Believe Me is a novella from the Shatter Me series written by Tahereh Mafi, which serves as an extended epilogue and coda told through the perspectiveBelieve Me is a novella from the Shatter Me series written by Tahereh Mafi, which serves as an extended epilogue and coda told through the perspective of Aaron Warner. This novella takes place after Imagine Me and should be read after reading the core series.
Juliette Ferrars and Aaron Warner fought hard and suffered much to take down the Reestablishment once and for all. However, life in the aftermath isn’t easy for them and their friends at the Sanctuary as they are working extremely hard with limited resources to stabilize the world. Through all this chaos, Aaron Warner wants to be married to Juliette Ferrars since his proposal to her a fortnight earlier. However, with the reconstruction of the world, finding a time to get married or even plan for the wedding is difficult at best.
Believe Me is written rather well. Mafi returns to writing in from the perspective of Aaron Warner as readers follow his thoughts of planning his wedding through the chaos of reforming the world to the state before the Reestablishment took over. Mafi not only returns with another story about these characters, but to provide a better and extended ending that was frankly rushed in the core series, which was done rather well. Aside from the romance, which was plenty, Mafi spends much space in the plans for the reconstruction of the world, where many dystopian series usually gloss over.
All in all, Believe Me is a well written novella about the ending that many aficionados of the series that would approve. While not necessarily needed to read for the core series, it is a worthy addition to the Shatter Me universe – enriching it just a tad more....more
Imagine Me is the sixth and final book in the Shatter Me series written by Tahereh Mafi. It shows the final confrontation between the Resistance and tImagine Me is the sixth and final book in the Shatter Me series written by Tahereh Mafi. It shows the final confrontation between the Resistance and the Reestablishment with Juliette Ferrars at the center of the conflict.
The narrative starts slightly before Reveal Me – the novella and moves forward from there. Apparently, Emmaline Sommers have been using her telepathic/telekinetic powers torturing her sister's, Juliette Ferrars/Ella Sommers, mind to commit suicide, so that the piece of her within her sister's mind would die with her.
Aaron Warner and Kenji Kishimoto try their best to save and keep her alive, but she eventually goes into a coma. Meanwhile, they are trying to figure out what their next steps should be – especially since Paris Anderson has taken Adam and James Kent and the other children of the Supreme Commanders of the Reestablishment hostage.
However, before they could act, the Reestablishment through Emmaline Sommers' connection with her sister finds out where the Sanctuary is and attacks and in the bloodbath, they manage to kidnap the comatose Juliette.
Now, whatever remains of the Resistance must head to the capital, rescue both Juliette Ferrars, who have her memories wiped and now believes that she is the assassin for the Reestablishment, and Adam Kent, who sacrifice himself to further testing to save his brother.
Imagine Me is written moderately well. Mafi choose to elevate Kenji Kishimoto to second lead status as the first half of the installment was written from his perspective, which made sense as Juliette Ferrars was either in a coma or kidnapped. It was an interesting choice, but was surprised to see her sideline Aaron Warner so much as the epilogue is mainly from his perspective. While the narrative has many twists and turns – the ending, as usual, seems rather rushed with many questions still remaining on both the main and secondary characters.
Overall, the Shatter Me series was written rather well – at least the first part. Clearly this hexalogy is a two trilogy set and was first planned (I believe) as a trilogy with the second set written as almost an afterthought. Set in a dystopian world, the first half of the series has the main characters saving their small part of their world, while the second half dealt with saving the world as a whole. The first trilogy is far better as it was the original story that Mafi had originally wanted to tell, while the second trilogy seems to retcon many things she had already established.
Stylistically, Mafi's writing is very purple – at least from the perspective of the main heroine – Juliette Ferrars, which isn't a bad thing, but it was overly done – especially in the first installment and would get some getting used to. Furthermore, I would have liked if the series had been written in one style. The first trilogy was written from a first-person perspective, while the second trilogy had multiple perspectives (Aaron Warner and Kenji Kishimoto joins Juliette Ferrars), while these perspectives gave a greater sense of the world – it would have been better (at least to me) as those perspective were relegated to side novellas.
All in all, Imagine Me is written moderately well and a mediocre conclusion to an uneven series....more
Reveal Me is a novella from the Shatter Me series written by Tahereh Mafi, which tells a story in-between Defy Me and Imagine Me – the penultimate andReveal Me is a novella from the Shatter Me series written by Tahereh Mafi, which tells a story in-between Defy Me and Imagine Me – the penultimate and final installment respectively. It is told through the perspective of Kenji Kishimoto. This short story takes place after Defy Me and should be read before Imagine Me.
