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A Dish Served Cold
There is one upside to almost getting raped. It proves that you're at least desirable to someone. Maybe Andrew Ashton is just a little bit too rational for his own good. Not however where it concerns his best friend Sean Denham, scion of a political dynasty, and like him from a privileged background. There's only one problem: Sean is straight. Of course he is.
Being born into money was up until now one of the smartest moves Andrew Nathaniel Ashton VII ever made. It keeps him free from worries about his future, earning a living and more of those trivialities, so he can dedicate himself to the really important things in life. Like getting laid.
In his society indentured servitude, commonly known as slavery, has been reintroduced for several, but mainly economical reasons. It doesn't bother him all that much. Slaves are kept on large farming corporations, in factories, in the backside of stores and such. Out of sight.
Andrew knows slavery exists, and he doesn't approve, but on the other hand, it is not as if he made the system what it is, is it? Yes, there was this one time when it touched him personally, but what could he do about it? It is not as if slavery is ever going to become a personal issue, is it?
Andrew thinks the future, all in all, looks bright and carefree. He thinks he is about to find true love. He thinks he is safe.
He is wrong.
You can read the first nine chapters online here.
Being born into money was up until now one of the smartest moves Andrew Nathaniel Ashton VII ever made. It keeps him free from worries about his future, earning a living and more of those trivialities, so he can dedicate himself to the really important things in life. Like getting laid.
In his society indentured servitude, commonly known as slavery, has been reintroduced for several, but mainly economical reasons. It doesn't bother him all that much. Slaves are kept on large farming corporations, in factories, in the backside of stores and such. Out of sight.
Andrew knows slavery exists, and he doesn't approve, but on the other hand, it is not as if he made the system what it is, is it? Yes, there was this one time when it touched him personally, but what could he do about it? It is not as if slavery is ever going to become a personal issue, is it?
Andrew thinks the future, all in all, looks bright and carefree. He thinks he is about to find true love. He thinks he is safe.
He is wrong.
You can read the first nine chapters online here.
235 pages, ebook
First published February 21, 2009
11 people are currently reading
385 people want to read
About the author
Andrew Ashling
19 books175 followersI write mainly Epic Historical Fantasy with Gay Main Characters
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You can read the first twelve chapters of the Dark Tales of Randamor the Recluse series on my website, Ximerion .
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If you'd like me to send you an email when I release a new book, you can subscribe to my New Releases Newsletter
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You can follow me on Bluesky
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I have no great literary ambitions. I just tell stories, and I try to do it as good as I can, hoping other people will enjoy reading them.
Most of them have explicit scenes in them, often of a rather kinky nature. But they're only the raisins in the pudding, because — as I already said — I actually enjoy telling stories. That means there always is a plot, or, more often, several plots.
I love exploring what makes people tick, what makes them do the often quirky things they do. Also, I enjoy playing with expectations, boundaries, taboos even.
I don't think I'm going to send out friend requests myself. I write stuff and people get the impression that you only want to befriend them to get them to read your work and write reviews.
That's not to say I don't want friends (or reviews, for that matter). If you want to befriend me, just send me an invitation. I will almost certainly accept.
If you have questions, or remarks, or you need to contact me for another reason, you're very welcome to do so through this contact form .
Andrew
----------
You can read the first twelve chapters of the Dark Tales of Randamor the Recluse series on my website, Ximerion .
----------
If you'd like me to send you an email when I release a new book, you can subscribe to my New Releases Newsletter
----------
You can follow me on Bluesky
----------
I have no great literary ambitions. I just tell stories, and I try to do it as good as I can, hoping other people will enjoy reading them.
Most of them have explicit scenes in them, often of a rather kinky nature. But they're only the raisins in the pudding, because — as I already said — I actually enjoy telling stories. That means there always is a plot, or, more often, several plots.
I love exploring what makes people tick, what makes them do the often quirky things they do. Also, I enjoy playing with expectations, boundaries, taboos even.
I don't think I'm going to send out friend requests myself. I write stuff and people get the impression that you only want to befriend them to get them to read your work and write reviews.
That's not to say I don't want friends (or reviews, for that matter). If you want to befriend me, just send me an invitation. I will almost certainly accept.
If you have questions, or remarks, or you need to contact me for another reason, you're very welcome to do so through this contact form .
Andrew
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
August 29, 2011
Disclaimer: I only read 75% of the story. Put it down and never picked it up again. It's not that I don't like the subject matter--in fact, the only reason I got through 75% of it was because this sort of stuff pushes all my buttons and so few people write material of this nature. What I didn't like was the way it was handled.
The story is full of grossly implausible situations and behaviors, even within the context of the world it created. Everything was explained and narrated to within an inch of its life (and sometimes well beyond). I liked the way in which the society spiraled so out of control--I thought that was an excellent mirror to hold up to just about any abuse of power, though it read more like a soapbox than a novel--but the author didn't even bother attempting to weave that information in naturally; instead there was just a giant expository info dump at the beginning of the book. Which pretty much sets the tone for the whole thing: one giant expository info dump after another, and worse, they meander all over the place. The story goes off into tangent after tangent. Even the places where the material is actually relevant to plot and character lack focus and wander all over the page.
It's sad because this author is certainly capable of crafting a sentence, and the idea of the world he's created is a fascinating one. Alas, everything was handled with a bludgeon rather than a scalpel, and with a degree of either laziness or utter lack of editorial direction (or both) that made the book suffer deeply--frankly, to and past the point of failure.
I know a lot of people raved about this book, but I can't help but think they were raving about the idea of it rather than the execution of it, which fell so flat I felt nothing pretty much the entire way through--even at the parts where clearly I was supposed to be moved and horrified and full of pity. (Of course, YMMV.) I wish this author had had a strong enough editor and the three or four months of reworking and rewriting it would have taken to kick the book into shape. I do suspect the talent's there, and certainly the creativity. But none of it was realized in this story.
