Unravel Me

[...] Happy Valentine's Day! There's nothing like 24 hours dedicated to romance for curling up in bed (alone, or with that special someone) all warm and cozy. I spent the night before rapidly finishing up "Unravel Me", the sequel to "Shatter Me" by Tahereh Mafi. I recently wrote a review for "Destroy Me", the in-between novella that takes place between the first and second installment, and dove straight into the second book afterwards, right into a whirlwind story of adventure and romance. It's almost time for war. Juliette has escaped to Omega Point, the headquarters of the rebel resistance. It is a place for people like her, people with inexplicable powers who are ready to use them to take down the Reestablishment. Although Juliette is free from their plans to use her as a weapon, free to love Adam, she will never be free from her lethal touch. Or from Warner, who wants Juliette more than she ever thought possible. With tensions rising and war approaching, Juliette must break free from her past, so that she can finally discover who she can be. The one thing that I really have to start with is that inevitable love triangle. You saw it coming! Because it plays such a central role in the novel, the love triangle really had to be executed skillfully. By this I mean no heroine selfishly playing around with both boys, or thinking, "he's so hot, why is this happening, his eyes!" while at the same time telling herself, "no, this is the boy I'm supposed to be with". You catch my drift. Admittedly, there definitely was some of that, but I think Ms. Mafi did a good job in somehow not letting Juliette get overly annoying and frustrating with her complicated feelings towards both Adam and Warner. In fact, when I was reading a particular chapter between Warner and Juliette, I swear my heart was going to burst out of my chest! It was just so, so, so full of emotion and charged with tension--you really have to read it to understand what I'm raving about. I don't know whether it's because I read "Destroy Me" and was able to delve into Warner's perspective and really see the depths of his emotions and his vulnerability, but I kind of found myself straying away from Adam and leaning towards Warner! Adam's kind of too boring for me. That emotionally-charged chapter certainly didn't hurt either... I swear I was going to pee in my pants. Speaking of which, I found Warner's character development to be pretty excellent and fitting for this phase in Juliette's story. To see his real vulnerability and love for Juliette, as well as his twisted relationship with his father, really allowed me to empathize and feel for him. It's also important to note that this development wasn't sudden, since Ms. Mafi had previously woven in these threads of Warner's other side, the side that isn't power-hungry and calculating. Instead, it was very natural and very believable, which is what made the whole love triangle business all the more exciting! Now for Juliette. In the beginning, I kind of found her a little too snivelly, too caught up in her own worries and her past to really do anything useful. But Kenji--witty, brutally honest, kick-ass Kenji--finally brings her out of it, and from that moment onwards, I really saw the change Juliette underwent as she tried to accept herself and her power, and to actually deal with her problems head-on rather than worrying about them. I definitely think that there's huge potential in the next book for Juliette to become an even stronger heroine, one who learns to gain confidence and independence and take matters into her own lethal hands. A unique element of the "Shatter Me" series is Juliette's narrative voice. Instead of perfect clauses and perfect sentences, the narrative kind of rambles in long, run-on sentences. I feel like I'm in Juliette's mind, or maybe reading something Juliette's really written herself, especially with the crossed-out sentences where you see her pushing away a thought or a truth or a feeling. I also feel like I've really gotten to know Juliette a lot better through her narration, which is also perfect for building up tension through incomplete sentences and short phrases. As for the storyline, "Unravel Me" remained fast-paced and compelling throughout its entire length. The stakes are high from the very beginning of the novel, and became even higher at the end. There's a lot of action, especially with the war between the resistance and the Reestablishment, and what creates tension more than fighting? There's also a lot of emotional tension as well, which keeps the pace up and running throughout. The plot also had so many twists and turns that came as huge shockers to me as they were unveiled! The truths that are revealed kind of feel like puzzle pieces falling in place, and everything makes so much sense now. Overall, "Unravel Me" is not to be missed with its intensely personal narration and compelling storyline, not to mention the crazy love triangle enhanced by the realistically portrayed character development. It's an emotional thriller of a roller coaster, and I just cannot wait until the next installment to see how everything plays out! Rating: 5/5

