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Virginia Ronan � Herondale �'s Reviews > Defy Me
Defy Me (Shatter Me, #5)
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by
“Whatever, bro. No judgment. The world’s on fire. Have some fun.�
I think that sentence indicates the overall mood of this book, because wow, the world truly is on fire. *lol* Joking aside I’ve to admit that my feelings about “Defy Me� are pretty mixed. On the one hand this was totally not what I expected it to be, but on the other hand it was still good somehow?! I don’t know how to explain this but I was kind of disappointed by how it all turned out, yet at the same time I was going with the flow and enjoyed many scenes and parts of the book.
“Shatter Me� is one of the first series I binged and loved and there’s always this sort of nostalgia when I read another of Mafi’s books. I just love Warner, I adore Kenji and I like Juliette (or Ella) and therefore I’ll always be happy to read more about them. The longer this series continues the more it gets unrealistic and crazy though. And this is me, one of the series biggest fans, speaking their mind. So while I’m all like: Gimmi more!!! I also feel like this series has been going on for too long and that it probably would have been best to stop after book 3. Urgh! I hate myself for even thinking this, but it is the way it is and you all know you’ll always get unapologetic honesty from me. ;-)
So did I enjoy “Defy Me�? Yes and no! Yes, because as I already said I got a lot of my favourite characters and no, because the plot kind of lacked depth? I mean sure, there were quite a lot of revelations but when it comes to the pace it was really slow and there actually didn’t happen a lot. So whilst I enjoy character driven books I still would have liked for the plot to have a little bit more substance. Urgh, look at me trying to find the right words. *lol* Anyway, I still enjoyed it and even though I’m worried about the last book I’ll still read it, because I really hope that Mafi will be able to tie everything up with a nice bow. XD
This said, let’s talk about the characters! And believe me, there’s a lot to talk about! ;-P
The characters:
And here comes another warning: My characters section is full of spoilers and to read through it might kill some of your enjoyment when you actually read the book. This said: Pirates ye be warned! ;-P Proceed at your own risk!
Ella (aka Juliette):
”I had no idea how much we’d lost, no idea how much of him I’d longed for. I had no idea how desperately we’d been fighting. How many years we’d fought for moments � minutes � to be together.�
Now the Juliette � or Ella � in this book was exactly my kind of girl! After reading “Restore Me� I wasn’t happy with the direction in which her character developed, but I’ve to say that I really like that new Ella. XD Maybe it were all those memories that made her stronger or the fact that her biological parents are horrible. No matter what it was, it was really good to see her take control of her life again! That’s what I missed in the other book! Our strong and independent girl that makes decisions and acts on them, throwing all caution into the wind! *lol* Okay, she didn’t throw ALL caution into the wind but she certainly acted more like herself in this one. Then again I suppose to have your memories constantly erased and to be filled with new and torturous memories whenever you’re set back will take a toll on anyone. I mean WTF?! I hate her parents for what they did to her, Emmaline and Warner. And I’m really glad Ella ended Evie. Or did she? Maybe she can heal herself too?! I guess we’ll find out in the last book. For now all I say is: Welcome back, Ella! It’s a pleasure to see you again! ;-)
Warner:
”A profound, painful ache has rooted inside of me, carrying with it the weight of years. Being apart from Juliette –Ella � has always been hard, but now it seems unsurvivable.
I’m being slowly decimated by emotion.�
My sweet, sweet boy and awesomeness on two legs!!! Ahhh he already suffered so much and once again my heart broke for him! <3 I hate and despise his father so damn much! If he’d spent eternity in hell it still wouldn’t be enough! Still, can I say that I FREAKING LOVED Warner in here?!! I saw so many new sides of his character and I adore them all!!! XD I mean he’s still a tortured soul but behind that perfect and ruined facade of his, he’s actually a funny, strong and sassy boy! I mean Warner getting annoyed because his attempt to kill his father was thwarted was priceless!!! An insult to his skill set!? *LOL* Also: Four books in this series!!! FOUR FREAKING BOOKS and I can’t remember ever hearing Warner curse! Haha! And so typical for him he even bothers to explain it with his special brand of sophisticated dignity and poise! *LOL* So yes, my boy might be tortured and broken but he’s mending and I absolutely love the person he’s becoming. I really thought I couldn’t love him any more than I already do but as it seems Mafi is proving me wrong. <3 I loved the ending so much because Warner was so happy, which is the reason I’m so damn afraid of the next book. I’m sure it will all go to hell and I just can’t take it. >_< Let Warner be happy, please?!
