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Siren's Call #2
The Emperor's Wolf
A soldier enslaved by the emperor who conquered him, with only one hope to save the man from madness...
Jaden, a soldier sold into slavery when his country fell, survives day to day, his only wish to find his little sister and save her from the same fate. The war might be over, but the scars of those who underwent Tranaden's conquest still linger. But when he is given as tribute to the very man who conquered his country—Dersai, known as the Wolf, an emperor feared and loathed beyond Tranaden's borders—Jaden sees his last hope fading away. It is whispered that the emperor is mad, possessed, without the faintest shred of mercy. Yet, Jaden finds that the man is someone quite different among his own people, in the safety of his own world. Old hatreds die hard, but Jaden finds himself fascinated by the complex, mysterious man beneath the warrior shell. There is a darkness in Dersai, but also a chance to set things right at last.
Dersai cannot afford the luxury of mercy in any form. His country, his people come first, and he will do anything to defend his borders and drive back those who seek to possess the lush beauty of Tranaden. His ancestor made a pact with a demon, and ever since, each emperor must endure the possession of the demon bound to protect Tranaden at any cost. As with those before him, Dersai will eventually fall into madness, his own people forced to annihilate him, and the next emperor forced to bear the burden again. He'd never held any hope...until he met Jaden and began to believe the old prophecies might finally come true. That a mate for the wolf would come and break the cycle forever...
Reader Expanded with new material! Contains intense emotional elements. Reader discretion advised.
Jaden, a soldier sold into slavery when his country fell, survives day to day, his only wish to find his little sister and save her from the same fate. The war might be over, but the scars of those who underwent Tranaden's conquest still linger. But when he is given as tribute to the very man who conquered his country—Dersai, known as the Wolf, an emperor feared and loathed beyond Tranaden's borders—Jaden sees his last hope fading away. It is whispered that the emperor is mad, possessed, without the faintest shred of mercy. Yet, Jaden finds that the man is someone quite different among his own people, in the safety of his own world. Old hatreds die hard, but Jaden finds himself fascinated by the complex, mysterious man beneath the warrior shell. There is a darkness in Dersai, but also a chance to set things right at last.
Dersai cannot afford the luxury of mercy in any form. His country, his people come first, and he will do anything to defend his borders and drive back those who seek to possess the lush beauty of Tranaden. His ancestor made a pact with a demon, and ever since, each emperor must endure the possession of the demon bound to protect Tranaden at any cost. As with those before him, Dersai will eventually fall into madness, his own people forced to annihilate him, and the next emperor forced to bear the burden again. He'd never held any hope...until he met Jaden and began to believe the old prophecies might finally come true. That a mate for the wolf would come and break the cycle forever...
Reader Expanded with new material! Contains intense emotional elements. Reader discretion advised.
228 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 1, 2009
138 people are currently reading
2479 people want to read
About the author
J.C. Owens
31 books612 followersAlso known as J.C. McGuire.
J.C Owens lives in small town, rural Alberta and is a self confessed writing-a-holic. In the absence of help for this affliction…
I do indeed love to write and have now completed thirty published stories, along with over twenty books sitting idle in my computer, waiting… I love the genre of male/male stories and conflict in what a person thinks they want, versus what they truly need to become themselves. I think any writing that shows the beauty of men loving men is worthwhile.
I love to hear from my readers and always appreciate suggestions and comments for future books. Sharing a love of reading and good, hot sensuality between men is always a cause for celebration!
J.C Owens lives in small town, rural Alberta and is a self confessed writing-a-holic. In the absence of help for this affliction…
I do indeed love to write and have now completed thirty published stories, along with over twenty books sitting idle in my computer, waiting… I love the genre of male/male stories and conflict in what a person thinks they want, versus what they truly need to become themselves. I think any writing that shows the beauty of men loving men is worthwhile.
I love to hear from my readers and always appreciate suggestions and comments for future books. Sharing a love of reading and good, hot sensuality between men is always a cause for celebration!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 239 reviews
July 15, 2016
this is what the sex in this book does to my balls.
i've fapped to this thing so many times since it never occurred to me to rate or review it before right now.
srrsly.
that's my explanation.
too busy fapping, n'stuff.
and then when i'm done with whatever scene i've just re-read for the 30th time i be like:
like, it's been years with this book.
i've fapped to this thing so many times since it never occurred to me to rate or review it before right now.
srrsly.
that's my explanation.
too busy fapping, n'stuff.
and then when i'm done with whatever scene i've just re-read for the 30th time i be like:
like, it's been years with this book.
April 6, 2021
A fantasy romance with an intense start and a pretty mushy finish.
Jaden is a young soldier of Astoria trying to fight the army of the mighty emperor of Tranaden who has come to conquer the kingdom.
Losing the battle after a face off with the emperor, Jaden and his little sister Yamina are separated and sold as slaves. Jaden spends the following years as a bed slave to a female warlord who teaches him proper submission, but never manages to truly break him.
Regaining his freedom and finding his sister is Jaden's number one priority and the only thing that keeps him sane during his ordeal.
When his master decides to negotiate with the emperor of Tranaden, she moves with her entourage to the emperor's palace and the cruel regent lays eyes on Jaden again.
Requesting Jaden as payment for the warlord's request, Jaden finds himself in the hands of the one man he hates most in the world. The man who separated him from his sister and sold him into violence and debasement.
Only, it was all a huge misunderstanding. Emperor Dersei of Tranaden is actually a sweet and loving, as well as peaceful, guy. It's just, you shouldn't anger him, because the demon he's possessed with turns him into a cunning and invincible warrior whenever Tranaden's safety is at stake.
Good thing that Jaden is the man the emperor dreamed of as "His Wolf". The man who is able to reign in the demon and bring him back to sanity whenever the hellish creature takes over his body.
The plot is actually really decent if you like fantasy romances.
My only complaint would be the huge and completely unnecessary misunderstanding towards the end that was actually the story's only real obstacle in Jaden and Dersei's path to happiness.
And also, the beginning didn't quite make sense. Why was Jaden sold into slavery in the first place?!
