Book Thoughts: Restore Me by Tahereh Mafi
““They’re coming to collect their pound of flesh, and I fear that this time - as I have every time - I will end up paying with my heart.””
In a surprising addition to the Shatter Me series, Mafi picks up the universe almost exactly where she left off. Only sixteen days after the conclusion of Ignite Me, Juliette struggles to adapt to her new lifestyle and responsibilities. Killing the old Supreme Commander wasn't the end, but the beginning of a new regime - her regime, in fact.
But with power comes more responsibility than Juliette had ever imagined - how can you effectively lead others, when you have the power to kill others with only your fingertips? Sector 45 is at a standstill, effectively, and Juliette knows she must protect it from whatever happens next.
Instead of relying on her brute strength, Juliette must rely on her own wit and the strength and counsel of her friends to navigate this new political climate she is thrust into. Together, they must battle the skeletons of their own pasts and face the future - for each of them has a story that has not yet finished.
Though I tore through this book and finished it on the day of its release, it took a while for me to collect my thoughts on the story. I have mixed feelings about this book, and I'm still not sure if I've fully reconciled them.
I have always enjoyed Mafi's writing - her writing style is vastly different from many of the other authors I read, and I love how her style changes as the characters develop. For the first three books, you are only given a glimpse into Juliette's head, and as she grows into her own skin, she starts to doubt herself less - evident in how there are fewer sentences crossed out, and less situations where Juliette retreats into her own head.
From the start of Shatter Me, I appreciated how Mafi constructed Juliette's character - if you were to be locked up in isolation for around a year, you would have trouble adjusting to socializing once again, and Mafi's writing reflects that experience. In the same vein, I appreciated how Warner has trouble breaking out of his mindset, because if you had only to rely on yourself for nineteen years, you would not know how to open up to others easily and share your pain. To me, this was what made the characters feel most realistic.
Mafi continued this sense of realism in this story, evident in Juliette and Warner's relationship. They are bound to have problems with communication, given both of their history. Of course their pasts will come back to haunt them, because they have never before had a chance to breathe and come to terms with their trauma. Having split perspectives was freeing, in a sense; finally, we got to see what Warner was thinking. It was also nice to see Juliette sift through her thoughts and adjust to her new leadership role, retaining her vulnerability and a quiet strength. Warner's perspective had more angst than I would've thought - yet, I didn't mind. So while I would have loved to see Juliette and Warner have a problem-free relationship, that would not be realistic, in this world or in any world.
That being said, though I read this book as fast as I possibly could, I feel as if not much happened. It laid a great foundation for the books to come, but as a stand-alone, it was mostly character-driven. However, I did love the addition of new characters, especially Nazeera (I am stoked to see more girl power and friendships). Kenji, as always, was pure gold. His dialogue and wit constantly had me smiling; he's my favorite lovable form of comedic release.
Although, I do wish we could've seen more of the old side characters. They were barely present in this story, and I liked how the dynamic and friendships built during the course of Ignite Me. Their story felt abrupt and not as integrated as I would've liked.
Mafi ended the story with a signature cliff hanger, making me wonder how I had possibly survived waiting so long for the release of this novel, only to be thrust back into waiting again. Despite my mixed feelings on this book, I can't wait for the next release - I need to see more of these characters, follow their thoughts and actions and see how everything unfolds. Mafi's unique writing style truly creates a fantastical universe, one that was still left vastly unexplored at the conclusion of Ignite Me. I'm thrilled to continue this journey with the characters, and hope Mafi won't make me shed too many tears in the process.
Rating: 3.7/5
Publisher: HarperCollins
Release Date: March 6, 2018
