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This fourth companion novella to Tahereh Mafi’s New York Times bestselling Shatter Me series is narrated by fan favorite character Kenji Kishimoto!

The explosive revelations in Defy Me have left readers reeling and desperate for answers. This fourth and final novella in the series will bring readers back to the world of the Shatter Me before the final novel installment hits shelves in winter 2020.

And don’t miss Find Me, the gorgeous paperback bind-up that brings together Shadow Me and Reveal Me in print for the first time!

112 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 8, 2019

1,490 people are currently reading
152k people want to read

About the author

Tahereh Mafi

56 books62.9k followers
Tahereh Mafi is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the Shatter Me series. She was born in a small city somewhere in Connecticut and currently resides in Santa Monica, California with her husband, fellow author Ransom Riggs. She can usually be found over-caffeinated and stuck in a book. Shatter Me is her first series, with television rights optioned by ABC Signature Studios; Furthermore, her first middle grade novel, is on shelves now, and Whichwood, its darker companion, will be on shelves November 14, 2017.

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5 stars
34,941 (31%)
4 stars
44,250 (39%)
3 stars
27,156 (24%)
2 stars
4,705 (4%)
1 star
850 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 10,215 reviews
Profile Image for Ali Goodwin.
302 reviews41.1k followers
August 26, 2023
4.5 stars! we were blessed with Kenji's pov again🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻
Profile Image for Maditales.
624 reviews32.9k followers
November 25, 2021
Reread:
Kenji is still the best and this is the best novel. Period.
Profile Image for Victoria Pewitt.
44 reviews620 followers
March 25, 2022
“Jesus woman I look at YOU like I love you” pls marry me kenji I cannot even begin to explain how much I 💌 u
Profile Image for Hamad.
1,234 reviews1,561 followers
February 28, 2020
This series started good until Mafi decided to Shatter It, Destroy It, Unravel It, Fracture It, Ignite It, Defy It and NOT Restore It!!!
Profile Image for kris ☽.
112 reviews14 followers
October 16, 2022
JUST LET KENJI BE HAPPY FOR ONE GODDAMN MOMENT😭😭😭😭😭😭
Profile Image for SK.
488 reviews9,766 followers
March 10, 2024
I liked this novella the best tbh, it's more happening. I felt so bad for Kenji, his burnout was depicted pretty well. Also, I might be in the minority but I find Nazeera to be more annoying than Jello.

~•~•~
Eager to read this or eager to finish this?👀🫣
Profile Image for Virginia Ronan ♥ Herondale ♥.
614 reviews35.2k followers
September 27, 2020
”I never meant to disfigure an innocent piece of cake – it’s downright criminal to waste food, especially cake – but there’s something soothing about the repetitive motion and the soft, gentle resistance of the vanilla sponge.”

Only Kenji would apologize for disfiguring a cake! *lol* If I’d have been there I’d have picked up a fork and helped him to eat it! Haha! But oh well, that’s me, we’re talking about. Anyway, let’s speak about this short novella. Was it kinda dark? Yes! Was it depressing! Hell, yes! Was there a lot of angst and drama? We’re talking about a Mafi book here! But I still enjoyed every second of it and the main reason for it is Kenji’s POV!

”No one ever gives me an uninterrupted night to recover from all the shit I’ve been through. No one really cares about my emotional state; no one but J. if I’m being honest.”

I’m aware that many people think this was way too angsty and not like Kenji at all, but I think they should give my boy a break. I mean not everyone can be funny all the time and if you just stop for a second and think about everything Kenji went through you’ll realize that he had every right to feel the way he does. He’s always the clown of the group but what people tend to forget is that he has a huge heart and that his past was anything but nice. Warner and Juliette aren’t the only ones that went through hell and back, so Kenji has every right to go crazy and to yell at people, too. XD

”You’re unpredictable,” I say to her. “All over the place. Today, you’re on our side – but what about tomorrow?” I shake my head. “I have no idea what your real motivations are. I never know what you’re really thinking. And I can never let my guard down around you – because I have no way of knowing whether you’re just using me. I can’t trust you.”

