Book Review: Restore Me by Tahereh Mafi

Title: Restore Me
Author: Tahereh Mafi
Series/Standalone: Shatter Me Series (Book #4)
Genre: Young Adult, Dystopian, Romance
Pages: 448
Publisher: HarperCollins
Year Published: 2018
Format: Hardcover Copy (Own It)
First Line: "I don't wake up screaming anymore."

"Juliette Ferrars thought she won. She took over Sector 45, was named the new Supreme Commander, and now has Warner by her side. But she's still the girl with the ability to kill with a single touch- and now she's got the whole world in the palm of her hand. When tragedy hits, who will she become? Will she be able to control the power she wields and use it for good?"

My Rating: 5/5

I was prepared to be utterly disappointed with the second part of this series, especially since this series was originally released as a trilogy. And I was happy with the way the trilogy wrapped up. I understood how the author could use the storyline to create more in this world, but I was ok with it left off as well. I was impressed with the use of the knowledge we gained in the past books and the change of power in this book. I loved so much about this continuation and while I've heard others say that the first part of the story drags on, I didn't find it to drag at all. That being said, I finished the first half of this series recently which helped me to continue the series without a pause.

Thanks for reading,
Sidny

Spoiler: Restore Me by Tahereh Mafi

This book was everything I wanted and more. Tahereh Mafi knows how to write a good love scene in a YA book without getting explicit. I also loved her writing style and her strange characters. I also loved the way this book switched perspectives. My love for Warner is so strong and it continued on in this series. I also enjoyed the addition of characters and the change of pace in this story. I can't wait to continue on with this series.

Characters:
Juliette: I understand her huge confusion and Warner knowing that the people who abused her were not her real parents, but let's think about this for a moment. Her biological parents gave her up for an experiment and let their oldest daughter be tortured so she couldn't be used as a weapon. I wonder how she will escape her current predicament.

Warner: I loved him even more in this book than I did in Ignite Me. I really enjoyed the way the series was based on the understanding of his character. And the way that he tries to be there for Juliette but doesn't know how after he has to reveal the truth he finds. It hurts my heart to see them breaking up. But I also wonder how he didn't remember I childhood where she existed in one of the families.

Castle: I was the most frustrated with him. How dare he wait until now to have Warner tell Juliette about her past. And what about what else he might know? Did he survive?

Oceania: Not exactly the motherly type.

Kenji: I still think he's one of the best characters in this story. He is heartwarming and his past is heart-wrenching. I loved that he was willing to tell those around him what he thought whether they wanted to hear it or not.

Nazeera: I wonder about her childhood with Ella/Juliette. What made her turn on the Reestablishment overall. Was it the loss of childhood friends, or something more?


Moments to Remember:
Pg. 275
"Before? When Juliette couldn't decide between myself and Kent? That pain? That was child's play.
But this.
This is suffering. This is full, unadulterated torture."

Final Line: "The world goes black."

Thanks for reading,
Sidny

Book Review: Ignite Me by Tahereh Mafi

Title: Ignite Me
Author: Tahereh Mafi
Series/Standalone: Shatter Me Series (Book #3)
Genre: Young Adult, Dystopian, Romance
Pages: 408
Publisher: HarperCollins
Year Published: 2014
Format: Paperback Copy (Own It)
First Line: "I am an hourglass."

"The fat of Omega Point is unknown.
Everyone Juliette cares about may be dead. now Juliette is the only one standing in The Reestablishment's way. But to take them down, as well as Anderson, the man that nearly killed her. Juliette needs the help of the one person she never thought she could trust: Warner. And as they work together, Juliette will discover that everything she thought she knew-- about Warner, her abilities, and even Adam-- was wrong."

My Rating: 5/5

This is what some thought would be the last installment in a trilogy, but the jokes on us the series has been continued to a 6 book series. So who knows if what I thought would be an ending will continue to be the ending. I know that a lot of people are not a fan of this last book (which is interesting to me because it has a very high rating on Goodreads). I think that this ending is exactly what I hoped for. I found myself having to put this book down and pace during the stressful times in this storyline. Our characters have changed so much since the first book which readers either love or hate. I'm clearly on the love side of this series. I can't wait to continue on with the next book coming out this upcoming spring. 

Thanks for reading,
Sidny

Spoiler: Ignite Me by Tahereh Mafi

Here we all thought this was a trilogy and then Tahereh Mafi pulls out 3 more books! I can't wait. That being said I'm content with the ending and the way the love triangle ended in this series. I can't say that I'm a huge fan of Adam and I have a lot of thoughts about how these next three books might undo the process of Juliette loving Warner. That might just be my panicky fangirl thoughts. Tahereh's writing is beautiful and soul-crushing. The descriptions in this series are terribly beautiful  (does anyone know what I'm trying to say?). I would also like to note that these books do contain a few intimate relationship details (although they are not phrased in a way that makes it completely apparent). Just in case you are a young reader and not interested in sexual aspects of a relationship.

I loved these first three books and plan to continue with the series as soon as possible.

