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dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism, Animal death, Child abuse, Chronic illness, Confinement, Cursing, Death, Gore, Gun violence, Torture, Violence, Blood, Death of parent, Murder, Injury/Injury detail, Classism
Moderate: Child abuse, Mental illness, Suicide, Toxic relationship, Medical content, Grief, War
Minor: Miscarriage, Panic attacks/disorders, Suicidal thoughts, Pregnancy
adventurous
funny
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
The original 3 Shatter Me books are some of my nostalgic favourites. However, the next 3 were a bit of a mess, and I still don't think we got a propper ending to it all. So when this book was announced I was hesitant but also curious. A series set 10 years later, following new characters? This could either be interesting or an absolute disaster.
I'm very glad to report that it is the former. I had such a blast reading this book! It was just really funny, but also had a very captivating story. I couldn't read this book quick enough. I just absolutely flew through it. This book did feel a bit like a set up for the rest of the series but I really liked what was being set up. It all was just so interesting, and I can't wait to see how it's all going to unfold later on.
I also really loved our two leads. James is a delight. He is a perfect mix between Warner, Kenji, and Adam while also just being completely his own person. Having grown up in the middle of a revolution also adds an interesting perspective to things. Rosabelle however can be a bit frustrating at times, but it's all understandable. I mean, she was raised to be a Reestablishment assassin. Of course, the way she thinks and behaves is going to be affected by that as well. It was just frustrating at times because we know more about the revolution and the New Republic than her indoctrinated ass does. However, I did like following her.
I only had 2 issues with this book. The first one was that I didn't think this had a propper ending. It was just really abrupt, and it felt like it just cut off in the middle of a scene. The second issue I had was that the romance felt really superficial. The only reason we get for Rosabel liking James is that he basically is the first ever person to be nice to her, and the only reason we get for James like Rosabel is that she's hot. Considering so much of these character's conflict is based around their feelings for each other it all just falls flat on its face when it all just feels so superficial.
I'm very glad to report that it is the former. I had such a blast reading this book! It was just really funny, but also had a very captivating story. I couldn't read this book quick enough. I just absolutely flew through it. This book did feel a bit like a set up for the rest of the series but I really liked what was being set up. It all was just so interesting, and I can't wait to see how it's all going to unfold later on.
I also really loved our two leads. James is a delight. He is a perfect mix between Warner, Kenji, and Adam while also just being completely his own person. Having grown up in the middle of a revolution also adds an interesting perspective to things. Rosabelle however can be a bit frustrating at times, but it's all understandable. I mean, she was raised to be a Reestablishment assassin. Of course, the way she thinks and behaves is going to be affected by that as well. It was just frustrating at times because we know more about the revolution and the New Republic than her indoctrinated ass does. However, I did like following her.
I only had 2 issues with this book. The first one was that I didn't think this had a propper ending. It was just really abrupt, and it felt like it just cut off in the middle of a scene. The second issue I had was that the romance felt really superficial. The only reason we get for Rosabel liking James is that he basically is the first ever person to be nice to her, and the only reason we get for James like Rosabel is that she's hot. Considering so much of these character's conflict is based around their feelings for each other it all just falls flat on its face when it all just feels so superficial.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Ableism
Minor: Infertility, Miscarriage, Suicide
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Goddamnit - I knew Taherah was going to hit us with one of her signature cliffhangers but JESUSðŸ˜ðŸ«¢ Warner is every bit the calculating man he ever was, getting Rosabelle to be interrogated by her own father. I wonder if he really was won over by the New Republic, or if he is playing them…we shall see.
Woof - I am both excited and terrified to see where this sequel series goes. To be clear, Warner is genius for employing this move - while I do think Rosa’s loyalties are shifting, that is not at all clear externally yet, and he’s, as ever, extremely smart to be taking a strong-handed approach here.
Klaus is a formidable villain, and the reestablishment trying to use those damn vials to chemically remove the supernatural abilities from the population, and turn the mind control on, is chilling. 😱😰 I lost my fucking shit over every single tiny creature of wildlife having a FUCKING CHIP in their heads😰🤯😤🫣
I’m literally so terrified for everyone and while I’m happy to be in this world again, PLEASE LET THEM LIVE Taherah?!ðŸ˜ðŸ˜ I hope she won’t keep us in suspense for too long🥲
Overall, though the pace was a bit slow, I feel like this was a worthy sequel that holds up well alongside the very best of the Shatter Me series. I appreciate getting such a detailed look at the emotional landscape of both James and Rosabelle. I feel like the groundwork has been laid, and now we’ll get into the gritty plot.
Thank you for reading this subpar review, and yes I WILL be an anxious wreck until the next book is out, thanks for asking🥲ðŸ˜
Woof - I am both excited and terrified to see where this sequel series goes.
Klaus is a formidable villain, and the reestablishment trying to use those damn vials to chemically remove the supernatural abilities from the population, and turn the mind control on, is chilling. 😱😰 I lost my fucking shit over every single tiny creature of wildlife having a FUCKING CHIP in their heads😰🤯😤🫣
I’m literally so terrified for everyone and while I’m happy to be in this world again, PLEASE LET THEM LIVE Taherah?!ðŸ˜ðŸ˜ I hope she won’t keep us in suspense for too long🥲
Overall, though the pace was a bit slow, I feel like this was a worthy sequel that holds up well alongside the very best of the Shatter Me series. I appreciate getting such a detailed look at the emotional landscape of both James and Rosabelle. I feel like the groundwork has been laid, and now we’ll get into the gritty plot.
Thank you for reading this subpar review, and yes I WILL be an anxious wreck until the next book is out, thanks for asking🥲ðŸ˜
Content Warnings
Moderate: Ableism, Animal cruelty, Body horror, Child abuse, Chronic illness, Confinement, Death, Eating disorder, Gore, Gun violence, Physical abuse, Self harm, Suicide, Torture, Violence, Forced institutionalization, Blood, Vomit, Medical content, Grief, Medical trauma, Death of parent, Murder, Gaslighting, Abandonment, Injury/Injury detail, Classism
I tagged eating disorders as a warning for folks who may be in recovery, as Rosa’s relationship/reactions to food can be distressing.