Reviews

Going Home by Kris Ripper

bookstosoothethesoul's review

3.5

Oh man I really liked this one and wish it was longer. There was so much to unpack and we only really scratched the surface. I could have spent the whole book watching Rory figure out what he wanted and negotiate that with Geo, unfortunately another plot took over and distracted from that. It was frustrating to see the side characters getting in the way of the main characters' development. In books with unusual kinks it's so frustrating when side characters don’t understand or judge our MCs for what they're into and that's what we have here. I especially didn't like it when the friends were telling Rory that he was raped just because he was a slave (as if an outside person was better suited to weigh in on how consensual his sexual experiences were). My other complaint was that they talked about a lot of kinks but didn't do much in real time which was disappointing. I wanted to see them figure out how to play with power dynamics now that Rory isn't a slave anymore. I was so invested in that journey and we just didn't get to see it even start to be resolved really which was very frustrating. The premise was fantastic but unfortunately I think it needed a full-length book to really do it justice. Kris Ripper's characters are lovely as always so I can't complain too much. I just want more (I can never get enough of KR's writing!) 

teresab78's review

4.0

I loved the psychology of the slave mentality and how it looked at whether Geo and Rory's feelings were genuine, if the even could be genuine, because of the master/slave issue. It was so evident that Geo truly cared for Rory and I was glad that we were able to see them struggle to navigate Rory's freedom in the context of his desire to submit; it made what they felt real.

I also loved the supporting cast of characters and was glad they both had such wonderful friends.

I would have loved to see a scene after they got back together of Rory's willing submission as a free man.

agmaynard's review

challenging dark emotional hopeful fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

A story with a major tonal shift, and surprise plot development that made it kind of unbalanced as a whole.  Is it a critique of cookie cutter D/s through a near future slavery system, with strong late capitalism notes? Or is it a thriller with the foregoing lulling us?

scrow1022's review against another edition

4.0

Characters a little reminiscent of the Scientific Method stories so that was both pleasant and odd. But oh, this was super interesting and compelling and heart-breaking and thought-provoking. Looking forward to rejoining the characters in other books.

s4r1's review

challenging dark emotional hopeful tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

giddybubble's review against another edition

4.0

I've been on a slavefic binge recently, and this one has so far been my favourite!

It took a unique approach to the subgenre, exploring the meanings of slavery and transition to freedom, as well as the importance of self-awareness, rather than simply revolving around the Master/slave relationship. I loved the displays of caring and affection during every kink scene, especially those featured in the sequel. Kris Ripper’s writing was great!

My only complaint was that the ending was a bit abrupt. The story could have been wrapped up in a more delicate and thorough manner if it had been longer.

lbrick363's review

1.0

I didn't like this at all. demon really got on my nerves and Rory was at times a bit of a baby. the whole kidnapping at the end was a bit much.

cr_valentine's review

challenging dark tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Forced institutionalization, Sexual violence, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Physical abuse, Trafficking, Torture, Suicidal thoughts, Cursing, Confinement, Injury/Injury detail, Kidnapping, Violence, Slavery, and Sexual content

Moderate: Sexual assault, Suicidal thoughts, Adult/minor relationship, and Rape

kaje_harper's review

4.0

A book that begins with an ex-slave dreaming of being reunited with his owner could have been really problematic. But I found myself liking this one, because it took that premise and unwound it, and showed the way the impossibility of consent within an involuntary slave relationship taints everything that happens. For Rory, the ex-slave, that means questioning things he had assumed were simple memories and choices. For Geo, the ex-owner, it meant good intentions weren't close to being enough. I appreciated Geo's trans friend who is the strong voice of reason here.

For some readers, that dissection of consent might feel preachy, but I thought it was important and the characters and story were strong enough to make this a story that was fun to read, not just a message that was important to convey.

evil_jj's review

2.0

Not for me. I can only take so much lecturing in a book before it sucks all the fun out of my reading experience. And by that, I don't mean I need happy fun books to enjoy reading, which you can easily see from my favorites shelf (I actually prefer darker reads). The subject matter isn't the problem for me - it's the endless discussing, debating, advice from friends, and therapy that makes up 90% of the book. I feel like the conceptual difficulty of transitioning from an involuntary to a voluntary slave was being drilled into my skull the entire time. And then I never saw him become a voluntary slave, which is what I thought the prompt requested, but ah well. It wasn't badly written, but it wasn't at all what I was hoping for based on the prompt.