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Thrall #1

Thrall

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A Novel of Alternate Earth

“Get over my knee. You’re my slave, and if you don’t behave, I’ll punish you. If you’re good, I’ll treat you like a treasure.”

Ned has left England for the kingdom of Gredoria. Maybe he’ll find himself a new toy to play with since slavery is spreading in certain locations. Restraints, whips, canes, degradation, denial, and total domination over whoever is in his bed never gets old, and it’s been a while since he’s had a slave to satisfy his twisted desires.

Rowan’s Wrakarian Mother has been dead for years, and his white Father hates him. He’s thought about leaving the village behind but never planned on being snatched by slavers. He certainly never imagined that anyone like Ned existed.

Rowan knows his fantasies of pain, degradation, and submission aren’t the norm. Worse, he shouldn’t be enjoying anything that Ned does to him. He’s sure this grey-eyed man isn’t even human and uses his powers to twist the minds of others. Rowan won’t admit that he likes his dirty fantasies made true, and he’s certainly not willing to entirely give himself over to such a monster.

After all, Ned’s lying and can’t really care for his slave, right? If he did, he wouldn’t have bought one in the first place.

Ned knows exactly what his new slave needs despite the denial and bratty attitude. Rowan will learn to submit and obey because if he doesn’t, it’s not just his life that will be more difficult. Ned needs him for more than just housekeeping and kinky pleasure.

There’s a reason the Native Gramoan tribes haven’t attempted to save their own caught in the web of slavery, and the desire for submission isn’t Rowan’s only secret. If he can open up and be true to himself, not only will he have the chance to help someone in need, but he’ll also find freedom.

This is a full-length, enemies-to-lovers, paranormal, M/M romance novel. It contains steam, dubcon, Master/slave, half-god/human, forced proximity, age gap, bondage, humiliation, kinks, a bratty slave who has trouble keeping his mouth shut, and a Master with a soft spot for such brats. It is intended for mature readers only.

266 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 16, 2022

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About the author

Julie Mannino

53 books122 followers
Author of the Alternate Earth Novels

Ace 🖤🤍💜
Autistic
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I primarily write MM and fantasy/paranormal romance. If you like a trope or certain type, I've either got it or I'm working on it😊

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Community Reviews

5 stars
78 (42%)
4 stars
37 (20%)
3 stars
36 (19%)
2 stars
19 (10%)
1 star
13 (7%)
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
Profile Image for Ava S..
55 reviews1 follower
July 25, 2022
Wow, this novel blew my mind. I've read the author's other works in the fantasy genre, but I wasn't expecting an Mm romance novel like this. MM is my favorite, and I blew through it in a night because I couldn't stop reading.

I read Loki's Price which seems sort of like a prequal book to me. It explains how Ned came about. In Thrall, now that he's in Gredoria, slavers have been catching tribe members when they can to sell into slavery. It's horrible, because anything can be done to slaves-work, sex etc. The tribe people are seen as lesser and therefore things to use.
Rowan is captured in quite an expected way, taken to a slave house, and Ned buys him. I was a little worried at first that this might be one of those books where someone r*pes an MC, and somehow the MC falls in love with that person. I don't really like those because it's not realistic, but it became clear pretty fast that Thrall wasn't like that at all. Rowan has secrets he'll barely admit to himself, and Ned has his own secrets. There relationship was amazing to read about as it grew from enemies to not enemies, and then more while they worked together to solve a huge issue in the area.
The ending was beyond sweet, and left me feeling bereft because there was no more, lol. It's a HEA, and there's no cliffhanger. Things are resolved and left me satisfied, but I have a feeling there might be possibly more in the future??
Ned was amazing character, and Rowan was sweet, if mouthy. They work perfectly in my opinion, and I love the humorous bits sprinkled throughout. The steam...whew. They do some kinky stuff in this, and it was great, but I also liked how certain safety things were addressed. (Minor spoiler: aftercare of cuddling after intense sessions, instead of the characters just going about life like nothing happened. It made the whole thing seem more realistic which was a huge plus to me)
The author has a real talent for writing this stuff, and I seriously hope there's more Mm from her in the future (even if involves different characters). Give it a try. You won't be disappointed.
Profile Image for Annie Rae.
Author 12 books56 followers
October 27, 2022
I didn't know what to expect going in as I've never read a MM Romance. Generally, I go to romance for a lot of MF steamy fun but I gave this a shot because it's really the relationships that I love to read about and the growth of love.

