Shatter Me: Shatter Me (#1)

I just read this book, like, half an hour ago, and I'm not kidding, I would read this over again, right now. Before you brush that off, the only time that I have ever wanted to do that before would probably have been after reading Divergent.Everything about this book screamed UNIQUE.

I will admit, at the start the writing style was a little confusing. All the crossed out words kind of confused me at the beginning, but I soon got used to it and really liked it.

Juliette, 17 years old, hasn't touched anyone for exactly 264 days. Last time she did, someone died. She is locked up, her world consisting of four walls, a window and her notebook, her only solace. The Reestablishment said that they would fix things. That they could make it all better. But the animals are dying, birds don't fly, everyone is starving and the sky is the wrong colour. Then the unexpected happens. She is given a cellmate. Then something even more unexpected happens. The Reestablishment has changed their minds about her. She needs to know who she can trust. She can become a weapon of war... or a warrior for rebellion.

This wasn't like your average dystopian novel. Most dystopians are about the protagonist trying to topple the evil people and save humanity and all that, and obviously, being a dystopian, there was some of that, but it was more about Juliette trying to protect people from herself, and her struggle to understand what/who she is.

I loved the characters. Juliette was a great protagonist, with just the right amount of fight and uncertainty in her. She thinks that she is weak, insane, a monster, but she soon shows that she is none of those things. She think she has a curse, and it was really great taking the journey with her as she realises she is perfectly sane, a good person, definitely not a monster, and she has a gift, not a curse.

Adam is the perfect guy. I admit that I don't like all those girl obsessing over their counterparts and basically thinking about nothing else, and I will also admit that sometimes Juliette was a little obsessive at some parts, but I didn't have to struggle through those parts. They were very well written. Adam is so brave and kind and handsome and all that, and he is the only one who doesn't see Juliette as a weapon or a monster, and the lengths he goes to for Juliette and his brother, James, show just how much he really cares about them.

Warner the evil guy, was very evil, that much is definitely certain. I was a bit confused about him, because he really WAS hateful, and he was written so well that i definitely disliked him very intensely, but at the same time you could see that, in his own, creepy, possessive way, he genuinely loved Juliette, even if it was an "I love you and will stalk you and try to keep you forever mwahahahaha" kind of way.

The moment I finished with this book, I quite literally wanted to flip back to the beginning and read it all over again! If I didn't have a stack of about 20 other books to read, I would have immediately! I will confess to going back through and re-reading the shower scenes (oh la la) and ALL the other swoon worthy scenes!

I loved this book, and the characters are amazing!

Juliette--the heroine who can kill people with her touch. I loved taking this journey with her as she is realizing that it's not a curse, but a gift. It's written like a diary, so there are thoughts marked out that really dig even deeper into her psyche. We see what she fears and her innermost desires. Some reviewers hated the way Mafi writes, but I absolutely adored it. The repetition and the metaphors captured me...if only there were more writers like her!

And then there are the boys....Adam (boy of my dreams) and Warner (bad boy of my dreams).

I'm not going to write much for fear of giving something away, but I have to say that Adam is just so....I can't even put it into words! I love him! He's sexy, chiseled, compassionate, obsessive, defensive, bold (oh so bold) and I love all of him!And I love the way Mafi describes his reactions to Juliette. I felt like I was right there with him! He definitely made me blush and increased my heartbeat ten fold!

Now Warner...the resident bad boy of this piece. He's a walking oxymoron--obsessive yet loving, angry yet kind....I just don't know what to think about him. He wants Juliette for her power, but does it stop there? Does he love her or is it just crazy power-obsessed psychosis??

I can't wait until Unravel Me comes out....eeek! February 2013 can't get here soon enough. Until then, I'll just have to keep re-reading and dreaming!

This book blew me away.

Shatter Me has undertones of dystopian fiction, but it is really its own entity. How do I explain this? Imagine that your favorite paranormal, superhero, and dystopian books were put into a blender to make one single book. That right there? That would be this book.

