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A review by msdeecm
Beauty's Punishment by A.N. Roquelaure, Anne Rice
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.