It follows the day in the life of Kenji Kishimoto. The Resistance is at the Sanctuary Headquarters, which is another resistance movement, co-led by Nouria, daughter of Castle, and her wife Samantha. They are recuperating and convalescing from the events of Defy Me. Kenji is still feeling the aftereffects of being drugged by Nazeera Ibrahim.
He's worried that Adam Kent and his brother James didn't show up at the Sanctuary, as apparently they moved onto a new life as he's convinced something happened to them, but no one is willing to listen to him. Apparently, intelligence of them being kidnapped by Paris Anderson was kept from him, which he didn't take very well.
Further complicating his life is his difficult to define (he's in love with her) relationship with Nazeera Ibrahim as they have many encounters – mostly not good ones. They managed to hash out some sort of equilibrium in their relationship when the novella ends in a cliffhanger.
Reveal Me is written moderately well. This novella felt decidedly short and most of it involved Kenji Kishimoto being in his hazy state and not up to par with his usual snarky-like demeanor. Breaking the mold that she has created, Mafi didn't center the novella on a different person or retell certain aspects of the previous novel from their point of view, which makes sense as the second half of this hexalogy no longer centers on just on Juliette Ferrars/Ella Sommers' limited perspective – still it would have been nice to hear a story from a different person's perspective. Unfortunately, nothing much happens, narrative-wise, as it was blatantly obvious that this novella was a precursor, prologue or teaser to Imagine Me.
All in all, Reveal Me is written moderately well and serves as a bridge connecting the penultimate and final books of the series. While not necessarily needed to read for the core series, it is a worthy addition to the Shatter Me universe – enriching it just a tad more....more
Shadow Me is a novella from the Shatter Me series written by Tahereh Mafi, which retells the events during the last momeN.B.: Rating 3.5 ★ rounded up.
Shadow Me is a novella from the Shatter Me series written by Tahereh Mafi, which retells the events during the last moments of Restore Me, through the eyes of Kenji Kishimoto, Member of Omega Point and best friend to Juliette Ferrars. This short story takes place after Restore Me and could be read before Defy Me.
It follows Kenji Kishimoto from the last moments with Juliette Ferrars, his best friend, as he tries to balance his duties as leader of the Resistance and helping his friend reeling from the betrayal from Warner as they get ready to face the World Leaders together at the Symposium.
Shadow Me is written rather well. Once again, Mafi's writes in a different voice from the core series, which is very purple and her two previous novellas, which was succinct and emotive respectively, as they are told from the perspective of Juliette Ferrars, Aaron Warner, and Adam Kent respectively. This time Mafi’s writing is told through the unfiltered, in-your-face snark of Kenji Kishimoto, while it was refreshing to hear through his perspective, it was, unfortunately, light on the backstory of Kenji Kishimoto, like Mafi done with her two previous novellas for Aaron Warner and Adam Kent respectively. Instead, it was just a retelling of the last chapters of Restore Me.
All in all, Shadow Me is a well written novella about the best friend to Juliette Ferrars and serves as a wonderful bridge to Defy Me – the fifth and penultimate book in the series. While not necessarily needed to read for the core series, it is a worthy addition to the Shatter Me universe – enriching it just a tad more....more
Find Me is a bind-up anthology of two novellas from the Shatter Me series written by Tahereh Mafi. These novellas bridN.B.: Rating 3.5 ★ rounded down.
Find Me is a bind-up anthology of two novellas from the Shatter Me series written by Tahereh Mafi. These novellas bridges consecutive installments of the core series told in the point of view of fandom favorite Kenji Kishimoto.
Shadow Me (★★★★☆) centers on Kenji Kishimoto and retells the last moments of Restore Me and the disastrous outcome the Symposium ending in the death of most of the Reestablishment leadership, the kidnapping of Juliette Ferrars and Aaron Warner, and his injury. This novella nicely bridges Restore Me and Defy Me – the fourth and fifth installments of the core series.
Reveal Me (★★★☆☆) centers on Kenji Kishimoto at Sanctuary Headquarters – another resistance group led by Nouria, Castle's daughter. After the events at the end of Defy Me, the Resistance are recuperating and convalescing, Kenji is still feeling the aftereffects of the drugs that he was injected with and deals with upcoming plots that would lead to the final book and the relationship tension with Nazeera Ibrahim. This novella nicely bridges Defy Me and Imagine Me – the fifth and sixth installments of the core series
For the most part, these novellas were written moderately well. Mafi has given wonderful insights to fandom favorite Kenji Kisihmoto as both novellas were written in his perspective, albeit not as in-depth as the previous novellas has done for Aaron Warner and Adam Kent respectively. Mafi has created a wonderful voice in Kenji Kisihmoto as his in-your-face and snarky attitude brings much levity to the series.