Making my way through Tahereh Mafi's Shatter Me series and I've just finished Unravel Me! Now I get it. I totally get why everyone seems to be head over heels for Warner. Warner took me completely by surprise in Destroy Me and continued to surprise me in Unravel Me! That moment we saw at the end of the novella? Totally happens in this one, only we see Juliette watching Warner. But onto the review... Juliette and Adam are settling into Omega Point. But lately, Adam's been acting weird. Almost distant. It takes awhile, but finally we learn that Adam's discovered his own set of abilities and their own uniqueness. Without getting into too many details, it comes down to Juliette once again being a danger to everyone--which really wasn't anything new--but this time, that includes Adam. While she hasn't hurt him yet, there's a greater threat that she might one day. So the two are apart for more of this book then they were in Shatter Me. But then Warner comes along. Ah yes, Warner. Like I said, I totally get what everyone's been gushing about the past few years now when it came to this series and this guy! The residents of Omega Point have quite a bit of battles in this one, and through one of them, they manage to take Warner hostage, after they were trying to rescue some of their own who Warner's father kidnapped. Warner's father, as I mentioned in my review of Destroy Me is a complete a-hole. You almost wonder how this man was capable of feelings in order to have a son. But anyway, Warner because the newest "resident" at Omega Point. Unravel Me was definitely an entertaining read, I admit, it started off a little slow. There was so much buildup and dancing around the secret Adam was harboring and when it finally gets revealed, it just felt a bit anticlimactic. It still made for good story fodder, but I don't know. I guess I was expecting something...more. But that is exactly what we get as the story moves along! I mean, there are some shocking revelations in this one! Ones that I was not expecting at all! With those revelations come new problems, but not all were totally explored. The biggest issue--besides the whole battle between The Reestablishment and Warner's dad and the Omega Point people--is the ever present love triangle. Adam, naturally won all our hearts in the first one. Warner, back then skeeved me out with his unhealthy obsession with Juliette, but through his novella and even this novel, we get more of his character. More of who he is and who he shows the world and I definitely like what I saw. Warner is the epitome of the mysterious man. He had many secrets and I feel like he might still be holding back from us even now. So naturally this leaves us with quite a few bursts of romance between Juliette and Guy #1 and Guy #2. And honestly, at this point I have no idea who she will choose. I don't feel like a choice has been made completely on her part. I know who I'd pick, but I won't say. You will find out from whatever emotions I will be expressing after Ignite Me! This is one series that took me by surprise. I find I don't mind Juliette's somewhat scattered thought patterns. She's not as scattered-brain as before. There's still the repetitiveness of some thoughts and there's the occasional crossing out of thoughts, but they are starting to flow rather flawlessly now. It definitely makes for an easier read, although sometimes I think the amount of repetitiveness for some thoughts, like repeating the same phrase over and over, gets a little over done. I would think three times is enough but there might be four or five or six or something. But in all honesty, that is just a minor nuisance in the grand scheme of things. Unravel Me was an amazing read and is not one to be missed! It will definitely drag you further into this new world created by Tahereh and might just convince you to stay! Overall Rating 4.5/5 stars

