You need to sign in or sign up before continuing.
Scan barcode
inkshadows's review
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content and Alcohol
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Mental illness, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Sexual assault, Toxic relationship, and Stalking
Minor: Adult/minor relationship, Child abuse, Infidelity, and Pedophilia
orionmerlin's review
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.25
Characters – 4/10
Christian Grey and Anastasia Steele are certainly memorable, but not necessarily for the right reasons. Christian is painted as a tortured, enigmatic billionaire with a dark past, but his character depth never evolves beyond repetitive trauma references. Anastasia, on the other hand, feels one-dimensional, often making decisions that contradict her supposed intelligence. Their dynamic lacks natural progression, and the secondary characters—Kate, José, and Elliot—exist more as plot devices than as meaningful additions to the story. I found myself frustrated by the characters rather than invested in their fates.
Atmosphere/Setting – 5/10
The novel’s setting, largely confined to lavish penthouses, offices, and a few trips outside Seattle, felt serviceable but uninspired. The world lacked the rich detail that makes a setting immersive. While some scenes—particularly those in Christian’s “playroom”—were vividly described, they did not build a compelling world outside of the central relationship. The atmosphere aimed for dark sensuality but often felt superficial, lacking the true psychological weight that would have made the themes more impactful.
Writing Style – 3/10
The writing was repetitive, simplistic, and often awkward. The excessive inner monologue, frequent use of clichés, and over-reliance on phrases like “my inner goddess” made it difficult to take the story seriously. Dialogue felt stilted, and the prose lacked polish. While the writing was easy to follow, it lacked the depth and nuance that could have elevated the book beyond its sensational premise.
Plot – 4/10
The story’s pacing was inconsistent, with long stretches of repetitive internal conflict that felt tedious. The central conflict—Christian’s unwillingness to form an emotional bond versus Anastasia’s desire for love—was interesting in theory but became cyclical and frustrating in execution. The tension lacked real stakes, and the narrative relied too heavily on sexual encounters rather than meaningful plot development. The book introduced intriguing themes about control, trauma, and emotional barriers, but it never fully committed to exploring them beyond surface level.
Intrigue – 6/10
Despite its many flaws, the book maintained a level of intrigue. I wanted to see how far the story would push its premise and whether it would evolve into something more profound. The dynamic between Christian and Anastasia, while problematic, had an addictive quality that made it difficult to put the book down. However, much of this intrigue stemmed from curiosity rather than deep emotional investment.
Logic/Relationships – 3/10
The logic behind the relationship was deeply flawed. Christian’s controlling behavior, often excused by his past trauma, lacked genuine emotional depth. Anastasia’s willingness to ignore red flags and dismiss her own discomfort for the sake of being with Christian felt frustratingly inconsistent. The relationship dynamics often romanticized unhealthy power imbalances rather than exploring them in a meaningful way. Many of Anastasia’s reactions to Christian’s actions felt out of character, making the romance feel forced rather than organic.
Enjoyment – 5/10
Despite my many criticisms, I can’t deny that the book had a certain compulsive readability. It was frustrating yet oddly engaging, flawed but undeniably attention-grabbing. I wouldn’t recommend it for its literary merits, but I can understand its appeal as a guilty pleasure or escapist fantasy. However, the problematic relationship dynamics and repetitive writing detracted significantly from my enjoyment.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Sexual content, Sexual violence, and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Domestic abuse, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Stalking, Gaslighting, and Alcohol
Minor: Cursing, Infidelity, Mental illness, Sexism, and Classism
The book heavily features themes of control and power imbalance in relationships, with depictions of emotional and psychological manipulation. While it is framed as a consensual BDSM relationship, aspects of coercion and disregard for boundaries are present. Those sensitive to themes of unhealthy or toxic romantic dynamics should approach with caution.bngar's review against another edition
challenging
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Cursing, Emotional abuse, Mental illness, Sexual content, and Toxic relationship
fanboyriot's review
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
-5 stars*
Short Version:
- Unhealthy relationship is romanticized
- No consent
- Actually plotless and not in a pwp way
- Painful to read
- Repetitive
- Overhyped
- Barely changing anything—except the names—from the original??
- Lazy writing tbh
Long Version:
I feel like this was one of those books were I could go off on a tangent every time I hear the name. There are so many problems with it and yet there are so SO many people who read this as if it is the kinkiest, nastiest, amazing romance they had ever read. How?? Frankly it’s very vanilla, so I’m just confused with why people are saying it is so X rated or the worst thing they have read in regards of smut.