The story is full of grossly implausible situations and behaviors, even within the context of the world it created. Everything was explained and narrated to within an inch of its life (and sometimes well beyond). I liked the way in which the society spiraled so out of control--I thought that was an excellent mirror to hold up to just about any abuse of power, though it read more like a soapbox than a novel--but the author didn't even bother attempting to weave that information in naturally; instead there was just a giant expository info dump at the beginning of the book. Which pretty much sets the tone for the whole thing: one giant expository info dump after another, and worse, they meander all over the place. The story goes off into tangent after tangent. Even the places where the material is actually relevant to plot and character lack focus and wander all over the page.
It's sad because this author is certainly capable of crafting a sentence, and the idea of the world he's created is a fascinating one. Alas, everything was handled with a bludgeon rather than a scalpel, and with a degree of either laziness or utter lack of editorial direction (or both) that made the book suffer deeply--frankly, to and past the point of failure.
I know a lot of people raved about this book, but I can't help but think they were raving about the idea of it rather than the execution of it, which fell so flat I felt nothing pretty much the entire way through--even at the parts where clearly I was supposed to be moved and horrified and full of pity. (Of course, YMMV.) I wish this author had had a strong enough editor and the three or four months of reworking and rewriting it would have taken to kick the book into shape. I do suspect the talent's there, and certainly the creativity. But none of it was realized in this story.
October 4, 2011
Just when I thought there was nothing really new in the M/M genre... There are some great reviews of this book so I won't restate what so many others have already said. Yes, there were a few editing issues but I've come to expect that in most of the books being churned out these days. It didn't detract from the amazing story telling. The world that Andrew paints is fascinating. It made me engage my brain which is something far too many stories never do. Some scenes are graphic and hard to read, even when happening to characters you loath, but they were necessary to the story. There was nothing gratuitous about any of it. I'm looking forward to more of Mr. Ashling's writing. I hope he continues to break the mold and write intelligent, thought provoking stories.
Want to read
March 22, 2011The reviews look good. The blurb for this is horrible, offensive and should be changed.
"There is one upside to almost getting raped. It proves that you're at least desirable to someone"
Are you effing kidding me? Rape is NEVER about attraction. It is ASSAULT. It is about power and sickness and hurting another person, not about sexual attraction.
From the reviews I get the impression that this unfortunate blurb does not reflect the opinions of the author.
"There is one upside to almost getting raped. It proves that you're at least desirable to someone"
Are you effing kidding me? Rape is NEVER about attraction. It is ASSAULT. It is about power and sickness and hurting another person, not about sexual attraction.
From the reviews I get the impression that this unfortunate blurb does not reflect the opinions of the author.
February 27, 2011
A DISH SERVED COLD is one of those stories that can push buttons with the readers. For me it pushed all the right buttons. At the foundation of this world there's a slavery system that is born from trying to do good but gradually disintegrated into a full-fledged game of corrupt power play. It challenged my morals, it engaged a spectrum of emotions and from start to finish the author held me riveted to the pages what was to befall the main protag; Andrew.
Andrew was a normal teenager of fifteen years old; hormones raging, spending all his time with a few good friends and living a privileged life of the rich. Even though it all started a bit as an easy-to-read coming of age story where crushes and struggles were the main events, it slowly turned more serious and edgier. Andrew was confronted with problems that challenged his own outlook on life and I was fascinated by the internal dilemma's it presented. As the story progressed he grew in to a character of depth because what was right and what was wrong? I love complex characters or situations and Andrew Ashling definitely searched for the boundaries.
Personally, I don't think I will forget chapter ten anytime soon. In it a conversation took place that conveyed such details that it shocked my emotions in an uproar of anger and fear. I was preparing for a lot but the author managed to deliver a surprising plot point which kept me on the edge of my seat. The authors writing and characters kept me immersed in all that was going on and felt. Because, whether friend or foe, each character added a distinct voice to the overall story.
I thought the budding romance intense and in the end well rounded but I could have used more one on one time between Andrew and his love interest. The erotic moments were saturated with hormone raging need and it fitted the characters. There might be scenes that can get graphic and might be too much for a reader but for me it all enhanced the vibe of the world Andrew and those dear to him lived in.
When I finished the story I was wow-ed and for me there were some unique theme's, intriguing plot angle's, mixed with teenage tropes and a great sense of world building. Andrew Ashling is an author who has a way of blending it all in to a story that lingers, and in my avid reading world those are the kind of stories I always love to discover!
4.5 stars
Andrew was a normal teenager of fifteen years old; hormones raging, spending all his time with a few good friends and living a privileged life of the rich. Even though it all started a bit as an easy-to-read coming of age story where crushes and struggles were the main events, it slowly turned more serious and edgier. Andrew was confronted with problems that challenged his own outlook on life and I was fascinated by the internal dilemma's it presented. As the story progressed he grew in to a character of depth because what was right and what was wrong? I love complex characters or situations and Andrew Ashling definitely searched for the boundaries.
Personally, I don't think I will forget chapter ten anytime soon. In it a conversation took place that conveyed such details that it shocked my emotions in an uproar of anger and fear. I was preparing for a lot but the author managed to deliver a surprising plot point which kept me on the edge of my seat. The authors writing and characters kept me immersed in all that was going on and felt. Because, whether friend or foe, each character added a distinct voice to the overall story.
I thought the budding romance intense and in the end well rounded but I could have used more one on one time between Andrew and his love interest. The erotic moments were saturated with hormone raging need and it fitted the characters. There might be scenes that can get graphic and might be too much for a reader but for me it all enhanced the vibe of the world Andrew and those dear to him lived in.
When I finished the story I was wow-ed and for me there were some unique theme's, intriguing plot angle's, mixed with teenage tropes and a great sense of world building. Andrew Ashling is an author who has a way of blending it all in to a story that lingers, and in my avid reading world those are the kind of stories I always love to discover!
