Saturday, March 29, 2014

Book Review: Divergent by Veronica Roth

Divergent

By #1 New York Times bestselling author Veronica Roth
Genre: Young Adult / Science Fiction
Rating: A-
Synopsis: Divergent is the debut novel of American novelist Veronica Roth, published by HarperCollins Children's Books in 2011. It is a young-adult dystopian novel set in the so-called Divergent Universe, that features a post-apocalyptic version of Chicago. The novel explores the protagonist's emotional struggles as she defines her identity within a society that defines its citizens' by their social and personality-related affiliation with five different factions. Also driving the novel is a romantic subplot between Tris and Four, her trainer in her new faction, "Dauntless". (Source: Wikipedia.com)

Review: From cover to cover, the book is a very easy read and thorough in its explanations. Veronica Roth instantly draws readers to its main character, 16-year-old Beatrice (self-named Tris), as she is faced with a life-changing decision that will determine her future. Readers will be captivated when they join Tris as she embarks on an emotional roller-coaster journey with love-interest Four where they later uncover a plot by the corrupt government to eliminate a group of people and to rid society of the Divergent.
Some will argue the storyline closely resembles the blockbuster hit The Hunger Games with fight scenes in a similar type of arena complete with groups forming allies, but separate from the comparison, Divergent has its own unique and distinct twist.
Based on a personality aptitude test that simulates several virtual-world scenarios, each candidate is scored on his or her ability to work through a series of situations without being hurt, injured or killed. The results determine to which faction he or she will now belong –
Dauntless: values are courage and bravery;
Abnegation: values selflessness, humble, protection from vanity, greed and envy;
Candor: values honesty and truthfulness;
Amity: values peacefulness and kindness; and
Erudite: values intelligence.
(Source: Divergent Fans)
Tris, a strong-willed, outspoken, brave and courageous girl, is torn between choosing right from wrong. She is deeply rooted to her mother and brother, Caleb, but distanced from her father. She learns the truth about Four and how his past will later play a key role in what she is about to encounter during the rebellion.
Enthusiastic to read Divergent, the book did not disappoint. Just as with The Hunger Games, this reader wanted to read the novel before watching the movie in order to have the backstory and history embedded deep within this reviewer’s mind’s eye. Despite the hype, Divergent suffered weak reviews likely because moviegoers were inadvertently comparing it to its predecessor. This reviewer will make that determination soon.
Divergent is the first of a trilogy series with Insurgent and Allegiant in tow.           

Buy your e-book copy today!

1 comments:

  1. Awesome review! Can't wait to read this now!

    ReplyDelete