Ignite Me by Tahereh Mafi

February 18th, 2014 Kimberly Review 102 Comments

18th Feb
Ignite Me by Tahereh Mafi
Ignite Me
by Tahereh Mafi
Series: Shatter Me #3
Genres: Dystopian
Source: Purchase
Purchase*: Amazon *affiliate
Goodreads
Rating: One StarOne StarOne StarOne StarOne Star

The heart-stopping conclusion to the New York Times bestselling Shatter Me series. Juliette now knows she may be the only one who can stop the Reestablishment. But to take them down, she'll need the help of the one person she never thought she could trust: Warner. And as they work together, Juliette will discover that everything she thought she knew-about Warner, her abilities, and even Adam-was wrong. In Shatter Me, Tahereh Mafi created a captivating and original story that combined the best of dystopian and paranormal and was praised by Publishers Weekly as "a gripping read from an author who's not afraid to take risks." The sequel, Unravel Me, blew readers away with heart-racing twists and turns, and New York Times bestselling author Kami Garcia said it was "dangerous, sexy, romantic, and intense." Now this final book brings the series to a shocking and climactic end.

It’s over, and I want to cry. Ignite Me by Tahereh Mafi was the last book in the Shatter Me series, and it has been one heck of a ride. From Mafi’s breathtakingly beautiful writing style to her characters that wrapped themselves around my heart this has been an epic journey. Mini review: Mafi delivered growth, choices, romance and a satisfying ending that left me with a smile.

Juliette awakens to finds herself in Warner’s private quarters.  She learns of the events that occurred in the novella Fracture Me.  When she discovers what happened she falls apart and then pulls herself back together and is more determined then ever to take down the Reestablishment. Juliette soon finds herself turning to Warner to assist with her plans. But can she trust him completely? This final journey is one of growth as we see Juliette emerge from her cocoon and become.

Throughout the Shatter Me series, Mafi has developed her characters, slowly peeling back their superficial layers and revealing the complex, strong, sometimes broken characters beneath. In the beginning, I had mad love for Adam, and loathed Warner but slowly throughout the series I became torn as Warner’s character developed and we learned about the man beneath the cold, calculating facade. While fans have clearly chosen sides and are passionate with regard to “their choice” I felt Mafi validated her choice. I think a person is strongest when they partner with someone who allows them to spread their wings and grow. This is what I would want for my daughters and what I needed for Juliette. Other characters are present; tempers are hot; friendships are solidified, and secrets are revealed. Ignite Me was riveting, and I was completely enthralled.

Ignite Me was a satisfying ending to the Shatter Me series. Questions were answered and choices were made. The romance was fleshed out as we watched Juliette develop and clearly see both men and dissect her feelings for them.  While this is a young adult, Mafi brought passion, emotions and heat that was scintillating without crossing the line. She writes beautiful and tender moments that just make you “feel” and believe. We experienced heart-break, anger, tenderness and some of the sweetest moments. The plot regarding the Reestablishment is ever present, but the action is low as we build towards the final climactic scene. The ending in my opinion was brilliant. It was neither wrapped up or forced into a pretty bow. Nor were we  left flapping in the wind wondering what was to become of our characters. Instead, Mafi secured the sails, set the course and allowed us to sail off into the sunset.

It is over and I feel empty…le sigh

For me, Ignite Me was the perfect ending to the Shatter Me series, and I cannot wait to begin the next adventure with Tahereh Mafi.

Five cups of coffee out five
One StarOne StarOne StarOne StarOne Star

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About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

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102 Responses to “Ignite Me by Tahereh Mafi”

  1. angelyka manibog

    this series is the best i tell you guyythh. my best friend gave me the first book (shatter me) as a gift for my birthday and when i have read it, i immediately bought the other books (including destroy Me and Fracture me in one paperback : Unite Me) i finished reading the series in just 3 days . i can’t really put it down. it has a lot of surprises. <3 lovelots xx

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Ooo I so agree, and I read all of the novellas as well. I love when a book/trilogy takes over your life!

  2. Jordan

    I haven’t started this series yet. I haven’t really gotten into this genre to be honest. I have dipped my toe in but am not ready to plunge full force!! Is this a good series to continue with?

    -Jordan

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Personally it is one of my favorites in this genre (well for YA). I connected with the characters and love her writing style. Maybe you could pick up book one Shatter Me from the library and see if it suits you 🙂

  3. khyati

    Hi. This may sound weird but I finished the trilogy and loved it but didn’t quite understand the ending. Can you PLEASE explain it to me? PLEASE.

  4. Alexa

    I really loved this one as well. I’m so happy that Mafi let her characters grow and shine throughout the series. I think everyone was quick to pick Adam because Warner was made out to be the bad guy from the start. I loved Warner more and more as the series went on and I’ll admit I fell for him more than Adam.

