“Shatter Me” by Tahereh Mafi unfolds in a dystopian future where society is on the brink of collapse. The protagonist, Juliette Ferrars, possesses a lethal power: her touch can kill. Isolated and ostracized, she has endured a life of solitude and despair. The oppressive government, The Reestablishment, recognizes the potential in her dangerous ability and seeks to manipulate it for their gain. Juliette, however, discovers a resistance movement and becomes intertwined with people who help her harness and understand her power.
If you’ve appreciated the narrative of “Shatter Me” and are searching for more in the same vein, this article is for you. I’ve compiled a list of novels that, while different in their specifics, offer emotional depth, detailed world-building, and nuanced writing reminiscent of Mafi’s work. Read on to find your next engaging book!
See also: Best BookTok Books 2023.
Books Similar to Shatter Me
Holly Black
The Cruel Prince
"The Cruel Prince" is the first book in the "Folk of the Air" series by Holly Black. The story follows Jude, a young girl who, along with her sisters, was taken to live in the treacherous High Court of Faerie after her parents were murdered. Despite being despised by many of the fey, Jude is determined to belong there. However, her biggest obstacle is Prince Cardan, the wickedest son of the High King, whom she hates intensely. In order to secure her place at the Court, Jude must defy him and face the consequences. As she becomes entangled in palace intrigues, Jude discovers her own cunning and willingness to shed blood. But when betrayal threatens to bring violence to the Courts of Faerie, Jude must form a dangerous alliance to save her sisters and the entire realm of Faerie.
Holly Black
The Wicked King
In "The Wicked King," the second book of the "Folk of the Air" book series by Holly Black, Jude, the protagonist, must protect her brother Oak, who is the heir to Faerie. To do this, she has bound the wicked king, Cardan, to her and become the power behind the throne. However, Cardan constantly tries to undermine her, despite his fascination with her. As someone close to Jude plans to betray her, she must find the traitor and navigate her complicated feelings for Cardan to maintain control in the Faerie world.
Lauren Asher
The Fine Print
"The Fine Print" is the first book in the "Dreamland Billionaires" series by Lauren Asher. The story revolves around Rowan Kane, a man who is determined to renovate Dreamland and make it his own. He hires Zahra, who initially seems like a good choice, but things take a turn when they share a kiss and Rowan starts texting her under a fake name. As their relationship becomes more complicated, Zahra realizes that Rowan is not the easiest person to work for. However, when she discovers his secret, she decides to show him that money cannot solve all problems.
Lauren Asher
Terms and Conditions
In "Terms and Conditions" by Lauren Asher, the second book of the Dreamland Billionaire Book Series, Declan, who is set to become the next CEO of his family's media empire, faces a problem with his grandfather's inheritance clause. To fulfill his dying wish of getting married and having an heir, Declan's assistant, Iris, volunteers to be his wife. Their marriage was meant to be a solution to Declan's problem, but as they pretend to be in love for the public, their contract starts to feel uncertain. Declan never expected to care about Iris, especially when he knows he will eventually break her heart. Iris had a simple plan to marry Declan, but as their fake relationship starts to feel real, she realizes that falling in love was never an option for her.
Lynn Painter
Better than the Movies
In "Better than the Movies" by Lynn Painter, Liz Buxbaum has always known that Wes Bennett is not the type of guy she would want to date. Despite being her next-door neighbor, Wes has always been a troublemaker, causing mischief since they were kids. From putting a frog in her Barbie Dreamhouse to hiding a severed head in their neighborhood book exchange, Wes has proven to be a pain in the butt for Liz.
Hannah Grace
Icebreaker
Anastasia Allen has dedicated her life to becoming a part of Team USA. She has been a competitive figure skater since she was a child and has earned a full college scholarship through her participation on the Maple Hills skating team. With a demanding schedule, Anastasia is determined to win at all costs. Nathan Hawkins, the captain of the Maple Hills Titans hockey team, has always been able to solve any problem that comes his way. He understands the responsibility of leading his team on the ice. However, when a misunderstanding leads to both teams sharing a rink, Anastasia's partner gets injured and Nathan finds himself in a surprising situation. He must trade his hockey stick for tights and face a strict coach.Now, Anastasia and Nathan are forced to work together and find themselves becoming closer in unexpected ways. Despite her initial dislike for hockey players, Anastasia begins to question her feelings. Will they be able to overcome their differences and find common ground?
