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Demoted #1
Subjection
In a world where intellect and achievement are valued above all else, a young man risks everything to save his brother from a life of slavery. Thrown into a harsh, unyielding world where slaves are treated as less than animals, Sascha struggles to come to terms with everything he knows being ripped away from him, but a life of success could never prepare him for his life as one of the Demoted. Sinking lower and lower, Sascha begins to lose hope, but the whim of a mysterious, wealthy man has the potential to change all that.
Cashiel has a dark history that he guards carefully. Between family and business and politics, he rarely has time for a slave, much less a lover. But when he sees a young man who reminds him of the very history he is trying to escape, he makes an impulse decision that he’s not sure whether to regret or not. The slave could expose everything, or he could be the most valuable asset that Cashiel has ever acquired.
Cashiel and Sascha share desires, hopes, and a home. Each man is limited by status, hindered by history, and desperate to succeed. The question is, will that be enough? (M/M - For content labels and excerpt, see details on publisher's site.)
Cashiel has a dark history that he guards carefully. Between family and business and politics, he rarely has time for a slave, much less a lover. But when he sees a young man who reminds him of the very history he is trying to escape, he makes an impulse decision that he’s not sure whether to regret or not. The slave could expose everything, or he could be the most valuable asset that Cashiel has ever acquired.
Cashiel and Sascha share desires, hopes, and a home. Each man is limited by status, hindered by history, and desperate to succeed. The question is, will that be enough? (M/M - For content labels and excerpt, see details on publisher's site.)
234 pages, ebook
First published April 28, 2015
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
August 12, 2020
3 Stars
Told in dual POV, 1 st person, it’s the first installment in the "Demoted" series, it’s not a standalone but it doesn’t make you hanging there. Well, this wasn't what I expected, its blurb is more interesting than the story itself. I couldn’t feel their chemistry (if there was any, it felt more mechanical). I didn’t like the MCs, they both irritated me most of the time. I’d like it to be more on the dark side. Overall, it was an OK read, hope you enjoy it more than me!
Told in dual POV, 1 st person, it’s the first installment in the "Demoted" series, it’s not a standalone but it doesn’t make you hanging there. Well, this wasn't what I expected, its blurb is more interesting than the story itself. I couldn’t feel their chemistry (if there was any, it felt more mechanical). I didn’t like the MCs, they both irritated me most of the time. I’d like it to be more on the dark side. Overall, it was an OK read, hope you enjoy it more than me!
April 28, 2015
I know it may sound strange, but, I love books that get me so emotionally riled up I want to fling my kindle at the wall. And …You know that sick feeling you get in the pit of of your stomach, when the anticipation of something coming up is just too much, and you really DON’T want to read it… But …at the same time you really DO want to read it! Yeah… I love that too! Some readers will totally get what I’m saying and some readers will run a mile before picking up a book that’s going to make them feel so anxious. For me, it means the author has done a bloody good job of weaving a cleverly laid out plot with words that connect me emotionally to the characters and their story. Subjection is that book, it’s intense, compelling reading and I was totally engrossed. It won’t be for everyone as the content is harrowing and I had more than a few histrionic hissy fits. It’s dark, it’s cruel and it hurts, but you read on in hope.
I am totally invested in the lives of these two men, this being the first part in a trilogy, and even though I wanted to bitch slap Cashiel through the most part of this book for being an insensitive bastard, I kind of forgave him a tiny bit when we were introduced to the Queen of all bitches… his mother! Oh. Yes… I would, without a doubt do time for offing her. But Sascha… my god… if there is ever a character I just wanted to take in my arms and hug… that poor boy is the one.
For the rest of my review visit the blog, where you can also read why Alicia Cameron loves Slavefics.
September 17, 2015
After the fourth World War, 15% of the population is reclassified as "Demoted". Under the guise of ensuring peace due to overpopulation and competition over resources, the powers decide to enslave the underperforming segment of society. Subjected to sterilization and reconditioning, they are then placed in various positions in society according to ability and desirability.
The primary point of view is first person narrative from a rescued torture slave, Sascha with sporadic, short shifts to his master Cash. Contrary to what one would expect it is oddly detached and there is a significant exposition to establish the characters and setting.
End of first chapter, it jumps backwards to their first meeting a month ago. Which heralds a trend, the seesawing back and forth in time is distracting. Combined with the irregular POV switches it slows the story down as each flashback in time features copious amounts of exposition about how Sascha got where he is. Frankly, Sascha's choices were a bit too much, and made me roll my eyes.
The argument why demoting has preserved "Peace" is not made, merely stated. This is an assumed tenet of the construct of the world. There is pontificating about how the only difference between Demoted and everyone else was the degradation. And the system is unjust--Look at Sascha, if he can fall through the cracks or jump into them as the case maybe, then the premise of Demoted culling the inferior into service positions to preserve resources for the better and brighter is invalid.
While the story line is basic, it was one that interested me. Unfortunately, it's told very drily and evoking little emotion or empathy, like reportage, which was so incongruent for a first person narrative, which should make one feel like they are there. Sascha's disassociation led to this reader's ambivalence.
Cash and Sascha have understandably different views on the Demoted system. They keep having intersections of synergy, but the years have not been kind to Sascha and Cash is impatient. There is failure to communicate, and as the master, it lies solely on Cash's shoulders. Sascha has no rights, yet I felt like the story was trying to balance the blame at times. Again, eye roll.
This is not a freestanding book. Multiple story lines, not just an overarching series arc is left unresolved. Sascha and Cash are unresolved. A family feud is still in play. While I don't mind threads being left open for subsequent books, the lack of closure was disappointing.
I understand the author's argument that people are trapped in their respective positions, and the Demoted system feeds the megalomaniacs and enslaves everyone who disagrees--slave and free person alike. A reasonable argument, but the characters disassociated from each other made this a less than rewarding read. The dry recanting of events by Sascha of the traumas he endured during his reconditioning process kept me from empathizing with him. I don't need torture, but I need to see how he feels. Finally, the timeline jumping back and forth kept breaking the narrative and my reading continuity. Yes, this is a pet peeve of mine, others might not care, but flashbacks and flashforwards for no discernible reason is an inelegant way to tie two timeframes together.
