Fifty Shades (novel series) Fifty Shades (novel series) Fifty Shades is a series of erotic novels by E. L. James. Initially a trilogy consisting of "Fifty Shades of Grey" (2011), "Fifty Shades Darker" and "Fifty Shades Freed" (2012), the series traces the deepening relationship between a college graduate, Anastasia Steele, and a young business man, Christian Grey. Grey introduces Ana to the world of BDSM. James has spoken of her shock at the success of the book, "The explosion of interest has taken me completely by surprise" she said. James has described the "Fifty Shades" trilogy as "my midlife crisis, writ large. All my
Fifty Shades of Grey of "The Atlantic Wire" criticised her inclusion due to the trilogy's fan fiction beginnings. "Fifty Shades of Grey" has attracted criticism due to its depictions of BDSM, with some BDSM participants stating that the book confuses it with abuse and presents it as a pathology to be overcome, as well as showing incorrect and possibly dangerous BDSM techniques. Coinciding with the release of the book and its surprising popularity, injuries related to BDSM and sex toy use spiked dramatically. In 2012, the year after the book was published, injuries requiring Emergency Room visits increased by over 50% from 2010 (the