Only a few years ago, E. L. James took the literary world by storm with her Fifty Shades of Grey trilogy (FSoG), and brought erotica and BDSM to the mainstream. Almost everyone will have heard by now of this series, and GREY was certainly one of the most anticipated books in a long time. Whether or not you have read the books or seen the movie, you have most likely read about FSoG. The three books relate the story of young, innocent Anastasia -- Ana -- Steele, who is about "hearts and flowers" and Christian Grey, the charismatic, broody billionaire, who needs to take Ana to the dark side; FSoG was told from Ana's point of view.

GREY is a tricky book to review; in a way, it's a damned- if-you-do, damned-if-you-don't situation regarding the reviewer's infatuation with Mr. Grey or lack thereof. I read all of FSoG when the third book came out, and when I heard about GREY, reading the story from Christian's point of view was a given. First of all, unlike countless women, Christian was never a "book boyfriend" of mine; I don't do book boyfriends much. Second, had I been Ana, I would have given him the boot right away, but still I was intrigued enough to read all three books. Would I recommend FSoG, probably not; do I recommend GREY, yes!

Strangely enough, the first chapter of GREY didn't bode too well, but it very soon picks up; readers should not be deterred by the very beginning, which is not a good representation of what follows. Christian Grey is a pathetic, bossy jerk, or so it always seemed to me, however Ms. James successfully delves into his tortured mind, and I was very pleased with the depth of character development the author provides and knowing who is Christian Grey; his mind is not a exactly a pretty place to peer into, and that is what was needed and missing the first time around. The tone of GREY is much better suited to the subject matter, and Ms. James' writing is crisper and tighter; no "inner goddesses" here! GREY is much, much darker than the original and it's entirely appropriate; I feel that GREY succeeds in places where I didn't "feel" it in Fifty Shades of Grey.

GREY does not cover the whole of FSoG, but only the first book; I was surprised and a bit disappointed at that, however upon finishing GREY, I'm quite pleased. I surmise it means that I can look forward to two further instalments in this parallel series, and as I did have a few issues with book three Fifty Shades Freed, I am very much looking forward to two more books. Very well done, Ms. James and "Laters, baby"!

Book Summary

See the world of Fifty Shades of Grey anew through the eyes of Christian Grey.

In Christian’s own words, and through his thoughts, reflections, and dreams, E L James offers a fresh perspective on the love story that has enthralled millions of readers around the world.

Christian Grey exercises control in all things; his world is neat, disciplined, and utterly empty—until the day that Anastasia Steele falls into his office, in a tangle of shapely limbs and tumbling brown hair. He tries to forget her, but instead is swept up in a storm of emotion he cannot comprehend and cannot resist. Unlike any woman he has known before, shy, unworldly Ana seems to see right through him— past the business prodigy and the penthouse lifestyle to Christian’s cold, wounded heart.

Will being with Ana dispel the horrors of his childhood that haunt Christian every night? Or will his dark sexual desires, his compulsion to control, and the self-loathing that fills his soul drive this girl away and destroy the fragile hope she offers him?