Update: Looks like I have my tech issues mostly worked out, so here's the real post. Thanks Katherine!
This was the darkest story I have read from Natasha Knight, and
I was pleasantly surprised – I loved it!
When I heard about the premise – an alien world, where women are second
class citizens; only ten percent of them able to procreate; they are treated very
poorly…. I’ll admit, I was a little
hesitant to read it.
But… I have always enjoyed Natasha’s books, so I gave it a
go. And I am so glad I did. It was such a fantastic story! Feel free to answer
any or all of the questions below. J
1.
Have you ever taken a chance
on reading a story that sounded out of your comfort zone? What happened? (Good
or bad)
2. This
book is categorized as science fiction, which is a genre that may not be as
appealing to many readers, but sci-fi truly encompasses much more than alien
worlds and tentacles! Were you hesitant to read it based on that if sci-fi is
not a genre you normally read? If an author you enjoy writes a book that is in
a genre that is not one that appeals to you, do you still buy their book
because of the author?
2. Based on reviews, Given to the Savage was a love or hate sort of book. The word
uncomfortable was used in more than one review of the work and one reviewer
(two stars) went so far as to say the book stayed with her for a ‘LONG time’
after reading. There were quite a few uncomfortable moments in the book for me
but I still continued to read. How do non-consensual scenes make you feel? Do
you think these scenes were necessary to tell Rowan and Silas’ story?
3. Silas is considered a ‘savage’ and there
are many moments where he’s not a very nice man, but as the story progresses,
his reasons are slowly revealed and he is doing the right thing, or trying to,
in very difficult circumstances. How did you feel about his character? Did you
find his punishments harsh and were any of the sex scenes too far in the
non-con realm for you? Again, do you think they were necessary to tell their
story?
4. If you were in Rowan’s position, would you
have gone as far as she did to prevent pregnancy in her desperation not to have
her children torn from her? Would you have decided it were better not to have
children at all then?
5.
Does this darker sort of work appeal to you in general within the realm
of spanking romance or do you prefer a lighter read?
*****
Blurb:
In the aftermath of a plague which brought
civilization to its knees and left most of the world's female population
sterile, breeders - the few women who remain fertile -have become a precious
commodity. Breeders live in relative comfort, but upon reaching adulthood they
are tasked with bearing one child after another to carry on the species.
Frequent medical assessments keep the breeders healthy and harsh punishments
keep them in line.
As a breeder who has just come of age, Rowan knows
she will soon be little more than a slave, but when she dares to resist her
fate the penalty is severe. After a shameful, public chastisement and a
thorough, humiliating examination to determine her suitability for
child-bearing, Rowan is given to a savage from outside the community - a huge
brute of a man named Silas - to be bred.
Against all expectations, Rowan finds herself drawn
to her new captor. Brave, ruggedly handsome, and even kind at times, Silas is
everything the men who enslaved her were not. When the time comes for him to
breed her, despite the circumstances something deep inside her begs for him to
take her long and hard. But while she soon finds herself longing to be his
forever, Rowan knows that eventually those who gave her to him will try to take
her back. When that day comes will Silas fight to keep her at his side even if
it means risking everything he loves?
Publisher's Note: Given to the Savage is an erotic novel that includes
spankings, sexual scenes, extensive medical play, anal play, elements of BDSM,
and more. If such material offends you, please don't buy this book.
Buy Links:
LOL, bear with me as I try to figure out just how much (and what) I can post in a reply. :)
ReplyDeleteBlurb:
In the aftermath of a plague which brought civilization to its knees and left most of the world's female population sterile, breeders - the few women who remain fertile -have become a precious commodity. Breeders live in relative comfort, but upon reaching adulthood they are tasked with bearing one child after another to carry on the species. Frequent medical assessments keep the breeders healthy and harsh punishments keep them in line.
