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liaaa_'s review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-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
4.25
um i hate Warner first off, i am gonna dnf this series bc of him and bc i knowthat she ends up with him and i just don't see her leaving Adam for him I'm sorry, i know what Adam does and it's so forced and out of character I LOVE ADAM SO SO SO MUCH, HE IS ONE OF MY FAV BOOK CHARACTERS AND MEN>>>> that's all i have to say. Juliette is pretty cool too but she doesn't compare. i still enjoy reading her povs though. overall a very good book, plot is well thought through and very character driven which i personally love
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying, Child abuse, Child death, Eating disorder, Emotional abuse, Suicidal thoughts, Torture, and Sexual harassment
bexi's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
Tahereh I'm gonna need you to calm down with the metaphors, dang.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement, Toxic relationship, Forced institutionalization, and Sexual harassment
Moderate: Child abuse, Child death, Emotional abuse, Gun violence, Violence, Blood, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Torture and Murder
gracesvcr's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
relaxing
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This is a spoiler free review. Other than the parent section but it's blurred out. Full review on my Goodreads
Warning: This will be a long review.
Preface: (You can skip this part if you just want the book review) This was the first real book I read on the kindle (other than some kid books that I couldn't annotate in), and honestly, it was a great introduction. It really made the book fly by so quickly (and the writing style too). The kindle was so much easier to bring around than a physical book especially one that is 300 pages or more. I've now found the beautiful world of kindle annotations where I can yap until my heart gives out.
The Characters:
Warning: This will be a long review.
Preface: (You can skip this part if you just want the book review) This was the first real book I read on the kindle (other than some kid books that I couldn't annotate in), and honestly, it was a great introduction. It really made the book fly by so quickly (and the writing style too). The kindle was so much easier to bring around than a physical book especially one that is 300 pages or more. I've now found the beautiful world of kindle annotations where I can yap until my heart gives out.
The Characters:
Many characters and storylines in the romance genre tend to be extremely surface level and flat to me (hence why it's not my first choice genre). Mostly, many characters in romance novels are typically just quite boring, but in Shatter Me, it pleasantly surprised me.
Anytime I found something to be a little unrealistic (like a communication between or feeling about another character from one to the other), it was later explained. Though, I do understand that this is a fantasy/dystopian novel. It's not made to be realistic, but I feel like for any book regardless of fiction, fantasy, or otherwise, the characters being realistic plays a crucial part in my enjoyment of a book.
The characters were so well rounded and some of them really grew on me. I oftentimes have a hard time actually connecting with the characters in many books I read (this is coming from a contemporary fiction and nonfiction reader). The characters in this book surprised me with having genuine deep layers to them. They aren't just one cookie cutter idea. They don't just have one motive or just one feeling, they are complex. They have a reason behind every emotion and every action. This is what made them feel real to me and also played a major part in me coming to a 5 star rating. So I definitely enjoyed this aspect of Shatter Me.
Young Teen/Parent Friendly:
For any parents reading this, depending on parenting style and personal boundaries, this book is appropriate for ages 12-13 and up. Further detail in minor spoiler below.
How this aspect contributed to my rating:
I don't think this is a spoiler but I'll blur it out in case. Includes talking about the spice level. This is just a personal preference, but
The Prose:
What really got me other than the characters was the writing style. Something about Tahereh Mafi's voice through writing this book was beautiful. I personally love when there are so many good quotes for me to highlight and look back or comment on. The style of writing was very different from what I'm used to reading but different in a very positive way. I really enjoyed the creativity and beauty that seeped through every page of this book.
Lastly, the book was so well thought out. This kind of goes hand in hand with the character aspect I talked about earlier. While reading, it really felt like Tahereh Mafi spent so much time perfecting this book. Every action, every scene, every feeling was so well thought out which contributed to the readability and emotional investment.
Feedback/Comments:
I appreciate if anyone took time to read this review. Although I rated this 5 stars and thoroughly enjoyed it, I am open to your own criticisms you may have of the book. I do ask that if anyone feels compelled to comment and disagree with my review that it remains civil. I really enjoy hearing constructive criticisms and different view points, but I do not enjoy an argument.
Thank you for your time, I hope that anyone considering this book that enjoys fantasy/dystopian novels with a little romance picks this up and loves it as much as I did.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement, Panic attacks/disorders, Physical abuse, and Forced institutionalization
Moderate: Child abuse, Violence, Medical content, Stalking, Sexual harassment, War, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Child death, Cursing, Death, Racism, Suicidal thoughts, Torture, Death of parent, and Classism
hannalizzy's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
relaxing
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
An outstanding audiobook performance. I was so intrigued by the way they did the book’s constant strikethroughs in audio format. It worked perfectly in my brain and was a whole new experience of one of my fav books. Bravo!!!!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Child abuse, Child death, Confinement, Cursing, Death, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, Violence, Forced institutionalization, Police brutality, Medical content, Trafficking, Sexual harassment, War, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism
inkysplodge's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Sexual assault, Forced institutionalization, and Sexual harassment
Moderate: Cursing, Gun violence, and Blood
Minor: Ableism, Animal cruelty, Child death, Death, Self harm, Torture, and Death of parent
"mute" used negatively:tianabooks's review against another edition
dark
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
guys.. someone cheer I finally read it!
