Divergent by Veronica Roth

Divergent (Divergent, #1)

by Veronica Roth

She turns to the future in a world that's falling apart.

The No. 1 New York Times bestseller DIVERGENT - also a major motion picture.

For sixteen-year-old Tris, the world changes in a heartbeat when she is forced to make a terrible choice. Turning her back on her family, Tris ventures out, alone, determined to find out where she truly belongs.

Shocked by the brutality of her new life, Tris can trust no one. And yet she is drawn to a boy who seems to both threaten and protect her. The hardest choices may yet lie ahead....

The first book in the DIVERGENT series that has swept the globe - selling millions of copies world-wide.

Reviewed by Amber (The Literary Phoenix) on

5 of 5 stars

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I saw the movie first, so I cheated. I just want to get that out of the way.

I loved this book. I only come across one or two books a year that I love. They have to be fabulously written, immersing, surprising, visual, and perfect. To me, Divergent is.
I don't want to compare it to the movie here, so I'll just tell you what I know.

The main character, Beatrice, is strong, resolute, and brave. She's well-rounded and different. I am so tired of the stereotypical heroine, I could tear my hair out. I loved Tris. I rarely even like the protagonist, so this is a big deal.
Minor characters? They were great. Different and infuriating all at once. The love interest both is and isn't tall, dark, and handsome. There are no love triangles. 10 points to Gryffindor.

The world is richly detailed, but leaves plenty for the imagination to fill in. It follows the traditional feel of a post apocalyptic world, but there's more to it, as though it's just a bubble. It feels familiar, and leaves you wanting to know more.

The plot - it's pretty original, although it follows typical dystopian lines. It won't be very surprising, but it is engrossing.

I am left wanting more.

Needless to say, I'll be reading Insurgent.

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Reading updates

  • Started reading
  • 12 June, 2014: Finished reading
  • 12 June, 2014: Reviewed