Fifty Shades of Grey by E.L. James
Series: Fifty Shades #1
Published by Vintage
Published on: May 25, 2011
Genres: Erotica
Pages: 530
Format: eBook
Source: Purchased
Amazon | GoodReads
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.
Erotic, amusing, and deeply moving, the Fifty Shades Trilogy is a tale that will obsess you, possess you, and stay with you forever.
This book is intended for mature audiences.
I finally bought the bullet and succumbed to the hype that is the Fifty Shades trilogy. Even though this book doesn’t fall into any of the typical genres that I review; I have a feeling that many of my followers are just as curious about these books as I was. Once I started this series I simply couldn’t put it down so I was relieved that I opted to purchase the entire trilogy in one easy to read eBook. Fifty Shades of Grey was by far my favorite book out of the three. At first, E.L. James writing style got on my nerves, it’s choppy and there appears to be no rhyme or reason behind the breaks in the narration. However, that quickly changed as it became apparent that her points of views are as raw as the characters themselves. This book will make you experience a whole array of emotions; I was scandalized, repulsed, excited and most definitely turned-on. If this novel doesn’t get a physical reaction out of you, I don’t know what will!
The story itself is pretty simple and is easy to follow. There’s no hidden intrigue or big reveals. This book focuses on the characters’ physical and emotional reactions to each other and various situations. As I mentioned previously, I wasn’t a fan of James’ writing style in the beginning but it quickly grew on me to the extent that it became an addiction. I finished the first two books in a weekend and they’re not exactly small in length. It took me a while to get used to the excessively long chapters and the constantly changing POV. Fortunately, there’s really only two characters that narrate so it didn’t take long to identify which was which. E.L. saw fit to include the dominant/submissive contract that Grey presents to Ana as well as various e-mail exchanges. I found that these additional elements helped to put things into context and added depth to the characters. I was pretty appalled the first time I read Grey’s terms but that’s to be expected.
I particularly enjoyed Anastasia’s inner monologues. She seems to have 3 voices in her head: her subconscious, her inner goddess and her actual self. It felt a little cartoon-ish in the sense that she has an angel and a devil on each of her shoulders but it was a neat way of showing her confusion and uncertainty over pursuing a relationship with Grey. Some of her voices are more humorous than others which also helped balance the angst that’s prevalent throughout this story. Grey isn’t as much of an open book as Ana but more often than not his body language and facial expressions spoke volumes. He’s had something like 15 BDSM arrangements but Anastasia is the first woman who’s ever challenged him and pushed him beyond his limits. The changes that both characters undergo are staggering. They’re perfect for each other except that it’s going to take a lot of trial and error (3 books worth) before they are able to meet in the middle.
Fifty Shades of Grey is HOT. There’s no if’s, but’s or maybe’s about that. I’d never read a BDSM book until I tackled this one so I tried to keep an open mind. I thought the bondage aspect was pretty tame all things considered. It’s definitely not your typical romance story but no one gets degraded or “punished” to the point that I had to stop reading. I’ve seen worse on TV as I’m sure you have. The first book is a 10 on my hotness scale while as the other two are closer to 7. My only recommendation when reading this novel is to keep your significant close at hand. They will be needed!
Fifty Shades of Grey lives up to its hype. It’s off the Richter scale hot, the characters are tangible in their realism and the story’s not half bad either. I’m happy that I gave it a try and I strongly encourage others to do the same; if only to spice up your sex life a little!
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Owner, designer and main blogger behind Rabid Reads. Avid book reader, snowboard bunny, video gamer and Supernatural fan. I love all things paranormal, werewolves especially. Oh, and I’m Canadian, eh!
I still haven’t bought these yet. Though everyone, everywhere is talking about them. LOL I think I’m still going to hold out for a while. I don’t really have extra cash to throw around right now. But after the wedding is over, lookout – I’ll probably pick these up.
Till now I don’t thing that this would be book that I’ll liked,but now I’m convinced that I really like to read it,thanks Caramel.
Silvana from Books are my life.
I loved these books. I’m always happy to see someone else realize the hype really is true. It really got me reading more erotica and it is a better genre than I thought!
