May 15, 2011

Review: Divergent by Veronica Roth


Title: Divergent
Author: Veronica Roth
Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books
Publication Date: 5.3.2011
Pages: 495
Genre: Dystopian
Series: Yes; Book #1 (Divergent Series)

Rating: A

Summary (from Goodreads):
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.

Debut author Veronica Roth bursts onto the literary scene with the first book in the Divergent series—dystopian thrillers filled with electrifying decisions, heartbreaking betrayals, stunning consequences, and unexpected romance
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Review:
If you have visited a YA book blog in the last six months, chances are you’ve come across a glowing review (or ten) for Veronica Roth’s debut novel, Divergent. I won’t waste your time: all those rave reviews? Totally spot on.

The dystopian genre is quite hit or miss for me. I have found myself totally put off by worlds I can never assimilate myself into (either with crazy jargon or unrealistic plots, even by dystopian standards), and I have alternately found myself completely immersed in a foreign world that leaves me breathless. Thankfully this book falls in the latter category.

The world Roth creates is an intoxicating. The best way I can describe this book is a blend of The Host by Stephenie Meyers, Matched by Ally Condie, and Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. Roll all the best points of those novels into one and you start to tap into the awesomeness that is Divergent.

I could go on and on about the masterful way she creates the perfect setting in Chicago, blending historical locations with her own imagination. Or I could write an essay on the brilliant characters that fill the pages from start to finish. I could also rave about the ingenious, mind-blowing plot for a few hours. But the bottom line is you would be spending time reading this review when you could be buying and reading the book yourself.

This is one of those rare books I cannot urge people to buy for themselves enough. This isn’t a book you want to check out of the library and then give back in 3 weeks. This is one to let take up space on your bookshelf. I also recommend leaving a nice, big spot open next to Divergent for its sequels. Yeah, it’s that good.

41 comments:

  1. I totally started reading this at around 11:30 last night. I stayed up until 1AM and am now very eager to get back to this! Great review!!

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  2. Oh wow, another glowing review. My expectations are through the roof for this one, and it seems like I won't be disappointed. Thanks for the review!

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  3. Ooh yes, absolutely. I totally agree with you. I think there is just so much to like about this one that basically everyone can find something they enjoy.

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  4. Great review! Everything I hear about this book just makes me want to read it more!

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  5. I so can't wait to read this! Thank you for the review. I'll have to look into getting it ASAP!

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  6. I have seen this everywhere, I'm going to buy it and give it a try. Great review by the way!:)

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  8. I just started reading this since I see it on every blog out there!! :o)

    Mickey @ imabookshark

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  9. I've heard so much about Divergent!! It's definitely worth all the fuss. I was so happy to have been able to check out a copy from my library early. It is a book that I'll read over and over again and never tire of it.

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  10. I have wanted to read Divergent for such a long time! I read the first 100 pages on HarperTeen's official website and was captivated.

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  11. I had to finish this book the moment I got it in the mail :). Did you know it's now been on the NYT Bestsellers list four weeks in a row? But it definitely is one of those unforgettable books that I'd expect that for :D.

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  12. I could not put this book down when I started it! It was that good. All the reviews I had read were like yours so I couldn't wait to read it. Wasn't disappointed :)

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  13. I'm really looking forward to reading this!

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  14. I can't believe I still haven't read this book! I'm glad you enjoyed Divergent and I'm sure I'll love it just as much!

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  15. I know what you mean by the intoxicating world she created

    =)

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  16. I read this book and I LOVED it! Good review, thanks.

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  17. Great review - like the comparison blend! Got this from secret santa. Can't wait to read! <3

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  18. I haven't read this book yet, but I'm preparing to do it soon! I heard a lots of good things about it, so I'll give it a try. Loved your review! Thank you!

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  19. I have really wanting to read this! I gotta get my hands on a copy! :) I've heard so much good about it.

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  20. I have seen this book popping up everywhere and I have to say I'm very interested to read it as it does sound very good.

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  21. I love this book! I love the way it tells of Chicago in "the future." I can't wait for Insurgent in May!

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  22. I cannot agree with this review more! the Insurgent countdown widget is ticking away on my blog :) I loved this book!!

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  23. Great review! I really loved Divergent. I am so excited for the next one.

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  24. Great review! I bought this book awhile ago and still haven't got to it yet, but I think I may have to start asap. :)

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  25. I read it last month and I absolutely loved it! The characters are all so amazing and real... Can't wait for Insurgent!

    Great review!

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  26. Thanks or your review. I read Divergent early last month and you bet I eagerly devoured it until the last page!

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  27. I definitely agree! Finished it in less than a day. Please do a review on Insurgent when it comes out :)
    I've learned from experience that some sequels (especially dystopian ones) tend to be a hit or miss. Thanks!

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  28. Great review! I absolutely love this book, so much. Your review is definitely better than mine, I couldn't form my thoughts into words while I was writing my review.

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  29. OOOH I am getting this book. I cannot wait for it :D

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  30. I agree that it's a great book! I hope it becomes a movie.

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  31. LOL! You didn't reveal much did you. I just finished this and LOVED it! Am impatiently awaiting the movie now. GAH! 2 years OMG!

    This is such a wonderful book. I can't wait to get my hands on Insurgent!

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  32. I recently won this book and am eager to begin it. Your review has me expecting a great tale. I enjoyed Hunger Games and if this book is even better than that, then I truly am in for a treat.

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  33. Nice review. This is one of my favorite books. :D

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  34. This is a wonderful book and a great review! I love this series and can't wait for the 3rd!
    I also love how she creates the setting :)

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  35. I agree, Divergent was one of the best books I read, I love the characters and the pacing, it's action packed and I've never been so excited while reading a book. It defintely lives up to the hype. :)

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  36. great review, and this is one of my favorite dystopia. I like character esp Tris and Four :D

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  37. Yay! I'm glad you really liked Divergent! I think it's one of my favorite books of all time. I read it last year in June and simply loved it. I read Insurgent recently, and it is a great sequel! I love Divergent more becuase I love the Dauntless training and whatnot, whereas Insurgent is more of a free-reign, running-and-hiding kind of book. But I love both, and can't wait for Book Three! Thanks for the review! :)

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  38. I love Divergent, one of the best dystopian books I've read. I'm just starting to read Insurgent, can't tell how excited I am! :D

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  39. It was okay; I'm hoping the series picks up with subsequent entries!

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  40. I think I am the only person on the planet who still has not read Divergent. Like you, I'm not a consistent fan of Dystopian novels so I pick and choose sparingly. However, it sounds like this one is phenomenal and definitely worthwhile...I'll give it a go! Thanks for your review~
    Beth :-)

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  41. I liked this series more than The Hunger Games. I constantly recommend it.

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