All in all, Find Me is a great bind-up of two interconnecting novellas, while not crucial to the core series, it would give a wonderful insight to Kenji Kisihmoto....more
Defy Me is the fifth and penultimate book in the Shatter Me series written by Tahereh Mafi. It shows the truth behind N.B.: Rating 3.5 ★ rounded down.
Defy Me is the fifth and penultimate book in the Shatter Me series written by Tahereh Mafi. It shows the truth behind the Reestablishment after the kidnapping of Juliette Ferrars and Aaron Warner by her parents.
After the tragedy that was the Symposium, Juliette Ferrars – real name Ella Sommers was kidnapped by her parents Evie Sommers – the Supreme Commander of Oceania and her husband Maximillian with Aaron Warner and being held prisoners by them. While in captivity, they slowly remember their past lives together as their memories have been rebooted and erased many times before – each time they always find and fell in love with each other. Furthermore, they slowly discover the truth behind the Reestablishment.
Meanwhile, back in Sector 45, Kenji Kishimoto is trying to put the piece together of just what happened at the Symposium and mounting a rescue attempt with other members of the resistance – Omega Point.
Defy Me is written moderately well. Mafi surprisingly started this installment with the perspective of Kenji Kishimoto, which was a breath of fresh air as it allow readers to know the aftermath of what happened at the Symposium and the rescue attempt by Omega Point. However, these brief bouts of fresh air are too far and few in-between as most of the narrative is focused on Juliette Ferrars – now Ella Sommers and Aaron Warner.
Apparently Ella Sommers and Aaron Warner have met many times – each time they do, they would fall in love and each time her parents would erase their memoires. As they slowly regain their memories, they learned how the world became to be. However, these flashbacks were far too many as it slowed the pacing too much.
Apparently, the Sommers used their children's powers to reshape the world. As Emmaline Sommers had the powers of telepathy/telekinesis and the Reestablishment would use her powers to convince the world is a wasteland so they could step in to rule them and Ella Sommers was made into their executioner.
Overall, while the previous installment felt like a transitional novel for the series – bridging what I imagine would be two trilogies, this installment felt like a transitional book for the second trilogy itself and felt too much like filler for the final installment.
All in all, Defy Me is written moderately well and a decent continuation to what would hopefully be a wonderful series, which I plan to continue in the very near future....more
Restore Me is the fourth book in the Shatter Me series written by Tahereh Mafi. It shows the aftermath of the revolutionN.B.: Rating 3.5 ★ rounded up.
Restore Me is the fourth book in the Shatter Me series written by Tahereh Mafi. It shows the aftermath of the revolution, Juliette Ferrars' struggles to handle her new responsibilities as Supreme Commander of the Reestablishment, and the world’s response to the events of a new order.
It's been sixteen days since Juliette Ferrars killed Paris Anderson and declared herself as the new Supreme Commander of North America, Aaron Warner is beside her in running Sector 45 with his grandfather. However, despite declaring herself leader, Juliette finds there is a lot that she doesn't know about the world or about herself. On Castle's advice, Juliette has invited the Supreme Commanders of the other landmasses to a conference – only Oceania has accepted with an ominous message attached to the invitation.
Meanwhile, Warner struggles with the death of his father. Feeling ashamed of his grief for the tyrannical monster, he hides it from Juliette, which causes some tension between them. To his surprise, Adam Kent reaches out, and the two bonds over their complicated grief and the abuse they both suffered from their father.
Though still very much in love, Warner and Juliette grow distant from each other. Warner withholds crucial information from Juliette about the inner workings of the Reestablishment, claiming she doesn't need his help because she's capable of handling the job on her own. Meanwhile, Juliette's insecurities cause her to lash out, becoming frustrated that Warner never shares anything with her and that she knows little about his early life, which is slowly and finally revealed in a deadly conclusion.
Restore Me is written rather well. Mafi surprisingly broke the structure of her previous books and included passage from Aaron Warner's point of view, which was a very wise decision as it provided not only more of his backstory, but aided the world building tremendously. The narrative is gripping, although while there is some action, most of the plot revolves around politics, character growth, and revealing the past, which could make the pacing quite slow in some places. For the most part, this book focuses mostly on character dynamics, important politics, and dancing around secrets. However, it does feel like a transitional installment as it sets up quite nicely to future installments.