Do you know how you can tell you've found "the" book? When you read it once, and your socks are so completely rocked off, you simply must dive back into the pages and read it again. Or when you browse through your bookmarked sections and highlighted quotes, and you realize that you've dog-eared most of the novel, and just thinking or talking about certain scenes and chapters will a) render you incoherent, b) make your heart race, or c) cause you to break out into a smile so big and bright, the people around you will have to wear shades. That was my experience reading Unravel Me. Even now, as I type this review, I am fighting the urge to pick up the book yet again and read (translation: devour) all my favorite parts, just so I can wallow in all the awesomeness. When the book begins, Juliette and Adam are hiding out at Omega Point, a secret location that is home to the resistance, but it isn't quite the perfect sanctuary they'd hoped for. There's little time or opportunity for them to enjoy their newly-minted couple status, and their fellow rebels are anything but enthusiastic about having Juliette in their midst, making her feel like more of an outcast than ever. And to make matters worse, the increased Reestablishment presence in the area is putting everyone on edge, as troops led by none other than Big Bad Warner himself continue their relentless search for the fugitives. Tensions are high, and everyone is on edge. That's the basic premise of Unravel Me, and it doesn't even begin to scratch the surface of everything this book contains. So much happens! SO. MUCH. Tahereh Mafi didn't just expand on the world she built in Shatter Me, she blew the lid off of it and turned a fantastic story into an epic one. The character development was ah-mazing. No one was safe. From Juliette, to Adam, to Warner, everyone had major curve balls thrown their way. They were tested. They were tried. And each one of them had to decide if they were going to step up or get out of the game. I felt for them, and yet at the same time, I loved seeing them get shaken up, because it revealed so much about each of them. Let's start with Juliette. There's no way around it, she's a hot, beautiful mess, and has been since we first met her in Shatter Me. I actually cheered when certain characters (*coughKENJIcough*) took her to task, giving her a much-needed dose of hard truth and reality. But at the same time, I get it. Brought up the way she was, isolated and cut off from virtually everyone, it makes total sense that she would have a tough time adjusting not only to life at Omega Point, but also fitting in with the people around her. It's not so much that she doesn't want to be a team player, or that she's so caught up in her own drama, she can't see the forest for the trees. It's more a case of not knowing the right moves, because she's never had to make them before. Being a part of something, interacting with people, being loved - it's all new to her. But Juliette is so much more than she gives herself credit for. Does she make mistakes? Yes, absolutely, but she's learning, and every day she shoulders the burdens she is forced to carry a little better than she did the day before. That, to me, is what makes her such a compelling heroine. She's got so much heart, so much power and raw potential (and I'm not just talking about her fearsome abilities)....I can't wait to see where she ends up. Adam, I had a tougher time with. I adored him in Shatter Me, but here, not so much. The way he reacted to certain challenges and tribulations just didn't sit well with me. I expected more from him, and felt like I got less. Either I'm seeing him clearly for the first time, or this wasn't his book to shine and he's going to come back in a big way in book three to totally wow me. Only time will tell. For now, I'm on the fence. With Warner, I had the opposite reaction. He intrigued me in book one, and totally, completely won me over in his novella (Destroy Me). Yes, I am very much Team Warner, and being the diehard fangirl that I am, there is no way I can discuss him objectively. So if you want to take everything I'm about to say with a big, heaping grain of salt, go right ahead, but IMO, Warner made this book. Would it have been great without him? Yes, I'm quite sure it would have been. With him, though - with him, it became something truly phenomenal. He brings something to this series that no one else can or will. He's such a deliciously gray character. Not a villain, and not a classic, do-gooding hero either. He's somewhere in between, and which side of him you see depends on who you are and what the circumstances are. I learned so much more about him in this book, and I ate up every single word he and Juliette exchanged. The tension between them does wonderful, fluttery things to my insides. In my (biased) heart of hearts, I really do believe he understands her in a way no one else can or ever will. Does that mean he is going to get the girl at the end? I honestly don't know. I hope he does (oh, how I hope for that!!!) but at this point, I'm prepared for anything. What matters most to me is that Warner gets a happy ending, whatever that happy ending turns out to be. He's earned it. Before I wrap this review up, I need to mention Chapter 62. Sweet mercy, Chapter 62. I've lost track of the number of times I've read it. Let's just say a lot, and multiply it by infinity. Seriously, BEST. CHAPTER. EVER. Unravel Me did everything a sequel should. It continued to build the world the author created, it cranked up the drama and tension, it challenged the characters and had a ton of OMG-type moments, and most of all, it left me absolutely desperate to read more. I need Ignite Me (book 3) like I need my next breath. So hurry up, February 4th - get here faster! :)

