Divergent (Divergent, #1)

by Veronica Roth

[Whitney @ First Impressions Reviews]

I originally decided to read Divergent because of the impending film release in March and thus jumped on the Divergent bandwagon. I am so glad I did. All the characters are well developed and the inevitable teen romance between Tris and Four, while predictable was well done and like Eric to Ariel all I could think was "just kiss her already!"Veronica Roth excels in the attraction and the budding young love to these two star-struck characters.

I really liked how the novel was set in futuristic Chicago and was really fun to read the descriptions of The Bean, Michigan Avenue and other Chicago attractions. I felt it added umph to Veronica Roth's novel making the dystopian level all the more realistic.

On another more serious note, when Tris first enters her faction and begins training it's quoted:

"My family would never approve of me firing a gun. They would say that guns are used for self-defense, if not violent, and therefore self-serving." ~ page 78

For a brief moment the anti-gunner in me thought "oh good we may make a political statement about the stupidity of guns." While I felt it was hinted, it was also short lived as Tris hits her target in training. By this statement, I am not trying to come off as a Ravid anti-gun advocate I just don't like the precedent it implies. I'm not sure why I am surprised by this as it is stated on the dust jacket and I feel it is akin to The Hunger Games.

Other than that gripe, I thought the story was well laid out and had adequate suspense, thus creating a fast-paced, enjoyable read. Veronica Roth's novel is addicting, I wanted more, and while the description is overused, Divergent was unputdownable. Thank goodness it's a trilogy.