Book Review: Divergent by Veronica Roth

Divergent by Veronica Roth
Release Date: May 3, 2011
Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books
Pages: 496
Source: ARC from Lis*
Rating:  
Buy It: Amazon | Book Depository

In Beatrice Prior’s dystopian Chicago, society is divided into five factions, each dedicated to the cultivation of a particular virtue—Candor (the honest), Abnegation (the selfless), Dauntless (the brave), Amity (the peaceful), and Erudite (the intelligent). On an appointed day of every year, all sixteen-year-olds must select the faction to which they will devote the rest of their lives. For Beatrice, the decision is between staying with her family and being who she really is—she can’t have both. So she makes a choice that surprises everyone, including herself.

During the highly competitive initiation that follows, Beatrice renames herself Tris and struggles to determine who her friends really are—and where, exactly, a romance with a sometimes fascinating, sometimes infuriating boy fits into the life she’s chosen. But Tris also has a secret, one she’s kept hidden from everyone because she’s been warned it can mean death. And as she discovers a growing conflict that threatens to unravel her seemingly perfect society, she also learns that her secret might help her save those she loves . . . or it might destroy her. – Goodreads

Review:
Where to even start? Divergent has been one of my most anticipated titles for quite some time now, so to say that my expectations were high would be an understatement. As it turned out, Veronica Roth packed a powerful punch in the contents of this book and I’m already feeling impatient for book two.

Right away, I felt an immediate connection with Tris. Despite any loyalty she feels for her Abnegation family, Tris takes the step to make a decision for herself. It was easy to fall into the guilt she felt for leaving her family behind, but equally liberating as she found her independence. Tris grows so much throughout the course of the story and, though she’s not always the strongest, she’s absolutely fierce and determined. I won’t give anything away, but some characters are absolutely horrible and I love that she finds a way to fight back.

Four has always been my favorite number and now I have another reason to love it thanks to this magnificent character. The silent and brooding type, right? Oh, but there’s more! His relationship with Tris is gradual, but one that easily shows the mutual respect they have for each other, a true and equal match.

The rest of the supporting cast made for some interesting dynamics as well. The friendship with Christina, the awkwardness with Al, the loathing of Eric and Peter… This book was such a roller coaster, carrying me through so many emotions. It kept me on my toes; just when I thought my heart couldn’t race any faster…BAM! Tris’s entire initiation process was intense but, believe me, things get even crazier with shocking twists and secrets along the way.

It’s been a few weeks since I finished the book and yet I find it so easy to dive back into this world during this review. I don’t think there are many people who aren’t anxiously awaiting its release on Tuesday, but I’ll just give a friendly reminder: PICK.THIS.UP.

Other related randomness:
• Faction Quiz – What are your results? I got Dauntless which is crazy because I honestly don’t think I’d make it.

• It’s probably a long time off, but after finishing the book I couldn’t help but think back to the movie announcement… Um, yeah, definitely looking forward to seeing this baby on the big screen. My imagination is already running wild with certain scenes, even to the point where I’m imagining a few of them being in 3D (*cough*Hancock*cough*).

* Many thanks to Lis for her awesomeness. ♥

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