Restore Me

I loved the Shatter Me series so much that I feel safe to say that they are the best of a kind. After first two books in the series, I enjoyed even the cliffhangers. Tahereh Mafi is such a brilliant writer aka storyteller that such hater of cliffhangers as me enjoyed the waiting so much. I anticipated it even... welcomed that feeling with open arms... When reading the first book, I hated Warner, but I did not understand his motives and wanted to know more.. Then came the second book and I started to feel like I liked him a bit, sometimes I caught myself hoping that he will be together with Juliette...and hated Adam a little... Then came the third book. I waited for it to be published real long.... and it was even better than second book. The HEA was a good one and I finally felt like - that’s it! it is enough! Although, the series ended, I still loved all the books and there was no feeling for the next book... and now (today) I got the Restore Me as I pre-ordered it at that very moment when I got the information regarding further development of the series.... I am ruined for real. I do not know how I will operate until the next 2 promised books will be released... I still think that Tahereh Mafi had no need to do this - to prolong the series, but I am an addict... so now I am addicted even more. Warner and Juliette and the whole series are my addiction.... this is crazy. Although, some of the early readers have written that they do not understand what was wrong with the Juliette and Warner’s relationship, I feel that their difficulties were a must, first, because you cannot have 3 more books with HEA in each of them and, second, it feels natural - you cannot expect that a boy, who had hated his father so much (but still loved him, too, as do a lot of children), would not feel like a lost puppy after his death... death that happened by his lover’s hand. And what is more important - now their relationship faces reality, that reality, which they did not want to see in their soap bubble. Juliette do not know the real Aaron, she knows close to nothing about him. He is like a blank page for her... and now she has just landed on the ground face down from the realizations.. The book contains a very interesting and true idea - you cannot change world in one day and think that you as a leader will have no responsibilities and everyday work... The ending is JUST WOW!! I want to reread the whole series, especially the first book now... Actually, Tahereh did it again - she made me to wish there were another book to read... but nooo... there is none... and this addict (me) is going to wait...

I first read the Shatter Me series in 2015 and I was in love, I was trying to tell everyone I knew to read them (ugh I wish I had bookworm friends in real life!) and I was going back to read over specific scenes and chapters that had me swooning. This series is a dystopian, young adult, paranormal, romance, sci-fi mix and I really loved it. This series starts out with Juliette and us being providing only a small window to look out into the world, small introductions to just a few characters, and this slowly increases throughout the series. Initially I would have said we got to walk through a fully open door by the end of book three but wow did book four change my mind on this. Instead of walking through a fully opened door at the end of the book three I honestly think we were still just looking through a crack or peep hole, perhaps with the door just being blown back as it ended but never walking through. Sorry for the metaphors... ugh I think this series kinda just does that to you. Anyways, Juliette & co have accomplished a lot by the end of book three but the whole wide world is now open to them and looking at them and there were a lot of unanswered questions about what they were going to do now. Also the character development is honestly so good in the first three books but really everyone is standing on this precipice at the end that it's clear they aren't done being tested or done growing into themselves. I found out about the fourth book just a few months before it was due to come out and I was so excited to just be back in that world and drool all over Warner again (Team Warner!! Sorry not sorry!!). But I never stopped to consider that although things ended on a precipice in the previous book, things were mostly good with and between the characters. I started reading the fourth book and suddenly it dawned on me that with this book, and two more still to come, bad things were going to happen to the characters, their world, and their relationships. And I just could not deal you guys!! I could not make myself binge read it! I was having SO much anxiety feeling like if I kept reading I was essentially making the bad things happen to my friends beloved characters. And guess what?! Bad things did happen!!!!!!!! But not in a way that