As a breeder who has just come of age, Rowan knows she will soon be little more than a slave, but when she dares to resist her fate the penalty is severe. After a shameful, public chastisement and a thorough, humiliating examination to determine her suitability for child-bearing, Rowan is given to a savage from outside the community - a huge brute of a man named Silas - to be bred.
Against all expectations, Rowan finds herself drawn to her new captor. Brave, ruggedly handsome, and even kind at times, Silas is everything the men who enslaved her were not. When the time comes for him to breed her, despite the circumstances something deep inside her begs for him to take her long and hard. But while she soon finds herself longing to be his forever, Rowan knows that eventually those who gave her to him will try to take her back. When that day comes will Silas fight to keep her at his side even if it means risking everything he loves?
Publisher's Note: Given to the Savage is an erotic novel that includes spankings, sexual scenes, extensive medical play, anal play, elements of BDSM, and more. If such material offends you, please don't buy this book.
http://www.amazon.com/Given-Savage-Natasha-Knight-ebook/dp/B00MX8OMQU/ref=asap_B009MIHIFG_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1415311657&sr=1-1
DeleteThis was the darkest story I have read from Natasha Knight, and I was pleasantly surprised – I loved it! When I heard about the premise – an alien world, where women are second class citizens; only ten percent of them able to procreate; they are treated very poorly…. I’ll admit, I was a little hesitant to read it.
ReplyDeleteBut… I have always enjoyed Natasha’s books, so I gave it a go. And I am so glad I did. It was such a fantastic story! Feel free to answer any or all of the questions below.
1. Have you ever taken a chance on reading a story that sounded out of your comfort zone? What happened? (Good or bad)
2. This book is categorized as science fiction, which is a genre that may not be as appealing to many readers, but sci-fi truly encompasses much more than alien worlds and tentacles! Were you hesitant to read it based on that if sci-fi is not a genre you normally read? If an author you enjoy writes a book that is in a genre that is not one that appeals to you, do you still buy their book because of the author?
2. Based on reviews, Given to the Savage was a love or hate sort of book. The word uncomfortable was used in more than one review of the work and one reviewer (two stars) went so far as to say the book stayed with her for a ‘LONG time’ after reading. There were quite a few uncomfortable moments in the book for me but I still continued to read. How do non-consensual scenes make you feel? Do you think these scenes were necessary to tell Rowan and Silas’ story?
3. Silas is considered a ‘savage’ and there are many moments where he’s not a very nice man, but as the story progresses, his reasons are slowly revealed and he is doing the right thing, or trying to, in very difficult circumstances. How did you feel about his character? Did you find his punishments harsh and were any of the sex scenes too far in the non-con realm for you? Again, do you think they were necessary to tell their story?
4. If you were in Rowan’s position, would you have gone as far as she did to prevent pregnancy in her desperation not to have her children torn from her? Would you have decided it were better not to have children at all then?
5. Does this darker sort of work appeal to you in general within the realm of spanking romance or do you prefer a lighter read?
Wow, you're really making me put the thinking cap on Katherine.
ReplyDeleteI loved Given To The Savage, because it really pushed the boundaries of my comfort zone - for so much of the book I was growling back at it, cursing the injustice. But inspite of that, Silas and Rowan were great characters and I was rooting for them all the way. Oh yeah, and lets not forget that it was very hot!
1. Have I ever read outside my comfort zone? Yes, frequently! I kinda consider that one of the points of reading, to learn and consider different aspects that I would never normally consider. And would say that across many genres not just spanking fiction.
2.Although the non con aspect of many books can make me uncomfortable, sometimes they are totally necessary. And I do think in Sci Fi or post apocalypse they are easier to handle as you can distance yourself from them to an extent. And honestly, if a book stays with a reader for a long time after they read it even if they hated the subject matter, in my opinion that is a very well written book, because the reader could not ignore it.
3. I thought Silas was caught between a rock and a hard place - I never considered him cruel, but cornered. I liked him from the start, even before I knew his reasons. He was harsh at times, to be sure, but sometimes life has a way of making you cold, as a self defence mechanism. I thought his coldness was all on the surface though, his means to survive.
