The Transformations of Gwen: Volume 2 is a collection of erotic photo essays starring the cult favorite, Gwen.  The photos and accompanying words/stories are compiled by Eric Kroll.  This is the second in the “Gwen” line of photo books, and like the first one, this collection is just as extreme, twisted, and intriguing.

Gwen, for those that are unfamiliar with her, is an incredibly attractive, petite BDSM model.  The book is entitled “The Transformations of Gwen” because of her ability to transform herself into new characters for each series of photographs.  The result is that you can flip through the book and think it is filled with several different models, but really it’s only Gwen.

This book is a great collection of BDSM photos.  It’s compiled by Eric Kroll, who is a true BDSM fan and one who lives the lifestyle.  Gwen, his girlfriend, is also into the extreme scene and, as a result, the book comes across as feeling “real”.  This isn’t a bunch of models being paid to put a ball gag in their mouth and look like they’re enjoying it.  Gwen and Eric take BDSM very seriously and that definitely comes across in the book.

In terms of downside, this isn’t a typical porno book.  There is very little in the way of hardcore photos, and most of the pictures could probably be classified as soft porn.  Also, in order to get the most out of the book, you have to read the accompanying stories.  In many cases, looking at the pictures alone will leave you confused as to what is going on. An explanation is offered only after you read the narration, which can at times be a few pages long.  For those looking for a straightforward collection of hardcore porn, look elsewhere.

Overall, I found the book to be refreshingly well done.  Too often, I think, photographers try to play to what they think will sell the most copies, usually extreme hardcore.  The Transformations of Gwen: Volume 2 is a much more refined and realistic glimpse into the BDSM lifestyle.  The book is intelligent and both Gwen and Eric Kroll take their work seriously.  It is both erotic and intelligent; something that most other porn collections do not even attempt.