Tahereh Mafi published her first book in November 2011. Her debut novel, Shatter Me, captured the hearts of thousands of young adults and launched a series that included multiple stories, books, and novellas.
With its unique blend of dystopia, fantasy, and romance, the Shatter Me book series takes readers on a thrilling journey through Juliette’s eyes, making it an exciting option for YA readers hungry for more unique premises and engaging dynamics.
Curious? Read along to discover a—mostly—spoiler-free guide to the world ruled by The Reestablishment.
- Discover Me: The Series
- Understand Me: The Premise
- Explore Me: The World
- Acknowledge Me: The Characters
- Read Me: The Books
- Who Should Read the Shatter Me Book Series?
Discover Me: The Series
The Shatter Me book series is a young adult (YA) collection of six main books and five novellas, published from 2011 until 2021. The storyline remains within the limits of the YA genre while incorporating elements from romance, fantasy, supernatural, and dystopian genres.
The writing style makes it unique and stands out from similar novels, as it reflects the state of mind of its protagonist, Juliette. For example, the first book has a confusing and abstract writing style, reflecting Juliette’s chaotic mind after prolonged solitude. Many words are scratched out as Juliette reassesses her conceptions and thoughts.
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Understand Me: The Premise
Shatter Me and the following books center around the story and mind of Juliette, a 17-year-old girl who is in solitary confinement in an asylum after the accidental murder of a young boy. The weapon she used was nothing but herself—she is cursed with a lethal touch that makes her able to kill with a simple caress.
But what Juliette deems a curse, The Reestablishment considers a blessing. And as any dictatorial government, it will always seek to use its best weapons. It is up to Juliette to learn how to set the path from weapon to warrior.
Explore Me: The World
The Shatter Me book series is a dystopian YA story in a post-apocalyptic hellscape. The quality of life is below inhuman, food is scarce, diseases are rampant, and the environment is as adverse as possible. However, in this world, some people seem to be different—special, even.
In these conditions, The Reestablishment attempts to take over and restore order amidst the chaos. However, not all imposed orders are improvements, and not every establishment is positive.
In these terms, the Shatter Me book series is a unique storyline that combines elements from X-Men, Shadow, and Bone with a dash of Hunger Games and Stranger Things.
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Acknowledge Me: The Characters
Unlike other YA stories, the Shatter Me book series emphasizes character development and growth more than worldbuilding, even though both are important.
As such, the characters are the heart of the story, and their interwoven dynamics—as well as the ubiquitous love triangle of YA books from the 2010s—are the main appeal, with the backdrop of the unique circumstances of their world.
The protagonist is Juliette Ferrars, a heroine who showcases some Ophelia-like traits after being driven half-mad through her extended isolation. Her powers can harm others with a simple touch, which causes her tremendous inner turmoil.
Adam Kent first appears in the story after becoming Juliette’s cellmate and eventual trusted friend—all while carrying deep secrets.
On the other hand, Aaron Warner has a power position within The Reestablishment and is in direct opposition to Juliette, yet he cannot help but be immensely drawn to her—and her power.
Surrounding them is a cast of colorful characters that are undoubtedly fan favorites: Kenji Kishimoto, James Kent, and many more.
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Read Me: The Books
The Shatter Me book series comprises six books divided into two trilogies. The first one—the original—was published from 2011 to 2014. The second one follows the original cast and involves three more books, one yearly, running from 2018 to 2020.
Likewise, the series has five novellas published across three books as additional supplementary material.
Shatter Me
Published in 2011, Shatter Me is the series’ first book, lending it its name and kickstarting the overarching plotline. Mafi masterfully establishes the premise within its pages, and we first meet the main protagonist, deuteragonist, and antagonist.
Juliette is dangerous—a single touch can kill anyone. One accidental murder took her freedom, as she spent nearly a year in solitude, sentenced by the all-powerful Reestablishment. Her isolation ends when she is taken to Sector 45 and meets Adam Kent, but she discovers she is meant to be a weapon under the watch of Sector 45’s leader, Warner.
That is why she must escape.
Unravel Me
The second entry in the Shatter Me book series, Unravel Me, continues the plot points established in the first book.
Upon escaping Sector 45, Juliette finally finds solace upon her arrival at Omega Point, a secret organization aiming to destroy The Reestablishment comprised of people like Juliette—in more ways than one.
However, her fight against The Reestablishment is not the only problem in her mind. After all, she cannot stop thinking about Adam and Warner and the reason behind their unique immunity to her deadly touch.
Ignite Me
Everything changes for Juliette in Ignite Me, the third novel in the Shatter Me book series.
With everything she knows and has learned to love far away from her reach, Juliette finds herself alone. With no one to turn to and unable to even know if Adam is still alive, she must come to terms with her situation and rely on the only person she can count on now: Warner.
He saved her life, but can she trust him? And can she deal with the changes around her?
Restore Me
The fourth book in the series, Restore Me, was released after a four-year gap from Ignite Me, thrilling the fans of the saga with further exploration of Juliette and Sector 45.
Following the events of the last book, Juliette enjoys the relief of believing she has finally won. As Supreme Commander of Sector 45, she thought herself safe. But when tragedy strikes, she must challenge herself and see if she can use her curse for good.
Defy Me
On the pages of Defy Me, leadership does not come easy to Juliette, and the struggles of a broken heart make it harder for her to reign the inner darkness that threatens to blossom.
When Warner proves he has not been truthful, Juliette must face the inner secrets about her family and identity that can change her life forever while balancing leadership and diplomacy when other world leaders arrive.
Imagine Me
The finale of the Shatter Me book series, Imagine Me, brings a satisfying—if controversial—conclusion to Juliette’s story and the surrounding plotlines of the people she is the closest to.
Within the pages, Juliette must face one final challenge summarized in a simple question: who is Ella Sommers?
The Novellas
The Shatter Me book series comprises five novellas that provide supplementary material and different perspectives on the main storyline.
Unite Me contains the first two companion novellas: Destroy Me focuses on Warner after the events of Shatter Me, while Fracture Me tells Adam’s story between Unravel Me and Ignite Me.
The second collection is Find Me, which features two additional tales. First is Shadow Me, which gives the spotlight to Kenji after the events of Restore Me, followed by Reveal Me, taking place right before the grand finale.
The last novella is Believe Me, set after the end, but will it have a happy ending?
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Who Should Read the Shatter Me Book Series?
Shatter Me is the perfect book series for YA enthusiasts seeking to delve into a brand-new dystopian hellscape.
It gives the starring role to the human aspect of the genre—it follows Juliette, her inner demons, and her outer relationships. As such, it’s an ideal series for those who enjoy romance books, young adult books, mystery romances, and immersive narratives that reflect the mind state of the POV character.