4. I absolutely would have gone as far as Rowan did.
5. I prefer stories with a lot of depth and that challenge my thinking - they can be dark, or not so dark, but a book that makes me think stays with me for a longer time. I love when it stays in my head, three or four books later and Given To The Savage certainly did that.
That's awesome that you purposefully do that, Tara. I'm kind of one of those people that likes my comfort zone- same restaurant, same food, same coffee creamer (peppermint mocha :) ); same for my genres. I'll poke a toe out every once in a while. :)
DeleteAnd I totally felt the same way about silas.
Thanks for stopping by!
:)
I did have to tone Silas down a little during revisions - not sure if you believe me on that but it's true! I think it's very good to read just a little outside your comfort zone. Thanks for taking a chance on my book!
DeleteLoved this book! It was dark and hot and all of my favorite kinky things. :)
ReplyDelete1. I think the only thing out of my comfort zone would be really gory horror stories, and I don’t read those. But I enjoy plenty of what is considered “dark erotica” or “dark romance” stories.
2. I love sci fi so this book was right up my alley. But I will read a book in any genre if it’s from an author I like, or if it grabs me for some other reason.
3. Noncon scenes usually don’t bother me and I will keep reading. If it gets too harsh, I will just skim and go on to the next scene. I really felt bad for Rowan, especially at the beginning because her life is so bleak and the exams were very…thorough…so I can definitely see how this type of book could make a reader uncomfortable and stay with them for a while. But the difficult parts of a book like this always make the happily ever after at the end so much sweeter, for me.
4. What Tara said. Silas was cornered and he really didn’t have much of a choice. He could have treated Rowan very badly, but he didn’t. Given their circumstances he definitely guarded his heart and held her at a distance for a while, but I don’t think he was excessively cruel to her at any point.
5. I definitely would not have wanted to have children in this world, and I would’ve gone as far as Rowan did to prevent it too.
6. As long as the story holds my interest and I like and care about the main characters, it doesn’t matter if it’s a darker story or a lighter read, I enjoy both.
I don't like gory horror either, Sue.
DeleteAnd I feel the same way about the noncom. Thorough, hehe. good way to put it!
ooh, the hedonism in stories. well said!
Thanks for stopping by!
:)
For me, I like non-con to a point but if it's very dark to the point it's creepy to me, I have to stop. I can't define exactly what it is that would make it creepy but I know it when I see it! I think we all must have that - we know it when we see it and each of our boundaries are a little different. That review on Amazon was a 2 star and I really appreciated it. Even though the book was not for her, she didn't bash it but talked about her reasons in a way that would tell other potential readers 'hey this is for you or maybe not'. It's actually one of my favorite reviews ever.
DeleteThe original problems Natasha had getting this bool on Amazon made me determined to buy it, but her excerpts were what impelled me read it. Yes, it's dark, but I love dark Science Fiction Fantasies that dabble with dystopian societies. Katherine, thanks for doing this, especially given the challenges of hosting a discussion solely through the comments.
ReplyDelete1. I'd have to say I constantly read out of my comfort zone to broaden my horizons. BDSM was originally out of my comfort zone, and I can still find myself having to leave books unfinished because they took me to places i didn't want to visit or even read about. However, I've read at least a couple of stories that bordered on horror, which I had suspected would be out of my comfort zone, even though good horror stories are intended to do exactly that. As to whether or not I found the experience good or bad related directly to how satisfied I was with the ending. I didn't expect either story to end "happily," and they didn't, but one left me feeling justice had been served, while the other left me uncertain. The romantic in me wanted the two to get together, while my rational brain cautioned against it because the relationship had been so destructive. It became a case of need overcoming sanity. Disturbing.
2. I have purchased books because I enjoyed the author even though I normally don't read the genre. I have also chosen not to buy a book because the subject matter was so distasteful to me even though I like the author. So, I guess I'd have to say it depends on how adventurous I'm feeling.
