I see a lot of people write how this is not toxic and consensual etc etc. I'd like to disagree. Sure, compared to a lot of the other it is LESS toxic, but it's nowhere near where it should be to actually counted as a healthy D/S dynamic. I started reading it due to the overwhelming positive reviews and as someone who enjoys bdsm irl and is currently in a D/S dynamic I was hopeful for some proper representation. My review is mostly based around the bdsm representation and toxicity. THERE WILL BE SPOILERS AS I REFERENCE TO THE STORY AS I GO.
The art style is great and the paneling really draws you in. As I also mentioned before it's a lot less toxic then a lot of others with bdsm and it's clear that some sort of research has been made, but it's also extremely clear that it's only the tip of the iceberg.
I want to first point out that the fact that the safeword came in the middle of the story is in of it's self a huge red flag. Before entering any form of bdsm play, no matter if just a session or a long term dynamic, it's necessary for a vetting. This is where you discuss boundaries, safewords and limits, but also what you're interested in overall.
The concept of aftercare is talked about and the physical part is definitely the focus, BUT the focus of any shape of mental aftercare is just nonexistent? Of course aftercare looks different for everyone, but the fact that he's only focusing on fixing his subs physical wounds is weird when they do a lot of Degradation and humiliation. Not proper aftercare here can easily break someone down mentally.
Going into bdsm without experience isn't a problem AS LONG AS YOU'RE WELL INFORMED. The sub has little to no information about bdsm outside of liking pain and wanting to be punished. AND the fact that the dom doesn't encourage him to do any research on his own is another big red flag imo. The sub is literally being taken advantage of due to his lack of knowledge, as he can't make educated choices.
I enjoy the fact that we get to take part in their thoughts, but I find it concerning that they have no communication about their play sessions or important issues outside of the sexy times. The sub is portrayed to be in some sort of subspace during most of it and the decision making should NEVER happen in that moment. It might seem odd to some but UNLESS you have talked in detail about boundaries and limits and/or have played for a long time so you know each other extremely well, you literally plan EVERY session and check in with each other through out. One miss in communication can traumatize someone for fucking life.
There's a situation in ch 60-63, that's handled badly, as in down right abusive and it was then I decided to write this.
There's also things like how there's an assumption made that unless you are hit 50 times or go throught something equivalent to it, you aren't in need of aftercare, and once again, that's not how aftercare works and aftercare is always a must. There's also an assumption that sadism means you want to put somwone through every type of pain possible and find all of it hot and masochism is the same except you want it all done to you and everything pain related gets you off. It's a very dumbed down version of what it actually is.
Also the part where the dom makes it a 24/7 dynamic is also concerning and how he's mad that the sub had to interact with another dom THROUGH WORK. People aren't only their bdsm interests and that whole part just ruined it for me.
Then the dom also leaves the sub UNATTENDED when he was TIED UP, in a NEW PLACE, and SENSORY DEPRIVED with no way of communicating with the dom. There's too many risks to leave someone like that and it is pure neglect and abusive. The subs mental state was clearly fucked when he came back, and not because subspace hit him hard.
If you made it to the end, great job and thank you for taking the time to listen. I don't have all the answers, but this is my take from the knowledge I've gathered from several years of research and experience. I definitely don't need everyone to agree with me and I know that some people will read this story for the sexy times and great visuals. I also don't think anyone should take my word for it, so I want to encourage people to research more about it if they have an interest in bdsm or learning more about it. Some words to help the research: vetting, boundaries and hard limits, safewords, aftercare (physical, emotional, mental), S.S.C, R.A.C.K, and the difference between bdsm and crimes.
The dom is in great need of therapy and so is the sub
(This person has read until ch 68 for now)
TLDR; Don't listen to the reviews calling this a wholesome, non-toxic, BDSM relationship. It's incredibly toxic. If that's your thing, great, but it's by no means healthy BDSM. Their relationship turns abusive halfway through.
MC is a former mercenary, though, so if you get a kick out of watching war criminals suffer, have at it.