Now I think it's important I start off with the writing style in Shatter Me because that seems to be the one thing that might keep people from falling in love with this gorgeous book. I'll admit, Tahereh Mafi's writing style is unlike anything I've read before. It's eerily prosaic, wonderfully descriptive, and oddly disconcerting, all at the same time. Replete with strikethroughs and repeated phrases, it feels sometimes like you might be going crazy yourself. I think it's important to remember that the reader is inside Juliette's head during the story. This is a girl who hasn't seen another person, hasn't touched another person, for what seems to her to be an endless amount of time. Being in Juliette's head can be off putting, or it can be beautiful. It all depends on how much you allow yourself to be immersed in the girl, and the world, that is built here.

Juliette's character is what really brings Shatter Me to life. Constantly fighting a battle between the madness that she thinks still might consume her, and the giving person Adam knows her to be. Juliette is equal parts strong willed and vulnerable. The knowledge that her power can harm others cripples her, and she constantly wavers between feeling like a monster and a normal girl. Juliette truly has a power that can be used for good or evil, and both opportunities are presented to her. It might sound cliche at first glance, but I assure you that the girl on the pages is anything but that. Juliette's wariness at trusting others, her need to help even if she isn't sure if she should, her constant questioning of herself even when she's fairly sure that she is right, is all the product of her past. Tahereh Mafi builds up a girl who is believable and unique wrapped into one package. Juliette isn't perfect, and I loved her for that.

Shatter Me is definitely dsytopian, and the world that is built around Juliette's story is amazing. Cities crumble to the ground in the wake of The Reestablishment. People cower in doorways as what is left of society is patrolled, and essentially owned, by the soldiers who are loyal to the movement. The explanation as to how this came about hit very close to home for me. To say that this world is possible, well that's an understatement. I won't spoil anything, but I will say that there is a distinct possibility we really could get to that point. It made me ponder that, and that made me fall even further under the spell of this book.

If you can't tell from my musings above, I fell madly in love with this story. Devouring 120 pages in half an hour let me know that I was in for the long haul. I admit that I know that it won't be for everyone. As I mentioned, the writing style is different and might put some people off. However I can honestly say that if you give it a chance, if you allow yourself to fall wholeheartedly into Juliette's world, you might just find a story that will immerse you like it did me. Shatter Me is a refreshingly unique read that I enjoyed thoroughly. If there is indeed a sequel coming, I can't wait!

Tahereh Mafi is a gifted writer! I was hooked on this book from the very beginning. The world she created is not the pretty and perfect world. It literally sucks! Everything is falling apart and Juliette gets thrown into it. She has been in isolation for 264 days, don't know what is going on, on the outside world. People are starving, rivals are fighting for control. History is being erased so a new world can be built.
I really liked the characters in this book. I love how Tahereh brought Juliette to life using her words. Her writing made me feel for Juliette. I felt for her when she was taken away from her parents, and they didn't even try to help her. I cared for her when she spent 264 days in isolation with no one to talk to. I worried for her when she screams from her nightmares and wishes that she never has to sleep. I liked how she gave so much to others and never asked for anything in return. All she wanted was to be accepted and not seen as a monster. She is a fighter and never gave up when Warner tempted her with luxury. She's gifted and I hope we get to see more of it in the next book.
Adam, the love interest, just seems too good to be true! Why can't all guys be like him? =P At first I was kind of hesitant about him, until I later found out that they new each other since third grade, although they never talked to each other. Their relationship in the book is SO intense! There are quite a few parts in this book that were hot!! =) Adam is so loyal and determined that he was willing to sacrifice himself to help Juliette get out of the horrible institution. In walks Warner, the villain. He's an interesting character. I want to know more about him. You just can't help but like him even when he's mean. Yeah he's the bad ass in the story who wants nothing but control and power, but I just feel like there's a lot more to him. When Juliette joked about "Your poor mother" he was so alarmed and had this unguarded look on his face, it just makes you wonder about his relationship with his mother, was is a good one or bad one? Did he love her? What happened to her? I hope we get the chance to see his side of the story.
Overall, this book is a five star! I love where Tahereh is going with the story, everything opens up in the end makes you wondering what will happen next. I was so engrossed in this book that the next thing I know, I was reading the last page of the book. I couldn't believe I finished it within a few hours. That's how good it was. This book is a definitely must read! I look forward to reading the next book in this series. Unravel Me (Shatter Me #2) expected publication date is February 5th 2013.

