Hydrophidian is the sequel to Michael Manning's The Spider Garden. It continues on from the events in the first book, but in an entirely new setting. In Hydrophidian, the story focuses primarily on the story of the exiled Magnate Verio, and his interactions with latex-wrapped submisses, incestuous sisters, enormously-endowed Tengu and abducted concubines--some are familiar characters, some new. Hydrophidian itself is the aquatic palace of the sisters Squamata and Lichurna, and latex-clad naiads frolic masochistically in the depths.

Artistically, Hydrophidian is a darker book than the first, with much of the action taking place in the black water of the palace. The story-line remains as complex and deep as in The Spider Garden, with interweaving story-lines. The simplest thing to understand in this book are the sexual interactions and their fetishistic overtones--there are enemas, self-fellatio, rimming, scads of latex, and much much more.

Hydrophidian is a challenging read whether you know the world it's set in or not. Much like The Spider Garden, it requires a few read-through in order to understand completely what is going on.

On the first read-through: admire the artwork, the exaggerated body-forms (courtesy of corsets, latex and webs), and the incredibly detailed genitalia. Wank to some of the scenes.

On the second read-through: try to get a handle on the characters. Back-track to the first book to confirm why certain ones are familiar. Be delighted to read a scene with the Sacred Androgyne and Sasaya. Wank to some of the scenes.

On the third read-through: Start again, with a better understanding of character motivations. Wonder at Michael Manning's motivations in creating the Tengu. Admire the interweaving of story-lines. Wank to some of the scenes.

If you read The Spider Garden and enjoyed it, then Hydrophidian is a worthy sequel. If it didn't appeal though, leave this one on the shelf.