Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi- Review and Gush

I've heard SO much about this book series and characters that I've finally decided to give it a try!! This is the first book in a six-part series. Also, I'm really trying to read more books by authors of color, so if you have any recommendations please leave them in the comment section, thank you so much!

I read this book in literally ONE SITTING! That's how much of a good read this is, the beginning and most of the first book is pretty dark- in a twisted, beautiful kind of way. We meet Juliette, who is the narrator of the book. You learn pretty quickly home girl has gone THROUGH it, she has been locked up in an insane asylum for almost a year, not seeing, hearing, or speaking for just as long. Never mind the ABSOLUTE trauma of her childhood. We are quickly introduced to this VERY disturbing present dystopian future in which this book is set in. It gives me serious New World Order conspiracy vibes!! I actually love the world-building so far, it is very intricate and refreshing to me, I haven't read a dystopia in a while, and it feels naturally original which I LOVE. Even though I am left with MANY unanswered questions at the end of the first book I have a feeling it will all soon make sense. I also thoroughly enjoy the aspect of abilities in this book! It does remind me of X-Men in a way because some of the abilities that are possessed in this book. But, it is told in a refreshing way, meaning I have a feeling these abilities are a whole lot deeper than the surface. I'm excited to dive into the clearly multifaceted abilities of our main character Juliette.

SPOILERS AHEAD!!

Okay. now let's dive into the JUICY part.. the characters. First off, I LOVE Juliette!!! This girl has gone through SO much in her life and the way she carries herself and the way she is still able to hold on to the good part of herself despite what she goes through makes her such a strong woman lead! I love how she gives Warner so much shit lol, and when she refuses to dress in his clothes for her because she will not be his "doll". AND the fact that even though she has been starved for four years, and had no access to anything besides the same clothes and shoes, she will not succumb. One of her first lines after Warner takes her to his real boujee house is, "I hope I disappoint him in every possible way." YES QUEEN HE CANNOT CONTROL YOU!! The only thing I HATE, is her with Adam. I do not like Adam. He just sketches me out for some reason. Like, you went to school with her for YEARS never said a word to her and then a week after talking to her you tell her you "love her"???? Excuse me??

It does NOT add up.. and I don't ship them together. I totally understand why she feels so strongly about him though, I mean she's NEVER been able to touch anyone. He's clearly attractive, has always been kind to her, and genuinely seems to care for her. Which she has NEVER been able to experience, as a young woman I can understand her desire and almost need for him. He's just too easy, not a very interesting character tbh, I feel like he was just there to get her to where she needs to be which is obvi the resistance.

Kenji is my sweet baby!!! I already love him so so much, characters that are the sarcastic, witty, sweet ones are always held DEARLY to my heart. HE IS SO WHOLESOME AHHHH. When Juliette finally realizes how attractive he is I'm like girl SAME. Buuuuut, we all know who my real man crush is.... WARNER. He's SUCH a good antagonist, I don't want to say villain of the story because I have a feeling that is yet to be determined. Even though I want to dislike him just for the shitty stuff he's done/ said.. I am unable. He just oozes a dark passed and childhood, you know he's experienced some pretty tough stuff in his life. He is damaged, confused, and power hungry because that is the only way he's been able to survive. I CANNOT wait to get his back story and slowly see the layers of him peel away. I just know he has a good heart SOMEWHERE DEEP. The morally grey, dark brooding type is ALWAYS on my radar. I just know there is so so SO much more to him than what I've seen so far. Also, the fact that his first line was literally, "Don't struggle love." BITCHHHHH I WAS ALMOST TAKEN OUTTT.

It's pretty clear as much as Juliette wants to hate him.. she doesn't. There is some SERIOUS sexual tension between them, and I LIVE FOR IT. This is an enemies to lovers ship i can BOARD.

I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the series to see how this all plays out! Thank you so much for your support and for taking the time to read my blog. Sending love always!

#thatbookbitch #shatterme