Series Recap: Shatter Me trilogy by Tahereh Mafi

Reading order: (sort by release day)

Shatter Me (Book 1, Published on November 15, 2011)
Destroy Me (Book 1.5, Published on October 2, 2012)
Unravel Me (Book 2, Published on February 5, 2013)
Fracture Me (Book 2.5, Published on December 17, 2013)
Ignite Me (Book 3, Published on February 4, 2014)

Click the titles to check out my reviews.

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Synopsis Recap:

Juliette's journey starts with Shatter Me. She has an unimaginable power/curse. She can kill with a touch. And she's locked in an asylum for 264. When Adam, the boy from her past, brings her to Warner, the leader of Sector 45, her life is about to take big twists. She fear Warner's inhumane methods. And she has to escape. With Adam and Kenji's help, they're about to find a rumored place called Omega Point, an organization trying to overthrow the Reestablishment.

Destroy Me is told in Warner's point of view. After Juliette's escape, he has to heal from his wounds. He's still obsessed with Juliette and he's determined to find her and bring her back. But along with this problem, he faces others as well. When the Supreme Commander, who happens to be his father, come to the base, Warner simply can't follow his demands.

Unravel Me is a turning point of the story. Juliette, Adam and Kenji is in Omega Point. But things aren't as good as she imagined. She has problems with just about almost everyone and everything there, including Adam. She needs to control her abilities before she can safely touch others and go to battle. But the bigger problem emerges. One that they can hardly stop from happening. And it will change everything.

Fracture Me is told in Adam's point of view. After the devastating events in Unravel Me, their goal, their only goal, is to stay alive. With all the things come crashing on him, he's in a mess. The odds of the Reestablishment killing everyone Adam cares about, is high. And he has no idea how to solve this big problem.

Juliette is ready to battle in Ignite Me. But she has to rely on a person she never thought she could trust: Warner. Things have changed a lot. The Omega Point, Sector 45, Warner, Adam and even herself, are not the same anymore. Together, they must find ways to overcome all the prejudice and hatred before they can take down the Reestablishment. It will be anything but easy.

***

Thoughts Recap:

Three words to describe the series: Intense yet frustrating

Shatter Me is a unique book. Mainly because of the strikethroughs. And how Juliette's mind works. I have mixed feelings about this book. While I think the plot is nice enough, Juliette pisses me off a little with her utter vulnerability. In her eyes everything is black and white, and so the book is a little like that. Black and white with no grays. It might not be the nicest start of a series, but it's nice enough for me to continue.

Destroy Me is one of the better books in the series. It's nice to know what Warner, the supposedly villain, truly is. It's very intense and endearing. There's no way you can hate him for being a villain after reading Destroy Me. This is a main reason why I keep reading the series.

Unravel Me... well, again I have mixed feelings about this book. The plot is nicer than Shatter Me, that's true. And Juliette is significantly stronger. But she's also more whiny... along with Adam. The countless melodramatic scenes between Adam and Juliette is exhausting in more ways than one. But there are also scenes with Kenji and Warner that salvages almost all of my negative feelings. If I am to be completely honest, this book is better and worse at the same time.

Fracture Me is one of those books that I don't even know if I want to talk about for ever. After reading this book my view towards my previously favorite character changed a lot. While I admire him for caring about his family and his so much, I'm also irritated that he doesn't even think about trying to save his love. I can't deny that this is an important book though, because it kind of helps to understand some things in Ignite Me. And it finally gives me a view of the real Adam.

Ignite Me is pretty epic and a little frustrating at the same time. Frustrating, because of those melodramatic scenes (again!). Epic, because of everything besides the frustrating part. I'd say it's a beautiful conclusion for the series. Though I have to admit that I'm not sure if I will re-read it again. I won't talk about much concerning the plot in the book here. That's up to you to discover it. But Ignite Me is definitely one of the better conclusions I've read about so far.


Overall rating: 8/10
Do I recommend this series?: I think everyone should read it, even though I think not everyone will buy the story.

Ignite Me: Review

Synopsis:

The heart-stopping conclusion to the New York Times bestselling Shatter Me series, which Ransom Riggs, bestselling author of Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children, called "a thrilling, high-stakes saga of self-discovery and forbidden love"

Juliette now knows she may be the only one who can stop the Reestablishment. But to take them down, she'll need the help of the one person she never thought she could trust: Warner. And as they work together, Juliette will discover that everything she thought she knew-about Warner, her abilities, and even Adam-was wrong.

