In the post-apocalyptic America, the world has been torn apart into different factions. Each faction exhibits a certain human characteristic or quality that they feel is the most important in society: selflessness, peacefulness, honesty, intelligence, and bravery. When you come of age, you choose your faction. This one choice will determine your principles and allegiances forever. In Divergent by Veronica Roth, sixteen-year-old Tris is forced to choose between the feuding factions that will fix her identity for life. However, it becomes apparent that Tris is an anomaly who doesn’t fit in any of the groups, and she’s slowly sucked into the deep battle between the factions.I found this book really refreshing, among the many stories set in the post-apocalypse world. It contained suspenseful, adventurous, and dark parts, but there was still room for lighthearted and funny scenes. Of course, like in most teen-based books, there was a love-interest. What I found interesting and different, though, was that the love-interest was secondary to the actual plot (which was much larger and deeper), rather than being the focus of the plot. The most enjoyable part of the book, in my opinion, was how the author was able to explore the different aspects of human nature, while still making it relatable. Tris, while set in a different time and place, still experienced many things that a teenager today would go through. I would definitely continue with Tris’s journey in the next book, Insurgent. I think that a lot of teens would appreciate and enjoy this book, it really pulls you in and you can't put it down!
Reviewed by Gabby Y., grade 10.
Montrose Library
25 comments:
Divergent, written by Veronica Roth, is by far one of the best young adult fiction novels I’ve read. Divergent takes place in a dystopian future in what was previously known as America. There are five factions: Abnegation (the selfless), Dauntless (the brave), Amity (the peaceful), Candor (the honest), and Erudite (the intelligent). Every sixteen year-old must take the aptitude test and decide on a faction to join for the rest of their lives. At sixteen, Tris Prior needs to make the most important decision of her life. After making an unexpected choice, Tris learns of a secret concerning her identity she must keep hidden at all times. Obstacles are thrown at Tris left and right, and she must learn the skills essential for survival in a world slowly crumbling under her feet.
Divergent truly is a worthwhile read, and I give it a 10 out of 10. The novel captured my attention from the very beginning, and it never became tedious. This was a surprise, considering its length. I would recommend this book to teenagers or young adults seeking a story with an engaging plot, suspense, conflict, and romance. Overall, it was an outstanding read and left me breathless with anticipation for the sequel.
Reviewed by Rebecca, grade 9.
Central Library
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 f riends 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 threaten to unravel her seemingly perfect society, she also learns that her secret might help her save those she loves . . . or it might destroy her.
This was a very excellent book. It has a similar theme to The Hunger Games, so I think anyone who likes The Hunger Games would enjoy Divergent. What I really liked about the book is the world the author has created. It is so detailed and interesting. It's a mix of adventure, lots of fighting and there's training and simulation tests, there's mystery, there's political intrigue, there's humor, lots of violent scenes and it also has romance. So boys and girls I think would love it. Divergent is an adrenalin book. The pacing is swift, ton's of racing hearts and pumping blood helps keep the reader's attention. You can't help but finish the book. It's not a hard read, nor is it difficult to comprehend. It's pure fun.
Reviewed by Emily R., Grade 9
Montrose Library
Divergent by Veronica Roth is about a dystopian society. In this society they have five factions: Dauntless (the brave), Amity (the peaceful), Candor (the honest), Erudite (the intelligent), and Abnegation (the selfless). On an appointed day of every year, all sixteen year olds must select the faction which they will have to live in for the rest of their lives. For Beatrice the decision is between staying with her family or being who she really but she can't have both. So she makes a choice that surprises everyone, including herself.
I enjoyed reading this book very much. It kept me wanting more and more. I would recommend this book to others who love reading about adventures and books that are set in a dystopian society.
Reviewed by: Karla S., grade 9
Glendale Central Library
Divergent, by Veronica Roth, is about a dystopian society where people are separated according to their strongest traits. They are separated into factions; Dauntless, Erudite, Amity, Abnegation, and Candor. Beatrice Prior is born into the Abnegation society but she knows she doesn't belong there. When she takes the test to determine where she belongs, her results come out different from others. She chooses to be in Dauntless. Beatrice goes into training and meets "Four". A romance starts to grow and Tris realizes that her test results meant something. Its only a matter of time until the Dauntless leaders realize it too.
Divergent was a good book but I couldn't say it was amazing. It had a good plot and the story was interesting. I really like the "faction" idea and how your home was with people you shared the same traits with. I didn't really enjoy reading some of the parts because it got a little slow. Overall, I liked this book and would recommend it to young adults that are into books like "The Hunger Games".
