Unravel Me by Tahereh Mafi

Reading Level: Ages 14 and up

Hardcover: 480 Pages

Release Date: February 5, 2013

Publisher: HarperCollins

Narration: First Person: Juliette

Genre: Dystopian/Superpowers
Challenge: Dystopian Reading Challenge

 

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Hardcover and Nook

 

Shatter Me Series:

Book One: Shatter Me

Book 1.5: Destroy Me

Book Two: Unravel Me

Book Three: Untitled

 

Author's

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Goodreads Synopsis:

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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:

 

I literally just finished reading Unravel Me five minutes ago and.........I'm not sure if I'm being slower than usual tonight or just not catching on to some major concept, but the ending left me a bit perplexed. I'm glad that Juliette has finally pulled her big girl panties up and got over being afraid of herself and what others might think of her, but has she finally gone off her rocker? Did she end up losing herself along the way? And now I will express my inner turmoil via cute puppy gif. xD

Tahereh's writing style has always been the most unique aspect of her work. Her dramatic choice of words and inspiring metaphors were interesting to read, since authors don't usually utilize this method of writing. I loved it in Shatter Me, the comparisons between Juliette's slack grip on sanity and the devastation of the outside world made everything seem that more bleak and depressing, which I'm guessing was what the author intended. It was like I could imagine myself in the bloodthirsty and desperate world she lived in and understand why nature turned in on itself.

 

However, when I began Unravel Me, her wording felt awkward and stilted while her metaphors felt facepalm worthy. Despite the fact that I was no longer looking forward to continuing the novel, I held on and forced myself to keep going. And little by little, I got used to Tahereh's writing style and the poetic similes and philosophical sayings she incorporated into her story. I have no doubt that many people will find her words inspirational and epic, but I also have no doubt in my mind that many people won't fancy Tahereh's unusual writing style.

 

Juliette was an interesting character. I have not yet fully determined whether or not I like her or am annoyed at her "Woe is Me" behavior. On one hand, I feel bad for her, because she's been unfairly put through so many burdensome situations. Situations that no seventeen year old should have to face. She's spent her whole life being called a monster, an abnormality, something not deemed worthy enough for human life. I mean come on, even her parents wanted to send her to a institution for the insane instead of jail just because they wanted her treated like a rabid animal rather than a human being who's made a few mistakes in her life. How freaking messed up is that?

 

But on the other hand, I just wanted to smack her and tell her to wake up. The world does not revolve on you nor does it stop spinning and wait with bated breath to catch your next move. The past is done. Let go of it. Actually, I think Kenji did a pretty great job in telling her off, in his own special way of course. xD She spent the majority of her time crying and rocking herself to sleep. I really wish that the girl we all knew and loved in Shatter Me would come back to life. The girl who kept her head held high even when she was scared and refused water and food even though she was barely getting by. Where is that girl? The girl with the iron will?

 

And then we have the love triangle. Shocker. No offense to all of you avid Team Adam or Team Warner fans out there, but I really didn't feel anything for either guy. The romance between them seemed very lukewarm to me. Adam is pretty straightforward about what he wants. Warner.....is a little bit more complex. Even though he's done so many unforgivable things in his lifetime, he doesn't find any joy in doing what he does. He's just so messed up inside. All he's ever known is death, destruction and pain....until Juliette pops into his life that is.

 

Even though I disliked Warner from the beginning, I never vehemently hated him; Like a why don't you jump off a cliff because you irritate me so much kind of hate. I've always known, and dreaded, the inevitable love triangle that was going to form somewhere down the road. I guess I understand why Juliette feels a undeniable attraction to Warner. They both know what it feels like to be blamed for things out of their control, to be blamed for crimes they haven't even committed. To feel this everlasting loneliness that dwells in both of their hearts. I've warmed up to Warner's character a little bit since Shatter Me. Mostly because of that one scene with the stray dog. It was so adorable and heart-touching! I can't help but feel intrigued by the intricateness of his character. Who is he really?

 

I never felt compelled to continue reading Unravel Me. To be honest, I found it mediocre and slightly boring. If I find myself really enjoying a book, I have a hard time putting it down, but with Unravel Me, I had a hard time picking it up. There wasn't that much action since the majority of the story took place underground where they trained and prepared for the upcoming war with the notorious Reestablishment. It was all very predictable, with the exception of one or two major plot twists.

 

Overall, Unravel Me left me with a bland taste in my mouth. Didn't hate it, didn't love it. However, it was a major let down after enjoying Shatter Me so much. I have no doubt that many fans of this series will have a blast reading Unravel Me, but sadly I just didn't feel the same way. Will I be reading the last installment? Probably. Will I be anticipating it? Not really.

 

Heroine- 2.5/5

Romance- 3/5

Action- 2.5/5

Comedy- 3/5 Those three stars are all for Kenji. xD

Overall- 3/5