Title: Shatter Me
Author: Tahereh Mafi
Genre: Young Adult; Paranormal
ISBN: 0062085484
Pages: 352
Year: 2011
Publisher: HarperCollins
Source: Jen kindly sent me her copy
Rating: 4/5
Summary:
Juliette’s touch kills. She’s locked up in an institution for a crime she never meant to commit. All she ever wanted was to fit in and be loved. Instead she is destined to a life alone. Until Adam. When Adam is thrown into her cell as a roommate, her whole life changes. Soon she is the pet project of a power-hungry army leader who wants to use her power for torture. In a world left in decay, can Juliette find her place?
My Thoughts:
I heard A LOT about this book before I read it, but it came pretty close to living up to the massive amounts of hype. I loved Juliette and Adam. I hated Warner. They were all great characters. The book kept me on my toes. I had no idea where it was going to go.
The world-building is subtle. There is a lot Juliette doesn’t know, so there is a lot we don’t know. But it works. I am looking forward to subsequent books to learn just what this world is like (yep, this appears to be another series).
And, wow, can Mafi write a makeout scene. If you are looking for tame YA, don’t look here. These scenes are HOT.
Personally, I found the strike through portions a little annoying. When Juliette had a thought that she didn’t really want to put out there, it would be crossed out. Like this. My brain was tempted to skip over those, which is pretty much the opposite effect I think Mafi was going for. But that may just be me.
If you’re looking for a fast-paced novel with a little romance, a bit of paranormal, and a hint of dystopia, definitely check out Shatter Me.
Others’ Thoughts: KellyVision; Good Books & Good Wine; Makeshift Bookmark
Buy It Now: Amazon
my books. my life. 
I felt the same way about the crossed out text. Kind of annoying, but I got used to it after a while. I liked the book more when I was finished with it and could think about it, rather than while I was reading it, if that makes any sense.
LikeLike
I hadn’t heard of this book, but I do admit that after reading your review, I am intrigued! It sounds like it would be a great read that would make me think and keep me really invested, so I will be looking for it. I loved this review! Your enthusiasm was contagious!
LikeLike
I’ve been hearing a lot of buzz about this one. I think I’d like it. Great review!
LikeLike
I’ve noted this hotness, just in case my daughter gets her paws on it. I’ll keep my eyes open for this. Every now and again, I get a YA craving.
LikeLike
I concur on the steaminess.
The strikeouts bugged me a tiny bit in the beginning, but once they decreased a bit, I didn’t mind them at all. I’m just worried that now that’s becoming the new “thing” to do since I’m seeing it pop up a lot lately. It’s an interesting technique, but need the right balance to keep it from getting gimmicky.
LikeLike
I’ve heard a lot about this one too! I’m intrigued enough to pick it up but admit that I’m not at all keen on that whole strike through scenario. i know I’m going to find it super annoying.
LikeLike
Shatter Me is one of those books that I couldn’t wait to read. Not only has it been incredibly hyped online, but it has an incredibly compelling concept and a great blurb that screams “Read me!” Being touted as the Hunger Games meets X-men, Shatter Me boasted some of the most unique marketing I’ve ever seen for a YA novel, despite its unknown author and not-incredibly-compelling cover. Being the biggest dystopian nerd that I am, I was totally pulled in by the heavy blurb and was beyond exciting for this book.
Shatter Me was strangely difficult for me to get into. First, Juliette spends much of the first half of the novel being completely obedient to the horrible regime that locked her away and seemed completely resigned to her terrible fate. It also doesn’t help that she spends far too much time feeling sorry for herself, calling herself a “monster” and dripping with angst. There were times I wanted to tell her to just get over it. Thankfully, throughout the novel Juliette’s adventures help to meld her into a stronger, better person who is more confident and empowered.
I’ve also read some interesting reviews that have discussed how much they loved the writing style in Shatter Me. I’m not sure I like it -in fact, I was torn for much of the book. Most of the writing is done in stream-of-conscious style that really gets into Juliette’s head, but left me out of breath by the end of most sentences. It didn’t seem that polished or crisp to me. Again, this did get better as the book went on, but I wouldn’t rave about the writing style here. However, some sentences here were amazing emotional gems that really were beautiful.
I wouldn’t call Shatter Me the best dystopian novel I’ve read this year, but it’s still worth reading. It’s certainly something different in the genre with a unique style approach that’s unlike anything else I’ve ever read. Recommended for fans of dystopian romance.
Have a lovely day,
Samantha
LikeLike