On behalf of her position of New Projects Analyst for Unitech, Daria had an audience with the Sildor Minsee, hereditary ruler of the planet Utan to acquire the mineral rights to the northern hemisphere of the planet. Engaged for five years to Trout, whom her friend Analek the blue Amazon called a "cold fish," Daria's ambition to get the deal signed was motivated by her relationship with Trout as much as her career goals. Raised by nuns in a Catholic orphanage, she wanted to belong, and she was as much in need of Trout's family as Trout himself. All of this bold ambition came to a thudding halt during her audience with the Sildor, who considered the meeting merely an opening gambit in the upcoming deal, and who had decided to show Daria "the error of her ways." Daria was given quarters in the Palace of the Sildor, and a male attendant, Ston.

Daria was uncomfortable in the underground community of Utan where women were in such sort supply that each wife had numerous husbands, but her accommodations were luxurious and Ston was so solicitous that she came to accept the concept. However, when he showed up naked to help her bathe, she squealed and made him leave. She met with the Sildor, but each time there was extensive ritual and she was sent away with her Unitech agreement unsigned. After days of waiting for the Sildor's call, Ston-every moment at her beck and call-convinced Daria to accept a massage. Just as she was beginning to enjoy, she was summoned.

At last the Sildor said she would sign the trade agreement-under certain conditions. Daria agreed to do whatever would put the Sildor's mind at ease. The Sildor demanded a test of Daria: a course of D/s training at The Academy, which nearly sent Daria scurrying back to earth. The demand did send her scurrying to call across the universe to Trout in Manhattan, who, instead of supporting her, showed every sign of displeasure, until she agreed to put up with the D/s Academy. But as the Sildor willed, the course at the Academy was not to teach Daria only D/s, but how to accept and trust herself. And what of her exotic and handsome attendant Ston, her fiancée Trout, and the mysterious guard who tormented and pleasured her so at the Academy?

Although the setting of The Academy is fictional in time and place, Elizabeth Stewart's futuristic bondage novel asks serious questions that relate to the D/s culture about the meaning of love, trust and support. This book falls on the gentle side of that lifestyle choice so that s/m aficionados may wish another read; it is very explicit and erotic without being misogynistic.

Reviewed By: Maitresse
© July 2004