4.5 stars
July 22, 2011
Well, that was unexpected. Most m/m books are fluffy bunny books with romance and bodice-ripping heroines, errr... heroes. You don't expect well thought out social issues, a very well developed alternate universe and a thrilling, engrossing plot that DOESN'T revolve around the main character getting laid.
This book can be a difficult read for some people, but I think it's worth it. The main character has significant substance to him beyond just being a horny teenager. The supporting characters are also well developed and interesting. The whole indentured servant aspect is thoroughly thought out and presented.
It started a little slow in that I wasn't sure where the book was going, but I basically read it in one sitting. I really like the author's writing style and love the way the book ended.
Really quite surprised, this book is definitely well above the average in the m/m genre.
This book can be a difficult read for some people, but I think it's worth it. The main character has significant substance to him beyond just being a horny teenager. The supporting characters are also well developed and interesting. The whole indentured servant aspect is thoroughly thought out and presented.
It started a little slow in that I wasn't sure where the book was going, but I basically read it in one sitting. I really like the author's writing style and love the way the book ended.
Really quite surprised, this book is definitely well above the average in the m/m genre.
November 20, 2010
This is only the second YA story I've read and I really enjoyed it. Andrew Ashton is growing up in a world similar to ours but with one big difference, slavery is legal. He comes from a wealthy family although both he and his mother differ from the norm and are uncomfortable with the institution of slavery. The story follows him from the age of fourteen to eighteen with an epilogue that recaps the rest of his life. The author takes the reader on an emotional roller coaster ride as Andrew experiences so much during that time including a near rape, loss of innocence both sexual and emotional, painful personal losses as well as new love.
There are themes in this book that may not be for everyone including very graphic details about the slavery system and the violence perpetrated on the enslaved as well as the sexual activity of under-aged boys. I myself had a problem reading the story and almost gave up on it but I'm so glad I kept at it. Even with my reservations I truly enjoyed reading Andrew's story. A Dish Served Cold is a well written story that does more than just entertain, it also makes you think. As the slavery issue was first being described it almost made a certain kind of sick sense. I could imagine just how easy it could be, once the first step is taken, to let it take on a life of it's own. Before long what starts out as a way to help both the economy and people becomes full fledged slavery in a very scary way.
Once I accepted that not everything in this story was going to be easy to read I became immersed in the events told mainly thru Andrew's eyes. The highs and lows, the good and bad, the beautiful moments and the ugly truths he learns all combined to make this an entertaining and thought provoking story. I liked the author's writing style although I did feel at times that Andrew was perhaps too mature for his age. It was a bit hard sometimes to believe he was so young from the way he comes through in the book however that didn't take away too much from my enjoyment. I did waffle a bit on the rating because of my reservations with parts of the story but when I realized I was thinking about the story long after I'd finished it and wishing there had been more to it I felt it deserved a five star rating. Highly recommended.
There are themes in this book that may not be for everyone including very graphic details about the slavery system and the violence perpetrated on the enslaved as well as the sexual activity of under-aged boys. I myself had a problem reading the story and almost gave up on it but I'm so glad I kept at it. Even with my reservations I truly enjoyed reading Andrew's story. A Dish Served Cold is a well written story that does more than just entertain, it also makes you think. As the slavery issue was first being described it almost made a certain kind of sick sense. I could imagine just how easy it could be, once the first step is taken, to let it take on a life of it's own. Before long what starts out as a way to help both the economy and people becomes full fledged slavery in a very scary way.
Once I accepted that not everything in this story was going to be easy to read I became immersed in the events told mainly thru Andrew's eyes. The highs and lows, the good and bad, the beautiful moments and the ugly truths he learns all combined to make this an entertaining and thought provoking story. I liked the author's writing style although I did feel at times that Andrew was perhaps too mature for his age. It was a bit hard sometimes to believe he was so young from the way he comes through in the book however that didn't take away too much from my enjoyment. I did waffle a bit on the rating because of my reservations with parts of the story but when I realized I was thinking about the story long after I'd finished it and wishing there had been more to it I felt it deserved a five star rating. Highly recommended.
October 13, 2016
After reading this story I read the review written by Lily. I couldn't agree with her more. I particularly agreed with how the whole indentured service/slavery issue was described and how it did make a sick kind of sense. Excellent, excellent review, it summarizes this story perfectly, so yeah...what she said.
What I really like about this author is how easily he manages to manipulate emotions or rather mess with your head. You know he's going to do it, he kind of warns you that this is his intent and still manages to pull the rug from under you when you think you have things figured out. There was a line that stuck with me: "We watched, torn between bewilderment, revulsion and captivation." That's pretty much how I felt reading it too.
What I really like about this author is how easily he manages to manipulate emotions or rather mess with your head. You know he's going to do it, he kind of warns you that this is his intent and still manages to pull the rug from under you when you think you have things figured out. There was a line that stuck with me: "We watched, torn between bewilderment, revulsion and captivation." That's pretty much how I felt reading it too.
June 21, 2011
4.5 out of 5 stars. An utterly intense read - at times, my stomach was tied in knots thinking of what might happen next. Yes, it started slowly, although I have to admit I loved the irreverent first-person narrative of the main character, Andrew Ashton, even when there was a lot of information being fed to me. But then, about halfway through, I just couldn't put the book down - it was addictive and disturbing, all at the same time.
MILD SPOILERS FOLLOW:
Overall, an outstanding and memorable read. Raw, powerful and devastating.
MILD SPOILERS FOLLOW:
Overall, an outstanding and memorable read. Raw, powerful and devastating.
July 23, 2011
I was very impressed by the book (so much, it gave me a bad dream last night).
Perhaps I got too immersed in the story that I didn't sense a repetitive pattern in describing the horrors of indentured servitude. I was actually sucked in by the telling, horrified and apprehensive of what would happen to the main character (what any human being would experience going through something like that).