But okay, the story was powerful and quite captivating, although Jaden acted a bit hot and cold at times.
The final scene definitely brought tears to my eyes. I loved the concept of 'The Emperor's Wolf'.
3.5 stars!
Jaden is a young soldier of Astoria trying to fight the army of the mighty emperor of Tranaden who has come to conquer the kingdom.
Losing the battle after a face off with the emperor, Jaden and his little sister Yamina are separated and sold as slaves. Jaden spends the following years as a bed slave to a female warlord who teaches him proper submission, but never manages to truly break him.
Regaining his freedom and finding his sister is Jaden's number one priority and the only thing that keeps him sane during his ordeal.
When his master decides to negotiate with the emperor of Tranaden, she moves with her entourage to the emperor's palace and the cruel regent lays eyes on Jaden again.
Requesting Jaden as payment for the warlord's request, Jaden finds himself in the hands of the one man he hates most in the world. The man who separated him from his sister and sold him into violence and debasement.
Only, it was all a huge misunderstanding. Emperor Dersei of Tranaden is actually a sweet and loving, as well as peaceful, guy. It's just, you shouldn't anger him, because the demon he's possessed with turns him into a cunning and invincible warrior whenever Tranaden's safety is at stake.
Good thing that Jaden is the man the emperor dreamed of as "His Wolf". The man who is able to reign in the demon and bring him back to sanity whenever the hellish creature takes over his body.
The plot is actually really decent if you like fantasy romances.
My only complaint would be the huge and completely unnecessary misunderstanding towards the end that was actually the story's only real obstacle in Jaden and Dersei's path to happiness.
And also, the beginning didn't quite make sense. Why was Jaden sold into slavery in the first place?!
But okay, the story was powerful and quite captivating, although Jaden acted a bit hot and cold at times.
The final scene definitely brought tears to my eyes. I loved the concept of 'The Emperor's Wolf'.
3.5 stars!
July 22, 2016
I don't think I could fully describe why this story is so great. The characters and the world that the author built makes me want to re-delve again. I read this story in HOURS, eating the words like fine cuisine. There's slavery, domination, hot m/m pairing, excellent scenes to be had. I totally recommend this story. I loved it. This is how I like my m/m stories written.
September 17, 2019
Re-read: 17.09.2019
I went back and forth on whenever I was gonna re-read this one or not. I was really undecided, but I couldn't find anything else to read, so I ended up with this one after all. It's not a bad read; it's short enough, interesting enough and has cool characters. While I wish the book had more depth in the sense of friendships, it has something that pulls at you. . That being said, I did skim some parts, but for the most of it I didn't.
First read review:
The book centers around Emperor Dersai Ansel Melisande IV (the Fourth) and slave Jaden ‘Black’ ‘Wolf’ Naraith (24?), . Sold four (?) years ago, Jaden had learned to master a complete mask and submission after brutal and painful session beat out the warrior man in him; a free skilled solider of Astoria. He does what his mistress tells him to do and never shows his hatred, only keeping it close in his mind. His thought only of his sister who he desperately wants to find. All this come crashing down when he is ‘give’ to the cold and mad Emperor of Tranaden. Jaden's fear comes crashing out and memories of the cruelty of the Emperor, of his kills that he wants buried comes forward. And now, the Emperor owns him. Yet everything is not what it seems and Jaden's hatred isn't all he's feeling...
Overall, I was pleasantly surprised at how enjoyable the book was. Only a couple things bothered me, like in the end; , but it was definitely a nice read. I actually wish for a sequel of the two lovers... Oh and I found the demon part (), was quite an interesting concept. I really like this author, who writes powerful men, a great story with interesting and new twists. I'm definitely gonna keep my eye out for all book the author publishes :P And what's up with this book shelved as ‘BDSM’? It's not that at all...
Other Characters:
→ Mistress Mailyn, owner of Jaden (Jaden's her favorite). Daughter of a wealthy warlord and the head of her own mercenary army. Sadistic.
→ Sayra, Mailyn's second in command.
→ Yuris, one of the lieutenants, a young man about Jaden’s age.
→ Yamina (8 when sold, ), Jaden's little sister. Their parents died of the black fever when Jaden was 19 and Yamina was 6.
→ Rem, a boy who became a slave for the harem where Jaden was and Jaden took him under his wing.
→ Ignis, a servant of Tranaden.
→ Rafe, the captain of the elite guards of Tranaden.
Quick basic facts:
Genre: - (Adult) FantasyRomance (M/M).
Series: - Standalone.
Love triangle? -
Cheating? -
HEA? -
Favorite character? - Dersai Ansel Melisande IV.
Would I read more by this author/or of series? - Yes.
Would I recommend this book/series? -Sure.
Will I read this again in the future? - Probably not, but who knows.
Rating - 3 stars.
I went back and forth on whenever I was gonna re-read this one or not. I was really undecided, but I couldn't find anything else to read, so I ended up with this one after all. It's not a bad read; it's short enough, interesting enough and has cool characters. While I wish the book had more depth in the sense of friendships, it has something that pulls at you. . That being said, I did skim some parts, but for the most of it I didn't.
⋰⋱⋰⋱⋰⋱*I Liked It*⋰⋱⋰⋱⋰⋱
First read review:
The book centers around Emperor Dersai Ansel Melisande IV (the Fourth) and slave Jaden ‘Black’ ‘Wolf’ Naraith (24?), . Sold four (?) years ago, Jaden had learned to master a complete mask and submission after brutal and painful session beat out the warrior man in him; a free skilled solider of Astoria. He does what his mistress tells him to do and never shows his hatred, only keeping it close in his mind. His thought only of his sister who he desperately wants to find. All this come crashing down when he is ‘give’ to the cold and mad Emperor of Tranaden. Jaden's fear comes crashing out and memories of the cruelty of the Emperor, of his kills that he wants buried comes forward. And now, the Emperor owns him. Yet everything is not what it seems and Jaden's hatred isn't all he's feeling...
