My TBR List Review ~ Ignite Me ~ Tahereh Mafi

My To-Be Read List is a meme hosted by Michelle @Because Reading. I think it's a fabulous idea because it gets y'all in the game and it helps me knock off some of the many, many books on my TBR list. You're more than welcome to join in the fun! I've included the basic rules below but you can click on the graphic above to hop over to Michelle's site where you can find all the details. 

Here's how it works:
On the first Saturday of each month, I will make a post with three books from my TBR List (these books can be already on your ereader or bookshelf OR books you might want to purchase) and add your link on the linky that will be provided on Michelle's post. Y'ALL will help me choose which book I will read next. The following Saturday, I will announce which book won. Then the last Saturday of the month, I'll post my review.

Fun, right?!?

***

Ignite Me by Tahereh Mafi
Shatter Me #3
Release Date: February 4, 2014
Genre: YA Fantasy
Source: Purchased paperback
Rating: 4.5 Bookworms
Goodreads

Synopsis
With Omega Point destroyed, Juliette doesn't know if the rebels, her friends, or even Adam are alive. But that won't keep her from trying to take down The Reestablishment once and for all. Now she must rely on Warner, the handsome commander of Sector 45. The one person she never thought she could trust. The same person who saved her life. He promises to help Juliette master her powers and save their dying world...but that's not all he wants with her.

Holy WOW! What an ending! I've heard this book was rather polarizing but I obviously fall on the positive side of camp because I can't even fathom what was not to like.

• I adored that Mafi explored the themes of self discovery and self-realization in this way. It's something every teen experiences, although not necessarily under such extreme circumstances. We all have differences in how we were raised, in our abilities, our fears, etc. And I think she also aptly described how things sometimes work out when people grow and change.
• Mafi's prose is incredible, in my opinion. Her use of metaphor - particularly in reference to words and language - is genius. I kept having to stop and read passages to whoever happened to be close by.
• Her characters are so well developed. Their personalities are so distinct and I felt their reactions - especially in certain situations - was so real. No, I may not have liked those reactions, but they felt authentic to me.
• Mafi's depiction of how desolate the world could become sans hope, and how hope, even the tiniest glimmer of hope, can add so much vivid color to our lives was visceral.
• Warner *sigh* I adore Warner. He said something about Adam maintaining his humanity when he couldn't and it made me sad to think that he couldn't see his own humanity - and happy that Juliette could.
• I admired and adored Juliette as well, for reaching deep and finding her strength...for having the courage to become what she was meant to be, embracing it even.

I think that's all I want to say. I'm quite satisfied with how Mafi wrapped things up. And I'm eager to see what she'll come up with next.

My TBR List ~ November ~ And the Winner is...

My To-Be Read List is a meme hosted by Michelle @Because Reading. I think it's a fabulous idea because it gets y'all in the game and it helps me knock off some of the many, many books on my TBR list. You're more than welcome to join in the fun! I've included the basic rules below but you can click on the graphic above to hop over to Michelle's site where you can find all the details. 

Here's how it works:
On the first Saturday of each month, I will make a post with three books from my TBR List (these books can be already on your ereader or bookshelf OR books you might want to purchase) and add your link on the linky that will be provided on Michelle's post. Y'ALL will help me choose which book I will read next. The following Saturday, I will announce which book won. Then the last Saturday of the month, I'll post my review.

Fun, right?!?

***

And the winner, by a vote of 10 to 8, is:

Ignite Me
Shatter Me #3

Synopsis
With Omega Point destroyed, Juliette doesn't know if the rebels, her friends, or even Adam are alive. But that won't keep her from trying to take down The Reestablishment once and for all. Now she must rely on Warner, the handsome commander of Sector 45. The one person she never thought she could trust. The same person who saved her life. He promises to help Juliette master her powers and save their dying world...but that's not all he wants with her.


Thanks, everyone, for voting. Also, I'm sure you'll see reviews of Sinner and Taken by Storm sooner than later since I'm only 1 behind in those series so it'll be a quick catch up. :)

My TBR List ~ November ~ Let's Vote

My To-Be Read List is a meme hosted by Michelle @Because Reading. I think it's a fabulous idea because it gets y'all in the game and it helps me knock off some of the many, many books on my TBR list. You're more than welcome to join in the fun! I've included the basic rules below but you can click on the graphic above to hop over to Michelle's site where you can find all the details. 