And then I was drawn by the myriad of characters parading in the story, from Sean, the kindhearted best friend, Toby, the team assistant and part time sexual partner to the team members, Eric, the knight in shinning armor that in turn gets his protegee to save him, to Davey, partner, soulmate, lover, friend and brother. Each unique in their own way and bringing flavor to the story.
I was a bit surprised by the style of writing at first but gradually, it helped me to better feel the story. And it was clever to add the last bit, an overview of what happened afterwards, 100 after the events and by none other than the descendent. It was emotional and intense. But it will be quite a while before I feel like re-reading it, thus the 4 star rating.
Perhaps I got too immersed in the story that I didn't sense a repetitive pattern in describing the horrors of indentured servitude. I was actually sucked in by the telling, horrified and apprehensive of what would happen to the main character (what any human being would experience going through something like that).
And then I was drawn by the myriad of characters parading in the story, from Sean, the kindhearted best friend, Toby, the team assistant and part time sexual partner to the team members, Eric, the knight in shinning armor that in turn gets his protegee to save him, to Davey, partner, soulmate, lover, friend and brother. Each unique in their own way and bringing flavor to the story.
I was a bit surprised by the style of writing at first but gradually, it helped me to better feel the story. And it was clever to add the last bit, an overview of what happened afterwards, 100 after the events and by none other than the descendent. It was emotional and intense. But it will be quite a while before I feel like re-reading it, thus the 4 star rating.
Read
December 28, 2013I'm going to be honest here. This book is not for everyone. And I'm not even sure it was for me. It's dark, gritty, brutal, and not easy on people.
Let me say this, if you like a sweet romance, avoid this book. There is a romance. It can be seen as sweet, I suppose. But there is so much to this book that you really need to be prepared for everything. You can skim this, if you want, but there are parts that might capture your interest and if you don't like darker themes, slavery, you would not like this book.
I'm conflicted about this book. I can't say I liked it. But I can't say I disliked it either. There's not a lot I can say about this without giving away too much.
There are many things about this book. It's abuse and torture. It's a romance between two boys. There is a character that is supposed to be liked, I think. But not everyone will. I'm not sure I even did. And I managed to read the whole thing.
The epilogue was nice... different. I think it finished the book nicely. And I will think on it a bit more. For now, though, I am not rating it while I think on it.
Let me say this, if you like a sweet romance, avoid this book. There is a romance. It can be seen as sweet, I suppose. But there is so much to this book that you really need to be prepared for everything. You can skim this, if you want, but there are parts that might capture your interest and if you don't like darker themes, slavery, you would not like this book.
I'm conflicted about this book. I can't say I liked it. But I can't say I disliked it either. There's not a lot I can say about this without giving away too much.
There are many things about this book. It's abuse and torture. It's a romance between two boys. There is a character that is supposed to be liked, I think. But not everyone will. I'm not sure I even did. And I managed to read the whole thing.
The epilogue was nice... different. I think it finished the book nicely. And I will think on it a bit more. For now, though, I am not rating it while I think on it.
August 2, 2011
There were not enough tissues in the house to finish this book. I had to go grab a roll of toilet paper out of the hall closet *sniffle*
I stayed up all night and my eyes are puffy but it was well worth it.
I stayed up all night and my eyes are puffy but it was well worth it.
October 25, 2015
2011 Rainbow Awards Honorable Mention (5* from at least 1 judge)
February 25, 2012
Andrew Ashton is only fourteen when his mother’s attorney tries to molest him. Although Andrew is at first disgusted and rebuffs the lawyer’s advances, ultimately Andrew pities the man and has sex with him voluntarily. Oddly the boy is on some level flattered by the attention, and he concludes that the poor pedophile cannot help the fact that he’s attracted to young, attractive boys.
Andrew knows already that he is gay, and he’s secretly harbored a crush on his closest friend Sean Denham. Sean has no interest in Andrew, however, for he is straight. When Andrew finally musters the courage to come out to Sean, his friend is very supportive. In fact, Sean even goes so far as to offer to have sex with Andrew in order to preserve their friendship. Andrew, of course, declines the offer, knowing it would merely be pity sex.
Sean is the first of three love interests which are introduced in the story. Toby is the second. He’s a water boy for the school’s basketball team. Andrew finds him on his property one evening, hiding naked in the bushes. He has just been raped, and the perpetrator has stolen his clothing. He also has walked through broken glass, and the shards are imbedded in the boy’s feet. Andrew rescues him, takes him home and clothes him, tends to his wounded feet. The two make love and are henceforth eternally fond of one another. Toby, however, is romantically involved with several members of the basketball team and is not seeking a relationship.
It is Andrew’s step brother Davey, whom Andrew deeply desires. The boy is younger than Andrew and is quiet and delicate. Andrew fantasizes about him and craves his affection, but he is uncertain of how young Davey will receive his advances. Again Andrew conceals his feelings and pines away his infatuation for his fantasy lover.
Davey’s elder brother Dan is the polar opposite of the introverted Davey. Dan is brash and obnoxious, and Andrew despises him. When Andrew’s mother dies a few months prior to Andrew’s eighteenth birthday, Dan and his father devise a plan to enslave Andrew and steal his inheritance. Andrew learns about it at the very last moment and has just enough time to turn the tables on the evildoers and exact a scheme of diabolical revenge.
If this plot summary seems confusing, the book itself proves to be all the more overwhelming. Numerous characters and sub-plots emerge, and a cohesive theme is not immediately apparent. It feels almost as if the story were written as a serial of installments which were eventually pieced together to form a single book.
The topic of indentured service, or slavery, is introduced early in the story and initially appears to be incidental to the plot. In this fictional modernistic setting, slavery is a reality which appears to be accepted by-and-large by mainstream society. Humans are sold into slavery as a means of satisfying financial debt. It is also used as a crime deterrent, and instead of imprisoning criminals, the government merely enslaves them.
