Shatter Me, #1
Shatter Me
by Tahereh Mafi
Contents
THIRTY-EIGHT
Overview
Adam and Juliette fight through a ruined city and an abandoned building while soldiers pursue them under Warner’s orders to recover Juliette alive. The chase highlights Adam’s danger as the expendable target and Juliette’s growing determination to protect him despite her fear.
After Adam refuses to surrender Juliette and disables their pursuers, the pair finally find cars outside, apparently achieving their goal. The chapter ends on a new threat or surprise when an unidentified speaker is waiting for them.
Summary
Adam and Juliette emerge into streets crowded with fleeing pedestrians, but they find no cars. Both hide their guns, though their fear and urgency make bystanders avoid them. When a bullet nearly hits Juliette, Adam shoves Juliette down and shoots through a door, forcing both of them into the ruined maze of a large abandoned clothing store or warehouse.
As soldiers pursue them, Juliette realizes the troops are likely under orders to bring Juliette back alive, which makes Adam the greater target. Juliette tries to stay close enough to shield Adam, but Adam’s size makes him vulnerable. Adam fires back while they run, and both accept that they might die, be captured, or fail to protect Kenji and James, but they keep moving because stopping means certain defeat.
Inside the dark building, Adam and Juliette hide behind an abandoned desk while former comrades call out to Adam by name. The soldiers promise to let Adam go if Adam gives them Juliette, making clear that Warner’s priority is recovering her. Adam answers by shooting one of them to create an opening, then drags Juliette toward a stairwell as gunfire misses them by inches.
Adam and Juliette descend into a basement, where Adam knocks objects into the path behind them to slow the pursuers. Juliette spots storm cellar doors and points them out as a possible escape. After a soldier trips in the darkness, Adam shoots to disable rather than kill, then explains this to Juliette before both rush to the doors.
Adam struggles with the rusted latch while Juliette fears more soldiers will arrive. He finally forces the doors open, and they stumble back onto the street, where Juliette sees three cars and feels sudden hope. Before they can act, a voice says, “It’s about time,” and Juliette realizes the speaker is not Adam.
Who Appears
- JulietteFlees with Adam, tries to shield him, and spots the storm cellar escape route.
- Adam KentProtects Juliette, evades former comrades, and disables pursuers while searching for a car.
- WarnerAbsent commander whose orders make Juliette the capture target and Adam expendable.
- SoldiersPursue Adam and Juliette, offering Adam freedom if he surrenders Juliette.
- Unidentified speakerWaits near the cars and surprises Juliette and Adam at the chapter’s end.