★★★★★ 3
No plot or character progression.....
Format: Hardcover
Tahereh Mafi’s Release Me was a very mixed reading experience for me, landing at a solid 3 stars overall. While the book is undeniably entertaining and packed with action, it also suffers from major pacing and development issues that kept me from fully connecting with the story.
The biggest highlight, without question, was the return of the original characters. Kenji and Warner absolutely carried this book from beginning to end. Their banter, personalities, and presence brought back the charm and emotional attachment that made the original series so addictive. Every scene involving them felt comforting and familiar, almost like coming home after being away for a long time. Juliette’s appearances and the dynamic between the older cast members were easily the strongest aspects of the novel.
Unfortunately, I struggled heavily with Rosabelle and James. Their relationship felt repetitive and emotionally stagnant, with so much focus placed on their “doomed” and forbidden romance that it often overshadowed the larger conflict happening around them. There was constant back-and-forth between Rosabelle trying to escape, James making frustrating decisions, and Warner cleaning up the chaos. At times, it genuinely felt like the plot was moving in circles.
What makes this book frustrating is that so much technically happens, yet by the end it somehow feels like nothing truly changed. Character arcs barely progressed, relationships remained in the exact same place they started, and several storylines felt oddly untouched. Juliette is still pregnant, we still know very little about what comes next for many of the characters, and even fan-favorite dynamics like Kenji and Nazeera barely received meaningful development.
That said, I can’t deny that the book was compulsively readable. There were moments where I genuinely could not put it down because the pacing and action kept things moving quickly. The dialogue and humor between the characters carried much of the entertainment value, and the nostalgia factor played a huge role in keeping me invested. If I hadn’t already loved these characters from previous books, though, I honestly don’t think this story would have worked nearly as well for me.
Ultimately, Release Me feels like the definition of “no plot, just vibes.” It’s entertaining, nostalgic, and full of beloved characters, but lacks the meaningful progression and emotional payoff I was hoping for. Fans of the original series will likely still enjoy revisiting this world, but readers looking for strong plot advancement or major character growth may leave feeling a little unsatisfied.
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Reviewed in the United States on May 26, 2026
