Reader’s Picks: BackupReader
Email: backupreader644@gmail.com
Hi! I’m BackupReader, my selection is mainly mf stories with elements of subtle or gradual control with a bias towards darker stories. I have a preference for stories with a focus on interesting methods of induction and a compelling deepening/suggestion arc, usually from the controller’s point of view. I hope my picks can help you find a new favorite story and help the authors find a new reader.
Dojo Discipline by scifiscribbler
As the first book in the Dojo Discipline anthology, this story helps answer the question: What do you do to tighten the chains of control once it’s been established? The main character, Lewis, is self-centered, petty, and without conscience for the things he does to other people. However, that very character allows the story to flourish as Lewis relentlessly attempts to further his control over his teacher beyond what he has already established. Without scruples the sky’s the limit, and as Lewis’s teacher becomes more and more ensnared in his clutches, scifiscribbler explores just how far you can truly go in controlling another person’s mind and body.
Hero or Sidekick? by scifiscribbler
Another story by scifiscibbler, this one follows a superhero with mind control powers. The main character heads down a path of no return, abusing his power to take control of his fellow superheroes. Told from the victims’ perspectives as well as our main character, it’s interesting to see how he uses the skills learned from his mentor to bring his allies under his control. Journeying further from the path of righteousness, having learnt all the wrong lessons...It seems that with great power comes great need for control.
The Last Bridge in Pittsburg by Seamstress
While this is Seamstress’s only story in the archive, it’s an absolute gem. Inspired by “Good to the Last Drop” by Mister Harvest, Seamstress puts a unique spin on the concept by incorporating an interesting character dynamic and setting. Set within an dystopian environment and beginning with an accidental induction, I really liked the methodical way the main character explored their newfound ability. The sex scenes were well-written in my opinion, and the characters themselves feel fleshed out with realistic motivations, making the story highly memorable.
Neuromancer focuses less on the erotic aspect of mind control and more on its implications. How would you feel if you were forced to see the true faces of those around you on a daily basis? If a mind reader looked into your head, what would they see, and how would that make you feel knowing that they know? This Jukebox story in particular was interesting because it took a bit of what the reality of mind control/mind reading is and ran with it. Overall a well-written short story that investigates both the moral ambiguity of mind control and the hidden truths we all keep within ourselves(I also like William Gibson’s version so bonus points).
The Rise of the Dark Lord by Jennifer Kohl
The main character uses operant conditioning and gaslighting to force his victims to do his bidding in classical evil villain fashion. I thought the setting and writing were both very immersive and well-constructed. I particularly liked how the author focused on the process of conditioning, and how it affected each person. If you liked this one, I’d recommend reading the prequel to this story, “The Youth of the Dark Lord”.
Perfectly Distracted by Prospero Nox
Being one of the first stories I read on this site, this story uses one of the sensory tropes to deliver a creative induction, with the medium being one I haven’t seen often used. While this one was light in of erotic scenes, it’s engaging induction more than makes up for it! A short story that knows what its focus is and concentrates on making it as good as possible.
I was surprised by how detailed this story was in its methods and comprehensiveness. How did the subject get there in the first place? How were they induced into trance? What about afterwards? BedHead covers all these bases and more; A what-if played out to its completion, with believable writing and good inductions! The author also has other stories of a similar style, such as “Keiko’s Salon”. I feel like Beijing Tea Party comparatively has the best writing though, due to improvement in skill over the years.
Tales of an Unethical Hypnotist by Hypno Wolf
The title says it all, as an unethical hypnotist uses his learned skills to control and corrupt his wife and daughter. One of the things I liked most about the story were the induction scenes, as the main character uses his licensed hypnotist experience to more effectively influence his family. The author was able to consistently show this experience through the main character’s thoughts and actions to make the mind control scenes more immersive and engaging. The erotic hypnosis writing in this story is on point, with the characters and their relationship with mind control and each other mapped out clearly. I thought the writing itself was also well done, having both technical nuance and conversational prose.