Review: 5 Stars but be WARNED.
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 01 27, 2013
This is the first time I've ever given a book five stars while knowing that I probably will not read any more of the author's work. Funny how that happens. This book is extremely well-written. From a technical standpoint, it's fantastic-- no typos, excellent dialogue, believable characters,etc. It's also obvious the author has done her homework. She knows this world of dark erotica and BDSM and she gives the reader enthusiastic and credible insight into the complex and often twisted people who inhabit it.I should add that this novel is not limited to mild objectification (ie. the type of objectification where you're still viewed as a human being but your perceived value is in your sexuality); no, the author tangentially explores extreme objectification as well. These decriptions include fetishes that veer into permanent modification (mutilation in my opinion), kinks where a person wants to be viewed as an inanimate object whose sole function is to act as an orfice/receptical for their master. You may not think this is that big of a deal. But to give context, think of a person who has had all their teeth removed so that they can give better b-jobs. Imagine a person who fantasizes about having no legs so that they can give easier access to their orfices. Imagine a master/husband who shaves his spouse/slave's head bald and removes her eyebrows to exert dominance and cause her anxiety. These types of activities are really way too extreme and bizarre for my tastes, and I did not care to read about it, even in passing or as part of the world-building in this book.Given that the subject matter is so extreme, I was pleasantly surprised that the plot points didn't feel too contrived. I especially loved the main characters. They are vivid and well-described, and quite likeable with their hardcore kinks and quirks. There was one part that I thought was a little insincere/unbelievable, but understanding that this is fiction, I can honestly say that in the overall scheme of things, this book feels real and genuine. The writer didn't cop-out or take the easy road.The problem for me is that it was just too intense. I like angst; I love tears. I love the dichotomy of rough treatment offset by tender and caring moments. Luckily this book delivered all that. There were parts that I really really loved. There were moments where the connection between the two leads made me envious. Their story really got under my skin, and my tastes are certainly odd enough to appreciate that. BUT BUT BUT... the fetish extremes were so overwhelming that they ALSO killed the fantasy for me. Instead of wanting to get deeper in, I was mentally running the other way. If I had a reading safeword, I would say I came THISclose to using it.What I learned from this one is that I am totally not into kink that surpasses role play and modifies your individuality or dilutes your humanity. At times this story got a little bizarre and a lot uncomfortable, so naturally, you might wonder why I'm still giving it 5 stars. Well, that's simple really. Fair is fair. The summary tells you quite accurately what you're in for. The author delivered exactly what she promised. I guess my caveat is just that, as a reader, be sure it's what you want. If you're going to read it to explore a new kink, as I did, then take it as a learning experience--boundary testing if you will. But I don't think it's fair to knock the book or the author because your own personal limits were tested; thus, I am giving it a full 5 stars for being very well-written and reasearched, keeping me on my toes, making me think, making me squirm, and for leaving a lasting impression.[EDIT: Happy to say I was wrong. Couldn't get this story out my head, so I actually did read more by this author. I read Davenport and its sequel Davenport and Chiffon, and I LOVED them both. Still got a bit squeamish at parts, same caveats as above, but enjoyed the other books just the same!]