Review: Divergent by Veronica Roth

Divergent (Divergent, #1) by Veronica Roth
Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books
Publication date: April 25th, 2011
Number of pages: 487 pgs
Format: Hardcover
Purchase: Amazon | The 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.

Beatrice Prior, also known as Tris has led an ordinary life, that is, until she had to decide which faction she must live in for the rest of her life. In her Dystopian world, Chicago has been split up into five factions: Candor (the honest), Abnegation (the selfless), Dauntless (the brave), Amity (the peaceful), and Erudite (the intelligent). She grew up in Abnegation and everyone assumed (she included)that is what she would choose. Right? Wrong.
It wasn't until the choosing ceremony where she even surprises herself by not choosing Abnegation, but instead decides to choose Dauntless. She feels she has let down her family, but this is what she must do -- for herself.
She soon herself discovering their way of life, and it's enough trying to get through the initiation stage, less alone trying to deal with an unexpected romance, friends she aren't sure whether they like her or want her dead. Tris discovers things about the Faction that they don't want anyone else to know, and how sometimes... things aren't what they seem.

I loved this much so much. It was fast paced, with action to boot. It was high on my list along with The Hunger Games, which says a lot! I fell in love with Tris, who is such a strong survivor even for someone as young as she is. She is learning to be away from her family and not knowing anyone, but in the end.. she grows into this woman anyone would be proud to lead a revolution.

Other characters I loved: Four.. which is probably my 2nd favourite of the book, and up to par with Tris. He is someone whom is teaching Tris through training and making her into one of them. She discovers there are secrets about him that not many people know, and it will surprise you.

She makes a few friends along the way, as they band against their enemies who wish to kill them for a spot in the faction. Love, Loss, Betrayal. It all comes down to what you are willing to do to be there. To survive and becoming one of the Dauntless.

I totally recommend this to everyone who loves The Hunger Games. You shall not be disappointed. I wasn't.

5 Stars

 

Review: Allegiant by Veronica Roth

Allegiant (Divergent, #3) by Veronica Roth
Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books
Publication date: October 22nd, 2013
Number of pages: 526 pgs
Format: Hardcover
Purchase: Amazon | The Book Depository

The faction-based society that Tris Prior once believed in is shattered—fractured by violence and power struggles and scarred by loss and betrayal. So when offered a chance to explore the world past the limits she’s known, Tris is ready. Perhaps beyond the fence, she and Tobias will find a simple new life together, free from complicated lies, tangled loyalties, and painful memories.

But Tris’s new reality is even more alarming than the one she left behind. Old discoveries are quickly rendered meaningless. Explosive new truths change the hearts of those she loves. And once again, Tris must battle to comprehend the complexities of human nature—and of herself—while facing impossible choices about courage, allegiance, sacrifice, and love.

Allegiant has got to be one of the most anticipated books this year and I couldn't wait to get my hands on it, discover just how this trilogy would end. Where would these characters end up, and what is behind the whole Divergence explantion.

This last part of the story picks up pretty much right where Insurgent left off, the people get the choice to either leave the city and take their chances out there, or stay. There was never an easy choice, because either way it's taking on the unknown and not knowing what would happen.
This book is told in dual pov, which after reading the book, it made sense why it was done this way. It was nice to get into the mind of Tobias, who was always kind of a mysterious kind of character and understand the things he is feeling, and going through.
His journey is a tough one and not an easy one.

Tris, Tobias and friends find themselves at a place where they finally discover all the truths about who they are, what it means to be Divergent.. and that really is only the beginning.
This book was like a rollercoaster.. you have a feeling how it's gonna end, but you can't help but be fascinated and look as you go up and down.
The whole reasons and explanations for being Divergent -- well, it wasn't what I was expecting, but I don't even know what I was thinking really. There was a lot to process, and I think I liked the explanation because it was certainly different and nothing we had ever thought about before. It took me by surprise.
There was twist after another. Things I didn't see coming, betrayals too, but I couldn't wait to see how it all would end.

The relationship between Tris and Tobias has been beautiful from start to end. It was realistic. They loved each other, but they also knew what was at stake. Amongst everything that was going on, they found happiness in one another that made them feel alive, and believe in a better world.  This series couldn't be what it was without them, together and apart.

Yes, there was sadness, tragedy. Not everything ends in roses. Dystopia worlds aren't always pretty. Terrible things happen. It's a bad bad world and I thought the ending made complete sense and I was satisfied. It might not have been the ending I wanted or thought we'd get, but after the scope of the story, I felt it was understandable, realistic and made sense. Not only for the story, but also character-wise. It doesn't make the book less great, or even ruin the series. It is what it is, and I'm okay with how things turned out.

