A Whole New World

This is a good book for a bit of fantasy reading. It is not meant to be taken for reality and does not portray the master/slave relationship in a realistic, sane, or even legal way.
Published:
Pros
Well written and easy to read.
Cons
Very graphic and dangerously violent scenes that can border on torture.
Rating by reviewer:
4
extremely useful review
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.
Follow-up commentary
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!
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  • Contributor: ~LaUr3n~
    LMAO "does not portray the master/slave relationship in a realistic, sane, or even legal way."
  • Contributor: Backseat Boohoo
    I cannot stand Anne Rice--I think all of her books sound the same--but I've been meaning to give her fairytale series a chance and see how it stacks up to other erotica. Great review; made me giggle!
  • Contributor: Airen Wolf
    This was one of the first hard core erotica books I had ever read though |I do wish I had had access to the "Story of O" or other classics, still this is a good read if only for the outrageous lengths it went.
  • Contributor: her.royal.redness
    *LoL* Beautiful review! I've been wanting to read this book for quite a while and I think this has pushed me over the edge. First thing tomorrow I'm going to the bookstore! And I have to admit, that I, much like Lauren, killed myself at the line, "...does not portray the master/slave relationship in a realistic, sane, or even legal way."
  • Contributor: Airen Wolf
    Smile While it's hotter than hell the idea, being used against your will completely it isn't legal nor is it particularly arousing when it's happening. Still as a fantasy it's amazing!
  • Contributor: Maiden
    I loved reading these books, even if they were a little over the top. This book was the first piece of erotic fiction that I ever read. It gave me fantasies about being dominated and led me to my submissiveness in sex play today. I had gotten rid of these in my last move, to save some space. Reading your review has made me want to go out and buy the series again!
  • Contributor: Airen Wolf
    Funnily enough it brought out the dominant in me reading this series. I tend to be a voyeur and a "director" rather than a submissive. Still i can see how it would appeal to all types just because of it's outrageous nature!
  • Contributor: El-Jaro
    I'm sure this is probably Anne Rice's first book with M/F combos vs. her vampire books that just seem to have M/M combos

    good review
  • Contributor: Alicia
    I've been thinking about reading this one for quite a while, but I wasn't sure. I think you've made up my mind though and I'm going to give it a try.
  • Contributor: M121212
    Ooh I want to check this one out.
  • Contributor: Bellasera
    It's nice to see someone else who feels the way I do about this book. I love the book, but it's definitely not something you should take overly seriously.
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