Posting this here because these reviews have vanished from Amazon in April 2023 – This is what it looked like before:
For the record, Amazon rounds down, so if it was calculated without this, they would be 4.0 and 3.5. That said, it’s very likely that everyone has this same rounding, so this is for interest only.,,,
From the United States
Exploring alternative life-styles — for adults, only
Reviewed in the United States on January 22, 2020
This book is for adult readers only. It explores the world of BD/SM, so if this makes you feel uncomfortable then this might not be book for you. But one thing about books – they are a safe way to sample other ways of life without physically participating. The book takes the reader through a process of creating a submissive/dominant relationship. The first third is focused almost entirely upon this process, and upon Lina’s reasons for embarking upon such a relationship journey. The second third shows how the relationship was beginning to build Lina’s physical and emotional strength by creating a relationship where she was dominated but not abused. She is then kidnapped, and there is a contrast between what happens to her then and her relationship with Patrick. The third part deals with Lina essentially “growing up.” She begins to develop the ability to be on her own, to find her own strengths and to realize that she is beautiful, just as she is. Finally, we learn why Patrick feels the need to develop these relationships, and what it means for him personally as he tries to deal with his own life. It is enlightening to visit R. Cole’s website, his comments and explanations of things that were left out of the book.
2 people found this helpful
Grady HarpTop Contributor: Children’s Books
‘Lingerie in the morning, sailors take warning’
Reviewed in the United States on March 7, 2020
New author Ryan Cole steps onto the literary scene with a strong novel that dares to explore BDSM (Bondage/Discipline, Dominance/Submission, Sadism/Masochism) – a subject that has been the theme of other novels, but Ryan takes the exploration a step further. He is an experienced Dominant and shares his ventures from his encounters around the world. His book is at once fictional – yet personal, a factor that gives his writing credibility as well as strength.
Establishing the mindset of the central character Lina, the story opens with a dream sequence that sets the tone of the book. ‘She dreamed of being chased…of running through cavernous malls and vacant schools. Through impossibly vast indoor spaces where the ceilings flow into sky, and the edges of the sky rolled into a gray infinity. She ran past people she knows, people she knew, who took no notice of her. Some laughing at the vague wisp of a joke she couldn’t hear but somehow understood, because in this dream at least she’d been here before…She sensed him there. He wasn’t far. Just around the next corner and…Her alarm tore the world apart…’ With fine writing skills Ryan exposes the mind of his submissive character, Lina.
The progress of this story – a very adult tale – is made more acceptable because of Ryan’s sensitive prose. He examines the lurid moments with such strength that his book never enters the pornographic level: the focus, while erotic and alluring, is more focused on the psychological aspects of the relationships between submissives and dominants.
The provided plot outline suggests the content – ‘Escaping from controlling parents and self-centered friends, Lina discovers a dating profile that seems ‘wrong’, yet can’t get out of her mind. Drawn by her own hidden desires and seduced by the man behind the profile, she falls into his erotic world of submission, control and mind-blowing sex. Following her Master to a mysterious Latin American country of stunning beauty, Lina lives naked and without mirrors in a perfect natural paradise. But when she lands in the clutches of a terrorist group, she’ll need all of her strength and new-found skills to survive, but will it be enough?’
While focusing on being a very fine entertaining story, Ryan Cole demonstrates his sensitive perception of the intricate interpersonal relationship factors that motivate the sensual world of Master and Submissive. Think ‘Fifty Shades of Grey’ – but with sensitivity. Grady Harp, March 20
2 people found this helpful
Reviewed in the United States on January 20, 2020
This book is sexy, intriguing, and an interesting character study. The writing itself is often beautiful, descriptive and flowery without being overly so. Lina and Patrick are both great characters that develop throughout the story. The relationship they have is a good example of a real-world, healthy dom/sub dynamic. That can be hard to find among this genre.
