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andrea_ross's review against another edition
dark
funny
fast-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
1.5
trishthegemini's review against another edition
2.0
The author tries to create tension but it just falls flat. Not much makes sense and half way through the first book I stopped reading the “spicy” (not much spice tbh) scenes because they are all the same, lame and boring. So by the time I got to the third book I just skipped all of it because I felt it drain the life out of me. This book is old, I get it. (I am writing this review for my own archives) but please, if anyone out there reads this and is thinking about still reading it: DON’T. K bye.
chaosxaxo's review against another edition
emotional
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
0.25
elisebras's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
guillevaldata's review against another edition
3.0
okay, i wanted to re-read this book for the movie. that came out l a s t y e a r. i read this series when I was about 15 years old and I loved it. I remember that this book was my complete favorite. I read it like 3 times.
BUT, now I’m 21 and it’s been a yEAR since I’ve started the book, welp.
It wasn’t so exciting anymore.
I was tired of the hundred sex scenes that were there and suuuper triggered at christian’s behavior.
I LOVED HIM.
I USED TO WANT MY FUTURE COUPLES TO BE LIKE HIM.
I came to my senses re-reading this now but goddammit, the type of “romances” that were portrayed when I was younger was awful.
I’m so glad we got over that.
Bu huh, now let’s watch the movie.
BUT, now I’m 21 and it’s been a yEAR since I’ve started the book, welp.
It wasn’t so exciting anymore.
I was tired of the hundred sex scenes that were there and suuuper triggered at christian’s behavior.
I LOVED HIM.
I USED TO WANT MY FUTURE COUPLES TO BE LIKE HIM.
I came to my senses re-reading this now but goddammit, the type of “romances” that were portrayed when I was younger was awful.
I’m so glad we got over that.
Bu huh, now let’s watch the movie.
lifenomad2's review against another edition
4.0
A little bit disappointed with Anna but she eventually ended up defending self very well,ending Christian's childish behaviour nicely. If you liked the other 2 books, this one you will like a little bit more. You will laugh, you will cringe, you will be mad.....but in the end you will feel free somehow and happy it turned this way ^_^
kathydavie's review against another edition
3.0
Third and last (thank god) in the Fifty Shades erotic romance trilogy revolving around Christian and Ana Grey.
There are a couple of short stories at the end: "Fifty's First Christmas" is about the first Christmas Christian experiences with his new family while "Meet Fifty Shades" is Christian's side of his first meeting with Ana. Too bad James didn't come up with this when she first wrote Fifty Shades of Grey.
My Take
Of the three, this is probably the best written from a technical standpoint. It's also the most boring as it is essentially a "day in the life" and we trip along, la-la-lah, until the story is interrupted by a few dramas: Ray's car accident, a kidnapping, a pregnancy, and Kate's worries. Yes, we finally learn how Elena came into Christian's life and there's a tidy-up with a couple of old "girlfriends". Superfluous padding that serves to point up how easy it is to rile up Christian.
We get to see Ana get a backbone and take action to protect her own. Unfortunately, the backbone is only partly accompanied by any maturity. She and Christian are fairly well matched in that they are mature in different areas so they can figure out how to balance the weaknesses of the other. If only they can match that balance with responsibility and understanding. They trade-off on being the child in this relationship.
James misses a number of opportunities to make this a better story. Taken as a whole, the Fifty Shades Trilogy falls down. I really enjoyed the first one as James played my emotions, caused me to empathize with her characters. The second was a disaster. As though James got too cocky and thought she could do without an editor. This one. The last is the equivalent of a broom and dustpan sweeping up the loose ends.
I thought Ana was pretty stupid with her ultimatum to Christian. She knows how vulnerable he is. And she still hasn't matured enough to allow anyone to explain anything to her. She expects so much from Christian but isn't prepared to offer him the same. Admittedly, Christian has his own problems he needs to work on. But at least he tries which is more than I can say for her.
Romance is blossoming on several fronts in this story. Besides Ana and Christian, that is.
I do enjoy their emails!
The Story
It's Christian and Ana's wedding day and we enjoy their honeymoon. It's their return to the real world with Ana wanting to continue to work even as Christian freaks out about her safety and Ana's desire for some independence that provides the excitement as they struggle to mesh their separate personalities into a couple.
