Hella Walkington's review of Fifty Shades of Grey by E L James

Compelling story, annoying repetition of language

Reviewed: 01 May 2012 by Hella Walkington

I didn't read any of the Twilight series and had to switch off the film after 20 minutes before I ripped my face off (sparkly vamps in a teeny-bopper's love story do sweet FA for me), but sexy doms and not-so-submissive-minded subs tick all my boxes.

I was not disappointed, although I found the sex scenes dull, unimaginative and way too contrived. The BDSM scenes were much better, but again... the sex is unbelievable and it read as if she was cumming like a train within seconds of unimaginative foreplay and thrusting commencing. I just don't buy it. Less sex scenes with more substance would have made for a more compelling and erotic read. This was disappointing and somewhat tainted the well-constructed nature of the character's other interactions, but other aspects of the book make up for it. Smouldering sexual suspense is rife throughout.

Great characters that are well developed, although I understand they're plagiarised from the aforementioned sparkly-vamp tripe. However, the nature of D/s interaction was fantastic and I received it well. Great conversational rapport between the main characters and a lot of heavy emotion that reels you in. The pleasure/pain balance and the character play surrounding the desire to do things to please someone unsuitable was compelling.

I hate Christian Grey. He's a massive (and pretentious) douche, but if he wasn't the book would have no power. I also hate that I can see parts of myself and my experiences in D/s in his actions and as a painful reflection of some of my loving vanilla relationships. Damn it. Big empathic tick.

Good sub plots and scenarios. Eerily close to emotional issues I've encountered in and out of the scene - relatable to lifestylers and anyone who has had a less-than-smooth relationship with someone they couldn't let go... just brillsticks.

The NDA aspect riled many BDSM aficionados, but HI, he's a famous millionbillionbajillionaire. This is pretty standard (discretion is key in the public eye *Nazi whipping parties* *cough* *politicians* *cough*. Basically, if you're a lifestyler in the public eye, you'd have to be an IDIOT not to have one in place. Get over it.

Annoyingly repetitive language is used throughout. Especially the use of 'eyes fluttered'. I'm pretty sure eyes can't flutter. Eyelids can, but probably don't as much as James suggests.

I would have liked to see this re-edited before it went to print and the E-book re-released as it really lets the book down. There are also some really poor errors that made me tut, and I'm that type of gal that needs a beady editor's eye to pick up mistakes.

Took me just over a day to read cover to cover with breaks for re-composure. I'll be buying Fifty Shades Darker, but I expect the series to lose strength. Fingers crossed I'm wrong.