Watch Me (Shatter Me: The New Republic, #1) – A Mixed Bag of Staring and Struggles
Hey fellow bookworms! 🌟 I recently delved into Watch Me by Tahereh Mafi, the much-anticipated start to the Shatter Me: The New Republic series. As a longtime fan of the original Shatter Me trilogy, I was both excited and skeptical about returning to this universe. Mafi’s lyrical prose and captivating characters had me hooked before, but would she still cast the same spell? Spoiler alert: it’s a bit of a mixed bag, but grab your reading glasses because I’m diving in!
Right off the bat, I found myself chuckling at the first half of the book—let’s just say that James Anderson brings a delightful mix of humor and charm that feels reminiscent of Kenji from the original series. His quips and naivety kept the pages turning, and I genuinely enjoyed the escape and high-stakes adventure that propelled the first half to a solid 3.5 stars for me. However, by the time I hit the second half, it was like watching paint dry. The pacing slowed to a crawl, and I felt trapped in a loop of repetitive moments where James and Rosabelle just stared at each other. I mean, I get it, you’re both cute, but please—give me some plot! This part earned a disheartening 1.5 stars from me.
Let’s chat about our new protagonists, shall we? James had the potential to be a standout, with his playful demeanor and a knack for sarcasm. Yet, his blind trust in Rosabelle grated on my nerves. I couldn’t help but yell at him (yep, I’m that person) when he asked, “Rosabelle, do you trust me?” Like, buddy, she literally tried to attack you! This felt so wildly out of character given his upbringing and all that training. Rosabelle, on the other hand, was a bit of a letdown for me. I sympathized with her struggle but found her inner thoughts to be dull and lacking in personality. I wanted to care more about what she was feeling, but it just didn’t hit the mark for me.
The real highlight? The original gang! Any time Aaron, Juliette, or Kenji appeared, my heart soared. Mafi captures their dynamics beautifully, especially Aaron’s fierce love for Juliette and his protective instincts. I felt like I was reuniting with old friends, which was the sparkle I was craving. Kenji still delivers his signature humor, and I was left longing for more of him. Moments like Juliette playfully pinching Kenji or Aaron’s fierce gaze had me grinning from ear to ear.
The plot starts strong, introducing interesting themes about synthetic intelligence and personal agency, but just when you think it’s going somewhere, it loses momentum. The writing style remains engaging and easy to digest, but I craved more depth, especially in this vast world Mafi has built. There are nuggets of brilliance—lines critiquing AI and glimmers of emotional intensity—but they are sadly overshadowed by the lukewarm relationship between our leads.
In conclusion, if you’re heavily invested in the Shatter Me series and eager for a reunion with beloved characters, Watch Me offers that nostalgic jolt. However, if you’re seeking a fresh, fulfilling storyline or character development, you might find yourself a tad disappointed. For me, the read felt like a preparation for something bigger—maybe the next installment will bring the excitement I was yearning for. Until then, I’m holding out hope! 📚✨
What did you all think? Am I being too harsh or too soft on James and Rosabelle? Let’s chat in the comments!
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