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Celebrate the daring gifts of Anne Rice, writing as A. N. Roquelaure, with this beautifully repackaged boxed set of the three erotic novels in her acclaimed Sleeping Beauty trilogy.
Anne Rice was born in New Orleans in 1941, the second daughter in an Irish Catholic family. She is the author of many bestselling books. She is perhaps best known for her incredibly successful Vampire Chronicles—Interview with the Vampire, The Vampire Lestat, The Queen of the Dammed, The Tale of the Body Thief (published in Penguin) and Memnoch the Devil. Her other books include the Mayfair witches sequence The Witching Hour, Lasher (both published in Penguin) and Taltos; the novels Cry to Heaven, The Mummy or Ramses the Damned (both published in Penguin), The Servant of the Bones and, recently, Pandora, the first part of her New Tales of the Vampires series.
She lived for many years in San Francisco but has now moved back to her native New Orleans where she lives with her husband, poet and university professor Stan Rice, and their son.
Rice wrote Interview with the Vampire, she said later, "without ever realizing I was writing about loss. I was writing about my daughter's loss [Rice's daughter died in 1972]. And I was writing about my loss of Catholic faith long before that, because I had lost my faith in the year 1960, when I first went to college."
After her first book, Rice continued to write about loss -- and about vampires, witches and demons -- for more than 25 years. She also wrote, under the pen name A.N. Roquelaure, the Beauty series, an erotic retelling of the story of Sleeping Beauty; writing as Anne Rampling, she published two other novels, Exit to Eden and Belinda.
But it is as the queen of gothic fiction that Anne Rice's fans know her best. Her fans are passionate about her, and she returns the sentiment, e-mailing tirelessly with them and occasionally posting on their blogs. She also adores communing with them in person on book tours: "They give me personal, priceless and unforgettable feedback and verification of what I have achieved for them in my books," she once explained in a Salon interview.
After Blood Canticle was released in 1993, her readers, accustomed to an output of one book a year, kept asking her what was coming next. "And I've told them, 'You may not want what I'm doing next'," she said in a Newsweek interview.
They were in for a surprise. In 1998, Rice had returned to the Roman Catholic Church, and in 2005 she published Christ the Lord: Out of Egypt, a novel about the childhood of Jesus, narrated by himself.
"It's the most startling public turnaround since Bob Dylan's Slow Train Coming announced that he'd been born again," wrote David Gates in Newsweek.
But as Rice sees it, Christ the Lord represents the fulfillment of a longing that has been in her books, and in her soul, all along.
"This subject is in no way a departure from that of my previous works; no one who knows my work could possibly think so," she said in a Q&A on her publisher's Web site. "The whole theme of Interview with the Vampire was Louis's quest for meaning in a godless world. He searched to find the oldest existing ‘immortal' simply to ask ‘What is the meaning of what we are?' I was always compelled to seek the ‘big answers.'"
Christ the Lord received mixed reviews, but many critics were as impressed with the book's style as its ambitious subject matter. "Rice's book is a triumph of tone -- her prose lean, lyrical, vivid -- and character," noted Kirkus Reviews. Janet Maslin wrote in The New York Times Book Review: "Even in biblical times and in the Holy Land, Rice retains her obsessions with ritual and purification, with lavish detail and gaudy decor. But she writes this book in a simpler, leaner style, giving it the slow but inexorable rhythm of an incantation. The restraint and prayerful beauty of Christ the Lord is apt to surprise her usual readers and attract new ones."
Some of those usual readers, of course, are now wondering whether she will write any more vampire novels. Will the vampire Lestat ever return?
Anne's response, from her publisher's Web site: "I can't see myself doing that. My vampires were metaphors for the outsiders, the lost, the wanderers in the darkness who remembered the warmth of God's light but couldn't find it. My wish to explore that is gone now. I want to meet a much bigger challenge."