Within this context, slavery is not regarded as an expression of BDSM power play. In fact, although submissive characters are introduced, the very idea of an unequal relationship is dismissed as unhealthy or insane. Slavery is presented as an evil and sadistic form of torture, and the cruel manner in which humans are broken into their roles as slaves is described in a shockingly titillating and graphically humiliating manner. The author goes into explicit detail as he portrays the sexual public humiliation of these hapless victims.
The writing style is free-flowing and conversational. The bulk of the novel is written in the first person narrative, told by the protagonist Andrew. The epilogue is told in third person. Throughout the book, the author occasionally slips into monologues where he addresses his reading audience directly. These brief patches of second-person narrative are somewhat jarring.
My biggest issues with the story itself were the casual manner in which pedophilia was presented and the mixed messages which were expressed about the Dom/sub dynamic. Admittedly, I have a personal bias about the issue of pedophilia, and for this reason I’m not confident that I can objectively evaluate a book which deals with this topic. My subjective opinion clearly is one of distaste. I was repulsed by the pedophile character Geoffrey and was disgusted that he was written sympathetically.
Concerning the Dom/sub element within the story, I felt the relationship between Andrew and Davey had the potential to be explored in depth. Obviously Davey identified as sub and Andrew was rather dominant, yet the author seemed to be suggesting that submissiveness was synonymous with low self esteem. It seemed to me that the story was an indictment upon the entire Dom/sub dynamic, although the twisted form of slavery which was depicted is nothing at all like a real-life BDSM relationship.
It also seemed contradictory to me that the graphic humiliation scenes were written in such a titillating manner, yet the story’s message was that this was barbaric and sadistic. I almost felt as if I should feel guilty for having been aroused by the humiliation.
There were some scenes within the book which required me to suspend disbelief. When Toby was rescued and had shards of glass embedded in the soles of his feet, he did not even bleed when the glass was removed. He also immediately walked thereafter. In another scene, a man was fisted without any lubrication being used.
Generally speaking, I enjoyed the writing style of this author. I found the central character to be endearing, and I yearned for him to discover genuine happiness. I felt the revenge scene accomplished the objective for which it was written, but I was confused as to its message. It seemed the author was toying with his own attraction to Domination, yet he couldn’t allow himself to write a hot Dom scene simply for the sake of it. He had to instead present it as evil.
I’d love to see a BDSM story by this author, one in which the hot Domination scenes are presented guilt-free as an expression of delicious power play. The author clearly has a talent; I’m just not sure I can embrace the premise of this particular story.
Andrew knows already that he is gay, and he’s secretly harbored a crush on his closest friend Sean Denham. Sean has no interest in Andrew, however, for he is straight. When Andrew finally musters the courage to come out to Sean, his friend is very supportive. In fact, Sean even goes so far as to offer to have sex with Andrew in order to preserve their friendship. Andrew, of course, declines the offer, knowing it would merely be pity sex.
Sean is the first of three love interests which are introduced in the story. Toby is the second. He’s a water boy for the school’s basketball team. Andrew finds him on his property one evening, hiding naked in the bushes. He has just been raped, and the perpetrator has stolen his clothing. He also has walked through broken glass, and the shards are imbedded in the boy’s feet. Andrew rescues him, takes him home and clothes him, tends to his wounded feet. The two make love and are henceforth eternally fond of one another. Toby, however, is romantically involved with several members of the basketball team and is not seeking a relationship.
It is Andrew’s step brother Davey, whom Andrew deeply desires. The boy is younger than Andrew and is quiet and delicate. Andrew fantasizes about him and craves his affection, but he is uncertain of how young Davey will receive his advances. Again Andrew conceals his feelings and pines away his infatuation for his fantasy lover.
Davey’s elder brother Dan is the polar opposite of the introverted Davey. Dan is brash and obnoxious, and Andrew despises him. When Andrew’s mother dies a few months prior to Andrew’s eighteenth birthday, Dan and his father devise a plan to enslave Andrew and steal his inheritance. Andrew learns about it at the very last moment and has just enough time to turn the tables on the evildoers and exact a scheme of diabolical revenge.
If this plot summary seems confusing, the book itself proves to be all the more overwhelming. Numerous characters and sub-plots emerge, and a cohesive theme is not immediately apparent. It feels almost as if the story were written as a serial of installments which were eventually pieced together to form a single book.
The topic of indentured service, or slavery, is introduced early in the story and initially appears to be incidental to the plot. In this fictional modernistic setting, slavery is a reality which appears to be accepted by-and-large by mainstream society. Humans are sold into slavery as a means of satisfying financial debt. It is also used as a crime deterrent, and instead of imprisoning criminals, the government merely enslaves them.
Within this context, slavery is not regarded as an expression of BDSM power play. In fact, although submissive characters are introduced, the very idea of an unequal relationship is dismissed as unhealthy or insane. Slavery is presented as an evil and sadistic form of torture, and the cruel manner in which humans are broken into their roles as slaves is described in a shockingly titillating and graphically humiliating manner. The author goes into explicit detail as he portrays the sexual public humiliation of these hapless victims.
The writing style is free-flowing and conversational. The bulk of the novel is written in the first person narrative, told by the protagonist Andrew. The epilogue is told in third person. Throughout the book, the author occasionally slips into monologues where he addresses his reading audience directly. These brief patches of second-person narrative are somewhat jarring.
My biggest issues with the story itself were the casual manner in which pedophilia was presented and the mixed messages which were expressed about the Dom/sub dynamic. Admittedly, I have a personal bias about the issue of pedophilia, and for this reason I’m not confident that I can objectively evaluate a book which deals with this topic. My subjective opinion clearly is one of distaste. I was repulsed by the pedophile character Geoffrey and was disgusted that he was written sympathetically.
