This is an excellently written book of erotica. Anne Rice displays her flair for description and character development in this story of the release of the innocent Sleeping Beauty. However, this is very different than the simplified version in which she is claimed by a handsome prince to become his wife. Is he a scoundrel? Does he love her? She is claimed as a prize to be taken to his mother's castle to be trained in the art of erotic submission. She will be taught to submit her will in all ways to her master's and in doing so may find herself, in fact, released.

This book is not for the faint of heart. If graphic sexual situations and torment are not your thing, leave this book at the store. If you are interested in sexual awakening and interesting "situations" you will love this!

Wow! This book was a very deep. The twist of a classic tale brought into the dark. The torture, humiliation both sexual and abusive in an S&M dark way. I really found myself drawn into Beauty's pain. Anne Rice did an amazing job on a fairytale classic. I'm looking forward to reading Beauty's Punishment and Beauty's Release. I just hope she finally finds her HEA by the end of Beauty's Release.

The Claiming Of Sleeping Beauty by Anne Rice (writing as A.N. Roquelaure) is the first of the Sleeping Beauty trilogy. I found that there was much repetition in the descriptions and the events that occurred - apparently the characters noticed the same thing about different characters, and the similar problems were inflicted on the characters. Thus, I grew tired of reading because of this. I cannot even imagine how much repetition the second and third book will have.

This is a book that only adults should attempt to read. A lot of the time I was very shocked at what I was reading; I guess I am not used to this genre.


After sleeping for one-hundred years, Beauty is awakened by the Prince after he has sexual intercourse with her without consent. Beauty's entire kingdom awakens and she is consistently reminded by the Prince that the curse was lifted and her kingdom was restored because of him. Thus, the Prince has attained right to take her with him to his kingdom.

Beauty is taken to the Prince's kingdom naked, and she becomes slave there. She discovers that she is not the only naked slave there; there are so many more, and all of the slaves are princes and princesses from surrounding kingdoms that were offered to the Queen - the Prince's mother - as a tribute.

In the palace, the slaves are trained to become submissive and obedient. Everyone, even those in the lowliest ranks are above the slaves. The slaves are spanked, displayed publically, must crawl at times, kiss people's feet, and entertain their masters.

Will Beauty adjust to this place where pain and pleasure are one and the same? Will she be able to submit and become an obedient slave to please the Prince? Or will Beauty be sent to the village along with the other princes and princesses that were unable to please their masters?

2.5/5

i found this book simpler than typical Anne Rice novels; however, i really wouldn't change a thing! love the subject, the descriptiveness, the flow of this book. 2 days to read.. i just couldn't put it down. on to the next one. :) and yes... i wish there were more than 3!!