Cait’s Review of “Believe Me” by Tahereh Mafi

By: Cait Marie

Blurb

Juliette and Warner fought hard to take down the Reestablishment once and for all. Life in the aftermath isn’t easy, as they and their friends at the Sanctuary work with their limited resources to stabilize the world.

Warner has his sights set on more than just politics. Since he proposed to Juliette two weeks ago, he’s been eager to finally marry her, the person he loves more than anything and has endured so much to be with. But with so much chaos around them, it’s been nearly impossible for them to have a wedding. And even Juliette has been distracted by everything they need to do.

At long last, Warner and Juliette’s future together is within reach, but the world continues to try to pull them apart. Will they finally be able to be happily, officially, together?

Review

If you know me at all, you know Shatter Me is one of my favorite series of all time. I initially read the first three back in 2018, before book four even released. I’ve re-read them every year since in preparation for the new releases, and I will continue reading them over and over because they’re absolutely brilliant. The entire series blows my mind every single time.

When the last book released in 2020, I was sad, to say the least. But the book was great… until the end. Don’t get me wrong, I still loved it, but the finale felt rushed, in my opinion. It wasn’t quite as satisfying as I’d hoped it would be. It was fantastic; it was just the very end that felt kind of abrupt.

So, when Tahereh announced this follow-up “novella,” I was beyond excited. I use novella loosely because it’s 176 pages. That’s a full-length book, but it is intended to be just a fun short story. Regardless, it was wonderful.

I loved being back in this world, seeing the aftermath of everything these characters dealt with in the finale. It gave more closure, and it was just precious.

That being said, it still left the world very open. Things are kind of up in the air; they’re trying to rebuild the world, which I know is how these kinds of series go. I’m just greedy and want more. I want to know if they succeed and what happens to everyone. I’m not ready to say goodbye.

Juliette and Warner are everything. Kenji is one of my absolute favorite characters of all time (I literally have a Kenji throw blanket on my bed right now). I could continue reading about them and all their friends forever and be perfectly content. As an author myself, however, I know how important it is to move on at the right time. And this is the right time. Though, I will always hope she returns one day.

This story was a great ending that gave closure and more of the Warner and Kenji friendship I adore. I love having Warner’s perspective as they all come to terms with this new world and situation they’re in. It was a great addition to a favorite series, and I’m already looking forward to re-reading it all again.