5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing!!!!!
By Ashley Willd on December 13, 2016
Format: Kindle Edition
This book is definitely for the 18+ crowd. I am amazed and shocked at how one person can put his soul and story on the line. This book was definitely amazing and if you are into BDSM and like to read and feel involved in something this would be it. I was very skeptical about reading this in the beginning but was shocked at how the author tells his story. It does not feel like a memoir but it is. I applaud the author and would recommend his writing and this book to anyone. Bottom line I loved it!
I was given this book in exchange for an honest review.
5.0 out of 5 stars A Very Interesting and Thought Provoking Read
By Don, Team at BookwormWorld on October 10, 2016
Format: Kindle Edition
"A Dark Journey into the Light" by Josef, is a very unique experience since it goes far beyond the description of physical pleasures by adding dimensions of detailed explanations of the feelings and battles of inner conflict going on inside this very intelligent author's mind.
The author's therapist advised him to write this true story about his life in detail as part of his healing. He absolutely followed her advice and wrote with so much detail that it might take you aback if you are a reader who has a strict heterosexual viewpoint. At times, it reminded me about the 1972 controversy over the late Lou Reed's song, "Take a Walk on the Wild Side." This book will take you to the "Wild Side" and out again with a better understanding of sexual preferences and the human emotions involved.
The beauty of the author's writing comes out when he begins to heal and describe his journey and arrival to a plateau where he begins to see and feel compassion. The author may have been a true life Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (but you won't find Mr. Hyde dead on the laboratory floor in this book). This author's ending is much more interesting and thought provoking.
5.0 out of 5 stars Highly recommended thought-provoking read for open-minded readers
By Eva James on October 26, 2016
Format: Kindle Edition
I picked up this book with some trepidation, as it is not among the genres I normally read. However, a friend highly recommended it, said it would ‘stretch my mind’. Well, he was right.
I thought it would be a dark and disturbing read, but instead I found it fascinating. The deeper I delved into the author’s world, the more I found myself feeling a huge amount of compassion for him, and for the people in his world. For so much of his life he was trapped within his desires, yet he had the courage to dare to find the way out…the ‘light’ in the title.
The world of BDSM, trannies and mistresses depicted was completely foreign to me. However, I did what my friend suggested and allowed my mind to be stretched.
I liked the fact that the author is entirely unapologetic about his life. He knows the content of his book is potentially offensive to many, but then since when, in a democracy, has that been cause for an author to keep his mouth shut? That is censorship. He suggests that our world is too politically correct, to the point where no matter what we say, we are always bound to offend someone. He warns very early in the book that, “This book is not for the prudish or faint-hearted,” and suggests that “if you like your reality painted over and sugar-coated, then this is not for you, and I suggest you make a nice cup of tea and watch re-runs of Days of Our Lives instead.” And I agree. We have free will and freedom of choice. If we don’t like what we’re reading, no one is forcing us to persevere!
This is a book of complex themes, at once sexy, sad, quite hysterically funny in many places, and deeply moving. A further significant aspect of the book is the chronicling of the author’s gradual but complete spiritual awakening, and his philosophising. From these, it is patent that the author is a deep thinker.
A highly recommended thought-provoking read for open-minded readers.
3.0 out of 5 stars Ok
By Fabulous Jen on January 6, 2017
Format: Kindle Edition|Verified Purchase
I had a hard time getting into this book, so I could not finish it. But I am giving it a 3 star review because I think the writing is well done. The story just did not appeal to me.
4.0 out of 5 stars I found it to be an interesting account of his life experiences.
By M. Sanchez on April 9, 2017
Format: Kindle Edition
A lot of the book has to do with BDSM, Trannies, Mistresses, and detailed sexual content. Clearly a sex addict, he lost a lot in his life because of it. Like any addiction, it had a significant cost, which I found to be sad. I think we all go through periods of introspection of ourselves and how we have effected others. Sorting out who you are can be confusing.
It took guts to put all of this out there and I respect him for it. I wish him happiness, peace and love.
I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book, through Reading Deals, so I could give an honest review.
