Fifty Shades Darker

"Daunted by the singular tastes and dark secrets of the beautiful, tormented young entrepreneur Christian Grey, Anastasia Steele has broken off their relationship to start a new career with a Seattle publishing house.

But desire for Christian still dominates her every waking thought, and when he proposes a new arrangement, Ana cannot resist. They rekindle their searing sensual affair, and Ana learns more about the harrowing past of her damaged, driven, and demanding Fifty Shades.

While Christian wrestles with his inner demons, Ana must confront the anger and envy of the women who came her, and make the most important decision of her life."

* May Contain Spoilers *

In the first novel, Fifty Shades of Grey, by EL James, the reader came to know Anastasia. Much was revealed about her personality, goals, hopes, dreams, and fears. But in book two, Fifty Shades Darker, shifts the focus on to Christian and suddenly the reader is introduced to a shade of Mr. Grey no one knew existed. 

Fifty Shades of Grey introduced Christian as a f*ed-up-control-freak-sexual-slave-master. While, on the other hand, Fifty Shades Darker introduces a whole new proposition, no contracts involved...well maybe one, towards the end.

Christian promises Anastasia that he will give her the "more" she wanted. And suddenly he becomes a f*ed-up-control-freak-sexual-slave-master-who-asks-permission-and-tries-to-give-hearts-and-flowers. But along with "more," Ana wants to know who he is, and how he came to be that way. Thus, the blooming of Christian's character. 

Readers finally learn what happened to Christian as a child and how he coped with that at such a young age. Who helped him, who thought they helped him, and who cares for him more than he realizes. Readers discover the view Christian has of himself and that allows them to connect deeper with his character. EL James also gives the readers a peek into Mr. Grey's psyche, letting Anastasia discuss Christian with Dr. Flynn, his therapist. 

All the disconnection that readers felt with Christian throughout the first book, has disappeared. The main focus of this novel is the connection with Christian which allows readers to better understand Ana's sweet Fifty Shades. Perhaps, they'll even have an opinion change. I know I did. 

Fifty Shades Darker

on Amazon

rating: 4/5 cups