Reviewed by Elen S., grade 9
Glendale Central Library
Divergent, by Veronic Roth takes place in dystopian Chicago where the citizens are divided into five factions, each one meant to uphold a particular virtue of humanity: Abnegation, meant to uphold selflessness; Amity, meant for the peaceful; Candor, meant for the honest; Dauntless, meant for the brave; and Erudite, intended for the knowledgeable. All 16 year olds take an aptitude test to see which faction they are best suited for. Then they decide whether to stay or switch their factions. Beatrice Prior was born into Abnegation but always felt out of place. On the day of the aptitude test, it is revealed that her test results were inconclusive. She has and aptitude for Abnegation, Erudite, and Dauntless. This makes her "Divergent" and she is warned never to share this information with anyone for fear of her life. On Choosing Day, Beatrice along with her brother, Caleb, choose the factions they will join. Beatrice chooses Dauntless and Caleb chooses Erudite. However, before they will be allowed in, they must first pass initiation.
I loved reading this book. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for an action and science fiction novel. The novel grabbed my attention right from the beginning and held it until the end. The novel is amazing and it was exciting throughout. It had action as well as a touch of romance. It left me waiting and anxious for the sequel. Overall, I think this book is a great way to spend a few hours. You will not be disappointed!
Reviewed by Pooja Gupta, grade 10
Glendale Central Library
Divergent, the first of a Hunger Games-reminiscent trilogy, is a future dystopian novel set in Chicago. It’s got the standard overbearing Order established by a group of founders long ago after some type of calamity with the hopes of preserving peace. Of course, there has to be one girl, Beatrice, who carries a revolution inside her who defies the Order somehow. In this case Beatrice is Divergent, or somehow doesn’t test into any of the five Factions. So she picks one at random: the Dauntless, or the crazy acrobatic-military risk-takers. But as she rises through the initiation, she discovers that in a society completely split into five completely different, self-reliant and belligerent factions, there might actually be some hostility in the works. And, of course, it’s Beatrice’s job to put an end to it whilst simultaneously navigating her tricky love interests, proving her courage to others, and discovering what it really means to be herself.
I have to confess, I read Divergent with low expectations because I knew it was being made into a movie, but I liked it. Despite the book’s elements of the fantastical - for instance, jumping from a 30 story building onto a net on the ground while disregarding the effects of a 4g deceleration on the body of a 16-year-old and life in a society split into five completely different factions in a misguided attempt at harmony that has managed to work for a considerable amount of years - Roth makes a convincing tale of rebellion and adventure, interspersed with some neat adventures through the subconscious of the protagonist and several other characters.
Reviewed by A. G., grade 12
Glendale Central Library
Divergent, the first of a Hunger Games-reminiscent trilogy, is a future dystopian novel set in Chicago. It’s got the standard overbearing Order established by a group of founders long ago after some type of calamity with the hopes of preserving peace. Of course, there has to be one girl, Beatrice, who carries a revolution inside her who defies the Order somehow. In this case Beatrice is Divergent, or somehow doesn’t test into any of the five Factions. So she picks one at random: the Dauntless, or the crazy acrobatic-military risk-takers. But as she rises through the initiation, she discovers that in a society completely split into five completely different, self-reliant and belligerent factions, there might actually be some hostility in the works. And, of course, it’s Beatrice’s job to put an end to it whilst simultaneously navigating her tricky love interests, proving her courage to others, and discovering what it really means to be herself.
I have to confess, I read Divergent with low expectations because I knew it was being made into a movie, but I liked it. Despite the book’s elements of the fantastical - for instance, jumping from a 30 story building onto a net on the ground while disregarding the effects of a 4g deceleration on the body of a 16-year-old and life in a society split into five completely different factions in a misguided attempt at harmony that has managed to work for a considerable amount of years - Roth makes a convincing tale of rebellion and adventure, interspersed with some neat adventures through the subconscious of the protagonist and several other characters.
Reviewed by A. G., grade 12
Glendale Central Library
Beatrice is sixteen year old girl who is living in a place known as the Hub. The Hub divides it's people into groups called factions based on their traits. The factions include Candor that is known for their honesty, Eurudite that is known for their intelligence, Amity that is known for their kindness, Dauntless that is known for their bravery, and Abnegation that is known for their selflessness. She was born into Abnegation but now that she is sixteen, it is time for her to take her amptitude test and find out what group she is destined to pick at the choosing ceremony. When Beatrice takes the test, she finds out that her results were equal for Abnegation, Dauntless, and Eurodite, making her Divergent. Divergents are a threat to everyone else so now it is her job to choose the right faction and keep her identity a secret.
