The Art of Submission
“Hurts so GOOD!
Y'know, it is inevitable nowadays that whenever one writes erotica concerning a rich guy, a poor girl, bondage and contract play, there is going to be a reference or direct comparison to 50 Shades of Grey.
Now, let it be known: I hated the ever-lovin' heck out of...”
“Hurts so GOOD!
Y'know, it is inevitable nowadays that whenever one writes erotica concerning a rich guy, a poor girl, bondage and contract play, there is going to be a reference or direct comparison to 50 Shades of Grey.
Now, let it be known: I hated the ever-lovin' heck out of 50SoG. There is absolutely NOTHING redeemable about this book that makes it artistic, literate, or even accurate when it comes to BDSM. Hell, I had never even HEARD of contract play or BDSM contracts of any SORT until I read 50SoG.
And stopped reading it shortly after the writing annoyed the unholy hell outta me.
So, suffice it to say, I hate every single trope about 50SoG.
But...I freakin' LOVED The Art of Submission.
Now, from what I gather there are a coupla versions that came out before the current incarnation, and the version I got was the "remix," which featured less "head jumping" than the previous version. Now, reader be warned: this review (like all of my reviews) will probably contain spoilers. Previous reviews, though, complained about the shifting perspectives in the narrative, from one to the other as the chapter progressed, and from MY point of view the remix addresses this by making a much more solid go of it. Instead of any kind of constant head jumping, you have one viewpoint at one part of the chapter, then the next viewpoint. Sometimes it's Dylan to begin with, other times it's Isa.
Now, what didn't I like about this book?
It ends.
No, seriously, I know that there's two sequels, but still goddamn - I really dug the sex scenes themselves, and even previous reviewers have noted the interplay between Dylan and Isabelle is just top-freakin' notch and really well-written, the complexities of their relationship from the start of the book onwards rather believable and, for me at least, interesting.
Now with THAT stated...as a writer, I understand the need for Isa's rude, weaselly boss. I even understand that there are crude idjits out there who mistake sheer rudeness and lewd actions for badassery and alpha male activity.
Not just as a reader, but as a writer I understand that this little mid-level boss type (video game reference for ya there, HAH!) exists as ONLY a foil to show how much cooler Dylan is.
...reckon it's not that I didn't like his parts in the book, but Ella Dominguez certainly did a good job writing up a character that was born to be despised and loathed!
Strangely enough, Dylan's catty and bitchy secretary (another villainous foil, this time for Isa) felt more natural as said villain, y'knowwhatImean? It's somethin' you'd just have to read. Perhaps I'm wrong...but methinks I'm right.
SO, with all THAT stated, I'd like to point out another thing I really dug. 50 Shades really got my hackles up with that contract mess - it's not like I've hardcore scened or whatever have you, but I've certainly experienced enough to know that what the master and sub/slave outlines within their relationship (from safe words to expected responsibilities) is dealt with in the beginning of that relationship. The relationships I've had in the past were verbal, and a sub or slave can always easily take away the power of a top-dominant master type by simply saying "no," calling the cops, calling in friends or family, or more.
Perhaps the scene and community has changed since I was active, who the hell knows. Emotional sadism can take quite a lot of dark twists and turns, ergo why I never indulged personally. Perhaps contracts are NECESSARY nowadays...but I've never, EVER heard of such things until 50SoG was pumped out by the writer's advertising mogul husband.
BUT, seeing Ella set the idea on it's ear was a real treat, y'know? Watching Dylan's insistence break down as he realizes he has an emotional need for Isa that may or may not be mocked by that contract, and Isa's resistance to the damn thing go through it's paces (gradually becoming a "I love him, so here's my compromises in writing" while at the same time he just says, "Fuck it, I love her") - seeing the revisions she makes gradually ease up as she learns to accept these taboo desires of hers...
And that's what it was really about, for me. To see Dylan's realization that he needed to dominate AND be dominated, as well as seeing Isa's gradual acceptance and exploration of these needs of hers....
Yeah. That was freakin' FUN!
So, all that good noise I just blared out at ya? It comes down to this: 5/5, A+, great seller, fast shipping, would buy from again.
Ella Dominguez's "Art of Submission" is artistic as it is aesthetic, with vividly written sex scenes and an intriguing experience with the BDSM toys and techniques. My only issue was that there wasn't enough clothespins and impact play for my exquisite tastes. [3 Seriously, Isa is just that kind of gal that just DEMANDS to be broken...
Sincerely,
~Thomas Duder, Author of the Things
http://www.facebook.com/AuthorOfTheThings
P.S. - Sooooooo....where is that sequel again? :D Gotta git me sum~!”
(read full review)
