The Companionby Michelle Knight Imprint: Silver Moon This book is written in English 
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Paperback Pages: 182 Paperback RRP: $9.95 Paperback price: $9.95 
 - Average 3.9 from 7 ratings
 -
Stands up well against the ones I do buy - is longer and better
crafted than many.
4 out of 5 (visitor)
And finally, FINALLY, a book about BDSM that isn`t all fantasy and 50
shades style crap, but really relates the feelings behind it all and
allows people to understand! You have no clue how much I love you for
writing this one. 5 out of 5 (visitor)
The author is good with detail,and writiing. I think it's too soft for
a BDSM story. Not really one of my favorite. 3 out of 5
When I started reading The Companion I had absolutely no idea what to
expect. An explicit sexual adventure? Something to open my 'vanilla'
eyes? Something horrifying? Something sensual?
What I got was a beautiful story of one women and her struggle through
life; I lived her frustration with being unfufilled in so many aspects
of her life, the every day battles she fought and lost, her
directionless wandering on a quest for meaning.
I admit, I am totally unaware of what goes on in a sub/dom
relationship and the world of 'the scene'. It was fascinating to
learn, along with Susan, how these relationships are formed, nurtured,
maintained and broken. The story is pitched at just the right level,
enough explained so the story flows and gives an understanding of the
imagery.
Well worth reading the notes at the front of the book before starting;
it was initially written as a screenplay and I feel this is shown in a
few places where the writing feels a little like stage directions but
not necessarily a bad thing, it can help establish mood and a clever
device to introduce characters.
I do feel there could have been so much more written in this story, I
became absorbed in the trust between L and Mark and would have loved
to have heard more about L's training and how their relationship
grew.
The story had me gripped and I just wanted to know more and more about
L and Mark; they are completely engaging as characters and I felt
myself cheer with triumph and groan in frustration at them both
throughout the book. I would recommend the book for anyone with an
interest in BDSM but not looking for a quick thrill, there is a love
story within the pages of the book and although it's an education to
learn so much about their lifestyle, it's more of an honour to share
in their love story. 4 out of 5 (visitor)
The Companion is one of the books that when I first began my reading I
wasn't sure where it was going to lead me. Upon complexion of the book
I fell in love with not only this book but the unique writing flow of
its author.
Prior to this book and a limited others in comparison, I thought I had
read everything there was to experience about erotic-themed books.
Well, I will proudly admit to being wrong. Knight by far is an author
that is willing to take readers on less traveled road within the
content of such books. This trait is perhaps my favorite and made me
enjoy the book much more.
The fact that Knight chose to write in third person rather than the
first person account of either heroine or hero was something I wasn't
expecting and yet was added surprise. I much prefer a third person
account with my introduction to new characters. This is the first time
I have seen an author establish such writings in an erotic book. So I
am going to highly praise Knight for her own creativity in choosing
this style.
In many ways this book is different from prior erotic books and yet in
other ways it still has the foundation that devoted readers of the
genre are going to live. The characters sensual nature for one another
is ever-so present. The presences of both emotional turmoil and
voracious, explicit content will leave readers satisfied.
I literally could continue in my praise of both this book and its
author, but instead I highly suggest adding this book to your reads
for the year as it well worth the time to read it and see for yourself
how wonderful this and Knight truly are.
4 out of 5 (visitor)
| Style: Erotic Domination - M/F, Bondage/BDSM and Romance Published: 10 / 2014 Click Here For The Whole Series Available Formats to Download: MOBI, EPUB, MS Word, PDF, MS Reader, Text, RTF, HTM Available for members to read online in the Reading Room which is part of the member library
| | STORY DESCRIPTION If you're a fan of books like 50 Shades, and you've wondered what a real life BDSM relationship might be like, then wonder no more. The Companion is based on the experience of a BDSM submissive.
Susan had spent her life trying to make other peoples lives better, but all they did was make hers worse. A chance meeting introduced her to a new way of life. When it came to society's way or the highway, she had never considered what might come of choosing the highway and living life by a different set of rules.
Not knowing where it will lead, she enters a world where trust is highly prized and breaking that trust brings consequences. Her old life and values are torn down and new ones instilled, but in dealing with a life style that goes right to the core of her being, it is no easy ride. Will anyone's hearts survive?
"What I got was a beautiful story of one women and her struggle through life; I lived her frustration with being unfulfilled in so many aspects of her life, the every day battles she fought and lost, her directionless wandering on a quest for meaning." - A Daniels (author)
AUTHOR'S COMMENT:
The book walks a tight-rope. It is intended primarily for the vanilla audience, as it was created originally to be an account of fact told through the process of fiction, so it was never going to get in to the dizzying heights of hard action BDSM fiction. It was going to remain grounded in reality and was going to deal with the human emotion. It would have to, if it was going to be a wide reaching film.
I've never read the shades books; but I know what people have been saying about them. That is, partly, what drove me to switch from film to book. It would stand a better chance of getting out there and ending some of the preconceptions that society has of us, which are just plain, damn wrong.
To do that, it also has to walk a second fine line, the balance of education and entertainment. This was supremely difficult.