Here's how it works:
On the first Saturday of each month, I will make a post with three books from my TBR List (these books can be already on your ereader or bookshelf OR books you might want to purchase) and add your link on the linky that will be provided on Michelle's post. Y'ALL will help me choose which book I will read next. The following Saturday, I will announce which book won. Then the last Saturday of the month, I'll post my review.

Fun, right?!?

***

As you may or may not know, I've dedicated the months of November and December to doing series catch up - Traveling to the Terminus. There are a few series where I'm only 1 or 2 books behind. And y'all are going to help decide which one of these I catch up on in November! This month is YA-themed. Here are the choices:


Taken by Storm
Raised by Wolves #3

Synopsis
Bryn knows first-hand that being the alpha of a werewolf pack means making hard decisions, and that being human makes things a thousand times worse. She's prepared to give up her humanity, but the wolf who promised to Change her is waiting - though for what, Bryn doesn't know. Still human, she must take her place in the werewolf Senate, the precarious democracy that rules the North American packs. Standing side by side with werewolves who were ancient long before she was ever born is enough of a challenge, but Bryn soon learns that the Senate has been called to deal with a problem: the kind of problem that involved human bodies, a Rabid werewolf, and memories that Bryn, Chase, and the rest of their pack would rather forget. With bodies stacking up and political pressure closing in from all sides, Bryn and her pack are going to have to turn to old enemies and even older friends for help - especially when it starts to look like this time, the monster might be one of their own.

Ignite Me
Shatter Me #3

Synopsis
With Omega Point destroyed, Juliette doesn't know if the rebels, her friends, or even Adam are alive. But that won't keep her from trying to take down The Reestablishment once and for all. Now she must rely on Warner, the handsome commander of Sector 45. The one person she never thought she could trust. The same person who saved her life. He promises to help Juliette master her powers and save their dying world...but that's not all he wants with her.






Sinner
Wolves of Mercy Falls #4

Synopsis
found.
Cole St. Clair has come to California for one reason: to get Isabel Culpeper back. She fled from his damaged, drained life, and damaged and drained it even more. He doesn't just want her. He needs her.

lost.
Isabel is trying to build herself a life in Los Angeles. It's not really working. She can play the game as well as all the other fakes...but what's the point? What is there to win?

sinner.
Cole and Isabel share a past that never seemed to have a future. They have the power to save each other and the power to tear each other apart. The only thing for certain is that they cannot let go.




Okay, now vote!

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**That's What HE Said ~ #17**

That's What He Said is a weekly meme hosted by the lovely ladies @Chapter Break. Here's the deal: every Thursday, post a line from your book boyfriend to his heroine. Keep in mind, these are direct quotes from dialog in the books. The quote doesn't have to be romantic - just something our hunky hero said to his lucky lady. Be sure to link up over at Chapter Break as well.

My pick this week for That's What He Said is from:

Destroy Me by Tahereh Mafi

from the Shatter Me Series

***

And I've fallen.

So hard.

I've hit the ground. Gone right through it. Never in my life have I felt this. Nothing like this. I've felt shame and cowardice, weakness and strength. I've known terror and indifference, self-hate and general disgust. I've seen things that cannot be unseen.

And yet I've known nothing like this terrible, horrible, paralyzing feeling. I feel crippled. Desperate and out of control. And it keeps getting worse. Every day I feel sick. Empty and somehow aching.

Love is a heartless bastard.

I'm 100% Team Warner! 

I still have to read the last in the series, but I love this series and Mafi's writing!!

**#Jumble Your Genres Review ~ Unravel Me ~ Tahereh Mafi**

The genre for May was Dystopian. I chose to read Unravel Me by Tahereh Mafi. Obviously, my review is late. :)

***

Unravel Me by Taherah Mafi
Shatter Me #2
Release Date: Genre: YA Dystopian/Fantasy
Source: I purchased a paperback
Rating: 5 Bookworms

Synopsis
ticktick

tick

tick

tick

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 restistance.

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.

Wow! Unravel Me was an excellent followup to Shatter Me. It has a slightly different feel - mainly because we aren't reading Juliette's journal - but the story is even more exciting and is told in Mafi's exquisite prose.