In Shatter Me, Tahereh Mafi created a captivating and original story that combined the best of dystopian and paranormal and was praised by Publishers Weekly as "a gripping read from an author who's not afraid to take risks." The sequel, Unravel Me, blew readers away with heart-racing twists and turns, and New York Times bestselling author Kami Garcia said it was "dangerous, sexy, romantic, and intense." Now this final book brings the series to a shocking and climactic end.

***

It's very hard for me to write this review. I just have so many mixed emotions about Ignite Me. I love some parts of the book as much as I hate the others. There are times where I don't know whether to love or hate some of the characters. It's so intense! I'm pretty messed-up after reading this book, and it's in a good way and a bad way at the same time.

In Ignite Me, Juliette is no longer the cowering little girl. She's ready to accept her abilities and fight against the Reestablishment. She's one of those characters that I don't know whether to like her or dislike her. I have a feeling this is both. Why I like her? Well, for starters, she finally FINALLY doesn't whine for her misfortune. She finally is ready to accept her super weird/awesome/lethal/however you call it ability. And she finally faces what her heart tells her to. Oh yeah, and then she is pretty badass with her strength. But the dislike part is pretty strong. There are times where she's just too naive for her own good, and for some reason that annoys me. She's really reckless too. And not the very good kind. Sure, I get that she wants to take down the Reestablishment badly, but that doesn't mean rushing to the end, right? Think before you act! There's no good throwing yourself into the battle without preparing for it.

Warner? Mostly admiration and frustration (and just a little affection). That guy... well, he's totally sweet in this book. There are so many scenes where he shows Juliette with endless affection and admiration and stuff. These are one of the best parts in the book. It just brings a smile to a face. And to be honest, I never thought Warner will have such good intentions, even though I know very well that he's not bad at his core. Frustration is here too, because he's unsure about Juliette's return of her affection even though it's crystal clear that she does. I don't know if I will like that guy fully with my heart, but I'm sure as hell that I don't hate him anymore.

I have a lot to say about Adam. And mostly not in a good way. Just thinking about him makes me want to punch him in the face. I'm not talking about him here because 1) I think I might just trash my computer out of anger and 2) You have to read for yourself to realize just how annoying he is. He's being a dick in Ignite Me. And even though a small part of me kind of understands, the rest of me is just pissed. Because he's being totally unreasonable about... well, almost everything. Some part of me can't even believe I used to like him (back in Shatter Me). But I can't hate him like I thought I would. Because deep down I know he's a good guy. And a really good one that cares for his friends and his brother's safety. That doesn't change that I'm not angry with him. But yeah, he just wears his emotions up his sleeve, and he's stressed. These are not things that  you can blame him. 

The plot is probably the best thing in the book. Because for once this doesn't anger me in any way anymore. It's safe to say that it's anything but predictable. And the battle scenes are just plain awesome. I don't know how to describe the awesomeness exactly, but I'm sure most of you will love it. And then there's Kenji. I really love that guy. He's funny, caring, and logical. Juliette is lucky to have a friend like Kenji. Man, I really wish that guy is real. He's fantastic.

Despite my mixed feelings, I still give it a 5 out of 5 in Goodreads. There are hardly any book that can sway my feelings (as well as my mind) like no tomorrow. Ignite Me is sure one of the specials. And hey, this is a badass conclusion for the trilogy. Nice job.

Rating: 9/10

Teaser Tuesday: Ignite Me by Tahereh Mafi

This weekly bookish meme is host by MizB @ Should Be Reading

To participate you:

1. Grab your current read
2. Open to a random page
3. Share two (2) "teaser" sentences from somewhere on that page
4. BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS!
(Make sure that what you share doesn¡¦t give too much away! You don't want to ruin the book for others!)
5. Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

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This week I choose Ignite Me (Shatter Me #3) by Tahereh Mafi.

"you need to just back up, okay, because you are dumping way too much information on m all at once, and I need you to start from the beginning, and I need you to tell me everything."

Add Ignite Me on Goodreads:

TBR #10: February 2014

Another crazy month!

1. Cress (The Lunar Chronicles #3) by Marissa Meyer

Synopsis:

Rapunzel’s tower is a satellite. She can’t let down her hair—or her guard.

In this third book in the bestselling Lunar Chronicles series, Cinder and Captain Thorne are fugitives on the run, with Scarlet and Wolf in tow. Together, they’re plotting to overthrow Queen Levana and her army.

Their best hope lies with Cress, who has been trapped on a satellite since childhood with only her netscreens as company. All that screen time has made Cress an excellent hacker—unfortunately, she’s just received orders from Levana to track down Cinder and her handsome accomplice.