Long story short: this totally blew my mind. Even before I read it, the synopsis already had me wrapped around in its little finger. With all sorts of twists and turns, it made reading it an emotional roller-coaster ride with you at the edge of your seat. Juliette Farrars, a girl with a seriously creepy power that the government wants to harness and use for their own gain. Enter Adam Kent, a guy who just may be Juliette's downfall. I love the entire idea of Juliette having to not only fight off outside forces but also her own horrific self. Can't wait for the next book!

I can't read fast enough, I can't read fast enough, I can't read fast enough! My eyes are blurs raking across every word, every word, every word, burning into my brain... I keep going...

I love this book.
Seriously. I started it while at work, and read practically the whole thing in between checking out customers during my eight hour shift.

It was recommended to me by a friend here on goodreads. I was a little iffy at first- mostly because the cover doesn't look like something I usually would pick out, but I guess you shouldn't judge a book by its cover.

Juliette is different. Very different. She's never had a friend, no matter how good natured she really is. She doesn't touch people. She can't. Her touch is fatal. The Reestablishment locked her in an asylum for what she did. No one cared. She thought no one cared, or even noticed. She was completely alone. Out of nowhere, it seems as though The Reestablishment has changed its mind. She is of value. She will be able to fight their wars for them. But will she pay the price of her humanity to do what they tell her?

The way the author decided to write this is so perfect. It took me a few pages to get used to it, but after that, I liked it LOVED IT. It makes you feel like you are in Juliette's head, utterly and completely.

The plot is great too. I was easily able to follow along with whats happening. It was pretty much just perfect. Even though no one in the realistic world would be able to normally relate to a person like Juliette, I still did. Her character was shaped with such a great personality, making me enjoy the book even more. The reader knows everything she thinks, everything she sees. It's the perfect way to write a story. The symbolism was interesting as well- I loved the flying white bird. I hope it follows along into the next book of the series as well.

The second book doesn't come out until February 2, 2013. That's not for another year. I don't think I can wait that long.
Shatter Me kept me entirely focused on the book. I had no clue what was happening in the real world because I was so enveloped in the world of The Reestablishment. This book deserves 5 out of 5 stars for the characters, the mechanics of the writing, the plot. Everything.

Wow. This book lived up to my expectations! This was not another whiny-girl love story. This was actually very good!
The story that was told in this book was about Juliette, who can kill someone by touching him/her. How cool and horrible is that? Never being able to touch anyone should be terrible. Not being able to shake hands, or help someone when they need it. But, you can't be touched by anyone either. So when a tiny, little accident happens, and a little bit of your bare skin and someone elses bare skin are involved, you might just end up killing someone...
Juliette, the main character, is unique. Not only because of her 'gift', but also because of the way she acts and reacts to things. Juliette might always do something unpredictable, just to keep the story interesting. She will not obey orders from someone she dislikes. Actuall, she just won't obey orders, because she has her own will, one of the few things that still is hers.
The world this book was set in reminded me a little bit of the Hunger Games. Mainly that was because of the Reestablishment, they were like the Capitol. Also, the world is destroyed. Then there was Juliette, who was in the same position as Katniss was in in Mockingjay. Fight for them, or fight agains them. I didn't mind the tiny things they had in common. Actually, I liked those things, and I loved the Hunger Games.
The writing style of the author was great, easy to get through and a normal pace. This made the book even more enjoyable!
And oh my god the romance in this book was so awesometastic. Usually I am not the girl who loves the romance books. Of course, I like romances, but it shouldn't be a book only about romance. Tahereh Mafi combined romance and action in this novel, and she totally nailed it. I didn't lose my concentration once while reading this book. I didn't even look on facebook or twitter, which is a total miracle!
Only one thing, don't start reading this book on the evening before you've got to take 3 exams! I hope I didn't fail any :S I just couldn't put this book down, and well, then my study schedual was messed up :$ But whatever, it was totally worth it!


