Shatter Me (2011)
Why we love it:
-Juliette's journey of overcoming anxiety, awkwardness, and adversity is profoundly relatable, reflecting the resilience and growth that resonates with readers on a personal level.
-The book explores complex character dynamics, especially the evolving perceptions of characters whose actions raise questions about redemption, forgiveness and the impact of one’s past on the present and future.
Shatter Me is a gripping dystopian novel that follows the story of Juliette Ferrars, a young girl with a lethal touch that isolates her from society. As she grapples with her extraordinary abilities, she becomes a pawn in a power struggle between a totalitarian government and rebel forces. The narrative unfolds with a mix of suspense, romance, and intense action, making it a compelling read. Mafi creates a captivating world filled with complex characters and political intrigue. Shatter Me is the perfect Mafi book to start with, as it sets the stage for a series filled with twists and turns, exploring themes of power, love, and self-discovery in a dystopian landscape.
Destroy Me (2012)
Why we love it:
-This book delves deeper into Warner, exploring his vulnerabilities and the reasons behind his behaviour. Taking him from the antagonist to a multi-dimensional character.
-Builds on the first book fuelling the excitement for the rest of the series.
Destroy Me is a unique perspective into the mind of Warner, one of the series' more potentially problematic characters. The novella explores Warner's inner struggles, motivations, and secrets. Through Warner’s narrative, we gain insights into his past and the complexities of his characters. It's a must-read for fans of the series, as it enriches the overall storyline and enhances the emotional depth of the characters. Reading Destroy Me next provides you with a richer and more insightful look into the Shatter Me world and is one not to be missed.
Unravel Me (2013)
Why we love it:
-A book that will have your brain muddled and heart racing in the best way possible.
-The book explores the depth and authenticity of Juliette’s relationships, contracting her connection with Adam to her inner, more meaningful interactions with Warner.
The book picks up with Juliette adjusting to her newfound abilities and the complexities of the rebellion against the oppressive regime. As Juliette navigates the challenges of her role in the resistance, the novel introduces new characters and intensifies the romantic and political tensions. Mafi skillfully weaves together action, romance, and suspense, maintaining the unique writing style that we know and love. Reading Unravel Me next is essential for those getting invested in the Shatter Me series, as it deepens the storyline and gets us ready for further revelations and twists in this compelling dystopian saga.
Fracture Me (2013)
Why we love it:
-It's an emotional rollercoaster and every bit as exciting as the rest of the Shatter Me series.
-There are even more characters to get to know and fall completely in love with.
Fracture Me is the novella that is a parallel perspective to the events in Unravel Me, offering readers a glimpse into the mind of Adam Kent, one of the key characters in the Shatter Me series. As the story unfolds, Adam grapples with the challenges of the ongoing rebellion and his relationship with Juliette. Fracture Me adds a layer to the overall narrative by offering a unique viewpoint and shedding light on Adam's experiences during challenging moments. This next read from Mafi is the perfect addition to dive deeper into the individual characters' perspectives and emotions. It gives you a newfound understanding of the series' dynamics and is the perfect follow-on from the previous book.
Ignite Me (2014)
Why we love it:
- A bittersweet ending that finishes on a real cliffhanger, leaving plenty of unanswered questions.
- This book is the perfect celebration of Juliette’s journey, going from a shy, timid girl to a courageous leader.
Ignite Me by Tahereh Mafi is the thrilling conclusion of the first three Shatter Me books. In this instalment, Juliette is determined to control her destiny and confront the oppressive regime. We see Juliette's growth, resilience, and the complexities of her relationships with the antagonists throughout. Ignite Me delivers intense action, emotional revelations, and a satisfying plot for which we know you’ll be grateful. Reading Ignite Me is essential for fans of the series as it provides an emotionally charged conclusion to the first three books, tying up loose ends and offering a compelling conclusion to Juliette's journey of self-discovery and rebellion, so buckle up!
Furthermore (2016)
Why we love it:
- A narration style that you’ll adore and that creates an intimate storytelling experience that you’ll adore
- It’s truly magical and a modern-day Alice In Wonderland.
