Monday, August 29, 2011

REVIEW: Divergent by Veronica Roth

Wow. I've not read a book in a long time that's been as exciting and addictive and BRILLIANT as Divergent by Veronica Roth. I've put off writing this review for a very long time for fear that I wouldn't be able to put my adoration of this book into the right words. I'm not sure there are adequate words to describe how wonderful Divergent is. Really wonderful book, one that still makes me breathless and emotional all these months after reading it. Honestly, when I first finished the book I immediately wanted to turn back to that first page and start all over again. This book is a definite keeper and I will continue recommending it for a very long time.

Not since The Hunger Games has a book blown me away right from the beginning in such a huge way. And in terms of action and emotion and romance, in terms of writing style and the story, I think I prefer Divergent over The Hunger Games. There's just something about Divergent that grabs me right from the start. It made me think and it made me feel and the story has stayed with me for such a long time. This book had a real impact on me and I'm absolutely gasping to read more in the series. I want more! I was more of Tris and Four! I want to know more about the world in which these characters reside. I want more action and adventure, I want answers. Give me more, please.

Divergent shows us a future version of Chicago in which people choose to live within five different factions which honours a specific trait. The factions include Candor (honesty), Abnegation (selflessness), Erudite (knowledge), Amity (peace) and Dauntless (courage). Our story begins with Beatrice Prior who has grown up amongst the selfless Abnegation but has also grown up admiring the brave and fearless Dauntless. So when her turn comes and she is able to choose which faction she will live with, Tris makes the difficult choice of moving away from her family and into the difficult and violent world of the Dauntless.

Things definitely aren't easy in Dauntless. At every turn Tris and the other initiates must compete against each other and themselves to prove their courage. It's brutal and unflinching the tests that Tris and the others endure and it's almost a little unbelieveable how strong of spirit and determination Tris is in order to survive.

I love the world-building that occurs here. I love the different factions and this image of a war-torn Chicago of the future. I love the characters and the difficult situations that Veronica Roth puts her characters in. She isn't afraid to make her readers squirm and be uncomfortable with the things that happen. And at the same time, there is this absolutely fantastic and tense and very emotional romantic relationship that Tris has with the mysterious (and hot!) Four.

I really have nothing but wonderful things to say about this book. Divergent without a doubt in my mind, is one of the best books I've read all year. Very exciting and romantilc and absolutely heart-stopping. Incredible book.

15 comments:

  1. i LOVE LOVE LOVE this book. i gave it to my friend for her birthday and she can't wait to read it either!

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  2. I have this on my to read pile, and I keep putting it off 'cos I'm scared I'm going to be the one person who doesn't adore it. I think your review has encouraged me to be brave and get reading.

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  3. Divergent is definitely one of those books where you need to believe all the hype!

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  4. So, so, so glad you liked this one! I absolutely adored Divergent, and I get so happy when other people love it too! Great review :).

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  5. So loved this one!! Ican't wait for the next one!!

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  6. Urgh, I so want to read this!!! Fab review :)

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  7. Laura - I so love this one. It was really exciting for me to read and I can't belive I'm still excited just to reread it as well :)

    Jenni - Go for it! I hope you love it too!

    Vivienne - I totally agree!

    Liz - Yes, that makes me happy too :)

    Becca - Yes! Me too :)

    Zoe - Thank you, it's a fab book!

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  8. Agree with you completely. This is the book of the year for me so far!

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  9. Vicki - Me too :) Such a fab book!

    Cliona - Yes. You do!

    Raimy - Hurrah for lots of Divergent love :)

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  10. Kirsty - There's SO MUCH to love. Still impressed with this book so many months later.

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  11. I finished this a couple days ago. I'm already itching to read it again, I loved it so much. I liked it more than The Hunger Games.

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  12. Lisa - I'm so glad you loved it so much, I had a very similar reaction after finishing it :)

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