”S.�
“Did you just swear?� Nazeera says, stunned.
“I’m in an extraordinary amount of pain.�
“No one warned me about the nightmares, the panic attacks, or the dark destructive thoughts that would follow. No one explained to me how darkness works, how it feasts on itself or how it festers. I hardly recognize myself these days. Becoming an instrument of torture destroyed what was left of my mind.
Kenji:
”I turn, stare at the wall. I can’t be distracted by her anymore. She knows I’m into her � my infatuation is apparently obvious to everyone within a ten-mile radius, according to Castle � and she’s clearly been using my idiocy to her best advantage.
Smart. I respect the tactic.�
I know a lot of people think that Kenji turned into a completely different person because he’s become more serious and has a lot of depressing thoughts, but what those people don’t keep in mind is that this is only due to the fact that we never got his POV. We only saw Kenji from the outside and the way the characters around him perceive him. Yes, on the outside he’s all smiles and fun but on the inside he’s a very deep character and feels so many different emotions that it’s really painful to see them revealed. In short: He’s human! You can’t always be happy and the part he’s showing the people around him is not how he feels inside. I mean I’m pretty sure about 90% of my friends on here would say I’m a funny and cheerful person, but that doesn’t mean that I’m always like that. I do have my dark days too and it’s the same with Kenji. So yes, he’s different but only because we finally get to see his private feelings, thoughts and fears. ;-) I still love Kenji and I think I love him even more now because I can understand him better. XD
”But right now I’m out of gas. I’m out of James’s jokes. I’m fresh out of fake smiles. Right now I’m nothing but pain and exhaustion and raw emotion, and I don’t have the bandwidth for another serious conversation. I really don’t want to do this right now.�
Nazeera:
”None of us got to choose this life. None of us enjoyed being taught to torture before we could even drive. And it’s not insane to imagine that sometimes even horrible people are searching for a way out of their own darkness.�
Nazeera is still some sort of wildcard for me. Yes, we got a little bit more info about her motivations and affiliation but the overall picture of her character is still very blurry. I don’t know why she’s helping them and I want a better reason than the one we were given. Am I really supposed to believe that she only helps them because she sees the errors of the supreme commander’s ways? True, they did a lot of bad things, mostly to Emmaline, Ella and Warner, and okay, she apparently was Emmaline’s best friend, but there’s got to be more to her story! Something must have happened that caused her to join Castle’s camp and I really want to know what! I really hope there’ll be an answer in the last book!
Evie & Max:
”Perhaps it’s impossible for you to understand how I’m feeling right now. Perhaps you don’t care to know the depth of my disappointments. But you and Emmaline are my life’s work.�
I think Evie and Max should go and ... you know what I’m about to say, right?! *lol* But seriously, those two are such horrible human beings that I’m actually starting to doubt if they are even human. I mean WTF??!! How could they do that to their own daughters?! I hate them so much and I just want them to burn in hell! Poor Emmaline! The way she lives now... it’s no life at all. It’s torture and Evie and Max are to blame! I really hope Evie is truly dead now but after Anderson came back again I kind of doubt that we really saw the last of her. For Emmaline’s sake I hope that she is but I’m sure Mafi still has something in store for us. >_<
The relationships & ships:
Ella & Warner:
I have to step away from her. “I don’t � “I look at her again. “Are you sure I don’t know you?�
And she smiles. Smiles at me and my heart shatters.
