Synopsis from the Author
As Omega Point prepares to launch an all-out assault on The Reestablishment soldiers stationed in Sector 45, Adam's focus couldn't be further from the upcoming battle. He's reeling from his breakup with Juliette, scared for his best friend's life, and as concerned as ever for his brother James's safety. And just as Adam begins to wonder if this life is really for him, the alarms sound. It's time for war.
On the battlefield, it seems like the odds are in their favor—but taking down Warner, Adam's newly discovered half brother, won't be that easy. The Reestablishment can't tolerate a rebellion, and they'll do anything to crush the resistance... including killing everyone Adam has ever cared about.
Set during and soon after the final moments of Unravel Me, Fracture Me is told from Adam's perspective. As the Omega Point rebels prepare to fight the Sector 45 soldiers, Adam's more focused on the safety of Juliette, Kenji, and his brother. The Reestablishment will do anything to crush the resistance . . . including killing everyone Adam cares about. Fracture Me sets the stage for Ignite Me, the explosive third installment in Tahereh Mafi's epic dystopian series.
Things I Loved & Things I Struggled With
I am particularly critical of Adam's sudden shift in priorities during a crisis, where he prioritizes the safety of his brother James over Juliette, who has been abducted. This decision left me questioning... like... Adam's obsession and over-protectiveness toward Juliette in the past, makes this situation about his disregard for her safety even more jarring. Despite the logical option of allowing some individuals to go rescue Juliette while others help James, Adam insists on everyone focusing on James.
Instead of immediately turning attention to rescuing Juliette, Adam expresses relief and hugs James tightly. Which is an 'alright' reaction. But I am disappointed that he still was not really worried about Juliette. I have been frustrated with Adam's failure to prioritize Juliette, despite the perfect opportunity to do so.
I guess this book gave me a distaste for Adam.... If you don't want to hate his character "more," maybe you should skip this one out.
The book is definitely good because I can totally say Tehereh probably want me to not like Adam??? Because the book is well-written that way...
Other thoughts:
Intimate Character Exploration: "Fracture Me" offers readers a more intimate exploration of Adam Kent's character, providing a deeper understanding of his emotions and struggles within the dystopian world of the "Shatter Me" series. The novella successfully delves into Adam's personal challenges and relationships, enhancing the overall character development.
Compelling Shift in Priorities: The narrative takes a compelling turn as Adam's priorities shift during a crucial moment in the impending war. The choice between rescuing his abducted brother, James, and saving Juliette introduces an unexpected and controversial element, adding complexity to the character dynamics.
Emotional Impact: Tahereh Mafi skillfully crafts moments of emotional impact, particularly in Adam's reactions to the unfolding events. From moments of jealousy and anger to a sense of relief and, ultimately, despair, the novella engages readers with the nuanced and evolving emotions of its protagonist.
Controversial Character Choices: While the novella provides valuable insights, some readers may find Adam's decisions and actions controversial, leading to a diverse range of reactions. The story's ability to evoke strong emotions and opinions contributes to its impact but may also spark debate among fans of the series.