Review: A wonderful story of learning to be one's self...
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 03 29, 2014
I was delighted to see that the nine Brie novellas had been combined into one book. I bought it and read it immediately and have not regretted the decision at all!!!It is a story for anyone who is interested in BDSM and in getting an overview of everything it entails. Through Brie, the reader gets an insight into what it takes to become a submissive.The training center is a six week course where Brie and her fellow students are taken through their paces. An in-depth study into transforming innocent wannabees into accomplished and polished submissives. Not a single aspect/topic of submission is ignored. As we learn with Brie, we are introduced to obedience, bondage, floggings, a*** sex, objectification, oral sex, humiliation and a variety of other experiences such as Kinbaku (Japanese rope bondage), role playing, the use of a bullwhip.. just to name a few. What really made an impact was the way this story, was perceived from a learning process for all. Brie and the other 'newbies' didn't embrace everything that was introduced with immediate enthusiasm, which makes for some interesting conversations at times. The reader learns that in training to become a submissive, this means pushing boundaries and going beyond the realm of what you think you are capable of and comfortable with.The subject of this book suggests that most of it revolves around sexual acts, yet there is so much more. But really... how else are you going to train submissives? But as you will discover, there was also room for a bit of background story...and yes a love story in the making. As the reader gets a chance to get to know and experience how and what Brie achieves and appreciate how she grows. I liked the way Brie was torn between several of the men she interacts with causing a wonderful balance to what she was learning. In most romances the lead can't make up their mind about who they love and want to be with, but in this book, Red Phoenix made it make sense. When you as the reader can experience the emotional trials and tribulations within the story, its hard not to develop feelings for Brie and other characters. You actually become so very intimate with each one. The fact that the story kept me guessing as to who Brie would end up with in the end was both a surprising twist and an added bonus.I also liked that each of the Doms and submissives are individuals in their own stances. They are young , old, well built, out of shape, different races, temperamental, compassionate; they are just an eclectic group of people I would love to know personally. Many popular books with a BDSM theme seem to portray certain stereotypes as their main characters, yet with this book there is such a variety depicting every day people. It made for a very nice change in which the characters came across as people I personal could meet in my day to day life.Another praise for this book is the way allowed by the author to inform the reader about BDSM and submission without ever getting preachy. The story is set in a learning environment of a school, making perfect sense as we learn the lessons along with Brie, which never interfered with the flow of the story but rather enhanced it. It is definitely a wonderful story of finding one's self. Find out for yourself...I'm sure you will love Brie, Master and all the other characters and be begging to want to know what's next. I know I did! The author has continue on with the book “Brie Embraces the Heart of Submission” and it is as powerful as this one. You will need to read this book before continuing...you'll thank me later I'm sure. Some of my friends have!