    Thanks for the great review!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      So glad you loved it too and yeah Warner was my guy 🙂

  5. Jennifer

    Yay! I am so glad you loved it too! It’s exactly how I felt, I was just blow away by how amazing of an ending it was. Perfection.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      *happy dance* It was Candace and I am so excited you had the “feels” too!!!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Oh noooo..I hate when that happens. I tried to make sure I didn’t spoil it for anyone.

  8. Michelle

    Ugh, I hate that I have to wait to buy this. I’m so curious to see who Juliette chooses, though I’m pretty sure I have a good idea.I’m glad to hear that it turned out to be the perfect ending to the series.

  9. kim { Book Swoon }

    Such a beautiful review, Kimba. Mky heart is nearly pounding at the thought of this series coming to an end. I plain to savor my time with these characters. It’s going to be hard to say goodbye.

  10. Lexxie

    Wonderful review! I agree with you, I’m really sad it’s over, too, but my, how I have loved this wonderful and beautifully written series!

    The character development, and the actual choices made have also made the overall story-arc and the plot-lines complete.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      I love that you experienced the same kind of journey that I did Lexxie 🙂

  11. Lauren

    Ooh I’m reading this now so I skimmed your review, but I’m SUPER excited to see 5 stars from you! I’m so happy to hear you are satisfied with the ending, it is always so bittersweet to say goodbye to beloved series. 🙂

  12. Faye

    I’m really happy you enjoyed the series finale, Kim! I haven’t touched this series yet as I have an irrational fear of purple proses and I’ve heard mostly negative feedback of the first book. Do you reckon the metaphors and stuff decrease after each book? I may try it in that case, even if I know who she ends up with (it usually doesn’t bother me as much, knowing who ends up with who. Unless it’s someone from Unearthly because GAH there was injustice in that series!) Not to mention, it’s awesome when you find a series of books that actually end more than satisfactorily.

    Great review! <3

    • kimbacaffeinate

      I love her writing style and yes it has a lyrical feel to it, but not as the action progresses. I would recommend reading samples or perhaps picking up a copy from the library. Now I will tell you that the heaviness of book one with the slashed out words, etc were used to show her state of mind and those were not present beyond those initial scenes.

  13. Christy

    I can’t believe I haven’t read Shatter Me yet, even though I have it. I was going to read it next, but I’m going to read Cress first, then I might give this series a try.

  14. Lily B

    Glad to hear that it was a bittersweet ending. I am on the fence with the series due to the fact that everyone keeps telling me that it has bad metaphors, but since the story seems to be so good I will eventually give it a shot. I do after all already have book 1.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      I love her writing style and was completely engaged with this series from the characters to the plot.

  15. Pamela D

    I just peeked at your mini-review, because I want to read this series. I am glad to see that you enjoyed it! 🙂

  16. Stephanie

    I have not started this series yet, though it has been on my list. I am so glad to hear that this book was a satisfying ending to the series for you. That is so important! It can be so hard to say goodbye to characters and stories we love. 🙁

  18. Amir

    This is a 5/5 read for me also and I’m so happy that the series ended the way it did but man, I was in tears at the idea that Juliette’s story is over because she has grown so much from the disturbed girl we met on Shatter Me. It was really bittersweet. Great review! 🙂

    • kimbacaffeinate

      I agree, I really came to care for all of these characters and the ending was bittersweet. I am so glad you loved this series too Amir 🙂

    • kimbacaffeinate

      I think a lot were swayed by emotions..but I think everyone connected one way or the other.

  20. Dre

    As much as I wanted to love how it ended, it was okay for me. Satisfactory. I guess, readers do have different sentiments when it comes to the books they’re reading. I did enjoy reading your review, Kimba, albeit we have different feelings towards Ignite Me. 🙂

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Yes, we all bring something to the table and walk away feeling differently. Thanks Dre 🙂

  22. Heidi

    I read Shatter Me in January and it was a big miss for me, I can’t decide if I will continue the series or not especially now that the romance is spoiled as I know who she picks… sigh.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Awe I hate when peeps spoil it for you. I know you did not like the first book, as much as I want you to love the series as much as I did..I would move on 🙁

  23. Melissa (Books and Things)

    I have only listened to the first book and I think the library just got the second one on audio in (YaY!). I enjoyed that one and I’m so glad that it looks like I’ll be enjoying the series until the end. Oh and yea, I know to read the novellas. Must devour this whole series! 😀

  24. sherry fundin

    I have seen these books around and love the covers. I haven’t read any, but after reading your review, I am interested in going on an adventure with Juliette. Thanks for the great review.

