Rating: 
Summary: An odd mixed up book...unfulfilling
Review: I found this book very odd. NOT for the bd/sm subject matter but more for the fact that the first half of the book seems to be running in one direction and about mid-way thru it it takes an entirely different turn. It kind of starts out as a *virtual erotic club med* vacation and switches to an almost old fashioned simple love story (two people, who against all odds find each other kind of thing).. Im not sure why I found this so disturbing...probably because neither promise (erotic story vs. true love story) was really ever fulfilled. I suppose either premise would have made a good book. Ms rice is an elegant writer who can make some of the most unappealing things seem palitable. Her discriptive style is excellent and you *are* transported where ever she takes you. Perhaps this book would have been better as two books. Or maybe its just that the original premise of the two main caracters, their whole personalities...styles..personas all of a sudden changed for each other...and neither seemed to jusify the change in the other. And I never really got the feeling that either of them was eachothers soul-mate... The first half of the book had more promise as an intriging read probably despite the erotic premise not because of it...but the second half seemed like a modern day romance novel that never did *gel*
Rating:
Summary: Erotica? No. Love story? Yes.
Review: As other reviewers have said, this book certainly doesn't compete with other erotic classics as the back cover claims. It starts out strong with some of the most tensely erotic scenes I have ever read in a book to date, with Anne Rice's usual amazing writing style, but quickly fades from erotica into a simple love story with many dimensions, as much of her work does. While I must confess that this is certainly one of my favourite books that I have ever read, it does not support the claims that are made with regards to the work within the pages. It is not a 'modern day "Story of O," although Anne Rice has certainly done much work in examining the S/M scene. Unfortunately, those who are experienced in this particular scene will notice a few glaring errors in the claims that she makes in the novel, and may very well cringe to see these mistakes made by such a profound author. While Rice certainly believes in her work with some great zeal, those with experience in their own lives will see that her own experiences perhaps do not match their own. The books real saving grace does, however, come towards the end of the book, as we begin to follow Elliot and Lisa more closely, realizing the true sparks that have flown between them. The characters are intensely real and believable, so much so that the reader may feel as though they have entered into the very hearts of the characters about whom they are reading. If you are looking for a good erotic read, then this probably isn't the book for you. If you are interested in the S/M scene and are hoping for more information and ideas, then this is also not the book for you. If, however, you are interested in getting deeper into Anne Rice's amazing world and love her writing, then this is a worthwhile read for any fan.
Rating: 
Summary: Elegant pornography with psychological insights
Review: Anne Rice wrote "Exit to Eden" under the pseudonym Anne Rampling. Unlike the Dan Ackroyd / Rosie O'Donnell film adaptation, Ms. Rice's novel is elegant pornography. "Exit to Eden" describes The Club, a Caribbean island resort where members can experience their sexual fantasies in a safe and luxurious setting. "Exit to Eden" is the story of Lisa, the boss lady slave trainer known as 'The Perfectionist'; and the story of Elliot, a free-lance photographer who contracts as a sexual slave. The Club is exclusive -- members are prescreened and purchase expensive annual memberships. The Club's trainers visit invitation-only global auctions where experienced adult sexual slaves offer themselves for hire. Club trainers bid on the best slaves, and slaves typically sign a two-year $100,000 personal services employment contract. [Serious omissions: No discussion of safe sex precautions, safe words or pierced jewelry. No discussion of penalties for serious discipline breaches -- e.g., monetary fines or unpaid contract extensions.] Slaves are transported belowdecks on the Club yacht to begin their Club training. Trained slaves are dominant or submissive according to Club members' wishes. Ms. Rice's novel describes BDSM elegantly and should appeal especially to women who fantasize about sexually dominating men. Ms. Rice's novel also provides psychological insights into conditioning humans for submission. I believe these psychological insights give "Exit to Eden" value beyond mere pornographic entertainment.
Rating: 
Summary: Let down...
Review: It's not as erotic or engrossing as I thought it would be. There are parts where it begins to get really sensual, but then it ends rather abruptly or doesn't continue long enough for things to develop. Try the Sleeping Beauty novels.
Rating:
Summary: Not exactly as real BDSM is done but an ok fantasy
Review: This is one of those times when I have to say: the movie was better than the book. I say this for two reasons. The first is my own personal dislike of any fiction that protrays rape as a precusor to a loving relationship and there are a few rapes in this book. The second is that I'm an educator who works with a university and a student organization to promote and explain BDSM as viable form of sexuality. While I'd happily recommend seeing the movie version, I'd be hestitant to say to a newbie "watch this" for fear they might think the book is reflecting an actual BDSM relationship. A complaint I've heard about the book is not true: The main characters do not say they give up SM at the end; instead it is greatly downplayed leading to the common assumption that SM is seen as inferior to vanilla.
Rating:
Summary: Stick with Sleeping Beauty
Review: Perhaps in it's time this book was cutting edge, but for those of us within the lifestyle, it's tame and contrived to a very unsatisfying degree. It's ironic that the film adaptation was watered down even more, and turned into one of the worst movies you're likely to see. Ann Rice didn't deserve such treatment. There are books that capture the true essence of the BDSM fanatsy that are much more engrossing, and interestingly enough, Ms Rice has written them as well. (writing as A. N. Roquelaure, see her trilogy in the Sleeping Beauty series)
Rating:
Summary: Good book
Review: I like this book more than a lot of Ann Rice's books. It is not so full of sadism, and homosexuality. It is an interesting story, and holds the attention.
Rating:
Summary: Good, but mostly because of parts, not the whole
Review: I enjoyed the setting and details of this book. BDSM folks will really enjoy the beginning of the novel. It could easily have made a great book by just staying on the island. Once the characters leave to New Oleans, I felt the book kind of fell apart. The ending is poor and leaves you wanting to return to the island of slaves. I'd say buy to book for the beginning parts but don't expect those yummy parts to last throughout the book to the end. It loses momentum and ends without any sort of bang. Disappointing, but I still recommend it nevertheless.
Rating: 
Summary: A love story for those who hate romance novels
Review: This book is a wonderful muli-layered novel... the depth of the characters is amazing. By the time you are finished, you know every desire and thought of Lisa and Elliot.
This is a classic love story at the heart... however, it doesn't come with the romance novel sappy-ness or morality that curse many love stories out there today. Every page makes sense and advances the story... there are no "filler" sex scenes just for the sake of sex. It's erotic, not cheesy. I love this book more every time I read it.
Rating:
Summary: pretty good
Review: this book starts out on an island full of sex slaves, it's incredible, then it moves on to new orleans, i really enjoyed this book, it's great. i'm not entirely sure why i liked it so much, but anne rice has always been one of my favorites.
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