Book Review: Divergent by Veronica Roth

Divergent by Veronica Roth
Publication Date: Feb. 28, 2012
Genres: Dystopian, Fiction, Young Adult
Pages: 576
Format: Hardcover
Source: Library
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I got lost in another world, where I was challenged to think what virtue I value most and how I would face the challenges if in the same situation.

Synopsis from Barnes & Noble:

“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, she also learns that her secret might help her save those she loves . . . or it might destroy her.

Veronica Roth is the New York Times bestselling author of Divergent, the first in a trilogy of dystopian thrillers filled with electrifying decisions, heartbreaking betrayals, stunning consequences, and unexpected romance.”

My Thoughts:

In dystopian Chicago, lives Beatrice and her family in the Abnegation faction. The city is divided into five factions each valuing a different virtue. The Abnegation value selflessness, helping others before yourself. The Erudite value intelligence, the Candor honesty, the Amity peace and the Dauntless bravery. At 16 years old, children can choose to stay with the faction they grew up in or leave and attempt initiation into a new faction. They compete with the others who transfer in and those born into that faction to gain one of the coveted initiate spots. If they fail, they become “factionless” and homeless for the rest of their lives.

At Beatrice’s assessment before she makes her fateful choice, the test reveals she is Divergent, she does not understand the full scope of what this means. However, the administrator informs her it is extremely dangerous to be Divergent and Beatrice must never reveal that she is Divergent or she will be killed.

Beatrice makes her faction choice, much to the surprise of those who know and meet her. She isn’t the typical faction member and she stands out just from her meek appearance. The initiation competition is fierce to say the least. Beatrice, who changes her name to Tris, is pushed to her limits physically, emotionally and mentally.

What faction will Beatrcie choose? Will she leave the family she adores? What does being Divergent mean and why does that pose the threat of death if the wrong people find out? How can she hide being Divergent when she doesn’t even know what makes her so? Will she survive invitation or will she end up factionless?

This is the first YA novel I have finished and I was so hooked by the action, the interesting challenges that Tris faces and the little bit of romance. The author skillfully creates a dystopian society and what could happen when even the seemingly virtuous take their virtue to an extreme and inflict their judgments on others of different factions. I highly recommend Divergent, I got lost in another world, where I was challenged to think what virtue I value most and how I would face the challenges if in the same situation. I can’t wait to finish the series.

Disclosure: This review contains my honest opinion of the book. Purchases made from the IndieBound or Barnes & Noble links above will give me a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thanks for your support of my blog should you decide to purchase.

What did you think of this series? What virtue do you hold most dear? I haven’t read Allegiant yet, what did you think of the ending, without giving it away? As always, happy reading!