  26. Candace

    Is Fracture Me kind of necessary to read? Or not? I haven’t read it, or bought it. But thought I might not need to. But I don’t want to miss anything!
    I kind of skimmed because I don’t want to know anything that happens. I am VERY happy to see your high rating though. I have a book I should finish today and then I’m thinking I might try to read this one before my next review book needs to be read.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      personally I thought all of the novellas added to this trilogy and read them all. You can buy them combined “Unite Me” to save a few pennies. Normally I loath these little side novellas but had to read these..LOL. She does recap though.

      • Candace

        I did read the other novella and felt it was important. It just seemed like this other one wasn’t getting very good reviews, so I wasn’t sure if it was needed. I’ll run over and buy a copy to read first so I don’t miss anything. 🙂
        I almost bought the paperback with them the other day, I guess I should have because I loan these books out a lot to people who don’t have ereaders. Oh well.

        • kimbacaffeinate

          The story with regard to the overall war was good, we just hated what she did or revealed about a character. Plus it is short.

  27. Mary

    Oh, yay! I’m happy this was a good ending for you (though I totally understand the emptiness that comes after the ending of a series).

    • kimbacaffeinate

      I always feel like I am losing friends/family when a series/trilogy I am engaged in comes to an end.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      I always cry when I leave characters I have come to love and enjoy, but I am excited about what she brings next!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      I am sad it ended but excited about her next project. Thanks Jenea 🙂

  32. kindlemom1

    I just skimmed through your review because I haven’t started this trilogy yet but I am so very happy that while you are sad this is over that it left you with a smile on your face! I have been so leery of last books lately, they just haven’t been what they should be so it is nice to know this one was good and you were happy with the way it all came together.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Gads, I am excited for you..you get to experience all the first..enjoy!!

  33. Christa

    I just skimmed your review because I haven’t read it yet – but I’m so happy to hear this is a final book that delivers! So many have been disappointing lately.

  34. Jessica

    I need to catch up with this series. I read and LOVED Shatter Me, and I have book 2 and book 3 sitting on a bookshelf waiting to be read . . .

  36. Lupdilup

    Yes, yes, yes! I totally agree with everything you said, I was left very satisfied with ending, a task not easily accomplished by too many authors (in my case..lol)
    I want to thank you for putting this series on my radar, as you know, I went and started the series on audio (terrific BTW)after I saw the second book on your top ten for 2013 deservedly so, I might add 🙂

  37. Tanja

    I’m so happy that you’ve enjoyed Ignite Me too. I totally agree it was a really good conclusion to this series and I did feel empty after it’s all over. I’m gonna miss these characters. Great review, Kim 🙂

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Agreed, but I am looking forward to whatever she brings us next 🙂

  38. Camilla

    I’m one of those people who still hasn’t gotten around to starting the Shatter Me series, but I keep meaning too!

    To be fair, I prefer to read series that are completed (when I can wait!), so maybe now is the perfect time to get started 😉

    Thanks for a great review!

    Camilla
    The Girl Who Loved To Read

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Ah you are a back to back reader..I understand. I get burned out if I do that, but the wait in-between was killer for this series. Enjoy Camilla!

  41. Jeann

    Beautiful review Kimba, sounds like this series ended really well! Which is a good time for me to start it (I haven’t even read the first book yet).

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Enjoy Jeann, I love Mafi’s writing style and how the characters grew throughout the series.

  42. Laura Plus Books

    I want to cry too! It was such a perfect ending even though I saw it coming. This was the ride of my life and I loved it. I’m glad you loved it too! Can’t wait for more Tahereh Mafi. <3

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Exactly Laura and agree I saw it coming but was a little nervous that Mafi might decide to pull the rug out from under me..LOL

  43. Jennifer Bielman

    Oh God, Oh God! I am so effing excited. I don’t want it to be over though. I just got my copy in the mail. I might sit on it for awhile to drag it out. So happy it was amazing though.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      I love that you might sit on it..that is so how I felt but I was so worried someone would spoil it. I rewrote my review several times making sure I didn’t but gads yeah..now that I am done I want to start over..LOL

  45. Melliane

    I really really need to try this series! I know I’m so behind… we even have all the books in French so well’ it’s just me lol. I saw a pretty mixed review a few days ago about this one and well it made me anxious… but it finally seems that there are more positive reviews so I should try and see at the end. I’m glad you had a great time with this one!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      I think some people were disappointed by Juliette’s love interest choice. Enjoy the series, Mafi’s writing is beautiful and not to be missed.

  46. Chene Sterckx

    What a beautiful review! I am so excited to read this series, hopefully soon :)Thanks for sharing Kimba, I think I will be reshuffling my tbr pile… again!