Janiera @ Books & Beauty
I just recently finished these books. And I love them as well! I read the first book in one sitting haha! The first one was my favorite to. I read the other to pretty fast to, but not in one sitting. I’m so glad I gave them a chance. There is just so much controversy out there over these books, and honestly I don’t really get it. If you don’t like that kind of thing, fine, don’t read it. Seriously, to each their own. No need to preach and rant. Anyway, glad you loved them!! They were great books :). Your comment about keeping your significant other close by made me laugh out loud,haha. Oh it’s so true!
@Chrystal I can definitely understand being on a budget. Your wedding comes first after all!
@Silvy Happy to help. I hope you enjoy it! 🙂
@Janiera I know what you mean. I’m tempted to add erotica into my regular genres.
@Meghan@OwlReadIt Hehe good to know that I got a laugh out of someone! I read the first book in one sitting as well. It’s just so darn good!
Glad you liked them, Carmel! I agree the first one is the best 😉 and they are super scorching. I still have the third one to read on my Kindle. Like you I’m not familiar with gebre and to be honest similar books I tried after Fifty weren’t as good, so I left it at this.
They aren’t my usual genre either but they are so addictive when you read them. I think everyone who reads them ends up flying through the series to see what happens. I agree the writing is jarring at the beginning but less so once you get into the flow of the story.
after hearing so many amazing things about this this book I really need to read it as well! I’m glad you enjoyed it so much, thanks for the review!
I actually won this entire trilogy in Kindle format, but I have yet to read them!! I don’t know what I’m waiting for. I really should get off the pot and transfer them to my iPad!
Erotica is not something that I normally read, but I just read my first Erotica Paranormal Romance and really enjoyed it. I’ll have to get to this series soon!
I read all three, and I agree that they were hot. I found myself rolling my eyes (please forgive my impertinence, and do not punish me …) at James’ repetitive writing style, though. It seemed like Christian and Ana were reduced to a handful of emotions and reactions: the rolling of eyes, smirking, frowning, biting of lips, sighing, darkening of eyes, coming undone. If we all chip in and buy her a thesaurus, maybe she would use it.
Here is my review: cupcake’s book cupboard.
And if you’re interested, reviews for Fifty Shades Darker and Fifty Shades Freed.
I bought this series after the third book was released this year and decided this week to read. It’s not my favorite erotica but I can see why people loved.
I liked the first too and already started the third, but this BDSM is light compared to normal erotica books. I liked Grey and he made me laught at some moments because he can’t see a joke coming from Ana and he’s really protective.
Good book, my review will be up only next month.
Mariana @ Book Travels
Excellent review!! You absolutely nailed it. I totally agree with everything you said. What surprised me the most was all the different emotions I experienced. It had been a long time since I last got so absorbed by a story and its characters.
Terrific job! 🙂
I’m going to ‘bite the bullet’ this weekend. My friends have been going on about these books and the physical reactions they draw from you! for weeks now. Think it’s time I checked them out for myself. Thanks for the review, Carmel.
@kara-karina@Nocturnal Book Reviews Interesting, I’ll have to give at least a few other erotica books a try and see if they can compare.
@Lisa (Cold Moon Violet Books) Exactly. My other 2 reviews for this series will be going up later this week.
@Melliane Oh, yes! This series is a must!
@Darlene There’s no paranormal in this trilogy but at least read the first book to see what you think before you write it off. 🙂
@cupcake Admittedly, it is repetitive but I think the story and the characters more than make-up for it.
@Mariana Pereira Bezerra I keep hearing that this trilogy is not a good representation of BDSM books but then that has me wondering if a “real” one would be too much for me. Guess there’s only one way to find out!
@Loupe Duffy I’m tempted to re-read it already; not sure whether that’s a good thing or a bad thing! 😉
@emmameade.com Yeah… that’s the French coming out in me. lol Thanks, I hope you enjoy them!
I have been back and forth on whether or not to read this series. It is totally not my thing, but the curiosity is about to get the best of me! Glad you enjoyed it 🙂
I’m totally resistant to reading these for some reason but I enjoyed hearing your take 🙂
So glad you liked it. I did too. I admit I was worried it was not going to live up to the hype but I agree, it totally did.
I loved her “inner goddess” I felt she was a character all on her own.
I’m going to go an read your other reviews now.