In honor of the new Shatter Me book that came out recently, I decided to make a guide for new readers showing you how to read this series. The series is very complicated, with many novellas and spin-offs. The similar book titles, with only the first word changing in each new title, make keeping them in order especially challenging. To save other readers from the confusion I experienced while reading the series, I have put together a guide for how to read the books.
“I have a curse.
I HAVE A GIFT.
I’m a monster.
I’M MORE THAN HUMAN.
My touch is lethal.
MY TOUCH IS POWER.
I am their weapon.
I WILL FIGHT BACK.”
― Tahereh Mafi, Shatter Me
What is it even about, you might be wondering?
Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi is a young adult dystopian novel that follows a girl named Juliette, who has a deadly touch. In the story, the Reestablishment, the controlling government, has kept her locked away in an asylum for 264 days. But suddenly, they change their minds. Maybe Juliette is exactly what they need in a world falling apart. Now, she faces a choice: will she become a weapon, or will she fight to be something more? It’s no surprise this BookTok favorite has gained so much attention.
GUIDE TO SHATTER ME
1. Shatter Me (2011)
1.5 Destroy Me (2012)
The setting of this novella follows the events from Shatter Me from Warner’s perspective.
2. Unravel Me (2013)
2.5 Fracture Me (2013)
Set during and after the events in Unravel Me, the novella Fracture Me is told from the perspective of Adam.
3. Ignite Me (2014)
Originally, Ignite Me was intended to be the end of the series, so I suppose you could stop here if you like. However, in my opinion, the books that follow are worth reading. It is also important to note that the next three books in the series are integral to the storyline of the book that recently came out. The final three books have the perspectives of Juliette, Warner, and Kenji, which is my favorite part.
“I am no longer afraid of fear, and I will not let it rule me. Fear will learn to fear me.”
― Ignite Me
This next part I like to call Phase Two since it was written four years after Ignite Me was published.
Phase Two
4. Restore Me (2018)
4.5. Shadow Me (2019)
This novella is set after Restore Me and is told from the perspective of Kenji.
5. Defy Me (2019)
5.5. Reveal Me (2019)
This novella is told from the perspective of Kenji and follows the events of Defy Me.
6. Imagine Me (2020)
This book is technically the end of the series, and my favorite book so far!
6.5. Believe Me (2021)
This story is a short epilogue told from Warner’s perspective and follows the events of Imagine Me.
Here, the series launches a spin-off series called The New Republic. Following the events of the original series, this new storyline shows the rebuilding of the government a few years after Believe Me. It also has a unique perspective on the story, told by James and a girl named Rosabelle.
The first book in The New Republic series is titled Watch Me (2025). The second book, Release Me (2026), came out in April 2026 and has the perspectives of Warner, James, and Rosabelle. The last book to come out as of now is Escape Me, which is the third book. However, it is rumored that more books are to come!
Overall, the Shatter Me series is a must-read for all teen readers. It has such powerful and impactful messages that I think our society needs. Trust me, the hype is real.
