Shatter Me

Shatter Me is one of the most groundbreaking dystopian novels to hit the YA section of any bookstore. She created a world that spoke to my heart, through its originality as well as its diverse character arcs.

Mafi's writing skillfully weaves a gripping tale of dystopia, blending thrilling plotlines, intense romance, and a deep exploration of societal chaos. Juliette's world, painted with Mafi's poetic prose, felt like a refuge where I could truly immerse myself within Julliette’s character.

The unexpected twists left me breathless, creating a connection with the characters that lingered long after I closed the book. The romantic… show more.

Romance may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you hear “dystopian YA meets X-Men, but don’t be fooled, especially when the villain runs part of the corrupt government and just so happens to be obsessed with our main character. After the United States has been taken over by the nefarious Resistance, protagonist Juliette hasn’t had things easy. Abandoned by her parents, locked away in an asylum, and cursed with an ability that will kill people with her very touch, she at last discovers hope and a blossoming romance with your run-of-the-mill “good guy,” Adam. But… show more.

The first three books of this series bowled me over with their unique style, fun action, snarky banter, and characters I still think about months later. While Kenji stands out with his humor, it is Warner I would want as part of my crew. In fact, I’d likely vote him in as captain and opt to be his first mate. He is the best kind of morally gray character, one you can’t help but root for by the end of the original trilogy.

Despite a polarizing writing style, Shatter Me did actually shatter me. Juliette has powers. Her touch kills, literally. The villains capture her to weaponize her in a dystopian apocalypse. Her boyfriend himself cannot touch her without being sent to the hospital. If things weren’t bad enough, the young, handsome Chief Commander discovers by accident that he can touch her… And that it makes them both feel things they don’t want to feel. Worse: when they are near each other, they have reminiscences of… something. Juliette loves her boyfriend, even if her thoughts turn toward her enemy, and she doesn’t want… show more.