At first I thought detailing a slave relationship would be off putting but the author gave enough insight into the Master's personality and mind that you could see his love of Dom/Sub, more than slave "ownership". That was important. The paranormal element was snuck in (I like that it was something outside of normal vampire & shifter <-which I do love hardcore). But this book was unique for paranormal, a fresh story, and very much worth the read!

I loved the
32 reviews
December 1, 2022
I was afraid this would be another fifty shades rip off when I downloaded it (where abuse = love). I was totally wrong, thank god. The love between these two and the kinku relationship was amazing. I'd give it ten stars.
Rowan is repressed in both his sexuality and in admitting how much he loves kink. Admitting the kink bit comes easier, but embracing himself as a gay male was harder. Ned was patient with him as they went on, and in his pov, its clear how much he cared for Rowan. I highly recommend this.

Also, the cover is 👌. Simple, gets the point across, and isn't bogged down with a bunch of stuff or weird faces superimposed in the corner like some romances.
Profile Image for Julie Anne.
Author 3 books6 followers
July 30, 2022
I was hooked

From the very first page this story drew me in. I loved both main characters, Rowan in particular. It had a very unique story of a man coming to understand his own sexuality as well as two unlikely people falling in love. I'm a sucker for enemies to lovers romance. It has also inspired my own writing. Part way through this story, characters of my own popped into my head. Time to start writing!
367 reviews8 followers
August 1, 2022
This is a powerful and well-written book about slavery and the role of power in a sexual relationship, in this case between a master and his slave, both men. Both are obsessed with sex to some degree so be sure you're ok with that kind of thing. The master works toward better treatment of slaves and elimination of slavery altogether in this world, yet completely enjoys and uses his dominance over the man in his life. It's wild and intense, but it moves along and all ends well.
10 reviews
December 1, 2022
The relationship between these two was absolutely amazing. I loved that Rowan was basically a pain$little, BUT things were still kept sane and Ned was a good dom.
I don't like books where one character enjoys pain and the dom uses that to do things that are just plain weird or abusive, and aftercare isn't even a thought.

Thrall wasn't like that at all. Ned's care is quite evident in this, and both characters were well fleshed out. I could just imagine Rowan's scowls at times too 🤭
Profile Image for C.G. Jaquish.
Author 8 books19 followers
January 4, 2023
Steamy!

Julie Mannino is quickly becoming one of my favorite erotica authors. From boldly approaching every topic with passion and amazing description to weaving everything together with fantastic stroylines that make you care deeply for the characters and their emotional journeys. As always, definitely reccomend!
Profile Image for Tabitha Womack.
Author 21 books97 followers
August 1, 2022
If you dig m/m you should read it

M/m does nothing for me but that doesn't mean it's not a good read. I like watching authors evolve and improve over time as each story comes out. I dig the concept. Good job.
Profile Image for Kayleigh Hughes.
Author 8 books5 followers
November 16, 2022
interesting first book

I’m not much of a romance fan, but I did enjoy this book. Well-written and engaging. As it is part of a series, I won’t spoil anything here, but I will recommend. Thumbs up
16 reviews
November 20, 2022
Whoooo. I can't get enough of Ned. He seemed a bit more evil in this one because of having a slave at first, but it was so enjoyable to watch things unfold between him and Rowan. Not that Ned isn't morally grey... I was worried this would be a r@pe story in the beginning, but it wasn't.
Profile Image for Elizabeth.
18 reviews
October 23, 2022
I hope there's more to this later. I loved this. The way Rowan was suppressed but allowed to come out in his own time was great. The kinky stuff was amazing too. Definitely a must read author for me
Profile Image for TheBookie.
11 reviews
January 7, 2023
Interesting tale between men who seem unlikely but made for eachother. Good balance of hardcore kink with a thrilling plot. Highly recommend.
Profile Image for S.P. Dawes.
Author 6 books63 followers
January 23, 2023
Fantastic

I absolutely loved this story. It has everything you could want to keep you turning the pages. I couldn't put it down once I started.
179 reviews1 follower
September 7, 2022
MM/BDSM kidnapping
Rowan was taken and sold to Ned.
Ned is a pretty nice owner.
This took an interesting turn and was a great book. I liked the intrigue and not being able to guess what happened next
Profile Image for Bee.
514 reviews12 followers
June 20, 2023
DNF ay 4%

WHAT IN THE RACIST GARBAGE!?

based on the title and the blurb this book is a about is about a master/slave dynamic but I was led to believe that dynamic was BDSM based…. Not race based.

Especially to be written by a white woman…. So offensive.

