10 Jun Book Review: Unravel Me by Tahereh Mafi
Tahereh Mafi continues her Shatter Me series with Unravel Me, a gripping sequel that delves deeper into the complexities of power, identity, and emotional turmoil. This installment intensifies the stakes, exploring the intricacies of Juliette’s relationships and the burgeoning resistance against the oppressive Reestablishment.
‘Shatter Me’ series
What’s it about?
Unravel Me picks up shortly after the events of Shatter Me, with Juliette Ferrars seeking refuge at Omega Point, a hidden underground facility housing individuals with extraordinary abilities. Despite being surrounded by others like her, Juliette struggles with feelings of isolation and self-doubt, haunted by her lethal touch and the fear of harming those around her.
Her relationship with Adam Kent, her first love, becomes increasingly strained as they discover that his immunity to her touch is not absolute. Adam’s ability to suppress others’ powers falters as his body begins to recognize Juliette as non-threatening, making physical contact painful and dangerous for him. This revelation forces Juliette to confront the reality that their love may be untenable, leading to a heart-wrenching decision to part ways for his safety.
As Juliette grapples with her personal demons, she begins training to harness her powers under the guidance of Castle, the leader of Omega Point. Her journey toward self-acceptance is tumultuous, marked by moments of progress and setbacks. Kenji Kishimoto, a fellow Omega Point member with the ability to become invisible, emerges as a steadfast friend and mentor, offering both tough love and unwavering support.
The narrative takes a turn when Juliette encounters Warner, the enigmatic and dangerous son of the Reestablishment’s supreme commander. Captured and held at Omega Point, Warner reveals unexpected depths, including a vulnerability to Juliette’s touch and a complex history that challenges her perceptions of him. Their interactions are charged with tension, blurring the lines between enemy and ally.
The stakes escalate as the Reestablishment intensifies its efforts to quash the resistance. Juliette and her allies embark on missions that test their abilities and resolve, including a perilous operation to secure supplies. During one such mission, Juliette witnesses Warner displaying compassion toward a stray dog, a moment that further complicates her feelings toward him.
The climax of the novel is marked by a confrontation with Warner’s father, Anderson, the ruthless leader of the Reestablishment. In a shocking act of violence, Anderson shoots Juliette, leaving her gravely wounded. Warner’s desperate efforts to save her, including channeling the healing abilities of others, reveal a capacity for care that contrasts sharply with his earlier actions.
Unravel Me concludes with Juliette recovering from her injuries, her resolve strengthened, and her understanding of her powers deepened. The lines between friend and foe remain blurred, setting the stage for further exploration of loyalty, identity, and resistance in the series’ continuation.
What This Chick Thinks
Emotional Depth and Character Development
Mafi excels in portraying Juliette’s internal struggles, capturing the nuances of her journey toward self-acceptance. The evolution of Juliette’s relationships, particularly with Adam and Warner, adds layers of complexity to the narrative. Kenji’s role as a grounding presence provides much-needed levity and perspective—he’s easily one of the best characters in the series, full stop.
Themes of Power and Identity
This is where the book shines for me. Juliette’s power isn’t just about destruction—it’s about potential, repression, fear, and growth. The metaphors aren’t subtle, but they don’t need to be. Mafi is clearly more interested in emotional resonance than political world-building, and in this kind of story, that works. Watching Juliette begin to reframe her touch—from a curse to a weapon, and then from a weapon to a gift—is deeply satisfying.
Writing Style and Narrative Structure
Mafi’s lyrical prose and use of strikethroughs give Juliette’s inner monologue a raw, unstable quality that works beautifully with her emotional state. Some readers find the style too dramatic or overwrought, but personally, I love it—it feels like cracking open someone’s unfiltered diary mid-crisis. The style softens slightly in this book as Juliette grows more confident, which is a really clever narrative touch.
Final Thoughts
Unravel Me is more than just a second book in a dystopian YA series—it’s a deep dive into the psyche of a girl who’s been told she’s dangerous and unlovable, and who starts to believe she might be something more. It’s messy, romantic, frustrating, and often beautiful. While it doesn’t move the plot forward dramatically, the emotional stakes are high, and for a character-driven reader like me, that’s enough to stay invested.
Rating: 8/10
Try it if you like:
- Delirium by Lauren Oliver – Explores forbidden love and societal control in a dystopian setting.
- Legend by Marie Lu – Features dual perspectives and a gripping tale of rebellion and identity.
- The Darkest Minds by Alexandra Bracken – Centers on teens with extraordinary abilities fighting against an oppressive regime.
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