He could not prevent himself from looking up, his whole body freezing in place as the emperor’s dark eyes, strangely empty of the madness Black had seen the fateful day of his capture, suddenly turned upon him.
Black could not tear his eyes away; he was paralyzed with memory and fear of what this man was, if he was a man at all. For the first time in his life, Black felt like he might pass out. Death was a presence at this man’s side—the only thing Black feared. If he died…what of his sister? Dear gods no. His captain’s death, so simple, so effortless, danced before Black’s eyes. This man, this demon, killed without conscience and reveled in death.
The emperor’s dark eyes narrowed upon him, uncertainty in their depths. Then he leaned forward, hands clenching the arms of the throne, disbelief, then fury foremost in his expression. “Jaden,” he whispered incredulously.
Overall, I was pleasantly surprised at how enjoyable the book was. Only a couple things bothered me, like in the end; , but it was definitely a nice read. I actually wish for a sequel of the two lovers... Oh and I found the demon part (), was quite an interesting concept. I really like this author, who writes powerful men, a great story with interesting and new twists. I'm definitely gonna keep my eye out for all book the author publishes :P And what's up with this book shelved as ‘BDSM’? It's not that at all...
The emperor held up a hand, silencing his servant immediately. His tone was calm and cool but with a faint bite to it that gave warning. “Do not mistake Jaden for the others, Ignis. He is nothing like them. He is a wolf, and they are lambs.”
Jaden was speechless with confusion, and Ignis was reduced to sputtering excuses and nurturing his outrage with further protestations of innocence.
“Enough.” The emperor’s command pierced Ignis’s outpourings like a sword. “You will respect his space. You will tell the others also. He is dangerous, and you will treat him with the respect due any wild thing. Is that clear?”
Other Characters:
→ Mistress Mailyn, owner of Jaden (Jaden's her favorite). Daughter of a wealthy warlord and the head of her own mercenary army. Sadistic.
→ Sayra, Mailyn's second in command.
→ Yuris, one of the lieutenants, a young man about Jaden’s age.
→ Yamina (8 when sold, ), Jaden's little sister. Their parents died of the black fever when Jaden was 19 and Yamina was 6.
→ Rem, a boy who became a slave for the harem where Jaden was and Jaden took him under his wing.
→ Ignis, a servant of Tranaden.
→ Rafe, the captain of the elite guards of Tranaden.
“It is a fork, Jaden. That is all.” The emperor pressed it into his hand, then turned back to his own meal.
Jaden could not take his eyes off the utensil clutched in his fingers. It was just a fork…and yet it was so much more than that. It was the first time he had been allowed to eat like a civilized man since his enslavement. Tears rose behind his lids. He fought them down, angry at himself for the weakness.
He bent his head and focused on eating the fluffy omelet slowly, treasuring every tasty mouthful. It was pure heaven, and he did not realize he had vocalized his pleasure until the emperor cupped his chin and leaned down to kiss him.
“If you continue with those intensely erotic noises, my wolf, I am afraid you will not finish your meal. Nor will I.” A faint smile curved his lips, and his brown eyes were amused, without inner darkness for that moment in time.
Quick basic facts:
Genre: - (Adult) Fantasy
Series: - Standalone.
Love triangle? -
Cheating? -
HEA? -
Favorite character? - Dersai Ansel Melisande IV.
Would I read more by this author/or of series? - Yes.
Would I recommend this book/series? -Sure.
Will I read this again in the future? - Probably not, but who knows.
Rating - 3 stars.
May 23, 2012
Enthralling is one of the many words to describe this intense slave fic and hey I am not a fan but dammit I have to admit this was amazing and the fantasy is smoothly written, easy to follow and lures you in. Standout MC's, a beautiful blend of fierceness and tenderness which made the story so much more believable for me, a good thing too as I was expecting the worst. Jaden and Dersai sexy to the extreme their relationship builds slowly and what develops is a loving and lasting partnership. Angst, tears and joy but they finally got there I loved it a lot.
May 28, 2013
WOWWWWwwweeee! This is a sexy book!
I loved this book and devoured it in little to no time. It has an incredible main character who's tortured past places a huge part in his future.
It's amazing and sexy and well written and never boring and exciting and fun and definitely 18+ and has just enough of a paranormal element and dramatic and heartbreaking and just GREAT!
I loved this book and devoured it in little to no time. It has an incredible main character who's tortured past places a huge part in his future.
It's amazing and sexy and well written and never boring and exciting and fun and definitely 18+ and has just enough of a paranormal element and dramatic and heartbreaking and just GREAT!
June 7, 2017
3.5 Stars
I want to put this succinctly. However, I can't because I felt this story had two distinct parts which was separated by the inevitable, pivotal change of feelings, and thus my reaction to each was different.
Before said feelings
First things first. The smex in this?? Damn.
Jaden has had it rough over the last four years - his life has been ruled by fear, pain and resignation, and it magnifies exponentially when heunfortunately serendipitously falls back into the clutches of the emperor. He understandably worries for his future well being - the emperor's ruthless and merciless reputation is known by all. However there's always two sides to every story, and this was no different.
What this part was so good at was depicting the inner conflict, the delicious turmoil of hating your captor but being unable to stop one's attraction. And did I mention the sex? Unf.
After said feelings
Kudos to the author. It takes a good amount of skill to successfully and believably change hate to love, and she almost pulls it off. Almost. This part was more swoony, sweet with a bit of frustration at the inevitable misunderstanding. I seriously wish there was another 150 pages to dwell upon as mentioned above, because though I may protest too much, I wanted more of that angsty goodness!!
So overall, this accomplished a lot in a scant 149 pages and I'm impressed. The romantic in me appreciated the HEA but something was missing. What exactly, I just can't quite put my finger on.
4 for the 1st half + 3 for the 2nd half = 3.5 Stars
I want to put this succinctly. However, I can't because I felt this story had two distinct parts which was separated by the inevitable, pivotal change of feelings, and thus my reaction to each was different.
Before said feelings
First things first. The smex in this?? Damn.