Concerning the Dom/sub element within the story, I felt the relationship between Andrew and Davey had the potential to be explored in depth. Obviously Davey identified as sub and Andrew was rather dominant, yet the author seemed to be suggesting that submissiveness was synonymous with low self esteem. It seemed to me that the story was an indictment upon the entire Dom/sub dynamic, although the twisted form of slavery which was depicted is nothing at all like a real-life BDSM relationship.
It also seemed contradictory to me that the graphic humiliation scenes were written in such a titillating manner, yet the story’s message was that this was barbaric and sadistic. I almost felt as if I should feel guilty for having been aroused by the humiliation.
There were some scenes within the book which required me to suspend disbelief. When Toby was rescued and had shards of glass embedded in the soles of his feet, he did not even bleed when the glass was removed. He also immediately walked thereafter. In another scene, a man was fisted without any lubrication being used.
Generally speaking, I enjoyed the writing style of this author. I found the central character to be endearing, and I yearned for him to discover genuine happiness. I felt the revenge scene accomplished the objective for which it was written, but I was confused as to its message. It seemed the author was toying with his own attraction to Domination, yet he couldn’t allow himself to write a hot Dom scene simply for the sake of it. He had to instead present it as evil.
I’d love to see a BDSM story by this author, one in which the hot Domination scenes are presented guilt-free as an expression of delicious power play. The author clearly has a talent; I’m just not sure I can embrace the premise of this particular story.
August 28, 2011
This is one of those rare occasions when the Epilogue not only works brilliantly but adds a whole new dimension to the book which made me want to read it all over again.
There's a lot going on beneath the surface. Take the time to get to know the situation and the characters and, because it's first person POV, remember that the narrator can sometimes be harsher on himself than he needs to be.
Some reviewers have reacted to the blurb, which is understandable. This bit particularly:
That quote in the blurb is trying to convey the narrator's attitude to life in general rather than his attitude to rape itself.
In fact, the following shows that not only does he hate the act, but he pities the man who actually commits rape (later in the story) on another character who had made his body freely available to a basketball team:
The story is, in essence, about a young man gradually developing a sense of what's right and wrong in his society and acting on it. He hates bullies who abuse their power and hurt those who aren't in a position to fight back, on all levels: sexual, psychological and eventually political.
There's a lot going on beneath the surface. Take the time to get to know the situation and the characters and, because it's first person POV, remember that the narrator can sometimes be harsher on himself than he needs to be.
Some reviewers have reacted to the blurb, which is understandable. This bit particularly:
"There is one upside to almost getting raped. It proves that you're at least desirable to someone.Those sentences need to be read with a sardonic tone rather than a heartfelt one. The narrator (and assumably the author's) reaction to rape is by no means condoning it. Perhaps the full quote from the book sums the situation up better after the narrator averted an attempted rape by use of words and threats.
“You're awfully quiet, dear” my mother said in the car on the way home.
“Oh, I'm just a little bit tired, that's all,” I answered.
In fact, I was mulling over the events of that afternoon. Why hadn't I told on Geoffrey? What had tipped the scales? Well, I was not too sure. I truly pitied the guy. It couldn't be easy being him, what with his looks, and his craving for young boys. And like my mother always said: “Nobody deserves to be made a slave. I don't care what they're supposed to have done. It not only degrades the victim, it also degrades us as a society”. I tended to agree with her. If you think that was noble of me, I'm afraid I have to disappoint you. There was also a considerable measure of self preservation involved. I would have had to recount the whole sordid affair in embarrassingly intimate details to the police and almost certainly repeat it again publicly in court. The story would have been all over the papers. Who needed this kind of notoriety? School was hard enough without being known as the boy who almost got fucked in the ass. No, thank you very much, it was enough that Geoffrey had believed I was prepared to involve the authorities.
Thoughts of an altogether different nature raged also through my mind. Until today I had paid little attention to my looks. It had come as a surprise to me that my appearance could drive somebody as far as to lose control and throw all caution to the wind. As distasteful as the whole episode had been, it was also kind of flattering in a weird, twisted way. Maybe, I thought, I can make Sean Denham see what Geoffrey Singer had seen.
That quote in the blurb is trying to convey the narrator's attitude to life in general rather than his attitude to rape itself.
In fact, the following shows that not only does he hate the act, but he pities the man who actually commits rape (later in the story) on another character who had made his body freely available to a basketball team:
"If only he had let him. If only he had asked. Instead, the dirt bag had masturbated in him."
The story is, in essence, about a young man gradually developing a sense of what's right and wrong in his society and acting on it. He hates bullies who abuse their power and hurt those who aren't in a position to fight back, on all levels: sexual, psychological and eventually political.
July 24, 2011
I've read all the other reviews of this book and I have to agree that it's not an easy read, however, I couldn't put it down! The author's world of slavery and corruption is disturbing on so many levels but the shock of every vivid scenario is tempered by the redeeming qualities of the narrator. I liked Andrew Ashton. He started out a spoiled brat until he had a major reality check. The way he handled all the horror thrown in his path made everything a lot more palatable. That's not to say that some of his choices were unconventional and self-serving, but I think he did the best he could given the circumstances. I like the way the author wrapped up the story with a clear picture of the future. It was very satisfying to me as a reader. I still can't get this story out of my head and it's been days since I've read it. Any book that can create this kind of an impact deserves a five star as far as I'm concerned.
April 15, 2011
I cannot stress enough what everyone else review is already stating. This book and its characters are not the norm, and therefore the story itself is not a black and white one. The only sure thing is that you will not want to stop reading it until the end, and you will be thinking about this story at least for days.
Review to come soon!
Review to come soon!
September 22, 2012
I received this as a prize in the Gay Science Fiction group as part of the 500 Member Celebration. Thanks!