Holly Jackson
A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder
In the book "A Good Girl's Guide to Murder" by Holly Jackson, Pippa Fitz-Amobi questions the closed case of schoolgirl Andie Bell's murder. Despite everyone believing that Sal Singh is the culprit, Pippa, who grew up in the same small town, has doubts. As she investigates the case for her final year project, she uncovers hidden secrets that someone in town is determined to keep concealed. Pippa must navigate dangerous obstacles to uncover the truth and find out how far the real killer will go to prevent her from discovering it.
Monica Murphy
A Million Kisses in Your Lifetime
"A Million Kisses in Your Lifetime" is a captivating book from the Lancaster Prep Book Series by Monica Murphy. The story revolves around Wren Beaumont, a beautiful and intelligent girl who is adored by everyone at Lancaster Prep. However, the protagonist, who sees beyond Wren's facade, discovers that she is actually a shy and reserved individual who keeps her emotions hidden. Despite their differences, they are paired up for a class project and begin to realize that they have more in common than they initially thought. As their connection deepens, the protagonist becomes infatuated with Wren and is willing to do anything to win her heart.
Ali Hazelwood
The Love Hypothesis
In "The Love Hypothesis" by Ali Hazelwood, Olive Smith, a Ph.D. candidate, doesn't believe in long-lasting romantic relationships. However, when her best friend insists that Olive is in a happy relationship, Olive needs to provide proof. In a panic, she kisses the first man she sees, who happens to be Adam Carlsen, a renowned professor known for his arrogance. Surprisingly, Adam agrees to help Olive by pretending to be her boyfriend. As they navigate a chaotic science conference and Olive's career is put at risk, Adam continues to support her. Their fake relationship starts to feel real, and Olive realizes that studying love is nothing compared to examining her own heart.
Ana Huang
King of Wrath
In the book "King of Wrath" by Ana Huang, Dante Russo, a ruthless and arrogant billionaire CEO, is forced into an engagement with Vivian Lau, a jewelry heiress and daughter of his enemy, due to blackmail. Despite his initial intentions to destroy the evidence and end the betrothal, Dante finds himself unable to let Vivian go. On the other hand, Vivian, an elegant and ambitious woman, agrees to the arranged marriage for the sake of her family's social status. However, she never expected to develop feelings for Dante, her future husband.
Ana Huang
Twisted Love
"Twisted Love" is a captivating book by Ana Huang, part of the Twisted Book Series. The story follows Alex Volkov, a man with a cold heart but a burning desire for the protagonist. Despite his troubled past, Alex is driven by his pursuit of success and revenge. However, when he is tasked with taking care of his best friend's sister, he begins to experience unfamiliar emotions. As his heart starts to thaw, a fire ignites within him, threatening to change his world forever.
Renée Carlino
Before We Were Strangers
"Before We Were Strangers" by Renée Carlino is a heartwarming story about two friends who reconnect after fifteen years of being apart. The book follows the narrator as they reminisce about their time together in college, exploring their shared love for music and photography. However, their friendship abruptly ended after graduation, leaving the narrator with lingering questions and regrets. One day, the narrator unexpectedly spots their long-lost friend on a subway platform, reigniting old feelings and prompting them to reach out for a chance to reconnect.
Santana Knox
Queen Of Nothing
In the book "Queen of Nothing" by Santana Knox, Cecilia Flores finds herself trapped in the dangerous world of the Flores Cártel. Desperate to escape her past, she seeks refuge with the leaders of the Black Crow Brotherhood, Ronan Zerkos, Santos Álvarez, and Mateo Kane. However, their desire for revenge threatens to destroy any chance of trust between them. Cecilia must navigate a treacherous path to ensure her safety, even if it means surrendering her pride and allowing them to believe they have power over her.