“Trust me,� she says. “I’d remember you.�
YESH!!! MY OTP IS BACK IN THE GAME!!!!! <333 GJAHAHHAHAHAHAH! I’m so happy they are together again and managed to talk it out! I mean they sort of didn’t have to talk it out all too much because Ella’s memories put everything into perspective but they still spoke about their breakup which is good! XD I loved the quote above because it connects us right with the first book and this was done really masterfully! ;-) If there is one thing I didn’t like about “Defy Me�, then it was the fact that it took them so damn long to get together again! I mean they basically only reunite at the end of the book and I really would have liked to have more quiet and tender Ella and Warner moments. There can never be enough happy moments for them. XD Also the plot existed only of them finding together and a few revelations which was kind of minimalistic, but then again I got the impression that this was what you’d call “a filler book� before the finale begins so I suppose now that all the chess figures are in place we’ll get quite the action in the last book. Or at least I hope we do. ;-P Anyway, I kinda dig the idea of them marrying even though I think they are too young. After everything they’ve been through it’s no surprise though. Mhmmm let’s see what Mafi will do with this plot device in “Imagine Me�. *lol*
”Her face is pressed against my neck. She’s clinging to me like she might never let go and it does something to me, something heady, to know that she could possibly want me � or need me � like this. It makes me want to protect her even if she doesn’t need protecting. It makes me want to carry her away. Lose track of time.�
Ella & Kenji:
”Can we cry about it later? I’ll tell you everything.�
“Hell yeah we can cry about it later.� Kenji tugs gently on my hand to get us moving again. “I have so much shit to cry about, J. So much. We should make, like, a list.�
Aww their friendship is still everything! <333 I love how open and honest they are with each other. They don’t beat about the bush but address things directly and even though we didn’t get a lot of their friendship in this one it’s still amazing. I hope to see more of their interactions in the next instalment and I swear Kenji definitely needs Ella’s advice! *lol* How else is he supposed to handle Nazeera! That boy is totally out of his depth! Haha! Also Kenji admitting that Ella’s situation is breaking his heart. Ahhhh!! He cares about her so much that it hurts him to see her sad and in pain. That’s #friendshipgoals right there! <333
Kenji & Warner:
Kenji flips us both off.
Aaron laughs. And then, leaning in �
“You really think I look good in everything?�
“Shut up, asshole.�
Aaron laughs again.
I still kind of SHIP THEM?! *LOL* I just can’t help but be in awe of Kenji being able to actually make Warner laugh!!! And the fact that Kenji thinks he looks good in everything?! Just too damn precious!! Like it’s really obvious that Kenji sorta digs him. XD Apparently Warner likes him too! Since we all know that Ella & Warner are the endgame and our OTP I’ll just accept their bromance and settle for being happy with it though! ;-P
Nazeera & Kenji:
”Can’t look at you.�
She hesitates. “Why not?�
“Too pretty.�
She laughs, but angrily, like she might punch me in the face. “Kenji, I’m trying to be serious with you.�
I loved tired Kenji!! *lol* That boy can’t think clearly when he’s tired and the things he admitted and said to Nazeera!? Adorable, just freaking adorable! <3 I swear if she doesn’t give him a decent chance and toys with him I’ll personally scratch her eyes out! XD Kenji deserves a really nice girl that understands him and takes care of him. That appreciates him for who he is! So you better be that girl Nazeera! Also it was really nice to finally get a sexy scene with Kenji. I always knew that he can be sweet and sexy so I was glad we eventually got to experience that side of him. And yes, Nazeera and my boy DO have chemistry. I just hope she’ll show her true colours in the last book. =)
Anderson & Warner:
”He knew, when he made that deal, what he was asking me to do. I didn’t. I was sixteen, still young enough to believe in hope, and he took advantage of my naiveté. He knew what it would do to me. He knew it would break me. And it was all he’d ever wanted.
My soul.�
And I still DESPISE and HATE Anderson! Why isn’t that scumbag of a father dead already? Damn Evie and Max and all their stupid experiments. If they wouldn’t have helped him, Anderson would be where he belongs. Six feet under! And good riddance! Why can’t that man finally die?! My boy needs to be free of him in order to move on and as long as he is around that won’t happen. So can Mafi finally put an end to Anderson’s despicable reign? I think Warner suffered enough and I think he deserves a life, NO A WORLD, without his father in it. Can we get it real soon, please?!
Conclusion:
Just like after reading “Restore Me� I don’t know how to feel about this book. This time around my emotions at the end of “Defy Me� weren’t as intense as they were after reading its predecessor but I think that’s mostly due to the nature of the ending. And even though in here it all tied up nicely for a change I still have quite a lot of mixed feelings about it all. Plus, I can’t help but feel like this ending is just the calm before the storm. I know it! I know that all hell is going to break loose as soon as I open “Imagine Me� and I’m so scared of reading what will happen. >_< Let’s just hope this is going to be an ending I can live with. XD
I think that sentence indicates the overall mood of this book, because wow, the world truly is on fire. *lol* Joking aside I’ve to admit that my feelings about “Defy Me� are pretty mixed. On the one hand this was totally not what I expected it to be, but on the other hand it was still good somehow?! I don’t know how to explain this but I was kind of disappointed by how it all turned out, yet at the same time I was going with the flow and enjoyed many scenes and parts of the book.
