Divergent
Divergent - Veronica Roth (Divergent #1)
Blurb: In Beatrice Prior's dystopian Chicago world, 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 alongside her fellow initiates to live out the choice they have made. Together they must undergo extreme physical tests of endurance and intense psychological simulations, some with devastating consequences. As initiation transforms them all, Tris must determine who her friends really are—and where, exactly, a romance with a sometimes fascinating, sometimes exasperating 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 unrest and 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.
Rating: 4/5 stars
My review:
So this book has been out for a few years and I only got the book a few weeks back! However, I have watched all the movies and I thought they were okay. People who have read the books said that the movie is nothing like the books so I thought why not read the books. Everyone knows the books are better than the movies. So I already went into this series basically knowing what well happen at the end of each book.
So I just finished Divergent and I'm really happy I read it! But I would like to get something out in the open first, I don't hate Tris but I also don't like her either. Some of the things she said made me think "what the heck are you saying/thinking?" Whereas sometimes she would say something reasonable! So I have mixed emotions about her book character at the moment, so I'm looking forward to seeing her develop as a person.
The other characters, on the other hand, were definitely amazing. They complimented each other very well and worked well together. Christina is like that best friend you wish you had but don't! ahaha! Will and Al are definitely amazing. (despite a certain part with Al. (I do feel sorry for him though)) Four is Trish's love interest, but more importantly, he is their training leader and he fulfils that jobs really well. He is presented as this tough guy with an interesting outlook on life and that doesn't change when he is with Trish. Eric and Peter are terrible people but I applaud Roth for being able to portray these characters really well! I don't like... Caleb.. I'm sorry but something about him in the books just puts me off him.. he is too nice? Does that make sense?
As the story goes on we see how all these characters develop and its actually amazing how they all work together and help each other along despite their situation. (being that they are fighting to get to the top so they don't get cut)
So overall, the story flowed really well! The start of the book was introducing the factions and what they do etc, which is insightful when starting a new series. Then we move onto the training part, which is interesting to read and sort of keeps you on the edge of your seat because you want to know what happens next! The romance in this book definitely wasn't the focal point and I appreciate that! The relationship between Trish and Four is actually interesting. You get to see how they develop as people, but also as a couple! ALSO, IT'S NOT A LOVE TRIANGLE! Don't get me wrong, sometimes a love triangle is interesting to read, but I'm honestly so happy this book doesn't have that. Just proves that you don't need two fellas to be in love with you and you don't need to be in love with two fellas!
The main focal point of this book is a conspiracy theory and it doesn't get boring. Some of the books I've read with government plots and conspiracy theories get really boring and just makes you want to throw the book across the room, but this doesn't. And I think that is because of Roth's simple and snappy writing which is a breath of fresh air!
Another interesting thing I found about this book is that another focal point is facing your fears. Now, many books do this...but they do it indirectly! (Not many people will see it) Even though I said that I'm conflicted over Trish's character, one thing I do like about her is that she is trying to find herself. This is definitely an important theme (especially in 2017) because what are you supposed to do if you don't trust/know yourself... let other people do it for you? Divergent addresses this and lets people know its okay to trust yourself and follow your instincts.
So in conclusion, this book was definitely worth the read and it was just so much better than the movie. (lol ofc) You get the full feel for the characters and it doesn't feel forced like the movie, but also the meaning is portrayed better. Plus A LOT more happens in the book than the movie, so get reading because you are missing out!
