PRAISE FOR SHATTER ME:“Addictive, intense, and oozing with romance. I’m envious. I couldn’t put it down.

Fans of Cashore’s Fire, Oliver’s Delirium, and, yes, Twilight will find this addictive.

It’s time for war in the edge-of-your seat sequel to Tahereh Mafi’s dystopian Shatter Me. Mafi creates characters that readers feel invested in. The lyricism of the first book carries over in this installment.

Rip-roaring adventure and steamy romance scenes, with a relationship teens will root for as much as they did for Bella and Edward. Inventive touches propel the story, such as strikeouts that reveal Juliette’s inner thoughts. The final chapters leave Juliette, Adam, and Warner well poised for round two.

The story and character arcs are glorious and well thought out. Tahereh Mafi has proved herself a masterful plotter and storyteller.

Unravel Me is dangerous, sexy, romantic, and intense. I dare you to stop reading.

PRAISE FOR UNRAVEL ME:“The world of Unravel Me is terrifying and unique; its characters steam with passion, and Tahereh Mafi’s bold, inventive prose crackles with raw emotion.

Fans of Cashore's Fire, Oliver's Delirium, and, yes, Twilight will find this addictive.

Fans of Cashore’s Fire, Oliver’s Delirium, and, yes, Twilight will find this addictive.

“Fans of Cashore’s Fire, Oliver’s Delirium, and, yes, Twilight will find this addictive.

Juliette, the girl with the deadly touch, struggles to fit in with the resistance movement that saved her at the end of Shatter Me (2011). In training to participate in an inevitable war against the Reestablishment, Juliette Ferrars should feel at home at Omega Point. In addition to no longer being a prisoner, she is surrounded by other people with supernatural gifts. Compassionate Castle tries to help her master her abilities, and Kenji tries to help her fit in, but the devastating nature of Juliette's power hampers her efforts. Additionally, Adam is acting strangely--in large part because of his work with Castle to determine why he is able to touch Juliette safely--which causes difficulties in their relationship. Soon some of her new comrades are abducted while on patrol by soldiers led by Warner's father, who demands a meeting with Juliette. The resistance is able to come away from the meeting with a hostage, Warner, who resumes his part in the established love triangle. Too much of the plot relies on Juliette's withholding of important information and revelations, even against her own judgment. The bloated relationship drama takes priority over the captive resistance members in the buildup to the climax, which finally brings action before setting up the next novel. Some quality worldbuilding, but the story only inches along. (Science fiction. 13 & up)