Jaden has had it rough over the last four years - his life has been ruled by fear, pain and resignation, and it magnifies exponentially when he
What this part was so good at was depicting the inner conflict, the delicious turmoil of hating your captor but being unable to stop one's attraction. And did I mention the sex? Unf.
After said feelings
Kudos to the author. It takes a good amount of skill to successfully and believably change hate to love, and she almost pulls it off. Almost. This part was more swoony, sweet with a bit of frustration at the inevitable misunderstanding. I seriously wish there was another 150 pages to dwell upon as mentioned above, because though I may protest too much, I wanted more of that angsty goodness!!
So overall, this accomplished a lot in a scant 149 pages and I'm impressed. The romantic in me appreciated the HEA but something was missing. What exactly, I just can't quite put my finger on.
4 for the 1st half + 3 for the 2nd half = 3.5 Stars
February 18, 2017
I can't give this one anything less than 5 stars - I was totally engrossed in it from the first page to the last.
March 27, 2017
Well wasn't that delightful!
What the people say is true, this was exceptionally hot! I can't quite figure out why?!? I mean there's nothing particularly special or different about the sex, it's just.... Super super hot! That must just be great writing.
I found this to be one of those 'sweet' slave novels. Not much angst or hatred... Ok wait, so Jaden did hate the emperor alot to begin with, but the emperor was just so sweet and loving it didn't take him long to move on.
There's a bit of a supernatural subplot which I didn't see coming but actually enjoyed quite a lot and the HEA was beautiful!
I think the last 40% lost a bit of the relationship focus and that's why this was 4 not 5 stars, also other than the sex there wasn't a 'wow' factor for me.
What the people say is true, this was exceptionally hot! I can't quite figure out why?!? I mean there's nothing particularly special or different about the sex, it's just.... Super super hot! That must just be great writing.
I found this to be one of those 'sweet' slave novels. Not much angst or hatred... Ok wait, so Jaden did hate the emperor alot to begin with, but the emperor was just so sweet and loving it didn't take him long to move on.
There's a bit of a supernatural subplot which I didn't see coming but actually enjoyed quite a lot and the HEA was beautiful!
I think the last 40% lost a bit of the relationship focus and that's why this was 4 not 5 stars, also other than the sex there wasn't a 'wow' factor for me.
April 22, 2012
JC Owens has really got the whole slave trope nailed. This one was slightly suprising: I didn't anticipate where the story went, and it made this one of my favourites of zirs.
No abuse or rape, instead a sweet, gentle slave hurt/comfort story. Tiny bit of m/F in the first chapter.
No abuse or rape, instead a sweet, gentle slave hurt/comfort story. Tiny bit of m/F in the first chapter.
November 5, 2010
Really enjoyed this. The tension between the two characters is both heart-felt and hot and the resolution of the story is beleivable. The best books can sustain the characterization to the end and this one does that.
September 22, 2015
Over the last couple days, I have been on a J.C. Owens kick. I have read and LOVED Gaven, The Bonding and Wings and really liked Taken. This book though, I just couldn't get into. It's typical JC fare. Captured slave turn trusted lover..but it didn't work here.
Jaden, the slave, is presented as a strong, no nonsense character in the first few pages. He is muscular and brave and all the other sex slaves in the harem are afraid of him. Then he is captured by the Emperor (Dersai) and he turns into a meek caricature of himself. I had a hard time reconciling the two in my head. Dersai would also do things like pull Jaden into his lap...I thought Jaden was a big guy! The gratuitous sex throws things off from the start. In the other books, the sex is woven into the advancement of the slave's status so it works. Not so here. I found myself skimming early on, something that would never have happened with the first four stories.
The world building needed work. I was halfway through the book before the reasoning behind Dersai calling Jaden his wolf was made clear. Up until then you're just confused. We're constantly told that Dersai is feared and Jaden makes certain references that lead you to believe that Dersai is a shapeshifter, not to mention the fact that Dersai has wolf motifs incoroporated into his decor, but because DERSAI is the one calling JADEN his wolf, I kept thinking, 'Is Dersai the wolf? Is Jaden a wolf with latent powers? What the heck is going on??'
Believability was another issue. Jaden is brought in as a slave but in no time flat he's sleeping in Dersai's bed, being taught to read,given free reign of the training room, eating at the table and discussing politics. Really??
Issue 1. Though we later find out that Dersai saw Jaden in a dream and knows that Jaden is the one to help him control his beast, at the time, you're just thinking the pacing doesn't work because Jaden is given priveleges way too quickly. Also, Jaden's internal monologue doesn't work as well as previous characters.
Issue 2. We're told that this is not Dersai and Jaden's first encounter. They met briefly during a prior battle between their homelands. Jaden was captured by Dersai but things got confused and Jaden was sold to another slave owner. Ok, so we already know that upon seeing Jaden even that first time, Dersai knew this was the man from this dreams - the one to tame his curse. So, knowing this, KNOWING that Jaden is somehow pre-destined to be his mate or salve to his curse or whatever, and knowing that Jaden was originally a soldier, not a harem slave, it doesn't make sense that Dersai treats Jaden like a slave in the first place! Dersai later has the gall, when Jaden helps him snap out of his demonic phase faster than anyone else ever managed before, to boohoo that he had seen it in a dream and searched all over for Jaden once he realized he had lost him after the previous battle....to make him kneel at Dersai's table?? Argh.
At 60% I couldn't take anymore. I was bored to tears and just annoyed that this book didn't live up to the caliber of the others.
Off now to read Dominion Of The Eth. I was warned that it will be an emotional read but I'm praying it'll be worth it in the end.
Jaden, the slave, is presented as a strong, no nonsense character in the first few pages. He is muscular and brave and all the other sex slaves in the harem are afraid of him. Then he is captured by the Emperor (Dersai) and he turns into a meek caricature of himself. I had a hard time reconciling the two in my head. Dersai would also do things like pull Jaden into his lap...I thought Jaden was a big guy! The gratuitous sex throws things off from the start. In the other books, the sex is woven into the advancement of the slave's status so it works. Not so here. I found myself skimming early on, something that would never have happened with the first four stories.
