I'm not sure how I'm feeling about this do let's go with a 4 rating ( )

I read the first 3 Shatter Me books but was hesitant to continue the series because I heard mixed reviews after book 3. I see why. A lot of filler and a few questionable choices.

This undoes Warner's cool and mystique though we've known bits of his twisted upbringing and acknowledges that he's human and has visceral emotions. The story forces him to strip down his walls. He breaks down, has panic attacks, and has self-doubt. He also gets heartbroken.

It also piles on as a “telenovela meets major EDGEFEST” too. I'm talking Shadow the Hedgehog levels of edge. Reactions to Nazeera's character may vary, but she was fine to me. Also, I know Warner's head over heels for her, but I just thought it would take Juliette longer to really fall for him. She's real lovesick for someone previously having sociopathic tendencies. The last book teased her undeniable draw to him, but this just amps it up x10. These two were in heat.

Mafi generally does a good job with Warner and Juliette. She's like if you want enemies to lovers, fine, but here's how it would play out realistically after all those lies and secrets. This is one of those frustrating "play keep away with communication" stories, but it has stakes and makes sense.

Most of my enjoyment comes from the characters. Kenji is gold, and I love his relationship with Juliette. Straight facts no chaser. There's a hinted love interest for him that was ultimately underdeveloped, outside of attraction, but it's dropped as quickly as it came. In addition, I still enjoy Juliette's poetic, dramatic narrative. She felt like a real teenager. She feels x10 after stifling her emotions for so long.

I don't know what has happened to Kent. Dude's been phoning it in these couple of books. The last book was a character assassination, but this one is major whiplash. First, he's depressed but showing more drug withdrawal symptoms (I'm sorry, but I really thought he was on crack), then he's SpongeBob and everything's funny and lighthearted??? Honestly, he's barely there.

One thing these books are always entertaining though the ending of this book was so… Disheartening? It’s like one step forward, 400 steps back. ( )

I put this off for so long. I was worried that it wouldn't be as good as the original 3 books. Man, I was so wrong. The ending was incredible. ( )

I don’t even have words for how I feel. At points, I liked it, then other times, it felt like several steps had gone backward. Just that ending leaves me completely turned and wanting to discover what is happening, even though I will probably hate it. ( )

I wish I’d read this book when I was younger because now, at age 20, reading some of this dialogue and drama has me laughing instead of fearing for the characters’ fates.

I mean seriously—and no hate at all when I say this—what on earth are they thinking??? It is hilarious in certain scenes.

To get on to a more serious review of the book, it was not particularly remarkable. Some of the plot progression was awkward and strange, although it was saved from being a two-star review by the sheer entertainment of this drama. I feel like I am watching a reality TV series about teenagers with superpowers and it’s incredible. Will not reread, but still. ( )