Characters:

Juliette: Her character growth was amazing to witness and an important message to all of us. That we're allowed to change and grow into different people. Although, it was painful to watch her have to explain this to those around her time and time again. I think that she truly became a badass character in this novel and kicked so much ass! I can't wait to see what happens next in her story.

Aaron/Warner: Yes he has had to make severe choices and his reasoning is not an excuse for many of his actions, but I do still love him. As problematic as it may be. I really enjoyed learning more about his life and how he became who he was. I can't wait to see how their relationship continues in the next book. And yes I'll be incredibly mad if they don't stay together.

Adam: Let's all be honest, he was a real dink in this book. He was rude and obviously didn't care that they had already broken up. He was acting so selfishly for the majority of the book that I had a lot of trouble finding a redeeming quality about him. 

Kenji: He's a sweet guy and I love his dynamic with Juliette (especially because she had a guy best friend... it's the 21st century people). He's sweet and playful but still has enough emotion to be a realistic character in my mind. 

Castle: I really think that he took being pushed down from leadership rather well. No not the best, but pretty ok. I was impressed. 

James: This kids life is totally going to expand into these next 3 books and I can't wait to see what happens to him and around him. 

Moments to Remember:

Final Line: "'I can't wait to watch them try.'"

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Review: Unite Me by Tahereh Mafi

Title: Unite Me
Author: Tahereh Mafi
Series/Standalone: Shatter Me Series (Book #1.5, #2.5)
Genre: Dystopia, Young Adult, Romance
Pages: 197
Publisher: HarperTeen
Year Published: 2014
Format: Paperback Copy (Own It)
First Line: "I've been shot."

"Juliette will not stand alone
In a battle that will decide the fate of her world...
In Destroy Me, Warner, the ruthless leader of Sector 45, refuses to let her go.
In Fracture Me, Adam, Juliette's first love, will do anything to get her back.
These two explosive novellas are available in print for the first time. Unite Me also features an exclusive look into Juliette's journal and a preview of Ignite Me, the conclusion to the New York Times bestselling Shatter Me series."

My Rating: 4/5

So after finishing Ignite Me I needed more of Warner's backstory and wanted to see aspects of the story from his perspective. I know that he is not the nicest character and many people don't enjoy his character aspects. I think that this story is quite a redemption for Warner as well as Adam. I think novellas really add different aspects to the story and I can't wait to read the next book.

Thanks for reading,
Sidny

Book Review: Unravel Me by Tahereh Mafi

Title: Unravel Me
Author: Tahereh Mafi
Series/Standalone: Shatter Me Series (Book #2)
Genre: Dystopian, Young Adult, Science Fiction
Pages: 461
Publisher: HarperCollins
Year Published: 2013
Format: Physical Copy (Own It)
First Line: "The world might be sunny-side up today."

"tick
tick
tick
tick
tick 
it's almost
time for war.

Juliette has escaped to Omega Point. It is a place for people like her- people with gifts- and it is also the headquarters of the rebel resistance.

She's finally free from The Reestablishment, free from their plan to use her as a weapon, and free to love Adam. But Juliette will never be free from her lethal touch.

Or from Warner, who wants Juliette more than she ever thought possible.

In this exhilarating sequel to Shatter Me, Juliette has to make life-changing decisions between what she wants and what she thinks its right. Decisions that might involve choosing between her heart- and Adam's life."

My Rating: 4.5/5

So after having a sick day, I was able to binge read this book after not reading it for a whole week and just kind of staring at it. Not because this book wasn't a fun or interesting read, mostly because I was ready to lay down and watch Netflix. This story really picks up right where we left off at the end of Shatter Me, and continues to explore the rebellion in this world. I think that this story is so interesting to me because our main character is exploring parts of the world at the same time as we are. I also think this story has an interesting idea of redemption for some of our characters. It made me wonder where the final story will go.
Before I read the last book I will be reading the novella compilation.
 Ps. Anyone else see that they are continuing this series? It's making me nervous about finishing these and then having to wait to read more.

Thanks for reading,
Sidny

Spoiler: Unravel Me by Rahereh Mafi

It's taken me an absurd amount of time to continue with this series (OK, it hasn't been that long it just feels like it has). So now what would be more like me than to binge read the rest of the series that is out. I saw right when i started this book that Tahereh Mafi is continuing this series, which is making me nervous about binge reading the books that I have in case I forget details before the next book comes out in March. 
I really enjoyed exploring the resistance base as well as seeing how many other characters in this world have "developed" powers over time. It was very Xmen to me. I really enjoyed how the author did an excellent job of showing Juliette's mental state throughout. I also find that it's interesting to see a character explore how society has deteriorated with the reader as she was locked away for a lot of the transition in government.

Characters:
Juliette: Our main character changes a lot in this second installment in the series which I'm glad about due to how she acted in the first novel. I was ok with Juliette's behaviour in the first book for the most part, but it was most frustrating that she cared more about falling in love/being in love than her own safety (or those of others). This book strays away from some aspects of romance but guides us into others. I do wonder how she will cope now that she is out in the open.

