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filipa_maia's review against another edition
dark
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
I kept seeing, throughout bookstagram people praising this book (and saga), so I built quite the expectation around it. Honestly, I'm a bit disappointed.
The story is so interesting, so different from the fantasy that I usually read, it had so much potential... for me, the writing ruined it. I understand that we are inside the mind of a girl who is being held prisoner because of her powers (and I really enjoy all the phrases that are crossed - those things that are only in her brain and she never says them out loud), but there are other things that bothered me a lot: the repetitions - I know that she keeps repeating things to herself, but you don't need to write them over and over again (we get it); the numbers - what the hell! I think this is the first time that I read a book in which the number are not written in full (I know that this is just a technicality, and as no interference in the story, but I don't like it).
Overall I think that, this could be such a better book if the story was written in a different way. Somehow, I don't understand Warner's obsession with Juliette (it makes no sense - he wants to use her as a weapon and at the same time wants her... so why did he kept her locked up, almost dying for so long?); I, definitely, don't trust Adam - he has the same amount of obsession for Juliette, but because he's hot, that's ok). Other thing I did not get is the "end of the world" plot twist: we are lead to believe that this is sort of a "mid-apocalyptic" scenario and, apparently, is all a big government conspiracy?
Well, I'm going to read the second book, hoping it will clear some of my doubts and I start liking this story a bit much. We'll see!
The story is so interesting, so different from the fantasy that I usually read, it had so much potential... for me, the writing ruined it. I understand that we are inside the mind of a girl who is being held prisoner because of her powers (and I really enjoy all the phrases that are crossed - those things that are only in her brain and she never says them out loud), but there are other things that bothered me a lot: the repetitions - I know that she keeps repeating things to herself, but you don't need to write them over and over again (we get it); the numbers - what the hell! I think this is the first time that I read a book in which the number are not written in full (I know that this is just a technicality, and as no interference in the story, but I don't like it).
Overall I think that, this could be such a better book if the story was written in a different way. Somehow, I don't understand Warner's obsession with Juliette (it makes no sense - he wants to use her as a weapon and at the same time wants her... so why did he kept her locked up, almost dying for so long?); I, definitely, don't trust Adam - he has the same amount of obsession for Juliette, but because he's hot, that's ok). Other thing I did not get is the "end of the world" plot twist: we are lead to believe that this is sort of a "mid-apocalyptic" scenario and, apparently, is all a big government conspiracy?
Well, I'm going to read the second book, hoping it will clear some of my doubts and I start liking this story a bit much. We'll see!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement, Death, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Violence, Forced institutionalization, Blood, Murder, Gaslighting, and Abandonment
Moderate: Torture and Sexual harassment
Minor: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Bullying, and Death of parent
hiraeth_'s review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
I liked that the writing style was directly influenced by Juliette's state of mind, that way it seemed very realistic and touching, but it was also a little bit annoying and exhausting sometimes. In the beginning I had the feeling the world wasn't as rich and well designed, but then again I feel like it was the writer's intention that we learn about the world together with the MC. A little bit cringe sometimes but the main audience is 14-20 years old so maybe I was a little bit out of the intended target group. If I had read this at 14/15 years old I would've eaten that shit up!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse and Domestic abuse
Moderate: Death, Emotional abuse, Gun violence, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Suicidal thoughts, Toxic relationship, Violence, Murder, and Gaslighting
bandysbooks's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I found this book to be written for a much younger reader than me. It wasn’t horrible, but I doubt I’ll continue further in the series.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement, Emotional abuse, Torture, Grief, and Gaslighting
michellemaas's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
* Beware of minor spoilers
3.5 - ⭐⭐⭐💫
First Installment in the Shatter Me series. Young Adult Dystopian Novel featuring the "lethal touch", "childhood friends to lovers", "dead parent", and "forced proximity" tropes. Deals with themes of human nature, isolation, and morality.
The beginning and middle were phenomenal. Mafi's writing is beautiful but to have it end the same way Mockingjay began was a huge disappointment.
“All I ever wanted was to reach out and touch another human being not just with my hands but with my heart.”
Juliette is cursed. Or so she believes. She cannot come into physical contact with anyone for fear that her touch will kill them. While she spent her entire life isolating herself and resenting her powers, government official Warner believes she is the key to getting the rebel forces under control once and for all. Shatter Me explores Juliette's journey as she learns to love herself and offers some meaningful insights about human nature, isolation, and the small pleasures in life.