When a daring rescue goes awry, the group is separated. Cress finally has her freedom, but it comes at a high price. Meanwhile, Queen Levana will let nothing stop her marriage to Emperor Kai. Cress, Scarlet, and Cinder may not have signed up to save the world, but they may be the only ones who can.

Expected Publication: February 4, 2014

2. Ignite Me (Shatter Me #3) by Tahereh Mafi

Synopsis:

The heart-stopping conclusion to the New York Times bestselling Shatter Me series, which Ransom Riggs, bestselling author of Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children, called "a thrilling, high-stakes saga of self-discovery and forbidden love"

Juliette now knows she may be the only one who can stop the Reestablishment. But to take them down, she'll need the help of the one person she never thought she could trust: Warner. And as they work together, Juliette will discover that everything she thought she knew-about Warner, her abilities, and even Adam-was wrong.

In Shatter Me, Tahereh Mafi created a captivating and original story that combined the best of dystopian and paranormal and was praised by Publishers Weekly as "a gripping read from an author who's not afraid to take risks." The sequel, Unravel Me, blew readers away with heart-racing twists and turns, and New York Times bestselling author Kami Garcia said it was "dangerous, sexy, romantic, and intense." Now this final book brings the series to a shocking and climactic end.

Expected Publication: February 4, 2014

3. The Guard (The Selection #2.5) by Kiera Cass

Synopsis:

Before America Singer met Prince Maxon . . .
Before she entered the Selection . . .
She was in love with a boy named Aspen Leger.

Don't miss this digital original novella set in the captivating world of Kiera Cass's #1 New York Times bestselling Selection trilogy. This brand new 64-page story begins just after the group of Selected girls is narrowed down to the Elite and is told from Aspen's point of view. The Guard also features a teaser to The One, the thrilling conclusion to The Selection trilogy.

Expected Publication: February 4, 2014

4. Stolen (Taken #0.5) by Erin Bowman

Synopsis:

Before Gray Weathersby uncovered the truth about Claysoot and the Laicos Project, a girl named Bree came of age in the coastal settlement of Saltwater—and made her own surprising journey to the world beyond its borders. In Stolen, discover the story of Bree’s life before she was Snatched from her home, before she joined the rebellion, and before she met a boy named Gray…

Expected Publication: February 4, 2014

5. Alienated (Alienated #1) by Melissa Landers

Synopsis:

Two years ago, the aliens made contact. Now Cara Sweeney is going to be sharing a bathroom with one of them.

Handpicked to host the first-ever L’eihr exchange student, Cara thinks her future is set. Not only does she get a free ride to her dream college, she’ll have inside information about the mysterious L’eihrs that every journalist would kill for. Cara’s blog following is about to skyrocket.

Still, Cara isn’t sure what to think when she meets Aelyx. Humans and L’eihrs have nearly identical DNA, but cold, infuriatingly brilliant Aelyx couldn’t seem more alien. She’s certain about one thing, though: no human boy is this good-looking.

But when Cara's classmates get swept up by anti-L'eihr paranoia, Midtown High School suddenly isn't safe anymore. Threatening notes appear in Cara's locker, and a police officer has to escort her and Aelyx to class.

Cara finds support in the last person she expected. She realizes that Aelyx isn’t just her only friend; she's fallen hard for him. But Aelyx has been hiding the truth about the purpose of his exchange, and its potentially deadly consequences. Soon Cara will be in for the fight of her life—not just for herself and the boy she loves, but for the future of her planet.

Expected Publication: February 4, 2014

Check out my review for Alienated here:

http://smoking-hot-books.blogspot.com/2014/01/alienated-review.html

6. Be With Me (Wait For You #2) by J. Lynn

Synopsis:

Teresa Hamilton is having a rough year—she’s in love with her big brother’s best friend, but he hasn’t spoken to her since they shared a truly amazing, mind-blowing, change-your-life kiss. She got out of a terrible relationship. And now an injury is threatening to end her dance career for good. It’s time for Plan B – college. And maybe a chance to convince Jase that what they have together is real.

Jase Winstead has a huge secret that he’s not telling anyone. Especially not his best friend’s incredibly beautiful sister. Even though he and Teresa shared the hottest kiss of his life, he knows that his responsibilities must take priority. He certainly doesn’t have time for a relationship. But it doesn’t help that all he can think about kissing the one girl who could ruin everything for him.

As they’re thrown together more and more, Jase and Tess can’t keep denying their feelings for each other. But a familiar danger looms and tragedy strikes. As the campus recovers, the star-crossed couple must decide what they’re willing to risk to be together, and what they’re willing to lose if they’re not…

Expected Publication: February 4, 2014

Check out my review for Be With Me here:

http://smoking-hot-books.blogspot.com/2014/01/be-with-me-arc-review.html

7. Three (Article 5 #3) by Kristen Simmons

Synopsis:

Kristen Simmons' fast-paced, gripping YA dystopian series continues in Three.