I loved this book because it was very futuristic and suspenseful. It was very interesting to me how a strict guy like Four fell for a girl like Beatrice. I also loved how together, they both helped each other out through hard times and changed their image throughout their faction. This book included sci-fi, romance, adventure, and suspense, which is what made it an amazing book. I recommend it because it is a book that you can't stop reading once you start.
Reviewed by Anonymous, Grade 9
Glendale Central Library
Beatrice Prior or "Tris" is a teenage girl living in a futuristic world based on factions which are different groups of people who have a passion for a certain trait. Born into the selfless faction Abnegation, she feels that she was never as considerate of others as she should be. At 16, when she takes a test to determine which faction is fit for her, the test results are inconclusive. She keeps her "Divergence" a secret as she tries to fit into her newly chosen faction-Dauntless. There, she braves the harsh conditions of initiation and meets an older boy nick-named Four who is one of the leaders. A romance sparks between them, and as her time in the faction goes on, secrets are revealed and she learns that their society is not as simple as it had previously seemed.
It was worth the read, and has a suspenseful plot. Personally, I enjoy any book with suspense, so this one certainly satisfied me. For those who are Hunger Games fans, this book should also be interesting. The characters were well developed and it was not predictable. Divergent can not be clearly classified under one genre because it has many elements to it, but mainly it is a romantic adventure good for teens.
P.S. There are two other books that aren't as good.
Reviewed by Collett, Grade 9
Montrose Library
Divergent is set in a futuristic dystopia where society is divided into five factions. Based on their test results teenagers get to decide their fate by either staying in their current faction or transferring to one of the others. The choices are candor, dauntless, erudite, abnegation, or amity. The main character Tris is abnegation born but soon much will change. Stick with Tris throughout the book as she makes the decision that will change her life, and while goes on adventures trying to find who she really is.
I recommend this book to readers of all ages. It is interesting to see how the characters live in such a corrupt world where everything you do is monitored and can be controlled with a simple injection. And you live your life not being who you want to be rather who society tells you you should be. This book was so hard to put down. I was automatically hooked on it after reading just a chapter. The book is full of action and romance. The detailed descriptions give you a sense of what there community is like. i give veronica Roth a thumbs up for creativity. I hope all of you that choose to read this book really enjoy it.
Reviewed by Anonymous, Grade 9
Glendale Central Library
"Divergent" is a book that takes place on a post-apocalyptic version of Chicago. In this universe, people are separated into five factions based on their characteristics. Selfless people are divided into the 'Abnegation' sector, peaceful people are divided into 'Amity', honest into 'Candor', brave into 'Dauntless', and the intelligent into 'Erudite'. This book follows the story of sixteen-year-old Beatrice Prior, whose family is in the Abnegation faction. Along with her other classmates, Beatrice takes an aptitude test to discover what faction she belongs to. Her results show that she is Divergent, meaning she has freedom to join either the Abnegation, Dauntless, or the Erudite factions. She chooses to join the Dauntless faction. However, Beatrice, now renamed Tris, must overcome other classmates and friends to join Dauntless.
In my opinion, 'Divergent', while having many flaws, was still a good book. I especially enjoyed the amount of details that were used to describe each section of the book. They never felt lacking or excessive. I also enjoyed the amount of characteristics put into each of the characters. They were all interesting to read about and made me want to learn more about their back story. However, major plot holes and a nonsensical environment keep this good book from being great. Some instances are so ridiculous that they are almost even laughable. Regardless, I still enjoyed reading 'Divergent' and I would recommend it to any fans of dystopian novels.
Reviewed by William J., Grade9
Montrose Library
The story is about a girl named Beatrice who is forced to choose between her routinized selfless family and adventurous. Once she takes these tests the people scoring the test will determine which group she belongs to. Beatrice's friend Caleb is very nervous about his fate once he takes the aptitude test because he is unsure how he is going to do. But sooner rather than later they bring her to a separate room to discuss Beatrice's results. She knew she didn't want to be in Abnegation cause people aren't as fortunate or as wealthy there. If things didn't go as planned Beatrice doesn't know what she is going to do about. Also she doesn't know if her life will ever be the same cause she will never see her parents again and this change is a huge step for her to conquer in her life.
I really like this book because this book was very intense and full of action. Reading this book made me become interested in reading again and didn't make me bored. Since this book was similar to the Hunger Games I was able to compare and contrast what was different or the same.I would recommend this book to anyone who gets lazy over the summer and has nothing to do. This book really caught my eye and since I saw the movie come out I decided why not read this book it seems interesting. I think this book takes me to place where somewhere in my life I will someday face these hard obstacles that I will overcome.
