Review Detail

First off, I have to commend Veronica Roth on going as intense and as dark as she did. Often times, I feel like authors want to write a truly gripping novel, but often back down from fully committing out of fear of retaliation from the readers. However, Roth sticks you on this roller-coaster from the very beginning, straps you in, sets the speed to keep-your-heart-lodged-in-your-throat-and-your-stomach-at-your-toes, and you just pray you make it to the finish line unscathed.

Beatrice (Tris) Prior is a sixteen year old girl on the cusp of making the biggest decision of her life. In a dystopian setting, what we now know is Chicago has been divided into five factions. These sectors are divided into the cultivation of certain virtues- Abnegation(the selfless), Candor (the honest), Erudite (the intelligent), Dauntless (the fearless), and Amity (the peaceful). Brought up in the faction of her parents, Abnegation, Tris can either choose to stay there or risk never seeing her loved ones again and pick another place and lifestyle to call her own.

The thing that I truly loved about this book is the right of choice. In most books of this particular genre, it always seems like the main character's life has been predetermined for them. The adversary tells them what to wear, who to love, where to live, and how to live. This isn't the case in "Divergent." Each sixteen year old is given an aptitude test to help them understand which faction is better suited to their personality, but the ultimate decision is up to them. Just as Beatrice says, "The tests don't have to change our choices."

This story is basically the grueling initiation process of where Tris decides she wants to be. It's the growth of her character as her mind, body, and spirit are put to the test time and time again. I felt invested in her storyline, her life, and her survival as well as those around her. Her overall characterization was refreshing and likable. I adored her sarcasm and strength, as well as her determination to prove to herself that she may look weak, but she's not.

As far as the secondary characters, I loved many and loathed a few. I actually really appreciated the diversity because at least I had an opinion of them at all. All the characters felt necessary and three-dimensional, thus adding to the depth of the plot and my investment in the story. Then, there's Four. He's the mysterious, swoon-inducing yet often times frustrating and indifferent male lead. There's not much I can say without spoilage, but just know that he made me weak in the knees and every single touch made me a shivering, flailing mess.

This is one that I would buy and reread multiple times. I absolutely can not wait to read the rest in the series, and I have good faith that they'll be just as good, if not better.

Veronica Roth, you rock my socks!