This review will be rather short and lacking my usual mess of gif due to my neck injury (in case you don’t know, I had a car accident 3 weeks ago and I’m still in recovery. Nothing too serious, just ligament damage at the back of my neck).
Ratings: ☕☕☕☕ (4/5)
Unravel Me by Tahereh Mafi is the second book of the amazing Shatter Me series and takes place about two weeks after the events of the first book. If you want, you can read my review of Shatter Me here.
I won’t lie, while Unravel Me was just as beautifully written as its prequel–Tahereh Mafi continues to amaze me with her brilliant, poetic,
thought-provoking prose–the story fell flat for the half of the book. Although the writing style was unique and captivating, the plot was rather slow-paced and lacked action for the first 50% of the book. Initially, this book focused mostly on Juliette’s thoughts, and while I did not mind being in her head in the first book I was hoping to see her more in action in this sequel. In fact if I recall correctly, this is what Juliette said at the end of the first book in the series.
Things are changing, but this time I’m not afraid. This time I know who I am. This time I’ve
made the right choice and I’m fighting for the right team. I feel safe. Confident.
Excited, even.
Because this time?
I’m ready.
BAHAHAHAHA. For the first part of this book, all Juliette did was make stupid mistakes, wallow in self pity, and worry about her love life while everyone else were preparing for a full scale war. Admittedly, I did feel sorry for her–the poor thing was suffering from depression and abuse all her life–so naturally she was having an excruciatingly difficult time adjusting to her new surroundings. But at one point I grew tired of her worrying about her and Adam living happily ever after.
Thankfully, Tahereh Mafi soon allowed Juliette to develop into such a strong personality, that by the end of the book I couldn’t help but feel proud of her. With friends like the adorkable Kenji, Juliette soon grows from a weak, self-deprecating girl to a somewhat confident and strong person. I wish she would learn to forgive herself more, but for what’s it worth I liked how far she came from being a broken shell of a girl to someone brave enough to fight back and survive.
And Kenji! My darling Kenji. I loved him in Shatter Me even though he was barely there, and I loved that we got to see so much of him in Unravel Me. Kenji is by far one of the strongest characters I’ve read and my favorite right after Warner. His sense of humor made this book much, much less depressing than it would have been otherwise and the way his friendship helped make Juliette become better truly touched my heart. I wish he was real so he could be my friend too.
Adam’s was sadly a real disappoint for me. I was hoping to see more of his character since he was a little one dimensional in the first book. Sadly, it seems like his only purpose in life is to be in love with Juliette and be with her. Honestly speaking I am not a fan of characters whose whole revolves around the boyfriend/girlfriend, so as much as his love for Juliette melted my heart I couldn’t really be fond of him.
The story starts to get really interesting after Warner makes an appearance. All of the action, the thrill, it all happens when Warner walks into the picture and I loved each and every moment he spent with Juliette. After reading Destroy Me I was officially shipping him with Juliette so hard. After reading Unravel Me, I officially helicarrier them.
What I loved even more about Warner was how unlike Adam, his world did not revolve around Juliette no matter how much he loved her. He wanted her alright, and she was certainly a big, big part of his universe but unlike Adam he made sure not to lose his dignity or self respect over his love for Juliette.
We also got to see a lot more of the dystopian world this series is set in and it was brilliantly described in the most subtle manner. I particularly loved the idea of The Reastablishment being a global movement that monopolised the entire world’s resources and economies. It was not only very convincing, but the way all of the civilians were being dominated, the way the culture was being destroyed was truly beautifully depicted in this novel. The science behind the mutation that lead to superpowers were also explained just enough for me to understand, but it wasn’t something the writer particularly focused on.
The ending was brilliant and a cliffhanger that made me want to instantly read the next book in the series.
All in all, Unravel Me was really great once I was done with the first half. Despite being a little slow paced, it was most definitely worth my time and I would definitely recommend it.
I hope you’re getting better, sending you good thoughts and croissants from France! (Don’t ask me how that will help with your neck injury. Croissants can help with EVERYTHING. :p)
Great review! I wish Kenji was real, too. I just love him so, so, so much, I want him to be my best friend 😀
Croissants are the cure for everything! Thanks so much 😉 And yes I know Kenji is freaking awesome. Did you finish this series?
You’re welcome! :p I did, well, I just didn’t read all the novellas, but I read the series, and I loved it! I didn’t like Juliet so much at first, but thought that she changed so much during the story, and I ended up loving her! 🙂
I can’t wait for you to read the third book!! 😀
*gasp* YOU DIDN’T READ THE NOVELLAS?! Girl go read them now! Adam and Warner’s characterization and development happens in those novellas. They explain much of Juliette’s decisions and so much more of what happens in Ignite Me. Trust me you don’t want to miss out on the novellas.
I liked Juliette cause I REALLY felt sorry for her and I like reading about characters suffering from depression and mental breakdowns. Makes me appreciate their development more 😊
Well, I know what I need to do now…order these novellas! 😀 You’re so right, it’s good when a character is kind of, down, at first, and then rises up above everything. We really appreciate it more! 😀
Oh and btw I already read these books a long time ago. I’m just re-reading them now to write a more accurate review :p
That’s so great!! I really want to re-read those books at some point, too. But well, my TBR is SO huge ….
Ah yes that ever growing lil monster! I am trying to tackle it by multi-reading, buddy/group reads, readathons and reading challenges. Let’s see how it turns out!
Wow, good luck! 😀
Omg had no idea about your accident! I hope you are feeling much better.
I wish there was a spin-off/novella of just Kenji. Love him so much!
Ah yess I would love a novella that gives me a look into his head! He’s such an interesting person. XD
Great Review! shatter me is one of my favorite trilogy and I think you’ll definitely enjoy the finale.
Anyways, I hope you get well soon! 😀
Thanks lovely! Shatter Me is one of my favorite series too 😊 I’ve already read the whole series a looong time ago but I’m rereading them now to write reviews. 😄
I’m sorry to hear about your neck, I hope it gets better soon. Sending you hugs. <3
I read Shatter Me awhile ago and I need to read this soon because I've seen so many Warner quotes that I'm already Team Warner.
*tackles you*
CHAPTER 62 THOUGH. #flails
I am so glad you liked this as much as I did! I completely agree with everything you’ve said – I love how Mafi really allowed Juliette to develop as a character in this installment. Can’t wait to see what you think of Ignite Me!
CHAPTER 62 IS MY FAVORITE!!! *swoons* Oooh it broke my heart in the end but it was so HAWT!!! *fans self* Chap 62 is one of the reasons why real life boyfriends cannot compete with book boyfriends!😉
Ahh I hate books with static plots too! (But I’m more forgiving if it’s the third in a series or so since I’ve invested my time reading the previous books) I love this review, Tanaz! I haven’t read this trilogy yet but your review provokes me too! I really have to find out why people rave about Kenji!
AHHHH KENJI!!! I have always seriously wanted a best friend like him and I think I already found one. Too soon to tell but i count myself lucky. You could give this series a try although to be honest it’s not your type. I wouldn’t recommend it to you having seen your GR shelf. All up to you!
If you do read it though I would strongly suggest reading the novellas as they introduce a lot of character development you dont wanna miss out on. Sorry for the reply! I was busy with university life.