All in all, Restore Me is written moderately well and a decent continuation to what would hopefully be a wonderful series, which I plan to continue in the very near future....more
Ignite Me is the third book in the Shatter Me series written by Tahereh Mafi. It centers on Juliette Ferrars' struggles N.B.: Rating 3.5 ★ rounded up.
Ignite Me is the third book in the Shatter Me series written by Tahereh Mafi. It centers on Juliette Ferrars' struggles as she fights and oppressive regime – the Reestablishment.
The Resistance was thoroughly trounced and Juliette Ferrars barely escaped death at the hands of Paris Anderson – Aaron Warner's father, and she's rescued and hidden by him on the base. In a refrain familiar to the series' readers, Juliette again vows to fight back, for real this time, and to destroy the Reestablishment. However first, she must romance Warner and find out what's become of her Omega Point friends.
Romancing Warner is easy: Warner's early, frequent, lengthy monologues explain how Juliette misinterpreted nearly every villainous thing he has ever done. It's even easier after Juliette reunites with the Omega Point survivors and finds Adam Kent with a very different personality – jerk-like, which essentially and quickly destroyed any complexity, mystery, or tension in the love triangle with such broad and obvious strokes.
Ignite Me is written moderately well. Mafi's narrative is still very purple – too much for my taste, but putting that aside, much was missed with the narrative. Many of the most interesting and difficult moments, such as a conversation between Adam and Warner about their parentage, are glossed over in favor of the repetitive sharing of emotions and the fight with the Reestablishment took a backseat to the romance between Aaron Warner and Juliette Ferrars.
All in all, Ignite Me is written moderately well and a decent continuation to what would hopefully be a wonderful series, which I plan to continue in the very near future....more
Fracture Me is a novella from the Shatter Me series written by Tahereh Mafi, which tells the events during and soon after the final events after UnravFracture Me is a novella from the Shatter Me series written by Tahereh Mafi, which tells the events during and soon after the final events after Unravel Me, through the eyes of Adam Kent, Member of Omega Point resistance. This short story takes place after Unravel Me and could be read before Ignite Me.
It follows Adam Kent from the last day he's with Juliette Ferrars, his ex-girlfriend, as they face the unknown in the battle against Paris Anderson – his father and then the day after Juliette's disappearance when she disappeared with Aaron Warner prior to the battle and their return a few days later. Readers get to see how Adam and Kenji Kishimoto regrouped with the others from Omega Point and his reunion with his little brother, James.
Fracture Me is written moderately well. Once again, Mafi's writes in a different voice from the core series, which is very purple and her previous novella, which was tighter and succinct, as they are told from the perspective of Juliette Ferrars and Aaron Warner respectively. This time it is more emotive as readers get to see the thoughts of feelings of Adam's prior, during, and after the battle – reeling from his breakup with Juliette, scared for his best friend's life, concerned for his little brother, and the revelation that he is the son of Paris Anderson – the Supreme Commander.
All in all, Fracture Me is a well written novella about the main and former love interest to Juliette Ferrars and serves as a wonderful bridge to the Ignite Me – the third book in the series. While not necessarily needed to read for the core series, it is a worthy addition to the Shatter Me universe – enriching it just a tad more....more
Crosshairs is a science fiction dystopia written by Catherine Hernandez. It imagines a repressive near future that feels like a slight exaggeration ofCrosshairs is a science fiction dystopia written by Catherine Hernandez. It imagines a repressive near future that feels like a slight exaggeration of the present. It has been shortlisted for the 2021 Toronto Book Awards.
Kay, born Keith Nopuente, describes himself as a: Queer Femme Jamaican Filipino man and is one of the Others – including LGBTQ, POC, and disabled people, who are being marginalized in a campaign to restore Canada to so-called order and tranquility in the wake of floods and food shortages that caused mass displacement in the country.
The Renovation, a government-sanctioned program, deploys Special Forces called the Boots to strip the Others of their rights in the name of providing food and shelter, rounding them up and forcing them to work in labor camps – or killing them for resisting.
Kay hides out first in Toronto with Liv, a white, queer ally of the Resistance, and then at Beck’s, another queer, white ally. As the characters band together, they take steps toward a drastic action to gain the country's attention.
