Freed: Fifty Shades Freed as told by Christian by E.L. James is the sixth book in the immensely popular Fifty Shades series, and perhaps one of its most awaited iterations, as it revisits the narrative of Fifty Shades Freed, but this time, from the perspective of its enigmatic male protagonist, Christian Grey. The expectation around this retelling was palpable among fans, largely because the earlier books from Christian’s viewpoint unearthed layers that were only hinted at in the original trilogy.

The novel plunges readers back into the tumultuous romance between Christian Grey and Anastasia Steele, albeit through a lens that promises deeper introspection into Christian’s complex psyche. James endeavors to unravel the enigma of Grey, exploring the nuances of his fears, desires, and contradictions. For devotees of the series, Christian’s perspective is particularly compelling; it shifts the narrative from a simple love story to a complex, multi-layered exploration of his character.

James’ portrayal of Christian delves into his traumatic past, his need for control, and how his relationship with Anastasia begins to transform him. The dynamic between the couple evolves in a fundamentally different way when seen through Christian’s eyes. The emotional stakes are higher; his internal turmoil and the transformation that he undergoes are more visceral and immediate. As a character who has wrestled with deep-seated vulnerabilities and a haunted past, this focus adds a significant layer of emotional depth to the narrative.

However, the novel isn’t without its flaws. At times, the narrative feels overly tethered to the events of the original series, offering little in the way of new events or developments. While it is understood that this book is a retelling, there are portions where the narrative feels stagnant, overly reliant on the reader’s pre-existing knowledge and emotional investment in the series. This could potentially alienate new readers or those who were looking for a fresh twist or deeper expansion into the Fifty Shades universe.

Moreover, the writing style often grapples with balancing the fine line between compelling introspective narrative and excessive naval-gazing, which occasionally slows the pace of the book. Dialogues sometimes feel recycled, lacking the freshness that could have been injected considering the shift in perspective. It seems like a missed opportunity to not fully explore new dialogic exchanges that could have provided more depth to the characters’ interactions.

Yet, the novel excels in places where James captures the essence of Christian’s internal conflict—his overpowering love for Anastasia juxtaposed with his instinctive inclinations towards control and dominance. These moments are where Christian’s narrative shines and where James seems to hit her stride. The book is punctuated with moments of genuine vulnerability and transformation, which are both compelling and satisfying to read. For fans of the series, these moments will resonate deeply, adding new dimensions to their understanding of the character.

Additionally, from a thematic standpoint, Freed does manage to skilfully highlight themes of redemption, love, and the power of healing through another’s acceptance. The subplot involving characters from Christian’s past adds a layer of suspense and urgency to the narrative, giving the reader a glimpse into the darker aspects of his life that Anastasia is typically shielded from.

On the whole, Freed: Fifty Shades Freed as told by Christian rises to the monumental task of retelling a well-known and often criticized story from a fresh viewpoint. It succeeds in deepening the reader's understanding of Christian Grey and provides substantial emotional underpinnings to his actions and reactions. However, it occasionally stumbles under the weight of repetitive content and a prose style that does not always engage the reader.

In conclusion, this book is a must-read for ardent fans of the series, offering both closure and a deeper intimacy with a beloved character. However, those new to the series or looking for significant new content might find it less captivating. E.L. James has clearly listened to her audience’s desire for more of Christian’s perspective and delivered a companion piece that strengthens the overall narrative arc of the Fifty Shades saga, despite its imperfections.