Overall, I loved the premise more than the execution.
2.5 Stars
Befuddlement quote:
~~A copy was provided to me for a No Glitter Blown review~~
~~~Reviewed for Hearts On Fire Reviews~~~~
The primary point of view is first person narrative from a rescued torture slave, Sascha with sporadic, short shifts to his master Cash. Contrary to what one would expect it is oddly detached and there is a significant exposition to establish the characters and setting.
End of first chapter, it jumps backwards to their first meeting a month ago. Which heralds a trend, the seesawing back and forth in time is distracting. Combined with the irregular POV switches it slows the story down as each flashback in time features copious amounts of exposition about how Sascha got where he is. Frankly, Sascha's choices were a bit too much, and made me roll my eyes.
The argument why demoting has preserved "Peace" is not made, merely stated. This is an assumed tenet of the construct of the world. There is pontificating about how the only difference between Demoted and everyone else was the degradation. And the system is unjust--Look at Sascha, if he can fall through the cracks or jump into them as the case maybe, then the premise of Demoted culling the inferior into service positions to preserve resources for the better and brighter is invalid.
While the story line is basic, it was one that interested me. Unfortunately, it's told very drily and evoking little emotion or empathy, like reportage, which was so incongruent for a first person narrative, which should make one feel like they are there. Sascha's disassociation led to this reader's ambivalence.
Cash and Sascha have understandably different views on the Demoted system. They keep having intersections of synergy, but the years have not been kind to Sascha and Cash is impatient. There is failure to communicate, and as the master, it lies solely on Cash's shoulders. Sascha has no rights, yet I felt like the story was trying to balance the blame at times. Again, eye roll.
This is not a freestanding book. Multiple story lines, not just an overarching series arc is left unresolved. Sascha and Cash are unresolved. A family feud is still in play. While I don't mind threads being left open for subsequent books, the lack of closure was disappointing.
I understand the author's argument that people are trapped in their respective positions, and the Demoted system feeds the megalomaniacs and enslaves everyone who disagrees--slave and free person alike. A reasonable argument, but the characters disassociated from each other made this a less than rewarding read. The dry recanting of events by Sascha of the traumas he endured during his reconditioning process kept me from empathizing with him. I don't need torture, but I need to see how he feels. Finally, the timeline jumping back and forth kept breaking the narrative and my reading continuity. Yes, this is a pet peeve of mine, others might not care, but flashbacks and flashforwards for no discernible reason is an inelegant way to tie two timeframes together.
Overall, I loved the premise more than the execution.
2.5 Stars
Befuddlement quote:
I’ve had sex that I wanted, I’ve had sex that I didn’t want, and I’ve been raped, and there’s a difference between all three, and I know that he’s about to do the third thing to me.
~~A copy was provided to me for a No Glitter Blown review~~
~~~Reviewed for Hearts On Fire Reviews~~~~
October 31, 2015
In-depth review
Not a light and fluffy slavefic. Darker and edgier and has an imbalance of power in this quasi-relationship set in a dystopian/futuristic society where the brightest (usually) get a pass and the others are Demoted.
Not a light and fluffy slavefic. Darker and edgier and has an imbalance of power in this quasi-relationship set in a dystopian/futuristic society where the brightest (usually) get a pass and the others are Demoted.
December 21, 2023
En un mundo post-apocalíptico donde la única forma que la raza humana sobreviva es por el estricto control de natalidad, se creo un sistema donde solo los que superan la prueba de Assestment pueden ser hombres libres, y aquellos que no son Demoted.
Los Demoted son menos que personas, entrenados para servir, como esclavos, posesiones. Son usados como objetos, guardaespaldas, cocineros, limpieza, para experimentos y por supuesto, como esclavos sexuales. En este categoría esta Sasha, un joven que decidió cambiar su futuro por el de su hermano, pero sin imaginarse los horrores que viviría a manos de sus "dueños". Pero su suerte parece haber cambiado, al ser comprado por Cashiel, un hombre diferente, que parece querer mas de él que solo esclavizarlo. Será posible que Sasha tenga un final feliz? Cashiel alguna vez lo verá como algo mas que un esclavo?
La descripción de este mundo es bastante escasa, solo aclarando un poco el tema del porque la definición de clases, y el porque los protas se comportan así. La historia, tampoco es muy original, pero entretiene, te hace ver los diferentes puntos de vista de que debería ser lo "correcto", y como en esta sociedad tan desviada se justifica las torturas y maltratos que aplican a los otros seres humanos. Incluso, hay un momento donde lo comparan con el holocausto nazi, en como son maltratadas las personas solo para cumplir el deseo de unos pocos "afortunados".
En fin, la historia me dejo intrigada, quiero saber mas del ambiente político y como van a lograr los protas balancearse en este mundo, también quiero saber si Sasha va a lograr que Cashiel cambie de opinión con respecto a la "esclavitud" de los Demoted.
Los Demoted son menos que personas, entrenados para servir, como esclavos, posesiones. Son usados como objetos, guardaespaldas, cocineros, limpieza, para experimentos y por supuesto, como esclavos sexuales. En este categoría esta Sasha, un joven que decidió cambiar su futuro por el de su hermano, pero sin imaginarse los horrores que viviría a manos de sus "dueños". Pero su suerte parece haber cambiado, al ser comprado por Cashiel, un hombre diferente, que parece querer mas de él que solo esclavizarlo. Será posible que Sasha tenga un final feliz? Cashiel alguna vez lo verá como algo mas que un esclavo?
La descripción de este mundo es bastante escasa, solo aclarando un poco el tema del porque la definición de clases, y el porque los protas se comportan así. La historia, tampoco es muy original, pero entretiene, te hace ver los diferentes puntos de vista de que debería ser lo "correcto", y como en esta sociedad tan desviada se justifica las torturas y maltratos que aplican a los otros seres humanos. Incluso, hay un momento donde lo comparan con el holocausto nazi, en como son maltratadas las personas solo para cumplir el deseo de unos pocos "afortunados".
