Release Me by Tahereh Mafi
Back in April, Release Me, the sequel to Watch Me in Tahereh Mafi's New Republic series, was released. In a previous blog post I said this book was one of my most anticipated reads for the new year. And it definitely did not disappoint!
An exciting change that was developed in Release Me was the addition of fan favorite Aaron Warner’s POV. His point of view brought even more insight into the story, and we saw just how much more dire the stakes had become. I will also say that there was much more action in this book, everything was so fast-paced. I mean I finished the book in literally a day.
Synopsis (Official Goodreads Description):
Rosabelle Wolff had a plan. Now she wants revenge. To save her sister she needs to get back home and destroy the system that created her. Rosabelle’s greatest strength is her ability to deaden her mind and body; it’s the only way to survive the surveillance state of Ark Island. But lately her heart has been beating harder; her thoughts are spiraling; her defenses are coming undone.
And there’s only one person to blame.
James Anderson had a plan. Now he has nothing but problems. Rosabelle might be the ally they need in a fight against The Reestablishment, but no one wants to trust an enemy assassin. It doesn’t help that Rosabelle’s not much of a talker, doesn’t work well in groups, and kills people on instinct. Taking her side has cost James nearly everything—but keeping her alive might help save his world.
If only he could convince his older brother.
Aaron Warner Anderson has a headache. Something dark is coming, and Rosabelle’s arrival is just a prelude. In her, he sees shades of himself he can’t trust, and he can no longer get a read on the girl. She’s a dead battery, emanating no emotional feedback. At least not until James walks into a room…
Overall, I rated the book five stars. It's no secret that the Shatter Me series is one of my favorite book series of all time. James and Rosabelle have become my favorite characters out of all of them. So it’s not shocking I rated it 5 stars because I rated Watch Me five stars too! Now one of the best aspects of the book is how Rosabelle, the FMC, is the morally grey character. Typically, this role is reserved for the male love interest, but Tahereh really changed the game. That’s because I adore how devoted and protective Rosabelle is of James. In fact she is often compared to Warner throughout the series, they even call her a “mini Warner”. She is very complex and will do anything for the people she loves. We also slightly explore her potential supernatural powers, but it’s not exactly fully developed yet. As for James, he is the character I relate to the most, because his entire family underestimates him since he is the “baby” of the family. In the previous series he was only 10 years old, so I think his family has a hard time seeing him as anything else. Although he is in the middle of some family drama in this book which I expect will carry on into the next one as well. His relationship with his older brother, Warner, was especially tested and brought so much angst. The fight against the Reestablishment progresses; sacrifices and decisions must be made before the world they built collapses.
Even more exciting news everyone, the third book in the series will be released on September 29, 2026. Yes, this fall! I'll definitely be picking up Escape Me when it releases.The cover is absolutely gorgeous.
