Review - Divergent by Veronica Roth

Divergent is Veronica Roth's debut novel and the first of a planned trilogy.  It is set for release on May 3, 2011.

Summary:

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 be what helps her save those she loves . . . or it might be what destroys her.

First things first, isn't the cover just gorgeous?!  I seriously felt a magnetic pull to this book before I even laid eyes on the summary.  I opened up the pages and instantly delved into a masterfully crafted world of self exploration and governmental control.  Then a few chapters in, I fell head over heels for Four, the main male character.  To say I enjoyed this novel would be an understatement.  Divergent is a must read for young adults and adults alike.

Roth takes us on a no holds barred adrenaline trip along a rocky road of raw emotion, violence, and aggression.  She highlights each character at their worst and best moments; showing the duality and complexity of the human psyche.  This novel is about exploring the inner core in each of us and what we are capable of doing for self preservation and those we love in turn.

The characters are dynamic and well developed.  World building is fantastic; each faction left a clear picture and emotion for the reader.  Through the eyes of Tris, we gain insight into the inner workings of each faction, their governemental leaders/agendas, teenage angst, and parental relationships.  My favorite parts involved Trish learning who her parents really are on the inside and what they in turn are capable of as well.  And of course, the little glimpses into what makes Four tick raptly held my attention.  The characters make this novel and Roth did a fantastic job weaving it all together.

While searching for cover art, I came across the news that Summit has already purchased movie rights!  I am so beyond excited to see how they portray the world and characters on the big screen.

Roth has posted the first 100 pages of Divergent for your reading pleasure as well as a quick blurb explaining the thought/meaning behind the name of each faction.  Definitely check them out if you are interested!  Stick around and read her other entries too; I adore her sense of humor! :)

Rating: 4/5

~Helena