I was also wary about it. The first sentence of the book description above sounded like it was either foolishly ignorant or right on point with how teenagers can actually think, and seeing that the main character's name was a minor twist on the author's made me wonder if this was a Mary Sue. As it worked out, that sentence is one of many risks Ashling handles solidly, and the story and characters are complex enough that whatever the reason for the character naming I didn't decipher or care. Maybe names aren't his strength? Writing definitely is. There's one snippet midway through the story where Andrew (the character) is telling Davey a bit about the history of the slavery system that would have worked fine if it wasn't one character talking aloud to another - in that context it glares as exposition - and the ending regarding the finding of the text seemed unnecessarily tacked on to pad the text, reminiscent of Hawthorne's The Customs-House. It had some interesting ideas though and I'd hate to see those left out, but it felt like it wasn't edited at the same par as the rest of the book and was focused on an attempt to tie up strings that weren't loose. Otherwise the story and editing are solid and I loved the telling of a coming of age story through navigating feelings around revenge and using a tool one finds otherwise distasteful. Ashling skillfully talks through how a system of slavery could, in our modern world, get started, breaking down the component parts of social change and how we adapt to and justify it; he then takes it further, looking at how it changes us.
And frankly, the subplot of getting revenge for abuse was incredibly satisfying, as was the morphing of family structure from brothers to one more related to the dynamics of their interaction.
I was also wary about it. The first sentence of the book description above sounded like it was either foolishly ignorant or right on point with how teenagers can actually think, and seeing that the main character's name was a minor twist on the author's made me wonder if this was a Mary Sue. As it worked out, that sentence is one of many risks Ashling handles solidly, and the story and characters are complex enough that whatever the reason for the character naming I didn't decipher or care. Maybe names aren't his strength? Writing definitely is. There's one snippet midway through the story where Andrew (the character) is telling Davey a bit about the history of the slavery system that would have worked fine if it wasn't one character talking aloud to another - in that context it glares as exposition - and the ending regarding the finding of the text seemed unnecessarily tacked on to pad the text, reminiscent of Hawthorne's The Customs-House. It had some interesting ideas though and I'd hate to see those left out, but it felt like it wasn't edited at the same par as the rest of the book and was focused on an attempt to tie up strings that weren't loose. Otherwise the story and editing are solid and I loved the telling of a coming of age story through navigating feelings around revenge and using a tool one finds otherwise distasteful. Ashling skillfully talks through how a system of slavery could, in our modern world, get started, breaking down the component parts of social change and how we adapt to and justify it; he then takes it further, looking at how it changes us.
And frankly, the subplot of getting revenge for abuse was incredibly satisfying, as was the morphing of family structure from brothers to one more related to the dynamics of their interaction.
August 4, 2013
This dystopian story is not going to be for everyone – set in a society where indentured servitude/slavery is used rather than prison, and a family can effectively sell their children to pay off debts, or enter them into slavery if they are out of control. The methods used are brutal and cruel, and described in detail in places but I don’t think it would have been possible to leave these things out and the story still make sense.
The story itself revolves around Andrew Ashton a privileged 14 year old living in a mansion with his mother. She is non-conformist and sends him to public school where he has two close friend who also come from privileged backgrounds. His family also doesn’t believe in slavery or own any slaves and Andrew shares his mother’s view. This view is re-enforced by meeting an old school friend who has been sold into slavery by his father and is humiliated in front of Andrew by his owner/overseer. When Andrew is about to turn 16 his mother re-marries, introducing not only a stepfather but two stepbrothers to Andrew’s life. After the birth of his half brother, Andrew’s mother passes away, shortly before his 18th birthday, leaving him her fortune after he reaches his majority. His stepfather and elder step brother come up with a plan to take his fortune from him, but with the help of his mother’s attorney, who owes Andrew a favour, they are able to turn the tables on them in order to keep Andrew safe. There is a romance element to this story which does have a happy ending, and whilst the story itself finishes shortly after Andrew turns 18 the rest of his life is wrapped up in a very clever epilogue.
Told in the first person the narrator;s style of speech can occasionally be a little rambling and the book would perhaps have benefited from a little more editing. Overall though I enjoyed the story.
The story itself revolves around Andrew Ashton a privileged 14 year old living in a mansion with his mother. She is non-conformist and sends him to public school where he has two close friend who also come from privileged backgrounds. His family also doesn’t believe in slavery or own any slaves and Andrew shares his mother’s view. This view is re-enforced by meeting an old school friend who has been sold into slavery by his father and is humiliated in front of Andrew by his owner/overseer. When Andrew is about to turn 16 his mother re-marries, introducing not only a stepfather but two stepbrothers to Andrew’s life. After the birth of his half brother, Andrew’s mother passes away, shortly before his 18th birthday, leaving him her fortune after he reaches his majority. His stepfather and elder step brother come up with a plan to take his fortune from him, but with the help of his mother’s attorney, who owes Andrew a favour, they are able to turn the tables on them in order to keep Andrew safe. There is a romance element to this story which does have a happy ending, and whilst the story itself finishes shortly after Andrew turns 18 the rest of his life is wrapped up in a very clever epilogue.
Told in the first person the narrator;s style of speech can occasionally be a little rambling and the book would perhaps have benefited from a little more editing. Overall though I enjoyed the story.
March 21, 2011
Emotional rollercoaster! I felt betrayal, compassion, disgust, hope, sadness, anger, frustration, you name it...I felt it. Andrew is one of those great characters that is so well written that you connect with him and look at the screwed up society that he lives in and fully understand the decisions that he makes. The book made me uncomfortable at times, but it wasn't discomfort for discomfort sake, it lead you to a destination. I enjoyed the different manner that the epilogue was done in; I liked seeing what happens with Davey, Timmy, Sean (love him), and somewhat Geoffrey. It tied you to the cause and showed the light at the end of the tunnel.