The world building needed work. I was halfway through the book before the reasoning behind Dersai calling Jaden his wolf was made clear. Up until then you're just confused. We're constantly told that Dersai is feared and Jaden makes certain references that lead you to believe that Dersai is a shapeshifter, not to mention the fact that Dersai has wolf motifs incoroporated into his decor, but because DERSAI is the one calling JADEN his wolf, I kept thinking, 'Is Dersai the wolf? Is Jaden a wolf with latent powers? What the heck is going on??'
Believability was another issue. Jaden is brought in as a slave but in no time flat he's sleeping in Dersai's bed, being taught to read,given free reign of the training room, eating at the table and discussing politics. Really??
Issue 1. Though we later find out that Dersai saw Jaden in a dream and knows that Jaden is the one to help him control his beast, at the time, you're just thinking the pacing doesn't work because Jaden is given priveleges way too quickly. Also, Jaden's internal monologue doesn't work as well as previous characters.
Issue 2. We're told that this is not Dersai and Jaden's first encounter. They met briefly during a prior battle between their homelands. Jaden was captured by Dersai but things got confused and Jaden was sold to another slave owner. Ok, so we already know that upon seeing Jaden even that first time, Dersai knew this was the man from this dreams - the one to tame his curse. So, knowing this, KNOWING that Jaden is somehow pre-destined to be his mate or salve to his curse or whatever, and knowing that Jaden was originally a soldier, not a harem slave, it doesn't make sense that Dersai treats Jaden like a slave in the first place! Dersai later has the gall, when Jaden helps him snap out of his demonic phase faster than anyone else ever managed before, to boohoo that he had seen it in a dream and searched all over for Jaden once he realized he had lost him after the previous battle....to make him kneel at Dersai's table?? Argh.
At 60% I couldn't take anymore. I was bored to tears and just annoyed that this book didn't live up to the caliber of the others.
Off now to read Dominion Of The Eth. I was warned that it will be an emotional read but I'm praying it'll be worth it in the end.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 20, 2010
One of the reasons I love J.C. Owen’s books so much is because she writes about all the stuff I love to read about: Master/slave relationships that turn into more, forced slavery, fantasy stories, mates and royalty with just a dash of cruelty/abuse and a happy ending.
The Emperor’s Wolf has all of those and coupled with the way J.C. can drag you into the story made this an instant must read to me. Add into it a possessive, cruel alpha that has a soft side and I just fell in love with this book.
FYI, there’s a prologue offered on J.C.'s site for free. It was cut from the book but if you’re thinking about reading The Emperor’s Wolf, I suggest you read the prologue first. It’ll give you a better understanding of what happened before Jaden was forced into slavery.
For spoilers go here.
The Emperor’s Wolf has all of those and coupled with the way J.C. can drag you into the story made this an instant must read to me. Add into it a possessive, cruel alpha that has a soft side and I just fell in love with this book.
FYI, there’s a prologue offered on J.C.'s site for free. It was cut from the book but if you’re thinking about reading The Emperor’s Wolf, I suggest you read the prologue first. It’ll give you a better understanding of what happened before Jaden was forced into slavery.
For spoilers go here.
June 10, 2015
Oh I liked this one ... the world-building was top-notch, allowing me to submerge myself in the sights, smells and intrigues of the society depicted ... I loved the twist with the demon too ... all together is was a nice, evocative tale that I enjoyed reading ... I did find the easy loss of trust a bit WTF-ery but it was minor enough to not detract from the book as a whole ... recommended to lovers of kinky, smexy sci-fi.
March 17, 2014
I loved Dersai and Jaden. I will say that the title was somewhat misleading because I thought there was a shifter aspect to the book, but....not so much. But still, I really, really loved it!
So I'm a total sucker for the following:
*Person is wronged and thrown into the clutches of someone 'evil'
*Person wronged wants to hate 'evil' person with all of his heart
*'Evil' person turns out to be not so 'evil' and person wronged, much to his disliking, starts falling for 'evil' person
This formula is something that I always enjoy so this book was pretty much perfect for me. Another book that Mishyjo and I can cross off of our list! :)
So I'm a total sucker for the following:
*Person is wronged and thrown into the clutches of someone 'evil'
*Person wronged wants to hate 'evil' person with all of his heart
*'Evil' person turns out to be not so 'evil' and person wronged, much to his disliking, starts falling for 'evil' person
This formula is something that I always enjoy so this book was pretty much perfect for me. Another book that Mishyjo and I can cross off of our list! :)
September 4, 2012
3.5 stars
Interesting premise, but a few things distracted from the telling. The use of misunderstandings and speedy wrap up lessened the appeal of this slave/emperor love story.
Interesting premise, but a few things distracted from the telling. The use of misunderstandings and speedy wrap up lessened the appeal of this slave/emperor love story.
September 5, 2014
I liked the rough edge this had at the beginning when Jaden is harem-bound surrounded by bickering all-male harem-mates.
And then a bossypants harem bully gets in his face all tough and stuff. This could be fun.
Then Jaden’s forced to mate publicly with a woman slave. Hmmmm… missed opportunity there, shoulda been a guy.
A further damper is that Jaden is owned by a woman, no fun in that. And what’s a female mercenary is doing with a harem is anybody’s guess…
But things get righted when Jaden is reclaimed by his rightful owner-- a mysterious emperor who throws fear around-- who pretty quickly shows Jaden just how fun being a slave can be. Finally! Lots of rough, hot mansex.
I gotta say this is an odd kind of piece… is it historical fantasy? Seems like it, but then there are these futuristic Star Wars-type ‘Walkers’-- those man-operated heavy machinery, sorta like tanks on stilt legs-- that are used by the emperor in battle. Yet, everything else seems to be a throw-back. No phones, no walkie-talkies, no SUVs…
I digress.
I dunno. The hot bondage sex turned into a sweet, love-will-conquer all thing. Which is nice enough, but I was hoping for something a little darker. I think if I’d read this a couple years ago, I would have loved it more. Which is, come to think of it, when I read a lot of this author’s other stuff and liked it much better.
