Divergent by Veronica Roth

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. (goodreads)

HOLY-FREAKING-COW! I never knew that a book could be this AMAZING! With a HUGE dystopian trend taking over the YA scene recently, I have had my ups and downs with a few novels from this genre. With all of the hype surrounding Divergent, I was afraid I would expect too much from it and be terribly disappointed. Well, obviously, that was not so. There is so much hype surrounding this novel for a reason!

Imagine growing up under a certain faction, being groomed to follow in the footsteps of everyone you are close to and then realizing that you just may not be cut out for it. Beatrice Prior has grown up learning the ways of the Abnegation, under the guidance of her parents. The Abnegation are known for their virtue of selflessness. Selflessness does not come easily to Beatrice, unlike her brother Caleb who is possibly the most selfless person she knows. Giving up his seat on the bus, holding the door for others or giving up his place in line - it all comes second nature to him.

The Choosing ceremony is coming soon and Beatrice is fairly certain that she and her brother will both return to Abnegation, but she's not so sure it's where she belongs. To make matters worse, something strange and incredibly unique occurs during her aptitude test - the test that tells you which faction you are best suited for. This leads her to make a shocking choice at the Choosing ceremony.

Tris, as she renames herself, must now fight to survive in the faction she chose or be rendered factionless, which basically means losing everything.

But Tris is carrying a secret inside which threatens to spill out on numerous occasions. She's been told to keep this secret hidden, as it could mean death. But in the end, it could also be the means of saving everyone she loves.

What an INTENSE read! I was pulled in from page one and could not emerge until I completed this novel... TWICE! Veronica Roth wrote an extremely addictive, stunning and compelling dystopian novel.

Before starting this book, I didn't quite understand why it was called DIVERGENT. Once I started reading, I understood what the term meant and how it played such a huge role in this novel. It is a perfect fit.

I loved the setting, scenery, landscape and the world-building. I'm not familiar with the Chicago area, but I could envision every road and crumbling building that Roth wrote about.

Each and every character was extremely life-like and so well written. Following Tris' path of self-discovery, watching her grow and learn, was fantastic. I loved how strong she was, not necessarily physically but, mentally and emotionally.

Have I mentioned Four yet? No, I haven't? Well, let me just say, I AM IN LOVE! Four swooped right in and stole my heart. At first I was thinking, "What the heck kind of name is Four?" But it really grows on you. I loved that he had flaws and vulnerabilities. He wasn't perfect, which made him perfect! I think he is my new top literary crush.

I recommend Divergent to everyone, and I mean EVERYONE! There is so much hype surrounding this books for a reason. Read it, you will not regret it. Divergent is a gripping tale and Veronica Roth does not disappoint in this debut. I am DYING to continue this series and see what Roth has in store for readers next. Hats off to Veronica!

Publish Date: May 03, 2011
Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books
Pages: 487 (hardcover)
Source: Bought
Others in Series: Untitled (2012)
Rating: 5/5


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