“I spent my life folded between the pages of books. In the absence of human relationships, I formed bonds with paper characters. I lived love and loss through stories threaded in history; I experienced adolescence by association. My world is one interwoven web of words, stringing limb to limb, bone to sinew, thoughts, and images all together. I am a being comprised of letters, a character created by sentences, a figment of imagination formed through fiction.”
I'm weirdly uncertain how I feel about this book . . . The beginning and middle were phenomenal. The use of typography and writing style to illustrate how isolation has affected Juliette's mind was brilliant. And the characters? Amazing. Mafi's writing in general is truly magnificent. Even Juliette's time at the Reestablishment was really interesting. Exploring Juliette's powers and Warner's obsession with her, and watching Juliette come to terms with the possibility of being loved and accepted was all great to read about. Then came the ending.
“The moon is a loyal companion. It never leaves. It’s always there, watching, steadfast, knowing us in our light and dark moments, changing forever just as we do. Every day it’s a different version of itself. Sometimes weak and wan, sometimes strong and full of light. The moon understands what it means to be human. Uncertain. Alone. Cratered by imperfections.”
I was incredibly disappointed when all this buildup ended in a plain old, same as every other dystopian book ever, Hunger Games knockoff. The beginning had me so gripped and there was so much potential for this book but the author botched it by trying to be like every other dystopian author at this time. The Hunger Games was great, but I don't want every SciFi book to follow in its lead.
“Killing time isn't as difficult as it sounds. I can shoot a hundred numbers through the chest and watch them bleed decimal points in the palm of my hand. I can rip the numbers off a clock and watch the hour hand tick tick tick its final tock just before I fall asleep. I can suffocate seconds just by holding my breath. I've been murdering minutes for hours and no one seems to mind.”
I decided to still give it 4 stars because the great majority of the book truly was amazing, and despite the trajectory that was introduced in the last few chapters, I still have great hope for this series.
“Truth is a jealous, vicious mistress that never, ever sleeps.”
I would recommend you read Shatter Me because it was a masterclass in the power of words. Tahereh Mafi . . . sigh. I have no words. Her writing is an experience. She has already gone super far, but I know she's going to go even farther because she is undoubtedly one of the most talented writers of our time, even if her plot might need a little work.
“Hate looks just like everybody else until it smiles. Until it spins around and lies with lips and teeth carved into the semblance of something too passive to punch.”
* Please note that while this is a Young Adult novel, there are several themes that may be triggering to sensitive readers. Be sure to check content warnings on the author's website before reading. Your entertainment is not worth risking your mental health for!
3.5 - ⭐⭐⭐💫
First Installment in the Shatter Me series. Young Adult Dystopian Novel featuring the "lethal touch", "childhood friends to lovers", "dead parent", and "forced proximity" tropes. Deals with themes of human nature, isolation, and morality.
The beginning and middle were phenomenal. Mafi's writing is beautiful but to have it end the same way Mockingjay began was a huge disappointment.
“All I ever wanted was to reach out and touch another human being not just with my hands but with my heart.”
Juliette is cursed. Or so she believes. She cannot come into physical contact with anyone for fear that her touch will kill them. While she spent her entire life isolating herself and resenting her powers, government official Warner believes she is the key to getting the rebel forces under control once and for all. Shatter Me explores Juliette's journey as she learns to love herself and offers some meaningful insights about human nature, isolation, and the small pleasures in life.
“I spent my life folded between the pages of books. In the absence of human relationships, I formed bonds with paper characters. I lived love and loss through stories threaded in history; I experienced adolescence by association. My world is one interwoven web of words, stringing limb to limb, bone to sinew, thoughts, and images all together. I am a being comprised of letters, a character created by sentences, a figment of imagination formed through fiction.”
I'm weirdly uncertain how I feel about this book . . . The beginning and middle were phenomenal. The use of typography and writing style to illustrate how isolation has affected Juliette's mind was brilliant. And the characters? Amazing. Mafi's writing in general is truly magnificent. Even Juliette's time at the Reestablishment was really interesting. Exploring Juliette's powers and Warner's obsession with her, and watching Juliette come to terms with the possibility of being loved and accepted was all great to read about. Then came the ending.
