REVIEW ~ Divergent by Veronica Roth

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.

Well, I finally read what the hype was about in reading Divergent by Veronica Roth. Plus, I wanted to read before I viewed the movie. This was a big book. I was almost intimidated to read it because I tend to lose interest with larger books. But not with this one. I read Divergent with Cullen speed.

In the divided society between the pages, there was choice. Divergent was an interesting, exciting and refreshing story on humanity, reasoning, classification, alternatives, acceptation, and survival. Families were classified, based on their attributes, and once a young adult reached a certain age, they were given a test and a choice. But best choose wisely and keep up or get out. And for the sake of your life, choose one. I understood the justification and reasoning behind the division of people. In order to eliminate the evil sides of personalities believed to have had caused war, these people collaborated into groups to form a greater good of human kind and peace. At least that was the origination behind it. Each group had a specific representation and purpose, but didn't socialize outside of it. And if you were ruled without purpose, well then - you were basically homeless. But, there is a dark menacing side to everything and there is betrayal. You as the reader will ask yourself within the first 5 chapters, which sector would you choose for yourself?

It all had come down to this one girl. As Beatrice came to age, her curiosity grew and so did her choice. And so, Beatrice's new personation had begun.

Beatrice was equivalent to the word, brave. "Tris" put the “h” in heroine. The “a” in admiration. The “e” in envy. The “d” in determination. Ok, I'll stop now. Point is, I dug this young girl. I loved how she was inquisitive and questioned her choice, questioned her courage and how she tested herself, defended herself, pushed her limits. What a fascinating and courageous character. On top of that, the girl literally fell into the arms of a courageous, dreamy dude.

Parts of this book were brutal with ruthless and intense characters. But to be Dauntless, risks had to be taken and bravery was priority. But to be Divergent... Ah. Divergent. What was it? I craved to know its true meaning and purpose and why it had to be kept confidential.

The supporting characters in Divergent were committed and the rivals were relentless and vindictive. I am in love with Four. He's smart, strategic, deep, swoony and ethical. He was calm yet fierce and patient yet bold; a true leader. His guidance was respected. He and Tris made a very daring team.

Divergent was a pure adrenaline of a read! When you're not sitting in front of this book, you think of it constantly. While you worked, while you cooked, while you yelled at your kids or took a test, while you slept -- what was happening, dwell on it, what could happen, dwell on it.

Veronica Roth is a genius for leading her readers to a different era in our world. The image and emotion was there in every sentence of this book. Made you think. The possibility that society could become this in the future is scary.

Because I was so focused on the Divergent series, I’m glad I decided to read all three books back to back. I believe it would’ve killed me to have had wait between installments until the next release.

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