Now that Juliette is finally free from the Reestablishment she had hoped her life would be a bit easier, but that just isn't in the cards. It seems that even amongst people like her at the Omega Point compound, ones with abilities, she still can't escape the stares of fear. It would seem her reputation has preceded her, and she finds herself unable to fit in. The only bright spot in her day is the little bit of time she gets to spend with Adam, but even that seems to be less and less as Adam becomes further involved with the Omega Point rebel movements. And there's still the looming threat of Warner over her head, as he is a man possessed and on a mission to find her. Her mettle will be tested more than she ever could have realized as she will have to decide just how far she's willing to go to protect the ones she loves. A war is coming and Juliette will be in the middle of it all. Juliette is such an amazing character, which only became more apparent in UNRAVEL ME. She's always at war with herself as she tries to suppress a staggering amount of power. Not only is her touch deadly, but she has the ability to utter destroy anything with a mere touch. Yet, she doesn't want to have this power, she'd rather hide it and pretend to be an ordinary unassuming girl. Considering what she had been put through in her life, it's a wonder she hadn't turned hard and utterly destructive. She's so very vulnerable and incredibly socially inept, and yet she holds such an incredible amount of power at the same time. Take about an insane juxtaposition. Although I will say that I started to see a change in her, especially by the end of the book where she realized that she doesn't have to go into auto-shut down mode over her abilities. That she could learn to harness them and use them to help the people she has come to care about. She's still got a long way to go, but I'm definitely proud of the path she is on now. Once she fully learns to embrace who she is, she will be a force to reckoned with, and I cannot wait to see the Reestablishment get what they deserve! After reading SHATTER ME I was fully team Adam as I just couldn't see myself getting over my utter dislike of Warner. I mean I really despised him to the point where he made my skin crawl. He was just so cruel and heartless, I just didn't understand how anyone could possibly root for him. Then I heard that a lot of people warmed up to him after reading DESTROY ME. So, I gave it a shot, but while it showed that Warner wasn't as heartless as I thought, I still didn't see him as a love interest at all. So imagine my utter surprise that while reading UNRAVEL ME that my opinion of him slowly started to change. So slowly in fact that this change of heart towards him crept up without me even noticing. So now, due to some rather interesting plot twists, I am a utter mess about which team I am rooting for anymore. It isn't rare for the to be no clear cut choice in a love triangle, but it doesn't often happen that my "choice" will change without that particular guy doing something major to dissuade me from his side. So imagine my surprise that I find myself almost leaning towards Warner when I can't even figure out when that changed started to happen. All I can say is that this is how love triangles are supposed to be written. You are supposed to be torn up about the choices ahead, and I really feel the need to tip my hat to Tahereh Mafi for the incredible skill it took to pull this crazy triangle off. I am in sheer utter awe at the incredible range and mix of emotions that I felt while reading UNRAVEL ME. Between the love triangle messiness and the horribleness that is the reestablishment, I was constantly on the edge of my seat. There is just something simply magical about the way Tahereh's words come across the page. I mean the writing is beautiful, eccentric, and lyrical all at once and I can quite honestly say I've never read anything like it. UNRAVEL ME is an utterly refreshing read that is simply not to be missed. I know I'll be counting down the days until the final installment is released.

Juliette has escaped with Adam, Kenji and James to Omega Point, a refuge for people like Juliette with special gifts and headquarters of a budding resistance movement. Juliette should feel relieved - she is safe, for now - but safety does not bring peace. Juliette struggles to find her place in Omega Point and as war becomes imminent, Juliette must decide what role she is willing to play, if she is willing to stand up and fight back. At Omega Point, Juliette struggles to control her abilities, discovering new facets of her gift that she never knew existed. The researchers at Omega Point also help Adam discover the reasons behind why he is able to touch Juliette. He too has a gift, but the limits of his gift force Juliette to make a painful decision between what she wants and Adam's life. When Warner is captured by the resistance, Juliette can't help the draw she feels towards him, despite the love she has for Adam. She wants desperately to hate him, but can't. He is the only one who knows her deepest, darkest thoughts, and he can touch her in a way that Adam cannot. Warner, however, is too steeped in his past, to resistant to change, too reluctant to fight back against his father. But Supreme Commander Anderson is determined to crush the rebel resistance and the spark of hope they have ignited amongst the people of Sector 45. As the battle commences no one knows what to expect or who will survive, but Juliette knows what her choice will be - she will fight. I have enjoyed with series immensely so far and I love Tahereh Mafi's writing style! The way she uses words and describes things is magical and extraordinarily beautiful. I love the vocabulary she uses and how things are crossed out, italicized and presented in a never ending stream of consciousness. I did find myself slightly annoyed in some places in Unravel Me as the love triangle between Juliette, Adam and Warner played out. Adam became a little too desperate and I was annoyed with Juliette (as I always am when it comes to love triangles) and her inability to resist Warner, when she is so clearly in love with Adam. But that seems to be the way with these series and as much as I dislike it, it does make for compelling reading... I am excited to see how this story will play out. Check out more of my reviews at [...]