Quote that had me DNF:

“So? You’re clearly half-Wrakarian or some tribe. That means you serve white folk.” “I’m half-white so-so let me go!” “That white half part won’t save you. You’re dark enough…”

I don’t know if she thinks because she’s used a word other than African , that makes it better….. it doesn’t. And it’s in Europe……

Like if you’re a racist that wants to fetishize raping and enslaving black people….. just say that. This should have had a trigger warning!
556 reviews2 followers
December 29, 2023
Slavery

I am not a prude, hey I wanted to read this book. But as a Black female this story was beyond offensive. Not the sex but the tale itself of forced human bondage. Being set is an alternate Earth did nothing to mitigate this offensive story. I enjoy reading about D/s situations. But this was too much. Would a parody based on Anne Frank be ok? I think not. I was not amused.
Profile Image for Alexis Anicque.
Author 16 books5 followers
January 22, 2023
Well written

Not normally my type of genre, I belong to a group, and this was this week's book. I was surprised at how much I enjoyed this book. There are some places where the subject matter would make someone uncomfortable. With that said, I truly enjoyed the story. The plot was well thought out. I'd say if you can be open-minded, you will enjoy this book.
January 6, 2023
Interesting Male to Male relations in an alternate world

An interesting tale of an alternate world of strangest of attraction between Ned and his new slave Rowan. Mature content and so you've been warned. I love the writing style and they're light and easy read.
Profile Image for Pascal's scriptures.
170 reviews1 follower
July 22, 2022
Not for straight guys

This book is definitely not for me.
However, I would have enjoyed it only if Rowan was female, BDSM is my fetish.
Profile Image for Olgz.
959 reviews5 followers
June 7, 2023
This story was confusing especially the ending Rowan had valued freedom avove all else only to switch gears and crave slavery. I think the Wrakarians who alleged he was damaged by the experience were right. He could have simply told Ned, I am free, we are equals but in certain scenarios we can role-play as slave and master. Ned was sadistic in truth not in jest he definitely enjoyed dishing out pain and public humiliation. I am not a fan of his ways no matter how they are explained and sugarcoated. The story and the setting were however quite unique and that was probably it's attraction.
262 reviews
March 5, 2023
I know why this was labelled as a PNR but actually it’s very light on the paranormal stuff.
I would have liked more explanation of Ned and his background as it was harder to connect with him without.
The author’s note says it is not required to read any prequels to understand this book and while that may strictly be true I wonder if it would have made a difference if I had. Since Ned does feature maybe what I felt was needed for him in Thrall was actually in the prequel.
Profile Image for Drita.
11 reviews
May 4, 2024
This novel captivated me from the very start. Both main characters, especially Rowan, were incredibly compelling. The storyline, exploring a man's journey to understand his sexuality and the unexpected love that blossoms between two unlikely individuals, had me hooked. As a fan of enemies-to-lovers romance, this book hit all the right notes for me.

I was blown away by this novel. While I've read the author's fantasy works before, I wasn't expecting such a captivating MM romance. Being a fan of MM romance, I devoured this book in one night because I simply couldn't put it down.

The character development, particularly of Ned and Rowan, was exceptional. Their evolving relationship from enemies to allies to something more was beautifully portrayed. The ending was satisfying, yet left me yearning for more.

Ned and Rowan's characters were perfectly crafted, complementing each other in every way. The humor sprinkled throughout the book was delightful, and the steamy scenes were incredibly well-written. I particularly appreciated the attention to detail regarding safety and aftercare in their intimate moments, making the story feel more authentic and relatable.

Overall, the author's talent for storytelling shines in this novel, and I eagerly await more MM romances from her in the future. I initially feared the book might mimic the problematic dynamics of "Fifty Shades," but I was pleasantly surprised by its depth, sincerity, and the genuine love between the characters. "Thrall" is a must-read for fans of MM romance. Also, the cover art is simple yet effective, avoiding the clichés often seen in romance novel covers.
Profile Image for ꩜ ֶָ֢ ⭒milky way.
111 reviews1 follower
December 18, 2024
scalding hot 🔥🔥🔥 but the justification of every single terrible shit ned does is so present and annoying...

dnf at 76% because i got tired of that, but the erotica was worth it.
Profile Image for Shelly Neinast.
Author 4 books22 followers
July 21, 2022
Wow to much info!

I tried to read with an open mind and knew it contained sex, but wasn't aware how much. It could have been a great storyline if it had more story.
I gave it a 4 out of 5 star rating because of the effort and research you put into the story.
Profile Image for Laura Noi.
527 reviews18 followers
August 11, 2024
3.5 stelle
Una buona scrittura, personaggi credibili e in evoluzione e una trama. Non chiedo tanto quando voglio solo svago.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews

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