Title: Unnatural Means
Author: T.C. Mill
Genre: Erotic Fantasy
ISBN: 9781627570176
Length: Short Story (27 pages)
Publisher: Storm Moon Press (June 23rd, 2013)
Heat Level: Explicit
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥2.5 Hearts
Reviewer: Thommie
Blurb: Confessor Isak is charged with the task of forcing Sain to confess his sins of murder and witchcraft before inevitable execution. Torturing in the name of the Divine is difficult enough, but the process is nothing new to him, and he is confident he can affect Sain’s salvation. This time is different, though, when he begins to feel Sain’s seductive magic takes hold of him. Suddenly, Isak isn’t at all sure it will be Sain who breaks under pressure to find release.
Note: This story was previously published in the Like it or Not anthology.
Product Link: http://www.stormmoonpress.com/books/Unnatural-Means.aspx
Review: As much as I like fantasy stories, witchcraft and a plot with dubious consent, I believe this one didn’t hold much interest for me. The plot was fairly transparent; you know from the blurb and the beginning of this short what will happen. So as I tried to let myself enjoy the ride, (see I don’t really mind knowing the plot beforehand) I found it a bit bland, a bit flat.
Sain is a witch accused of murdering his Master by unnatural means, aka magic, Isak is a Witch-Confessor tasked to salvage his eternal soul, and the logical step therefore is either Isak breaks him in the process, or Sain bewitches him and gets to escape his life.
There are things that made me raise an eyebrow here. For example, Sain never confesses or denies killing his former master. Through half-truths, we understand he is guilty. He also proceeds to tell Isak that he is what he is and can’t ask for forgiveness about it, it would be like apologizing for living and breathing (yes that part I liked). What made me wonder was Isaks’ entire behavior and his seduction that never really materialized. The creepy pervert in me was so set upon reading this story as it promised dark and vile tortures heavily linked to the Spanish Inquisition’s ones what with the Pear of Anguish making a slight appearance. I was frankly disappointed that so many wicked devices were introduced yet never made it to the spotlight, besides the little lash. And even when the lashing was performed the emotional state, the intensity in which it should have left me as a reader, the agony for the poor witch, was never there. In general, this story failed to make a connection with me at all times. I failed to feel the eroticism of the seduction, I failed to see Isak’s torment at losing touch with his faith, and I failed to see the agony and desperation of imminent death and/or torture, the aftermath of it. When finally Isak makes his mind and acts upon his decision, I felt no relief, no joy, or even comprehend the why on earth he’d do such a stupid thing, for his feelings never felt strong enough to require such thing.
So overall, this was a bit of a stilted read that could have been much more. I didn’t dislike it, but I didn’t love it either.