RATING: 🌕🌕🌕🌕🌑
Published: March 06, 2018
Publisher: HarperCollins
Format: Hardcover
Pages: 435
“What the hell kind of soap opera did I just walk into here?”
SYNOPSIS:
Juliette Ferrars thought she’d won. She took over Sector 45, was named the new Supreme Commander, and now has Warner by her side. But she’s still the girl with the ability to kill with a single touch—and now she’s got the whole world in the palm of her hand. When tragedy hits, who will she become? Will she be able to control the power she wields and use it for good?
THOUGHTS:
4 years after the supposed-to-be last book in the trilogy was published, the author has decided to continue the Shatter Me series. While some are hesitant with the additional installment, I was excited. I can still remember finishing Ignite Me back then and getting frustrated that it would end like that. The series has a lot of potential, the world can be expounded wider than we know it. And after hearing that, there will be not only 1 but 3 more books in this world, it makes me ecstatic. I feel like I am finally getting a present from Santa. But as soon as the book was released, I have heard mixed reviews about it and I told my self to wait when all 3 books are finally published before I dived into it.
After waiting for 3 years, I finally reread the original trilogy and dived into this book. As soon as I read more than 5 chapters of this book, I can understand why people are quite iffy with this new installment. The book was not bad, it was honestly good. The plot is more complexed and we finally get to know more about their world. However, if you have reread the original trilogy and dived into this book after, like me, you would probably be caught off-guard by the shift in the tone of the 4th book compared to the original trilogy.
I’ve been trying to pinpoint what distinguishes this book from the others and I soon realized that it was the elements of the plot. Like I said, it was not bad. The original trilogy has the same vibes and elements as the old classic dystopian novels – rebellion & the rebels, the plan to overthrow the government, the spark of the revolution, and the fight that would determine who the winner is – in short, a fun read without any complicated plot twist. However, this book is already a take in the new dystopian genre with all the secrets, lies, and mindblowing plot twist that would keep you at the edge of your seat. I am not in any way against it but I feel like the transition is too fast. The book begins only 16 days after Ignite Me and that’s why you could really feel the shift of the story; from being just a rebellion who overthrows the government to a politically heavy story with secrets and lies, the connection and the shift of the story feels forced. I wish Tahereh Mafi slowly eases the plot from the classic story and slowly incorporating the political aspect.
With that being said, it makes me wonder if it was the author’s intention to do that info dump with the political aspect of the story because, in a way, you can understand Juliette’s mindset. Like her, you are clueless and confuse as to what is happening. If that’s the case, Tahereh Mafi’s mind is truly brilliant. But I still think that the transition is too fast. A lot happens in this book and it does not give you time to dwell and ponder the things that are unfolding one by one.
Another thing that I kinda dislike about this book is how the characters feel so different and it’s only been 16 days. People do not change that fast in a span of 2 weeks, it would take some time. A lot of new characters are also introduced in the story and make the book more diverse. But Kenji is the real hero and lifesaver in this book. I love that guy so much. Plus, we rarely see Adam now in this book so that’s one less annoying character.
All in all, this book is better than I expected. I already prepared myself to be disappointed with all the mixed reviews but I was surprised that I like it even though I struggle a lot to finish this book. But I highly suggest that if you still remember what happens in the original trilogy, don’t reread it and just dive into this book. I think you would love it more that way. I have yet to read the other 2 books but I am still expecting the worst. Hopefully it will not be as bad as what others said.
That is all for this long review. I did not expect to blurt out a lot of my thoughts but it really helps me to organize my thoughts for this book.
Until next time!
Maria❤
A Daughter of Parchment and Paper 
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