In Unravel Me, we see Juliette working with Omega Point - training and trying to learn more about and how to control her gift. Along the way, Juliette's relationship with Adam evolves in unexpected ways. We see her begin to make attempts at friendship with others. And she's still thinking of Warner. (*swoon*)

What makes this story amazing is that Mafi creates this stark world - a world heading toward war, with characters set in their belief that their way is the right way - this suspenseful, exciting fantasy/dystopian story, and wraps it around very important lessons. It's incredible that Mafi weaves lessons on learning to love and accept yourself...that it's our differences that make us special. And lessons on not judging others based on preconceived notions. Juliette suffered horribly because of people judging her and then she did the same thing to Warner.

I was so offended and upset on Juliette's behalf. The people of Omega Point treated her no differently than anyone ever has. And Castle - he tells her she's selfish - not trying to make friends or fit in. I couldn't wrap my head around his not understanding that she's had 17 years of no love, no friends, no compassion, no touching. How would she even know how to go about making friends?

It was an incredibly awe-inspiring thing to witness Juliette mature - accept herself and decide to use her gift in a way she chooses. She had to endure even more pain but she made some decisions on her own, stood up for herself. Good stuff!

Mafi also throws in some twists and turns in the plot that were very unexpected and yet made things so clear. I don't what to say much about Adam and Warner to avoid being spoilery. Y'all know I have a thing for Warner and my feelings grew even deeper in this installment.

I cannot wait to read Adam's novella and Ignite Me! I need to know how it all turns out. I only wish I could read them NOW! :)

**That's What HE Said ~ #6**

That's What He Said is a weekly meme hosted by the lovely ladies @Chapter Break. Here's the deal: every Thursday, post a line from your book boyfriend to his heroine. Keep in mind, these are direct quotes from dialog in the books. The quote doesn't have to be romantic - just something our hunky hero said to his lucky lady. Be sure to link up over at Chapter Break as well.

This week's That's What He Said is from Unravel Me by Tahereh Mafi.

***

"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. 

-Warner to Juliette

I'm so in love this with this series and with Warner! ;) This is Warner essentially making sure Juliette is aware of his intentions. It was an amazing scene. If you haven't yet read this series, it is a MUST read.

**Teaser Tuesday ~ #21**

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

***

ticktick

tick

tick

tick

it's almots

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 restistance.

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.

***Teaser***

I find myself thinking about Warner too much.

I remember his eyes and his odd kindness and his cruel, calculating demeanor. I remember the way he looked at me when I first jumped out the window to escape and I remember the horror on his face when I pointed his own gun at his heart and then I wonder at my preoccupation with this person who is nothing like me and still so similar.

**Review ~ Destroy Me ~ Tahereh Mafi**

Destroy Me by Tahereh Mafi
Shatter Me Series #1.5 
Release Date: January 1, 2012
Genre: YA Dystopian/Fantasy
Source: I purchased an ecopy on my Kindle
Rating: 5 Bookworms

Synopsis
In Tahereh Mafi's Shatter Me, Juliette escaped from the Reestablishment by seducing Warner - and then putting a bullet in his shoulder. But as she'll learn in Destroy Me, Warner is not that easy to get rid of...

Back at the base and recovering from his near-fatal wound, Warner must do everything in his power to keep his soldiers in check and suppress any mention of a rebellion in the sector. Still as obsessed with Juliette as ever, his first priority is to find her, bring her back, and dispose of Adam and Kenji, the two traitors who helped her escape. But when Warner's father, The Supreme Commander of the Reestablishment, arrives to correct his son's mistakes, it's clear that he has much different plans for Juliette. Plans Warner simply cannot allow.

Set after Shatter Me and before its sequel, Unravel Me, Destroy Me is a novella told from the perspective of Warner, the ruthless leader of Sector 45. 

 

Oh my GOOD.NESS! Destroy Me is an intimate and fascinating look inside Warner's head. Yep...Warner! *swoon*

Destroy Me allows us a view into Warner's thoughts and actions, both past and present, following the events at the end of Shatter Me. I must say I've fallen even harder for this seemingly ruthless young man.

Here we get a few answers as to why Warner became obsessed with Juliette. We are made privy to a few inside secrets of Warner's. And through Warner's reading of Juliette's journal, we learn that Warner and Juliette truly are more alike than either would probably like to admit.

We also witness the interactions between Warner and his father, The Supreme Commander. These interactions are very telling and explain so much about the man Warner has become. 

We're also allowed more glimpses of Warner's softer side - those underlying redeeming qualities I knew existed in him. My heart kinda broke for him. His intentions towards Juliette are good and noble. He truly does care for Juliette and although they may have been brought together under inauspicious circumstances, Warner saw something of himself in Juliette. And he's determined to get her back - to win her.