Divergent (Divergent #1)

If I had to describe this book with just one word, it would be: intense. The dystopian world that Roth has created is truly intense. I couldn’t imagine having to pick a “faction” that would require the dedication of the rest of my, especially the factions in Divergent. I think that Tris was one of the best characters I have read in a long time. She is strong, smart, and dauntless. It was no surprise she chose to join the Dauntless faction. She belonged there more than any other recruit. Then there was Four. Smoldering, complicated Four. Their complicated relationship was wonderful. I loved that they were equals. They fed off one another’s strengths. It was a very believable path towards a relationship.
I thought the overall plot of the book was fantastic. It was a little slow at first, but it picked up quickly. There were plenty of terrifying twists and turns throughout Tris’s time in the Dauntless headquarters. However, the tension was slow building; but when it exploded, it hit the fan. At times, I was a little frustrated with the slow building tension, but I appreciate its purpose. It was a slow and steady building climax. The ending was a bit unresolved, in my opinion. There was a huge climatic event that didn’t seem to have much resolved, but I know that’s because the next book is going to begin in the middle of some kick butt action. Overall, this was a good read, but I think book two will be better.

I heard a lot about this book before reading it. Everybody raved on and on about how good it was and I had never even heard of it! Then, I saw it in my library and I knew that I needed to get it. I think that one reason I had always passed it up is because the cover. Don't get me wrong, it is awesome and extremely relevant to the story, but it is sort of...forgettable.


The book itself, however, was very UNforgettable. It is a modern twist of dystopia and while there is not a large amount of insight as to why the society has shaped to be the way it is, I get the feeling that readers will get more information in later books. Divergent is fast-paced, with delicious narration and a compelling story line.


It started out kind of slow, but really picks up after the Choosing Ceremony with tons of action and high emotion. This book is really about finding where you fit in in a society where everyone dedicates their life, mind, and heart to one value. I think if I had to pick one virtue to live by...I wouldn't live very long. Especially since each of the virtues are taken to extremes. Abnegation, for example, are so selfless that they can only look in a mirror every three months! Excuse me if I sound vain, but could you imagine not even being allowed to look at yourself? And that's the problem for Beatrice because she can't dedicate all of herself to one virtue either. She has a mind of her own that travels in a bunch of different directions, therefore she has options when it comes to making decisions. Her mind doesn't just follow one path. She tries to force herself to fit in, but she soon realizes that it just isn't possible.


One thing that bothered me, though, is that I think the ending was too simple. Okay, maybe simple isn't the proper word, but I think it was an easy way out for Veronica Roth. I'm not going to spoil it, obviously, but I think that one of the conflicts was solved very predictably (is that a word?).


This book has a lot of surprises. Some of them completely broke my heart and others were quite pleasant. It also has a lot of secrecy and it shows Beatrice struggling with the urge to reveal those secrets. There are hard decisions, of course, as Beatrice tries to deal with her Divergent mind. And there is pain. Lots of it.


All together, Divergent was an excellent book that left me wanting more.