Latest Read: Unravel Me

Here are the basics ...
Unravel Me by Tahereh Mafi
Publication date: Feb. 5, 2013
Publisher: HarperCollins
Category: Young Adult - Dystopian
Source: Purchased

Summary: 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. (Adapted goodreads.com) 

My thoughts…

The good: There are three things I have to say first: I loved Unravel Me, Tareheh Mafi's writing is amazing and I may have jumped ship to Team Warner (!!).

Just like its predecessor Shatter Me, the writing style continues to reflect Juliette's fractured mind. Even though she's "free", that doesn't erase the years of emotional and mental damage that's already been done. The author uses strikethroughs, short sentences, run-on ones and repetition to represent that and somehow manages to maintain a certain rhythm to her words. It's almost like poetry at times. It just swept me up into Juliette's thought process and feelings. It's so unique and I love it.

Juliette continues to evolve in this book and I have a feeling that I will love her character more than ever in the third. In Shatter Me, she was in constant fear of herself and her abilities. In Unravel Me, she still struggles with that same fear but she's on the brink of taking control and owning her powers. I kept waiting for that moment. It's definitely a slow progression that did feel frustrating at times but I think the wait paid off in the end and in little moments throughout the book. She's a badass but one with heart and an innocence that really made me feel for her character. I wanted her to be powerful, open herself up to friends, communicate out loud more and get the guy. Which brings me to a very important question - which guy?

I never considered that I would fall for Warner's character (and I tried to resist!). I really thought I was Team Adam through and through. Unravel Me seriously changed all that. I'm not excusing all the horrible things Warner has done but I saw exactly what Juliette saw. That he's also a victim in a way - of his upbringing, never knowing the love of his father, a scared boy trying to be the man he's expected to be and his intense feelings for Juliette. I don't doubt that he sees a kindred spirit in her (also chapter 62? Hot!). I enjoyed the moments when Juliette would let her guard down around and be herself around him. But.. I haven't written off Adam completely either. He's a good guy too but my issue with him is that he constantly tries to shield or protect Juliette from the truth and even from herself. I wish he'd have more faith in her abilities and who she can be. She needs to accept all of who she is and even though that's something neither guy can do for her, I'm sure she'd appreciate the support. Which right now, I think she gets from Warner. They seem to have the passion and the friendship so.. I'm rooting for him! (At least momentarily.)

(Potential) reservations: I somewhat mentioned this already but Juliette does spend a bit of time wallowing and I wanted her to snap out of it sooner (Kenji helps her with this, another character I love!). Also if the writing style in the first book didn't appeal to you, then you'll feel the same way about Unravel Me.

Do I recommend?: If my longer than usual review isn't obvious enough.. yes I highly recommend this series!

Happy reading!