Ten years after the fall of The Reestablishment, Tahereh Mafi triumphantly returns to her bestselling Shatter Me universe with Watch Me, a razor-sharp dystopian romance that expertly balances political intrigue, complex character development, and palpable tension. As the first book in “The New Republic” series, this novel offers both longtime fans and new readers a riveting entry point into Mafi’s uniquely crafted world of power struggles, surveillance states, and forbidden connections.
Narrative Framework: A Deadly Dance of Perspectives
Watch Me by Tahereh Mafi unfolds through the alternating perspectives of two compelling protagonists whose lives collide in spectacular fashion:
- Rosabelle Wolff – A highly trained assassin from Ark Island, the last stronghold of The Reestablishment. Haunted, complex, and seemingly emotionless, she executes her missions without hesitation while secretly caring for her sickly younger sister, Clara.
- James Anderson – The younger half-brother of Aaron Warner Anderson (a central character from the original series), who has infiltrated Ark Island on what appears to be an impulsive mission. Cocky, capable, and constantly underestimated, James possesses extraordinary healing abilities and a moral compass that guides him through increasingly murky ethical waters.
The dual narrative structure creates a masterful tension, allowing readers to witness the gradual shift in both characters’ worldviews as their paths intertwine. Mafi crafts their voices with distinct cadences that reflect their upbringings—Rosabelle’s thoughts are measured, clinical, and punctuated by mantra-like repetitions (“I’ve been dead inside for years“), while James brings an irreverent energy through his stream-of-consciousness internal monologues.
World-Building: Surveillance as Security
One of the novel’s greatest strengths lies in Mafi’s expansion of her dystopian universe. She deepens the established lore while introducing new elements that raise the stakes considerably. Ten years after Warner and Juliette overthrew The Reestablishment, we discover:
- Ark Island: A self-contained society where surveillance is packaged as security, with most citizens connected to “the Nexus,” a neural network that allows for constant monitoring
- The New Republic: Built from the ashes of The Reestablishment, still vulnerable to attacks from its former oppressors
- Klaus: A terrifying synthetic intelligence that represents the next evolution of The Reestablishment’s control mechanisms
What makes this world-building particularly effective is how Mafi grounds her dystopian concepts in emotionally resonant experiences. The surveillance state is not just a plot device—it’s a psychological prison that shapes her characters’ deepest insecurities. Rosabelle’s mantra “Only criminals need privacy” reveals how thoroughly The Reestablishment’s ideology has been internalized, creating a chilling portrait of oppression that works from the inside out.
Character Evolution: From Dead Inside to Fully Alive
Tahereh Mafi has always excelled at character development, and Watch Me showcases this talent in spades. The emotional journeys of both protagonists are rendered with nuance and precision:
Rosabelle’s Awakening
- Begins as “dead inside,” disconnected from her emotions as a survival mechanism
- Gradually experiences “awakening” sensations in James’s presence
- Wrestles with loyalty to her sister versus emerging doubts about The Reestablishment
- Demonstrates profound resilience and tactical intelligence
James’s Maturation
- Starts as impulsive and desperate to prove himself to his family
- Develops genuine empathy for Rosabelle despite her attempts to kill him
- Faces a crisis of conscience when his attraction conflicts with his duty
- Shows surprising emotional intelligence beneath his carefree façade
Their evolving dynamic drives the narrative with an exquisite tension. Mafi excels at creating moments of connection that feel earned rather than contrived, building a relationship that begins with murder and evolves into something far more complex and compelling.
Prose That Pulses with Intensity
Mafi’s writing style remains as distinctive and visceral as ever. Her prose doesn’t just describe emotions—it embodies them:
“Heat coils inside my chest, brazing my lungs together, unfurling up my throat.“
Through charged descriptions and startling metaphors, she creates an immersive reading experience that captures the intensity of her characters’ interior lives. Particularly effective is her portrayal of Rosabelle’s sensory experiences as she begins to “feel” again after years of emotional numbness.