En fin, la historia me dejo intrigada, quiero saber mas del ambiente político y como van a lograr los protas balancearse en este mundo, también quiero saber si Sasha va a lograr que Cashiel cambie de opinión con respecto a la "esclavitud" de los Demoted.
May 6, 2015
A review by The Blogger Girls.
This was a really interesting story that kind of reminded me a little bit of the movie Divergent. It has that same feel. People are forced to take a test at a certain age which basically decides their fate of being free or being Demoted. Demoted is basically another term for slavery, of which there are a number of categories. Typically, those deemed less intelligent are the ones Demoted.
Knowing his brother was not likely to pass and not as able to survive being Demoted, Sascha, the more intelligent of the two, swapped their tests, thus sending him into a life of servitude. Unfortunately, when he tries to use his smarts, it works against him, and he is used and abused and sent to work in one of the lowliest brothels where his torture and torment continues. This is where Cashiel finds him.
Cashiel is not all he seems. He reluctantly takes on a slave in order to keep up appearances, when, in actuality, he is against the treatment of slaves. He has ties through his family to the slave conditioning centers and much of the story centers around that and his secret plan to change the way things are done. He must be very careful, trust very few people, and maintain all appearances otherwise to hide his activities. His mother is a very important and evil player here which only makes things more difficult for Cashiel, and, in turn, Sascha.
This is a very intriguing world. There is very little in the way of romance or even an actual relationship with these guys. Though Cashiel eventually learns about and utilizes Sascha’s skills and intellect, the two maintain a very strict distance from one another. It isn’t until close to the end that they find themselves on the same page of wanting more.
I found this story quite captivating, even through the harsh brutality that happens in the beginning and even at stages throughout. It is well written and kept me on the edge of my seat more than once, especially at the end. I’m very excited to see how this all plays out and am really looking forward to the next installment.
May 15, 2015
REVIEWED FOR PRISM BOOK ALLIANCE
4.5 Stars
Alicia Cameron is a new author to me and one I will certainly be following.
Demoted is dark, brutal and harsh and leaves you both wanting more and scared of what may come next.
Society is becoming over populated and the government have come up with a pretty harsh way of solving the problem. A simple test of IQ. If you pass you may live as a normal citizen. If you fail you become demoted, you lose all your rights, you are taken away from your family and re-educated, you are sterilised and once retrained you become a slave and hope for the best.
Sascha was always bright at school excelling in everything he tried but with a cocky attitude that often found him in trouble. His twin was the complete opposite being calm and friendly in nature but always struggling academically. Always his brother’s protector and strongest supporter Sascha rigs the test and becomes part of the demoted society leaving his brother to live his life safely.
Two years are spent being re-educated and the place and its policies are brutal. The slaves are systematically broken down, demoralised and abused until they no longer think for themselves and just follow orders. The one thing that saves Sascha is his intelligence but it is also the thing that gets him into most trouble. The trouble and the insolent attitude means the poorest of jobs when his training is finished and Sascha finds himself as a sex slave in a dirty brothel where daily beatings are the norm.
His rescuer comes in the form of a Cashiel a wealthy businessman who buys him almost accidentally, plans to use him for one event and then sell him on again. That plan goes out the window as the two men learn to tolerate each other.
Cashiel has many secrets and has no desire to send Sascha back to the life he was living but he fails to show Sascha that he is safe with his brusque manner and seemingly constant looks of derision. He shows as much emotion as a stone which is slightly more than his mother shows! So many secrets and so much danger, never knowing who you can trust, it is very difficult to imagine these two men finding happiness.
If dark stories that push boundaries and make you squirm are your thing then this will be perfect.
The ending came far too soon for me and I suppose you could call it a HFN kind of conclusion. I certainly can’t wait for the next book!
4.5 Stars
Alicia Cameron is a new author to me and one I will certainly be following.
Demoted is dark, brutal and harsh and leaves you both wanting more and scared of what may come next.
Society is becoming over populated and the government have come up with a pretty harsh way of solving the problem. A simple test of IQ. If you pass you may live as a normal citizen. If you fail you become demoted, you lose all your rights, you are taken away from your family and re-educated, you are sterilised and once retrained you become a slave and hope for the best.
Sascha was always bright at school excelling in everything he tried but with a cocky attitude that often found him in trouble. His twin was the complete opposite being calm and friendly in nature but always struggling academically. Always his brother’s protector and strongest supporter Sascha rigs the test and becomes part of the demoted society leaving his brother to live his life safely.
Two years are spent being re-educated and the place and its policies are brutal. The slaves are systematically broken down, demoralised and abused until they no longer think for themselves and just follow orders. The one thing that saves Sascha is his intelligence but it is also the thing that gets him into most trouble. The trouble and the insolent attitude means the poorest of jobs when his training is finished and Sascha finds himself as a sex slave in a dirty brothel where daily beatings are the norm.
His rescuer comes in the form of a Cashiel a wealthy businessman who buys him almost accidentally, plans to use him for one event and then sell him on again. That plan goes out the window as the two men learn to tolerate each other.
Cashiel has many secrets and has no desire to send Sascha back to the life he was living but he fails to show Sascha that he is safe with his brusque manner and seemingly constant looks of derision. He shows as much emotion as a stone which is slightly more than his mother shows! So many secrets and so much danger, never knowing who you can trust, it is very difficult to imagine these two men finding happiness.
If dark stories that push boundaries and make you squirm are your thing then this will be perfect.
The ending came far too soon for me and I suppose you could call it a HFN kind of conclusion. I certainly can’t wait for the next book!
August 11, 2019
Not quite 4 stars but better than 3.5 and I can't see rounding down to 3 considering I read it in one sitting.
