Book Review: Divergent by Veronica Roth

Divergent by Veronica Roth
Publication date:  3rd May, 2011
Published by:  Harper Collins
Source:  Gifted


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.

My Review:

My Favourite Quote:   As we walk toward the Pit, I repeat the line Will quoted to myself so I don't forget it.
I believe in ordinary acts of bravery, in the courage that drives on person to stand up for another.
It is a beautiful thought.

Wow! What an amazing debut.  As soon as I had finished Divergent I re-read it all over again.  That is how much I loved it.   For me it had all the right elements - extraordinary writing, gripping plot, unforgettable characters and delicious romance.

Roth's prose was sharp and addicting.  It was a fast paced ride that I never wanted to stop reading.  The plot had plenty of surprises yet there was a few twists I saw coming but it was the kind of predictable twists that you completely enjoy.

Tris is a compelling character who I admire.  I like that she was a strong brave kick butt character but yet still had insecurities and doubts making her easy to relate to.   With Four it was love at first sight or rather first read.  Strong, daring (who doesn't like a dare devil), mysterious and HOT.   There is also some intriguing secondary characters like Uriah, Christina and Caleb who I hope we get to see more of in the next instalment.

Tris and Four's relationship was surprisingly sweet and tender yet a little steamy. Their romance was perfectly done so it didn't overwhelm this brilliant story.

Overall, a spectacular debut that left me craving more.  This is definitely one of my favourite reads of 2011.


Overall rating: 5/5                         ***A Favourite Read of 2011***
Writing: 5/5
Plot: 5/5
Characters: 5/5
Romance: 5/5
Cover: 5/5


For more info:  Visit Veronica Roth's website.


For more reviews:  Tales of Compendium, Musing of YA Reader and The Reading Housewives of Indiana