'50 Shades' book from Christian Grey's perspective to hit shelves this month

NEW YORK, June 1 (UPI) -- In honor of her fictional character's birthday, Fifty Shades of Grey author E.L. James will publish the original story from Christian Grey's perspective on June 18.

The British author, 52, announced the surprise publish Monday via social media with the caption: "Hello all. For those of you who have asked, Christian's POV of #FSOG is published on 18th June for his birthday. It's called GREY... I hope you enjoy it."

Since 2011, fans of Fifty Shades have demanded a version written from the dark, but dashing character's point of view. The trilogy, including Fifty Shades of Grey, Fifty Shades Darker and Fifty Shades Freed, has sold more than 125 million copies worldwide becoming one of the most successful publications in history.

"Christian is a complex character," James said of Grey, Anastasia Steele's love-interest in the trilogy, in a statement. "Readers have always been fascinated by his desires and motivations, and his troubled past. Also, as anyone who has ever been in a relationship knows, there are two sides to every story."

"It's been a great pleasure to return to my happy place -- writing, being with Christian and Ana in their universe, and working with the fantastic team at Vintage [Anchor]," James said.

The novel will be published by Vintage Anchor in the U.S. and Penguin Random House U.K. on June 18.