My biggest complaint about the book, particularly in the beginning, is the timeline and point of view. The time jumps around a lot, and I can tell it’s to build tension (we see Lina walking up to Patrick’s door for the first time, then go into the past to see what led up to it). It took me out of the story, though. There’s always a brief moment of trying to figure out what time period we’re in, and that’s enough to break my immersion. The point of view also shifts around a lot throughout the book. Usually we’re in Lina’s, and sometimes Patrick’s, but then we also see the thoughts of other characters (“Lina’s mom thought…” “Jaimie felt this…”). It’s jarring at times.
Besides that, though, this is a fun book. It had a lot more emotion and personality exploration than I was expecting. It’s definitely sexy, but not in a stereotypical unrealistic way. This would be a great book to pick up for people who are curious about the lifestyle and wanting to know more.
One person found this helpful
So much better than E.L. James
Reviewed in the United States on January 27, 2020
This book is a superb piece of erotic writing. The author is a born storyteller and his grasp of the English language is superb. I like to read erotica but find that so much of it is not well-written and there is no attention to grammar and punctuation. This is a literary work which happens to have an erotic theme. The blurb states that the author is a Dominant writing about his own experiences, and it certainly reads as if this must be the case. What amazes me is that he can get into the head of the female protagonist and describe her sexual awakening so vividly. You will learn a lot about the relationship between a Dominant and his Sub, but also about the world of sex toys and practices. Forget E.L. James, this story doesn’t waste time on describing material possessions to create an alluring and masterful hero; no, it’s all about the sex.
2 people found this helpful
When you read something so intimate and frank
Reviewed in the United States on January 26, 2020
If you want something unusual, then the book 2 Dark Mirrors will suit you. Before, I had experience with a similar theme for adults and I was satisfied with it. As for this book, the author has done a good job. In my opinion, It is very difficult to restrain your imagination when you read something so intimate and frank. I believe that not many authors can write a book so accurately and that it contains the beauty of actions and emotions. It seems to me that some can simply describe it as in adult films, but here you need a balance to interest the reader.
The storyline is a pair of man and woman that is stealing your time and you don’t notice how quickly the end of the book is coming. I find it interesting and exciting. If you dont want a difficult plot and your wish is just to relax then I would advise you to read.
2 people found this helpful
Reviewed in the United States on March 9, 2020
2 Dark Mirrors: An Erotic Journey by Ryan Cole This is a book about a character named Lina that needs to be submissive and finds the perfect man to do so, the way the author writes is like a poetical prose, so the book is not just a novel about sex and lust but a poetic prose about erotism, more than naked sex, and this is rounded by the plot itself that is more of a psychological content inside the erotism, the real subject is about a sadomasochistic relationship, which if you see it like that, the plot will be about a psychiatric pathology but is so well written and managed with so much poetry that I forget about what we learn about this kind of relationship and focus into the way the author relates this kind of relationship as something beautiful to admire. I am not sure if I like it like an erotic novel or as an original way to present a pathological relationship, anyway it was interesting reading.
One person found this helpful
Good genre piece, good for those who are interested in the topic
Reviewed in the United States on January 20, 2020
2 Dark Mirrors: Her Collar Gives Her Strength, Submission Makes Her Free by Ryan Cole follows Lina as she discovers an ad that is very captivating. Lina is looking around for something new and she comes across an ad. The ad is from a Dom, a dominant, and is asking for a woman to do far more than Lina thought anyone could ask another person to do. At first she dismisses the idea, but it keeps crawling back into her mind until she can’t help but answer the ad. The man she meets is named Patrick, and he always keeps his sunglasses on. The two dark mirrors that stare back at her not only hide his emotions and thoughts, but give her a sense of freedom that Lina never thought she would have.
In all honesty, this is a fairly typical genre piece. It gives the heat and passion that one would think would come along with this sort of writing, and it is presented in a well edited narrative that does a good job of telling the story. However, what makes this one stand out a bit is that it reads almost like an introductory guide to the dominant and submissive relationship. So, from that perspective this offers something new that many other books in the genre do not. Anyone interested in the topic but unsure of where to begin, this would be a good book for you.