Still confused as to why the Demoted system was deemed a necessity...I can see Nations struggling with over-population mandating sterilizations for those they see as "less than" or unworthy ("see" it as an option in a dystopian future; I do NOT condone it) but not forced slavery.
If it's a socio-economic response...well, there are plenty of gadgets and gizmos that appear to replace human productivity (reminiscent of Asimov, to a degree) but even the less prestigious jobs are still being performed by people...only they aren't getting paid. How is having less money in the market helping to support the economy? Seems to me just an excuse for a very few to hold more power and for a totalitarian government to ensure compliance/obedience with fear and devisive rhetoric. (Familiar in a more Real Life way, to an extent).
Maybe it's addressed more in subsequent novels. Good thing I was engrossed enough to want to read more. Especially since I'd like to see how the author addresses this other, possibly softer, more humane "training method" that's supposedly more effective than the Miller Method. I mean, yeah, reinforcement does seem to work better than punishment (that's the Social Worker in me screaming to get out)...but right now those in control, who hold the reigns of power, appear to be sadists who enjoy inflicting pain and punishment on those who have no agency to consent.
And as evidenced by his own fucking mother reporting him for treason as he attempted to gather evidence and perform experiments (?!?) to show that her method is ineffective and cost-prohibitive, Cashiel has an uphill battle to fight. (I would also like him to realize that it's not just about the science, or the math. That these are actual people; he was born to privilege and isn't used to considering that side of the equation, so that should be interesting if he does start to see Sascha as an equal - or at least as more than just his "station" in life.)
Thought-provoking and engaging...so, yeah, the next one is going on the TBR.
Still confused as to why the Demoted system was deemed a necessity...I can see Nations struggling with over-population mandating sterilizations for those they see as "less than" or unworthy ("see" it as an option in a dystopian future; I do NOT condone it) but not forced slavery.
If it's a socio-economic response...well, there are plenty of gadgets and gizmos that appear to replace human productivity (reminiscent of Asimov, to a degree) but even the less prestigious jobs are still being performed by people...only they aren't getting paid. How is having less money in the market helping to support the economy? Seems to me just an excuse for a very few to hold more power and for a totalitarian government to ensure compliance/obedience with fear and devisive rhetoric. (Familiar in a more Real Life way, to an extent).
Maybe it's addressed more in subsequent novels. Good thing I was engrossed enough to want to read more. Especially since I'd like to see how the author addresses this other, possibly softer, more humane "training method" that's supposedly more effective than the Miller Method. I mean, yeah, reinforcement does seem to work better than punishment (that's the Social Worker in me screaming to get out)...but right now those in control, who hold the reigns of power, appear to be sadists who enjoy inflicting pain and punishment on those who have no agency to consent.
And as evidenced by his own fucking mother reporting him for treason as he attempted to gather evidence and perform experiments (?!?) to show that her method is ineffective and cost-prohibitive, Cashiel has an uphill battle to fight. (I would also like him to realize that it's not just about the science, or the math. That these are actual people; he was born to privilege and isn't used to considering that side of the equation, so that should be interesting if he does start to see Sascha as an equal - or at least as more than just his "station" in life.)
Thought-provoking and engaging...so, yeah, the next one is going on the TBR.
March 4, 2016
Аннотация показалась мне многообещающей, общий балл был высоким и я почему-то ожидала от этих книг более серьезного подхода и большего внимания-уважения к психологической стороне, чем в них есть. Хотя, надо отдать должное, стоило мне втянуться, как два романа ушли влет. За это, собственно, и ставлю четверку несмотря на дальнейшую критику.
Персонажи.
Каждые несколько глав читателю настойчиво напоминается о том, насколько умны оба главных героя, но по факту это не слишком заметно. Временами Cash и Sascha неоправданно наивны или тупят, ведут себя нелогично, а временами у одного отшибает способность к сопереживанию, а у второго - инстинкт самосохранения. Но все это, как ни странно, раздражало меня гораздо меньше, чем заявленные правила того мира, в котором они живут.
Мироустройство.
Вся эта система, описанная в книгах, абсолютно нелогична и нежизнеспособна! И во время чтения забыть об этом не получается, потому что тебе постоянно подкидывают все новые WTF-ки.
Во-первых. Никак не может мир почти что современной Америки (а это наш мир, с нашей историей и достижениями, только чуть в будущее) быть совместим с массовым легальным рабством граждан. (Примерно то же пыталась выписать в своей новой серии Ларисса Йон, и у нее это выглядело не менее абсурдно). И чтобы при этом все стабильно держалось десятки лет на какой-то мнимой экономической оправданности. Ерунда.
Во-вторых. Что еще хуже, в самой системе нет никакой логики. До 18 лет все граждане воспитываются одинаково, обучаются и развлекаются совместно. Их учат самостоятельности, развивают интеллектуальные и социальные навыки. Но по достижении совершеннолетия люди сдают что-то типа теста на IQ и т��, кто показали низкие результаты, становятся рабами. Сразу же после тестирования непрошедших лишают абсолютно всех прав, стерилизуют и отправляют на двухлетнюю "переподготовку", где к ним, в лучшем случае, относятся как к вещи, а в норме - целенаправленно истязают физически, морально и сексуально.
Не совершив ничего предосудительного, эти сформировавшиеся личности одномоментно перестают быть людьми в глазах всего общества. Как это возможно? И зачем вообще было столько лет растить их одинаково свободными, мыслящими и образованными, если потом часть из них будут два года зверски ломать, превращая в бессловесных рабов и отдавая в бордели??? К чему эта немотивированная, бессмысленная, нелогичная жестокость? Вот, скажем, в "Гаттаке" тоже строили мир наиболее интеллектуально развитых людей, дискриминируя остальных, но там отбор правильных генов происходил еще на стадии яйцеклетки/сперматозоида!
(Подозреваю, что автору просто не нужны обвинения в педофилии, отсюда и возраст совершеннолетия).