“Shatter Me� is one of the first series I binged and loved and there’s always this sort of nostalgia when I read another of Mafi’s books. I just love Warner, I adore Kenji and I like Juliette (or Ella) and therefore I’ll always be happy to read more about them. The longer this series continues the more it gets unrealistic and crazy though. And this is me, one of the series biggest fans, speaking their mind. So while I’m all like: Gimmi more!!! I also feel like this series has been going on for too long and that it probably would have been best to stop after book 3. Urgh! I hate myself for even thinking this, but it is the way it is and you all know you’ll always get unapologetic honesty from me. ;-)
So did I enjoy “Defy Me�? Yes and no! Yes, because as I already said I got a lot of my favourite characters and no, because the plot kind of lacked depth? I mean sure, there were quite a lot of revelations but when it comes to the pace it was really slow and there actually didn’t happen a lot. So whilst I enjoy character driven books I still would have liked for the plot to have a little bit more substance. Urgh, look at me trying to find the right words. *lol* Anyway, I still enjoyed it and even though I’m worried about the last book I’ll still read it, because I really hope that Mafi will be able to tie everything up with a nice bow. XD
This said, let’s talk about the characters! And believe me, there’s a lot to talk about! ;-P
The characters:
And here comes another warning: My characters section is full of spoilers and to read through it might kill some of your enjoyment when you actually read the book. This said: Pirates ye be warned! ;-P Proceed at your own risk!
Ella (aka Juliette):
”I had no idea how much we’d lost, no idea how much of him I’d longed for. I had no idea how desperately we’d been fighting. How many years we’d fought for moments � minutes � to be together.�
Now the Juliette � or Ella � in this book was exactly my kind of girl! After reading “Restore Me� I wasn’t happy with the direction in which her character developed, but I’ve to say that I really like that new Ella. XD Maybe it were all those memories that made her stronger or the fact that her biological parents are horrible. No matter what it was, it was really good to see her take control of her life again! That’s what I missed in the other book! Our strong and independent girl that makes decisions and acts on them, throwing all caution into the wind! *lol* Okay, she didn’t throw ALL caution into the wind but she certainly acted more like herself in this one. Then again I suppose to have your memories constantly erased and to be filled with new and torturous memories whenever you’re set back will take a toll on anyone. I mean WTF?! I hate her parents for what they did to her, Emmaline and Warner. And I’m really glad Ella ended Evie. Or did she? Maybe she can heal herself too?! I guess we’ll find out in the last book. For now all I say is: Welcome back, Ella! It’s a pleasure to see you again! ;-)
Warner:
”A profound, painful ache has rooted inside of me, carrying with it the weight of years. Being apart from Juliette –Ella � has always been hard, but now it seems unsurvivable.
I’m being slowly decimated by emotion.�
My sweet, sweet boy and awesomeness on two legs!!! Ahhh he already suffered so much and once again my heart broke for him! <3 I hate and despise his father so damn much! If he’d spent eternity in hell it still wouldn’t be enough! Still, can I say that I FREAKING LOVED Warner in here?!! I saw so many new sides of his character and I adore them all!!! XD I mean he’s still a tortured soul but behind that perfect and ruined facade of his, he’s actually a funny, strong and sassy boy! I mean Warner getting annoyed because his attempt to kill his father was thwarted was priceless!!! An insult to his skill set!? *LOL* Also: Four books in this series!!! FOUR FREAKING BOOKS and I can’t remember ever hearing Warner curse! Haha! And so typical for him he even bothers to explain it with his special brand of sophisticated dignity and poise! *LOL* So yes, my boy might be tortured and broken but he’s mending and I absolutely love the person he’s becoming. I really thought I couldn’t love him any more than I already do but as it seems Mafi is proving me wrong. <3 I loved the ending so much because Warner was so happy, which is the reason I’m so damn afraid of the next book. I’m sure it will all go to hell and I just can’t take it. >_< Let Warner be happy, please?!
”S.�
“Did you just swear?� Nazeera says, stunned.
“I’m in an extraordinary amount of pain.�
“No one warned me about the nightmares, the panic attacks, or the dark destructive thoughts that would follow. No one explained to me how darkness works, how it feasts on itself or how it festers. I hardly recognize myself these days. Becoming an instrument of torture destroyed what was left of my mind.
Kenji:
”I turn, stare at the wall. I can’t be distracted by her anymore. She knows I’m into her � my infatuation is apparently obvious to everyone within a ten-mile radius, according to Castle � and she’s clearly been using my idiocy to her best advantage.