There was no—to very little—consent is given with this relationship, which isn’t really my thing even in fiction. I mean you are telling me that he made a big deal about what’s her face signing a contract (which was one of the only things that made sense) and then goes and hits her (without consent of course) before she signs it?? Makes SO much sense. It’s not like she sobbed to her mom after that—oh wait.
BDSM is about communication, consent, things are discussed before scenes are done. Limits/boundaries are respected and etc. this book has none of that.
This isn’t even talking about the characters I mean both of them were annoying. Christian only liked Anastasia because she reminded him of his mom. Yeah, not creepy at all… They both needed therapy, Christian most of all. Anastasia was one of those characters that “isn’t like other women” quirky, clumsy, nervous, shy, and boring to default. Christian was one of those characters that was the “attractive rich man who everyone wants” the “man” had severe mommy issues and he is praised for it almost, he has past trauma that he takes out on others, he’s really clingy, and manipulative, and selfish, and boring as well to read.
To be honest I hate giving books this low of a rating, especially when I find out it started as a fan-fiction, however, even the fan-fiction seems to be exactly like the original work, again with just switching out the names. How did this get so popular?? Do yourself a favor and just read the fan-fiction version on this if you what to, at least it’s free.
Short Version:
- Unhealthy relationship is romanticized
- No consent
- Actually plotless and not in a pwp way
- Painful to read
- Repetitive
- Overhyped
- Barely changing anything—except the names—from the original??
- Lazy writing tbh
Long Version:
I feel like this was one of those books were I could go off on a tangent every time I hear the name. There are so many problems with it and yet there are so SO many people who read this as if it is the kinkiest, nastiest, amazing romance they had ever read. How?? Frankly it’s very vanilla, so I’m just confused with why people are saying it is so X rated or the worst thing they have read in regards of smut.
There was no—to very little—consent is given with this relationship, which isn’t really my thing even in fiction. I mean you are telling me that he made a big deal about what’s her face signing a contract (which was one of the only things that made sense) and then goes and hits her (without consent of course) before she signs it?? Makes SO much sense. It’s not like she sobbed to her mom after that—oh wait.
BDSM is about communication, consent, things are discussed before scenes are done. Limits/boundaries are respected and etc. this book has none of that.
This isn’t even talking about the characters I mean both of them were annoying. Christian only liked Anastasia because she reminded him of his mom. Yeah, not creepy at all… They both needed therapy, Christian most of all. Anastasia was one of those characters that “isn’t like other women” quirky, clumsy, nervous, shy, and boring to default. Christian was one of those characters that was the “attractive rich man who everyone wants” the “man” had severe mommy issues and he is praised for it almost, he has past trauma that he takes out on others, he’s really clingy, and manipulative, and selfish, and boring as well to read.
To be honest I hate giving books this low of a rating, especially when I find out it started as a fan-fiction, however, even the fan-fiction seems to be exactly like the original work, again with just switching out the names. How did this get so popular?? Do yourself a favor and just read the fan-fiction version on this if you what to, at least it’s free.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Body shaming, Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Mental illness, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Sexual violence, Toxic relationship, Violence, and Gaslighting
Moderate: Pedophilia, Racism, Stalking, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Vomit and Death of parent
jay_jade736's review against another edition
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.25
This is Twilight basically, just minus the wolves and vampires
Ana is a horny girl who's main driving force is her hormones despite having gotten passed puberty. She think she's "in love" with Christian despite being only in love with his body and her romanticisation of his past despite him being emotionally unavailable and sexually not fit for her. But nope, it's got to be him
Christian Grey is just a sad man with trauma as excuse for being bad and one sided as a character
The only reason why I'm rating it 2 stars is that the ending gave Ana some sense and Christian Grey an ending that should have made him reflect
Update: This is better than what if it’s us. I actually had fun reading this although it’s quite stressful (Dec 22, 2024)
2.25 stars ⭐️
Ana is a horny girl who's main driving force is her hormones despite having gotten passed puberty. She think she's "in love" with Christian despite being only in love with his body and her romanticisation of his past despite him being emotionally unavailable and sexually not fit for her. But nope, it's got to be him
Christian Grey is just a sad man with trauma as excuse for being bad and one sided as a character
The only reason why I'm rating it 2 stars is that the ending gave Ana some sense and Christian Grey an ending that should have made him reflect
Update: This is better than what if it’s us. I actually had fun reading this although it’s quite stressful (Dec 22, 2024)
2.25 stars ⭐️
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body shaming, Confinement, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Mental illness, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Sexism, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, Violence, Grief, and Gaslighting