Ana has her issues with Christian's overly controlling nature with additional drama from Hyde as he pushes for his revenge on several fronts.
It's Ana's surprising news that really brings their problems to a head.
The Characters
Christian Grey is a self-made billionaire who has combined the control he learned from Elena Lincoln with his own innate intelligence to create his empire. Jason Taylor is his main security; he has a young daughter, Sophie, who lives with her mother. Ryan is additional security. Gail Jones is his housekeeper and she cooks during the week. The parents who adopted him are Dr. Grace Trevelyan-Grey and Carrick Grey. Elliot is his older brother who is involved with Ana's best friend, Kate, and Mia is his younger sister who is involved with Ethan, Kate's brother. Ros is his second-in-command at Grey Enterprises.
Anastasia Steele is the new Mrs. Grey and determined to continue with her career in book publishing at SIP. Nor does she want Christian to "give" her a job. Lucas Sawyer and Prescott are her security people. Ray Steele is Anna's stepfather and the man she considers Dad. Carla is her mother on her xth husband, although Bob seems to be a keeper. José Rodriguez is her best friend from college, although he'd prefer to be more; Rodriguez Senior is his father.
Gia Matteo is the architect who is revamping their new house and she has designs on Christian. Jack Hyde is Ana's former boss at SIP; Christian had him fired for sexual harassment of Ana when he tried to put the moves on Ana in Fifty Shades Darker. Elizabeth is one of the editors at SIP. Hannah is Ana's secretary at SIP. Leila Williams is Grey's nutso former sub; Susannah is another.
Detective Clark is handling the case. Dr. Greene is her gynecologist. Elena "Mrs. Robinson" Lincoln is the older woman who initiated Christian into the world of BDSM. Dr. John Flynn is Christian's psychiatrist.
The Cover
The cover continues the theme of the black background shading into a speckled charcoal at the bottom. This time the featured image is a set of shiny new metal handcuffs---one of Ana's favorite toys. I can't help but think it would have been more appropriate for the handcuffs to be open, reflecting the title.
The title is very accurate as Christian is Fifty Shades Freed, letting go of his secretiveness and acknowledging what has shaped him in the past.
There are a couple of short stories at the end: "Fifty's First Christmas" is about the first Christmas Christian experiences with his new family while "Meet Fifty Shades" is Christian's side of his first meeting with Ana. Too bad James didn't come up with this when she first wrote Fifty Shades of Grey.
My Take
Of the three, this is probably the best written from a technical standpoint. It's also the most boring as it is essentially a "day in the life" and we trip along, la-la-lah, until the story is interrupted by a few dramas: Ray's car accident, a kidnapping, a pregnancy, and Kate's worries. Yes, we finally learn how Elena came into Christian's life and there's a tidy-up with a couple of old "girlfriends". Superfluous padding that serves to point up how easy it is to rile up Christian.
We get to see Ana get a backbone and take action to protect her own. Unfortunately, the backbone is only partly accompanied by any maturity. She and Christian are fairly well matched in that they are mature in different areas so they can figure out how to balance the weaknesses of the other. If only they can match that balance with responsibility and understanding. They trade-off on being the child in this relationship.
James misses a number of opportunities to make this a better story. Taken as a whole, the Fifty Shades Trilogy falls down. I really enjoyed the first one as James played my emotions, caused me to empathize with her characters. The second was a disaster. As though James got too cocky and thought she could do without an editor. This one. The last is the equivalent of a broom and dustpan sweeping up the loose ends.
I thought Ana was pretty stupid with her ultimatum to Christian. She knows how vulnerable he is. And she still hasn't matured enough to allow anyone to explain anything to her. She expects so much from Christian but isn't prepared to offer him the same. Admittedly, Christian has his own problems he needs to work on. But at least he tries which is more than I can say for her.
Romance is blossoming on several fronts in this story. Besides Ana and Christian, that is.
I do enjoy their emails!