Adam: I didn't really care for Adam in this book. I understand the whole do what ever you can for those you love, but she clearly is as heartbroken as he is. Why would he push it the way he has? Especially if its gonna result in his death. He has a brother to worry about too.

Warner: I know this is an unpopular opinion, I really liked Warner's character growth in this book. I went into it completely expecting to hate him and still be creeped out by him. But I wasn't. He got too sexy in this book too fast for me and I couldn't process what was happening. 

Castle: I'm a little worried about him. He's not naive per say, I'd say he's kind and excepting which might be what the world needs, but will he get tough on those around him if he fails. What's he going to be like after the battle and did he survive the battle?

Kenji: He's won my heart, he's teasing and sweet. Everybody's friend but still an authority figure. It's hard to think that maybe he didn't survive the battle. 

The Girls:  Kind of creepy, but I also love them. I wonder if they will sympathize Warner or still see him as a monster.

Anderson: He's a sick man, I wonder about his back story and how he turned out to be so manipulative. 


Moments to Remember:
Final Line: "And I'm leaving my gloves behind."



Thanks for reading,
Sidny

Book Review: Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi

Title: Shatter Me
Author: Tahereh Mafi
Series/Standalone: Shatter Me (Book #1)
Genre: Young Adult, Dystopia, Romance
Pages: 338
Publisher: Harper
Year Published: 2011
Format: Hardcover Physical Copy (Own It)
First Line: "I've been locked up for 264 days."

"I have a curse.
I have a gift

I am a monster.
I'm more than human.

My touch is lethal
My touch is power

I am their weapon
I will fight back.

Juliette hasn't touched anyone in exactly 264 days.

The last time she did, it was an accident, but The Reestablishment locked her up for murder. No one knows why Juliette's touch is fatal. As long as she doesn't hurt anyone else, no one really cares. The world is too busy crumbling to pieces to pay attention to a 17-year-old girl. Diseases are destroying the population, food is hard to find, birds don't fly anymore, and the clouds are the wrong color.

The Reestablishment said their way was the only way to fix things, so they threw Juliette in a cell. Now so many people are dead that survivors are whispering war- and The Reestablishment has changed its mind. Maybe Juliette is more than a tortured soul stuffed into a poisonous body. Maybe she's exactly what they need right now.

Juliette has to make a choice: Be a weapon. Or be a warrior."

My Rating: 4.5/5

So this was a book a pulled out of my most anticipated reads tbr jar and I'm glad that it didn't disappoint. This first installment did such a wonderful job of setting up the world, introducing the characters and starting us on what appears to be an action packed adventure. Tahereh Mafi's writing style is beautiful and flowing, but still manages to shock the reader with the idea of this dystopian world. Based on other's opinions of the third book in this series (did you guys know we're expecting 3 more), I'm curious to see how the writing changes and how the story unfolds. I can't wait to get to the rest of the series and hope to order the rest of the books soon.

Thanks for reading,
Sidny

Spoiler: Shatter Me by Taereh Mafi

So as per usual I'm the last one on the hype train, and at this point maybe the only one. But hot damn this was a really fun read. I caught myself remembering how I started reading dystopian and how much I enjoyed them Tahereh Mafi's writing style is so lyrical and beautiful but also gets the reader to the point. I think that the way the main characters thoughts are crossed out throughout this book is also an interesting aspect and I wonder where this will take us in the upcoming novels. I know that people either really love this series or they really hate it and that makes me nervous, but it's also nerve wracking that I thought this series was over but apparently 3 more books are coming out. I'm not panicking at all. 

Characters:
Juliette: She is an interesting main character to hear from someone who has been in captivity while the world has literally fallen apart around her. For her to remember the world as we know it and see it go to shit so quickly.  She also has the interesting experience of neglect based on "what" she is. To see her able to touch another person was amazing, but to quickly realise that she could touch both Warner and Adam made me worried. Also what else is she capable of. Anyone else get Rogue from X-Men vibes.

Adam: Am I the only one who has read this first book and thought that this guy was too good to be true? I understand that they knew each other in the past, but they never even spoke. It doesn't make sense to me how they can feel so much for each other in such a short amount of time. Especially under such crazy circumstances.

Warner: He's also crazy, but like in the need to be locked up for stalking kind of way. Too freaking bad The Reestablishment is for in the most part in control. I wonder how he will hold on to power after he loses Juliette and what will happen to him once his father finds out. Also what is his past like? Is that what the novellas are about? Ugh so many questions, not yet enough cash to purchase the books.

James: This kid has seen too damn much for his tender young age of 10. And if Adam's power is to not be influenced by Juliette's touch does that mean that James has a power. I wonder how his life in the Omega Compound will change in comparison to what he's known.

Kenji: Who the hell is this guy? And I'm also getting super Red Queen vibes so that means my favorite series might have borrowed this, which was to be expected but also is helping me to enjoy this story line with powers even more.


Moments to Remember:
Final Line: "I'm ready."

Thanks for reading,
Sidny