The world is drowning. London disappears beneath the rising tide, and in the same breath, a child is born. Life and loss entwined, beginning and end bThe world is drowning. London disappears beneath the rising tide, and in the same breath, a child is born. Life and loss entwined, beginning and end bleeding into each other like ink in water.
Megan Hunter writes with a poet’s restraint, each sentence a ripple that expands beyond the page, deep with unspoken things. There is a sparseness here, an economy of language that leaves space for echoes, for breath, for the reader’s own mind to fill the gaps. This is not a book that tells—it suggests, a whisper of a novel, a series of fleeting moments strung together like prayer beads.
At its heart, this is a book about motherhood, about the raw, feral devotion of bringing a life into an unraveling world. The narrator is unnamed, as is almost everyone—only initials remain, skeletal, as if names no longer hold weight in a landscape stripped of certainty. The flood takes everything: cities, homes, futures. But in the wake of loss, there is the fragile, stubborn persistence of love. Of survival.
Hunter’s prose drifts between reality and myth, interweaving the story of this one woman and her child with ancient voices, fragments of prophecy, visions of the world collapsing and being remade. The water rises, the people scatter, the baby grows. There is no grand narrative, no clear arc. Only the passing of time, the small intimacies of existence—a hand gripping a finger, a body curled protectively around another. And yet, within that quiet, there is a weight, a profundity.
This is not a book you read so much as one you experience. You let it wash over you, submerge you, carry you away. It is short, but vast. Spare, but unshakable. Like floodwater creeping ever closer, its depth alluring and slowly seeping into the corners of your mind.
Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi is EVERYTHING! If you're looking for a book that grabs you by the heartstrings and doesn't let go, this is it. From the firShatter Me by Tahereh Mafi is EVERYTHING! If you're looking for a book that grabs you by the heartstrings and doesn't let go, this is it. From the first page, I was hooked. Juliette's world is bleak and broken, much like her own self-image, but her journey is nothing short of extraordinary.
Let's start with the writing style. It's unique, it's raw and it’s intense. Mafi's use of metaphors, the crossed-out words, and the repetition perfectly encapsulates Juliette's fractured mental state after being isolated for so long. Some might find it over the top, but for me, it was pure genius. It felt like I was right there with Juliette, experiencing her pain, her confusion, and her burgeoning strength. The evolution of her inner monologue as she gains confidence is beautifully done.
And oh my gosh, the pacing! I read 300 pages in one sitting and finished the whole book in 24 hours. It's been a long time since a book had me this glued to my seat. We dive straight into the action, and it never really lets up, making it a fast and thrilling read.
Now, let's talk characters. Juliette is a powerhouse. Her transformation from a scared, self-loathing girl to someone who begins to embrace her power is so inspiring. And Adam? He's the ultimate sweetheart, caring and protective. I fell for him hard. Warner, on the other hand, is a whole other story. I hate him right now, but I'm so intrigued to see how his character will evolve. His complexities add so much tension and excitement to the story.
The themes of trust, self-worth, and second chances hit me hard. Juliette's journey is about learning to see past her obstacles, finding love within herself, and letting others in. It's about demanding what's right for her and persevering despite the odds. Every time I reread it, I find something new to love and appreciate. It's a story that touches the deepest corners of my heart and truly is life-changing.
However, I do have some conflicting feelings, especially regarding Warner. His actions in this book are problematic, to say the least. He's manipulative and coercive, and it's hard to reconcile his behaviour with his later redemption. But that's a discussion for another day because, despite everything, this book still means so much to me because of Juliette's journey.
Adam doesn't get enough credit either. He's the first to see Juliette as more than a monster, giving her the glimmer of hope she desperately needs. Their relationship is crucial for her self-discovery, even if they're not endgame. His support and positivity help her begin to see herself differently, and that's invaluable.
Shatter Me is not perfect, but it's perfectly unforgettable. It's a book that stays with you, a story you can't shake off. Whether you're in it for the intense emotions, the unique writing, or the dynamic characters, this book delivers on all fronts. Highly recommend for anyone looking for a gripping, heart-wrenching, and ultimately uplifting read! ...more
"The Last Murder at the End of the World" by Stuart Turton is a rollercoaster of a read, blending murder mystery with post-apocalyptic sci-fi in a way"The Last Murder at the End of the World" by Stuart Turton is a rollercoaster of a read, blending murder mystery with post-apocalyptic sci-fi in a way that keeps you guessing until the very end. Set on an isolated island protected from a deadly fog, the story kicks off with the murder of one of the scientists responsible for maintaining the island's safety. With the clock ticking and memories wiped clean, it's up to the villagers to unravel the mystery before the fog consumes them all.
What really sets this book apart is its exceptional character development. Emory, the protagonist, is a force to be reckoned with—defiant, curious, and determined to uncover the truth. The supporting cast is equally intriguing, with complex motives and hidden secrets that add layers of suspense to the plot. And let's not forget about the twists and turns! Just when you think you've got it all figured out, Turton throws another curveball that leaves you reeling.
The narrative is fast-paced and gripping, with short, addictive chapters that make it impossible to put the book down. Turton's writing style is immersive, drawing you into a world that's equal parts eerie and captivating. And while the story touches on themes of survival and human nature, it never loses sight of its primary goal: to keep you on the edge of your seat until the very last page.
Overall, "The Last Murder at the End of the World" is a triumph of storytelling—a thrilling, genre-defying adventure that's sure to leave a lasting impression. As someone who's grown disillusioned with the predictability of many thrillers on the market, "The Last Murder at the End of the World" came as a breath of fresh air. Too often, I find myself guessing the plot twists long before they happen, but Turton's novel defies expectations at every turn. Its innovative blend of genres and unexpected narrative choices kept me hooked from start to finish, reminding me why I fell in love with the genre in the first place. If you're like me and crave something new and different in your reading, look no further—this book delivers in spades. So grab a copy, buckle up, and get ready for a wild ride unlike any other!...more
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