fiction

Having not come across any talk about the Shatter Me series by Tahere Mafi before I started reading, I didn’t really know what to expect from these books. I picked them up for a steal from The Works and I don’t know why, but from the blurb I’d envisioned more of a fantasy world and thus the dystopian vibe totally took me by surprise. It took me a while to figure out this new world and thus get into the story, but once I did, I enjoyed reading something a little different to my recent romantasy streak. Here’s a little spoiler free update on my thoughts so far.

Book one very much sets the scene as you go on a journey of discovery alongside protagonist Juliette, who’s been locked away and shielded from the outside world and is only just learning about it’s new structure. I’d say it’s a busy enough start to the series and the story progresses quickly, however, Shatter Me – book one, only received a 3/5 Stars from me. Although not a big book, it took me quite a while to get through as I just wasn’t hooked yet.

Book two Unravel Me, was an improvement on book one as I now understood the world setting better. The storyline progresses and you’re introduced to new characters alongside watching the main characters develop further. There’s enough intrigue created to want to see where the plot takes you, however I was feeling underwhelmed with the general storyline and relationship drama between Adam & Juliette alongside irritating character traits take over too much of the story. What ultimately saves this book from becoming another 3/5 Stars in my eyes, is the intrigue building around Juliette and her relationship with Warner. The last few chapters made me eager to pick up book three to see how my suspicions would play out and thus I ended up rating Unravel Me 4/5 Stars.

Although perhaps predictable, I enjoyed seeing other sides to characters develop in Ignite Me, book three of the Shatter Me series by Tahere Mafi. Saying that, there was however once again too much naivety and drama involved within the romantic relationships and it almost concentrated on those too much and left the main plot a bit underdeveloped and unrealistic. I’m all for girl power, but I don’t feel like Juliette had matured enough to end up where she does at the end of book three, and Warner and Adam’s charter transformations are perhaps a tad too much for my liking. The only secondary character I like and who seems to stay consistent is Kenji. I gave book three another 4/5 Stars however I feel like my ratings keep swaying a little with this series. It’s quite an easy read meaning I can get hooked easy enough and enjoy getting to see where the series leads me, but once I start comparing it other books I start to doubt my decisions and my opinions sway.

If you’ve read this series I’d love to know your thoughts.

For Piglet – an unshakable childhood nickname – getting married is her opportunity to reinvent. Together, Kit and Piglet are the picture of domestic bliss – effortless hosts, planning a covetable wedding…

But if a life looks too good to be true, it probably is.

Thirteen days before they are due to be married, Kit reveals an awful truth, cracking the façade Piglet has created. It has the power to strip her of the life she has so carefully built, so smugly shared.

To do something about it would be to self-destruct.

But what will it cost her to do nothing?

As the hours count down to their wedding, Piglet is torn between a growing appetite and the desire to follow the recipe, follow the rules. Surely, with her husband, she could be herself again. Wouldn’t it be a waste for everything to curdle now?

WHAT – A – BOOK! Someone please tell me they’ve read this?! I need to discuss this with someone!

I would say 90% of the time I was reading Piglet, I just felt uncomfortable. Did anyone else experience this? I think it was a combination of things which created this sense of unease within me. Saying that I still gave Piglet 4 Stars initially because it made an impact.

Piglet is a fascinating take on a very real life scenario, watching the life someone has so meticulously built up around themselves come crashing down. You get taken along for a rollercoaster ride that takes you deep into the inner workings of what make Piglet tick.

I wasn’t a fan of the protagonist or any of the characters for that matter and I found myself quick to negatively judge and react to how everyone delt with the situations that arose. It was interesting though to experience this emotional reaction and dig deeper into how this story was making me feel and reflect on my own life, opinions and experiences.

The whole book is very much written through the eyes of Piglets appreciation for good food which is described so beautifully it makes you want to join her on a feast of culinary delights. Hazell brings a delightfully sensuous touch to the topics covered in Piglet and her sublime depictions almost distract from the darker undertone. There is a fine balance trying to be upheld and the lines between enjoyment, indulgence, comfort seeking and overindulgence start to blur.

At it’s core I feel that Piglet explores the notion of what is/brings happiness? Hazell tackles topics of self worth, family dynamics, feelings of belonging, money struggles, a clash of classes and upbringing, dream life vs reality and our vices for escapism, all the while probing us on of how we choose to cope with said issues.

This was a surprise read for me, as in it wasn’t what I was expecting. I’ve never had such a reaction to a book before, but certain parts resonated, got me thinking and left an impression. Thus, especially since sitting with it for a while, I think I actually need to boost my rating up to a 4.5 Stars.

Now I’d love to know who else has read Piglet by Lottie Hazell and what did you think?! Please start a discussion in the comments – I need to know more! Am I the only one who felt uncomfortable whilst reading this book?