The Sardonyx Net

The Sardonyx Net by Elizabeth A. Lynn was published in 1981, the last novel the author completed before her long hiatus from writing.

The novel follows three main characters: Rhani Yago, who manages her wealthy family's fortune and slaves; her brother, Zed Yago, a physician who manages the family's space hospital; and Dana Ikoro, a young smuggler. When Dana is caught smuggling drugs onto the planet, Zed has an opportunity to exercise his penchant for sadism. Dana's punishment is 10 years of indentured servitude to the Yago family. After Zed has tortured Dana enough to believe that he has been thoroughly cowed, Zed brings him to Rhani as a present.

The book follows the complex political and social relationships on the planet, as well as the complex personal relationships between Dana, Zed, and Rhani. To further twist the plot, the drug commonly used to keep slaves docile is in short supply, and a new interstellar policeman seems to be helping impede the supply.

The book is especially interesting for its unflinching treatment of nonconsensual sadism, which some may find offensive. Lynn does introduce a character who enjoys consensual sadism, and who tries to convince Zed of the value of her approach.