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Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallAnnalee Newitz’s November 26, 2008 Gizmodo roundup named ten books and series for readers interested in erotic and kinky speculative fiction. It is best read as a snapshot of one writer’s selections—not a current ranking, a comprehensive survey, or a verified guide to editions and availability. The list also crosses genre boundaries: some entries are science fiction, while others are fantasy or broader speculative fiction.
Newitz’s short descriptions and “kinks” labels are editorial characterizations from the original article. They are useful for identifying what the roundup emphasized, but they do not establish current content classifications or reader consensus. [Gizmodo, November 26, 2008]
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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Project Hail Mary: A Novel | $13.88 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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Artemis | $9.95 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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Children of Time | $8.69 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
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Masterpieces: The Best Science Fiction of the 20th Century | $11.03 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
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Dark Matter: A Novel | $11.65 | Buy on Amazon |
The ten books and series
Kushiel’s Dart — Jacqueline Carey
Newitz presents Phedre as a spy and courtesan in an alternate medieval history, with an unusual capacity to experience pain as sexual pleasure. The roundup frames the novel as adventure with sadomasochistic themes.
The Witching Hour — Anne Rice
Placed in Rice’s Mayfair Witches series, the book is described through a demon connected to a Louisiana family. Newitz labels its themes as mind-control sex and incest; those are the roundup’s descriptions, not an independently verified content guide.
#1 Best Overall
Returning Creation — Janet Morris
Identified as part of the High Couch of Silistria series, it is described as set in a society of psychically gifted people, with sexual hierarchy, captivity, and bondage central to the roundup’s account.
The Gorean Saga — John Norman
Newitz characterizes the series as a parallel-world adventure involving bondage and sexual slavery. The list does not distinguish between sexual themes presented as consensual and those involving coercion.
Rank #2
Extraterrestrial Sex Fetish — Supervert
The roundup describes a philosophical, surreal approach to desire, including imagined sexual contact with alien beings.
Touched by Venom — Janine Cross
Identified as part of the Dragon Temple Saga, it is described as a fantasy world where dragons and their venom are tied to transportation, food, and sexualized effects. Newitz’s label includes bestiality and drugs; treat that as the article’s shorthand rather than a verified content classification.
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Rank #3
Lilith’s Brood — Octavia Butler
Newitz describes an alien species seeking biological merging with humans, highlighting alien-human reproduction and control of the nervous system. The article’s labels include mind control and tentacles.
The Pleasure Tube — Robert Onopa
The roundup sketches a shipboard conspiracy involving a computer-mediated experience of happiness and sexual fulfillment, and labels the themes swinging and cybersex.
The Velderet — Cecilia Tan
Newitz describes a virtual world, BDSM, and an alien-invasion plot. The 2008 article also notes Tan’s connection to the specialist press Circlet; it does not establish present-day publishing or catalog details.
Saturn’s Children — Charles Stross
The roundup follows a sexbot protagonist drawn into a smuggling conspiracy and notes that sexual material is often played for comedy.
Best Value
How to use this list
For a reader browsing the roundup today, the most reliable takeaway is its historical selection of titles—not a claim that these are the ten kinkiest books, or that every one belongs narrowly to science fiction. The source supports the titles and the broad descriptions above; it does not verify current editions, formats, stock, prices, or the details needed for a complete content guide. Some labels also summarize complicated power dynamics in a few words, so readers seeking specific consent or coercion information should consult a fuller description of the individual book.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