the book was bad, but that you gotta have your characters go through a big fat storm first for there to be any payout in the end with *hopes* of a happy ending. Remember my window/peephole, cracked door metaphor? Well the world definitely got bigger in book four but we're still so blinded by the limited view and knowledge that Juliette has. If the door was blast off in the third book than all the fourth book did was introduce as to another door down the hall that's barely cracked. And I feel pretty confident that the only way we're gonna see our happy ending is if Juliette can rip all the doors off and figure out exactly what the heck is going in her world and see it clearly for what is it. Also I'd really like that because I have SO many questions!!! I think Mafi did an awesome job with this book building more to the world and history to our characters and making it so seamless like it was always her intent to continue the story with this information. Juliette's development in the book is a confusing mix of positive self love, utilizing coping skills from her old self hate, and then complete combustion. The other character's didn't seem to develop much at all and honestly I didn't feel like we got to see any of them much. Warner possibly had some development in the learning how to be a person way but mostly he was disintegrating too. (Their POV go back and forth between chapters). I disliked that we kept getting excerpts from Juliette's old journal, I skimmed all of it but I got it's point as a device in the book. The tone and mood of the book was very emo and honestly reminded me of what the 5th Harry Potter book did. Lack of communication between characters was causing problems, our main character is freaking out that things aren't fair etc etc, our other main character's are all grieving and moody and avoiding everyone, we learn some shocking truths about our main character, things go south real hard, we lose some (or lots) of people, and *hopefully* our main characters have learned a valuable lesson in how they've screwed up real bad and now they gotta deal and fix things. One pet peeve: our two love interests obviously hit some rocks during this book and they were SO EMO about it. I get that whatever, they're teenagers with a lot on their plate and poor social and emotional skills but ugh. Girl, calm the eff down. and Boy, you going on about I can't believe she used to love me once, when you "broke-up" YESTERDAY! Love doesn't turn off like that, dummies. I definitely recommend this series so far but f you like to binge read with a happy ending in sight then I suggest starting with the first half and not picking up book four until five and six are on their way. Ugh I so hate waiting for the next book in a series to come out... Recommended for fans of the series so far, and fans of young adult dystopians and paranormal romance.

Tahereh Mafi's Shatter Me series was a hidden gem I discovered while perusing my neighbor's stack of ARC's. I instantly fell in love with the characters and the storyline and I anxiously awaited the arrival of each new book. For all my love of the series, however, I was a little disappointed with the way that the third book ended. There was not nearly as much conclusion as I would have liked and I felt that Juliette's story came to too abrupt of an end. Imagine my absolute delight when I discovered that Mafi had decided to continue the series. I was certainly not disappointed in "Restore Me." As always, Mafi's writing is absolutely breathtaking. She has an incredible, unique voice and her approach to description and metaphor is refreshing and quite nearly magical. While "Restore Me" is not as plot-heavy as the other books in the series, it excels in character development. I appreciate Mafi's willingness to dive deep into the nitty-gritty of character development and create characters that are so real and complex. Mafi does not excuse her characters' flaws, nor does she brush them under the rug like many other authors do. Instead, she embraces their flaws, explores them, and reveals them to the reader in shocking yet realistic ways. There aren't any fantasy rainbows in Mafi's world. Instead there are very real characters grappling with very real questions and decisions, all trying to figure out who they really are. Honestly, the way Mafi writes her characters and their intricate relationships is what both drew me in and held me captive in all of her books. For those complaining about the book being not as plot-heavy--patience. I think the time spent developing characters in this book will lead to many rewards in future books. My only complaint is that I read the book too fast. I don't think I can wait another year for the next book! 10/10 - would recommend. Also, just as a side note, the pages are meant to be ripped along the edges. The hardcover version of "Ignite Me" is the exact same way.

