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shahrun's review against another edition
4.0
I enjoyed this book more than the first one. It was a bit more what I would have expected. Not bad.
nessa_arandur's review against another edition
1.0
Don't read this if you want a good plot that makes sense or three-dimensional characters or a standard level of worldbuilding. This book has none of that. Do read if you are into these particular kinks: spanking, BDSM, object-play, bestiality, pony play, humiliation/mortification. This book is just straight up porn with no real story or anything to the characters. If none of those are your kink, then you're better off reading something else because this book sucked hard (lol no pun intended).
msdeecm's review against another edition
2.0
This review first appeared on Brazen Reads.
While reading the second instalment of The Sleeping Beauty Trilogy, I realised what my main problem is with the series that I couldn't pinpoint while reading the first book. It is not the issue of dubious consent, which I've touched upon on my previous review, though this remains a problem. It’s the constant diversion from the rules.
In a BDSM novel, the Dominant party usually sets out some rules which are followed or punishment ensues. In a fantasy novel (or a science fiction novel) the writer sets out rules for the world which are first and foremost supposed to make sense otherwise the world unravels. Or in my case, the reader is jarred out of the world which leads to an unpleasant reading experience. And this is my problem with these books.
There are too many exceptions and anomalies to the world. For example, in the beginning we are told that the Princes and Princesses auctioned off to The Village only spend the summer there and then return to the castle. A few pages later we meet slaves that have been serving at the Village for years. Anne Rice uses beautiful and polished language. I wish she had paid the same attention when working on the plot.
I was also conflicted about the sex in this book. I liked some of it, but a lot of it included degradation and pony play which are not really my cup of tea. I suppose it is all a matter of personal preference. If you like the idea of human ponies fitted with butt plugs that have tails, this is the book for you. If instead you restrict your kink to human behaviour, you’ll find at least half of this book distasteful.
Reading the Beauty trilogy is definitely an experience. On one hand, I understand why these books caused a stir when they were first published since they certainly evoke strong feelings to a “seasoned” erotica reader like myself. However, the feelings evoked may be not what the author desired to evoke.
While reading the second instalment of The Sleeping Beauty Trilogy, I realised what my main problem is with the series that I couldn't pinpoint while reading the first book. It is not the issue of dubious consent, which I've touched upon on my previous review, though this remains a problem. It’s the constant diversion from the rules.
In a BDSM novel, the Dominant party usually sets out some rules which are followed or punishment ensues. In a fantasy novel (or a science fiction novel) the writer sets out rules for the world which are first and foremost supposed to make sense otherwise the world unravels. Or in my case, the reader is jarred out of the world which leads to an unpleasant reading experience. And this is my problem with these books.
There are too many exceptions and anomalies to the world. For example, in the beginning we are told that the Princes and Princesses auctioned off to The Village only spend the summer there and then return to the castle. A few pages later we meet slaves that have been serving at the Village for years. Anne Rice uses beautiful and polished language. I wish she had paid the same attention when working on the plot.
I was also conflicted about the sex in this book. I liked some of it, but a lot of it included degradation and pony play which are not really my cup of tea. I suppose it is all a matter of personal preference. If you like the idea of human ponies fitted with butt plugs that have tails, this is the book for you. If instead you restrict your kink to human behaviour, you’ll find at least half of this book distasteful.
Reading the Beauty trilogy is definitely an experience. On one hand, I understand why these books caused a stir when they were first published since they certainly evoke strong feelings to a “seasoned” erotica reader like myself. However, the feelings evoked may be not what the author desired to evoke.
sadandsp00ky's review against another edition
4.0
Better than the first. Unexpected action/plot twist at the end.
annettewolf's review against another edition
4.0
I'm finding that Rice actually really nails the motivations and emotional experiences of the submissives. This book is very spicy, and as far as the erotic aspects go, it is quite good. But I found that I was getting even more out of just the exploration of the sort of philosophy of dominance and submission. Stepping into characters' heads who hate that they love what they're experiencing is a really interesting way to think on the experience of a submissive.
More non-con, of course, and the most "fairy tale" aspect of this book is really that consent is not even considered, and that every "slave" actually gets sexual gratification out of what is being done to them.
More non-con, of course, and the most "fairy tale" aspect of this book is really that consent is not even considered, and that every "slave" actually gets sexual gratification out of what is being done to them.
afilmfatale's review against another edition
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
Beauty is made for the streets. This is a case of the darker it gets the better it gets. Village spice hits different
anouk90's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0