Blood Slave by Michelle Houston

 

Blood Slave is a short read that consists of two closely related stories.

Here's the blurb:

Sometime in the near future, vampires have been found to exist and have been hunted down and systematically infected with a virus that causes them to lose their sight. But they have found a way around it, through the use of blood slaves.

Where The Blind Leads: Brandon is one of those possible slaves, and if his interview goes right, he will become his master's new eyes, food supply, and lover. After his master is done whipping him and testing his sexual abilities.

Leading The Blind: Nicholas used to be one of those slaves, but through the slow infection of the virus, he has been turned. Now he is facing a future he knows nothing about--dominating another. His old master decides to step in a find a new master for Nicholas, a mortal man who is not only willing to dominate a blind vampire, but also to be his blood slave.

First, let me just say that the first story is hot. I'll even go so far as to say Smokin' Hot. It's short, but it packs a nice punch. The second story isn't quite as hot, but there is some emotion in there, and it's also an enjoyable read.

BDSM elements:

• Bondage and Discipline:  No physical bondage, but a metaphysical one that is perhaps more encompassing than ropes and chains. And there is the promise of discipline. 2 of 3.
• Dominance and Submission: Yes. 3 of 3
• Sadism and Masochism: Yes. 2 of 3. 
• Extra Point: Yes.

As for the writing elements, the plot is creative and different and I enjoyed it. The pacing is fine, prose and dialogue are well done, character development is good for the short story we are given, and world-building is well done and gives us a different take of the world of vampires. 

• Book Rating: Blood Slave: 10 of 10
• BDSM Intensity Level: 8 of 10
• Heat Level: 5 of 5

It's possible that the intensity level isn't giving a totally accurate picture this time. Most of the time I believe my ratings system works, but in this case you should be aware that it's a pretty hard core BDSM situation, and that if the story was longer then these particular couples most assuredly would have done enough for their relationships to warrant a 10 of 10.

I enjoyed Blood Slave and recommend it for those who appreciate the idea of consenting to be a slave, but then losing the ability to withdraw consent once it is given. The slaves in this world still have control, as they can change Masters at any time, but once they consent to becoming a slave there is no going back to being a free person.

I would be very interested in a full length novel written in this world. The world building is an interesting concept, with lots of possibilities when it comes to how vampires interact with each other when their slaves are their eyes. What would a party would look like, how would political meetings work, how would vampires police themselves.... I can imagine all kinds of fun rules for the slaves in those situations.