Crosshairs is written rather well. Hernandez's searing if heavy-handed blend of dystopian fiction and social commentary conceives of a near future in which environmental disaster leads to a white supremacist regime in Canada. It is a scathing look at discrimination and capitalism in Herandez's eerily familiar look at Western culture. However, it is less of a cautionary tale, but often reads more like a how-to-ally manual. While the premise is well-imagined, the story suffers from a lack of nuance.
All in all, Crosshairs is a cautionary tale filled with fierce and vibrant characters, exploring the universal desire to thrive, love, and be loved for being one's true self....more
Destroy Me is a novella from the Shatter Me series written by Tahereh Mafi, which tells the events immediately after Shatter Me, through the eyes of ADestroy Me is a novella from the Shatter Me series written by Tahereh Mafi, which tells the events immediately after Shatter Me, through the eyes of Aaron Warner, Chief Commander of Sector 45 and main antagonist. This short story takes place after Shatter Me and could be read before Unravel Me.
Convalescing from the near-fatal shoulder wound, giving by Juliette Ferrars, as she escaped his clutches, Aaron Warner must do everything in his power to keep his soldiers in check and suppress any mention of a rebellion in the sector. As his first priority is to find her, bring her back, and dispose of Adam Kent and Kenji Kishimoto – the two traitors who helped her escape.
However, his plans are further complicated when his father, Paris Anderson, the Supreme Commander of The Reestablishment, arrives to correct his mistakes and learns that his father has very different plans for Juliette, which he can't allow to happen.
Destroy Me is written rather well. Surprisingly, Mafi's prose is rather succinct and un-purple her writing could be, which makes sense as this novella is told through the eyes of Aaron Warner, which is representative of his strict upbringing. As the core series is written through the eyes of Juliette Ferrars, her account is unreliable – especially towards Warner, which Mafi explains rather well, by giving readers his background and the reasons behind the things that he had committed, whether they are justified, is up to each individual reader.
All in all, Destroy Me is a wonderfully written novella about the main antagonist of the first book Aaron Warner and perhaps could endear some readers towards him in the love triangle between the three leads. While not necessarily needed to read for the core series, it is a worthy addition to the Shatter Me universe – enriching it just a tad more....more
Unite Me is a bind-up anthology of two novellas from the Shatter Me series written by Tahereh Mafi. These novellas bridgN.B.: Rating 3.5 ★ rounded up.
Unite Me is a bind-up anthology of two novellas from the Shatter Me series written by Tahereh Mafi. These novellas bridges consecutive installments of the core series told in the point of views of the love interest of Juliette Ferrars: Aaron Warner (Destroy Me) and Adam Kent (Fracture Me).
Destroy Me (★★★★☆) the novella centers on Aaron Warner, Chief Commander of Sector 45 and main antagonist, and takes place shortly after his near-fatal wound shoulder wound that Juliette Ferrars committed in order to escape his clutches. This novella nicely bridges Shatter Me and Unravel Me – the first and second installments of the core series.
Fracture Me (★★★☆☆) the novella centers on Adam Kent, Member of Omega Point Resistance, and takes place during and shortly after the all-out assault on The Reestablishment within their sector. It follows Adam Kent's thoughts prior, during, and after the assault. This novella nicely bridges Unravel Me and Ignite Me – the second and third installments of the core series.
For the most part, these novellas were written moderately well. Mafi has given wonderful insights to the two love interest to Juliette Ferrars, as the core series is written in a limited first-person perspective, which is rather unreliable to the true thoughts of the characters in question. Surprisingly, Mafi has a different writing style for each of her characters with Juliette Ferrars it is very purple, Aaron Warner is very succinct, and Adam Kent is rather emotional.
These novellas should end the love triangle debate of the series rather well – as the titles are indicative to stressing how Juliette Ferrars' departure would affect both of these men as losing Juliette for Aaron Warner would destroy him, but for Adam Kent would only fracture him. The text within the novellas also supports this supposition.
This bind-up also includes segments of Juliette's Journal, which is a personal account of her mental state when she was being held by The Reestablishment during her 264 days of her imprisonment. It is an interesting tidbit and an intimate precursor to the series. Also in this bind-up is a teaser for the third book in the series – Ignite Me.
All in all, Unite Me is a great bind-up of two interconnecting novellas, while not crucial to the core series would give a wonderful insight to the two love interests of the core series....more
Unravel Me is the second book in the Shatter Me series written by Tahereh Mafi. It centers on Juliette Ferrars' struggleN.B.: Rating 3.5 ★ rounded up.
