Reviewed by Jo on
I have always been drawn to the cover of Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi, but although the idea of a girl who's touch was deadly was really intriguing, I'd kind of reached a point where I just didn't want to read any more dystopian. Thankfully, though, I bought it for the Ramadan Readathon, though a little warily, and it turns out I should have bought it much sooner. It's so bloody good!
Juliette has been locked up in an asylum for almost a year for the safety of others. She hasn't been touched, because her touch can kill. On top of this, she lives in a world that is slowly dying, due to climate change and humans' abuse of the world, among other things. The Reestablishment is in control. They promised they would make things better, but instead they make things worse, limiting what people can have, while they want for nothing. Warner, a leader of a section of the Reestablishment sees an advantage in Juliette's touch, and wants her on his side as the Reestablishment wipe out those who stand against them. But Juliette will not be forced to hurt, to kill. She will not become a monster.
There isn't a huge amount I can say about this book without spoiling the story. Not a huge amount happens, this is very much a first book in a series, setting things up for future books, but that doesn't stop it from being absolutely gripping. The writing is beautiful, and that's partly down to the way Juliette thinks. There's very little that's good in her life, so she find the beauty in the smallest of things. Her life is just so heartbreaking. But Mafi definitely has an extraordinary way with words, and her descriptions are just gorgeous.
The romance in the book is also beautiful. It's intense, but also slow burning, because of the situation Juliette is in. But there is so much passion, so much, and it's not all down to desire. It's a passion that comes from love, not from lust. There's a bit of lust there, too, sure, but it's a love that burns so brightly. It's magnetic and hypnotic, and so much wow. And it's different, because I've rarely read anything that is so intense unless it's an adult book that culminates in a sex scene. But this is mostly feeling, and but it's so strong it sparks in the air. It's just so, so wonderful.
The ending of this book is brilliant. It's just so exciting! It almost had me bouncing in my seat with excitement over where things will lead. There are discoveries, and there is a world Juliette never dreamed of. Although, in the great scheme of things, not much happens in this book, I have a really strong feeling that this trilogy is going to be one of the most exciting dystopians I've read. It's addictive and beautiful, and so, so gorgeous! I can't wait for the sequel, Unravel Me.
Reading updates
- Started reading
- 11 June, 2017: Finished reading
- 11 June, 2017: Reviewed