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SM6.5: Believe Me (2020, novella)

Warner overcomes post-apocalyptic challenges for a poignant, love-filled wedding day.

My Rating

Author

Length (pages)

Genre

Tropes/

Themes

average rating is 4 out of 5

Tahereh Mafi

160

Romance, Young Adult, Dystopian, Fiction

Power and Control, Rebellion and Resistance

Synopsis from the Author

Juliette and Warner fought hard to take down the Reestablishment once and for all. Life in the aftermath isn’t easy, as they and their friends at the Sanctuary work with their limited resources to stabilize the world.

Warner has his sights set on more than just politics. Since he proposed to Juliette two weeks ago, he’s been eager to finally marry her, the person he loves more than anything and has endured so much to be with. But with so much chaos around them, it’s been nearly impossible for them to have a wedding. And even Juliette has been distracted by everything they need to do.

At long last, Warner and Juliette’s future together is within reach, but the world continues to try to pull them apart. Will they finally be able to be happily, officially, together?

Things I Loved & Things I Struggled With

Finally a happy ending!

  • Departing from the series' usual action-packed theme, "Believe Me" takes a more romantic and gentle tone, providing a satisfying conclusion to this "Shatter Me" series.

  • Tahereh Mafi skillfully describes the new world, the beautiful wedding preparations, Warner's inner turmoil, and his evolving relationships with Juliette and friends, notably the humorous dynamic with Kenji.

  • This is definitely a good story for those who've been craving more of the endearing Warner/Juliette(Ella) moments and the entertaining banter/bromance between Kenji and Warner. Loved how the novella grants me a satisfying conclusion of the beloved characters deserve.

  • The open-ended ending may left me  intrigued but also slightly frustrated (because I feel like this is okay already--enough hahaha)... It was just kind of frustrating not reading the actual wedding scene...

  • I totally enjoyed this novella! I recommend this for people who've been craving for a happy ending-ish...

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