Fifty Shades Series Review

by E.L. James

Series Rating: 3/5

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.

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Content Warning: BDSM

I was going through an audiobook kick. I couldn’t decide on what to read. Then I remembered, I never finished this series. I had only read the first two. So I decided to reread the first two and then finally finish the series!

It was fun to reread these. This was always a series I remember getting snickered at for saying I enjoyed it for its story, not for the sex. And I still very much enjoy the story. I find it cute.

I think out of all the books, the second one is my favorite. I felt the storyline in this one was much more enjoyable. I loved the drama we got with the exes and the spiteful boss. 

One thing I recall enjoying the first time I read these, but during my reread, found to be a little annoying was Anastasia’s talk with her “inner goddess.” During the first book, I found it entertaining. But as we got to the second and third books, I found myself rolling my eyes whenever she brought it up.

I loved following Anastasia, though. Her innocence was just fun and entertaining to see. I loved when she would test and push the boundaries with Christian. Seeing his character grow to be more open and loving with her was so sweet and endearing.

I did struggle during the third book. Mostly when it came to Christian’s demeanor. Throughout the entire series, he is controlling, and it was entertaining to see Anastasia challenge that and see him loosen up and grow and change for her. But I felt like he took several steps back throughout most of the third book. I do feel like he mostly redeemed himself by the end. Though I do think the third book was my least favorite in the series. My biggest pet peeve in the third book was how we don’t properly see any of the wedding stuff. I found that to be disappointing.

Overall, I did enjoy this series. I found it fun to read. It was both entertaining and spicy. The drama we see throughout definitely keeps you on your toes.

If you enjoy erotica, I’d suggest giving this one a shot!