This was just allright.
May 1, 2016
This story runs the gamut of all the things.
It starts out dark and gritty, but then moves into awesomely dirty and then it's surprisingly romantic and sweet. I loved the setup and build of tension between the MC's. The big misunderstanding just didn't fit for me and knocked me out of the story a bit. I get that a catalyst was needed to get to the protective Wolf part, but I wish it would have been different, more complex to go with the rest of the book. Either way, the rest was amazing and seriously hot.
It starts out dark and gritty, but then moves into awesomely dirty and then it's surprisingly romantic and sweet. I loved the setup and build of tension between the MC's. The big misunderstanding just didn't fit for me and knocked me out of the story a bit. I get that a catalyst was needed to get to the protective Wolf part, but I wish it would have been different, more complex to go with the rest of the book. Either way, the rest was amazing and seriously hot.
December 6, 2010
3.5 stars
Emperor’s Wolf is a pretty typical JC Owens book. Like Gaven, Gaven 2, and Wings, this story takes place in a fantasy world that resembles ancient civilizations. Similar to ancient Greece or Rome mixed with some modern technology, the fantasy world revolves around fighting and a healthy dose of BDSM. The slave is not so much submissive as an intelligent, articulate, active man placed in slavery due to circumstance. Emperor’s Wolf doesn’t deviate from this format much but the story is still enjoyable to read.
The story follows Jaden, a soldier that’s been sold into slavery after his country was defeated in battle. Four years in sexual servitude to a sadistic woman has left Jaden a very angry, scared young man. His will to live and find his younger sister is what keeps him going despite the treatment and desolation. When he encounters the emperor of the country that had defeated his years ago, Jaden is convinced the man is a monster. Yet the emperor’s actions speak of fairness tempered with kindness and Jaden can’t help falling in love with the strong, gruff leader.
As I’ve said the plot isn’t terribly original. It’s very similar to the other books written by this author and fans of those will likely be pleased with this new couple and their antics. The sex scenes are as hot as always and the edge of rough, D/s adds a good spice to two very strong personalities. There are moments of tenderness and the love blooms slowly but surely between the two. The story definitely wants the reader to like Dersai, the emperor. Jaden constantly questions his preconceived notions with endless rhetorical questions in his mind so the reader is meant to like Dersai as well. That’s fine, if obvious, and is a theme that’s very familiar with Owens’ writing.
Both men are nicely developed and richly complex. Dersai shines as a strong, compassionate man who bears a heavy price for leadership. His treatment of Jaden is of course always caring and considerate while Jaden slowly comes to trust and desire Dersai. Their connection is immediate and the story plays this up with a good pace so their relationship makes sense while the reader understands why Jaden falls in love. The story follows their relationship the most with only a few outside influences and issues so there is low level conflict and tension. There is always the difference in their positions and the opposing alliances – Dersai to his country while Jaden struggles with alliance to his – but overall there’s no doubt these two will work things out.
The final tension is kind of obvious but still decently done. There are a few stumbles that didn’t make much sense, such as why the mystery and then the location of Jaden’s missing sister (sold back to their own country to live as a slave? That doesn’t make sense). But these are just details since the main focus is on the emotional and dramatic resolution and happy ending. I could suspend disbelief enough to go with the story easily.
The writing is pretty clean with an ease that makes these stories fun and fast to read. The descriptive quality is good, even if the world isn’t totally defined. It has a classic feel of mythology stories and I’m starting to recognize familiar elements and qualities of this author from novel to novel. I still like Gaven and Gaven 2 better but this is a very hot, entertaining story that I’d read again.
Emperor’s Wolf is a pretty typical JC Owens book. Like Gaven, Gaven 2, and Wings, this story takes place in a fantasy world that resembles ancient civilizations. Similar to ancient Greece or Rome mixed with some modern technology, the fantasy world revolves around fighting and a healthy dose of BDSM. The slave is not so much submissive as an intelligent, articulate, active man placed in slavery due to circumstance. Emperor’s Wolf doesn’t deviate from this format much but the story is still enjoyable to read.
The story follows Jaden, a soldier that’s been sold into slavery after his country was defeated in battle. Four years in sexual servitude to a sadistic woman has left Jaden a very angry, scared young man. His will to live and find his younger sister is what keeps him going despite the treatment and desolation. When he encounters the emperor of the country that had defeated his years ago, Jaden is convinced the man is a monster. Yet the emperor’s actions speak of fairness tempered with kindness and Jaden can’t help falling in love with the strong, gruff leader.
As I’ve said the plot isn’t terribly original. It’s very similar to the other books written by this author and fans of those will likely be pleased with this new couple and their antics. The sex scenes are as hot as always and the edge of rough, D/s adds a good spice to two very strong personalities. There are moments of tenderness and the love blooms slowly but surely between the two. The story definitely wants the reader to like Dersai, the emperor. Jaden constantly questions his preconceived notions with endless rhetorical questions in his mind so the reader is meant to like Dersai as well. That’s fine, if obvious, and is a theme that’s very familiar with Owens’ writing.
Both men are nicely developed and richly complex. Dersai shines as a strong, compassionate man who bears a heavy price for leadership. His treatment of Jaden is of course always caring and considerate while Jaden slowly comes to trust and desire Dersai. Their connection is immediate and the story plays this up with a good pace so their relationship makes sense while the reader understands why Jaden falls in love. The story follows their relationship the most with only a few outside influences and issues so there is low level conflict and tension. There is always the difference in their positions and the opposing alliances – Dersai to his country while Jaden struggles with alliance to his – but overall there’s no doubt these two will work things out.
The final tension is kind of obvious but still decently done. There are a few stumbles that didn’t make much sense, such as why the mystery and then the location of Jaden’s missing sister (sold back to their own country to live as a slave? That doesn’t make sense). But these are just details since the main focus is on the emotional and dramatic resolution and happy ending. I could suspend disbelief enough to go with the story easily.
