Review: 50 Shades Freed

Genre: Erotica
Author: E.L. James
Rating: 5 Stars out of 5
Series: 50 Shades
Blurb:
When unworldly student Anastasia Steele first encountered the driven and dazzling young entrepreneur Christian Grey it sparked a sensual affair that changed both of their lives irrevocably. Shocked, intrigued, and, ultimately, repelled by Christian’s singular erotic tastes, Ana demands a deeper commitment. Determined to keep her, Christian agrees.
 
Now, Ana and Christian have it all—love, passion, intimacy, wealth, and a world of possibilities for their future. But Ana knows that loving her Fifty Shades will not be easy, and that being together will pose challenges that neither of them would anticipate. Ana must somehow learn to share Christian’s opulent lifestyle without sacrificing her own identity. And Christian must overcome his compulsion to control as he wrestles with the demons of a tormented past.
 
Just when it seems that their strength together will eclipse any obstacle, misfortune, malice, and fate conspire to make Ana’s deepest fears turn to reality.


Hello fellow book lovers! What better to do on a thunderstorm-filled Saturday than read, watch the ducklings on the pond, and drink a steaming chai tea latte? Not much in my tiny corner of the world! Both this and last Saturday were perfectly stormy, which encouraged massive amounts of reading and in turn resulted in more book reviews for you! Yay!

And finally - here is the last installment of the 50 Shades Trilogy, 50 Shades Freed by E.L. James. Oh boy - what a read! I was thrilled with all three books but this one in particular was incredible. I didn't think that I would enjoy either the second or final book more than the first but 50 Shades Freed exceeded my expectations immensely. This book ended in true James form - twists, turns, and my favorite, the last two chapters from Christian's point of view. If you're interested in reading a more in depth review of this novel, please follow along after the page break. :)




In the final 50 Shades novel, we get to learn so much more about the Christian. I love the gradual tidbits learned throughout the first two books, but this last one really explores Christian's psyche and the human ability to change through unconditional love. Ana also grows dramatically.

Throughout the first two books, Christian is showed to be the epitome of an Alpha male. He is wildly successful and dominating, but these are just ways for him to feel and create a safe environment. Ana has been seen as immature, timid, and "submissive" in their partnership, while still commanding a change from Christian that upends his security. She really does show her strength in their relationship, demanding love and understanding and giving even more in return.

I think anyone can relate to these characters. Every person has their own way to ensure safety in their lives - whether it be financially, spiritually, by separation or inclusion to a group or family - and although Christian may weave his web differently from the rest of us, he is so much like us all. The same with Ana. We all have encountered these situations for the first time - love, sex, intimacy, career, family. This is a love story that is relatable and intoxicating to partake in.

There are several plot lines in this novel. Christian and Ana's relationship is tested again, danger of losing lives are in the balance, and even more AMAZING twists that I dare not mention. I cannot WAIT to read this series through again and again. Young (well...not too young!), old, male, female, EVERYONE should read these books and behold true romance...and understand that it's not all "hearts and flowers" but more about give and take, romance and realism, and the balance of life and love.