DEFY ME -TAHEREH MAFI (SUPER SPOILERY REVIEW)

Defy Me is the fifth book in the Shatter Me series by Tahereh Mafi.

STORY

The book picks up literally at the end of Restore Me, through Kenji's POV. If you saw Tahereh's Q&A on Instagram then you know she said this book was more about a "rescue mission" and I think that's an accurate description of it.

Juliette and Warner have both been taken, the rest of Omega Point is left without protection, Kenji is freaking out and refuses to believe they're dead, although everyone else does. Nazeera will then provide them key information on both their backgrounds and will help rescue them too.

There are plenty of flashbacks from both Warner and Juliette, which I adored! I think they played an important role in our understanding of the story and the depth of their relationship.

Two remarkable events of the story were: the Engagement “Yes. Yes to everything with you. Yes to forever with you. Yes.” (which was so cute!!!) and the Surprise Birthday Party.

CHARACTERS

KENJI

I've always loved him, his humor, loyalty and kindness. He is always looking out for everyone else, putting their needs before his. He feels forced to put on "a good show" for everyone else's sake, he's sad and lonely and I'm glad he finally (well probably) found someone who will care for him in a more intimate way.

WARNER (AARON)

I LOVE HIM!!! He is my all time favorite character! He has grown so much, he's evolved. He used to be completely cold, and although he's not the most warm person in the planet, he is more open to others, Kenji for example. He's happy now, well as happy as he could be. His love for Juliette is so intense, he cares for her, he's kind, gentle, smart. “And I realize then, in a moment that terrifies me, that I want this, forever. I want to spend the rest of my life with her. I want to build a future with her. I want to grow old with her.

I want to marry her.”

JULIETTE (ELLA)

As Warner she has grown a lot, in this book we see her discover the shocking truth about her identity, her real past, her relationship with Aaron. Knowing herself, truly understanding herself has given her a sense of freedom, which has made her embrace who she really is, and therefore allowed her to become a stronger person.

OTHERS

As for the rest, characters from Omega Point were kinda' selfish at the beginning when they didn't want to do anything in order to rescue Warner and Juliette, although I get that they were only trying to survive.

Surprise, surprise, Nouria is Castle's daughter, fun fact I thought she was his ex-wife.

Nazeera is strong, independent and not afraid of defending her ideals, I'm glad we could see more of her and some of the other children: Stephan and Haider.

SETTING

Yay! We saw new places, we were in a different continent and we finally know the extent and importance of Emmaline's abilities for the Reestablishment and for the world they have crafted to thrive.

FAVORITE QUOTE

“How can we stand against tyranny if we ourselves are filled with hate”

CONCLUSION

This book was very sweet and cheesy on one side and a little dark on the other side. Characters find joy, yes, but not before going through some awful stuff, not before learning hard truths, not before accepting themselves.

From the series so far it's not my favorite, but it's not the one I liked least, I'd say it occupies a place in the middle.

I give it 4.5 out of 5 stars. A series filled with round characters, who will grow to become better with each book, a romance to die for, filled with angst, a lyrical and unique writing style, and a story filled with plots that will only feed your hunger for more!

*PS: WARNER'S BIRTHDAY IS APRIL 24th.

THANK YOU FOR READING!