I came across this book some years ago when a friend blushingly showed it to me. I was very inexperienced in the lifestyle of BDSM and she thought it might be a good introduction into the fantasy elements of the whole scene. I have never been a fan of Anne Rice's books but I thought what the hell and bought the trilogy for myself.

The story is a retelling of the Sleeping Beauty fairytale, in which instead of rushing in and waking his bride to be, our Prince carnally claims the Princess and then carts her off to experience life in his Mother's Queendom as a pleasure slave. This is a period of "training" aimed at stripping away ego and pride from the ruler's of the surrounding kingdoms making them, presumably, better rulers more in touch with their lowly subjects carnal desires and needs. It is well told from all perspectives, from Beauty's fright and humiliation to the Prince's confused desire to completely own this lovely new Princess. The story follows Beauty from her first tentative desire to submit to her eventually rebellion.

The BDSM scenes are beautifully described though they are all patently fantasy. Some of the punishments are dangerous and don't even border on abusive. Safe, sane and consensual is not the way this book even attempts to portray the master/slave relationship. This book should not be considered a manual to follow in planning or enacting a scene in real life but they are thought provoking and just plain HOT to read. It is definitely good food for fantasy and was good fodder for many a masturbation evening for myself.

This book has good re-read value as well. I would not recommend leaving this book around for younger readers as it is very much fantasy and should never be confused for reality. We removed the set from easy reach when our girls began to read the books on our family bookcase. When the time is right and they grow curious I will explain the realities of consensual BDSM and allow them to read the set if they desire to.

It is well written and a bit flowery. Overall easy to read and very graphic. I recommend this book to anyone who is looking for something very non-mainstream, as it is a good story even if it does get a bit rude at points.

This is still a perennial favorite of mine. I recommend it to anyone who enjoys Ann Rice's other works even though it is a total work of fiction and shouldn't ever be taken as reality. It is the true fantasy of BDSM and as such it is amazing!