Unravel Me is the second book in the Shatter Me series written by Tahereh Mafi. It centers on Juliette Ferrars' struggles to fit in with the resistance movement that saved her at the end of the previous installment.
In training to participate in an inevitable war against the Reestablishment, Juliette Ferrars should feel at home at Omega Point, the base of the resistant movement. In addition to no longer being a prisoner, she is surrounded by other people with supernatural gifts.
Castle, the leader and founder of Omega Point, who has the gift of highly advanced telekinetic powers, tries to help her master her abilities, and Kenji Kishimoto tries to help her fit in, but the devastating nature of Juliette's power hampers her efforts. Additionally, Adam Kent is acting strangely – in large part because of his work with Castle to determine why he is able to touch Juliette safely, which causes difficulties in their relationship.
Soon some of her new comrades are abducted while on patrol by soldiers led by Paris Anderson, Aaron Warner’s father, who demands a meeting with her. The resistance is able to come away from the meeting with a hostage, Warner, who resumes his part in the established love triangle.
Unravel Me is written somewhat well. Mafi's narrative is still very purple, admittedly not as bad as the previous installment, but coming close to ultraviolet nevertheless. Too much of the plot relies on Juliette’s withholding of important information and revelations – even against her own judgment and the bloated relationship drama takes priority over the captive resistance members in the buildup to the climax, which finally brings some action before setting up the next novel.
All in all, Unravel Me is written moderately well and a decent continuation to what would hopefully be a wonderful series, which I plan to continue in the very near future....more
Shatter Me is the first book in the Shatter Me series written by Tahereh Mafi. It is narrated by Juliette Ferrars, a 17-N.B.: Rating 3.5 ★ rounded up.
Shatter Me is the first book in the Shatter Me series written by Tahereh Mafi. It is narrated by Juliette Ferrars, a 17-year-old girl with a lethal touch and is unusual in that it contains passages and lines that have been crossed out like a diary entry.
Juliette Ferrars cannot remember a loving touch due to her deathly abilities. Furthermore, she can barely remember human contact – especially after 264 days in solitary confinement. Then Adam Kent, a boy is shoved into her cell and her world changes as he is seemingly immune to her deadly touch.
Just as she begins to trust him, guards burst in and march them off to the commandant. Juliette discovers Adam is really a soldier of the Reestablishment, a totalitarian regime that wants to use Juliette because her touch can kill. Juliette wants to get far away from anyone she can hurt or who can hurt her – though she can't help hoping that Adam might not fall in either of those categories.
Her hopes proven to be correct as Adam belongs to a resistance movement and helps Juliette escape to their stronghold, where she finds that she’s not the only one with superhuman abilities.
Shatter Me is written somewhat well. Mafi have created seedlings of an interesting world as the narrative is fast-paced, conveying imminent danger, but gives little sense of a broader world, which fails to be explored and shallow in depth. The narrative is a good action/adventure with steamy romantic scenes. However, the narrative is purple – extremely purple, to the point of it being ultraviolet. There is nothing particularly wrong with purple writing, but in small doses and not created an entire novel with it.
All in all, Shatter Me is written moderately well, but it is promising beginning to what would hopefully be a wonderful series, which I plan to continue in the very near future....more
Black Canary: Breaking Silence is the fifth and (possibly) final book in the DC Icons series written by Alexandra Monir and centered on Dianh Lance beBlack Canary: Breaking Silence is the fifth and (possibly) final book in the DC Icons series written by Alexandra Monir and centered on Dianh Lance before she took on the Black Canary mantle as she struggles to find her voice and power in an autocratic regime of the Court of Owls.
Gotham City was once a progressive, egalitarian metropolis safeguarded by powerful superheroes and then came the Silencing – a violent coup targeting any possible resistance. Now, all Gotham cowers beneath the shadow of the autocratic Court of Owls – all except Dinah Lance, whose fury at the oppressive regime is matched only by her desire to sing, although music is forbidden to women.
In a narrative-wise predictable, albeit vindictively welcome twist, Dinah Lance, following in the footsteps of her deceased mother – the original Black Canary, discovers that she’s immune to the effects of the Silencing: Her music and voice can become deadly weapons and to make matters yet more disconcerting, Oliver Queen, the new Court darling seems just a bit too interested in Dinah and her burgeoning powers.
After a series of increasingly rebellious acts, Dinah quickly becomes Public Enemy No. 1. When her best friend is captured in her stead, Dinah must assume the Canary mantle.