The writing is pretty clean with an ease that makes these stories fun and fast to read. The descriptive quality is good, even if the world isn’t totally defined. It has a classic feel of mythology stories and I’m starting to recognize familiar elements and qualities of this author from novel to novel. I still like Gaven and Gaven 2 better but this is a very hot, entertaining story that I’d read again.
September 28, 2013
It took me about two thirds of the way through this read to realize why it just wasn’t working for me: it felt the same as when I try to watch a fluffy romance movie, which is… fluff. Let me get more specific and maybe work through this, for myself and for you if you’re deciding whether or not to read this book.
There are repetitive passages, the main character Jaden continuously asking himself the same questions, pondering the same wonderings. If he couldn’t figure it out, we weren’t going to based on the detail given. I wouldn’t go as far as to say frustration but just mild annoyance.
There are a few sex scenes, decent in length but they are also repetitive in terms used to describe action and body parts. There is no real variation. Now, I’m not saying you need to use every term in ye ole sex dicktionary but we’re variations exemplified by simply being human. Would have been nice to feel that here, too. It almost feels like there is a distance between the author and their characters? So as a reader, I felt that distance, too.
I liken the experience to this: you’ve spent some time at a wonderful hotel with great staff and delish eats (Bushmills Inn – FAB) and then your next stop is a bit of a let-down, it’s clean but the service isn’t consistent and the food is acceptable (Ramada Encore in Belfast – no). Unavoidable let-down? Probably. It may sound like a comparison, this book to others, and it is partly, but the writing felt lacking in individual creativity, joy in as much, and honesty in in the way Jaden and Dersai (his master turned lover) justify their feelings and reactions. I wouldn’t even say it felt forced, it just wasn’t… there, at least not for me. Ugh, I don’t like saying that but it’s the truth.
As for the big reveal, I saw it coming. Or, at least, it seemed to be the only explanation for Dersai’s behavior and Jaden’s apparent role in life, in their shared life. I wasn’t surprised. Maybe that was another issue, not really any surprises here. This is where the feeling like a fluffy romance movie bit comes in. Warning, warning, danger, Will Robinson (big points if you get that reference! Go google “danger, Will Robinson”, one of the best sci-fi shows should come up LOL – wow, totally OT), rather cheesy words have surrounded you.
Now, having said all of that, if you’re into romance set against a lightly skimmed background of master/slave kink (though there really isn’t much of that, either), then definitely read this. If you’re reading history isn’t bulging (had to) with M/M titles, then read this and you’ll get a nice entre into the genre and probably get a taste for more. This one just wasn't for me. I hope that it will be for you. :)
Overall, this book isn’t horrible and it’s not fantastic, it’s right down the middle. If I could give 2.5 stars, I would. Since I can’t, I’ll round up to three since it’s less horrible than it is fantastic.
There are repetitive passages, the main character Jaden continuously asking himself the same questions, pondering the same wonderings. If he couldn’t figure it out, we weren’t going to based on the detail given. I wouldn’t go as far as to say frustration but just mild annoyance.
There are a few sex scenes, decent in length but they are also repetitive in terms used to describe action and body parts. There is no real variation. Now, I’m not saying you need to use every term in ye ole sex dicktionary but we’re variations exemplified by simply being human. Would have been nice to feel that here, too. It almost feels like there is a distance between the author and their characters? So as a reader, I felt that distance, too.
I liken the experience to this: you’ve spent some time at a wonderful hotel with great staff and delish eats (Bushmills Inn – FAB) and then your next stop is a bit of a let-down, it’s clean but the service isn’t consistent and the food is acceptable (Ramada Encore in Belfast – no). Unavoidable let-down? Probably. It may sound like a comparison, this book to others, and it is partly, but the writing felt lacking in individual creativity, joy in as much, and honesty in in the way Jaden and Dersai (his master turned lover) justify their feelings and reactions. I wouldn’t even say it felt forced, it just wasn’t… there, at least not for me. Ugh, I don’t like saying that but it’s the truth.
As for the big reveal, I saw it coming. Or, at least, it seemed to be the only explanation for Dersai’s behavior and Jaden’s apparent role in life, in their shared life. I wasn’t surprised. Maybe that was another issue, not really any surprises here. This is where the feeling like a fluffy romance movie bit comes in. Warning, warning, danger, Will Robinson (big points if you get that reference! Go google “danger, Will Robinson”, one of the best sci-fi shows should come up LOL – wow, totally OT), rather cheesy words have surrounded you.
Now, having said all of that, if you’re into romance set against a lightly skimmed background of master/slave kink (though there really isn’t much of that, either), then definitely read this. If you’re reading history isn’t bulging (had to) with M/M titles, then read this and you’ll get a nice entre into the genre and probably get a taste for more. This one just wasn't for me. I hope that it will be for you. :)
Overall, this book isn’t horrible and it’s not fantastic, it’s right down the middle. If I could give 2.5 stars, I would. Since I can’t, I’ll round up to three since it’s less horrible than it is fantastic.
April 13, 2012
*sigh*.
I won't go into plot--I never do, since I'm never the first to read and review a book.
I wasn't disappointed in this book, since I wasn't expecting much, but it was just okay to me. My opinion of it may have suffered because the other slave book I read simultaneously was just so much better, but here goes my list.
The story was okay. Not original, but not overplayed for me yet. The downfall, for me, was the writing. The proofing was surprisingly good for the genre--it wasn't full of misspelled words. There were a couple of words that just don't exist and really didn't need to be coined--like 'trepidant', which is a Latin word; or 'incomprehensively', which should probably just have been 'wordlessly'. Then there was the misplaced 'undetermined age', instead of 'indeterminate age'. So editing is a problem, if not proofing.
But still, what really got me was the awkwardness of the prose. It didn't flow, it wasn't beautiful, and it was in the way. It brought attention to itself with its ungainliness. And by the time I got to the story's climax, I didn't want to read anymore. I finished because I hate to review a book I haven't finished; but only because of that. And I don't feel the finishing added anything to my experience, except the unambiguously happy ending that I knew was coming anyway.
The sex was really good and made it worth reading...until the sex stopped.