Furthermore is a captivating fantasy that follows the story of a unique and colourless girl named Alice Alexis Queensmeadow. In the whimsical land of Fernwood, where colour is magic, Alice is an outcast due to her lack of pigmentation. However, when her father goes missing, Alice embarks on a magical and dangerous journey into the mysterious land of Furthermore to find him. Mafi's enchanting writing is why we love this book. She weaves together elements of adventure, self-discovery, and the importance of embracing one's differences effortlessly. It's a delightful and imaginative tale that appeals to readers of all ages and should definitely be next on your list.
Whichwood (2017)
Why we love it:
- Mafi has built a vividly real world with descriptions of the world and its surroundings leaving an imprint on your imagination.
- It continues to explore deep themes like kindness born from suffering, compassion inspired by pain and a journey of healing.
In the desolate land of Whichwood, a lonely girl named Laylee is burdened with the responsibility of washing the bodies of the deceased and preparing them for the afterlife. Laylee possesses a unique magical ability to colour souls, but when the magic begins to drain from Whichwood and suppress Laylee’s powers, everyone’s life is in jeopardy. Mafi once again showcases her genius and imaginative storytelling in this tale of friendship, courage, and the power of embracing one's individuality. Whichwood is a beautifully crafted and emotional story that perfectly accompanies the world introduced in Furthermore.
A Very Large Expanse Of Sea (2018)
Why we love it:
- A book that is good for the soul, with stories of innocence and young love.
- This is an excellent example of how Mafi brings forward diversity and inclusion in her writing.
This is a powerful young adult novel set in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks. The story follows Shirin, a 16-year-old Muslim girl navigating high school in post-9/11 America. Facing discrimination and prejudice on a daily basis, Shirin copes by shutting others out, donning a tough exterior, and turning to breakdancing for solace. Against the backdrop of a turbulent world, the novel explores themes of identity, love, and resilience. Mafi's writing is poignant and authentic, capturing adolescents' emotional complexities and the impact of societal prejudice. A Very Large Expanse of Sea is a thought-provoking and timely narrative that encourages readers to reflect on empathy, understanding, and the power of human connection.
Restore Me (2018)
Why we love it:
- Reveals and plot twists that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
- This book is a trip down memory lane with the same epic storytelling we loved in the Shatter Me series.
The story follows Juliette Ferrars as she grapples with the challenges of leadership and the complexities of ruling a fractured world. As Juliette navigates political intrigue and faces unexpected threats, old alliances are tested, and new ones are formed. The novel introduces new characters and delves deeper into the backgrounds of the ones we loved for years, adding layers to keep us hooked. Restore Me explores themes of power, responsibility, and the consequences of past actions while maintaining the series' trademark blend of romance, suspense, and Mafi's unique style. For fans of the Shatter Me series, Restore Me is a perfect next read as Mafi takes us back to the dystopian world we’ve all missed.
Shadow Me (2019)
Why we love it:
- A fun and brilliant exploration of the inner workings of one of the series’ most popular characters
- The perfect set-up for the next book in the series.
In this captivating instalment of Tahereh Mafi's series, readers are given the rare opportunity to dive deep into the world through Kenji's eyes, revealing a new layer of complexity and emotion to the already rich narrative. Known for his humour and loyalty, Kenji emerges as a central figure whose perspective sheds light on the struggles and inner turmoil hidden beneath his charismatic exterior. As the story unfolds, Kenji grapples with the weight of his own pain and loneliness, despite being surrounded by friends and a makeshift family he deeply cares for. This book is a brilliant exploration of one of the best characters in the whole of the Shatter Me series.
Defy Me (2019)
Why we love it:
- Twists, twists and more twists.
- It is a story that fits in perfectly with the whole series and leaves us all yearning for the next chapter in it.
In this next juicy instalment, the story continues to unfold in the dystopian world, exploring the aftermath of the events in Restore Me. Juliette Ferrars faces new challenges and revelations about her past, and the dynamics of power and loyalty become even more complex. Defy Me maintains the series' signature blend of action, romance, and Tahereh Mafi's distinctive writing style, captivating us with its emotion and unexpected twists. It is a crucial instalment that keeps the story of the whole series going, keeping us all engaged in the ever-evolving saga of the Shatter Me series.