Black Canary: Breaking Silence is written rather well. The story proceeds at a cinematic clip while still allowing for quieter moments of character development or vivid scenic description. The intermingling of old and new DC heroes is crafty. Monir never shies away from her tale's unfortunately pertinent sociopolitical implications, putting a refreshing spin on the feminist dystopia.
Overall, the DC Icons series was written rather well. It was rather interesting reading about iconic superheroes before they were the secret identities that they are famous for. The addition of Catwoman is rather odd as an icon, but her story is one of the better ones. As for the rest, the retelling or re-imagining of their origin stories is rather interesting, where the Wonder Woman story the better of the other three.
All in all, Black Canary: Breaking Silence is written somewhat well and is sure to resonate in today’s volatile climate and a good conclusion to a wonderful series....more
The End of Men is a dystopian speculative fiction written by Christina Sweeney-Baird. It centers on an epidemic – a viral plague that's first detectedThe End of Men is a dystopian speculative fiction written by Christina Sweeney-Baird. It centers on an epidemic – a viral plague that's first detected in 2025 Scotland kills 90% of the world’s men within days of contact.
A series of narratives follows major players over the next six years, including Glasgow physician Amanda Maclean, who, after being disbelieved about her treatment of Patient Zero, becomes determined to discover the source of the plague; London social historian Catherine Lawrence, who's collecting stories of the plague while protecting her husband and son for as long as possible; and Elizabeth Cooper, a junior CDC pathologist who is in over her head in representing the U.S. research response in Europe. Smaller vignettes highlight other implications of the situation are littered throughout.
The End of Men is written rather well. Sweeney-Baird swings her focus among an ever widening swathe of characters – wealthy, working class, urban, rural, White, Black, Asian, straight, LGBTQ+, British, American, Canadian, and Filipino, which made some shallow, albeit inevitable character development. However, a captivating standout is the portrayal of brilliant gay Canadian scientist Lisa, a villainous, much-hated savior who uses the Plague as her steppingstone to wealth and fame.
Meanwhile, the loss of most of the world's male population and the ways governments react to the Plague raise complicated ethical issues. The research side of the story line may feel unrealistic to those with a science background, but the personal politics and gender dynamics are spot-on, and readers will feel connected to the main characters' struggles and resilience.
All in all, The End of Men is an interesting thought experiment on what survivors experience – loss, isolation, fear, guilt, physical damage, financial crises, and, occasionally, good fortune....more
Familiar Face is a graphic novel written and illustrated by Michael DeForge. This allegorical tale follows a woman who spends her days reading the minFamiliar Face is a graphic novel written and illustrated by Michael DeForge. This allegorical tale follows a woman who spends her days reading the minor and major complaints of the public, offering a searing, surrealist critique of the culture of technological customization, and an ode to love in the face of overwhelming power.
The reality of the unnamed heroine, from the architecture of her city to her own body, is subject to constant optimization. Her body becomes more and more abstracted as the panels progress. An automated system fields citizen's complaints about all of this, and the protagonist is tasked with reading them, but she never was told when or if a complaint was resolved. Then her girlfriend Jessica disappears, forcing her to question the very nature of her ever-shifting world.
Familiar Face is written and constructed rather well. DeForge's loopy artistic talents are on full display. It's profoundly disorienting, yet skirts the edge of cuteness. The climax, involving a radical group of cartographers and a massive social protest, however, feels pat and stands out against DeForge's otherwise staunch refusal of sentimentality.
All in all, Familiar Face is a weird and kaleidoscopic vision of the strength of human connection....more
The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes is the prequel book in The Hunger Games series written by Suzanne Collins. It is an origin story for both PresidentThe Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes is the prequel book in The Hunger Games series written by Suzanne Collins. It is an origin story for both President Snow and the Hunger Games as was depicted in the core series.
Obsessed with restoring his family's grandeur and securing a rosy future for himself, the 18-year-old Academy student, Coriolanus Snow is selected to mentor a competitor in Panem's 10th Hunger Games. Though Snow feels slighted by his assignation, a tribute from lowly District 12, his mentee, songstress Lucy Gray Baird, shows an audacity and showbiz flair that captures the country's attention.
Over the course of the Games – a relatively low-tech affair set in the war-scarred Capitol's crumbling arena, the two begin a close partnership. While Snow experiences moments of doubt about his participation, his ambition draws the attention of the sinister Head Gamemaker, Dr. Volumnia Gaul. Providing a counterpoint to Snow is classmate Sejanus Plinth, wealthy and compassionate, who must mentor a tribute from a district he still views as home.