And if I’m entirely honest I’ve to admit that I enjoyed it. You always get unfiltered honesty with him and I live and breathe for that! When he told Nazeera that she’s unpredictable I was like: YESH!!! Because that’s exactly how I felt about her in the first two books. Finally someone named it and called her out on it! XD Also can we appreciate the communication between those two. I mean they don’t seem to understand each other but they are at least trying to. It’s kind of funny how they are even able to misunderstand each other’s words and actions when Kenji is so direct that it hurts. *lol* But then again Nazeera has no experience with relationships. She even admitted as much.

”She’s not coming,” Warner shouts. “Go away.”
“I’m not going anywhere,” I shout back. “I want to talk to Juliette. Ella. Jella. Jello. Whatever.”
“Ella, love, please – let me kill him.”
I hear J laugh, which is sweet, actually, because it’s clear she thinks Warner’s joking. Me, on the other hand – I’m pretty sure he’s not.


Another thing I loved was J.’s and Kenji’s strong friendship! Those two are #friendshipgoals and I love to see their connection on page! Also did I already mention that I love tired Kenji? He has no filter and some of the things that come out of his mouth are pure genius! Like for instance Juliette/Ella’s new nickname: Jello! *LOL* Gods, I really hope this is going to be a thing in the last book because this nickname is so damn adorable! Can’t help but wonder how Warner is going to react to it though. I’m sure he won’t like it, but then again he also began to like Kenji so there is still hope that he’ll grow to love his antics. XD I definitely do. ;-)

”I know it sounds strange, but there’s something reassuring about her reaction; it means that at least something is right with the world. Because I knew. I knew that, unlike everyone else, she’d see right away that I wasn’t okay. That I’m not okay. No superpowers necessary.
And somehow, that means everything.”


Ahh their friendship always warms my heart! <3 Plus I kinda liked that Jello (see what I did there?! ;-P) seems to be back to her old self. It was great how she told them off for keeping them out of the loop just because they wanted to give them a few more moments of peace. And thanks again for voicing the obvious. I really don’t know why they never thought about making use of Warner, his insider knowledge and his abilities. You’d think that would be the first thing they’d go for in order to win. Guess they still don’t really trust him, which is a shame. >_<

”It doesn’t matter how much we’ve been through,” she says. “Our heads are here, in the reality of what we’re dealing with right now, and Aaron is going to be fighting alongside us. It’s time for all of you to stop underestimating him.”

All told I really enjoyed “Reveal Me” and it helped me to return to the story. If you finished the last book a while ago, this is a great way to refresh your memory and to get back into the swing of things. Of course Kenji’s unique POV is always a great experience as well, no matter how gloomy it might be. *lol*

________________________________

GAH!!!!
Do I even have to say it?!!!

I. AM. SO. LATE. TO. THIS. PARTY!!!
ADFJAKSDFASDFJASDKFASJDFLKASDJFKsdfjAL!

Boy, I'm so late that I'm already early again!
Like, "full circle and right on the Hype Train" late! *lol*

Well, at least I won't have to wait an entire year for this! ;-P
Sometimes to be a bookish snail definitely has its advantages. XD
Profile Image for ariella.
72 reviews101 followers
February 27, 2022
i want a boy best friend named Kenji and he’s hilarious and fun and loves to eat.
Profile Image for brooke (hiatus).
106 reviews10.9k followers
October 12, 2022
— “you were looking at her like you were in love with her!”

— “jesus christ, woman, i look at you like im in love with you”


a good build up to the final book.
kenji and nazeera >>>
Profile Image for évieane.
96 reviews534 followers
April 28, 2024
ㅤㅤ “I do not function properly. I am nothing more than the consequence of catastrophe.”

ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ ㅤ━ 3.4 - 3.6 ☆ ━
ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ⊱ ── might contain spoilers ──⊰

ㅤㅤI think I'm starting to appreciate Kenji's novellas more than the books in this series, which is insane. As with 'Shadow Me', I DEVOURED this book and found it amazing to see such a distinct perspective on the events of the book. I don't think I'll ever get bored of Kenji's point of view and his version of events.