I am going to quote some else's review, because it's exactly how I feel about Juliette... "For the vast majority of the book, she spends her time crying/trembling/gasping/blushing, all while adamantly refusing to understand how anyone, but especially Adam, could care for her. This type of behavior I could have forgiven, had she shown any growth. But it wasn't until the last few chapters that she went from being a weak, ridiculously melodramatic and frustratingly insecure protagonist into one with the glimmer of something resembling strength." Juliette is the epitome of weakness. Her obsession with numbers becomes annoying, and she stutters. Actually, stutters. I found myself skimming a lot of internal dialogue because I felt as if I were reading the same thing over and over again. I was disappointed in the end, not because she FINALLY finds a fraction of strength and confidence, but because it seemed to have come out of no where. She literally just woke up, and decided she was done "playing nice". I look forward to the new Juliette in book 3 but wish there was more of an "unfolding" toward this revelation. I didn't feel attached to any of the other character's at Omega Point, except for possibly Kenji, but not enough to really care whether he survived the series or not. Adam was almost completely absent for this series, except for a tortured glance here and there... and Castle, well, I am sorry but I just hated him. There was nothing "warm and fuzzy" about his character, and he seemed, in Warner's words, "too trusting" and "stupid". Yes, yes, those things. The twins freaked me out, James was absent most of the series except for when he miraculously and just too quickly "fell" onto his ability... The whole super-hero aspect of the series was a bit much for me, but I don't fault Mafi for that. That is her story, and this is just a preference of mine. But Warner... okay... and here come the three stars. Warner is a FASCINATING and delicious character! HE deserves five stars, or more. He is the ONLY reason I keep reading and the only reason I would recommend this series to others. I am a writer, I have written two series, and I have yet to master a villain quite like Mafi does (in my opinion). Warner is despicable, in book 1 torturing a toddler to try and provoke Juliette. I hated him there. I knew he would never find redemption in my heart. Yet somehow, in book 2, I am in love with his character and wanting to see him win, and wanting to see him get Juliette not because I like her, but because he loves her. He is complicated and tender and twisted and so very layered. Great job, Mafi! He has saved the story, and set the bar for villians. (I wish he could rival Adam in my affections.) Mafi's writing is beautiful. I love how she describes every single element as if it were an object, for example "The world around is a blurry landscape of blues and grays and mottled hues and the few trees still standing have a hundred shaky, quivering arms ripping through their trunks, reaching up to the sky as if in prayer, begging for relief from the tragedy they've been rooting in." This simple description of tree branches on a rainy sky became a line of masterpiece. As a writer, it makes me want to (further) dissect EVERY line of my own work and craft it even more. The writing, the descriptive words, was another reason for my 3 stars. At times I did feel that the analogies didn't quite match the mood of the scene, but over-all her writing is genius. For God's sake, though, I really hope Juliette becomes a kick-ass character in book three.... otherwise the whole thing will be washed down the drain for me.

