REVIEW: Divergent by Veronica Roth

Divergent

Veronica Roth

496 pages

Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books (HarperTeen)

Release Date: May 3rd 2011

Source: ARC from Publisher

In Beatrice Prior's dystopian Chicago, 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 to determine who her friends really are—and where, exactly, a romance with a sometimes fascinating, sometimes infuriating 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 a growing conflict that threatens to unravel her seemingly perfect society, she also learns that her secret might help her save those she loves . . . or it might destroy her.

Debut author Veronica Roth bursts onto the literary scene with the first book in the Divergent series—dystopian thrillers filled with electrifying decisions, heartbreaking betrayals, stunning consequences, and unexpected romance.

   In this stunning, fast-paced start to a trilogy, Veronica Roth leaves readers breathless and gasping for more. Divergent is the epitome of dystopian young-adult literature. It comes as no surprise that this unbelievable novel is a debut.


   The first thing that crossed my mind when I was about to start this 486 page book was: I am going to find out what all this hype is about. I wasn't sure, because many books that were (and are) overly hyped became a huge disappointment to me - particularly because they were... well, hyped.


   I can say this: not a single line of Divergent disappointed me. I can say more, but I don't want to spoil anything for you, because Divergent is all about surprises.


   And it was all thoroughly fast-paced, one second I was holding my breath as Beatrice stands, about to make her decision, during the Choosing ceremony, the next, I'm finding out eye-widening secrets about Beatrice's mom. The world Veronica Roth envisions in a future Chicago is frightening and full of danger and threat - just how I like my dystopians to be.


   There were a few parts here and there when I could compare Divergent to Matched by Ally Condie, but that's where all the comparisons stop. Because Divergent is unique, through and through.


   So when Divergent, Veronica Roth's unputdownable debut, releases on May 3rd, one day before my 18th birthday, I suggest you rush to the bookstore as fast as you can - this is one train-ride you don't want to miss ;)

This cover has got to be one of my favorites. From the fire symbol to the buildings below, and the blue-gray of the background - I'd say Divergent is one book you should judge by its cover.

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