InnisfilTeenReads's Completed Shelf

The book Shatter Me single-handedly brought me back into reading. From the self-discovery to the fight for freedom and the love triangle trope, I wasn't able to put the book down! I always said “One last chapter and then bed” and then had to continue to the next chapter because I had to know more about what happened. I would definitely recommend this book to young adults and teens (15-25), as it has a dystopian theme that young adults grew up reading about (like Maze Runner and The Hunger Games), it has the romantic and drama aspect that I feel people between the age of 15-25 would enjoy, and Juliette being a great role model for young women showing that strength comes from within and embracing her unique abilities, that can encourage teens to follow in that model. This goes to say that I really enjoyed reading this book, as it reminded me of two of my favourite books: Cruel Prince by Holly Black (for the characters and romantic subplot) as well as Divergent by Veronica Roth (for the dystopian plot and romantic subplot). Without saying any spoilers of the book, the part I enjoyed the most was when Juliette (the main character) learns more about herself and her power and becomes more into the strong and empowered female character role. - Nicole The book takes place in an alternate universe where civilization is ruled by the Reestablishment and the Earth is in ruins. Juliette Ferrars, a 17-year-old girl with a rare and hazardous ability ("her touch may kill") is the main character of the novel. After being imprisoned and secluded for almost a year, she is given the option of using her skills as a weapon for the Reestablishment or accepting a life of loneliness. The male lead Aaron Warner has a cold and charismatic personality and is part of all the secrets that will be unraveled throughout the story. This book was one of the best books that I ever read in my life. I’m a person who believes that reading is healing, and this book proved that to me as it takes you to another universe. It is set in a fantasy world and if you like these types of books, I 100% assure you that you will enjoy every bit of “Shatter Me”. The writing style of the book was more than amazing, the way the author jumped right into the plot without wasting time was awesome, and the conflicts that happened were shocking. There were a lot of emotions and challenges faced by the characters that explained more about there characteristics and development of each character. The narration is based on Juliette's point of view which makes us understand the way she thinks and the emotions that she went through while being isolated. Overall, I would say that it’s well written, has a plot and doesn’t waste your time as it’s adventurous. This book reminds me of the Hunger Games, they are both ruled by a Reestablishment type government. - LE

The Rule of Three: Will to Survive, eBook

by Walters, Eric

Added Oct 18, 2023

Comment:

What makes an extraordinary book? A compelling protagonist with weaknesses and strengths, a well-crafted antagonist whose motives align with the situation to understand their perspective in a twisted way. A good storyline with conflicts that build up to a climax, sustaining readers interest throughout. Yet, the most crucial element of an amazing series finale is its ability to seamlessly thread together each book. However, I encountered a poorly written conclusion that failed to provoke emotion from Will to Survive by Eric Walters. Intrigued by the concept, I purchased the rest of the series, only to lose my interest by the fourth chapter. Despite this, I was determined to complete it for a climactic ending, which proved to be a waste of time. Months passed and I was interrupted by a hiatus before I mustered the strength to finish the final book. Frankly, I found the series quite repetitive, revolving around survival and tackling similar issues with different groups. When a new problem arose, they were swiftly resolved within a chapter, adding another scenario to the timeline to lose track of. Unfortunately, the ending was anticlimactic: there was no dramatic showdown between Adam and Brett, not even a cliché battle. Nor did I get sentimental over Herb’s death, due to Adam’s lack of emotion. Worst of all the execution of the lights flickering was brushed under the carpet. “A collective moan rose around me, but I felt like laughing instead. It was going to be okay. Somehow the lights had come back on for a few seconds. Someday the lights were going to come back on for good. There was always hope. Life would find a way.” I personally believe it was poorly written and barely encompassed the unified emotions. The entire story lacked feeling, leaving you behind with a shallow narrative of undeveloped characters. Initially, I found it unique how the book took an alternate perspective; rather than saving the world and uncovering the cause, it was about survival, but now I hate the idea. Usually, I adore cliffhangers, but this series seemed to be building toward a definitive conclusion that should’ve answered most of your inquiries. Instead, it gives the illusion that all your reading was gone to waste because you never received a single answer. I think this book would’ve been better on screen than on page, as it provides several unnecessary details leaving me impatiently skimming the pages, weakening my connection to the series. In fact, the book was excessively stretched on and could have been condensed into a single volume of 400 pages. Therefore, I have become hesitant to continue reading novels by Eric Walters after this 1-star series. - Sumatt