В-третьих. Почему при подобном миропостроении не происходит массовых бунтов и попыток революций? Ведь упоминается, что родители любят детей и всеми силами стараются подготовить их к прохождению теста. Или вот еще, почему бы семьям просто сразу не выкупить ставших рабами родных? Или выкрасть их? Складывается ощущение, что никто даже не пытается отыскать потом своих детей и друзей.
В общем, если не обращать внимания на вышесказанное, то читается быстро и, в целом, увлекательно, хотя и тяжеловато иногда лично для меня из-за dark-овых сцен.
P.S. Ах да, отдельное "спасибо" автору за клифхэнгер в конце второй книги, я страсть как "люблю" их.
Персонажи.
Каждые несколько глав читателю настойчиво напоминается о том, насколько умны оба главных героя, но по факту это не слишком заметно. Временами Cash и Sascha неоправданно наивны или тупят, ведут себя нелогично, а временами у одного отшибает способность к сопереживанию, а у второго - инстинкт самосохранения. Но все это, как ни странно, раздражало меня гораздо меньше, чем заявленные правила того мира, в котором они живут.
Мироустройство.
Вся эта система, описанная в книгах, абсолютно нелогична и нежизнеспособна! И во время чтения забыть об этом не получается, потому что тебе постоянно подкидывают все новые WTF-ки.
Во-первых. Никак не может мир почти что современной Америки (а это наш мир, с нашей историей и достижениями, только чуть в будущее) быть совместим с массовым легальным рабством граждан. (Примерно то же пыталась выписать в своей новой серии Ларисса Йон, и у нее это выглядело не менее абсурдно). И чтобы при этом все стабильно держалось десятки лет на какой-то мнимой экономической оправданности. Ерунда.
Во-вторых. Что еще хуже, в самой системе нет никакой логики. До 18 лет все граждане воспитываются одинаково, обучаются и развлекаются совместно. Их учат самостоятельности, развивают интеллектуальные и социальные навыки. Но по достижении совершеннолетия люди сдают что-то типа теста на IQ и т��, кто показали низкие результаты, становятся рабами. Сразу же после тестирования непрошедших лишают абсолютно всех прав, стерилизуют и отправляют на двухлетнюю "переподготовку", где к ним, в лучшем случае, относятся как к вещи, а в норме - целенаправленно истязают физически, морально и сексуально.
Не совершив ничего предосудительного, эти сформировавшиеся личности одномоментно перестают быть людьми в глазах всего общества. Как это возможно? И зачем вообще было столько лет растить их одинаково свободными, мыслящими и образованными, если потом часть из них будут два года зверски ломать, превращая в бессловесных рабов и отдавая в бордели??? К чему эта немотивированная, бессмысленная, нелогичная жестокость? Вот, скажем, в "Гаттаке" тоже строили мир наиболее интеллектуально развитых людей, дискриминируя остальных, но там отбор правильных генов происходил еще на стадии яйцеклетки/сперматозоида!
(Подозреваю, что автору просто не нужны обвинения в педофилии, отсюда и возраст совершеннолетия).
В-третьих. Почему при подобном миропостроении не происходит массовых бунтов и попыток революций? Ведь упоминается, что родители любят детей и всеми силами стараются подготовить их к прохождению теста. Или вот еще, почему бы семьям просто сразу не выкупить ставших рабами родных? Или выкрасть их? Складывается ощущение, что никто даже не пытается отыскать потом своих детей и друзей.
В общем, если не обращать внимания на вышесказанное, то читается быстро и, в целом, увлекательно, хотя и тяжеловато иногда лично для меня из-за dark-овых сцен.
P.S. Ах да, отдельное "спасибо" автору за клифхэнгер в конце второй книги, я страсть как "люблю" их.
January 29, 2017
I have no use for a story with detailed, gratuitous rape and torture scenes of slaves. And I won't be reading anything else this author writes, nor will I take the time to write a review.
May 14, 2019
4.5 Stars!
August 23, 2015
Скорее 2,5
Это не эротика, дамы. Это... Череда непрекращающихся мыслеизвержений и характерных парадоксов.
Не могу прям порекомендовать, но если вдруг желание накатило почитать нечто психологическое, но написанное без особого мозгового напряга, то милости прошу! Это оно.
Продолжение читать желания нет.
Это не эротика, дамы. Это... Череда непрекращающихся мыслеизвержений и характерных парадоксов.
Не могу прям порекомендовать, но если вдруг желание накатило почитать нечто психологическое, но написанное без особого мозгового напряга, то милости прошу! Это оно.
Продолжение читать желания нет.
Want to read
December 15, 2015Free today only (Dec. 15, 2015) at Forbidden Fiction
http://fantasticfictionpublishing.com...
http://fantasticfictionpublishing.com...
November 12, 2015
I admire the intensity of Alicia Cameron's writing and the dystopian worlds she weaves. The brutal psychological landscape in which the Demoted trilogy is set is a scary and ruthless world to navigate:
Set after the fourth world war, slavery is alive and well as a means of curtailing a drain on resources. Every year the Demoted system assigns 15% of young underachievers to slavery. They are sent to a training facility where they are broken down under the Miller system, steralized and then sold into a life of slavery.
Sascha decides to rig the test and take his brother's place in the Demoted system believing he can cope with slavery better. It is a serious miscalculation, his intelligence is a dangerous liability and Sascha discovers a brutal life of sexual torture and abjectivity when he is sold to a brothel and regularly raped and beaten.
Cashiel requires a slave to further his reputation at a business event although he has no interest in owning a slave long-term. He agrees to purchase Sascha.
Cashiel's manner is brusque and his keeping of well-guarded secrets make him even more distant in fear of discovery. Sascha is terrified and desperate to please to avoid being sold back into a life of prostitution. Cashiel is sympathetic to his plight however this is not immediately apparent to Sascha.
This is a deliciously darkly disturbing story that explores themes of consent and submission, told in the first person mostly from Sascha's perspective.
To my mind, it is a very clever exposition of the dynamic of slavery and the role of domination and power.
