending $5 on the sequel.
But the first 84% was amazing.
Ok... wow this book. I wish I had stopped reading at 84%. Really.
The ending was terrible, not just heart-breaking and sad, but truly stupid. I just... ugh. I felt ending it was unnecessarily cruel. Also, the next book is three years past, and I just... angry, frustrated, exasperated, and I seriously just don't trust this author anymore! Why do that to me?
Maybe it's still too fresh or something I don't know. But as of now, I am so let down and depressed about this book, that I cannot even fathom spending $5 on the sequel.
But the first 84% was amazing.
September 11, 2014
I should probably wait to review this one but here goes. While I enjoyed this book as I was reading the first half to two thirds of the book. Jason leaving his family home to go off to university. He is really a boy when he leaves. He doesn't change until he realizes that he can learn from his slave, Kale. They had a sweet love story. The last part of the book pissed me right the hell off. Kale for being such a stupid idiot (constantly thinking he knew better than his master) and Renee for thinking everything will be ok when she knows in her gut it's not going to be. Of course, nice job author, as now I need to know what the hell happens to them.
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