It's been nearly a decade since author E.L. James first introduced readers to Christian Grey and Anastasia Steele in "50 Shades of Grey," and now fans of their love story can look forward to another book in the addictive series.
Hitting bookstore shelves Tuesday is James' latest novel, "Freed," the sixth book in the "Fifty Shades" series, which is told from Christian's perspective.
In an interview with "Nightline" co-anchor Juju Chang, James said "Freed" was a project created amid the pandemic and it fills a six-week gap in the "Fifty Shades" timeline.
Her new book revisits the world of "Fifty Shades" with a deeper take on Christian and Ana's love story. But with his past and the nightmares of his childhood haunting him, Christian is put to the test as he and Ana prepare for their wedding.
Marriage also brings its own challenges. While their passion for each other burns hotter and deeper than ever, Ana's defiant spirit continues to stir Christian's darkest fears and tests his need for control. In addition, one misjudgment threatens to tear them apart after old rivalries and resentments endanger them both.
Since its publication, the "50 Shades of Grey" trilogy has become the fastest selling paperback of all time. It also inspired the movies, starring Dakota Johnson and Jamie Dornan, which have grossed $1.3 billion.
"I think readers who come to my book signings and say, 'I haven't read a book in 37 years,' and you go, 'Wow.' And now they're voracious readers," James told "GMA" of the success of her books. "Getting people to pick up a book was just extraordinary. And anybody who writes wants to be read. That's ultimately why you do it."
When asked if "Freed" would be the end of the "Fifty Shades" series, James said you never know.
"We've left them in a good place," said James of her two main characters. "Let's leave them in a good place. But I always say, 'Never say never.'"
"Freed: Fifty Shades Freed as Told by Christian" is out Tuesday wherever books are sold. Get started by listening to an audio excerpt below.
Audio excerpted with from "Freed: Fifty Shades Freed as Told by Christian" by E L James, read by Zachary Webber, with permission of Penguin Random House Audio, a division of Penguin Random House LLC. Copyright 2012, 2021 by Fifty Shades Ltd. Production copyright Penguin Random House LLC. All rights reserved.
