Rape Trope and the Part One controversy

When A Step Into Darkness was first conceptualized, it was not intended to be a bodice ripper, though I’ve read a fair number of them, including some of the more infamous examples, particularly Christine Monson’s Stormfire.

As Part One was released, I braced myself for the backlash though precautionary measures were taken that included reducing the details in the description of the rape of Marguerite, Mary and Cicely by the Brotherhood. That rape scene was intended to show the misogynistic thought processes of male characters such as William Wentworth in the 1700s, where the only desire that counted was that of men. Hence, the exercise of power in terms of desire and sexuality was male-centric, the most extreme example being the Brotherhood, which some astute first readers have realised takes inspiration from the Hellfire clubs of Wharton and Dashwood.

That Marguerite’s son goes on to rape Victoria Wentworth in an act of revenge that ironically echoes his mother’s ordeal is as much revenge trope as it is rape trope. What disturbed readers most was perhaps Victoria’s physical reaction. To clarify, she is not experiencing rape fantasies and the scene is not meant to express that trope either. Rather, it expresses the male view of sex and desire as power over the female. Victoria’s reaction reflects her identity at the time, a young single lady who has been closeted within the confines of social regulations for much of her life, expected, in most circumstances, not to have sexual encounters or experience. The awakening of desire and the journey it takes female protagonist 1 (yes, there is at least one other who does not appear till Book 3) on will be the exploration of desire from the female perspective within a male-centric social structure. That is in essence the direction of the narrative for the series. Hopefully, this resolves most questions and will allow readers to enjoy the books.

A Step Into Darkness is Book One in the Darkest Before Dawn series , which has a total of 5 books.
For readers who would like to have a copy of the books:

A Step Into Darkness Part One is now out on
iTunes https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/a-step-into-darkness-part-one/id985919142?mt=11
Barnes and Noble http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-step-into-darkness-part-one-judith-loewe/1121748210?ean=9783736887084&isbn=9783736887084
Amazon Kindle version http://www.amazon.com/Step-Into-Darkness-Part-One-ebook/dp/B00UYFSJ3G

A Step Into Darkness Part Two is also out on
iTunes https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/a-step-into-darkness-part-two/id985105771?mt=11
Barnes and Noble http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-step-into-darkness-part-two-judith-loewe/1121727028?ean=9783736887138&isbn=9783736887138
Amazon http://www.amazon.com/Step-Into-Darkness-Darkest-Before-ebook/dp/B00VMQUIN0/ref=sr_1_5?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1429273605&sr=1-5&keywords=a+step+into+darkness .

Do read and rate! Personal or private responses are welcome as well, email me.

For readers who loved Marguerite and wish to read more about her, please follow The Original Sin series  by outofshadows on Literotica. The offshoot was inspired by reader requests for more of Marguerite’s story arc.

Have a great weekend reading!