The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes is written rather well. It is a gripping mix of whipsaw plot twists and propulsive writing, which makes the complex issues: vulnerability and abuse, personal responsibility, and institutionalized power dynamics rather personal. Narrated by Coriolanus Snow, the narrative gives a more sinister and hopeless feel than the core series. Divided into two parts, the first part deals with the blood-soaked lead-up to the games and the games themselves, after the games, the story takes an unexpected turn back to the districts, which is significantly slower.
All in all, The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes is written rather well with twists and heartbreak, which captivates despite tragic inevitabilities....more
Mockingjay is the third and final book in The Hunger Games series written by Suzanne Collins. Katniss Everdeen is forced to play the role of the face Mockingjay is the third and final book in The Hunger Games series written by Suzanne Collins. Katniss Everdeen is forced to play the role of the face of the Rebellion after being rescued by District 13, which was thought to be destroyed. However, Peeta Mellark has not been rescued and is the prisoner of the Capital.
Katniss Everdeen had been dramatically rescued from the Quarter Quell games and her fellow tribute, Peeta Mellark, has presumably been taken prisoner by the Capitol. Now the rebels in District 13 want Katniss to be the face of the revolution – a propaganda role she's reluctant to play.
Mockingjay is written extremely well – it is far from perfect, but comes rather close. Beyond the sharp social commentary and the wonderful world building, there's a narrative that doesn't quit as nearly every chapter ends in a reversal-of-fortune cliffhanger. Collins expands on characters more – particularly the secondary characters. Finally, there is the romantic intrigue involving Katniss, Peeta and Gale Hawthorne, which comes to a resolution, which is slightly unsatisfactory. Not too fond of epilogues in general – and this one is not an exception.
Overall, The Hunger Games is a wonderful series. Collins has created a wonderful universe, which takes place in an unspecified future time, in the dystopian, post-apocalyptic nation of Panem, located in North America. As punishment for a past rebellion against the Capitol in which District 13 was seemingly destroyed, one boy and one girl from each of the twelve remaining districts, between the ages of 12 and 18, are selected by lottery to compete in an annual pageant called the Hunger Games. The series is about political revolution, intrigue, romance – all centered on one girl from the poorest District, growing up on the wrong side of the tracks.
All in all, Mockingjay is written extremely well and is a wonderful conclusion to an equally wonderful series....more
The Memory Police is a science fiction dystopia written by Yōko Ogawa and translated by Stephen Snyder and Markus Juslin. It centers on a novelist triThe Memory Police is a science fiction dystopia written by Yōko Ogawa and translated by Stephen Snyder and Markus Juslin. It centers on a novelist tries to adapt to her ever changing reality as her world slowly disappears.
This book serves as an entry (A Book Chosen Solely By Its Cover) in The 52 Book Challenge 2021 – July Mini-Challenge. Normally, I don't buy a book solely on the cover, but this one with its metallic emblem, collage-like cover, and Asian writer tempted me, which I succumbed to.
The unnamed female narrator is an orphaned novelist living on an unnamed island that is in the process of disappearing – item by item. The disappearances, of objects such as ribbons, perfume, birds, and calendars, are manifested in a physical purge of the object as well as a psychological absence in the island's residents' memories.
The mysterious and brutal Memory Police are in charge of enforcing these disappearances, randomly searching homes and arresting anyone with the ability to retain memory of the disappeared, including the narrator's mother. When the narrator discovers her editor, R, is someone who does not have the ability to forget, she builds a secret room in her house to hide him, with the help of her former nurse's husband, an old man who once lived on the ferry, which has also disappeared. Though R may not leave the room for fear of discovery, he, the narrator, and the old man are able to create a sense of home and family.
However, the disappearances and the Memory Police both grow more aggressive, with more crucial things disappearing at a faster rate, and it becomes clear that it will be impossible for them – their family unit, and the island as a whole to continue.
The Memory Police is written rather well. On the outset, the narrative feels a tad Orwellian, Ogawa employs a quiet, poetic prose to capture the diverse and often unexpected emotions of the people left behind rather than of those tormented and imprisoned by brutal authorities. Small acts of rebellion do not come out of a commitment to a greater cause but instead originate from her characters' kinship with one another. Technical details about the disappearances remain intentionally vague as Ogawa instead stays close to her protagonist's emotions and the disorientation she struggle with each day.
All in all, The Memory Police is a quiet tale that considers the way small, human connections can disrupt the callous powers of authority....more