Casey L. Bond
Gravebriar
"Gravebriar" is a captivating book by Casey L. Bond that tells the story of a witch who is accused of poisoning her coven mate. In order to prove her innocence, she must reveal her hidden secret: her magic lies in poisons. The only person who believes her is Forge Silverthorn, the boy who was sent to kill her. He claims there is a dangerous plot in their witch town and leads her to a dark circus where they must perform magic tricks to uncover the truth. As secrets unravel, she must decide if she can trust Forge, her potential love interest and sworn enemy.
Amber Smith
The Way I Used to Be
"The Way I Used to Be" is the first book in a series by Amber Smith. The story follows Eden, a high school student who was always good at being good. However, everything changes when her brother's best friend rapes her. Eden's world is turned upside down, and she begins to hate everything and everyone she once loved. She struggles to make sense of her new reality and feels unable to tell anyone about what happened. Instead, she buries her pain and the person she used to be. The book is divided into four parts, each representing a different year of high school, and explores the deep emotional scars of trauma. It also highlights Eden's strength as she navigates the challenges of adolescence, including first love, heartbreak, and broken friendships, while discovering her own power of survival.
Penelope Douglas
Credence
Tiernan de Haas has never felt like she truly belonged. Raised by wealthy and famous parents who were always too busy for her, she was sent away to boarding schools and never experienced love or guidance. When her parents suddenly pass away, Tiernan is left feeling numb. She is taken in by her father's stepbrother, Jake, and his two sons, Noah and Kaleb, who live in a remote cabin in the Colorado mountains. As they teach her how to survive in the wilderness, Tiernan begins to find a sense of belonging with them. But as boundaries blur and rules are broken, she realizes that one of them wants her, and the other is determined to keep her.
Jesikah Sundin
Of Dreams and Shadows: A Sleeping Beauty Retelling
"Of Dreams and Shadows: A Sleeping Beauty Retelling" is the first book in the Ealdspell Cycle series by Jesikah Sundin. The story follows Princess Aroreh Rosen, who has been trapped in a never-ending dream since she was a child. In order to protect herself from her cruel and powerful mother, Aroreh must remain awake at all times. However, when she is kidnapped by a rebel group of fae, her true magic is awakened. With the ability to weave new realities in her dreams, Aroreh becomes a key player in a war between the fae and her mother. As danger and deception surround her, Aroreh must rely on her own instincts to save her people, even if it means risking her own life.
H. D. Carlton
Haunting Adeline
In the Cat and Mouse Duet Book Series, Haunting Adeline by H. D. Carlton tells the story of a manipulative individual who can control the emotions of anyone who allows it. However, their powers do not affect one person, who they desperately want to leave. Despite this, they find themselves unable to look away from this person, wanting them to come closer. On the other hand, The Shadow, the second book in the series, follows a character who unintentionally falls in love and becomes captivated by the object of their affection. They are enchanted by their smile, eyes, and movements, even when they undress. The character becomes determined to make this person theirs and refuses to let them go, even if they plead for it.
Raven Kennedy
Signs of Cupidity: A Fantasy Reverse Harem Story
"Signs of Cupidity" is a captivating fantasy novel by Raven Kennedy. The story follows a cupid who is tired of being in charge of love without being able to experience it herself. After being exiled from the human realm, she accidentally attacks a fae prince with Love Arrows, resulting in her being pushed into the physical realm with a real body. Now, she finally has the chance to find love for herself.
B.C. FaJohn
The House of Dragon Blood
"The House of Dragon Blood" is a captivating book from the "Runed Series" by B.C. FaJohn. In a world torn apart by violence and threatened by a resurfacing legend, a group of mages must take action to save their world from ruin. Cateline, a forgotten princess turned amateur mage, and Varin, a warrior without a cause, must choose between two sides and face impossible tasks. As they navigate their differences, they discover that the line between hatred and love is thinner than they thought. With love, loss, and agony, this unlikely group of allies must confront a liar and make difficult choices that could change everything.