ㅤㅤKenji is an amazing character and I am literally repeating this once again and I will keep repeating it over and over again probably because it is undoubtedly true. Reading about his inner struggles tore my heart apart yet again. This man deserves the very best in the world, and I genuinely hope he just received the break he BADLY deserves, as well as all the happiness he can manage. I don't think I've ever read about a character that is more selfless than Kenji; he is the epitome and pure definition of selflessness and compassion. I actually found myself wishing he would just be selfish for once because it genuinely hurt to see how neglected and constantly worried he felt.

ㅤㅤI am not sure if I am the one being a hater right now, but i have a genuine question right now: Did he really mean all he said about Juliette Ella or whatever? Because, maybe I missed something, but babyboy is giving her far too much credit for this friendship. I feel like everyone in this series consistently neglected Kenji's feelings and never took the necessary time to get beneath his joyful and goofy façade, to the point where I was outraged on his behalf.
ㅤㅤThe only exception appears to be exactly Warner, who, despite low-key wanting to murder him most of the time, always made it very apparent that he saw all the amazing qualities Kenji possesses and commended him for them in his...awkward, soulless way. (I love them, I simply love them)
ㅤㅤ♡ I mean...“Warner needed a minute to pick out a cute outfit and braid his hair.” - I cannot explain how loud I laughed at this and I was at work 😭😭

ㅤㅤI'm really looking forward to his relationship with Nazeera because this girl is completely, strangely-attractively insane, and I'm actually liking their chemistry. She really had the poor man follow her shirtless through the woods because she was embarrassed and didn't know how to behave in his presence and her best plan was to kick him and nearly let herself get killed by him. (Romance is not dead 😌). I really need more of Kenji's point of view because I honestly adore how everything looks from his perspective.
ㅤㅤTherefore, I'll just dive into the final book and hope for more of him because that ending really intrigued me and piqued my interest in the best manner imaginable!





ㅤㅤ───────────  ༻✧༺ ───────────


ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ.˚౿ Pre-reading ࿐ ࿔*:・

ㅤㅤLet's go another novella with my favourite babyboy ever 🥰💖
Profile Image for chloe ʚ♡ɞ .°₊.
97 reviews117 followers
February 17, 2022
??? not kenji and nazeera finally getting a moment and it’s interrupted. LIKE PLEASE JUST LET KENJI BE HAPPY MAYBE? IDK LIKE PLEASE?
Profile Image for Ri ♡ .
476 reviews1,699 followers
March 16, 2025
4 stars

“Why?” I say. “Why’d you choose me?”
All of a sudden, her eyes go soft. The tension in her shoulders disappears.
“Because,” she says quietly, “I think you might be the best person I’ve ever met.”
“Oh.”


Kenji and Nazeera are everything in this series and my absolute favourites after Warnette. I really wish they could have their own book, but that’s not possible now. Still, their chemistry, the way they comfort each other sometimes, the way Nazeera cares for Kenji but never shows it—it’s everything for me. I would do anything for them to have their own happy ending.

Also, the angst in this book was chef’s kiss, even if it was only for a small part.

Kenji is obsessed with her, and he hates himself for it. But then he confessed his love like this and ran away.

“You were looking at her like you were in love with her!”
“Jesus Christ, woman, I look at you like I’m in love with you!”


The ending of this novella shocked me because what the hell was that!? What was even happening!? Seriously, I don’t care what happens in Imagine Me. I just want my favourite characters to be alive and happy.
Profile Image for libby.
213 reviews510 followers
August 20, 2022
Ugh i always enjoy Kenji's povs. THAT ENDING?????

I feel so bad for him😭😭 reading how he feels and that J is the only person who is always on his side made my heart melt. ISTG IF HE DOESN'T GET A HAPPY ENDING—

I'm close to finish this series and i'm not ready💀
Profile Image for Isa Cantos (Crónicas de una Merodeadora).
1,009 reviews43k followers
June 29, 2020
"I always tell myself that I'm fighting every day for hope, for the salvation of humanity, but every time I survive only to return to yet more loss and devastation, something comes loose inside of me".

Amo a Kenji Kishimoto con todo mi corazón. Y el pobre se merece muchísimo más de lo que todo el mundo le da. Siempre es la cara feliz, la persona a la que puedes acudir para que te cuente una broma o para que te escuche, ¿pero y a él quién le pregunta si está bien? ¿Quién escucha sus problemas? De verdad, leer estos relatos narrados desde su perspectiva siempre me rompe un poco el corazón.