Whatever might have happpened, I felt it made the story more memorable.. I look forward to what Veronica does next. She's definitely on my must-buy list. Her writing is just beautiful in the way she creates her stories.

4.5 Stars

Review: Allegiant by Veronica Roth

Allegiant (Divergent #3) by Veronica Roth
Publication Date: October 22, 2013
Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books
Format: Hardback
Number of Pages: 526
Buy: Amazon | Barnes and Noble
Add to Goodreads

The faction-based society that Tris Prior once believed in is shattered—fractured by violence and power struggles and scarred by loss and betrayal. So when offered a chance to explore the world past the limits she’s known, Tris is ready. Perhaps beyond the fence, she and Tobias will find a simple new life together, free from complicated lies, tangled loyalties, and painful memories.

But Tris’s new reality is even more alarming than the one she left behind. Old discoveries are quickly rendered meaningless. Explosive new truths change the hearts of those she loves. And once again, Tris must battle to comprehend the complexities of human nature—and of herself—while facing impossible choices about courage, allegiance, sacrifice, and love.

Told from a riveting dual perspective, Allegiant, by #1 New York Times best-selling author Veronica Roth, brings the Divergent series to a powerful conclusion while revealing the secrets of the dystopian world that has captivated millions of readers in Divergent and Insurgent.

I've been in a reading slump lately. For the last few months it has taken me at least two weeks to finish anything. But this-I finished in two days. Not sure if it's because it's the first YA I've read in months, since YA usually are quick reads. I will admit I was nervous about reading this. I heard a lot of people hated the ending, and it even made people who heard about it before hand refuse to read it, and I even know of someone who doesn't even want to see the movie. Although I had decided I didn't want to know how the book ended, I ended up reading reviews a few days before I started the book and then ended up spoiling myself. Not that I had already somewhat guessed the ending.

Sitting here hours after I finished the book, I'm still not sure how I feel about it. I wouldn't go as far as I thought it was amazing, but it was almost there. I didn't like the multiple POVs. Both Tris and Four's pov were too similiar. I couldn't really tell them apart. During Four's chapters I had to keep reminding myself whose chapter it was. I've never really been a big fan of the guy's POV in YA books. They are tricky and most authors can't nail them down. And the truth behind the factions and even what exactly Divergent is was disappointing. I was hoping, no expecting for more.

Another thing is Tris and Four was constantly in a bad place with each other. It tore my heart apart. I wasn't a big fan of Four's characterization in the novel either. He was this amazing, strong guy in the first two. But because of certain revelations he became this broken person, unsure of himself. I loved Tris' growth though, and the growth of hers and Four's relationship.

I don't want to go too much into detail and spoil the book for anyone. But the ending was so tragic and heartbreaking, even knowing it ahead of time. I wanted to scream and cry. Even wanting to cry my eyes out.

I know most people hated the ending. Said it was pointless, and ruined the series. But it made sense to me. The book is about self-sacrifice, love, betrayal, and family. Thinking back on the last two books there was foreshadowing. And everyone should remember this is dystopian fiction. This genre isn't about romance and happy endings. Veronica Roth made a bold move, and I respect her for that. She knew that it would upset people. Maybe it wouldn't of hit so hard if the romance didn't seem to be the core of the series.

Rating: 4/5

 

Jen's review of "Insurgent" by Veronica Roth

Insurgent (Divergent #2) by Veronica Roth

Publication date: May 1st, 2012

Publisher: Harper Teen

Number of pages: 525

Format: Hardcover

Purchase: Amazon | The Book Depository

Description: One choice can transform you—or it can destroy you. But every choice has consequences, and as unrest surges in the factions all around her, Tris Prior must continue trying to save those she loves—and herself—while grappling with haunting questions of grief and forgiveness, identity and loyalty, politics and love.

Tris's initiation day should have been marked by celebration and victory with her chosen faction; instead, the day ended with unspeakable horrors. War now looms as conflict between the factions and their ideologies grows. And in times of war, sides must be chosen, secrets will emerge, and choices will become even more irrevocable—and even more powerful. Transformed by her own decisions but also by haunting grief and guilt, radical new discoveries, and shifting relationships, Tris must fully embrace her Divergence, even if she does not know what she may lose by doing so.

It all started with the initiation.... One choice. Tris's choice. That's what it all comes down to. In the thrilling second book in Veronica Roth's 'Divergent' Trilogy comes a action packed sequel to the book we all fell in love with.
The last time we left Tris, she had just lost both of her parents and fought a war that she did not expect to happen.
The story picks up pretty much where it left off in Divergent. Tris, Caleb, Four, Peter and Marcus have left and are slowly making their way toward safety. But things don't go according to plan, as expected.

