In order to fully convey my excitement over this book, I should first explain the story behind it. I came across Divergent while reading food blogs. I had seen people talk about it and how similar it was to The Hunger Games, another book series that I adore.
Whenever I hear about a new book these days, I immediately Google the author. I was incredibly impressed by Veronica Roth’s website and blog. It’s a great balance of personal journey and helpful hints for aspiring writers. I thought, “this is great!” So then I ordered the book.
The next morning, I decided to Google to find Veronica’s blog again.
Then I noticed another link that came up in the search. Cue a scene similar to this:
“Wait. Veronica went to Northwestern?”
“Wait. Veronica graduated from Northwestern in 2010?” (One year after me.)
“WAIT. Veronica wrote Divergent during her winter break of senior year?!?!?!?!”
I was impressed. And inspired. And, I’ll admit, slightly envious. But mainly those first two!
When the book arrived, I immediately dug in and finished within two days. What follows is my review.
***
In Short
Definitely a book worth picking up if you’re a fan of any of the following: young adult series; books about dystopian societies (think Big Brother); books about female heroines kicking butt; and action-packed adventure, with a little romance thrown in for good measure.
The Details
The book centers around a young girl named Beatrice Prior, soon-to-become “Tris” for the remainder of the series. Her world is divided into five factions that are centered on single virtues: Candor (honesty), Abnegation (selflessness), Dauntless (bravery), Amity (peace) and Erudite (intelligence). The book begins with Beatrice having to go through an aptitude test that will tell her which faction suits her best. Ultimately, however, it is up to her to decide at the Choosing Ceremony. The plot – and subsequent action-packed scenes – takes off from there.
This was definitely a book that was hard to put down. I attempted to “savor” it because although it is the first of a trilogy, the second and third books aren’t out quite yet. (Veronica actually just finished the first draft of the second book.) My plans for savoring did not go very well, however, and I soon found myself desperate to know what happens next, which is always the sign of a book I enjoy.
I think Veronica Roth paced the scenes very well – nothing seemed too long or too short – and her character development was demonstrated mainly through action, rather than her just telling you what a character is like. She included plenty of plot twists and turns that I was not expecting and made me hungry for the next installment, which should be out next year.
Overall, I would give this book 5 out of 5 stars.
***
I may be easy to please, but I truly did think it was that good! If you pick up a copy for yourself or have read the book already, I’d love to hear what you think in the comments section.
What books have you been unable to put down recently?
Your answer may become my next review!
How did I do? Was my information helpful or not descriptive enough? I’d love to hear what you’d like to see in these book reviews, since this will be the first of many to come!
Have a wonderful long weekend!
Abrazos,
Awesome book review- my book club has actually been looking for some new, exciting voices so maybe I’ll suggest this one! We can always use a page turner! (next month’s book is 900 pages long- Lord, help me)
I love the same books you described and, by your review, think I’ll really like this one. I’m impressed by how young the author is and its awesome she got published. If you write more on this type of book, I’ll be sure to read them.
For new books, have you read the Mortal Instruments Series? It has 4 books in it now and is suppose to have 6. I enjoyed most of them.
On a completely different note, I can’t wait for the Hunger Games movie!
Requesting from library right now! Thanks for the review- keep ’em coming.
I just read Sarah’s Key, such a great book. The characters become so alive in your mind and you can’t help but feel all the feelings of the characters. If you read The Help and cried, this one will make you BAWL it touches you so much!
I loved the Hunger Games, so this sounds like a good book! I am very impressed she wrote in winter break of senior year. Geesh!
Jenn,
Theresa read and loved the Hunger game series.
She too is looking forward to the movie.
She devours books like candy.
Is this book appropriate for a 13 year old?
I haven’t read this book yet. I need to get on The Hunger Games soon!
May I ask your opinion on something? I’ve written Book Reviews on my site before. I have criticized by a lot of “spammers” that they are written poorly and with poor grammar…I know these are people that are bashing healthy living blogs in general – but still it hurts. I’d love your feedback sometime on what you think of some of them…thanks.
I can’t wait to pick up this book. It sounds right up my alley. I just finished the Hunger Games series in a week flat! I loved every second of it!
[…] isn’t much of a pattern with the books I read. One minute I’ll be engrossed in young adult dystopia, the next I’ll be pinning every book by Emily Giffin. I am generally open to all genres, […]
I absolutely love this book! It’s the first time I have read a trilogy/series book that is so new there are no other books to read! I am going crazy! I can’t wait for the second book 🙂
Woohoo! Now that you mention it, this is the first time I’ve done the same waiting game since Harry Potter. I can’t wait, either! 🙂
I had to wait for some of the Harry Potter books, but it doesn’t feel the same as the Divergent series!
This was a great book and I had a hard time putting it down.
Awesome! I felt the exact same way! 🙂
Finally got around to reading this book and loved it! Thanks for the recommendation on here 🙂
I am so glad to hear that you liked it! Can’t wait for Insurgent to come out later this year. 🙂
I just downloaded the sample of this book on my kindle and I’m hooked already! Definitely going to have to buy the book now 🙂
Woohoo! I’m so glad to hear that! Let me know what you think once you’re finished. 🙂
[…] but let’s just say that I didn’t want it to end. It had just as much action and plot as Divergent, and I can’t wait for book […]
[…] posts on the right. Thanks for reading!I’m so excited to talk about Insurgent! You may recall my review of Divergent a few months ago woah, way back in September? Honestly, where does time […]
Hey! Ok so I’m not going to read your Insurgent review until I read the book, so I looked up this review 🙂 Really enjoyed Divergent overall. I thought it definitely paled in comparison to HG, but what wouldn’t? My only plot issues were: Five factions to encompass all human strengths/vices? I thought we were missing some major characteristics that could have been addressed with more factions, but I guess she was trying to steer clear of HG district comparisons. Also I felt that it was strange that Amity was hardly discussed at all during the first book, and that we had no insight into what initiations would be like for other factions. That said, I’ll definitely be reading the next book. These are fun. Thanks for the suggestion!!