Smart. I respect the tactic.�
I know a lot of people think that Kenji turned into a completely different person because he’s become more serious and has a lot of depressing thoughts, but what those people don’t keep in mind is that this is only due to the fact that we never got his POV. We only saw Kenji from the outside and the way the characters around him perceive him. Yes, on the outside he’s all smiles and fun but on the inside he’s a very deep character and feels so many different emotions that it’s really painful to see them revealed. In short: He’s human! You can’t always be happy and the part he’s showing the people around him is not how he feels inside. I mean I’m pretty sure about 90% of my friends on here would say I’m a funny and cheerful person, but that doesn’t mean that I’m always like that. I do have my dark days too and it’s the same with Kenji. So yes, he’s different but only because we finally get to see his private feelings, thoughts and fears. ;-) I still love Kenji and I think I love him even more now because I can understand him better. XD
”But right now I’m out of gas. I’m out of James’s jokes. I’m fresh out of fake smiles. Right now I’m nothing but pain and exhaustion and raw emotion, and I don’t have the bandwidth for another serious conversation. I really don’t want to do this right now.�
Nazeera:
”None of us got to choose this life. None of us enjoyed being taught to torture before we could even drive. And it’s not insane to imagine that sometimes even horrible people are searching for a way out of their own darkness.�
Nazeera is still some sort of wildcard for me. Yes, we got a little bit more info about her motivations and affiliation but the overall picture of her character is still very blurry. I don’t know why she’s helping them and I want a better reason than the one we were given. Am I really supposed to believe that she only helps them because she sees the errors of the supreme commander’s ways? True, they did a lot of bad things, mostly to Emmaline, Ella and Warner, and okay, she apparently was Emmaline’s best friend, but there’s got to be more to her story! Something must have happened that caused her to join Castle’s camp and I really want to know what! I really hope there’ll be an answer in the last book!
Evie & Max:
”Perhaps it’s impossible for you to understand how I’m feeling right now. Perhaps you don’t care to know the depth of my disappointments. But you and Emmaline are my life’s work.�
I think Evie and Max should go and ... you know what I’m about to say, right?! *lol* But seriously, those two are such horrible human beings that I’m actually starting to doubt if they are even human. I mean WTF??!! How could they do that to their own daughters?! I hate them so much and I just want them to burn in hell! Poor Emmaline! The way she lives now... it’s no life at all. It’s torture and Evie and Max are to blame! I really hope Evie is truly dead now but after Anderson came back again I kind of doubt that we really saw the last of her. For Emmaline’s sake I hope that she is but I’m sure Mafi still has something in store for us. >_<
The relationships & ships:
Ella & Warner:
I have to step away from her. “I don’t � “I look at her again. “Are you sure I don’t know you?�
And she smiles. Smiles at me and my heart shatters.
“Trust me,� she says. “I’d remember you.�
YESH!!! MY OTP IS BACK IN THE GAME!!!!! <333 GJAHAHHAHAHAHAH! I’m so happy they are together again and managed to talk it out! I mean they sort of didn’t have to talk it out all too much because Ella’s memories put everything into perspective but they still spoke about their breakup which is good! XD I loved the quote above because it connects us right with the first book and this was done really masterfully! ;-) If there is one thing I didn’t like about “Defy Me�, then it was the fact that it took them so damn long to get together again! I mean they basically only reunite at the end of the book and I really would have liked to have more quiet and tender Ella and Warner moments. There can never be enough happy moments for them. XD Also the plot existed only of them finding together and a few revelations which was kind of minimalistic, but then again I got the impression that this was what you’d call “a filler book� before the finale begins so I suppose now that all the chess figures are in place we’ll get quite the action in the last book. Or at least I hope we do. ;-P Anyway, I kinda dig the idea of them marrying even though I think they are too young. After everything they’ve been through it’s no surprise though. Mhmmm let’s see what Mafi will do with this plot device in “Imagine Me�. *lol*
”Her face is pressed against my neck. She’s clinging to me like she might never let go and it does something to me, something heady, to know that she could possibly want me � or need me � like this. It makes me want to protect her even if she doesn’t need protecting. It makes me want to carry her away. Lose track of time.�
Ella & Kenji:
”Can we cry about it later? I’ll tell you everything.�
“Hell yeah we can cry about it later.� Kenji tugs gently on my hand to get us moving again. “I have so much shit to cry about, J. So much. We should make, like, a list.�
Aww their friendship is still everything! <333 I love how open and honest they are with each other. They don’t beat about the bush but address things directly and even though we didn’t get a lot of their friendship in this one it’s still amazing. I hope to see more of their interactions in the next instalment and I swear Kenji definitely needs Ella’s advice! *lol* How else is he supposed to handle Nazeera! That boy is totally out of his depth! Haha! Also Kenji admitting that Ella’s situation is breaking his heart. Ahhhh!! He cares about her so much that it hurts him to see her sad and in pain. That’s #friendshipgoals right there! <333
Kenji & Warner:
Kenji flips us both off.
