At first, I thought it was the concept that would make Shatter Me great. A girl who's been locked up for 264 days without any human contact? An MC whose touch is a danger to all those around her? It was golden. But what made the book truly extraordinary for me were two things: 1) Juliette's lyrical voice and 2) an irresistible bad guy with evil and charisma dripping from his pores.
As a longtime X-Men fan, the premise (i.e. the power) sounded somewhat familiar to me. It reminded so much of Rogue and all the troubles her power brought her that I just had to see what made Juliette tick. Immediately, from the first page, I could tell this girl was different. She saw the world differently, processed images and interactions differently, and I enjoyed reading her lyrical thoughts. Even locked in a prison cell, Juliette's inner voice read like poetry. Bleak yet beautiful, hopeful yet haunting, she had an outlook all her own. Reading her thoughts was like being re-introduced to the world. It was refreshing to find a new voice in YA, a girl I'd never met before but wanted to know better. Juliette feared herself--her touch--yet even with all her self-loathing she was a survivor. Just b/c she felt weak didn't mean she was weak. When the chips were down, Juliette showed more defiance and fire than anyone gave her credit for (except Adam and possibly Warner).
Speaking of, that brings me to the other element that made this book beyond awesome.
One word: Warner.
He was handsome, arrogant, cruel, ruthless. Fearless. Warner, the nineteen-year-old leader of the Reestablishment, was made out to be more evil than the devil himself…but. There was something about him. Like the best bad guys, Warner had qualities you couldn't help but admire even as you loathed him. His self-assurance was obviously attractive, but the thing I liked best was his obsession with power (and therefore Juliette). He wanted her to see that she was strong, that she could do and have anything she wanted. Even though his outlook was a bit Hitler-esque, I loved how he encouraged her. Or course, he was just using her to be a weapon for the Reestablishment, but that's beside the point J Paired next to Juliette who could see so much more when she looked at the world, Warner was narrow minded, focused, a little sad. I wanted to know more about him, and I greatly appreciate Mafi for creating an evil yet intriguing baddie.
The end of the book went even more into X-Men territory, but I liked what made it different, namely Juliette and Warner. The romance was wonderful and so was the action, but Juliette's unique take on everything going on around her, that's what made the read worth it for me. I will definitely be getting the next book when it comes out! Loved it :D :D
Happy reading everyone,
Ninja Girl
Ooh, now I've got to pick up this one. Rogue was always one of my favorites.
ReplyDelete@Christine Me too!!!! I love her!!
ReplyDeleteOoh, FINALLY, someone who shares my love for Warner. I wanted to slap/squeeze him. He was absolutely stunning, as was Juliette. My heart went out to her, this entire book. She is one of the most unique characters I've come across in awhile and I HAVE to know what happens next to her.
ReplyDeleteMolli @ Once Upon a Prologue
this is on my list...I have way too many books in my tbr pile!
ReplyDeleteA Xmenish book...count me in. I am a huge Rogue fan so you have definitly peaked my interest.
ReplyDeleteBy the way, I love your comment on my article about bad boys. Ninja Girl - We are sisters from another mister..lol. I also loved Peeta, he was an exception to my rule. To me Peeta outshined Gale in every way. I honestly thought that she wouldn't have picked anyone. Go Collins for that. She really went against the grain there and I loved it! Thanks for bringing that up! As always, you rock!
Evie@ Paromantasy
Lots of great reviews for this one popping up everywhere so it's def on my TBR. I'm curious to know if and how Juliette will deal with her inability to touch people because Rogue had a tough time of it!
ReplyDeleteThis is on my TBR list! I read the beginning of it, and I really loved the first few chapters. Thanks for the thoughtful review! :)
ReplyDeleteAlexandra~
http://www.wordsoftheworlds.blogspot.com
how did you feel about the metaphors? I haven't read the book yet, just an excerpt, and i found a lot of the metaphors over the top and muddied. Is it that way for the whole book?
ReplyDeleteOh my god! I am so glad that someone else love Warner as much as I did. I'm a new follower!
ReplyDeleteWell hello my favorite book reviewer :)
ReplyDeleteYou got a blog award from me :)
@Molli I did really enjoy Warner! He was kinda insane, but definitely an interesting character ;)
ReplyDelete@prerna pickett I know what you mean. So many books, so little time, right? I hope you like it (once you get to it lol!)
@Paromantasy LOL, we so are!! I'm loving that you're into the underdog/bad boys AND love Peeta as well :D
@ I was curious, too. Juliette wasn't as outwardly kick butt as Rogue, but she had inner strength. Hope you like it!
@Alexandra Awesome!! I enjoyed the first few chps as well, really draws you in
@Sarah The metaphors were pretty prevalent. Once I got used to the rhythm of Juliette's voice, though, I loved it. I can totally see how it might not be for everyone, but it worked for me :)
@primrose Wow, your username reminds me of The Hunger Games!! Thanks for that, and glad to find another Warner fan
@Lynn(e) Hey, lady! Thanks for the award :) You're so sweet; I'll have to get a post up
good to know. I'll probably end up reading it at some point, it's just not at the top of my "to buy" list
ReplyDeleteNice review--Tweeted.
ReplyDelete