So to those who are expecting the book to give you a kick in the gonads, my apologies. I aimed for the heart and the mind on this one and I hope I've put the record straight as to why; and that you'll understand and support me on this.
I hope that if this book does make it across the line in to the 'nilla community, that it will undo some of the "damage" that people believe that shades has done to the image of our lifestyle in the world.
| Keywords related to this title - click on a keyword to find more, related stories bdsm bondage slavery slaves suspension whip whipping collar leash
rope Author information: Michelle's first book was in 1996 and she has been writing ever since; and getting better, or so she promises! Visit the author website at:http://www.msknight.co.uk Reviews Stands up well against the ones I do buy - is longer and better crafted than many.
4 out of 5 (visitor) And finally, FINALLY, a book about BDSM that isn`t all fantasy and 50 shades style crap, but really relates the feelings behind it all and allows people to understand! You have no clue how much I love you for writing this one. 5 out of 5 (visitor) The author is good with detail,and writiing. I think it's too soft for a BDSM story. Not really one of my favorite. 3 out of 5 When I started reading The Companion I had absolutely no idea what to expect. An explicit sexual adventure? Something to open my 'vanilla' eyes? Something horrifying? Something sensual?
What I got was a beautiful story of one women and her struggle through life; I lived her frustration with being unfufilled in so many aspects of her life, the every day battles she fought and lost, her directionless wandering on a quest for meaning.
I admit, I am totally unaware of what goes on in a sub/dom relationship and the world of 'the scene'. It was fascinating to learn, along with Susan, how these relationships are formed, nurtured, maintained and broken. The story is pitched at just the right level, enough explained so the story flows and gives an understanding of the imagery.
Well worth reading the notes at the front of the book before starting; it was initially written as a screenplay and I feel this is shown in a few places where the writing feels a little like stage directions but not necessarily a bad thing, it can help establish mood and a clever device to introduce characters.
I do feel there could have been so much more written in this story, I became absorbed in the trust between L and Mark and would have loved to have heard more about L's training and how their relationship grew.
The story had me gripped and I just wanted to know more and more about L and Mark; they are completely engaging as characters and I felt myself cheer with triumph and groan in frustration at them both throughout the book. I would recommend the book for anyone with an interest in BDSM but not looking for a quick thrill, there is a love story within the pages of the book and although it's an education to learn so much about their lifestyle, it's more of an honour to share in their love story. 4 out of 5 (visitor) The Companion is one of the books that when I first began my reading I wasn't sure where it was going to lead me. Upon complexion of the book I fell in love with not only this book but the unique writing flow of its author.
Prior to this book and a limited others in comparison, I thought I had read everything there was to experience about erotic-themed books. Well, I will proudly admit to being wrong. Knight by far is an author that is willing to take readers on less traveled road within the content of such books. This trait is perhaps my favorite and made me enjoy the book much more.
The fact that Knight chose to write in third person rather than the first person account of either heroine or hero was something I wasn't expecting and yet was added surprise. I much prefer a third person account with my introduction to new characters. This is the first time I have seen an author establish such writings in an erotic book. So I am going to highly praise Knight for her own creativity in choosing this style.
In many ways this book is different from prior erotic books and yet in other ways it still has the foundation that devoted readers of the genre are going to live. The characters sensual nature for one another is ever-so present. The presences of both emotional turmoil and voracious, explicit content will leave readers satisfied.
I literally could continue in my praise of both this book and its author, but instead I highly suggest adding this book to your reads for the year as it well worth the time to read it and see for yourself how wonderful this and Knight truly are.
4 out of 5 (visitor) External Reviews One of the most well-rounded BDSM stories I've read in a long time.
The Companion is a refreshingly realistic, sometimes even romantic, look at the realities of a BDSM lifestyle. It's not about a dabbling in a scene, and it's not about playing games. This is a book about serious, life-long commitments, and about the social repercussions of choosing to enter into such a lifestyle. Michelle Knight herself has said this is a bit of an introductory book, one aimed at intriguing and educating those who may be curious about the BDSM lifestyle, but it is also strong enough as a story to satisfy those who already live it.
Susan is a wonderful character to serve as our guide into the world of subspace, a slightly sad, innocent young woman who is suffering under the stress of a life spent trying to make everyone else around her happy. It's a situation with which I suspect many readers will identify, making it easier for them to follow her on her journey. She's curious about this new world, but also terrified of what it involves, and concerned about the thoughts and feelings it evokes in her.
It's a slow journey, one that begins with some frank discussions, continues through some part-time sessions with a professional dominatrix, and culminates in three-month audition for a permanent lifestyle change. I absolutely loved the character of Mark, a professional dominant just getting back into the scene after a heart-breaking loss. He's entirely human, vulnerable and unsure of his situation, and that's what makes this so real. Even as he teaches, guides, and instructs Susan in her new role, he's questioning whether he's ready. He's patient and loving, but he's also quick to anger when her poor life choices trigger fears that echo is past tragedy.