Reveal Me (2019)
Why we love it:
- A little darker and more angsty than some of the other books in this series
- Told from Kenji’s POV, we get to see more of his emotional depth that is masked by his constant humour.
In "Reveal Me," readers dive back into the captivating world of Tahereh Mafi's series through the eyes of Kenji Kishimoto, the beloved character known for his humour and loyalty. This novella takes a darker turn, exploring the depths of Kenji's emotions and the complexities of his past; despite the angst and drama that hallmark Mafi's writing, Kenji's perspective offers a fresh and engaging experience that fans of the series will adore.
Believe Me (2021)
Why we love it:
- An emotional rollercoaster packed full of epic plot twists.
- The chemistry and love between Warner and Juliette is palpable.
Juliette and Warner fought hard to take down the establishment once and for all but life in the aftermath isn’t easy, as they work with their limited resources to stabilise the world. And to add to that, as they navigate through life together, Juliette and Warner soon realise that greater forces keep trying to pull them apart. This is another perfect addition to the Shatter Me series that is not to be missed in the Mafi collection. With the great storytelling and epic plot twists we love from Tahereh Mafi, Believe Me, has it all and satisfies all Shatter Me lovers out there, making it the perfect next read.
Imagine Me (2020)
Why we love it:
- It is a bitter-sweet feeling as we say goodbye to this super series.
- The plot was super fast and action-packed, keeping us on the edge of our seats.
This is the final instalment of the Shatter Me series. Now that Ella knows the truth about Juliette and what she was created for, things have only become more complicated. As she struggles to understand the past that haunts her, the future looks more uncertain than ever and the lines between right and wrong—between Ella and Juliette—blur. And with old enemies looming, her destiny may not be her own to control. If you’ve made it this far with the Shatter Me series, reading this is a bit of a no-brainer. All your questions will be answered, and the writing you know and love from Mafi will be everything you want and more.
An Emotion Of Great Delight (2021)
Why we love it:
- Full of emotion and inspiration.
- A character you’ll become attached to and want to see more of.
It's 2003, several months since the US officially declared war on Iraq. Tensions are high, hate crimes are on the rise, FBI agents are infiltrating local Mosques, and the Muslim community is harassed more than ever. This tells the story of Shadi, a girl who keeps her head down in the chaos. She's too busy drowning in her own troubles to find the time to deal with bigots who attack her beliefs. It is a different style from Mafi compared to the Shatter Me series but a great read nonetheless. We definitely recommend this as your next read, especially if you’re a Mafi fan and are feeling a little lost after finishing the Shatter Me series.
This Woven Kingdom (2022)
Why we love it:
- An exciting and different read from Mafi.
- Full of juicy drama, with a touch of forbidden love.
In the latest Novel brought to us by Mafi, we meet Alizeh. To the world, a disposable servant, not the long-lost heir to an ancient Jinn kingdom forced to hide in plain sight. In this explosive novel, Mafi tells the tale of riches to rags as we follow Alizeh through his inner turmoil while his beloved Kingdom falls apart, while all he can do is watch. In a tale as exquisitely crafted as one of Alizeh's own garments, Mafi weaves a spell of destiny and danger while taking us to a world of forbidden love, intrigue, magic and revolution. This latest novel is sure to hook you from the first page, and with new characters to get to know, our excitement for this novel excitement is unmatched.
Enjoy!
There you have it. With this guide, you’ll never miss out on a Tahereh Mafi book. And with so many rich stories to sink your teeth into, we’re sure you’ll read book after book in no time.
So whether you’ve just started reading Mafi books and want to get your hands on the rest or your knees deep in the Shatter Me series and you’re looking for the next instalment, we’ve got you covered.
If you’re after more book inspiration, why not take a look at more of our book guides, including What Order Should I Read Ali Hazelwood Books and What Order Should I Read Colleen Hoover Books?