"My first job was as a cafeteria waitress at a Walgreen's cafeteria over the drugstore on Canal and Baronne Street in New Orleans when I was sixteen years old. What a plunge into reality. Canal Street was then the only downtown in town. And I was in fact a boarding school student and unbeknownst to the principal, Sr. Felix, took this job on weekends. When she found out, she did not approve of a St. Joseph's Academy girl being a waitress. I was undeterred. I had discovered that I could turn time into money. I never forgot that lesson. The crashing boredom of childhood was over!"
"I was employed from then on a shocking variety of low level jobs, including grill cook at a huge downtown cafeteria in San Francisco. I had to be there at 5:00 a.m., and once while I was en route on a bus, a drunken man fell asleep against me. The conductor had to wake him up for me to get off, poor guy. I think he'd staggered out of an after hours club. I was a crack waitress, a receptionist, a claims examiner, a theatre usherette in a big Cinerama house, and must have seen It's Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World over one hundred times while standing there with a flashlight. My last job in the straight world -- after motherhood -- was that of proofreader for a law book company. I hated it. Then my devoted husband Stan, who was already teaching and had been for some time, said, 'Stay home and write, I believe in you.' And I wrote Interview with the Vampire."
"I was a painfully slow reader. Never really read a novel for pure pleasure until I was 35. It was Ordinary People by Judith Guest. Thought it very good."
"How do I unwind? There are different levels to unwind. The primo way for me is to read history or some form of involving scholarship. A good book on an obscure subject. The recent bestseller Krakatoa by Simon Winchester was a wonderful example! That's a delicious unwind book. And there are others out there like that. The British writers seem especially good at it. But I can't get enough on how or why the Roman Empire fell. That's my idea of a good evening. To be in Florida with the deck door open to the roar of the waves, and a good book open to pages on the decline of paganism."
"But! There is another kind of unwind. The gripping fiction bestseller that takes two days. The Da Vinci Code is a good example. Every now and then I have time for that. I was smiling all the way through it. At one time in my life, I had read everything I could find on the Knights Templar (see First Way to Unwind, above), and on Opus Dei, and Holy Blood, Holy Grail, and so I was just tickled by what the author did with the material. And of course, I couldn't stop reading. Such cleverness, such a puzzle and right up to the last page."
"Interest and hobbies: well, my interests are pretty much literary, except for maintaining two pre-Civil War houses in New Orleans (both family homes, one used for Mardi Gras season entertaining), and then I do devote some attention to my doll collection, which includes a small assortment of French antique dolls -- but this part of my life is drawing to a close. I am divesting myself of possessions rather than acquiring them. I am decorating, yes, and redecorating, but cutting down on the area, and the amount of things I have to maintain. I've let go of my huge property, St. Elizabeth's Orphanage -- a monster building which used to house my doll collection and so many other things. It was the fulfillment of dreams for about 10 years for me and so many other people. Weddings, book signings, book parties, benefits, fundraisers -- all kinds of events were held there. We even hosted President Clinton there. But that chapter of my life is over. For those ten years I asked 'what if?' many times. And I found out and as the result I am a satisfied person and a happy one. But it's over."
"I guess you could call my cats a hobby. I have five of them, all Siberians and very lovable and demanding and sweet. They are keepers certainly. Other than that, I don't know that I have hobbies so much as passions, and my passions center around my writing."
"My only other diversion of late is seeing that The Witching Hour will soon be made into a television limited series -- that is, a mini-series that will extend over 10 hours. The scripts that have been written by writer-producer John Wilder are very simply wonderful -- profoundly faithful to the material and the characters. Our producer, Mark Wolper, is extraordinarily dedicated and we have the network behind us. It looks very good."
"Other news looming is that Elton John and Rob Roth are making a musical based on the Vampire Chronicles for Broadway. I've talked to Elton John several times. He's absolutely charming. I've heard the first five songs, performed by him, and they were great. Bernie Taupin wrote the lyrics, and will write the lyrics for all. The other people involved have top credits. The treatment I read was a wonder -- very true to the books, quite terrific. My conversation with Rob Roth was very exciting."