Juliette has escaped from The Reestablishment. Now she's 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. Haunted by her past and terrified of her future, Juliette knows that she will have to make some life-changing choices. Choices that may involve choosing between her heart - and Adam's life." I just love the relationship between Adam and Juliette for the most part (more to come on that). The chemistry is over the top with them. When they kissed in the beginning of the book, I just loved the description of Juliette's feelings: "It's like swimming in molasses, this kiss, it's like being dipped in gold, this kiss, it's like I'm diving into an ocean of emotion and I'm too swept up in the current to realize I'm drowning and nothing even matters anymore. Not my hand which no longer seems to hurt, not this room that isn't entirely mine, not this war we're supposed to be fighting, not my worries about who or what I am and what I might become. This is the only thing that matters. This. This moment. These lips. This strong body pressed against me and these firm hands finding a way to bring me closer and I know I want so much more of him. I want all of him. I want to feel the beauty of this love with the tips of my fingers and the palms of my hands and every fiber and bone in my being. I want all of it." Absolutely beautiful and so romantic! But their relationship is about to become a little bit more complicated. Adam's 'gift' of being able to touch Juliette will eventually kill him. Juliette still has the 'poor me' syndrome and has this HUGE chip on her shoulder. At times, it does start to get on your nerves, but finally Kenji tells her like it is, and I was all like 'YAY Kenji!' "All you do is sit around and think about your feelings. You've got problems. Boo-freaking-hoo. Your parents hate you and it's so hard but you have to wear gloves for the rest of your life because you kill people when you touch them Who gives a [...]?" Tell her like it is Kenji! In book one, I had really strong feelings of dislike for Warner, but in Unravel Me, we learn about the life events that have shaped the man that he has become. I really did start to feel sorry for him. What a crappy father he has. What really made me think that there was a glimpse of hope for him was when Juliette discovers him feeding and showing kindness to a stray dog....that just tugged on my heart-strings. I mean anyone who can give a stray dog some affection can't be that bad right? We also find out that Warner really does have strong feelings for Juliette: "I want to be the friend you fall hopelessly in love with. The one you take into your arms and into your bed and into the private world you keep trapped in your head. I want to be that kind of friend," he says. "The one who will memorize the things you say as well as the shape of your lips when you say them. I want to know every curve, every freckle, every shiver of your body, Juliette - " "I want to know where to touch you," he says. "I want to know how to touch you. I want to know how to convince you to design a smile just for me. Yes, I do want to be your friend. I want to be your best friend in the entire world." "I'm so desperately in love with you - " ~~~~sigh~~~~ This just melted my heart and made me realize that I have now joined Team Warner. I basically really get frustrated with love triangles, because like Juliette, I am falling in love with both guys as well. Is Warner in the lead? Hell yes! But it is a small lead, so I guess I will be able to determine the winner in book 3...at least I hope. There also seems to be some hope that Juliette loses the poor me attitude at the end of the book and she is ready to fight.....about time! Take of the gloves sweetie and let's get this show on the road! I really enjoyed reading Unravel Me. Between the love triangle and the wretched Reestablishment, I had so many emotions going on and I was always on the edge of my seat. Ms. Mafi truly does have a way of writing a beautiful, refreshing story that will keep you engrossed the entire time.

I am LOVING this series so far. I was skeptical because it is a YA series and I do not read those types of books. However, I am glad I decided to give this series a chance. Unravel me had me baffled and shocked with all the different turns it took. It had me expecting one thing but did the opposite. I am also stuck.. Adam is such a sweetheart and loving boy but Warner also has such a deep love for Juliette that cannot be ignored. He loves her so passionately and shows his human side to her and only her. Whoever she chooses I know I will feel that heartbreak either way. I’ve said this before but I’m going to say it again, Tahereh has a way of portraying emotion through her writing that sounds almost poetic and you can sense the depths of emotion she is trying to portray. Such a good series so far.

Såå bra kom i bra skick och älskar alla plot twists i boken!

En sevdiğim kitap serilerinden biri❤️

This book was a lot better than the first one. Juliette grows as a character, the story is getting more interesting, you’ll want to stay up until 4am reading it. Ps: buy book 3 as you’ll need it after the ending.

The best book I recommend it to you!!!!!!

Unravel Me by Tahereh Mafi is the emotionally intense second installment in the Shatter Me Series. This book dives deeper into the mind and heart of Juliette Ferrars, taking readers on a journey filled with inner conflict, growing power, and complicated relationships. The story picks up as Juliette joins the resistance group at Omega Point, a safe haven for people with abilities like hers. While this seems like a place of hope, Juliette struggles to find her place. She is overwhelmed by her powers, afraid of hurting others, and unsure of her own identity. This emotional turmoil becomes the core of the novel. One of the most powerful aspects of Unravel Me is its focus on mental and emotional struggle. Juliette’s fear, self-doubt, and loneliness are portrayed with raw honesty. Her journey is not just about fighting an oppressive regime, but also about learning to accept herself. The relationships in the book become more complex and intense. The love triangle between Juliette, Adam, and Warner adds emotional tension and depth. Warner, in particular, begins to show unexpected layers, making his character far more intriguing and nuanced. Tahereh Mafi’s poetic writing style stands out once again. The unique way she expresses thoughts and emotions makes the narrative feel personal and immersive, pulling readers into Juliette’s mind. What makes this book a great read is its character growth and emotional depth. It sets the stage for major changes in the series, both in terms of plot and personal development. Overall, Unravel Me is a gripping and heartfelt sequel. It explores vulnerability, strength, and transformation, making it an essential read for fans of the series.