The Marketplace [Mass Market Paperback]

Sara Adamson (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 1997

The first volume in the landmark Marketplace trilogy, the series that set the standard for contemporary SM erotica. The Marketplace offers a thrilling tour of the world's most discriminating sexual playground. After Sharon, Brian, Claudia, and Robert are accepted for training by Marketplace representatives, they struggle to overcome their shortcomings: pride, selfishness, immaturity, perfectionism, effeminacy. Which candidate will survive the training meted out by the rigorous and unrelenting Chris Parker? And who will uncover the truth of their own deep need to submit?

Editorial Reviews

Review

Compelling, charged with electricity -- Kitty Tsui

Ms. Adamson's friendly, conversational writing style perfectly couches what to some will be shocking material. Ms. Adamson creates a wonderfully diverse world of lesbian, gay, straight, bi and transgendered characters, all mixing delightfully in the melting pot of sadomasochism and planting the genre more firmly in the culture at large. I for one am cheering her on! -- Kate Bornstein

Perverse SM Erotica, mixing hetero- and homosexuality in the tradition of Anne Rice's Beauty series. -- Lambda Book Report

Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 432 pages
• Publisher: Masquerade Books (December 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1563336022
• ISBN-13: 978-1563336027
• Product Dimensions: 6.9 x 4.8 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (14 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,628,603 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

33 of 33 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Haven't found better BDSM since Pauline Reage, November 30, 2000

By 

SH in Tampa "SPH" (Tampa FL) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Marketplace (Mass Market Paperback)

This is the story of four submissives sent for training in a hidden underground organization, the Marketplace. Each submissive has excelled in the mainstream BDSM scene and have been selected for their potential to join the ranks of those that do not play at D&S but rather live it. Put in the services of the enigmatic trainer, Chris Parker, the four slaves are pushed to their limits and molded into the epitome of true servitude.

For those readers that fell in love with the BDSM classic, the Story of O, there has finally come a series that treats BDSM as more than just a cheap trick to sell poorly written porn. This book is well written, has identifiable characters and an interesting premise. Lara Antinou is a frequent guest at many BDSM conferences. I believe that her premise taps into the desire of many of BDSM scene (whether they go the events or just dream at home) that there is a group of people out there that take the leather scene a little more seriously than your average S&M aficionado. It is just a little exciting to think that if you can shine as a truly powerful Master or well behaved slave, that you may be allowed into a special clique of true devotees.

In addition to her well conceived premise, the characters in the book are well developed and interesting to read about. And while you may or may not identify with the disciplined Chris Parker or the powerful Grendel, they sure would be a lot of fun to meet in the proper setting.

Just one note of caution, if you are not comfortable with bisexuality then you may not enjoy this book. Otherwise I think that you find it is a welcome break from aggressive, badly written fare that passes for BDSM novels.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Meaningful mostly for those in the scene..., February 24, 2000

By 

trinity (Atlanta, Georgia, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Marketplace (Mass Market Paperback)

This particular title, and its sequels, are a few of the better BDSM works of fiction out there. More contemporary than the Beauty books, and less romanticized, it weaves its premise into reality enough to make the idea of a 'Marketplace' plausible irl. While parts of the book(s) might be a bit unpalateable and even foreign to the more vanilla crowd, those in the lifestyle will recognize and often relate to the drive, motivations and actions of many of the characters. Others may not relate to the characters and especially the mindsets and so may not get a comparably high level of enjoyment out of the book(s). Definitely a "must read" for people in the scene.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A classic and a must read., October 2, 2000

By 

Robert Barger - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Marketplace (Mass Market Paperback)

Whether a novice or veteran, you will enjoy The Marketplace. The characters are well developed and their backgrounds are explored in just enough detail to explain the psychological experience unique to each. The characters not only have to deal with their trainers, visitors, guests, etc., but also with each other. Vulnerabilities and emotions are well mixed into the day to day grind. There are no guarantees for a certain ending to each character's fate; each will stand and/or fall on their own. A real page turner and well written.