The Story
It's Christian and Ana's wedding day and we enjoy their honeymoon. It's their return to the real world with Ana wanting to continue to work even as Christian freaks out about her safety and Ana's desire for some independence that provides the excitement as they struggle to mesh their separate personalities into a couple.
Ana has her issues with Christian's overly controlling nature with additional drama from Hyde as he pushes for his revenge on several fronts.
It's Ana's surprising news that really brings their problems to a head.
The Characters
Christian Grey is a self-made billionaire who has combined the control he learned from Elena Lincoln with his own innate intelligence to create his empire. Jason Taylor is his main security; he has a young daughter, Sophie, who lives with her mother. Ryan is additional security. Gail Jones is his housekeeper and she cooks during the week. The parents who adopted him are Dr. Grace Trevelyan-Grey and Carrick Grey. Elliot is his older brother who is involved with Ana's best friend, Kate, and Mia is his younger sister who is involved with Ethan, Kate's brother. Ros is his second-in-command at Grey Enterprises.
Anastasia Steele is the new Mrs. Grey and determined to continue with her career in book publishing at SIP. Nor does she want Christian to "give" her a job. Lucas Sawyer and Prescott are her security people. Ray Steele is Anna's stepfather and the man she considers Dad. Carla is her mother on her xth husband, although Bob seems to be a keeper. José Rodriguez is her best friend from college, although he'd prefer to be more; Rodriguez Senior is his father.
Gia Matteo is the architect who is revamping their new house and she has designs on Christian. Jack Hyde is Ana's former boss at SIP; Christian had him fired for sexual harassment of Ana when he tried to put the moves on Ana in Fifty Shades Darker. Elizabeth is one of the editors at SIP. Hannah is Ana's secretary at SIP. Leila Williams is Grey's nutso former sub; Susannah is another.
Detective Clark is handling the case. Dr. Greene is her gynecologist. Elena "Mrs. Robinson" Lincoln is the older woman who initiated Christian into the world of BDSM. Dr. John Flynn is Christian's psychiatrist.
The Cover
The cover continues the theme of the black background shading into a speckled charcoal at the bottom. This time the featured image is a set of shiny new metal handcuffs---one of Ana's favorite toys. I can't help but think it would have been more appropriate for the handcuffs to be open, reflecting the title.
The title is very accurate as Christian is Fifty Shades Freed, letting go of his secretiveness and acknowledging what has shaped him in the past.
ritasreadingcorner's review against another edition
5.0
I can't believe I finished reading this book! What am I going to do with my life now that I read the whole triology?? I loved this book, just like I loved #1 and #2. It was perfect.
To be honest I didn't like very much the writing in the beginning and in the ending of the book though I understand why it's written that way. It begins with Anastasia and Christian's honeymoon's ending and there are flashbacks of the proposal, the next morning, the wedding and some of the other days of their honeymoon. I understand that it was more than a month of story and it would be a bit boring, but still... I would've liked to read a bigger description of their wedding.
I loved Anastasia and Christian together. They were very happy despite some arguments.
It's sad how they can be in such a good mood with each other when it's just the two of them, when they're inside a bubble, and then all the stability vanishes when they go back to the real world.
Anyways. Just like I was already expecting, Jack was the one who was trying to harm Christian. I thought it was because he fired him, but after all it was much more than that. Christian and Jack had been together in a foster home and Christian was the one who was adopted by Grace and Carrick. Everything Christian had could've been Jack's. I'm glad things went that way. Jack was a gross psycho. When Anastasia went drinking with Kate and Jack went to Escala to kidnap her thinking she was there, I'm really glad Ryan caught him. I'll get back to his.
I loved when Christian surprised Anastasia and took her to Aspen with Kate, Mia, Elliot and Ethan. It was so cute! I had a huge grin on my face, specially when he grabbed her and took her to the room in front of all that people. Ethan's reaction was hillarious. He was so shocked! I particularly like their cute moments in public - I don't really know why. Everything in their little trip was perfect - except when that pervert touched Anastasia while she was dancing and she thought it was Christian but it wasn't and then she slapped him and Christian kinda wanted to kill the asshole. I was worried Elliot was getting tired of Kate and I was really sad when Ana saw him with Gia. I thought he was cheating on her. I mean, I REALLY liked them together, so I was hysterical - in a good way, of course - when he suddendly asked her to marry him during the dinner. I have to admit it was emotional.