Aaron laughs. And then, leaning in �
“You really think I look good in everything?�
“Shut up, asshole.�
Aaron laughs again.
I still kind of SHIP THEM?! *LOL* I just can’t help but be in awe of Kenji being able to actually make Warner laugh!!! And the fact that Kenji thinks he looks good in everything?! Just too damn precious!! Like it’s really obvious that Kenji sorta digs him. XD Apparently Warner likes him too! Since we all know that Ella & Warner are the endgame and our OTP I’ll just accept their bromance and settle for being happy with it though! ;-P
Nazeera & Kenji:
”Can’t look at you.�
She hesitates. “Why not?�
“Too pretty.�
She laughs, but angrily, like she might punch me in the face. “Kenji, I’m trying to be serious with you.�
I loved tired Kenji!! *lol* That boy can’t think clearly when he’s tired and the things he admitted and said to Nazeera!? Adorable, just freaking adorable! <3 I swear if she doesn’t give him a decent chance and toys with him I’ll personally scratch her eyes out! XD Kenji deserves a really nice girl that understands him and takes care of him. That appreciates him for who he is! So you better be that girl Nazeera! Also it was really nice to finally get a sexy scene with Kenji. I always knew that he can be sweet and sexy so I was glad we eventually got to experience that side of him. And yes, Nazeera and my boy DO have chemistry. I just hope she’ll show her true colours in the last book. =)
Anderson & Warner:
”He knew, when he made that deal, what he was asking me to do. I didn’t. I was sixteen, still young enough to believe in hope, and he took advantage of my naiveté. He knew what it would do to me. He knew it would break me. And it was all he’d ever wanted.
My soul.�
And I still DESPISE and HATE Anderson! Why isn’t that scumbag of a father dead already? Damn Evie and Max and all their stupid experiments. If they wouldn’t have helped him, Anderson would be where he belongs. Six feet under! And good riddance! Why can’t that man finally die?! My boy needs to be free of him in order to move on and as long as he is around that won’t happen. So can Mafi finally put an end to Anderson’s despicable reign? I think Warner suffered enough and I think he deserves a life, NO A WORLD, without his father in it. Can we get it real soon, please?!
Conclusion:
Just like after reading “Restore Me� I don’t know how to feel about this book. This time around my emotions at the end of “Defy Me� weren’t as intense as they were after reading its predecessor but I think that’s mostly due to the nature of the ending. And even though in here it all tied up nicely for a change I still have quite a lot of mixed feelings about it all. Plus, I can’t help but feel like this ending is just the calm before the storm. I know it! I know that all hell is going to break loose as soon as I open “Imagine Me� and I’m so scared of reading what will happen. >_< Let’s just hope this is going to be an ending I can live with. XD
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Reading Progress
October 29, 2018
– Shelved
October 29, 2018
– Shelved as:
to-read
June 29, 2020
–
Started Reading
July 8, 2020
–
12.32%
""I want to stay and listen," James says, crossing his arms. "You can go to bed without me."
I swear 4 books and I still hate Adam. *lol* I don't get how James can be his little brother because he's way too precious to be related to him. XD"
page
44
I swear 4 books and I still hate Adam. *lol* I don't get how James can be his little brother because he's way too precious to be related to him. XD"
July 12, 2020
–
22.97%
""What do you mean you can't?"
"Can't look at you."
She hesitates. "Why not?"
"Too pretty."
Tired Kenji is adorable af!!! *lol* Loved to see this side of him! But ARGH please don't hurt my precious Warner!! I can't stand the thought of him hurting even more. T_T"
page
82
"Can't look at you."
She hesitates. "Why not?"
"Too pretty."
Tired Kenji is adorable af!!! *lol* Loved to see this side of him! But ARGH please don't hurt my precious Warner!! I can't stand the thought of him hurting even more. T_T"
July 17, 2020
–
36.41%
"And she smiles. Smiles at me and my heart shatters.