Me fascina toda la dinámica tontita que tiene con Nazeera, pero necesito que ya se dejen de peleas tontas y de juegos y estén juntos de una vez por todas. Se merecen un trocito de felicidad mientras el fin del mundo los rodea.
Profile Image for anh.
92 reviews528 followers
November 2, 2024
3 stars

“You were looking at her like you were in love with her!”

“Jesus Christ, woman, I look at you like I’m in love with you!”


➸ This novella wasn’t half bad! I went in expecting something like the previous Kenji pov that just felt like it was filled with nothing, but this one actually had some substance.

Since it’s told in the present after the last book, it didn’t feel repetitive, which was a nice change. It did a great job building up to the next book, and getting more of Kenji and Nazeera was a fun bonus.




Shatter Me Series
#1 Shatter Me 3 stars
#1.5 Destroy Me 3 stars
#2 Unravel Me 4 stars
#2.5 Fracture Me 1 star
#3 Ignite Me 4.5 stars
#4 Restore Me 3.5 stars
#4.5 Shadow Me 3 stars
#5 Defy Me 3 stars
#5.5 Reveal Me 3 stars
Profile Image for Laura (Hiatus).
66 reviews57 followers
May 15, 2024
"Jesus Christ, woman, I look at you like I'm in love with you!”

Kenji only you can make me like a shatter me novella enough to give it a four. This was very enjoyable. Kenji and Nazeera have my heart<3

--->4.00

“I am nothing more than the consequence of catastrophe.”
Profile Image for ✨Julie✨.
619 reviews791 followers
January 25, 2025
✩ 3 stars ✩

What to Expect:
➼ Dystopian Fantasy
➼ Novella
➼ Kenji’s POV

Well, I can’t say I was wowed by this, but I enjoyed it more than the last novella. Most of the previous novellas have just shown us the same content from a different POV and I appreciated that this one didn’t follow that same pattern. There were a few revelations in this book that will need to be worked into the next book so maybe the repetition will just happen in reverse this time around though. 🤷🏼‍♀️

I expected this to be a little more romance forward between Kenji and Nazeera and I was disappointed that they’re still just arguing and denying their feelings. I honestly don’t think they’re all that well matched, but since the story is obviously headed towards them coupling up, I’d rather they just get there already. All the fighting and miscommunication is just annoying.

I’m really not sure why they’re so shocked that the people they left behind are now in trouble because… duh. The author better not kill anyone off!

✼  ҉  ✼  ҉  ✼  ҉  ✼  ҉  ✼  ҉  ✼  ҉  ✼

Pre-read: Genuinely excited for this one after enjoying Defy Me! Not only that, but once I finish I get to start Onyx Storm! 🤸‍♀️Gotta read it before someone spoils it. 😅
Profile Image for Taylor of Alethkar ❦.
304 reviews88 followers
October 8, 2019
I’m trash for Kenji Kishimoto expressing his feelings


—-
Another Kenji novella you say? Tahereh doing the lord’s work
Profile Image for ⋆ ༻ Rue ༺⋆ .
62 reviews86 followers
May 1, 2024
“Sometimes I feel so alone in this world I can’t even breathe”

Kenji's novella is easily the best!! even better than Aarons.
Profile Image for em.
151 reviews68 followers
April 28, 2022
it's me and kenji against the world
Profile Image for Keya .
230 reviews204 followers
July 19, 2024
My heart cracked open for Kenji 💔
Profile Image for val :).
292 reviews363 followers
February 3, 2022
Kenji and Nazeera <33 Also the ending? WHAT-
Profile Image for bo (hiatus).
152 reviews407 followers
May 16, 2022
"Why'd you choose me?"
"Because," she says quietly, "I think you might be the best person I've ever met."


kenji deserves the whole world idc
Profile Image for lils✨.
44 reviews56 followers
April 16, 2022
Wasn’t a fan except for the parts with kenji and nazeera.

HANDS DOWN BEST COUPLE IN THE SERIES.

i have no thoughts on this book, trying so hard to finish the series
Displaying 1 - 30 of 10,215 reviews

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