May 30, 2011
This is one of the most beautiful and shocking novels I have ever read. It had me laughing,crying,sitting on the edge of my seat and my eyes hungrily taking in every word! This is the first I've read from this author and from what I can see I can't wait to read what else he has! I have to admit to being a little taken aback at times but I still couldn't stop reading it, as if in a trance I almost forgot to eat! Well, all in all I will just have to say it is one of the most interesting and amazing stories I have ever read. Definitely a must read for those who like a great plot and don't mind a little bit of darkness to their stories.
March 23, 2011
The story was a bit choppy and the romance was so-so. What I did like was the whole new reality of this world they lived in. Some of the descripitons or history was a bit over done, but it really gave me a good understandig of what the Greenburg law was about and how it all came about. Very useful information when Andrew was on the verge of being indentured. The descrition George gave him had given me goosebumps. A very different way of writing, a pretty unique plotline (where I kept saying WTF and OMG) and a likeable MC was enough for me to give it 5 stars
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 16, 2014
This was one of the most uncomfortable reads I've ever read. Andrew Ashling takes an ugly situation and tells a strong tale of a alternate world were slavery is an accepted part of society. Everything I could write would be a spoiler but I do feel one of the oddest parts of these book was the ages of these characters. Did that make it harder to read or easier?
September 7, 2012
This was not an easy book to read. The whole time I was reading it, my heart was in my mouth waiting for something awful to happen. Goodreads equates a 4 star rating on a book with "I really liked it". While I'm not sure that is the exact way I would describe my feelings for this book, it definitely deserves the rating. Definitely not for the faint of heart!
August 29, 2011
Excellent book for those who want a bit of fantastical with their M/M. Another book that suffers from the all-inclusive M/M tag because it really deserves to be in the same category as Anne Bishop's Black Jewels series or something contemporary along those lines.
April 6, 2011
3.5 - I liked this book a lot - it was different then I thought it would be and was satisfied with the story and the ending.
July 6, 2011
I don't get the enthusiasm. I think the story has too much narration. Little of the plot or motivations of the characters are left up to the reader to glean through the action or dialogue. I get that the author was going for a memoir/biography feel, and that really worked in the first several chapters, but that voice was lost by the fateful chapter 10. The pace of the story picked up and the reflective trip down memory lane ended.
My rating should perhaps be 2.5 stars, because I did like Andrew. I think the author took unnecessary time telling us Andrew's virtues and insecurities. His words and actions made it clear without spelling it out for us. The author did a better job with subtlety with the secondary characters.
I think the revenge portion was harsh and stark and effective, but rushed. Not that I needed more descriptions of cruelties, but that the pacing seemed so fast when compared to earlier chapters.
I dint get the appeal. I didn't feel sad or worried. I didn't get the whirlwind feeling described by other reviewers. I can say that where I thought the book was going, Andrew sold into slavery and bought by Sean before they fall in love, didn't happen and I was pleasantly surprised by that. Maybe I will change to 3 stars.
My rating should perhaps be 2.5 stars, because I did like Andrew. I think the author took unnecessary time telling us Andrew's virtues and insecurities. His words and actions made it clear without spelling it out for us. The author did a better job with subtlety with the secondary characters.
I think the revenge portion was harsh and stark and effective, but rushed. Not that I needed more descriptions of cruelties, but that the pacing seemed so fast when compared to earlier chapters.
I dint get the appeal. I didn't feel sad or worried. I didn't get the whirlwind feeling described by other reviewers. I can say that where I thought the book was going, Andrew sold into slavery and bought by Sean before they fall in love, didn't happen and I was pleasantly surprised by that. Maybe I will change to 3 stars.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 26, 2013
I can't really begin to even describe the ups and downs in this story. On the surface, it seems like a light-hearted coming-of-age of a privileged fourteen-year-old gay boy who has a crush on his straight best friend. But once the reader is drawn in, things get more complicated, and darker. The way slavery is a part of this society seems so logical and accepted, it's scary. It reminds me very much of the way the prison system is accepted as a part of society in Remastering Jerna (although I'll say right now, the plots of each story are no where similar at all).
I should have anticipated what was to come, but I just didn’t see it! And the epilogue was such a perfect touch – JK Rowling could certainly learn a thing or two from from this author about writing one properly! I don't want to say more because I don't want to spoil the story, but this is certainly one that will be on my mind for quite some time. Just be warned - there is sex with characters under the age of 17 if that matters to you.
January 5, 2013
So many comments about this story was about the poor editing. However,
Taking the above into consideration, this story, flaws and all, becomes a complete work of art.
Taking the above into consideration, this story, flaws and all, becomes a complete work of art.
September 16, 2011
A difficult book to read because of the issue of slavery in the modern day world and how legislation can be manipulated to the n-th degree to make it something it was not intended to be. The book comes at social morality from several different angles and as other reviewers have pointed out, it pushed several of my own personal buttons especially in the more distressing passages. I came to really like Andrew, the hero of the book and it was a bit of a roller coaster ride as to whether he would survive or not but the title of the book says it all really. Not sure if I can say it was the most enjoyable read of the year but it was certainly the most thought provoking.
December 4, 2011
I've read the first chapters... and they didn't animate me to read more of it. The story is so boring and the author really needs a good editor.
The characters aren't authentic. The first person narrative is horrible.
The author should talk with a 14 year old boy and learn how he thinks, how he talks, how he does things.
I don't believe one word he has written. The characters are from the first page on bland beings without depths.
The idea itself was interesting, but the author wasn't capable to write a enthralling story. After 9 chapters I had enough and stopped reading. The book is a disappointment and a waste of time.
The characters aren't authentic. The first person narrative is horrible.
The author should talk with a 14 year old boy and learn how he thinks, how he talks, how he does things.
I don't believe one word he has written. The characters are from the first page on bland beings without depths.
The idea itself was interesting, but the author wasn't capable to write a enthralling story. After 9 chapters I had enough and stopped reading. The book is a disappointment and a waste of time.
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