Once the problems were resolved, this book became so sappy, I no longer felt like I was reading about men. That's a pet peeve of mine, so I won't dwell on it--either it's a problem for you, too, or it's not. For most women, I have a feeling it's not.
Overall, I wouldn't recommend this book to people who need their m/m to be well-written. If you're willing to overlook prose for some good sex and a happy ending, though, you could do worse. I wish I felt comfortable rating the myriad stories I start but can't even be bothered to finish, as they would lend some perspective to this review. But to temper this review, I'll only say, at least I could finish the book.
I won't go into plot--I never do, since I'm never the first to read and review a book.
I wasn't disappointed in this book, since I wasn't expecting much, but it was just okay to me. My opinion of it may have suffered because the other slave book I read simultaneously was just so much better, but here goes my list.
The story was okay. Not original, but not overplayed for me yet. The downfall, for me, was the writing. The proofing was surprisingly good for the genre--it wasn't full of misspelled words. There were a couple of words that just don't exist and really didn't need to be coined--like 'trepidant', which is a Latin word; or 'incomprehensively', which should probably just have been 'wordlessly'. Then there was the misplaced 'undetermined age', instead of 'indeterminate age'. So editing is a problem, if not proofing.
But still, what really got me was the awkwardness of the prose. It didn't flow, it wasn't beautiful, and it was in the way. It brought attention to itself with its ungainliness. And by the time I got to the story's climax, I didn't want to read anymore. I finished because I hate to review a book I haven't finished; but only because of that. And I don't feel the finishing added anything to my experience, except the unambiguously happy ending that I knew was coming anyway.
The sex was really good and made it worth reading...until the sex stopped.
Once the problems were resolved, this book became so sappy, I no longer felt like I was reading about men. That's a pet peeve of mine, so I won't dwell on it--either it's a problem for you, too, or it's not. For most women, I have a feeling it's not.
Overall, I wouldn't recommend this book to people who need their m/m to be well-written. If you're willing to overlook prose for some good sex and a happy ending, though, you could do worse. I wish I felt comfortable rating the myriad stories I start but can't even be bothered to finish, as they would lend some perspective to this review. But to temper this review, I'll only say, at least I could finish the book.
February 3, 2021
Although, I definitely would have liked this to be longer it was still very good. I have really enjoyed the books that I have read by this author so far but they seem like a sprinter instead of a long distance type of writer. The stories have been extremely interesting and the world building and characters are intriguing but they are just not that long. They are kind of straight and to the point. I think this one might have been the longest one I have read yet.
My only complaint besides the length is that they never spoke of the original slave owner again. It would have been nice to see some comeuppance but it didn't pan out.
My only complaint besides the length is that they never spoke of the original slave owner again. It would have been nice to see some comeuppance but it didn't pan out.
December 29, 2014
The world building and the way society was formed in this story was quite impressive. The functions of males and females on this world was also intriguing.
Although I like reading some hot man-on-man action as much as the next person, it wouldn't have hurt to tone it down just a tad (that's just me of course). The best element of the story for me was the mystery of the curse behind the royal family of Tranaden.
Good story overall
June 4, 2016
Started well, plot got silly towards the end, found myself skimming. Felt like it should be historical fiction but then electronic war machines were introduced - odd.
'Then Dersai drew Jaden down and kissed him tenderly. The kiss was... more somehow. Jaden closed his eyes, brought his hand up to stroke his master's cheek, and drank in the taste that was Dersai.'
'Then Dersai drew Jaden down and kissed him tenderly. The kiss was... more somehow. Jaden closed his eyes, brought his hand up to stroke his master's cheek, and drank in the taste that was Dersai.'
July 27, 2014
3.5 rounded down because of the misunderstanding and the rushed ending. Also, not sure how we went from a promising slave fic to the fluff piece we ended up with. I liked both parts, but maybe not together. Other than that, I enjoyed this story, and would read it again :)
November 30, 2010
Excellent book - and a bit unexpected plot wise. The way the story starts you believe things will be one way and they are the opposite. Loved it!
October 28, 2013
After the first couple chapters, I thought this would be a 4 star book, but it just went downhill from there. By around 90%, I just wanted it to end and didn't care how.
June 14, 2016
Great storyline... Very Steamy without it overtaking the plot and it rounded off satisfactorily ...
I enjoyed it.
I enjoyed it.
February 21, 2021
Kinda like captive prince. Too bad this author isn't on KU.
June 10, 2013
Inside the spoiler is a part commentary as I read the thing (I read the last half away from my computer, so I couldn't comment as I went). It's probably out of order and not very coherent/cohesive. Oh, well.
There wasn't enough actual tension. It's like the author wanted to, but was afraid to delve too deeply into it for fear of either falling into a pit that she can't climb back out of or of insulting someone.
Anyway, this is creating some rather odd Twilight parallels for me, but I think it's more because this book has me speaking in tropes, which, though amusing for me (very exasperating at times), is by no means a good sign for this book.
I'd be more inclined, I think to rate this a 2.5, because it was slightly amusing, albeit not the way the author intended (as in, in a sort of...farcical comedy way...).
(Anyway, the above is why I usually wait until AFTER I'm done reading to review [and then I just go on vague memory and whatever residual impression I have left] and any comments I might have I comment to friends through chat who have absolutely no idea what I'm talking about :D)
There wasn't enough actual tension. It's like the author wanted to, but was afraid to delve too deeply into it for fear of either falling into a pit that she can't climb back out of or of insulting someone.
Anyway, this is creating some rather odd Twilight parallels for me, but I think it's more because this book has me speaking in tropes, which, though amusing for me (very exasperating at times), is by no means a good sign for this book.
I'd be more inclined, I think to rate this a 2.5, because it was slightly amusing, albeit not the way the author intended (as in, in a sort of...farcical comedy way...).
(Anyway, the above is why I usually wait until AFTER I'm done reading to review [and then I just go on vague memory and whatever residual impression I have left] and any comments I might have I comment to friends through chat who have absolutely no idea what I'm talking about :D)
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