"What I've learned from both these experiences so far -- the television series and the Broadway production -- is that the passion of people makes all the difference in the world. And sometimes it is the passion of a few key people that moves a project forward. Sometimes one person alone goes to the hard work of getting everybody else together, and making the studio that owns the underlying rights respond. People who love the work, who want to make something of it, can be brought together by that one key person. That one key person has to believe that past disappointments or failed connections don't mean anything. When you have that sort of person, something can happen."
"I've also learned that the author of the books usually can't do it. Not unless she wants to stop being an author altogether and move to L.A. or N.Y. and become a producer."
Anonymous
Posted February 13, 2005
I didn't know what I was expecting when I bought these books. However, when reading all the positive reviews about them, I thought why not and give it a read. I got through half of the first book, and had to stop. These series of books did not fulfill my needs of fantasy, but made me feel sad. Everyone has there own likings, but these books were not for me. In some parts, I can understand why people enjoyed it, but most of the time it made me sick. Being in a fantasy, people should enjoy what they are getting into, and it seemed that Sleeping Beauty was not having fun but feeling worthless and degraded. I thought some point in the story it would get better, but it didn't.
7 out of 8 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted August 20, 2012
i have no idea why folks would recommend these books to people who loved 50 shades of grey... these books are hard core BDSM... 50 shades is a vanilla pale farce of the BDSM lifestyle... a fairytale for women who long to "rescue" a poor, tortured handsome soul and have him fall head over heals in love and "omg can you believe it" .... puh-lease. These books are about personal growth... learning what you can endure and come out better on the other side... learning compassion through shared experience... if you enjoy TRUE bdsm then these ARE the books for you... personally i would HIGHLY recommend them... they are everything 50 shades had the promise to be but fell flat...
6 out of 6 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.I absoulty loved this series. Anne Rice dose a great job with everything in these books. I loved the characters and could picture them clearly and I couldn't help but fall in love with Beauty in all her vulnerablity.I couldn't put them down and read the seies twice. If you're looking to get sweeped off your feet into a fanciful world of exciting non-stop sexual adventures, this is the book for you.
6 out of 6 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted April 14, 2005
I read the first 2 books and half of the 3rd of the series. At first I was shocked, then sickened, and then I started wondering why I was reading it. I threw them all away. The lines of sexuality were compeletly gone, and all the degradation was horrifying. The series took all that is meaningful out of sex. What took it's place was sexual devience and an absured obsession with spanking. I have an open mind with erotica, but homesexual porn is not my idea of exciting reading.
5 out of 10 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.I love this arousing collection! Based on the fairytale of Sleeping Beauty Anne Rice takes the reader on a thrilling joy ride that explores the most sensual aspects of bondage and discipline love. A true erotic winner.
4 out of 4 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.TiffyGirl2
Posted July 27, 2012
I Also Recommend:
These books were well done, and for that I felt compelled to give five stars. That said, it wasn't really what I was looking for. When I read D/s or BDSM, I expect something a bit more active. If you want literary, go with these, if you want something more exciting, I'd suggest A Dose of Slavery or Amy's New Owner.
3 out of 4 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted February 15, 2005
It was an amazing set... although I recomend have a significant other while reading these books
3 out of 5 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted August 15, 2012
No free will for these victims. There is only rape. These are disgusting tales of rape and brutality. Not hot, not sexy, not erotic, not 50 in the least. I bought the trilogy, suffered thru the first book, could not continue through the atrocities of the second. Wish I could get my money back. Ann Rice has some serious demons.
2 out of 4 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted August 13, 2012
I felt like I need a very long shower this book disturbed me on so many levels! Iwas not offended by the book just felt saddened that these characters never had the experience of making love to someone; fantasy sex can be amazing and I am definitely a fan of erotic literature but this story was so dark and depressing I felt more distubed than turned on!
2 out of 5 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted July 16, 2012
These are the WORST books!! I made it about half way through The Claiming of Sleeping Beauty, and I could not read anymore! At one point the prince was making Beauty eat off of the floor like a dog. This wasn't a fun erotic book like I thought from the reviews. Everything I read was very degrading, and just made me sick. I love Anne Rice but these books by far, were not her best. It seemed more like a man was writing.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted July 1, 2010
I Also Recommend:
quite literally. As far as erotica goes it just doesnt get any better than this, Anne Rice explores in depth sexual desires and emotional states in a way that no one else can. It is beautifully written and just like any novel deeply moving you feel the characters pleasure and pain. She pushes all the boundaries of sexual expression and brings to light your darkest desires.
However a thousand praises aside this book is not your average womans sex novella. And is not for the close minded or "Sexualy traditional" for lack of a better term. It deeply explores Bondage, S+M, Power exchange, Sexual servitude, humilation homosexuality in parts. All things that can be highly offensive to the wrong person or the wrong mindset.
All of that said this series is still a personal favorite of mine and i Believe it to be an orgasmic reading experiance it to anyone male or female with an open mind and an interest in the sexual themes mentioned
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Purrr3
Posted June 23, 2011
I read these novels. I was very interested in the first one that took me on to the second one. But by the time I got into the third one I was really getting bored. Nothing ever got any different. It was the same old thing over and over and over. I think if it had ended with the second book it would have been better. I could not finish the third book. I love Anne Rice I have read all her Vampire Chronicles and her other books. Love her!!!!
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.This trilogy [The Claiming of Sleeping Beauty, Beauty's Punishment, and Beauty's Release], written under a pseudonym by Anne Rice, is hardcore erotica. It is set in a generic kingdom of medieval Europe. A lovely young princess named Beauty is awakened from curse induced slumber by the kiss of a prince---whom immediately carries her into sexual slavery in his own realm. This story is not as dark as it first seems. The sex is graphic and expands to include a great deal of both female and male gay sex, as well has hetero sex and S & M situations. It is very entertaining, but like hardcore porn, this is little story beyond the endless sex and punishment. Extreme but fun. While this is arousing, it is easy to understand why Ms. Rice chose not to use her real name. Michael Travis Jasper, author of the novel "To Be Chosen"
1 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted December 18, 2005
This trilogy is sure to open your eyes and your mind. I've read the entire story at least 3 times. It is definitely a page turner. I do not recommend this book for anyone that is not comfortable with his or her own sexuality, but if you are...purchase and enjoy multiple...er...readings.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted January 5, 2004
Sleeping Beauty written in this style is better than the G-rated version. I wonder what Anne Rice's alternative story would be for Snow White & The Seven Dwarfs?? This is an excellent read if you are bored on a Saturday night. Anne Rice has a quite an imagination. Go get it!
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted January 12, 2004
all I can do is beg for more...my jaw was dropped to the floor by the end of the first few pages and yet I COULD NOT put it down! Let's hope she branches back out into this kind of writing again someday..soon!
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted July 30, 2003
I wish she'd write more like them!! They SIZZLE!
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted March 17, 2013
I first read these book when i was 18 & it was an eye opening experience! Now im much older, wiser, & learnt & i still love & adore the beauty series! I highly recommened these books for the open minded adult! Im so happy to have them on nook as my paper backs where never returned after lending them out (several times)!
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted March 11, 2013
Degrading and disgusting. I only finished them because I paid for them and I questioned reading them for that reason. Don't waste the time on these.
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Posted March 1, 2013
Horrible horrible horrible bought all 3 made myself finish the first book and gave them away without even reading the other two its all the same thing. Every page is about spanking nothing sexy or hot about this book a complete waste of money
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Overview
Celebrate the daring gifts of Anne Rice, writing as A. N. Roquelaure, with this beautifully repackaged boxed set of the three erotic novels in her acclaimed Sleeping Beauty trilogy.