ecorinnes's review
4.0
Oof, it’s dark. I didn’t realize I was walking into a dystopian future, but that is 100% on me as I didn’t examine it close enough before buying it. As it is, dystopian future is not my favorite genre, but I still enjoyed it.
The freedom of sex feels so real here. I’m not like “oo hot sex scenes” or anything, but just, the freedom and rebellion that it can represent, the intimacy it breeds, the power of it, and the violence when it is used without consent on others.
Impactful. I don’t think I’ll be picking up the next, not because it was bad, but just because dystopian is a little bit rough for me.
Would highly recommend!
The freedom of sex feels so real here. I’m not like “oo hot sex scenes” or anything, but just, the freedom and rebellion that it can represent, the intimacy it breeds, the power of it, and the violence when it is used without consent on others.
Impactful. I don’t think I’ll be picking up the next, not because it was bad, but just because dystopian is a little bit rough for me.
Would highly recommend!
mistercrow's review
4.0
I like that it’s named after the Prince song. Also, the song in question is stuck in my head.
minniequinnie's review
4.0
A dystopian world where almost all sex is outlawed and the idea of "purity" is held above all other standards. This was a entertaining read with a lot of storyline packed into it. It feels like a miniseries and I was surprised to see it had a second volume. Excited to see where it goes but not sure if they can really build upon what already exists.
ugmug's review
2.0
Relevant though a bit on the nose. SFSX is a solid concept with a few likeable characters, but not much else. Pass.
caedocyon's review
3.0
If you read the summary and you think you'll probably like this, you're probably right. A few of the plot points were dumb as hell (), but it's trying to be fun and campy more than logical.
Much less gory than I feared, but there's lots of sexual torture (some consensual, much not) because plot reasons.
Spoiler
electrocuting Jones to "death" in a device that almost certainly has safety features? because it's dramatic and it seems fun I guess? and then she can be ambiguously dead and come back next volume, vs shooting her?Much less gory than I feared, but there's lots of sexual torture (some consensual, much not) because plot reasons.
bibliotexmex's review
3.0
Enjoyed the premise but felt there was something missing. I loved the world but the story arcs and character progressions fell flat for me. Would totally recommend for adults who love dystopian fiction, especially Handmaid's Tale.
dessa's review
5.0
I don’t know about you, but “sex workers take down a fascist conservative government” is exactly the narrative I need right now.
bigjessenergy's review
4.0
Sex workers take down a not-too-distant-potential-future collaborative regime between radical feminists and incels. Queer and diverse, sex positive, intersectional, political. The torture was a bit much for me, which says more about where I’m at with my entertainment media right now than the quality of this work.
clairesfullshelves's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
inspiring
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Very sexy. Very smart. Very emotional. I loved the whole idea of a group of s3x workers coming together to save humanity from "The Party." It feels a bit like a superhero style story too, with everyone using whatever "powers" they have to break into the Party's headquarters and try to get justice. I really like how they shows the human side of s3x workers; that's very important and helpful for so many who don't get to meet sex workers. Overall, fun story and makes you think about how the government controls our bodies and what freedom really means in a country where bodily autonomy is always on the legislative chopping block. Highly recommended reading.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Body horror, Sexual violence, Gun violence, and Religious bigotry
Moderate: Misogyny, Police brutality, and Cursing
This book is OBVIOUSLY NOT for anyone under the age of 18. Be mindful that this book is about sexual pleasure in a myriad of ways and sex workers, so nudity and sexual scenes are pretty graphic in the book, which means you need to be careful where you open it in public. Non-consensual sexual torture is also in the book and is a part of the plot as well. There is gun violence in the later part of the book as well, and someone gets electrocuted. For those with religious traumas surrounding sexual expression and identity and gender expression, be aware this book could be triggering because it uses a lot of common religious phrases surrounding purity culture and sex as filthy and dangerous outside of strict heterosexual, monogamous, child-bearing sexual practices.