3. I do think Silas did everything with a purpose in mind. He was an interesting character, but a little too rough and hardened for me to consider him as a romantic love interest. He felt and cared for Rowan, but believed hurting her would be best for both of them since it would keep them from losing their hearts. Of course, he was wrong, and I was definitely uncomfortable with some of the things he did, but I understood what motivated him. I think the scenes were necessary given the story Natasha wanted to tell, even though they made me squirm.
4. I think Rowan's fear prompted her to overdose herself, I also think she knew she was over medicating. However, for her there was no other choice. I think she would have found death preferable to giving up her child to the sadistic monsters who tortured her. As for me personally, I'm not sure I would have had Rowan's courage to take things as far as she did, but I definitely would not want a child raised in that world.
5. I like both dark and light stories. Each has its own place. I can't say I prefer one over the other. Depends on my mood, I guess.
Thanks to Natasha for writing such a great story and to Katherine for asking such thought provoking questions.
Sorry I'm late :)
DeleteKathryn, that is a brilliant assessment! I would love to hear what Natasha says on this when she gets up! Premeditated overdosing makes absolute sense in the world she lives in. I hate to say it, but I prob would have gone the same route.
Thanks so much for stopping by!
:)
I always appreciate your POV Kathryn. I still am not sure on Rowan with the taking of the selenium. In a way, parts of her are still a mystery to me. She was probably the strongest heroine I have ever written. One whose name didn't change and one whom I liked from the start. She was much more courageous than I could be I think. I don't think she did not know what could happen to her if she overdosed but the alternative was just too horrible to consider. She was hopeless. Is it weird if I say it makes me teary to thin of it! I tell this story to my little daughter (PG version) and she always starts to cry and says 'ok, just go to where they get married and have babies and live happily ever after!' Thanks so much Kathryn, always appreciate your insights.
Delete1. I read books out of my comfort zone all the time. Whether I like it or dislike it, depends on the writing and execution of the story-telling.
ReplyDelete2. I have bought books in genres that I normally don't read because the author is good. And there is always such a wide variety within a genre. Sci-fi is much broader than people realize.
3. I understood Silas's motivation, but his punishments were harsh.
4. I think Rowan was right to do what she did.
5. I think of spanking romances as being of lighter fare. I don't know how Natasha would characterize this, but I would call it dystopian sci-fi first, and then spanking fiction. To me it was more dystopian than anything else. I do like a mix of reads., to vary light and dark books. Too much lightness, and there is a lack of substance. Too much darkness, and it's too depressing.
I like following authors into different genres, but it is hard when they use separate pseudonyms. :)
DeleteI also like mixing it up with reading, but it's been a while since I visited my favorite series outside of spanking romance (BDBH).
Thanks for stopping by, Cara!
:)
Yes on sci-fi being SO much broader than people think. First response from so many is 'I don't read sci-fi' but dystopian for example has such a different feel than sci-fi and it's all lumped together. I love writing sci-fi, it's my favorite. It's freeing. I have another story brewing now and I'm getting excited for it.
DeleteI would call this dystopian first then spanking and even romance is pushing it a little.
I appreciated our conversation on this after you read it by the way and your review. It was completely honest and that's the kind of review potential buyers can use to decide if the book is for them or not.
Excellent questions, Katherine. Thank you! I haven't read this book yet, in part because it does feel outside my comfort zone, but I've heard so many good things about it, that I'm tempted to give it a try. And congrats to Natasha for "going there" with a book that makes people think.
ReplyDeleteThanks for having me Celeste and thanks Katherine for hosting my book for book club. I kind of feel like I'm sitting with the cool kids when I get on here! Celeste, if you do read it, I'd love to hear your thoughts one way or another!
DeleteHi all, I just read all the comments and am coming back to reply in a little bit!! Thank you so much!!
ReplyDelete