This is the latest book in a series of books portraying erotically charged goings on in a place called Tormunil. It is the first of this series I have read. I'm aware that many people get very absorbed reading about fantasy places, and this book has highlighted for me that I'm not one. For those who are, then I can say that this book is absolutely packed to the seams with erotic scenarios of bondage and abject submission by nubile young ladies, and that will probably be enough. For those who are not of this taste, and have happened on this, perhaps, because of its 'fantasy-neutral' title and cover picture, then be aware that you will enter a realm of strange power relationships in the context of a mixture of primitive and modern technologies, all seemingly spun out of nowhere to add a sort of vague justification for all of the quirky plot shifts. It's undeniably atmospheric, heavily so, but things that seem almost life-threatening happen all the time, and without apparent consequence. Promising plot shifts peter out again and again,for no apparent reason. Suspension of disbelief here goes into overdrive. It's one of those love it or hate it things, I guess. ( )