Then there was Ray's accident. At first I thought Jack had something to do with that, but thank God I was wrong. Ana needed Christian and he was very sweet with her as also was Grace. I love Grace, by the way. They both did everything they could to help Ray get better. Christian managed to give Anastasia a great birthday party when she was so sad and worried about her father. He took everyone there: her mother, her stepfather, Kate, Mia, Elliot, Ethan... Even José and José Senior! He really loved her. And his birthday presents to her...! Oh my God. The bracelet was perfect, it had love written all over it. And the R8! Kate's reaction when Ana told her about the car was hillarious.
And suddendly... BOOM! Ana is pregnant! Oh boy... I don't think it was really her fault. Christian's reaction made me really sad. I understand he was upset and afraid and all that crap, but seriously, dude! He didn't have the right to do what he did to Ana. He was an idiot. He went to see Elena! That kinda was the biggest mistake of his life. And the bitch tried to seduce him! WHAT THE HELL? BACK OFF, YOU WHORE. I hate that woman so much I don't think it's healthy. Thank God Christian backed her off and told her he would never see her again. That's righ, bitch. Bye-bye. Then he went home drunk and all that crap happened. I don't know why he tought he had the right to be mad at Ana.
Now it's time to get back to Jack. Elena's ex-husband bailed him out and give the son of a bitch the opportunity to accomplish his goal. With Elizabeth's help, he kidnapped Mia and asked Ana for 5000000$. Then that little annoying man from the bank called Christian and told him the amount of money she was asking for and he though she was leaving him. Damn, that was painful to read! But Christian realized something was wrong and Anastasia was smart and everything ended up ok. Well, not really, because Ana was beaten up and she had to go to the hospital, just like Mia. However, one good thing came out of all that: Christian finally realized how much Anastasia loved him. After all, she risked her life to save his sister.
Things finally started to calm down between Ana and Christian and they forgot all the drama. He also started accepting the baby, which was great.
In the end there was again that thing I didn't like very much, those flashbacks to their last night in Escala, Ted's birth and I guess that was all this time. Once again I understand why it's written that way: those nine months of pregnancy would be boring to describe, just like the years that passed. E. L. James was just trying to show us that they were happy and their relationship was perfect. Ted was a sweet boy. I'm not sure if Taylor and Gail got married, but if they did, well... great!! I guess Christian liked being a father, since Anastasia was pregnant again! I was also very happy to know that Kate and Elliot had had a daughter. So sweet, those two! I didn't understand if Mia and Ethan ended up together, but since they were holding hands after the kidnapping, I assume they did - and I hope so.
These three books surprised me - in a good way, of course. I never thought I'd like them so much, but I really do. I love them! I think I'll read them more times because they're to good for me to stay away from them. :)
To be honest I didn't like very much the writing in the beginning and in the ending of the book though I understand why it's written that way. It begins with Anastasia and Christian's honeymoon's ending and there are flashbacks of the proposal, the next morning, the wedding and some of the other days of their honeymoon. I understand that it was more than a month of story and it would be a bit boring, but still... I would've liked to read a bigger description of their wedding.
I loved Anastasia and Christian together. They were very happy despite some arguments.
It's sad how they can be in such a good mood with each other when it's just the two of them, when they're inside a bubble, and then all the stability vanishes when they go back to the real world.
Anyways. Just like I was already expecting, Jack was the one who was trying to harm Christian. I thought it was because he fired him, but after all it was much more than that. Christian and Jack had been together in a foster home and Christian was the one who was adopted by Grace and Carrick. Everything Christian had could've been Jack's. I'm glad things went that way. Jack was a gross psycho. When Anastasia went drinking with Kate and Jack went to Escala to kidnap her thinking she was there, I'm really glad Ryan caught him. I'll get back to his.
