Synopsis:

Juliette Ferrars isn’t who she thinks she is. Still reeling from the explosive events of the Continental Symposium and the secrets Warner has been keeping, Juliette has nowhere to turn and doesn’t know who she can trust. She’s desperate for answers, but to get them, she’ll have to face the nightmares that have been chasing her for a lifetime.

Favorite Lines:

“And it’s not insane to imagine that sometimes even horrible people are searching for a way out of their own darkness.”

“Happiness does not happen. Happiness must be uncovered, separated from the skin of pain. It must be claimed. Kept close. Protected.”

“I love you, Ella. I will love you for the rest of my life. My heart is yours. Please don’t ever give it back to me.”

My Opinion:

This book…so much happened in this book, I can’t even begin to explain. I am going to try in the least spoilery way, so I am sorry that it’s about to get super vague.

First, I’ll start by saying this book was really interesting. I feel like every time Mafi comes out with a new book, the world we thought we knew changes. Mafi continues to introduce new information and characters to the storyline. She somehow manages to do it in a way that flows nicely and isn’t confusing (which I appreciate).

This book follows Juliette as she begins to uncover the truth of her past. I really, really liked what happened between my ship. Juliette and Warner are seriously one of the best couples and this book just furthered my opinion of that. Despite them trying to figure out who they are and who they are meant to become, they are still able to love each other as they grow. Mafi does a beautiful and amazing job at writing the dynamic of their relationship.

As I said before, there are more aspects being constantly added throughout the storyline. No spoilers, I just wanted to say that I am excited with where Mafi is going to take it next. She only has one more book (plus a novella) to wrap it all up unless she is going to somehow add on to the series again like she did after finishing up the first three. For those of you who don’t know, the series was supposed to end with Ignite Me but Mafi was able to reboot it and add a whole new twist to the plot that left it open to a million different possibilities. I really hope the last book is long and full of all the closure that I need but who am I kidding? I never want this series to end.

I will say that I was kind of upset with all the point of view jumping and the past and present jumping. We get to see points of view from Juliette, Kenji, and Warner. I would like to say that I would have been perfectly happy without Kenji’s point of view but that would be rude of me because I love Kenji and his point of view on the events taking place in the world. I am just selfish and love Warner and Juliette. I couldn’t help myself on wanting to see more of them. In regard to the past and present jumping, I completely understand why it was necessary and I even appreciate it and like it for what it was. But again, I wanted to see my ship together in present time.

Summary:

Overall, this book was a really amazing addition to the series. I really hope you guys enjoy this book, and this whole series, as much as I do. Until next time, happy reading!

 

Defy Me

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Synopsis:

With Omega Point destroyed, Juliette doesn’t know if the rebels, her friends, or even Adam are alive. But that won’t keep her from trying to take down The Reestablishment once and for all. Now she must rely on Warner, the handsome commander of Sector 45. The one person she never thought she could trust. The same person who saved her life. He promises to help Juliette master her powers and save their dying world . . . but that’s not all he wants with her.

Favorite Lines:

“Words, I think, are such unpredictable creatures. No gun, no sword, no army or king will ever be more powerful than a sentence. Swords may cut and kill, but words will stab and stay, burying themselves in our bones to become corpses we carry into the future, all the time digging and failing to rip their skeletons from our flesh.”

“Can you hear my heart? I want to ask him.
I want you to make a list of all your favorite things, and I want to be on it.”

“It’s the kind of kiss that inspires stars to climb into the sky and light up the world. The kind that takes forever and no time at all.”

“Hell is empty and all the devils are here.”

“My eyes are filling fast with tears and I blink and blink but the world is a mess and I want to laugh because all I can think is how horrible and beautiful it is, that our eyes blur the truth when we can’t bear to see it.”

My Opinion:

Ignite Me was supposed to be the last book in the Shatter Me series and I am so happy that Mafi decided to keep going because this series is one of my favorites and I selfishly want more.

The story follows Juliette as she continues to fight on for what she thinks is right; ending The Reestablishment. She is able to get everyone to team up and fight against a common enemy. This is the book where we see Juliette become who she is meant to be and realize her strengths and not just her weaknesses.

I love my ship in this one. I won’t spoil anything just know that I love it. Mafi does an amazing job like always writing this story. I am always in awe at how she is able to write each character so realistically. She doesn’t just write them as these incredible superheroes, she makes them so realistic and so human. It’s very easy to see a bit of ourselves in all of them.

There really isn’t anything to not like about this book in my opinion. Adam is less annoying which I’m thankful for. Even though the big fight scene isn’t too long and detailed, I don’t particularly mind. I think the way it way it was written doesn’t make it seem like it was cut short in any way.

Summary:

Overall, I love this book and this whole series. I’m really excited to keep reading and see what the rest of the series has in store for us! Happy reading!

 

Ignite Me

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Synopsis:

Juliette has escaped to Omega Point. It is a place for people like her—people with gifts—and it is also the headquarters of the rebel resistance.

