Ashleigh (Grade 10)
Rating: 5/5
Juliette Ferrars is a seventeen year old girl who has a strange curse: she can’t touch people without killing them. Not only that, but she was imprisoned in an asylum for her unfortunate power for more than 264 days, left with nothing more than numbers to keep her company. However, the familiar structure of her prison is suddenly taken away, and Juliette finds herself in a realm of new problems and realities. Life as she knew it has completely changed, as well as the earth itself. To add to her evolving struggles, the Reestablishment has plans for her and she isn’t so sure she likes them. Mysteries turn into more questions and Juliette is challenged in ways that she never could have imagined as she finally finds herself.
This dystopian novel is such a unique series with a very special writing style. The plot surrounds the idea of a trapped girl who has always been alone because of her curse. The raw emotion described can be felt within the readers, and it paints such a vivid picture of a polluted world you can smell the plastic. Tahereh Mafi is an excellent author who carries her books with a very special perspective that gives them life. This is definitely a read that has readers hungry for more.
The protagonist of the Shatter Me series is an unusual character that I think describes the very nature of the series: different. Tahereh Mafi has created a very original style of dystopian fiction with a descriptive perspective that introduces a variety of interesting details (narrated by the protagonist) that always has readers more thoughtful at the end of chapters. The idea of rebellion found in the pages that inspires a young female heroine who has been convinced she’s a villain is such a beautiful telling that was constructed perfectly.
This novel was the perfect combination of action, adventure and erotic romance that had me rushing out to get the next book. Its unique style was a welcome surprise, with a fresh type of perspective, a variety of different characters and an idea of dystopian fantasy fairly similar to certain real-world issues.
If you as a reader have enjoyed books such as Hunger Games, Twisted Love or The Cruel Prince, you might also enjoy the Shatter Me series, which can be considered similar in idea. I also highly recommend this book to anyone who likes something that makes them think or who is open to new ideas. Overall, Shatter Me is a beautiful literary piece that holds bits of poem, aggression and compassion that will have anyone desperate for more. This novel is one of the best dystopian series out there that is truthful, witty and real.