"Trust me," she says. "I'd remember you"
WHAT THE HECK AM I READING RIGHT NOW!?? I don't get anything anymore. This is so twisted I have no idea who is who and idk. Just, what the heck?!! I'm confused."
page
130
"Trust me," she says. "I'd remember you"
WHAT THE HECK AM I READING RIGHT NOW!?? I don't get anything anymore. This is so twisted I have no idea who is who and idk. Just, what the heck?!! I'm confused."
July 18, 2020
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48.74%
""He knew what it would do to me. He knew it would break me. And it was all he'd ever wanted.
My soul."
I swear this series has the most messed up parenting EVER!!! How can they do that to their own children? I don't get it. I just don't get it. And I hate them all for hurting their children so much. T_T"
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174
My soul."
I swear this series has the most messed up parenting EVER!!! How can they do that to their own children? I don't get it. I just don't get it. And I hate them all for hurting their children so much. T_T"
July 19, 2020
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60.5%
""Enjoy hell," I whisper, before walking away.
YAS!! That's my boy! <333 I think "Defy Me" is a really suitable title for this book so far. *lol*"
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216
YAS!! That's my boy! <333 I think "Defy Me" is a really suitable title for this book so far. *lol*"
September 1, 2020
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75.07%
""You sound irritated," Max says.
"I am irritated. That he survived is an insult to my skill set."
I think I love that new Warner! XD Not that I didn't love the old one, but it seems like I'm discovering new sides of him. *lol*"
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268
"I am irritated. That he survived is an insult to my skill set."
I think I love that new Warner! XD Not that I didn't love the old one, but it seems like I'm discovering new sides of him. *lol*"
September 3, 2020
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86.27%
"I really thought I couldn't love Warner any more than I already do. Well, guess I've just been proven wrong. He's adorable and I his friendship with Kenji is so much fun! <333 *lol* Those two!!! XD"
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308
September 4, 2020
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Finished Reading
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I only read book one of this series. Its so slow and the writer goes on and on...im amazed you've made it this far.
I actually love the simplicity of it! And it looks great when the books are together—more like a series. I also LOVE the sharp eyelashes and how they made the white a few shades darker. That's just what I think, of course :)
Vaishali wrote: "😮😮 *shocked face*Wow, I've been so waiting for this!
But I have to agree with you in that its not my favourite cover thus far, and not as appealing as the others."
Haha! This cover reveal kind of happened over night! XD
I was shocked to see it too. *lol* And I loved all the other covers but it just feels like there's not a lot of difference to the cover of "Restore Me".
![Vaishali • [V.L. Book Reviews]](https://images.gr-assets.com/users/1700331868p1/85343546.jpg)
Virginia Ronan wrote: "Vaishali wrote: "😮😮 *shocked face*Wow, I've been so waiting for this!
But I have to agree with you in that its not my favourite cover thus far, and not as appealing as the others."
Haha! This cov..."
In which case I'm glad I wasn't slow on the uptake! :D
I kind of feel the same to be honest, but Tahereh Mafi says that the Defy Me cover is more silvery toned in paperback version, so maybe the physical copy will look a little different.
This cover also looks darker and more shadowed when compared with Restore Me...I will attach a link to a picture Tahereh uploaded on Twitter as you can comparatively see the difference.
Haha I don't really like the cover either, and I don't really know why? I think it's because the purple writing doesn't really fit. Also I know they're trying to keep to a theme but I don't really like how similar it is to the restore me cover. I'm still expecting to love the book tho haha
IDEVOURBOOKS wrote: "I only read book one of this series. Its so slow and the writer goes on and on...im amazed you've made it this far."Haha! So you're no "Shatter Me" fan then. XD I really love her writing style because it's so poetic and I live for the drama. I know a lot of people don't like her books though. 😊 Guess it always depends on the reader.
Mary wrote: "I actually love the simplicity of it! And it looks great when the books are together—more like a series. I also LOVE the sharp eyelashes and how they made the white a few shades darker. That's just..."The sharp eyelashes definitely have something! I agree with you, but the rest could have been more vivid and different. I loved that the first 3 covers were all so colourful and vivid. I suppose Tahereh might have something in mind with those covers though. So yeah. *lol*
Vaishali wrote: "Virginia Ronan wrote: "Vaishali wrote: "😮😮 *shocked face*Wow, I've been so waiting for this!
But I have to agree with you in that its not my favourite cover thus far, and not as appealing as the o..."
Thanks for the link and you're right! When you put them next to each other you can see the differences. Can't help but wonder how the last one will look though. *lol*
And here I thought the series had ended. Is this the last book?
