Author: Veronica Roth
Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books
Release date: May 3rd 2011
Pages: 487
Genre: YA; dystopia
Source: Won from MaryAnn from Chapter by Chapter - thanks!
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In a future Chicago, 16-year-old Beatrice Prior must choose among five predetermined factions to define her identity for the rest of her life, a decision made more difficult when she discovers that she is an anomaly who does not fit into any one group, and that the society she lives in is not perfect after all.
My rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Wow. Why did I wait so long to read Divergent? Because of the huge hype around this series, I was expecting it to be good. But Divergent isn't just good - it's mindblowing. The whole idea is crazy, and so, so good. All the factions and what they stand for is so well thought-out - this book completely blew my mind. The plot is fast-paced and intriguing - there wasn't a single scene in this book that didn't leave me dying for more. (Which is probably why I read it in a day, even though it's so thick.)
It's great how, even though the fast-paced plot is what it's mainly about, this book also made me think. I don't think any dystopian book before has confronted me like this, made me think about what I would do in Tris's position, as much as Divergent did. The whole time while I was reading, I was trying to figure out which faction I would choose, what I would do in this world.
Tris is a fantastic heroine. I loved her - one of my favorite MCs in a long time. She's the definition of a kickass character. She's not the kind of character I normally relate to - Dauntless is probably the last faction I would have chosen, and I'm nowhere near as brave as her - but I could connect to her anyways. I just loved Tris so much - YA needs more characters like her!
And then there's Four. Wow. I don't know what it is about him, but there's this certain energy to every scene with Four - I can feel the tension and the chemistry between him and Tris. I felt electrified while reading about him - I know that sounds weird, but it's true.
This book is just... perfect. Perfectly plotted and well-written, and the characters are some of my new favorites. What more could you want? Now I'm dying to read Insurgent - but luckily, I won't have to wait long, since I read Divergent so late.
What do you think when you see a book has as many pages as this one? Does that discourage you or make you more excited about the book? What's your preferred length for the books you read?
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When you read Insurgent, watch out because there's a really big cliffhanger. I LOVED Four, too, and I could feel how much he loved Tris. And Tris is DEFINITELY a really strong heroine! :) Great review!
ReplyDeleteEileen @ ***Singing and Reading in the Rain***
Thanks! I actually already did read Insurgent - I just hadn't when I wrote this review :p And yes, wow, that cliffhanger!!! I need book three NOW! :)
ReplyDeleteYou know, I was hesitant at first when I saw this at the bookstore last year. I was like, "It's so thick. Will I be able to finish it?" But when I started it, damn! I didn't want to put it down because it was so addicting. It just kept me entertained all around the reading time. It really took my breath away and even my heart.
ReplyDeleteTris is the MC that I loved the most around the Dystopian world. I don't know. She's just an all-around kick-ass character!
Ha! I agree about that: "I felt electrified while reading about him." Four is really something. :""")
I admit that I'm afraid to read books that have more than 400 pages because I'm not sure whether I'll love it or not. But I don't care. I just read it and I just don't blame myself if I don't like it. Haha! I like books that are between 300-400 pages. Most of the books I've read are in that range anyway.
I said the same thing when I finished. I have no clue why I didn't pick it up sooner! and I'm also so glad that the book blew my mind like people said it would =) Although I was a little confused when people told me it would be like Hunger Games I didn't think so at all. Anyways great review =)
ReplyDelete~Paige @ Comfort Books
I haven't read Divergent yet, but I read a few pages online and was blown away, just from the beginning. I connected with Tris just with the mirror scene with her mom and her guilt about choosing another faction.
ReplyDeleteWhat I sense, just from those pages, is that there's a strong plot but also strong characters that really bring out emotions.
Now that I read your review, I'm completely looking forward to reading it!!
A book's length makes no difference to me (I'm an English Lit major, 400 pages is nothing compared to other classics) and I actually love longer books when I fall in love with the characters, it gives me more time with them and in their world.
I wanna read this book!!! So much hype :D
ReplyDeleteYou've only just read Divergent :O
ReplyDeleteGlad you LOVED it! This was my favourite book of 2011! Tris was one of the strongest and most realistic heroines I've ever met - soooo badass ;) Four was ...*swoon* and I agree, the novel was just perfect. If anyone could give J.K. Rowling a run for her money, it's Veronica Roth - you must read Insurgent, I didn't like it *as* much but that's a relative term it was still fabulous!
READ IT!!!! Make the time for it; it's so worth it. :)
ReplyDeleteJust picked the book up for the first time yesterday and I'm trying to pace myself to make it last longer! Such a good read. I'd heard about it and heard about it, but never even read an excerpt before. Figured it was just another dystopian, and to be honest, the cover was bland for my taste. I know better than to judge a book by it's cover, but I have such a soft spot for pretty things... Now I'm hooked and trying to make it last into tomorrow 'cause Insurgent won't arrive until Wednesday, but we'll see if I make it. :)
ReplyDelete