The story weaves espionage and political intrigue into the plot which serves to subvert the ethical messages around slavery. There is much duplicity between both master and slave before they learn to trust each other at a most basic level, so the imbalance of power within their relationship is never forgotten.
What I appreciate most about the writing is the darker psychological aspects that are explored around the impact of slavery and the creation of two memorable and flawed characters who find a common purpose even if their motivation is very different. It brings them connection. This is a dark story that sparkles with hope. A compelling start to the trilogy with a HFN ending.
I'm not sure why I didn't review this immediately on finishing. Sometimes with a story I really love, I find it harder to write my impressions in case I do the book a disservice. I suspect this was the case six months ago. I clearly remember how much I loved Subjection, and the rest of life went on hold whilst I finished the story....the wait for the rest of the Demoted trilogy was excruciating. Tonight I finished the last page of the last book in the series. I loved them, and am hoping for more standalone tales from this alternative universe.
'The whip cut into my skin for the first time and I screamed, I wailed in agony, both at the searing pain on my back and at the loss of the person I used to be. Without my intellect to fall back on, I had nothing. I was nothing. As the blood ran down, my hopes for holding onto some part of myself seemed to pour down with it. I retreated from my body and disappeared into some sort of safe space inside my head.'
Set after the fourth world war, slavery is alive and well as a means of curtailing a drain on resources. Every year the Demoted system assigns 15% of young underachievers to slavery. They are sent to a training facility where they are broken down under the Miller system, steralized and then sold into a life of slavery.
Sascha decides to rig the test and take his brother's place in the Demoted system believing he can cope with slavery better. It is a serious miscalculation, his intelligence is a dangerous liability and Sascha discovers a brutal life of sexual torture and abjectivity when he is sold to a brothel and regularly raped and beaten.
Cashiel requires a slave to further his reputation at a business event although he has no interest in owning a slave long-term. He agrees to purchase Sascha.
Cashiel's manner is brusque and his keeping of well-guarded secrets make him even more distant in fear of discovery. Sascha is terrified and desperate to please to avoid being sold back into a life of prostitution. Cashiel is sympathetic to his plight however this is not immediately apparent to Sascha.
This is a deliciously darkly disturbing story that explores themes of consent and submission, told in the first person mostly from Sascha's perspective.
To my mind, it is a very clever exposition of the dynamic of slavery and the role of domination and power.
The story weaves espionage and political intrigue into the plot which serves to subvert the ethical messages around slavery. There is much duplicity between both master and slave before they learn to trust each other at a most basic level, so the imbalance of power within their relationship is never forgotten.
What I appreciate most about the writing is the darker psychological aspects that are explored around the impact of slavery and the creation of two memorable and flawed characters who find a common purpose even if their motivation is very different. It brings them connection. This is a dark story that sparkles with hope. A compelling start to the trilogy with a HFN ending.
I'm not sure why I didn't review this immediately on finishing. Sometimes with a story I really love, I find it harder to write my impressions in case I do the book a disservice. I suspect this was the case six months ago. I clearly remember how much I loved Subjection, and the rest of life went on hold whilst I finished the story....the wait for the rest of the Demoted trilogy was excruciating. Tonight I finished the last page of the last book in the series. I loved them, and am hoping for more standalone tales from this alternative universe.
March 23, 2016
My first try to review while reading :)
Finished.
Aww, it's sweet. It's the first master/slave story where I actually find master/slave relations enjoyable, normally I'm all for equality. No time to write, need read the next one :)
At 71%.
Still so interesting I can't tear myself away from it. And still... instead of my heart going out for Sascha, I rather find his dramatics funny. Makes me feel like a terrible person. I usually stay away from slave fics because I get too upset and worked up about slaves being treated, well, like slaves. Here I'm kinda cheering when Cashiel has to punish Sascha. Because Sascha is annoying. I wonder if it is the author's intent.
At 32%.
It's interesting. I couldn't stop reading it till two a.m. at night. but I don't like Sascha. Which is strange because he is the kind of character (enslaved and abused) who normally would have had my immediate and passionate sympathy. But I don't feel anything much about him, mild sympathy, maybe, and dislike, too. I don't like him when he is traumatized, and I don't like him in his flashbacks. Right now I feel more sympathy towards Cashiel who has to share his living space with Sascha.
Now the idea of the Demoted is an intriguing one. But it makes no sense. Bodyguards? They make bodyguards out of the Demoted? Because a beaten, starved, raped bodyguard with a low IQ is the best bodyguard ever? And swapping the test results?! If it were so easy, if it were possible at all, people would do it all the time. Parents would bribe teachers to help their kids pass. Bright kids would be failed because someone didn't like them or their parents. And with 15% of the population Demoted... let me see, it makes 30% of the population (two parents of each kid) and probably 15% more (brothers and sisters) traumatized by the system. With 60% of the population suffering from the system (because families normally love their kids, even dumb ones) how comes the system still exists?
And it makes no sense to me that families don't do at least have the first hand right to buy out the Demoted kids. From the economic point of view it would have a lot of sense. I doubt Mistress Brethel paid much to get Sascha, and he obviously didn't cost that much to Cashiel. Now families would likely agree to pay a lot more. It would also make more sense if, for example, Sascha thought he would be bought out by his family and his plight was just temporary, and for some reason they didn't buy him out, oh angst :)
I really don't like when a dystopian book just draws a very dark picture without taking into account how human psyche works.
But the book is really damn interesting!
Finished.
Aww, it's sweet. It's the first master/slave story where I actually find master/slave relations enjoyable, normally I'm all for equality. No time to write, need read the next one :)
At 71%.
Still so interesting I can't tear myself away from it. And still... instead of my heart going out for Sascha, I rather find his dramatics funny. Makes me feel like a terrible person. I usually stay away from slave fics because I get too upset and worked up about slaves being treated, well, like slaves. Here I'm kinda cheering when Cashiel has to punish Sascha. Because Sascha is annoying. I wonder if it is the author's intent.
At 32%.
