More Than Just Magic

Unravel Me by Tahereh Mafi
Series: Shatter Me #2
Publisher: HarperCollins
Genre: Dystopia
Page count: 461
Source: Purchased a copy

Release Date: February 5 2013

tick…tick…tick…tick…tick it’s almost time for war. 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.

My Review

Tahereh Mafi what are you doing to me? So many feelings!! And since I read the majority of this book while on the subway and didn’t want people to think I was crazy, I spent 30ish hours like this

Seriously though, I just can’t get over how beautiful Tahereh Mafi’s prose is. I am in awe of the metaphors and descriptive imagery in this book. It’s just so gorgeous. My copy is now full of sticky notes marking all my favourite passages. Trying to resist the urge to track her down and beg her to teach me how to be awesome.

I know when it comes to this series there’s a lot of talk about the love interests, but I really enjoyed that for the most part Tahereh Mafi kept the focus on Juliette. Specifically, her development as a character. In the beginning she starts out as the ultimate “woe is me” character. Everything hurts and she is going to tell you about it. Repeatedly. But as the story continues you see her progress, you see her change in attitude and motivation. I really started to respect her as a character and became really invested in what was going to happen to her. To be honest, there may have been some nervous yelps at a couple scenes. I love when I can get this invested in a character and I adore when they change over time. It’s always more interesting and more believable.

Despite the focus on Juliette, however, you can’t talk about Unravel Me and not mention the love triangle. And if I’m being 100% completely honest…I’m not really a fan. I’m not anti-love triangle. Sometimes they work really well. But in this case I just don’t see it. Why? Because I find Warner so creepy. I think he is a fantastic character. And he absolutely fascinates me, just not as a love interest. Not even a tiny bit. That being said, I don’t feel as though I’m Team Adam any more either. Juliette really seems to have developed past him. So if I have to choose I’m going Team Juliette because I think she still needs to learn more about herself, rather than settling with either of these guys.

I’d also love to profess my affiliation with Team Kenji. Not as a love interest, but just as an awesome character. Also Team James. In my opinion these are the two male characters that should be admired in Unravel Me. They’re such fabulous and strong people. I was impressed with how they could stick to certain convictions in spite of everything that’s happened.

I realize I’ve spent most of this review talking about the characters, but they are what drives this story. They are what make it so addictive and so easy to get lost in. I love everything about this series, but it’s the characters that make it truly fabulous.

Recommendation: A heart racing sequel that will have you on the edge of your seat, begging for more. Highly recommended for all readers.

About the Author

Tahereh Mafi is a girl. She’s 24. She writes books and reads books and drinks way too much coffee. SHATTER ME is her first novel, and the first of a trilogy, coming from Harper/HarperCollins on November 15, 2011. Film rights have been optioned by 20th Century Fox. Her work is represented by Jodi Reamer of Writers House, LLC.

More from Tahereh Mafi

Shatter Me (Shatter Me #1)

Also Available For: Kobo / Kindle