Mena wrote: "And here I thought the series had ended. Is this the last book?"No it's not. There is a 6th one coming still and then the series should be finished. Well there are novellas between but as far as I know there will only be 6 main books. xD
Oh no, at first glance I actually thought it was the Restore Me cover XD
Tara � wrote: "Haha I don't really like the cover either, and I don't really know why? I think it's because the purple writing doesn't really fit. Also I know they're trying to keep to a theme but I don't really ..."Good to hear I'm not alone with this. XD Yeah, I've heard about the keeping to a theme thing. I guess we're just spoilt because the first 3 books were so amazing! *lol* And I'm sure I'll love the book! 😁
sorry even though i have not read it i am still critacal af dosen't the cover look the same as one other one?
ℨαrα wrote: "Oh no, at first glance I actually thought it was the Restore Me cover XD"Me too! But there is a picture in which they are both next to each other and you can see the differences. Apparently that's the aim of the marketing campaign. ;-)
BADASSBOOKWORM wrote: "sorry even though i have not read it i am still critacal af dosen't the cover look the same as one other one?"They are very similiar and apparently that's what they aimed for. So well, yeah. Marketing strategy and all that jazz. *lol*
I expected something darker. Shocking. idn
Claudia wrote: "I expected something darker. Shocking. idn"Me too! Apparently the silver is darker when you see the cover in real life. >_<
I have to laugh to myself how my friend Virginia lets herself get so worked up about a book she hasn't even read yet! :) Then I wonder what magical words her husband could have said when he won her heart and proposed to her? Then again maybe he just tossed her a ring and said, "Wear this," but she didn't care because she was so blinded by love!
Joe wrote: "I have to laugh to myself how my friend Virginia lets herself get so worked up about a book she hasn't even read yet! :) Then I wonder what magical words her husband could have said when he won her..."Well, I did read the four books and two novellas before this book so the excitement is based on them. *lol* And haha, nope, he didn't just toss me a ring. He had to work to win my heart. ;-P
I agree, I kind of feel like the creativity that went along with this series is dead. The writing and covers are all very disappointing.
I agree, I was a little bit disappointed with the cover too, though I've seen actual picture of the book beside the Restore me book, and it looks better and different from Restore me. It just feels a little lazy this time and not as well executed as the others.. I still love it though.)
Kallie (The Book Binge) wrote: "I agree, I kind of feel like the creativity that went along with this series is dead. The writing and covers are all very disappointing."I really like the books and I loved the covers of all of them, but I just expected something different. XD
Ollie wrote: "I agree, I was a little bit disappointed with the cover too, though I've seen actual picture of the book beside the Restore me book, and it looks better and different from Restore me. It just feels..."I saw that picture with both of them next to each other too. I guess we're just spoilt from the other covers. XD They were so colourful and gorgeous. <333
Right😉?This is what you get when you set the bar of gourgesness so high😁
Ollie wrote: "Right😉?This is what you get when you set the bar of gourgesness so high😁"Haha! So true! I wonder if the last cover will be similar now.
I have decided I am never going to be ready to dive into these last three books in the series, lol! But hope you made a big splash! Happy reading 💖
Rachel (LoverofTBR) wrote: "I have decided I am never going to be ready to dive into these last three books in the series, lol! But hope you made a big splash! Happy reading 💖"Haha! I think that might have been a wise decision! Unfortunately I wasn't that wise and couldn't resist the temptation of reading about Warner and Kenji. *lol* Thank you! I really hope I'll like those last two books.XD
I’ve totally been putting off finishing this series too! I mean like I want to, I really can’t wait for more Warner but I want to do a complete reread of the series so I keep avoiding 😆
Ooh, Warner and Kenji do make for some entertaining content, haha! Excited to hear your thoughts on this one :)
Mara YA Mood Reader wrote: "I’ve totally been putting off finishing this series too! I mean like I want to, I really can’t wait for more Warner but I want to do a complete reread of the series so I keep avoiding 😆"I feel you! To go for a reread always takes a while. Usually it's other people and their updates that make me want to reread series. Maybe mine will help!? 😜
Rachel (LoverofTBR) wrote: "Ooh, Warner and Kenji do make for some entertaining content, haha! Excited to hear your thoughts on this one :)"Yes, they do!! *lol* I love them together. They are fun! XD I really hope I'll like this.
Wow, I've been so waiting for this!
But I have to agree with you in that its not my favourite cover thus far, and not as appealing as the others.