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A review by sundragonscrolls
Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Tropes:
*enemies to lovers
*dystopian society
*broken heroine
*love triangle
*superpowers
*rebellion
Triggers:
*emotional abuse
*trauma
*violence
Themes:
Power and Control
Freedom vs Opression
Identity and Self-Worth
Language: mild
Spice: 2/5
Shatter Me, the first book in Tahereh Mafi's dystopian series is a gripping story about a girl named Juliette Ferrars, whose touch is lethal. In this dark future, the world is crumbling under the control of the Reestablishment, a totalitarian regime. Juliette has been imprisoned because of her dangerous ability, which she can’t control. Her loneliness and isolation are palpable, making her character both tragic and relatable.
The story takes off when Juliette is given a chance at freedom but under dangerous conditions. She’s forced to live under the watch of Warner, a ruthless leader who wants to use her as a weapon. Meanwhile, Juliette reconnects with Adam, a boy from her past who may be her key to escape. This sets up the book's central conflict—Juliette’s struggle to choose between being controlled by others or learning to control her own power.
Mafi’s writing style is unique, using strikethroughs and fragmented sentences to reflect Juliette’s fractured mental state. At times, the prose reads like poetry, which makes the book feel deeply personal. However, the story also has moments of high tension and action, especially as the relationships between Juliette, Warner, and Adam unfold. In my opinion, there is a lack of world-building with more of the focus being on character development.
The themes could be explored a bit more, but I believe will be dove into a bit more as the series progresses. Juliette’s journey is not just about survival; it’s about self-discovery and learning to believe in her own strength. The romance adds another layer to the story, as Juliette is torn between two very different men, one who makes her feel safe and the other who sees her power.
Overall, Shatter Me is a fast-paced, emotionally intense read. It combines dystopian elements with personal drama, and the unique writing style adds an extra layer of depth.
Rated 7.5/10 or 4/5 stars
Plot 1
Themes .5
Pacing 1
Setting .5
Originality 1
Charcters 1
Writing Styel 1
Ending 1
Emotional Impact 0
Overall Enjoyment .5
*enemies to lovers
*dystopian society
*broken heroine
*love triangle
*superpowers
*rebellion
Triggers:
*emotional abuse
*trauma
*violence
Themes:
Power and Control
Freedom vs Opression
Identity and Self-Worth
Language: mild
Spice: 2/5
Shatter Me, the first book in Tahereh Mafi's dystopian series is a gripping story about a girl named Juliette Ferrars, whose touch is lethal. In this dark future, the world is crumbling under the control of the Reestablishment, a totalitarian regime. Juliette has been imprisoned because of her dangerous ability, which she can’t control. Her loneliness and isolation are palpable, making her character both tragic and relatable.
The story takes off when Juliette is given a chance at freedom but under dangerous conditions. She’s forced to live under the watch of Warner, a ruthless leader who wants to use her as a weapon. Meanwhile, Juliette reconnects with Adam, a boy from her past who may be her key to escape. This sets up the book's central conflict—Juliette’s struggle to choose between being controlled by others or learning to control her own power.
Mafi’s writing style is unique, using strikethroughs and fragmented sentences to reflect Juliette’s fractured mental state. At times, the prose reads like poetry, which makes the book feel deeply personal. However, the story also has moments of high tension and action, especially as the relationships between Juliette, Warner, and Adam unfold. In my opinion, there is a lack of world-building with more of the focus being on character development.
The themes could be explored a bit more, but I believe will be dove into a bit more as the series progresses. Juliette’s journey is not just about survival; it’s about self-discovery and learning to believe in her own strength. The romance adds another layer to the story, as Juliette is torn between two very different men, one who makes her feel safe and the other who sees her power.
Overall, Shatter Me is a fast-paced, emotionally intense read. It combines dystopian elements with personal drama, and the unique writing style adds an extra layer of depth.
Rated 7.5/10 or 4/5 stars
Plot 1
Themes .5
Pacing 1
Setting .5
Originality 1
Charcters 1
Writing Styel 1
Ending 1
Emotional Impact 0
Overall Enjoyment .5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Emotional abuse and Violence