An emotionally charged roller coaster of a read, this book had me going through all of the book feelings! Restore Me is the book I knew was coming, after I read Ignite Me. It is the inevitable storyline that I have been looking to getting my hands on. It's the book I've wanted to read, and didn't want to, all at the same time, because I feared what I thought might happen would come true. Does it ever, and more so. This book is definitely a mixed bag of emotions, and I mean that in the best possible way. Tahereh Mafi does not hold back in this book. I was torn between wanting to curl up in the fetal position, yelling 'How could you', and screaming 'No' all at the same time, mixed in with a few 'Yes" comments as well. To counter making me go through the emotions I knew Mafi would make go through, but didn't want to admit, she also threw in laugh out moments, plenty of hot character chemistry moments, and so much more. Kenji is to thank for the hilarious, laugh out lines, Warner and Juliette some sexy time scenes that may make you blush, and there a few scenes that will either shock you, or have you wanting to doing a fist bump with the characters. Oh this book. It does not hold back, and emotionally spares no reader nor character. Picking up right after Ignite Me ends, and Mafi waits no time thrusting her readers deeper into the Shatter Me series world. This world is one that is full of shocking secrets, deception, intrigue, danger, and makes you realize that every character is a pawn in a deadly game. The first three books in the series barely scratched the surface of all that's revealed in this book. My word, just WOW! I wasn't prepared for all that or that deadly twist. While some things may be easy to see coming, you can't predict the turn of events that end up taking place. I need the next book! Writing this book from both Warner and Juliette's points of views, Mafi allows her readers to see the raw vulnerability and just how emotionally and mentality broken down these two characters are. It's sadly no surprise given all that they've endured leading up to this story. It was so incredibly easy to be emotionally sucked into their both their individually journeys as well as their relationship one. They have no many hurdles they've yet to get over, and this book is their realizing just how much stands in front of them. They had me rooting for them to make it through all that transpires in this book. I love how together, they mend the darkness for each other. This book bridges the gap between a lot of the info that's been hinted at through out the Shatter Me series, and the deception that's already taken place. It introduces readers to a bigger cast of characters we've not yet met before, but who's homes (sectors), we've previously heard of. Their being apart of this story not only links previous withheld history, it uncovers missing links we've previously not had. It also gives readers a stronger history on their ties to Warner, and Juliette. Though I may not be a fan of all of the characters, I liked their roles in this story, and the over all series. There is a purpose for them being in the story. Oh my word, that ending! I was not excepting that what so ever at all, though I should have. It's SO good! It's completely surprising. I had to re-read twice just to make sure that what I read actually just happened. I need the next book in my hands already. This book is an emotionally packed read. It's one I'm so glad Mafi wrote, and one that definitely fits perfectly into one of my all time favorite series. I need more! On a side note, I love this cover, and the pages of this book (which aren't defective like some reviews have said. They were done that way on purpose; it's called deckle edge). * This book does have some very mild language, and a couple sensual scenes.

**SPOILERS ALERT** Okay, first I really want to thank the author for not having one, but two Britney Spears moments in this book. Thank you, what a beautiful 10 year tribute. Anyway, this book picked up right after the last book. I liked how you didn't really have to reread the book before to remember what was going on, which was nice. Not that I wouldn't like to read it over again, because I would, it's just kind of a bother...But yeah, the story wasn't confusing at all. This book, like most dystopian romances is cut in two main plots. The supernatural/politics plot and the romantic plot. The dystopian plot is, in my opinion, very interesting. There's a lot of depth and mystery and keeps the readers engage and saying "oh shiz that's cool" at every new revelation. It's going to make for an interesting read. I will say that the ending where she like was doing her speech thang was so fast paced, i actually reread it like wait what? Where tf am I? But yeah, other than that, I have a feeling of where the story is going, and I approve. The one thing I really find hard to love about this series, or any dystopian romances for that matter, is that the romantic plot overshadows the other plot so much that everything from the dystopian plot has this superficial vibe that's hard to ignore. For example, when juliette learns all these things about her past from Warren, and she's just like "omg how could you lie to me?" Yeah he lied and that sucks, but the information... "Warren was with who for how long?" Uhhh...seriously? O_O I know he means a lot to her and shiz but really? Lmfao really? Don't you think maybe this information