Ember Miller and Chase Jennings are ready to stop running. After weeks spent in hiding as two of the Bureau of Reformation’s most wanted criminals, they have finally arrived at the safe house, where they hope to live a safe and quiet existence.

And all that’s left is smoking ruins.

Devastated by the demolition of their last hope, Ember and Chase follow the only thing left to them—tracks leading away from the wreckage. The only sign that there may have been survivors.

With their high profile, they know they can’t stay out in the open for long. They take shelter in the wilderness and amidst the ruins of abandoned cities as they follow the tracks down the coast, eventually finding refugees from the destroyed safe house. Among them is someone from Chase’s past—someone he never thought he’d see again.

Banding together, they search for a place to hide, aiming for a settlement a few of them have heard about…a settlement that is rumored to house the nebulous organization known as Three. The very group that has provided Ember with a tiny ray of hope ever since she was first forced on the run.

Three is responsible for the huge network of underground safe houses and resistance groups across the country. And they may offer Ember her only chance at telling the world her story.

Expected Publication: February 11, 2014

8. Fates (Fates #1) by Lanie Bross

Synopsis:

What if your destiny was to kill the one you love?

One moment. One foolish desire. One mistake. And Corinthe lost everything.

She fell from her tranquil life in Pyralis Terra and found herself exiled to the human world. Her punishment? To make sure people’s fates unfold according to plan. Now, years later, Corinthe has one last assignment: kill Lucas Kaller. His death will be her ticket home.

But for the first time, Corinthe feels a tingle of doubt. It begins as a lump in her throat, then grows toward her heart, and suddenly she feels like she’s falling all over again—this time for a boy she knows she can never have. Because it is written: one of them must live, and one of them must die.

In a universe where every moment, every second, every fate has already been decided, where does love fit in?

Expected Publication: February 11, 2014

9. The Course of True Love [And First Dates] by Cassandra Clare

Synopsis:

Magnus Bane and Alec Lightwood might fall in love—but first they have a first date.

When Magnus Bane, warlock, meets Alec Lightwood, Shadowhunter, sparks fly. And what happens on their first date lights a flame...

Expected Publication: February 18, 2014

10. White Hot Kiss (The Dark Elements #1) by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Synopsis:

One kiss could be the last.

Seventeen-year-old Layla just wants to be normal. But with a kiss that kills anything with a soul, she's anything but normal. Half demon, half gargoyle, Layla has abilities no one else possesses.

Raised among the Wardens—a race of gargoyles tasked with hunting demons and keeping humanity safe—Layla tries to fit in, but that means hiding her own dark side from those she loves the most. Especially Zayne, the swoon-worthy, incredibly gorgeous and completely off-limits Warden she's crushed on since forever.

Then she meets Roth—a tattooed, sinfully hot demon who claims to know all her secrets. Layla knows she should stay away, but she's not sure she wants to—especially when that whole no-kissing thing isn't an issue, considering Roth has no soul.

But when Layla discovers she's the reason for the violent demon uprising, trusting Roth could not only ruin her chances with Zayne…it could brand her a traitor to her family. Worse yet, it could become a one-way ticket to the end of the world.

Expected Publication: February 25, 2014

11. Killer Frost (Mythos Academy #6) by Jennifer Estep

Synopsis:

I’ve battled the Reapers of Chaos before–and survived. But this time I have a Bad, Bad Feeling it’s going to be a fight to the death … most likely mine.

Yeah, I’ve got my psychometry magic, my talking sword, Vic–and even the most dangerous Spartan on campus at my side, in Logan freaking Quinn, but I’m no match for Loki, the evil Norse god of chaos. I may be Nike’s Champion, but at heart, I’m still just Gwen Frost, that weird Gypsy girl everyone at school loves to gossip about.

Then someone I love is put in more danger than ever before, and something inside me snaps. This time, Loki and his Reapers are going down for good … or I am.

Expected Publication: February 25, 2014

Check out my review for Killer Frost here:

http://smoking-hot-books.blogspot.com/2014/01/killer-frost-review.html

Top Ten Tuesday #6: Top Ten 2014 Releases I'm Dying to Read

Top Ten Tuesday is a bookish meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish. Today's question is my top ten choices of 2014 new releases that I'm dying to read.

