Animal House (Nexus)

Rating:
Summary: worth a place on the bedside table
Review: In this fast-paced story of contemporary SM, Violetta takes a holiday in the South of France after a mysterious invitation arrives. She spends two weeks at an isolated chateau run by masked men whose leader, Stag, is a dominant Master. She and the receptionist Mandy are tested in various ways, hurt, punished and eventually led to pleasure as they learn the ancient art of submission.

Some of the SM scenarios are unusual and run close to the edge of censorship - a semi-drowning scene, for instance, which is shockingly realistic. Other tortures and elements of CP seem familiar enough in this particular genre. But the writing itself, the writer's ability to create stylish and believable characters, is what sets this novel apart from its peers. There is a real lack of stereotyping in The Animal House. Refreshing to see and exciting to read.

Warning: not for those who prefer their erotica unrealistic or tongue-in-cheek.

This is a dark book by an English writer, almost grim at times, unlike many of those in its genre. Not an introduction to erotica. Recommended only for experienced readers who want something different and striking.

Five stars.

Rating:
Summary: rich sensual erotica that gives you a buzz
Review: Rich sensual erotica, dealing mainly with scenes of BDSM and female submission, this was Cat Scarlett's first novel though I actually read it after her second one, THE PLAYER.

THE ANIMAL HOUSE is set in the south of France, where Violetta is on vacation. She has been tricked into staying at a chateau owned by an obsessive fan of her mother's erotic movies. That is the basic set-up. The cruel masked men of the chateau - each wearing the mask of their chosen animal - teach Violetta how to expressive her submissive side in a variety of highly inventive and often beautifully written S&M scenarios.

Although this makes THE ANIMAL HOUSE sound like an 'out there' domination fantasy, there is something very believable about Cat Scarlett's writing, a hard edge of reality that many erotic novels lack and which gives the reader quite a strong buzz. Well, it certainly gave me a buzz. And I'm quite a hardened erotica junkie!

After this one, you could try her second novel, THE PLAYER, like I did. Two very different books, one very talented writer.