Ok, let’s start with a disclaimer: I’ve never actually read 50 Shades of Gray. But I feel like I know enough about it to know that I really don’t want to take the time to read it through. I’ve read a few key passages and talked to enough friends who have read it to know that it is Not For Me.
Now, I do have to give 50 Shades a little bit of credit. I know a number of people whose first introduction to the world of BDsM was through the 50 Shades of Gray books. Many kinksters first dipped their toes into the waters of Bondage and Discipline by flipping through 50 Shades. It’s a piece of mainstream media that provided a gateway for many people to start learning more about kink. And for that reason, I’m glad that it exists. The problem I have with it (as do many people in the BDsM community) is that a lot of the information in the series is just plain wrong. In some cases, it’s only only wrong, but downright dangerous. While 50 Shades is perfectly fine as a jumping off point, there are a lot better BDsM series to sink your teeth into.
If you’re on the hunt for some quality kink erotica, which explore the dynamics of dominance and submission, then I have three series that you should check out…
The Marketplace by Laura Antoniou
The Marketplace is a series of 6 novels that delve into a secret society of submissives, trainers, dominants and masters. The stories dive deep into the concept of power exchange, training and high protocol living. There are plenty of hot fantasy scenes with elements of impact play, sensation play and bondage as well as a range of other kinky activities. The settings are fantastical, a sumptuous mansion, a lavish training facility, a stunning Irish castle. The characters are diverse and there are a host of different genders and sexualities represented. Although the stories in the novel are woven from a submissive’s wildest fantasies, they are still grounded in truth. I love the way that the stories don’t skip over important steps, such as showing the negotiation between a dominant and submissive, discussions of safety elements before a scene and highlighting the importance of safer sex practices. The Marketplace does a wonderful job of combining toe-curling fantasy with the foundational aspects of BDsM play.
Souls in Chains by Kim Debron
Souls in Chains is a more modern, realistic story of power exchange, told from the perspective of new submissive, Lucy. The story moves through Lucy’s exploration of kink, her desire to submit, her training by her beloved Master and her struggle to decide if she wishes to give up her life to become a collared slave. The author of this book is a collared slave herself, and writes from a place of sincerity and experience. Like the Marketplace, it contains numerous erotic chapters, and all of them feel grounded in truth. We see the inner workings of submissive who is learning to serve a Master, and the challenges she faces while deciding how far to pursue her calling. There is a sequel, Broken Links, which delves into a more established power exchange relationship in a similar, realistic but still exciting, manner.
Sunstone is a series of graphic novels that combines the tale of a budding kink relationship with gorgeous artwork to create a story that’s utterly breathtaking. It features a lesbian couple who meet and begin exploring a D/s relationship, a first for both of them. Both main characters are fascinated by the world of kink, but neither one have actually had a partner to play and explore with before. This series perfectly captures New Relationship Energy, the excitement of finally finding someone who shares your passions and kinks. There’s a fantastic cast of supporting characters, with a variety of different experience levels and proclivities. The artwork is utterly gorgeous, with style that perfectly treads the line between comic book and erotica.
Do you have any favourite BDsM book series to share? I’d love to hear your recommendations in the comments.
Nessbow 