Ancilla opens with a scene where, as a child, the titular protagonist teaches a younger girl to conquer her fear of the monkey bars by doing them with her. This is apt foreshadowing for the mentoring relationship that is to come. The first chapter follows Ancilla throughout her early years, tracing the emergence of her erotic predilections as well as the social, familial, and financial devastation that they cause her. The true arc of the story, however, begins with her meeting the man she will come to know as Erastes; her lover, teacher, master, and soulmate. As Erastes guides Ancilla through a journey of spiritual self-determination and rebirth, which primarily occurs through a hybrid variety of Kabbalistic magick, their relationship deepens as well. Ancilla discovers the ways in which pain and submission are her path to enlightenment, as well as how the line between suffering and ecstasy is so easily blurred – if there at all. As Erastes teaches Ancilla the art of forging her own destiny however, it results in her greatest suffering yet.

The most compelling moments within Ancilla are those between the protagonist and her lover. Drake approaches the power differential of their BDSM relationship as dominant and submissive, as well as their spiritual relationship as teacher and student, with surprising nuance and tenderness. Erastes subverts the stereotypical depictions of a male dominant, and demonstrates how consent and care are foundational to even the most extreme expressions of passion. Drake continuously underscores the fact that while there is incredible pleasure for both parties in the performance of these asymmetric relationships, they are also a means to an end. Namely, Ancilla’s ability to be a teacher and guide for others. Beneath the continual negotiation of a relationship that is entrenched in the particularities of BDSM subculture and Thelemic sex magick, there are conversations that anyone can relate to. What happens when one partner is unable to meet the needs of another? How is trust necessary for exploration? How do we reconcile personal ambitions with interpersonal commitments? Drake’s approach to these debates through the lens of consensual power imbalance makes for refreshing answers to age-old questions.

While the historical, philosophical, and spiritual topics covered in Ancilla certainly provide depth to the relationship dynamics that Drake is exploring, they also detract from the book’s accessibility to a wider audience. Those not previously familiar with Hellenic myths, Arthurian literature, psychoanalytic philosophy, or the traditions of the Hermetic order of the Golden Dawn, may find themselves struggling to follow Ancilla’s conversations and internal monologue. This is a shame, considering that much of Ancilla and Erastes’ romance can be found in their intellectual sparring, and Ancilla’s spiritual journey is directly understood through the Kabbalistic Tree of Life. Drake does include an afterword on the book’s structure around Kabbalah, an appendix for Greek and Latin translations, a reading list, and an illustration gallery, all of which some readers may find helpful in digesting the more theoretical content. Others may balk at what could feel like a homework assignment. Despite these hurdles, even the most novice layman can find something to enjoy in Drake’s tantalizing story of love, passion, and spiritual deliverance. Historical erotica nerds, eat your heart out.