1. City of Heavenly Fire (The Mortal Instruments #6) by Cassandra Clare -- well who wouldn't be dying to read this?

2. Opposition (Lux #5) by Jennifer L. Armentrout -- apocalypse is ready to throw up in our world. As well as alien hotness.

3. Cress (The Lunar Chronicles #3) by Marissa Meyer -- Cress! And Cinder! And Captain Thorne! 

4. The Forever Song (Blood of Eden #3) by Julie Kagawa -- the ending of The Eternity Cure kills me! I need this right now!!!

5. Untitled (Throne of Glass #3) by Sarah J. Maas -- Yep, another killer ending

6. Ignite Me (Shatter Me #3) by Tahereh Mafi -- I'm curious about how it will end. Everything seems so uncertain.

7. White Hot Kiss (The Dark Elements #1) by Jennifer L. Armentrout -- I'm curious about how this series will turn out!

8. Wings (Black City #3) by Elizabeth Richards -- I want Ash and Natalie together is it too much to ask?

9. Evertrue (Everneath #3) by Brodi Ashton -- I really, really want to see the Everneath brought down by Nikki and Jack together

10. Killer Frost (Mythos Academy #6) by Jennifer Estep -- I like Gwen. That's all.

Top Ten Tuesday #4: Top Ten Sequels We Can't Wait To Get Our Hands On

Top Ten Tuesday is a bookish meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish. Today's question is top ten sequels that we can't wait for. And for me, there's a whole lot of them.

1. City of Heavenly Fire (The Mortal Instruments #6) by Cassandra Clare - Who wouldn't want City of Heavenly Fire?

2. Opposition (Lux #5) by Jennifer L. Armentrout - I'm curious if it will turn out as good as Sentinel :)

3. Into The Still Blue (Under The Never Sky #3) by Veronica Rossi - Aria and Perry and Roar. There's no need to say anymore.

4. Cress (Lunar Chronicles #3) by Marissa Meyer - The whole series is awesome.

5. World After (Penryn & The End of Days #2) by Susan Ee - After the whole Chapter 59 revealed thing, it's on.

6. The Forever Song (Blood of Eden #3) by Julie Kagawa - I know this is going to break my heart, but still I really want it

7. Ignite Me (Shatter Me #3) by Tahereh Mafi - Although not my favorite series of all time, Shatter is pretty cool

8. Wings (Black City #3) by Elizabeth Richards - I need to know what will happen!

9. Killer Frost (Mythos Academy #6) by Jennifer Estep - I want to see Loki go down. For good.

10. Secret (Elemental #4) by Brigid Kemmerer - Nick!

Name and Cover Reveal: Shatter Me #3 by Tahereh Mafi

Reblog based on MTV:

Oh my gosh there's finally a cover and a name for the final book of Shatter Me trilogy! I've already waited too long and now it's here~! (Happy dancing)

Here's the name and the cover:

Ignite Me! Fans were always talking about the name might be Ignite Me but I was skeptical. I can't believe it's true! And the flower... they are really beautiful. But I'd rather have fiery things. And hey, the blue in the eye is much more beautiful than the previous ones because it's more clear.

Synopsis:

The heart-stopping conclusion to the New York Times bestselling Shatter Me series, which Ransom Riggs, bestselling author of Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children, called "a thrilling, high-stakes saga of self-discovery and forbidden love"

Juliette now knows she may be the only one who can stop the Reestablishment. But to take them down, she'll need the help of the one person she never thought she could trust: Warner. And as they work together, Juliette will discover that everything she thought she knew-about Warner, her abilities, and even Adam-was wrong.

In Shatter Me, Tahereh Mafi created a captivating and original story that combined the best of dystopian and paranormal and was praised by Publishers Weekly as "a gripping read from an author who's not afraid to take risks." The sequel, Unravel Me, blew readers away with heart-racing twists and turns, and New York Times bestselling author Kami Garcia said it was "dangerous, sexy, romantic, and intense." Now this final book brings the series to a shocking and climactic end.

Praise for the Shatter Me series:

"Dangerous, sexy, romantic, and intense. I dare you to stop reading."-Kami Garcia, #1 New York Times bestselling coauthor of the Beautiful Creatures series

"Tahereh Mafi's bold, inventive prose crackles with raw emotion. A thrilling, high-stakes saga of self-discovery and forbidden love, the Shatter Me series is a must-read for fans of dystopian young adult literature-or any literature!"-Ransom Riggs, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children

"Addictive, intense, and oozing with romance. I'm envious. I couldn't put it down."-Lauren Kate, #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Fallen series

***

Ignite Me will be released on February 4, 2014 (I can't wait to see the next Winter Dark Days because I will swoon all over the place)