Ai No Kusabi The Space Between Volume 1: Stranger (Yaoi Novel) Paperback – 11 Dec. 2007

Like many others, I first took notice after watching the OVAs - I bought this book expecting it to be a manga and was completely disappointed - even this first novel left me a little sad. But I stuck with it and continued onto the second novel, determined for it to answer and explain more scenes of the OVAs in detail. I have now purchased and read all six novels and I'm infuriated that there isn't a seventh as of yet.I first thought this was a simple pornographic flick but after reading the novels and such, I really don't think it should be placed in that category. The story has been thought out and brought to life with such intricate detail - not one inch of the Ai no Kusabi world is left unanswered and that includes the fantastic characters. Reiko's way with words is astounding and simply blows my mind - although I must admit that at first, I thought she went on a bit (she can turn a five second moment into an entire chapter) but this is what I love about it. You shouldn't buy this book expecting it to be PWP and straight to the 'good stuff', although there are some excellently detailed illustrations for those who are devastated that this isn't a manga. Every intimate scene has a deep impact on the plot, every word spoken has a meaning... to put it bluntly, this book - or rather, the entire story - is one you shouldn't miss.If you're debating whether to read this on your experience of the OVAs, I would say that this has a load more 'extra scenes' and answers the questions the OVAs put forth. It also puts right a lot of myths that have been going on about AnK - for example, the correct laws of their world (which does not include heavy BDSM) and so on.I cannot recommend this novel highly enough.

Futuristic sci-fi yaoi novel that takes you away to a sensual and erotic place and a love between a powerful man and man that comes from a lower class.

Ai no Kusabi has often been described as the classic or the magnus opus of yaoi fiction. After over twenty years since its first appearance (albeit in a shorter, different form) it has finally been translated into English. The author creates a complicated, detailed and imaginative world, the characters well developed, this all ontop of a rich, twisting and unfolding plot. This is the first book so it is only a taster of what is to come. My advice is to stick with it - you will end up loving it like I do.Backing up what an earlier reviewer has already written - do not read AnK if ALL you want is mindless kissing and sex with no substance or plot. If you are already into manga/ yaoi and have not yet read this then my advice is it is a must - there are groups out there with titles such as 'HOW can you be a yaoi fan if you have not read Ai no Kasubi?!'...it is a classic of the genre and reportedly responsible for starting the yaoi craze in the US. And if you have no idea what yaoi is or means...this book will be a good one to start on, not least because it has a great storyline as well as the same sex relationship aspect etc, so even if you find m/m is not your thing, you will have read a great work of fiction by itself.

I love this story ~ Its only the first installment of many - which is why it many seem to some a bit lacking.I actually really love this story ~ I first saw it animated and thought the story and plot and setting was really interesting and complained loudly that I wanted to see more of the political background and history. The anime OVA left alot of unanswered ~ HUH? and What? and Whys? This had really started to answer them for me ~ and I enjoyed it so much!Basically, don't write it off for lack of guy on guy action, don't despair ~ this is only the first part!The plot/ story is very strong for something just started and a great deal of time on the authors part was put into character development... Which is why in the later volumes its going to get so heart renching ><; I actually feel worse for the characters now than when I watched the anime version >< I had no idea there was this much going on behind the scenes ><As for awkwardly translated? Nah ~ I'd say its just remained pretty stylistic - close to the japanese images and therefore close to how the author intended. The language is very very descriptive, the images are strange but fun to read ~ as someone who knows the story... its so interesting!Give it a go ~ if its not your thing then oh well...I'm really happy with it and give it ***** ^^I'd also like to say ~ unlike the previous review, It definatly is a MUST for any Yaoi / Shonen ai fan /collector - Anyone who is a long time Yaoi /Shonen ai fan should be able to appreciate this as ground breaking fiction. Unmissable and not a dissappointment ^^