is pretty important? No? You want to make a dramatic break up scene that I thoroughly enjoyed reading? Yeah okay, makes sense. I wouldn't care about the only blood relation that may actually understand me either. Pfft unimportant. (╯°□°）╯︵ ┻━┻ ┬─┬ ノ( ゜-゜ノ) But yeah, I love romance books. I literally eat them up faster than the M&M's I was shoving down my throat while reading this. The romance was great, I loved that you could look into Warren's mind while Juliette (is she a Sparrow? Because that girl is a master of seduction yo) made him into her little bit- *cough* Uh yeah anyway, I just felt it was sort of lacking in that way all romance novels do once the main characters finally get together. Can't really be helped. Also the fact that Juliette really doesn't know anything about him still lmao. Good job Warren! That end scene though (after Britney shaved her head, but before she killed everyone) when Warren is like "give me another chance" and Juliette is like "that's so unfair." Ahhhhh so good. #teamwarren So, to come back to what I was saying, the political story and the setting worked well for me. The main characters (supporting roles were very good, i liked their development) and their developments did not. One of the many things I love about the character Warren, is how put together he is and how logical, in a sense, he is. I find it sexy, and a beautiful contrast to Juliette's emotional turmoil. However, some parts of his pov's, I couldn't help but say blah blah blah as I was reading it. I have no problem with him showing emotion, but his line of thought was very Juliette like? To me, they are not the same person, therefore should not have the same internal voice of grief. Okay, I think I'm done. Lol jk, let me complain about the shaved head scene again. Warren's shaved head scene: okay yeah that's pretty unfortunate. Okay yeah he's more than his beauty, yeah cool...#teamlonghairedwarren Juliette's shaved head scene: wait she shaved the whole thing? Or like those cool bad ass edgy half shaved styles? No? The whole thing? Just like Warren? Really? While she was drunk? How did she manage that? Those clippers must be the real deal, that would have taken me forever. Especially drunk? And it looks good? She should consider a new career. Why is everyone cool with this? Why didn't Kenji make a joke about it? Eveyone's too okay with it that it just makes it weirder. Where's the "you really do start to become the person you're dating" joke? No? Okay... :( Also, I don't stand behind the empowering feeling she had because of her shaved head, since she only did it because she was drunk. It's distasteful tbh, and pretty much ruins the beauty is not only physical theme. You give Nazeera a hijab that not only shows power to her as a woman but also power in her beliefs, but the valley girl gets a little drunk and heartbroken...just sayin LOL, but yeah whatever. What do I know. You do you girl. Tl;dr: good story, bad actors. Prepare yourself for the 2007 Britney Spears tribute. #bromance

Omg, the Shatter Me series has been my life for the past month and a half or so. KENJI is my life!!!!! I absolutely love him; one of the most hilarious and memorable characters I have ever come across in any book. Words cannot even express how much I love Kenji. The series in general is just extremely emotional and complicated and there's always a lot going on. Ok now I'll say more specifically about Restore Me... First of all, I do have a couple critical things. I think it was a huge waste of paper to spend like two or three blank pages just to signify whose chapter it is. Also, I really wasn't expecting that ending, which is not a good thing. I won't spoil it but it's actually really disturbing what happens in the second to last chapter. :/ Ok, here are the things I really enjoyed: As stated, I LOVE KENJI!!!!!! I love his jokes, how he supports Juliette through everything, how he curses, and how he calls Juliette "J." The Warner and Juliette making out scenes are AMAZINGLY written. Warner really reminds me of myself. I beat myself up over little things all the time, so the parts when he was like "this is all my fault" or "i am such an idiot" really resonated with me. I liked getting to hear some things from his point of view. I never would've realized he reminds me of myself if Mafi hadn't written Restore Me this way. Similarly, because (as she admits) there's a ton she doesn't know about being supreme commander, Juliette obviously isn't 100% confident in her ability to lead. I resonated with that too and I think we all have moments where we doubt ourselves. I really, really appreciate that Warner is making an effort to hang out with Adam like he said he would in Ignite Me. I would definitely hold Mafi accountable if she didn't include any of that. I was really glad Adam admitted he was mean to Juliette. I started to hate him in Ignite Me when he wouldn't stop yelling at her and calling her insane. At first I honestly didn't know how to feel about Restore Me as a continuation of the series. I was used to more action-packed battles from the first three books, but i eventually realized that's not the purpose of Restore Me. The book does a great job at developing Warner's character, their relationship, and everyone's past. It is super, SUPER emotional. I honestly don't know what else there is to say... All in all as I said this series is totally my life. I don't think I'll ever read a better book/series.