The group have to rely on each other even though, it might be the last thing they want to do. Not all of them get along and that causes for some quite tension-filled silences.

This book was insane. It was full of action, shocks and surprises along the way. Tris is as strong as ever, but she is going through so much just to try keep things together. After all, at the end of the day, she is still a 16 yr old teenage girl and the things she has gone through make her stronger, but they also affect her deeply.

Her relationship with Four, or whom we probably should refer to him as Tobias, gets stronger after each passing day, but things arent perfect. They go through some heartbreaking stuff. I guess the question is, whether they are strong enough to withhold it and come out better on the other side.

Unexpected betrayals, newcomers and surprising revelations make this book so much better than the first book. I could not put this down.
In this story, you get to understand more about the Divergents, more about each of the Factions. It was interesting to see because we didn't really know much about them before now.

Of course we then have the all dreaded cliffhanger... and then you think.. "You leave us with THAT?" Yes... and the suspense builds.
I look forward to see how the final book brings everything together and closes this amazing series off.  It's gonna be one hell of a year until the final book gets released.

                                                           Rating: 5/5

April's review of 'Insurgent' by Veronica Roth

Insurgent (Divergent #2) by Veronica Roth
Publication Date: May 1,2012
Publisher: Harper Teen
Number of Pages: 525
Format: Hardback
Buy: Amazon | Barnes and Noble
Description:  One choice can transform you—or it can destroy you. But every choice has consequences, and as unrest surges in the factions all around her, Tris Prior must continue trying to save those she loves—and herself—while grappling with haunting questions of grief and forgiveness, identity and loyalty, politics and love.  Tris's initiation day should have been marked by celebration and victory with her chosen faction; instead, the day ended with unspeakable horrors. War now looms as conflict between the factions and their ideologies grows. And in times of war, sides must be chosen, secrets will emerge, and choices will become even more irrevocable—and even more powerful. Transformed by her own decisions but also by haunting grief and guilt, radical new discoveries, and shifting relationships, Tris must fully embrace her Divergence, even if she does not know what she may lose by doing so. 

New York Times bestselling author Veronica Roth's much-anticipated second book of the dystopian Divergent series is another intoxicating thrill ride of a story, rich with hallmark twists, heartbreaks, romance, and powerful insights about human nature.

 Insurgent picks up right where Divergent left off with Tris, Four, Caleb, Peter, and Marcus headed towards Amity for safety. Even though the Amity decides they will stay uninvolved in the war, they offer a safe house to those who can follow their conditions, including you can't start a conflict. Which given the fact Peter is among them, it doesn't take long for Tris and Peter to get into a fight. The result of that is Tris being given a peace serum, which she was given a little too much. And honestly it was one of my favorite scenes seeing her on it. It was hilarious. But sadly Four was not amused. When the Erudites and the Dauntless-traitors storm Amity compound, they must again run for their lives. 


It's been about three hours since I've finished the book and I still can not find the words to describe it. My love for Four/Tris grew 200% in this book. Even though there were some heartbreaking scenes between the two. They spent the majority of the book fighting and on the outs with each other. I almost felt like they were playing tug of war with my emotions. They fight then they somewhat makeup only to start fighting again. Without giving much away, I will say there was one scene towards the end that will make your heart melt.


There were many twists and turns. At one point it was hard to tell who was on what side. And it's revealed that the Erudites attacked Abnegation for a different reason than what we believed, to prevent certain information from being revealed to the public. But they failed in that, in the end it was revealed and nothing will ever be the same again. I believe that Tris is more important than we thought. 


We see a lot of the characters from the first book, and even get to meet some new ones. The book was an emotional rollar coaster. There were even a few hilarious scenes, along with a few heartbreaking ones. There's only one word to describe the book: AMAZING. I simply could not put it down. I literally read it within 24 hours. I do have to say that it's much better than the first one, which I thought was impossible. Now {im}patiently waiting for the final book in the series next year. 

Rating: 5/5

Waiting on Wednesday #4: INSURGENT! ♥

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event that is hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine and spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating. 

One choice can transform you—or it can destroy you. But every choice has consequences, and as unrest surges in the factions all around her, Tris Prior must continue trying to save those she loves—and herself—while grappling with haunting questions of grief and forgiveness, identity and loyalty, politics and love.

Tris's initiation day should have been marked by celebration and victory with her chosen faction; instead, the day ended with unspeakable horrors. War now looms as conflict between the factions and their ideologies grows. And in times of war, sides must be chosen, secrets will emerge, and choices will become even more irrevocable—and even more powerful. Transformed by her own decisions but also by haunting grief and guilt, radical new discoveries, and shifting relationships, Tris must fully embrace her Divergence, even if she does not know what she may lose by doing so.

Publication date: May 1st, 2012