It's interesting. I couldn't stop reading it till two a.m. at night. but I don't like Sascha. Which is strange because he is the kind of character (enslaved and abused) who normally would have had my immediate and passionate sympathy. But I don't feel anything much about him, mild sympathy, maybe, and dislike, too. I don't like him when he is traumatized, and I don't like him in his flashbacks. Right now I feel more sympathy towards Cashiel who has to share his living space with Sascha.
Now the idea of the Demoted is an intriguing one. But it makes no sense. Bodyguards? They make bodyguards out of the Demoted? Because a beaten, starved, raped bodyguard with a low IQ is the best bodyguard ever? And swapping the test results?! If it were so easy, if it were possible at all, people would do it all the time. Parents would bribe teachers to help their kids pass. Bright kids would be failed because someone didn't like them or their parents. And with 15% of the population Demoted... let me see, it makes 30% of the population (two parents of each kid) and probably 15% more (brothers and sisters) traumatized by the system. With 60% of the population suffering from the system (because families normally love their kids, even dumb ones) how comes the system still exists?
And it makes no sense to me that families don't do at least have the first hand right to buy out the Demoted kids. From the economic point of view it would have a lot of sense. I doubt Mistress Brethel paid much to get Sascha, and he obviously didn't cost that much to Cashiel. Now families would likely agree to pay a lot more. It would also make more sense if, for example, Sascha thought he would be bought out by his family and his plight was just temporary, and for some reason they didn't buy him out, oh angst :)
I really don't like when a dystopian book just draws a very dark picture without taking into account how human psyche works.
But the book is really damn interesting!
September 8, 2015
OK, so here are the MCs.
Sweet lovestruck and abused Sascha..
And then we have Cashiel..
I don't usually have a problem with alpha MCs who act like assholes as long as they have moments of compassion and decency. I felt like those moments were all too rare where Cashiel was concerned. Perhaps it is because of his upbringing and the world he lives in - where slaves are routinely abused and dehumanized. But a huge problem I had with Cashiel was that he was a total wimp when it came to protecting Sascha from his evil mother. At one point he actually left the room and knowingly left Sascha in danger, hiding in the hall and eavesdropping. That is not Alpha-male behavior. And it made me really hate him.
This book was an OK read for me - and a little expensive also. $8.00 from Amazon. So I'm not sure - given that I don't care for Cashiel at this point - if I will continue with the series. The next book is currently available - also $8.00.
Sweet lovestruck and abused Sascha..
And then we have Cashiel..
I don't usually have a problem with alpha MCs who act like assholes as long as they have moments of compassion and decency. I felt like those moments were all too rare where Cashiel was concerned. Perhaps it is because of his upbringing and the world he lives in - where slaves are routinely abused and dehumanized. But a huge problem I had with Cashiel was that he was a total wimp when it came to protecting Sascha from his evil mother. At one point he actually left the room and knowingly left Sascha in danger, hiding in the hall and eavesdropping. That is not Alpha-male behavior. And it made me really hate him.
This book was an OK read for me - and a little expensive also. $8.00 from Amazon. So I'm not sure - given that I don't care for Cashiel at this point - if I will continue with the series. The next book is currently available - also $8.00.
July 7, 2015
When I read the synopsis I was scared to read this story and intrigued too. It took me long before I was able to open this book and begin to read. In some ways I struggled whole book because I'm this big advocate of freedom and free will....and this book shows you that in some worlds there's nothing like freedom at least not for everyone. And when you're reading you start to ask questions: "What would I do in situation like this?" "What would I do, if I was a master? How would I treat my slaves?" and for the most important question, at least for me: "What would I do, if I was forced to be slave and never have my free will again? Would I fight? Struggle? Gave up? Kill myself? Would I survive what Sasha did?" Because stuff like this happened in our history and everytime I see or read about something like this I'm angry and scared and I pray that this cruelty never happen again.
Subjection is amazing, emotional story, which force you to think and value what you have.
Subjection is amazing, emotional story, which force you to think and value what you have.
May 2, 2015
It was heartbreaking to see what Sasha went through until Cashiel find him... and even after that, their relation with each other was strained... But Cashiel was the best thing that happened to Sasha afer he's being demoted...
I can't wait for the next book
I can't wait for the next book
July 20, 2015
5 excited stars!! I couldn't put this one down. Only issue is that it is part of 3 book series:( Book 2 out in August)! This is dystopian but I actually followed it! MM meets Divergent! Lots of buildup for Sascha (slave) and Cashiel (Master) - I'm talking until last 10% of book but was worth it!
August 14, 2015
Well, I'm not interested in reading about slaves that much, I guess the dystopian setting got me to read this book.
It seemed like I've read similar ideas and plot bunnies before, but I didn't mind. It was a good read after all.
It seemed like I've read similar ideas and plot bunnies before, but I didn't mind. It was a good read after all.
December 15, 2017
DNF at 75%. I just couldn’t take it anymore. I didn’t like either of the main characters and I just didn’t want to read it anymore. I love dark stories but for some reason this one just didn’t work for me. When I stop reading and go watch tv at 8:00 at night I know something is wrong.
October 2, 2015
3.75 stars.
May 3, 2016
Complete series review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
February 13, 2021
Demoted is a dystopic slavefic trilogy heavy on hurt/comfort and toxic relationships. While it has a lot of very good aspects, it is a trilogy that I had high hopes for in the first book, but was thoroughly disappointed in by the third. The author writes well; unfortunately that does not mean that the author knows how to handle the disturbing subject matter that this story works with in a sensitive way. The books follow Sascha and his master Cashiel, a slavery reformist out to change the system that has so abused those like Sascha, and the relationship that slowly unfolds between them. I didn’t like it, so let’s delve into why.
Read the full review on my blog: https://rosesbooks.home.blog/2021/02/...
Read the full review on my blog: https://rosesbooks.home.blog/2021/02/...
January 21, 2019
It's so rare to find good slavefics these days. Finding this was like finding a gem.
Shelved as 'may-be'
April 22, 2021Too many books, too little time.
January 21, 2022
Good read, the author did a great job with character development and world building.
