Rating: 
Summary: Not your everyday tail tale
Review: You know you're doing something right when reviews range from "bloody brilliant!" to "maximum overdrivel."First, "Journey" is NOT about characters who show no restraint when it comes to restraint, so look elsewhere for stories in which "hogtie" is a verb. However, those seeking a clever, creative and disarmingly deep inquiry into the d/s process will find much to enjoy here. Lowrie's style emulates the current British lit flavour popularized by Christopher Brookmyre, Josie Lloyd & Emlyn Rees and Helen Fielding...snappy repartee, heavy on the slang and popkult references, and inner thoughts a-go-go. If noir is your favorite color, this book's candy-apple metalflake will definitely clash with the dark stuff in your closet. Unlike so many stemwinders in this genre, "Journey" is a bonafide NOVEL (versus a series of scenes) in which the protagonists are sent on a quest that leads them to learn new things about themselves and the brave new world they've created through their actions. Granted, their solar system isn't going to be everyone's cuppa...strict boy with willing "maid" trains unwilling feisty girl who can't resist crushing lovesick boy who likes it (but maybe not from feisty girl's best girlfriend). But it's the first descent-into-slavery book in memory where the reluctant submissive's journey is portrayed as something other than a kidnapping or the unlocking of a deep, dark secret. Pants-bulging/dampening erotica it's not. But those looking for a unique peek under the (leather) hood will be amply rewarded.
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