Divergent by Veronica RothSeries: Divergent #1
Published by: Katherine Tegen Books
Published on: April 25, 2011
Genre: Dystopian
Pages: 487
Format: Paperback
Source: Bought
Rating: ★★★★★
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In Beatrice Prior's dystopian Chicago world, 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 alongside her fellow initiates to live out the choice they have made. Together they must undergo extreme physical tests of endurance and intense psychological simulations, some with devastating consequences. As initiation transforms them all, Tris must determine who her friends really are--and where, exactly, a romance with a sometimes fascinating, sometimes exasperating 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 unrest and growing conflict that threaten to unravel her seemingly perfect society, Tris also learns that her secret might help her save the ones she loves . . . or it might destroy her.
I loved this book so much. I don’t know why it took me so long to eventually read it but I am so glad I got around to it. I was a little sceptical of the hype but after reading it I can completely understand it all. It was just amazing.
I really loved the characters. I loved Tris, especially as she grew throughout the book. She starts off as a quite confused young girl who tends to follow the rules, although often finds it hard to do so, and grows into an incredibly strong young woman who is not afraid to stand up for herself. I also really loved Four, both his tougher side and his soft side. I loved the connection between the two of them and think he is a really great love interest. I also love Tris’ mother and her brother, Caleb, especially when we, along with Tris, begin to see them as more than we initially thought. I didn’t really like her father, I did not feel like he was a strong enough character to develop an attachment. I would say the same goes for Tris’ fellow initiates, even her friends, until nearer the end of the book.
The plot was enjoyable and not very predictable. I really enjoyed reading about the society and found the initiation process really fun, if that is the right word. I did find some aspects of the plot to be a little predictable but for the most part I did not expect what was happening. I also enjoyed the fact that I found myself both laughing and crying throughout this book. There were some serious issues tackled, which were dealt with well in my opinion, as well as some light-hearted, amusing moments. Though the plot has similarities to many other dystopian books, I think this is one of the more unique YA dystopian books I have read plot-wise.
The romance aspect of the book was great. I am not a fan of insta-love in these kinds of books and I was so glad that there was not any of that in this book. While it is obvious from the start that the two have a connection, they are not declaring their love the day they meet, nor are they incredibly serious by the end of the book. I also think they make a great couple and was all for them getting together.
Overall, I absolutely loved this book and I am looking forward to continuing with the series. To anyone who has not yet read this book, do it! The hype surrounding it almost put me off but it was well worth the hype. I was also a little put off by the comparisons to The Hunger Games but found it was a great book in it’s own right.
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