Holly‘s review of Master: An Erotic Novel of the Count of Monte Cristo by Colette Gale
Erotic Romance published by NAL Trade 6 May 08
I’m a huge fan of The Count of Monte Cristo. I believe I first read the novel by Alexandre Dumas when I was a freshman in high school and it really resonated with me. Since then, I’ve re-read it at least once a year. So when I heard (almost a year ago) that Colette Gail was going to write an erotic accounting of the novel, well, I just had to read it, didn’t I?
I’m sure all of you are familiar with the tale by now: Edmond Dantes was falsely imprisoned on charges of treason on suspicion of plotting to help Napoleon escape from exile. He spent 14 hellish years in a French prison, dreaming of none other than his one true love Mercedes. He escapes prison to find she’s married to her cousin – one of the men responsible for his imprisonment. He becomes convinced he’s an avenging angel and sets out to exact revenge on all of those who betrayed him.
This version isn’t much different in plot from the original, but it’s written a lot dirtier. Fernand, Mercedes’ husband, is gay and needs certain perversions in order to get off. He becomes violent when he’s unable to perform, and Mercedes has spent years being abused by him – both physically and sexually. I think there’s a little something for everyone in this novel: bondage, voyeurism, menage.
Mercedes and Edmond are still as attracted to each other as they were 20 years before and the sexual chemistry between them was well done and believable. I didn’t feel like the author threw in sex scenes just for the sake of having them, either. All the scenes were believable and served to move the plot forward.
Overall a well written, emotionally charged erotic novel that very closely resembled the original in plot and tone. Highly recommend.
Grade: A
From the author of Unmasqued comes a bold and erotic retelling of The Count of Monte Cristo.
Dantes spent years imprisoned for a crime he didn’t commit. Now he’s returned to Paris in the guise of the Count of Monte Cristo, seeking vengeance on those who sent him to jail. But his plan also includes a different kind of revenge—on the woman he has never forgotten, the lover he has made it his mission to possess. So unfolds an erotic battle of wills in the most electrifying game of love ever played between man and woman, master and slave.
Read an excerpt.
I always loved this story too, Holly. Now I’m curious about this one. I also enjoyed the television movie years ago. Man in the Iron Mask by Dumas is another favorite, along with the Three Musketeers. He’s a great writer.
I love those Dumas novels as well. Did you see the film adaptation that came out recently (within the last few years)? It was really well done. (link)
James Caviezel played Edmond brilliantly. Although..thinking back I don’t remember Haydee being in the film.
Anyway, this novel was really well done. Even though it was erotic, it still carried a lot of emotional depth.
I didn’t see that version. I’ll have to find it. I love James Caviezel. My version that I’ve loved all these years is with Richard Chamberlain and Tony Curtis. That was a long time ago! Thanks for the link. I will check it out.
Holly, thanks so much for the lovely review. I loved the Dumas book too, and felt so badly for both Edmond and Mercedes.
I enjoyed writing this book even more than my Phantom of the Opera book, and I’m really delighted that you enjoyed it as well!
Okay, this one does sound good. I still want to read Unmasqued first, though.
EEEEEEEE I hadn’t heard of this! I love The Count of Monte Cristo – I’ve been trying forever to find a good hard cover unabridged copy. (Geez.) Love the opium den – not so much the “little girl” Dantes falls in love with… (or maybe not that little but that’s how I viewed it)… interesting…
Wait – so Gale took out that character?
Colette,
Thanks! The book was wonderful. 😉
Dev,
You should read this one first. Just because I said so. haha
Lime,
Sorry, I should have mentioned it in my review, but there’s actually a secondary story in this novel between Haydee and someone else. I meant I don’t remember her being in the movie that came out in 2002.
Holly – (thanks) Hm. But the whole point was Dantes found new love with Haydee (though that always weirded out my 15 year old self). Yeah, I don’t think she was in the movie. It was ok (the movie). I didn’t think it was super memorable. [There’s so much in the Count!]
Lime,
Well, yes, but personally I never believed he found real love w/ Haydee. I always rewrote the story in my head so he went after Mercedes, because like you, that grossed me out (his “relationship” with Haydee). Blech.
Gale stayed true to the story in most respects, but rather than Edmond ending up with Haydee, he goes after Mercedes. As it should have been (Sez me..lol).
Wow, I had not heard of this one, it sounds really good. Great review, thanks for sharing Holly!! 🙂
Wow, great review. And yeah, I haven’t read this book, though I’m familiar with the story, and this sounds like a definitely dirtier version. Fabulous.
Holly, Glad you liked it. I haven’t read it, but I am adding it to the list. Unmasqued sounds good too. I always loved Phantom of the Opera and wished Christine ended up with the Phantom.