One person found this helpful
Erotic exploration of Lina’s sexuality and her limits
Reviewed in the United States on January 10, 2020
This is a good erotic story about Lina and her journey into the world of dom and sub. As Patrick shows Lina the world of domination and the feelings and sexual pleasure that can be achieved through blind folds, soft touch, and so much more. I found the story to be compelling and the world of sexual domination and the rules set for the submissive to follow can be extreme or extremely erotic. This was a good read that kept me interested in this world that not many people write about. Check this one out if you are looking for a new perspective in the world of sexual exploration.
2 people found this helpful
Reviewed in the United States on March 22, 2020
I loved the book. I loved it for the intense true feelings shared. I loved it for deep philosophical understandings. I loved it for the incredible growth of character with the honesty about everything, fears, self doubt and insecurities that we all have. It pointed out so clearly how all these things shape us and how we are conditioned to socially accepted tribal (my word, not the authors) beliefs and behaviors. I became so introspective as I read and enjoyed the story, the lessons and yes the sex was awesome. Respectfully awesome. So much to gain reading this book.
One person found this helpful
Reviewed in the United States on March 6, 2020
Dark Mirrors: Freedom in Submission by Ryan P. Cole is a skillfully written book about BDSM and is a thoughtful exploration of this subject matter. The author is a natural storyteller, and his language use is beautiful and captivating. What could have become quite pornographic, is in fact not, elevating this tale beyond its parameters. You get to know the Patrick and Lina well, their motivations, and as they explore the relationship between a dom and a sub, you really get to know them. There is not a lot of fluff here, it just gets right to the sex straight away, but that’s okay, when it’s done so masterfully. If you are interested in this topic, this book is a great introduction to the lifestyle.
One person found this helpful
SanjinTop Contributor: Cooking
Reviewed in the United States on February 1, 2020
This one is definitely for adults. It is a steamy, erotic book, well written admittedly, but still a very, very sexual piece. It explores a dominant/submissive relationship in a way that you would expect – if you think something would probably be in a book with that topic, it almost certainly is.
Rest of it is pretty standard. I can see that the author had an ambition to delve deeper into character’s psyche and that could be very interesting, but I didn’t get the impression that that has succeeded completely, something is missing for me in that regard. The book is easy to read, I found myself reading faster and faster to get to the sexy parts, obviously. In my defence, I admit that they are very well written and pretty hot. All in all, it is a good book if you are looking for that kind of stuff. Check it out.
Reviewed in the United States on January 25, 2020
I have never read a book like this and honestly didn’t know what to expect. I was pleasantly surprised at the positive portrayal of the characters and pleased with the attempt to veer away from the over-sexualized fantasy that many people paint in their minds when they hear about BDSM. I enjoyed that the focus was primarily on the unique relationship built between the characters which shows a more realistic couple with their shared kinks and distinct needs being met through their chosen path. There were a couple confusing points about the main female character and her life outside of her sexuality and relationship that threw me off, often because the timelines were a little wibbly-wobbly. Overall, a good read with a more thoughtful look at atypical relationships without making them feel like a freak show for people to peep in on.
Reviewed in the United States on March 5, 2020
Erotica is not one of my preferred genres though I frequently like to expand my reading into areas outside of my interests. This book is exactly what is promised on the tin. Although fictional, it is based on the author’s real experiences adding a degree of realism that I imagine is lacking in other novels of this type.
I won’t be picking up another one in this genre for a while but this one is well-written. It has an interesting storyline and is full of interesting philosophy of love and sex. If you enjoy erotica, pick this one up.
Reviewed in the United States on March 24, 2020
I read the Fifty Shades of Gray series. This is a better version of that story: well-written and from the perspective of someone who lives it. Of course, there are parts that make you blush but that’s what you get when you read BDSM. On the surface, Lina is a simple girl but as the story weaves sits complexities, she becomes more strong and resilient. While not for everyone, this was a strong read and I recommend it.