I LOVED THIS BOOK. I REPEAT: I LOVED THIS BOOK. No one is more surprised than me by just how much I loved this book. In fact, I am so fond of this book that I wanted to immediately start reading it again as soon as I finished reading it. Honestly, the Shatter Me series has never been one of my favorites. Sure, I like it, and I was excited when I saw the news that Tahereh Mafi was planning on releasing (3?) new books in the series, but I wasn’t excited to the point of being over the moon about the new additions. It’s been a while since I have read the original three books in this series, and at some point (hopefully soon) I need to go back and give them a reread to see if my opinions on each book has changed. I really loved the third book in the series, Ignite Me (BECAUSE, WARNETTE) but from what I can remember, I thought the first book was just okay, while I had a hard time making it through Unravel Me, the second book in the series. But there is one thing I have loved about each of the books in the series, despite any negative opinions I may have had, and that is Tahereh’s beautiful writing style. Her writing is just so unique, and it is that very reason that I continued reading this series, despite the fact that I wasn’t captivated by the plot of the first book. Restore Me follows the aftermath of the events of Ignite Me, and shit gets real. I loved everything about this book. The plot. The character development. The Writing. It was so interesting to see how Juliette, a 17 year old, would handle all the power suddenly at her exposure, as she is the new head of Sector 45. This book is told in alternating view points, from the perspectives of Juliette and Warner. I really love that Tahereh decided to tell the story this way and give us glimpse into their thoughts and everything they were feeling, as they both had so much going on, internally and externally. In the midst of everything they are already dealing with, they hit some snags in their relationship, and although I wanted them to be living happily ever after forever and ever with no problems whatsoever, the relationship problems they are facing are very realistic and its understandable that the problems in which they are facing come into play. (But they better get that happily ever after!) Due to everything Juliette and Warner are dealing with, and everything that they have endured within their pasts, they are both naturally struggling with anxiety, and I was especially drawn towards Warner’s struggles with anxiety. Everything he was feeling in regards to his anxiety was understandable, given everything he has been through in life, and the way in which his anxiety was described was just so painfully real. As someone who struggles with anxiety on a daily basis, I was very impressed with the way in which Tahereh described what its like to be suffocated by anxiety. I wanted to reach into the pages of this book and give Warner a hug. As for my thoughts on Juliette: she is wonderful and amazing and so strong and I am so proud of her for everything she has overcome and everything that she has achieved thus far and I can’t wait to see what she accomplishes next. You are doing amazing sweetie, and I am rooting for you every step of the way. This book also features some of my favorite chapters/scenes from the Shatter Me series so far. The scenes I speak of all are scenes that include Warner/Juliette and Warner/Kenji. Also: Kenji is his usual wonderful, perfect self and my love for him continues to grow as the series progresses. Just wanted to throw that out there. AND THAT ENDING. I am still at a loss for words. I need the next book and I need it now! Okay, I am going to end this review here, as I know what I have written is a rambling mess and I will more than likely come back and edit the entire thing at some point. I just want it to be known that I loved Restore Me and I will be impatiently counting down the days until the release of the next book!

I am so shocked the plot twisted is crazy , i cannot believe it i stared at the door with my mouth open for the past ten minutes the cliff hanger is crazy omg