J's Musings

Book Review

by Janx

I am not a big fan of dystopian works that are as old as I am; but after much persuasion from close friends, I managed to pick this book up and put it on my shelf.

I don’t really remember my first impression of the book even though I only got it very recently. I never managed to really grasp my own understanding of how the book felt in a first flip through. It was only after a deliberate attempt that I got myself to read the book. And that too not in a linear manner. I read chunks here and there before I realised, I finished the book.

After re reading it in a proper manner, I was able to have a better view of my opinions about the book. I see why people love it so much, it’s short, quick, easy and really fun. It’s entertaining to say the least and that’s perfect if you like those things.

The book follows Juliette, a 17-year-old girl locked up in an asylum for a crime she didn’t know she could commit. A touch so powerful she can’t touch anyone anymore. Juliette is unstable after 264 days of being in utter isolation from the world. The reestablishment is cruel, they let her rot, until one day they decide they need a weapon.

The book has been quite famous in YA for some time now and its not hard to see why, as I mentioned earlier. Personally, this book did not work out for me the way I was hoping for it to.

Mafi’s writing is easy to slip into and a fine line away from what can be called ‘consuming’. Reading this without feeling pulled into the world is impossible. The world building is poor, but it complements the limitations faced by Juliette. Our not knowing the world makes it easier to feel what she [Julitte] feels.

I like the book for how entertaining it is, but for me it lacked the depth a dystopian novel should have. More emotions that were un-related to romance and Juliette being mad or isolated should have been included. A glimpse of the world outside of the reestablishment [before the doom] could have been included for a better comparison. The amount of romance is overpowering and even sets the plot aside every now and then. I can’t say the book is well written in format but it has an amazing writing style.

While we are on the topic of the plot and the love triangle. I like the plot, even though it’s a classic dystopian, but I don’t find it to be very fresh or exclusive. Probably because the first book isn’t very plot centered and focuses on Juliette’s relation with the world and her emotions more. I do believe the romance could be toned down, as it holds us back from exploring characters without viewing them from a romantic lens.

Speaking of characters, Juliette is the protagonist and quite frankly annoying and selfish, with too much focus on what she wants to be rather than what it would be best for her to be. The amount of focus on her madness is exaggerated and makes her rely on Adam for reassurance of her ‘goodness’. As a love interest she feels whiny and obsessive, but then again, it’s her first time feeling love. She is empathetic and powerful and an amazing character if developed well ahead.

Adam as a character is under explored and so far, so blah. A classic hunky love interest who has everything except money. I can’t bring myself to either understand or like him. He has a very possessive and short-tempered nature which makes him an un ideal love interest, but he is the ‘only’ one who can touch Juliette, so their romance is ok. His relation with his brother James is really sweet and shows us his empathetic and fatherly side which makes it easier to like him. As a whole Adam is good, but as a romantic interest, God forbid anyone need face that.

Warner is the antagonist and a future love interest [Instagram told me]. I find him to be an interesting character to study, but not a good one, simply fascinating. He feels entitled to Juliette’s powers, Kent’s loyalty and just anything he wants. He also makes Juliette torture a toddler and a soldier for ‘fun and to threaten other soldiers.’ I am not at all looking forward to him as a love interest after everything he so easily puts Juliette through. Although I would pick up the other books to see how he develops. In respect to how Juliette is around him, I love that. She is strong, free and encouraged to fight for something. Unlike with Adam where she is extremely subdued.      

Kenji Kishimoto is one of the most popular side characters yet and fits the ‘comic relief best-friend’ role. He isn’t over hyped, but I do have one issue with him. The way he so easily keeps referring to Juliette as ‘crazy/psycho chick’ or keeps calling her ‘sexy for a crazy woman’ makes me see him as an objectifying womaniser. Him being the funny one doesn’t give him a ticket to call a woman that in front of her [or even behind her back.] His constant flirting even after she refuses made me highly disappointed in the character I was so looking forward to. Other than that, he is handsome, funny, sweet and loyal to his friends. He also cares a lot about Adam and his brother. Which makes him an otherwise good character non the less.

As a whole this book fails to impress me with the plot, characters and development of the world around them. A lot of things should have been included [emotions and world development] and a few things should have been subdued [romance and the protagonist’s madness]. I cant stop emphasising how good the writing is though, it’s not very new or different, rather it has a rhythm that most books lack.

If I look at it from a non-personal view, the book is good, and does a formidable job at being a YA, dystopian romance. The characters create an intriguing air with their eccentric ways that leaves you wanting to know more. Even the plot is well carried out and not terrible, just a bit basic [and there is nothing wrong with being or liking something basic].  The write up is also well done but not over done [which is a good thing] and the whole experience is enjoyable for those who like a steamy dystopian.

Lastly, I liked the book, but would probably not try out more of the series unless it is to see how the characters develop. The piece is entertaining and a casual read for when you don’t need anything serious or mindful.

Critical rating [Based of fundamental layout]: ⭐⭐⭐/⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Personal rating [Based of how enjoyable it is]: ⭐⭐⭐⭐/⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Hope you have a good read 🙂

Picture Credits: Pinterest