In this collection of 16 erotic fantasy fiction the stories focus less sexand instead explore relationships on the edge, and particularly those which involve transformation or loss of control. Some are about monstrous unions and violence (aor are suggestive of violence). Some, too, are metaphorical while others are crudely realistic. The stories also range across situations and relationships such as homosexuality, sadomasochism and even incest. The one overriding theme, however, appears to be that pain is inseparable from pleasure.
The authors include Lucy Taylor, Harry Crews, Nicholas Royle, Joel Lane, Clive Barker, Joyce Carol Oates, Ruth Rendell, Kathe Koja, Pat Cadigan, Dan Simmons and Australia's
Stephen Dedman.