She’s finally free from The Reestablishment, free from their plan to use her as a weapon, and free to love Adam. But Juliette will never be free from her lethal touch.

Or from Warner, who wants Juliette more than she ever thought possible.

In this exhilarating sequel to Shatter Me, Juliette has to make life-changing decisions between what she wants and what she thinks is right. Decisions that might involve choosing between her heart—and Adam’s life.

Favorite Lines:

“Books are easily destroyed. But words will live as long as people can remember them.”

“Sticks and stones keep breaking my bones but these words, these words will kill me.”

“I want to be the friend you fall hopelessly in love with. The one you take into your arms and into your bed and into the private world you keep trapped in your head. I want to be that kind of friend. The one who will memorize the things you say as well as the shape of your lips when you say them. I want to know every curve, every freckle, every shiver of your body. I want to know where to touch you, I want to know how to touch you. I want to know convince you to design a smile just for me. Yes, I do want to be your friend. I want to be your best friend in the entire world.”

My Opinion:

I want to remind you all that this is a reread for me. I usually reread the series at least once a year; that’s how good it is. I really like this book and am still surprised that it doesn’t drag, I’ll tell you why in a minute.

The story follows Juliette again as she has found people like her hiding from The Reestablishment. We see Juliette trying to come to terms with her abilities and train to help fight in the war that is taking place in her sector. This is also the first book that we see Juliette interact with Warner since reading from his point of view in Destroy Me. I feel like now that we have read from his PoV, we are starting to see a whole new side of Warner; a side I particularly love. Juliette and Warner become my ship in this book.

The reason I am surprised this book doesn’t drag is because there isn’t a whole lot of action until the end. Most of it is Juliette interacting with new people, something she hasn’t really done before. Don’t worry though, there is plenty of action towards the end but don’t skip there to see what happens, enjoy the journey. The character development in this book, and series overall, is very well done and you should enjoy it in the moment.

Summary:

Overall, I have said it again and again, I love this series. It is one of my favorite series and it always hits me in the feels every time I read it. I hope you guys love it as much as I do!

 

Unravel Me

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Synopsis:

The explosive finale to the New York Times and USA Today bestselling Shatter Me series.

Juliette Ferrars.

Ella Sommers.

Which is the truth and which is the lie?

Now that Ella knows who Juliette is and what she was created for, things have only become more complicated. As she struggles to understand the past that haunts her and looks to a future more uncertain than ever, the lines between right and wrong—between Ella and Juliette—blur. And with old enemies looming, her destiny may not be her own to control.

The day of reckoning for the Reestablishment is coming. But she may not get to choose what side she fights on.

Favorite Lines:

“To the world, she is formidable. To me? She is the world.”

“Imagine me
master of my own universe
I am everything I ever dreamed of”

“Here. This. My bones against his bones. This is my home,”

My Opinion:

Imagine Me is the last book in the Shatter Me series by Tahereh Mafi. I wasn’t able to put this book down and finished it in one sitting. Originally, Mafi had stopped after the third book but I am so happy she picked the series back up and was able to continue it without it feeling forced.

The story follows Juliette/Ella, Kenji, and all their friends in the climax and conclusion of the war against the Reestablishment. I really love Juliette/Ella and Aaron/Warner as a couple. Reading about them was honestly my favorite part of this whole story. I do wish that there was more of them throughout, but I also understand why there wasn’t and that is just me being selfish. I also do with I had just seen more of Juliette/Ella as a whole because she is the main character but, again, I understand why we didn’t.

Also, as a total side note… Aaron/Warner could have given Juliette/Ella his jade ring?? I kept waiting for it to happen and it never did.

There were some parts of this book where I think they could have been expanded on. For instance, I think there could have been more about Emmaline. I know she wasn’t a main character but she was pivotal to the storyline and I think it would have been really interesting to read more about her. Mafi also brought in more characters without giving them much detail to the point that they were almost unnecessary except to see the end of them.

In my selfishness, I would have liked to see more of an epilogue and being able to see how the world is going to be now that the war is over.

Summary:

Overall, I really loved this book and this whole series. I am sad to see it go and will definitely be doing some rereading in the future. All of my comments that can be perceived as negative are actually coming from me being a selfish romantic. I highly recommend this book and the Shatter Me series as a whole if you love romance, action, dystopian societies, and the supernatural. Happy reading, everyone!

 

Imagine Me

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Synopsis:

A thousand years in the future, the last of humanity live inside the walls of the totalitarian Kingdom of Cutta. The rich live in Anais, the capital city of Cutta, sheltered from the famine and disease which ravage the rest of the Kingdom. Yet riches and power only go so far, and even Anaitians can be executed. It is only by the will of the King that Nate Anteros, son of the King’s favourite, is spared from the gallows after openly dissenting. But when he’s released from prison, Nate disappears.

