Sunday, August 12, 2012

Review #2 : 50 Shades of Grey

Title : Fifty Shades of Grey
Author : E.L. James
Published : June 20th, 2011
Pages : 514
ISBN : 978-1612130286

  Today I finished reading Fifty Shades of Grey by E.L. James. I have mixed feelings towards this book. It's like the horror movie you can't turn away from, it's too dark and addicting. On one side, this book is very romantic and suspenseful, yet it is very twisted and sick. Continue reading if you want to see my full review!


When literature student Anastasia Steele goes to interview young entrepreneur Christian Grey, she encounters a man who is beautiful, brilliant, and intimidating. The unworldly, innocent Ana is startled to realize she wants this man and, despite his enigmatic reserve, finds she is desperate to get close to him. Unable to resist Ana’s quiet beauty, wit, and independent spirit, Grey admits he wants her, too—but on his own terms.

Shocked yet thrilled by Grey’s singular erotic tastes, Ana hesitates. For all the trappings of success—his multinational businesses, his vast wealth, his loving family—Grey is a man tormented by demons and consumed by the need to control. When the couple embarks on a daring, passionately physical affair, Ana discovers Christian Grey’s secrets and explores her own dark desires. (GoodReads).



  The book starts with Anastasia Steele going to meet Christian Grey on an errand for her friend Kathryn. She is supposed to interview him for the school newspaper. Of course they hit it off, it is somewhat of a romance novel after all. From that moment, they start bumping into each other and their relationship evolved from there. Christian is basically a stalker, I'm sure the times they've met were no coincidence. He was drawn to her, and he wanted to know more about her. Ana is always so intimidated by him, constantly blushing and acting clumsy whenever he is around. I really did not grow to like her, she was no heroine at all. She is just a foolish girl in love, and would do anything for him. Their relationship really takes off when she learns more about Christian's dark side. I'm sure most people know this, but he is into BDSM. Ropes, chains, toys, cuffs, you name it. He isn't looking for love, just rough sex. Of course the naive Ana, although weary of it, doesn't consider this a deal breaker. At this point I would be get away from his as fast as I could, it's just too sick. Plus Ana is portrayed as this innocent virgin, yet she doesn't seem to mind that this guy is messed up in the head.  

   The main conflict in the story is when Anastasia starts putting down her limits, and that is when the book starts getting better. I was beginning to think she'd succumb to anything, but she doesn't. I was proud of her. Although agreeing to some terms of his contract, one which states the things their relationship would entail, she draws fine lines. Of course Christian doesn't like this, he wants to be her "Dominant". He wants her to do as she's told, and obey his every command. I really did not like him for this, although I know it's not his fault. Later on in the story you find he's seduced into this lifestyle and has been victim to it since. He agrees to her negotiations, but she doesn't fully accept yet. I find it funny that throughout the whole book, the contract was not signed once. They just come to a mutual agreement. Anastasia tries to go along with the whole Dominant torture sex acts, while she tries to convince Christian to give her more in this relationship. He doesn't want love, and she wants it more than ever. Even though you can tell he is so drawn to her, he never admits how much he loves her. He cares for her deeply, and it is so apparent. Towards the end of the book, they come closer and closer to each other's agreements. He is letting her into his sad background, and showing more and more of how much he truly feels about her. In return she agrees to opening up more to his kinky lifestyle. The book ends on a deal breaking decision that may or may not ruin their relationship. With much progress they've made, how do you think their relationship is at the end of the first book of this three part trilogy? I won't spoil it, read for yourself if it interests you!

Rating : ★★★☆☆ 3.5 Stars
  I think the biggest turn off, were the explicit sex scenes. Without them, I think this book would easily be a 4 for me. Looking past the sex scenes, I really do enjoy this book. It's a dark and romantic book that is very addicting. The whole idea of Anastasia trying to change this sad, twisted man that she's in love with is a great read. There's a lot of suspense to this book, the darkened vibes make me want to read more. I find myself wanting to see what's going to happen next in their relationship. I do see a lot of Twilight by Stephanie Meyer in this book as well. (Fun Fact : Fifty Shades of Grey started off as an erotic fan fiction of Twilight,  under the name of Snowqueens Icedragon). I plan on reading the next two in the trilogy, because I did enjoy it somewhat. Let me know what you think! If you aren't sure if you want to read it or not, keep this in mind. If you can look past the sex scenes, I say it is a good book. If not, then you may want to pass this one. 

3 comments:

Natalie W said...

The story line for me is what I liked best about the book. I too could have done without the explicit sex scenes but I guess it made it interesting!Ha.
I'll suggest Gabriel's Inferno if you liked 50. Similar love story without all the explicit sex scenes.
Natalie
www.thebookinn.net

Unknown said...

The story was definitely great. Without the sex scenes, it probably wouldn't be as interesting. Just another boring romance, I understand what you mean. Luckily for me, I don't cringe at too many things. I will definitely check Gabriel's Inferno out, thank you for the suggestion! :)

Unknown said...

Thank you so much for the wonderful book! I finished it a few days ago and cannot get it out of my head. It is pure magic. It was everything I hoped it would be and much more. ...
50 shades of grey movie

Post a Comment