Available Now @ YaoiProse

Author: Yamila Abraham
Illustrator: Le Perruguine
Rating: Mature (18+)
Release Date: February 3, 2010

Format: Downloadable eBook

Synopsis: “Jinady found himself trusting incubi for the first time during the long journey to the settlement. Now that he’s finally there, things have unraveled. He’s forced to become a soldier by Figaru’s orders. Then he discovers one of Figaru’s ex-lovers chained in a cabin with boarded up windows. He’s horrified by the man’s stories. Could this noble demon pursuing his affections really be so cruel?”

Jailed away for reasons he doesn’t understand, Jinady isn’t ready to settle for being a prisoner of anyone ever again – even if his body is still quick to fall back into old habits. But his captivity is short-lived when an unlikely individual arrives to his rescue (of sorts). While he may not be swept off his feet by any dashing settlement-leader just yet, he’s enlightened with enough information that both he and readers will be more than content.

After part four, it felt like Incubus Master may be at threat of leaving more questions than it was providing answers. Some parts moved at a pace that could easily leave readers feeling like they were missing something. The societal systems of the settlement still needed some clarification and that becomes more evident than ever here when Jinady is drafted into the army. A lithe, traumatized pretty-boy doesn’t exactly scream an army boy so there’s obviously something a little different about this army. Well that proves both right and wrong. Jinady is immediately put into physical training and after everything that’s happened, it seems a good fit – he could definitely use some self-confidence along with a bit of muscle. Still far from being the ideal image of someone you want running out to defend you however, we learn more about the settlement’s defense system and the special role people like Jinady can play.

During his training, Jinady also finally meets the surprisingly renowned Rowan, who at this point in the story is chained in a cabin by the settlement’s leader, Figaru. Roawn’s first official introduction, not including various mention before now, came in the last chapter but it’s here that we really learn more about him. Or at least, we learn about his relation to others – which turns out to be a pretty long list. Whatever it is about this guy, Rowan is the favourite of several you-don’t-want-to-mess-with-them characters and after hearing from him just how much so, and under what arrangements, it becomes a bit clearer what seems to be pushing everyone’s buttons the wrong way lately.

The resulting drama is pretty fun despite its negative results. Jealous reactions, revenge and spite all play a role in different characters’ actions. Sometimes it’s just enough finally seeing how their reactions fit together in this puzzle of ‘why the heck did they do that?’. By the end, Jinady’s role in this mess is neatly exposed, a victim of circumstance who is ‘rescued’ in whatever way those care for him (or have a use for him) can provide. It was especially gratifying learning why he was drafted into the army in the first place.

The end of this chapter is also the most sweet to date – not because it sets up any especially notable cliffhanger but because it leaves a nice big smile on your face. Jinady and Figaru finally come clean about their thoughts towards each other and share a pleasantly PG-embrace. This comes at the amused cheers of their unbeknownst audience of the barracks’ soldiers. While admittedly their passion for each other feels a little too sudden (yaoi-switch officially flipped), their inevitable coming together proved no less endearing than readers will have hoped.

Part five of Incubus Master cleared up a lot of confusion left by some earlier passages so this chapter end feels especially satisfying. With enough other issues still stewing in the background however, it’ll leave readers feeling both eager and properly prepared for what’s to come next.

Review written February 20, 2009 by Lissa Pattillo
Digital copy provided by Yaoi Prose for review purposes

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About the Author: Lissa Pattillo

Lissa Pattillo is the owner and editor of Kuriousity.ca. Residing in Halifax, Nova Scotia she takes great joy in collecting all manners of manga genres, regretting that there's never enough time in the day to review or share them all. Along with reviews, Lissa is responsible for all the news postings to the website and works full time as a web and graphic designer.