4 Stars
This series just keeps getting better. The subject is still hard, but relief is on the way, somewhat. Mat and Dougie have made it through the auction and are on their way to the trainee’s location. Dougie has been locked in solitary for sensory deprivation. While the beatings and rape have stopped this is its own form of torture. When he is finally released he is disgusted with himself for giving into commands from his trainer. Mat is not so lucky. Nicoli may be the trainer but not the owner and the new owner wants someone to fight. So Mat’s abuse continues. Nicoli tells him over and over to keep the fight but obey the master. The newest form of torture is the worst. Its chemical warfare and there is no escaping. I fell for both Mat and Dougie and just want to take them from this life and give them a new one. The author plums the depth of not just the brothers but Nicoli as well. You all see the heart in the story even if you want to rip it out and stomp on it.