5.0 out of 5 stars Mercy
By Michal Payne. MJ Payne is pen name. March 27, 2017
Format: Kindle Edition|Verified Purchase
Everything about SMBD you were curious about but afraid to ask. Josef leads the reader into a graphically explicit journey into his decade’s long life in the world of bondage and transgender women and his struggle with sexual addiction. He shines a blazing light into an erotic world that has been hidden and existed in the netherworld of society, whispered about and condemned and sought out in secret by more people than ever expected. This book is not like anything I have read in that it is his struggle for meaning in life while showing the reader possible reasons for delight in being whipped, humiliated and hurt in an emotional and physical desire for these encounters. The complexity of sexuality is honestly described in an unflinching narrative that will leave many readers offended or disgusted just as it will answer some questions about the hidden world of sexual feelings This book is written about consensual encounters between adults and condemns the abuse of children who do not have a place here other than his own description of the childhood experiences that could have created his powerful needs. He addresses spirituality and the continuing problems of the Catholic Church that is in the news nightly regarding child abuse. His remorse over the problems of his marriages and sexual addiction are a constant thread in this book. I review this book because of the honesty in a world that tries to muzzle people from telling the truth about their life experiences when they deal with sex and because the book is not a boring pornographic tale of sexual encounters but deals with the larger picture of humanity and the struggle regarding sex. The editor could have removed some of the lengthiness of the manuscript and times when it moves into incoherent rants. I review it for the courage it took to write what is beyond porn, satisfies the need for information regarding BDSM, and in the end points to humanity and the constant difficulty in dealing with morals, sex, and raw desire. I give it a five star for courage, not for being a literary masterpiece.
4.0 out of 5 stars Josef is living a double-life and his journey will touch you!
By N. N. Light on October 20, 2016
Format: Kindle Edition
This book must have a strong 18+ warning and is not suitable for any minor to read. Further this book is not for those with a weak stomach as parts of it may deeply offend.
Once more I have been graced with reading a tell all of a person’s life and once again, I cannot express my amazement at the bravery it takes to expose one’s life to the world’s eyes. This book was extremely well written, professionally edited and flows well for the reader. I am at a bit of a loss as to how to describe this book. It was certainly cathartic for the writer and there are plenty of good things that come from reading this book. I hope that anyone who reads this story of one man’s life comes to the understanding that whatever your healthy, consensual approach to sex is, enjoy it and be proud. The writer isn’t providing another version of 50 shades. This is a true tale of BDSM in its rawest form.
I recommend this book to all in the BDSM community. There is a lot here for them and for anyone who may have had issues coming to terms with their sexual choices and identity.
I took issue with some of the author’s statements in regards to what might happen in the world if there were no consequences for sexual assault and I categorically state he is wrong. There is a moral code that runs through the vast majority of people and it is only the few that would be intrigued by that sort of sordid opportunity.
A tough read but one that really opens one up to feelings of empathy and understanding. ‘Josef’ finally overcame a lifetime of problems that stemmed from early childhood and his journey is one that will touch a lot of people.
My Rating: 4.5 stars
5.0 out of 5 stars"TURBULENT, BRUTAL, GRUELING, HEARTWARMING...JUST AMAZING!!!"
ByRead Between the Lineson November 14, 2016
Format: Kindle Edition|Verified Purchase
I am giving this a 5+ Star
Oh my goodness, this book was excellent! It was an emotional masterpiece. It was like being on a rollercoaster that you just couldn't wait to stop. Josef’s journey was an enthralling and sit on the edge of your seat captivating story of one man’s journey trying to discover one’s place and self in a world that contains any man’s desires. Those desires and urges are a driving force and can often having you living a life that you never expected. A dark Journey into the light gives us the facts of Josef’s life, yes, and also the emotions that attend the events of his life, and at the same time it gives us so so much more. It was an angsty mess at some points and you just had to continue to find out what happened. I was only going to start this book and read for a few minutes but I couldn't put it down. This is not a traditional autobiography but I guess that’s implied in the title. So some of the details about his life are hinted at but not elaborated. What's most powerful about Josef's "spiritual autobiography" is that he's not trying to manipulate the reader one way or another. It's entirely possible to be completely changed by the end and yet leave the book disagreeing with him in some areas no less than at the beginning. He doesn't expect his readers to agree with him, or the choices he made he's simply telling his story. And an interesting story it is. I would highly recommend this to anyone!