I loved when Christian surprised Anastasia and took her to Aspen with Kate, Mia, Elliot and Ethan. It was so cute! I had a huge grin on my face, specially when he grabbed her and took her to the room in front of all that people. Ethan's reaction was hillarious. He was so shocked! I particularly like their cute moments in public - I don't really know why. Everything in their little trip was perfect - except when that pervert touched Anastasia while she was dancing and she thought it was Christian but it wasn't and then she slapped him and Christian kinda wanted to kill the asshole. I was worried Elliot was getting tired of Kate and I was really sad when Ana saw him with Gia. I thought he was cheating on her. I mean, I REALLY liked them together, so I was hysterical - in a good way, of course - when he suddendly asked her to marry him during the dinner. I have to admit it was emotional.
Then there was Ray's accident. At first I thought Jack had something to do with that, but thank God I was wrong. Ana needed Christian and he was very sweet with her as also was Grace. I love Grace, by the way. They both did everything they could to help Ray get better. Christian managed to give Anastasia a great birthday party when she was so sad and worried about her father. He took everyone there: her mother, her stepfather, Kate, Mia, Elliot, Ethan... Even José and José Senior! He really loved her. And his birthday presents to her...! Oh my God. The bracelet was perfect, it had love written all over it. And the R8! Kate's reaction when Ana told her about the car was hillarious.
And suddendly... BOOM! Ana is pregnant! Oh boy... I don't think it was really her fault. Christian's reaction made me really sad. I understand he was upset and afraid and all that crap, but seriously, dude! He didn't have the right to do what he did to Ana. He was an idiot. He went to see Elena! That kinda was the biggest mistake of his life. And the bitch tried to seduce him! WHAT THE HELL? BACK OFF, YOU WHORE. I hate that woman so much I don't think it's healthy. Thank God Christian backed her off and told her he would never see her again. That's righ, bitch. Bye-bye. Then he went home drunk and all that crap happened. I don't know why he tought he had the right to be mad at Ana.
Now it's time to get back to Jack. Elena's ex-husband bailed him out and give the son of a bitch the opportunity to accomplish his goal. With Elizabeth's help, he kidnapped Mia and asked Ana for 5000000$. Then that little annoying man from the bank called Christian and told him the amount of money she was asking for and he though she was leaving him. Damn, that was painful to read! But Christian realized something was wrong and Anastasia was smart and everything ended up ok. Well, not really, because Ana was beaten up and she had to go to the hospital, just like Mia. However, one good thing came out of all that: Christian finally realized how much Anastasia loved him. After all, she risked her life to save his sister.
Things finally started to calm down between Ana and Christian and they forgot all the drama. He also started accepting the baby, which was great.
In the end there was again that thing I didn't like very much, those flashbacks to their last night in Escala, Ted's birth and I guess that was all this time. Once again I understand why it's written that way: those nine months of pregnancy would be boring to describe, just like the years that passed. E. L. James was just trying to show us that they were happy and their relationship was perfect. Ted was a sweet boy. I'm not sure if Taylor and Gail got married, but if they did, well... great!! I guess Christian liked being a father, since Anastasia was pregnant again! I was also very happy to know that Kate and Elliot had had a daughter. So sweet, those two! I didn't understand if Mia and Ethan ended up together, but since they were holding hands after the kidnapping, I assume they did - and I hope so.
These three books surprised me - in a good way, of course. I never thought I'd like them so much, but I really do. I love them! I think I'll read them more times because they're to good for me to stay away from them. :)
cosymilko's review against another edition
1.0
I started to read this book and then I realised that all the reasons I'd been holding on and reading the first two were gone. The bdsm was all but traded in for a white picket fence and a superficial love affair built on his need to be loved and her need to feel needed. The one character that was messing with the two main characters was out of the plot, and the new antagonist was rubbish.
Awesome, right?
You just want to curl up with the mediocre toilet paper with a pretty cover?
I tried to read this. I wanted to find something redeeming. I didn't. I'd rather read Midnight Sun or whatever that twilight thing was from Edward's point of view. No. I'd rather not read either, but I had to think up something comparable.
Awesome, right?
You just want to curl up with the mediocre toilet paper with a pretty cover?
I tried to read this. I wanted to find something redeeming. I didn't. I'd rather read Midnight Sun or whatever that twilight thing was from Edward's point of view. No. I'd rather not read either, but I had to think up something comparable.