Knots

Knots by Myles McDonough is an enthralling dystopian novel that takes readers on a thought-provoking journey through a world where monogamy is mandatory, and non-conforming relationships are deemed abnormal. McDonough masterfully weaves together a diverse cast of characters and perspectives to create a gripping narrative that challenges societal norms and explores themes of identity, love, and human connection.

Set in a near-future America, the story revolves around a society where individuals are assigned partners through a state-sponsored dating app, and any deviation from this norm is met with severe consequences. The characters' struggles and inner conflicts are portrayed with achingly empathetic detail, making them relatable and multidimensional.

The novel's structure, with alternating perspectives and snippets of articles, creates a dynamic reading experience that keeps readers engaged and eager to uncover the fate of each character. McDonough's prose is both evocative and vivid, painting a full picture of the dystopian landscape while delving deep into the emotional lives of the characters.

At its core, Knots explores the complexities of human nature, the search for acceptance, and the power of chosen families. The book navigates the intersection of societal control, human desire, and personal freedom, offering readers a thought-provoking reflection on the current state of the world and the potential consequences of extreme ideologies.

In a society where intimacy is regulated and kinks are banned, McDonough's exploration of these themes is not only daring but also sensitively handled. The book offers a window into the kink community, shedding light on the beauty and intimacy that can be found within these relationships, even in the face of adversity.

The author's ability to infuse humor into a dark and oppressive world adds a refreshing layer to the story. Moments of levity are carefully woven into the narrative, showcasing the characters' resilience and determination to find joy even in the bleakest of circumstances.

This book is a must read for dystopian fiction lovers, the kink community, the curious, the engaged, and any human who loves a good story. Readers will be left contemplating their own beliefs about individuality, relationships, and the lengths society can go to in the name of control. If you're thinking about purchasing this book, add it to your cart ASAP!

I love that each chapter of this book is written from the point of view of a different character. I felt like I got an intimate glimpse into each character’s thoughts, emotions, and motivations.

Different elements of Knots reminded me of ‘1984’: a dystopia where the government imposes strict regulations and laws on every aspect of your personal life.

I would highly recommend it!

This captivating dystopian novel set in the not too distant future explores what the world would look like if monogamy was mandatory. I found it to be thought provoking and full of beautiful use of language. The premise was so clever and believable. I love the author's concise yet very expressive ways of laying out the story. He does a great job walking the reader through the world that the protagonists must navigate under this oppressive rule.

And it's all set under the fascinating lens of kink. That said, I think this book would appeal to readers that are both experienced with kink/bdsm or brand new to it.

One of my favorite parts about the book is that despite it being set under the backdrop of dark and oppressive control, there is a refreshing sense of humor and you're really drawn in to the characters. There's such a great mix of stories and perspectives. You get to know the world it's set in through gripping life stories of the characters but also through super clever cultural asides.

It was really hard to put down and I can't wait to read more by this author!