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3.3 AVERAGE
3.3 AVERAGE
I would like to start by saying that I adore Rice's writing style. She uses words in a way that few authors have the capacity to understand, let alone mimic. I also find it impressive that she did such an outstanding job on this novel, given that she wrote it for an academic degree, and that the subject matter is by and large misunderstood in mainstream society.
With a nod to Rice's abilities, I will now move to my second point: This book depicts a Grimm-infused view of BDSM. For those who do not participate in the community, or bother to learn the reality of the lifestyle, I would like to point out that few people are able to engage in the kind of "day in and day out" dynamic depicted in the book. Even people who live the lifestyle 24/7 usually have some sort of balancing aspect to their dynamic.
When reading this series, look at it as a highly sexual version of Harlequin romances: You know that, no matter what happens, a washboard-abbed cowboy is not going to sweep into your home and present you with his motherless daughter to raise, large ranch on which he needs help, and feather-soft bed which he needs you to jump into. Similarly, few women are going to like being whisked away to a large estate where they are made available at all times, with little consideration to their needs or desires and no nod to pregnancy prevention or medical concerns. This is a fantasy, please read it as such.
I rate this is four stars for numerous reasons: I enjoy these kinds of stories; I am an unabashed erotica reader. Additionally, I can not stand the utter trash that is 50 Shades of Gray. I will not go into my rant here, but let me say that I wrote better erotica than "50 Shades", well before I ever had first-hand experience. Because of this, I feel that it is important to show people what GOOD (or, at least, passable) BDSM erotica is.
So, please put down your book about the "inner goddess" and read these novels. After that, find someone who actually lives a kinky lifestyle and ask them to tell you about how things really work. The dysfunction of "50 Shades" and the fantasy of "Beauty" are in no way realistic. It doesn't stop Rice's novels from being amazing, it's just something to keep in mind.
With a nod to Rice's abilities, I will now move to my second point: This book depicts a Grimm-infused view of BDSM. For those who do not participate in the community, or bother to learn the reality of the lifestyle, I would like to point out that few people are able to engage in the kind of "day in and day out" dynamic depicted in the book. Even people who live the lifestyle 24/7 usually have some sort of balancing aspect to their dynamic.
When reading this series, look at it as a highly sexual version of Harlequin romances: You know that, no matter what happens, a washboard-abbed cowboy is not going to sweep into your home and present you with his motherless daughter to raise, large ranch on which he needs help, and feather-soft bed which he needs you to jump into. Similarly, few women are going to like being whisked away to a large estate where they are made available at all times, with little consideration to their needs or desires and no nod to pregnancy prevention or medical concerns. This is a fantasy, please read it as such.
I rate this is four stars for numerous reasons: I enjoy these kinds of stories; I am an unabashed erotica reader. Additionally, I can not stand the utter trash that is 50 Shades of Gray. I will not go into my rant here, but let me say that I wrote better erotica than "50 Shades", well before I ever had first-hand experience. Because of this, I feel that it is important to show people what GOOD (or, at least, passable) BDSM erotica is.
So, please put down your book about the "inner goddess" and read these novels. After that, find someone who actually lives a kinky lifestyle and ask them to tell you about how things really work. The dysfunction of "50 Shades" and the fantasy of "Beauty" are in no way realistic. It doesn't stop Rice's novels from being amazing, it's just something to keep in mind.
For as much as I love Anne Rice, this particular series is not for me. I was able to get through the first book, but I can’t with this one. I’m not going to rate it, but I will say I think she writes so beautifully but this is not a good representation of that.
adventurous
dark
emotional
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
tense
fast-paced
challenging
dark
reflective
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
I knew this would serve some purpose... When you feel like crap and know you won't like anything you read, why not read something you knew you couldn't like anyway?
Far better than the first, that's for sure. More sex scenes that can actually be somewhat enjoyable, pain and pleasure are separated at times and there seems to be a purpose for all the crap that's going on in there, though for me it still makes no sense. And maybe a little bit of action here and there too.
Still, and I have noticed this whenever sex came up in her other books as well, in Anne Rice's world there seems to be no risk of unwanted pregnancy, STDs, infection from injuries and so on. Wouldn't that be great? But since it isn't, it's... odd.
Far better than the first, that's for sure. More sex scenes that can actually be somewhat enjoyable, pain and pleasure are separated at times and there seems to be a purpose for all the crap that's going on in there, though for me it still makes no sense. And maybe a little bit of action here and there too.
Still, and I have noticed this whenever sex came up in her other books as well, in Anne Rice's world there seems to be no risk of unwanted pregnancy, STDs, infection from injuries and so on. Wouldn't that be great? But since it isn't, it's... odd.
As open minded as I am, this series CANT even be called disturbing BDMS on crack, as there is NO CONSENT or free will, it’s dehumanizing torture and degrading messed up demented abuse of characters. Poor taste to title these books after beloved fairy tales. Badly done. Book is pure GARBAGE.
They ban a book like Balance, which is ridiculous. While this book is deemed acceptable??????????
No clue why anyone would enjoy this book. Disney should sue for defamation of beloved childrens fairytale princess.
Whoever classified or approved this read as a romance should be evaluated by a mental professional.
They ban a book like Balance, which is ridiculous. While this book is deemed acceptable??????????
No clue why anyone would enjoy this book. Disney should sue for defamation of beloved childrens fairytale princess.
Whoever classified or approved this read as a romance should be evaluated by a mental professional.