A book I'd recommend to every girl that loved the Hunger Games, or any other dystiopian series that contains romance. Full of romance and action, Shatter me really is a read you should be checking out!


I honestly can't wait for Unravel me, the sequel to shatter me. Too bad it'll take so long until it releases...

This book was a little slow for me in the beginning, but it soon picked up and I found myself making up places to go so I could listen to it in my car. The audio experience was one of the best I have listened to! Something unique about this book is the way the author incorporates the strikethrough. With this being an audio book you could actually hear a sound that sounded like someone scratching out a word. I thought this might be annoying, but it actually made the story more powerful.



Tahereh Mafi has an extraordinary way with words. They way she combines words is like an intricate puzzle that fits together perfectly. At times the book read like a song or poem.



I quickly grew to care about Juliette. She is such a kick butt girl, who is just discovering what she is capable of. She has always seen her "gift" as a burden, but as the story goes along she begins to consider the benefits of her gift. She definitely puts other people first, and deals with a huge amount of guilt for things that were out of her control. She has nobody until Adam shows up.



Adam is another male in YA to crush on. He is everything we want our YA heroes to be! I liked him immediately. I also liked how he had a history with Juliette, which helped me to accept and believe the "insta-love" a little easier.



A character that I ended up adoring was Adam's little brother James. He was just awesome and brave and accepting and enthusiastic. I think one of the reasons I loved him so much, was because of the narrator's portrayal of him. He was just fun!



Overall, this book was a super audiobook. With that aside, I would have LOVED this story if I had just read it. The story itself holds its own, and the audio just adds to the experience.

More of my reviews at http://wwwthebookshelves.blogspot.com

?Shatter Me was a additive, stunning, sexy, dysoptian debut that will leave you breathless after page one! It was riveting, gripping, and absolutely mesmerising! Tahereh Mafi weaves a book so good, you want to savor every sentence, word and page one hooked me!


Did you see that cover??? So flipping amazing! And the trailer????!!! Once I saw it I immediately bought it the day it came and I normally don't do that but this book...I NEEEDED IT!!!


The writing? Do I need to say anything? Its AMAZING. It flows so well and I experience a whole new sensation reading this book! It was flawless and beautifully written, Tahereh Mafi is only 23. Unbelievable right??? Everything pieces in and its hard to believe its her debut novel!. Seriously go out and buy this book. Right now.






Juliette hasn't touch another human being in exactly 264 days. She's looked up in an asylum where the Reestablishment treats her like a monster, with a curse, and they tell her locking her up was the best thing. Juliette is a strong, tough, I-have-plans-of-my-on type of heroine. She plans to escape and flee to a world she wouldn't have for once be judged.
She's counting the days, hours, second in small notebook hidden in a crevice of her cell.


Then the unexpected happens. [Yep the romance.] Adam Kent. ADAM. ADAM. He was the perfect guy for Juliette. I can't remember the times I was reading this and swooning over the scorching romance scenes. It was beautiful. It was like cookies and milk when you eat them it melts with perfection, that's how the romance is. I can't believe how easily I loved Adam and Juliette....PERFECT!!!!!!!!! :D Adam was a tought, swoony, heart-pounding guy. There was something about him that maded all YA romance novel guy not the same at all.


Warner. Warner was convincing and intrigiung each time he spoke and him personally. He can really twist your mind and make you think of yourself as a lethal weapon, like he did for Juliette. I actually liked him. Odd right? Well, he really jumped between the lines of a romantic, supper evil villan.
Juliette stood up to him. She was a total bad ass, with the power to take down people with a slight touch of her hands. Don't tell me that's not total kick-ass power! Think of her clawing through four walls of concrete and glass. Imaginative! Best Dysoptian ever. Period.


I can't stop thinking or shwoing off this book! It was PERFECTION. Perfect. Perfect. I can't stop saying how awesome this book is! I'm actually reading it for the second time beacuse I can't get enough of it and me praising alll about it! This book was delicious throiughtout, crispy in the edges, and a slice of stunning perfection! I cannott stop looking at that cover!