“The moon is a loyal companion. It never leaves. It’s always there, watching, steadfast, knowing us in our light and dark moments, changing forever just as we do. Every day it’s a different version of itself. Sometimes weak and wan, sometimes strong and full of light. The moon understands what it means to be human. Uncertain. Alone. Cratered by imperfections.”
I was incredibly disappointed when all this buildup ended in a plain old, same as every other dystopian book ever, Hunger Games knockoff. The beginning had me so gripped and there was so much potential for this book but the author botched it by trying to be like every other dystopian author at this time. The Hunger Games was great, but I don't want every SciFi book to follow in its lead.
“Killing time isn't as difficult as it sounds. I can shoot a hundred numbers through the chest and watch them bleed decimal points in the palm of my hand. I can rip the numbers off a clock and watch the hour hand tick tick tick its final tock just before I fall asleep. I can suffocate seconds just by holding my breath. I've been murdering minutes for hours and no one seems to mind.”
I decided to still give it 4 stars because the great majority of the book truly was amazing, and despite the trajectory that was introduced in the last few chapters, I still have great hope for this series.
“Truth is a jealous, vicious mistress that never, ever sleeps.”
I would recommend you read Shatter Me because it was a masterclass in the power of words. Tahereh Mafi . . . sigh. I have no words. Her writing is an experience. She has already gone super far, but I know she's going to go even farther because she is undoubtedly one of the most talented writers of our time, even if her plot might need a little work.
“Hate looks just like everybody else until it smiles. Until it spins around and lies with lips and teeth carved into the semblance of something too passive to punch.”
* Please note that while this is a Young Adult novel, there are several themes that may be triggering to sensitive readers. Be sure to check content warnings on the author's website before reading. Your entertainment is not worth risking your mental health for!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Body horror, Child abuse, Confinement, Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Gore, Gun violence, Mental illness, Physical abuse, Sexual assault, Torture, Violence, Forced institutionalization, Blood, Murder, Gaslighting, Abandonment, Sexual harassment, Colonisation, War, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Ableism
bisquii's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
This book is best read when in middle school or with the intention to not think too critically about it.
For a dystopia, the world building is very underwhelming, and for a romance, both of Juliette’s love interests are like walking Red Flags (not to mention they are only in love with what she represents to them tbh).
However, I really enjoyed Juliette’s character and her development! She’s consistent in her personality and, in the face of literally everyone and their dog telling her what to do, she calculates all her options and uses her own judgement to make her choices. That’s rare for a female character! I found her sense of loyalty and trust issues to be incredibly consistent and relatable! Her POV really elevates this series.
For a dystopia, the world building is very underwhelming, and for a romance, both of Juliette’s love interests are like walking Red Flags (not to mention they are only in love with what she represents to them tbh).
However, I really enjoyed Juliette’s character and her development! She’s consistent in her personality and, in the face of literally everyone and their dog telling her what to do, she calculates all her options and uses her own judgement to make her choices. That’s rare for a female character! I found her sense of loyalty and trust issues to be incredibly consistent and relatable! Her POV really elevates this series.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Child abuse, Child death, Confinement, Cursing, Death, Emotional abuse, Genocide, Gore, Gun violence, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Physical abuse, Slavery, Suicidal thoughts, Torture, Toxic relationship, Violence, Forced institutionalization, Vomit, Police brutality, Medical content, Kidnapping, Grief, Murder, Gaslighting, Toxic friendship, Abandonment, Sexual harassment, War, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism
savannah_c_dipasquale's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child death, Confinement, Death, Emotional abuse, Gore, Gun violence, Suicidal thoughts, Torture, Violence, Forced institutionalization, Medical content, Kidnapping, Grief, Murder, Gaslighting, Abandonment, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Death of parent
weirdolympics's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement and Violence
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Gun violence, and Gaslighting
Minor: Torture and Sexual harassment
that_reader_naomi's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Emotional abuse, Mental illness, and Panic attacks/disorders
Moderate: Gun violence, Suicidal thoughts, and Gaslighting
Minor: Child abuse, Child death, Torture, and Toxic relationship
Although there is a fair amount of content that is distressing for some, I think the author did a good job handling it and writing it so that it is as least harmful as possible. However, mental struggles are a main focus of this book, and not used lightly.
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