Okay I have to admit this has been on my tbr for the longest time, it’s actually embarrassing. 🫣 but we made it!
I’m not going to lie, at first when I read the note about the crossing out and the repetition and kept reading those extensive metaphors I was like oh no.
But I’m nothing if not a yapper and goal-oriented so I got used to it pretty fast and I was like you know, I’d probably talk to myself too given the circumstances.
Also, had to remind myself this was written years ago in classic YA dystopian fashion.
In terms of characters, Kenji’s commentary on literally everything and Warner’s psychotic moments truly kept the pace going. I have somehow managed to not get spoiled at all except for the odd quote but I do know people love those two characters. Although besties, if this is the Warner we’re getting, I’m slightly concerned about all of us because???
I have all of the books already so we keep going 🥳
Okay I have to admit this has been on my tbr for the longest time, it’s actually embarrassing. 🫣 but we made it!
I’m not going to lie, at first when I read the note about the crossing out and the repetition and kept reading those extensive metaphors I was like oh no.
But I’m nothing if not a yapper and goal-oriented so I got used to it pretty fast and I was like you know, I’d probably talk to myself too given the circumstances.
Also, had to remind myself this was written years ago in classic YA dystopian fashion.
In terms of characters, Kenji’s commentary on literally everything and Warner’s psychotic moments truly kept the pace going. I have somehow managed to not get spoiled at all except for the odd quote but I do know people love those two characters. Although besties, if this is the Warner we’re getting, I’m slightly concerned about all of us because???
I have all of the books already so we keep going 🥳
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gun violence, Violence, and Blood
Moderate: Child abuse and Emotional abuse
natashareadsbooks's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Why did I wait so long to read this book?
Shatter Me followes Juliette - who has always viewed herself as a monster, with a curse. She has the power to harm others with just her touch alone. After an accident when she was fourteen, she was cast away. For years she was tested, until they put her away in an asylum.
Until one day she gets a roommate. Then her life is flipped upside down. From the bleak nothingness, to being taken. She has to make a choice, if she will become a warrior or a weapon.
So, this is a YA dystopian novel that I have had sitting on my shelf for ten years now. It was recommended to me, so I grabbed the first book, without knowing any info about it. I have been hesitant to read it, bc the FMC character shares the same name as my daughter. But I finally decided to pick it up, and I'm glad I did.
I love YA & dystopian novels - so this was no different. It follows Juliette in a world that is dying. People can't afford to live, to eat, to survive. The reestablishment was supposed to help save the world, but they haven't. And Juliette ends up in the middle of having to make a choice- with multiple powerful people who have heard of her powers wanting her for their causes she has to decide what she will do.
Overall it was a good intro to the books, and world and I am looking forward to reading more about Juliette and the other characters. I definitely recommend if you like YA dystopian books.
4⭐ out of 5 ⭐.
Content Warnings
Minor: Child abuse, Confinement, Death, Gun violence, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Suicidal thoughts, Forced institutionalization, Blood, Kidnapping, Murder, Gaslighting, Abandonment, and Injury/Injury detail
ladybug12793's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
This is based in a dystopian society. It is somewhere to hunger games, except for the trials (yet at least)with a little bit of magic added in. If you don’t like bloated, purple prose then you will absolutely hate this book. There is a lot of fluff and repetitiveness as well. Honestly, not much happened in this book and I think it could have been shortened to a Novella. I did enjoy the world building, however, and will continue on the next book.
0 🌶️
“blush of roses on my face. His eyes scan my silhouette and the slow motion makes my heart race. I catch the rose petals as they fall from my cheeks, as they float around my body, as they cover me in something that feels like the absence of courage.”
i’m sorry, but what? Just an example of it being too much.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Sexual assault, and Violence
infjkiki's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Confinement, Emotional abuse, Gun violence, Physical abuse, Sexual assault, Torture, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Kidnapping, and Gaslighting
Moderate: Death, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Torture, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Sexual content and Vomit
lyssquee's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Sucked me in but I felt a little uncomfy the whole time.
The romance is sweet, and there is justification for it, but it's too quick and just kind of.. silly. I felt more interested in the not obvious pairing than the obvious one.
Progression felt a bit forced in the latter half of the book.
Not sure if I will continue reading, truthfully only my curiosity for the development of the "villain" is what compels me...
The romance is sweet, and there is justification for it, but it's too quick and just kind of.. silly. I felt more interested in the not obvious pairing than the obvious one.
Progression felt a bit forced in the latter half of the book.
Not sure if I will continue reading, truthfully only my curiosity for the development of the "villain" is what compels me...
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child abuse and Torture