Thematic Richness: Questions Worth Asking
Beyond its gripping plot, Watch Me by Tahereh Mafi explores several thought-provoking themes that give the story additional resonance:
- Surveillance versus Privacy: The novel interrogates the false equivalency between security and surveillance, asking what happens when we internalize the watchful eye of oppressive systems
- Free Will versus Control: Through the development of Klaus and the Nexus, Mafi examines how technology can be weaponized to eliminate resistance by creating the illusion of choice
- Identity and Performance: Both protagonists wrestle with who they are when no one is watching—a poignant exploration of authentic identity in a world of constant observation
- Sacrifice and Family Bonds: Rosabelle’s devotion to her sister Clara raises questions about what we’re willing to sacrifice for those we love, and at what point protection becomes self-destruction
These themes are woven organically throughout the narrative, adding intellectual depth to an already emotionally gripping story.
Areas for Improvement: Pacing and Plausibility
While Watch Me by Tahereh Mafi delivers a captivating reading experience, it’s not without flaws. The most notable issues include:
- Uneven pacing: The novel’s middle section, set in the rehabilitation facility, occasionally drags with repetitive therapy sessions that could have been condensed
- Convenient plot mechanics: Some elements strain credibility, particularly how easily James brings Rosabelle back to The New Republic and the contrived nature of their enforced time together in the rehabilitation program
- Underdeveloped secondary characters: While Ian, Agatha, and Leon serve their plot functions, they lack the dimensional quality of Mafi’s primary characters
These issues, while noticeable, don’t significantly detract from the novel’s overall impact. They represent opportunities for growth as the series progresses rather than fatal flaws in the current narrative.
Connection to Shatter Me Legacy
For longtime fans of the Shatter Me series by Tahereh Mafi, Watch Me offers a satisfying blend of familiarity and innovation. The novel acknowledges its roots through:
- References to the original conflict and revolution
- Appearances by beloved characters (Warner, Kenji, Juliette)
- The continued exploration of preternatural abilities
- Similar themes of control and resistance
However, Mafi wisely avoids simply rehashing her previous success. Watch Me stands on its own with new threats, fresh dynamics, and a narrative that reflects a more mature perspective. The central relationship between Rosabelle and James echoes elements of Warner and Juliette’s connection but evolves in its own unique direction—equal parts adversarial and magnetic.
Comparative Landscape: Where Watch Me Stands
In the landscape of dystopian young adult fiction, Watch Me by Tahereh Mafi distinguishes itself through:
- Psychological depth: Unlike many dystopian novels that focus primarily on external conflicts, Mafi prioritizes the psychological impact of oppression
- Distinctive prose: Her lyrical, sensory-rich writing style sets her work apart from more straightforward approaches to the genre
- Complex moral questions: The novel avoids simplistic hero/villain dichotomies, instead exploring the gray areas that make characters like Rosabelle so compelling
Fans of Marie Lu’s Legend series, Veronica Roth’s Divergent trilogy, or Victoria Aveyard’s Red Queen books will find much to appreciate in Mafi’s nuanced approach to dystopian romance.
Final Verdict: A Triumphant Return
Watch Me reaffirms Tahereh Mafi’s position as one of the most distinctive voices in young adult dystopian fiction. By combining pulse-quickening action, complex character development, and timely themes exploring surveillance and control, she has crafted a novel that satisfies on multiple levels.
Strengths That Shine:
- Compelling dual protagonists with authentic emotional journeys
- Rich expansion of the Shatter Me universe
- Distinctive, visceral prose that commands attention
- Enemies-to-lovers dynamic with genuine tension and development
- Thought-provoking themes that resonate beyond the page
Where It Falls Short:
- Occasional pacing issues in the middle section
- Some convenient plot mechanisms that strain credibility
- Secondary characters who could use more development
With its deft balance of action, romance, and social commentary, Watch Me is highly impressive and leaves a lasting positive impression. It successfully builds on the foundation laid by the original Shatter Me series while carving out its own identity as the first installment in what promises to be an equally compelling new trilogy.
For both newcomers and longstanding fans, Watch Me offers an irresistible invitation to return to a world where trust is as dangerous as it is necessary, where surveillance constantly threatens autonomy, and where finding your authentic self might be the most revolutionary act of all.
Have you read Tahereh Mafi’s original Shatter Me series? What did you think of this new addition to her dystopian universe? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