The BDSM scenes are absolutely wonderful, involving caning, spanking, rope bondage, teasing, and restraint. Knight does a fantastic job of helping the reader understand what it means to enter subspace, and to illustrate that mental state as something to which you can't help but aspire. It's a gentle kind of dominant/submissive relationship, with more encouragement than harsh punishment, but there are definitely moments where things get uncomfortable, and where Susan has to face the consequences of her inability to submit as completely on a mental level as a physical one.
Equal parts erotic and romantic, The Companion is one of the most well-rounded BDSM stories I've read in a long time. It's genuine and true, never straying too far into fantasy, and comes across as a journey any one of us could follow. The ending may be a bit too perfect for some but, then again, that's part of it's romantic appeal and I wouldn't change a thing about it. (Amazon.com - by reviewer Bending The Bookshelf) Wonderful debut.
It has been quiet awhile since any book has captured my attention to the degree upon picking it up that I read it in what essentially was a day. A story that drew me in, made me care about the protagonists enough to want, no need to find out what happened to them.
Its also been a long time since any story has both thrilled me while reading it and educated me, answered questions, posed new ones and generally left me both moved to tears and full of joy. It has also been a long time since it was so clearly obvious that the content of the book, was alive with genuine experience, knowledge and passion – unlike many other works of a similar nature.
The Companion by Michelle Knight, introduces its readers to Susan a lady living an unfulfilled life, working the 9 to 5 in a work environment slowly sucking the life out of her, a life with a massive hole in it already, a hole which a chance meeting with Gary, a pub landlord sees Susan given an option to explore a possibility that might help give her that purpose, meaning and love she has been missing.
As the story enfolds Susan meets a number of colourful characters who introduce her to the world of S&M, and who help her explore and discover her hidden nature, a nature Gary felt he recognised within her upon their first meeting, in a safe, fully informed, consensual way and environment.
It has to be said that in away this is about as mundane a catalyst for such a journey of exploration and sexual awakening as one could put into a story and yet it feels entirely possible, entirely real and certainly more likely than a voyage into BDSM occurring through meeting a multi millionaire at an interview. It is this down to earth reality that twists its way through the Companion that sets it above the likes of 50 Shades. Simply put this book feels like a genuine recounting of such a journey, the magic, intensity and heartbreak that can occur and the love that the BDSM lifestyle can have.
Michelle Knight deftly and gently draws the reader into this rich story, full of sexual discovery, angst and great self realisation. If the reader is expecting explicit sex scene after sex scene then they will be disappointed because while this is a work of erotica, at times very detailed erotica, it is not a shallow two dimensional work of porn but much, much more, a veritable kaleidoscope of depth, thought, sensation, all rendered with great emotional depth and maturity. The characters within this story, even the bit part players are fully realised, real people.
Michelle also manages to weave a great deal of nuanced and informative, expert material on the BDSM/Fetish lifestyle encompassing many aspects barely paid lip service to by other writers of Erotica and in a wholly real, unforced and natural way. While this isn't a how to, or guide to technique, skill manual it does leave the reader much better informed about such matters and the real world lifestyle than 50 Shades ever will. Unlike that work of fiction the relationships and core love story within the Companion are a fully informed consensual one and not an abusive one.
I found myself on an emotional roller coaster reading this, at times in tears and other times at the edge of my seat wanting to find out what would happen next. As the story progresses Gary introduces Susan to Mark the man who will become her lover and Master.
I so want to reveal more of the story but to do so would ruin the experience of reading it, a real page turner and highly recommended read for those liking romances, erotica or BDSM themed fiction. I for one am looking forward to Michelle's next book be it a continuation of this story or something new. (Amazon.co.uk) A great introduction to ‘the scene’ for a vanilla person like me.
A great introduction to ‘the scene’ for a vanilla person like me who hasn’t the faintest what it’s all about. Curiosity drew me to this book. I was not disappointed. ‘The scene’ being the sub-culture of domination and submission, bondage, basically kinky stuff. Vanilla describes a person who is not into ‘the scene’.
I bought the Kindle edition one Friday afternoon and couldn’t put it down until early Saturday morning. There is nothing more enjoyable than a voracious gulp it all down in one go read. I have the paper edition too that I am reading at a more sedate pace.
I have delved into the pages of Fifty Shades and seen the film Secretary, however, The Companion is better than either. The Companion started its life as a film script and Michelle has converted it into a book which shows in the coherent way it moves from scene to scene building to a climax and resolution as in any good story. It projects well onto the internal cinema screen inside the head.
The Companion is a love story and also a cleverly written guide to this other world. It educates and enlightens. Not in an oppressive way but as a light-touch natural by-product of the story.
For me, there is a link with what is described and spiritual practices. For millennia monks and nuns have used flagellation to heighten their spiritual experiences. The description of rope-work (or bondage) and the state of mind it engenders in the bound reminds me of some of my yoga and meditation experiences. Is this a short-cut to Nirvana?
I look forward to a European film maker turning this into a beautifully shot, black and white masterpiece. Probably East European, definitely not Hollywood.
Hopefully, this will be the first of many books by Michelle. (Amazon.co.uk) |