August 23, 2016
The worldbuilding was poorly done and barely there, it was rather vague and at times confusing, further exacerbated by the writing style. The narrative kept jumping back and forth in time and shifting from one character to the other, which did not help create a convincing and gripping story. Apparently, after the fourth world war, there was somehow overpopulation (what) which meant of course that in order to deal with it the individuals with low IQ were demoted to slaves. I mean, generally after any world war there is the exact opposite in terms of population, but okaaay. I just couldn't buy it, the reasons for the slavery and also the fact that everyone just went along with it. The entire world. Looking back at history makes it immediately apparent that the entire world, with all of the countries and peoples, has never once been completely united on something, especially not slavery. It just wouldn't work.
Furthermore, it wouldn't work because humans aren't robots, although the main characters in the book do seem emotionally handicapped, well, Cashiel at least. The protests wouldn't just "stop" out of fear, people would not just hand their children over to be enslaved, I mean there is a million of reasons why this just would not work. The author did not even try to make it very convincing either, I guess she just wanted for there to be slavery and honestly, after reading this book and looking at some other books the author has written, well, I am heavily side-eyeing the author.
The main characters also do not act convincing. I mean, at times it seems that Sasha understands everything perfectly (ie. slavery is wrong, Cahsiel is a pos, etc.) but then he thinks and acts in a way that suggests that he is little more than a lapdog, the way he is thankful to basically be a slave to his "master" doing his actual job for him and not getting a dime out of it...I mean, supposedly, he has good IQ but...I don't think any sane and smart person would be happy about this. They would be using everything they have to find a way out of the situation. He has access to a tablet, and it is implausible that slavery exist in the exact same way all over the world and there really is no escape. Utopia is not possible, so likewise, this type of world isn't either. He could get himself connections, money, an escape route, he could set Cashiel up, sell him out, hell, he could easily kill him and flee, but no, he is happy to be working tirelessly for the bastard and is thankful for it, too. Eyeroll. I get it, the author must think this is a cute/sexy relationship, that's the way it reads to me.
Cashiel is for slavery, he thinks it's all good and in general, he is emotionally handicapped and at times I wonder about his IQ as well. I don't really want to write more about this character, he is disgusting and I hoped he'd be demoted himself so he could get some perspective.
In short, what I got out of this book: slavery is actually really useful and cool, because people with low IQ don't deserve human rights and freedom and should know their place, gross inequality and abusive relationship is fun, cute and sexy.
Oh, and the author seems to love writing detailed and long torture/rape scenes, even though they add nothing to the plot and don't really move the story along. I rolled my eyes at them, tbh, it didn't make me feel sorry for the character, but I did pity the author.
Furthermore, it wouldn't work because humans aren't robots, although the main characters in the book do seem emotionally handicapped, well, Cashiel at least. The protests wouldn't just "stop" out of fear, people would not just hand their children over to be enslaved, I mean there is a million of reasons why this just would not work. The author did not even try to make it very convincing either, I guess she just wanted for there to be slavery and honestly, after reading this book and looking at some other books the author has written, well, I am heavily side-eyeing the author.
The main characters also do not act convincing. I mean, at times it seems that Sasha understands everything perfectly (ie. slavery is wrong, Cahsiel is a pos, etc.) but then he thinks and acts in a way that suggests that he is little more than a lapdog, the way he is thankful to basically be a slave to his "master" doing his actual job for him and not getting a dime out of it...I mean, supposedly, he has good IQ but...I don't think any sane and smart person would be happy about this. They would be using everything they have to find a way out of the situation. He has access to a tablet, and it is implausible that slavery exist in the exact same way all over the world and there really is no escape. Utopia is not possible, so likewise, this type of world isn't either. He could get himself connections, money, an escape route, he could set Cashiel up, sell him out, hell, he could easily kill him and flee, but no, he is happy to be working tirelessly for the bastard and is thankful for it, too. Eyeroll. I get it, the author must think this is a cute/sexy relationship, that's the way it reads to me.
Cashiel is for slavery, he thinks it's all good and in general, he is emotionally handicapped and at times I wonder about his IQ as well. I don't really want to write more about this character, he is disgusting and I hoped he'd be demoted himself so he could get some perspective.
In short, what I got out of this book: slavery is actually really useful and cool, because people with low IQ don't deserve human rights and freedom and should know their place, gross inequality and abusive relationship is fun, cute and sexy.
Oh, and the author seems to love writing detailed and long torture/rape scenes, even though they add nothing to the plot and don't really move the story along. I rolled my eyes at them, tbh, it didn't make me feel sorry for the character, but I did pity the author.
October 27, 2019
I couldn't bear finishing this book. It was gut-wrenching. And I'm not one to shy away from dark or twisted or angsty, depressing or whatever books. But I really couldn't push trough this one since the moment . It made of all his suffering truly unbearable for me because it was suddenly . Even writing about this unsettles me.
June 18, 2016
I actually liked this. Not the shock only because I don't usually find myself enjoying first person narratives. Always found it difficult to figure out who was talking.
Either way, I did enjoy this and quite liked Sascha and Cash. Cash thinking he was doing everything right by Sascha and Sascha thinking he was doing everything wrong. Don't know why but it worked or me. What didn't work for me was the jumping around of the timeline! Too much unnecessary jumping back an forth from past to present. It might have been better has the little snip its of the past been integrated into the chapters instead of being separate chapters themselves.
I'd recommend this for anyone looking a world built around a cast system and who enjoy slavefics of the lighter variety.
Either way, I did enjoy this and quite liked Sascha and Cash. Cash thinking he was doing everything right by Sascha and Sascha thinking he was doing everything wrong. Don't know why but it worked or me. What didn't work for me was the jumping around of the timeline! Too much unnecessary jumping back an forth from past to present. It might have been better has the little snip its of the past been integrated into the chapters instead of being separate chapters themselves.
I'd recommend this for anyone looking a world built around a cast system and who enjoy slavefics of the lighter variety.
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