Darker by E L James

Darker by E.L. James
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Time taken to read - 1.5 days

Pages - 546

Publisher - Vintage Books

Source - From another blogger

Blurb from Goodreads

E L James revisits the world of Fifty Shades with a deeper and darker take on the love story that has enthralled millions of readers around the globe.

Their scorching, sensual affair ended in heartbreak and recrimination, but Christian Grey cannot get Anastasia Steele out of his mind, or his blood. Determined to win her back, he tries to suppress his darkest desires and his need for complete control, and to love Ana on her own terms.

But the horrors of his childhood still haunt him, and Ana’s scheming boss, Jack Hyde, clearly wants her for himself. Can Christian’s confidant and therapist, Dr. Flynn, help him face down his demons? Or will the possessiveness of Elena, his seducer, and the deranged devotion of Leila, his former submissive, drag Christian down into the past?

And if Christian does win Ana back, can a man so dark and damaged ever hope to keep her?


My Review

Most people picking up this book would, I imagine, already be familiar with the Fifty Shades trilogy, originally told from Anastasia's point of view. Darker is book two, told from Christian's point of view. I really liked the original books and didn't get the outcry from so many about stalker, abusive etc etc. After reading this, as well as the first book from Christian's point of view, I can understand a bit more why readers may be annoyed.

Christian is very possessive of Anastasia, whilst there are flashes on this in the original books there is no doubt in these. Christian has many issues and I am surprised after reading both books that he actually only has one counsellor. The image of Christian that many readers had I think may be darkened, destroyed, tainted, pick a word that suits. He is very childish at points, MINE he is either thinking or actually saying out loud. He grates me in these books and I didn't get that at all with the other books.

What I did like was we get a bit more understanding of his character than we did in the originals. For me, the interactions with Mrs Robinson was welcomed as I think we all wanted to know what was said, more about their interactions. Book three obviously has a huge interaction with him and her so I really hope James focuses on that and gives us the chat we all want to know how it went down.

The helicopter, the stuff with Jack Hyde again information or interactions from the original books we get a different glimpse from Christian's point of view. Book three was probably my favourite from the originals as it had more story than all of the sexual stuff that was more in depth in book one and two. I hope she keeps the books focused on that angle, more story and a better look into Mrs Robinson's character and relationship with Christian. This book had a bit more understanding and maybe even sympathy for Christian despite him still annoying me. I think if you like the series originally you will enjoy these books from his side as we do get some of the knowledge gaps filled in. 3/5 for me this time, when book three comes out I will read it, I need closure, I have read the other five books and I hope there will be more with Mrs R!

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