Good Story with Strong Characters
Reviewed in the United States on March 12, 2020
This book has an interesting story line about a woman trying out a dominant/submissive relationship. Lina is unhappy with her relationships with her parents and friends as she feels like she cannot be her true self around them. Due to this, she decides to try out a dating service and finds a profile of a man, Patrick, who is looking for someone to be his submissive. Even though there is a part of her that feels it is wrong, there is a bigger part of her that believes it is what she needs to find out who she really is. Lina is a great character who starts out with little self-confidence and always trying to make her parents/friends happy; however, throughout the book, she grows to be a stronger person who stands up for what she wants. Even though I did not really understand Lina wanting this type of relationship with Patrick, it seemed to make her a happier and stronger person. Overall, I thought this was a good story with interesting and strong characters.
One person found this helpful
Reviewed in the United States on March 9, 2020
This book is as it says, an erotic tale. That is not saying it is a pornographic smut novel. The relationship between Lina and Ryan is approached in a tasteful manner and the evolvement of said relationship is filled with tantalizing moments. For those in the “scene”, much of the book will be familiar to them, but for newcomers, they might be a bit put off by some of the role play and dominance that is shown. I urge you to keep an open mind though, what is passion to one person is distasteful or horrible to another.
I liked the story progression, the book does take a turn when Lina falls in the hands of the terrorists, but it’s still a good story and very engaging. The author clearly knows his way around the BDSM world and does a good job of avoiding falling into tropes and misconceptions that are out there.
One person found this helpful
Reviewed in the United States on March 16, 2020
Seriously, this is a very well written erotic story. Ryan Cole’s choice of words, word structure and vivid description for each chapter thoroughly amazed me. I wasn’t really a fan of erotic stories, yet I couldn’t put down this book AT ALL. 2 Dark Mirrors: A Submissive’s Journey Toward Strength is simply a BDSM story, but it has its own charm as well as you read through the book. The story gives us a peek and says a lot of the author’s experience as a dominant one which makes this also a bit personal to him as well. This is not only a story about sex and submission, the book also deals with growing up and letting go of the shackles holding you back as you grow older. Truly, a great literary book I would never forget.
One person found this helpful
Reviewed in the United States on March 17, 2020
Ryan P. Cole has certainly created a book for those in search of Kindle-based erotica…but if you’re not in search of that, you probably will find this book (A Dark Mirror) falling somewhat short of entertaining. I did not really find the characters compelling beyond their two-dimensional portrayal, though Cole’s writing certainly took on tones of poetic coloration and fancy during the intimate scenes. As for the rest of the book, the writing style was somewhat basic. I guess anyone reading this book is not expecting to be touched by anything other than the dark sensuality of lovemaking with serious psychological underpinnings.
One person found this helpful
Reviewed in the United States on March 12, 2020
The book highlights the feelings, desires and passion of the woman protagonist on one hand and on other side empowers her in her fight for freedom. Lina is the center of the novel who falls for Patrick, enjoys the relationship and feels beautiful, but then she ends up being kidnapped by terrorist and uses all her strength in hope for her freedom. It’s a well written novel, although meant for adult audiences only. The author knows skills to add feel to the intense writing.
One person found this helpful
From other countries
Paul F
5.0 out of 5 stars
At last, a BDSM novel that is very well written and NOT pornographic
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 14, 2019
This is an incredible book, extremely well written, emotionally insightful and, remarkably for a book about BDSM, yet not really pornographic despite the sex scenes. Buy it, read it, enjoy it!
From other countries
Bianca
5.0 out of 5 stars Very well depicted
Reviewed in Canada on November 7, 2021
It’s not often that I come across a book that describes the sub turmoil so well.
Welshmercury
1.0 out of 5 stars Don’t bother
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 29, 2021
Not finished book. Spelling and grammar is so bad it is unreadable.
Part II Release:
