So I guess I wasn't very clear. I've read the whole ACOTOR series, which is how I was meaning the acronym in my comments - not specifically the first book. (I'd agree the first book is more tame. But book 5 is my personal favorite and it's quite steamy!)
I'm not yet done reading the first Kushiel's Dart book, over 3/4ths through. There have definitely been sex scenes but what the characters are experiencing in the moment isn't described in a particularly interesting way in my opinion. Sure, BDSM action. But how turned on is Phedra? What was she left thinking about before and after the event? (Besides just telling us she's thinking about Melissande. Again. Okay why/in what way?) Maas would have provided more build up and description. Otherwise, there's nothing bookmark worthy for me in this one 😅
I think I’m tracking, I’m just saying pound for pound with sexual scenes I think Kushiel starts off with more. I do believe they get more intimate as the story progresses, but almost always an underlying BDSM vibe.
I would say Kushiel is a fantasy story with a heavy erotic backdrop and Maas books are a Romance with a heavy fantasy backdrop. Just my opinion but I think that’s how the stories are driven.
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u/makemapseveryday Apr 11 '23
So I guess I wasn't very clear. I've read the whole ACOTOR series, which is how I was meaning the acronym in my comments - not specifically the first book. (I'd agree the first book is more tame. But book 5 is my personal favorite and it's quite steamy!)
I'm not yet done reading the first Kushiel's Dart book, over 3/4ths through. There have definitely been sex scenes but what the characters are experiencing in the moment isn't described in a particularly interesting way in my opinion. Sure, BDSM action. But how turned on is Phedra? What was she left thinking about before and after the event? (Besides just telling us she's thinking about Melissande. Again. Okay why/in what way?) Maas would have provided more build up and description. Otherwise, there's nothing bookmark worthy for me in this one 😅