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Original poster

A Court of Thorns and Roses

29 replies

Shan5474 · 20/07/2024 18:33

I was looking for a sexy fantasy book and this seemed really popular but I’m almost halfway through and I don’t think I can actually carry on! (Small spoiler but not really below)

The writing style isn’t to my taste anyway but I’ve just got to the bit where she essentially fantasises about being forced, is sort of assaulted and then wears a pretty dress for the assaulter the next day.

I’ve tried a few sexy books recently and they seem to have similar themes of female submission, predator/prey, Stockholm syndrome etc. which I’m personally finding a bit problematic. I know MN has lots of feminists and women who’ve experienced SA but I guess these themes must be common fantasies so I wonder if I’m in a minority for not liking this book

OP posts:
Original poster
Shan5474 · 20/07/2024 21:58

Sudburysubsiding · 20/07/2024 20:37

I haven't read this, but these themes seem common in female-written fiction - I'm baffled as to why.

I remember reading an interview with the editor of Black Lace books - all female-written. She was expecting submissions of novels with strong, independent women. Instead, they were all submissive women & dominant men.

It must be a common fantasy, or people wouldn't read & buy them. I know you can fantasise about something without wanting it in reality, but it's still disheartening.

That’s really strange and I find it hard to understand. In some of the books I’ve read the main character is a strong person and has a good career or protects their family but sexually it’s a different story which is confusing. Like you say, people wouldn’t read it if they didn’t enjoy it but surely there are at least some women out there who don’t want to read about submission

OP posts:
motherofbantams · 20/07/2024 21:05

So I read the other series she wrote - starting with 'house of earth and blood'. Waaaayyyy sexier. More and better sex

EatMoreFibre · 20/07/2024 20:52

The book is not going to go the way you think. Try to finish it, it does get much better two thirds in / towards the end

Sudburysubsiding · 20/07/2024 20:37

I haven't read this, but these themes seem common in female-written fiction - I'm baffled as to why.

I remember reading an interview with the editor of Black Lace books - all female-written. She was expecting submissions of novels with strong, independent women. Instead, they were all submissive women & dominant men.

It must be a common fantasy, or people wouldn't read & buy them. I know you can fantasise about something without wanting it in reality, but it's still disheartening.