A stark contrast, Catherine Taenia has spent her entire life comfortable and content. The daughter of the King’s Hangman and in love with Thom, Nate’s younger brother, her life has always been easy, ordered and comfortable. That is, where it doesn’t concern Nate. His actions sullied not only his future, but theirs. And unlike Thom, Catherine has never forgiven him.

Two years pass without a word, and then one night Nate returns. But things with Nate are never simple, and when one wrong move turns their lives upside down, the only thing left to do is run where the King’s guards cannot find them – the Outlands. Those wild, untamed lands which stretch around the great walls of the Kingdom, filled with mutants and rabids.

Favorite Lines:

“’I want to set everything on fire.’ ‘You should’ve just said that, darling. We’ve got some things for that.’”

“Stories of how the moon had fallen in love with the sun but could never touch her, for she burned far too bright and her brightness could never be shared. The only time the moon could be with the sun were those rare moments when they eclipsed each other in the sky, kissing for a brief moment before separating again for an age.”

“I could give you a hundred reasons why I love you already. I want a thousand more.”

“My mind is my own. My soul is Tommy’s. And darling, whether you ever care or not, my heart is yours.”

My Opinion:

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.

A Touch of Death is the first book in Crunden’s The Outlands Pentalogy. Set in a dystopian society, it follows Catherine and Nate as they are on the run from a government who wants them dead.

I thought the concept was interesting and the writing was well done. I would say that it isn’t my usual style preference for writing, but I enjoyed the story nonetheless. It was very creative and had a lot of twists and turns that kept me wanting more throughout the journey.

The only thing I can say is that I hope for more romance in the next one. For obvious reasons (when you read it), that wasn’t possible much in this one. But a girl can dream.

Summary:

Overall, I enjoyed this book despite it not being in my usual interest range. If you like adventure, mystery, dystopian societies, and a hint of romance then this book is for you. Happy reading.

 

A Touch of Death

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Synopsis:

Meet Kara Hartman, a young painter living and working in D.C. She would love to let you believe she is just an ordinary young woman with a dream of sharing her art with the world. But she is hiding an astonishing secret: Kara can wield magic, the most powerful force in the universe. Traumatized by the loss of her brother, she wants nothing more to do with magic. But when an old foe resurfaces, hellbent on destroying all that she loves, Kara has no choice but to embrace the only power that can stop her.

Favorite Lines:

I was too immersed in the story that I didn’t keep track!

My Opinion:

I received this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.

I was interested in this book as soon as Cura emailed me with the synopsis and a request to review it. I am a sucker for any sort of fantasy or paranormal fiction. I thought that the premise of the book was really creative and interesting. The story follows Kara as she tries to live a life as an artist, free of her magical abilities. Throughout the story we see different points of view from other characters, which I always enjoy.

One thing I will say about this book is that I felt it was on the amateur side of writing. It didn’t quite have a flow that was pleasant and effortless. It was full of a lot of sentences that ended abruptly; I felt like I was constantly coming to a full stop before continuing to read.

Other than that, the story was interesting, and I did find myself reading to see what happens next.

Summary:

Overall, Cura did a great job at crafting a creative story that was unique in its own way. I was able to picture the different scenes as they were taking place. I just wish that the writing had flowed better. If you like action, romance, and magic, this is the book for you. Until next time, happy reading!

 

Dreams of Fire

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Synopsis:

As time goes on, more walls are built by more people.  Sometimes they’re built to hinder others, sometimes they only hinder ourselves.  These walls enclose us if we let them.  What we seek lies beyond these walls.  When we search for depth and meaning, we can run into these walls; but there are ways to get past them.  Loopholes are moments in which the choice to go through walls, rather than build them, is made.  These moments come in the form of surreal encounters, poetic monologues, warnings, fragments, hallucinations, primordial memories, one page plays, imagined contests, conversations, confessions, events within events, songs, narrow escapes, and much more.

Favorite Lines:

“I’m the criminal who has committed the most beautiful crime.”

“He had the soul of someone I knew.”

“People make the mistake of ascribing meaning to words and actions. But meaning can only be found in the eyes. When your eyes find something they disagree with in mine, a fight erupts.”

“There is something wrong with the idea of fate. There is a flaw in it somewhere. It seems too perfect. We are taught that we have a fate, and that by trying to avoid fate, we inevitably bring our fate closer. But I tell you that fate can be overcome. The same way that you can overcome the law, i.e., there are loopholes in fate.”

My Opinion:

I was given a copy of this book by the author in exchange for my honest opinion.

There was a lot of dark imagery and use of the words such as “blood”, “egg”, and “sperm”. I almost imagine that these words came from someone who is angry with the world at 3am.

I’m not a huge poetry person and when I do read it, I tend to favor romantic or melancholy, lovely poems. This collection of poems had a dark, deep meaning that seemed to reflect a lot on how society is through the eyes of the author.

Summary:

Overall, probably not my cup of tea but I can appreciate the art of it all nonetheless.

Loopholes

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