Reviewed by Emily B., Grade 10
Glendale Central Library
Beatrice is a sixteen year old girl, living in a dystopian or controlled world, where there are five groups of people. Abnegation who put others before their own needs and where Beatrice is currently from, the Dauntless who are brave and fearless, the Erudite who are studious, the Amity who are peaceful, and the Candor who are honest. Before “Choosing Day” when each sixteen year old will decide which group they want to join and live their lives with, is an aptitude test that will tell Beatrice which group she is most suited for. Beatrice has a secret though, she is a “Divergent.” She has multiple strengths and talents. That makes her a dangerous person to be.
Beatrice has to make a decision that will change her life. She forces herself to meet the challenges she faces in both the initiation and in her own life. Does she keep her secret or embrace her true personality?
Divergent kept me on the edge of my seat as I read about Beatrice’s world. As I read I kept hoping that she would finally find out who she wanted to be. There is a great mix of interesting characters. No dull moments in this story. The only thing I didn’t like was that the book teaches you about being separate in the world. My favorite part is seeing the relationship between Tris and Four grow. This is a good, well written fantasy novel and a great start to the trilogy.
Reviewed by Anonymous, Grade 12
Glendale Central Library
At the age of 16 kids have to take a test to see which faction matches there personality most. The next day they can chose to stay with there old faction or chose a new one. Beatrice Prior is having trouble picking a faction because she learns that she is Divergent and that the Divergent are hated by the government. She has to learn how to hind the fact that she is divergent but that is becoming to hard for her. She can no longer hide.
This book is one of the best books I have ever read.It was so hard to put it down when I first read it and it is still hard to put down. It has lots of stuff that any reader would like and enjoy. There were parts in this book that I didn't like because it made me cry for days but other than that it was a great book.
Reviewed by Emily, Grade 9
Montrose Library
Divergent, by Veronica Roth, is about a 16 year old girl named Beatrice Prior who struggles to determine her true identity. She lives in a society that is divided up into 6 factions- Amity, Dauntless, Erudite, Candor, and Abnegation. Each group reflects what they believe brought upon the world’s downfall, whether it be the presence of a characteristic or lack thereof. At the age of sixteen, each citizen is required to choose a faction that they will be loyal to for the remainder of their years, their motto being “faction before blood.” They receive the help of an aptitude test, in which Beatrice received inconclusive results, branding her as a divergent. Little does she know the dangers that her new identity will bring to her.
Divergent is a great novel that fits into the dystopian fiction trend. What sets it apart from other novels such as The Hunger Games series is that it is more age appropriate for tweens, who this genre tends to appeal to more than perhaps an older teenager. It has the perfect amount of action and suspense mixed with a touch of romance. I fell in love with this series and would recommend it to any middle school student with a love for reading books.
Reviewed by RO, Grade 10
Casa Verdugo Library
Divergent by Veronica Roth is the first book in the Divergent series. It follows Beatrice, who renames herself Tris, in her journey to discover what faction she feels she belongs most with. Is it Candor, Dauntless, Erudite, Abnegation, or Erudite? The choice she makes surprises herself as much as it surprises everyone else. During initiation, Tris not only endures extreme physical and mental tests, but finds her true friends within her group and possibly a boyfriend. But there’s something different about Tris, and this secret is growing dangerously closer to the surface, which can lead to her death.
I loved Divergent! I finished it so quickly, I can’t wait to continue the series! I love how Roth perfectly mixes the dangerous journeys of Tris and her love interest in such a nice balance. The description made me feel like I was really part of her faction and was there with her in initiation and training. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes the Maze Runner series or The Hunger Games.
Reviewed by Nayri T., Grade 12
Casa Verdugo Library
In Beatrice prior's dystopian Chicago world, society is divided into five factions, each dedicated 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-old 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 Beatrice renames herself 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.
It includes the markers of the genre, including fantasy violence a fractured society, Big Brother -esque monitoring, as well as romance. The 16 year old protagonist chooses to live in the "brave" faction, where members routinely try to out do each other physically and recklessly act like daredevils to prove their fearlessness. The initiation process is brutal and bloody, and kills or seriously injures a few characters. Violence escalates as the end of the book approaches, culminating in a blood bath. The romance is sweet and progresses from lingering looks to a few kissing sessions. Like The Hunger Games heroine Katniss Everdeen, Tris prior is a strong , generous, and beautifully flawed female protagonist.
Reviewed by Jany, Grade 9
Montrose Library
This book is based on a Dystopian idea.People of their society plan to live under a Utopian form,meaning a peaceful life.In order to live a happy life,they decide to form factions.Different factions hat lead to diverse characteristics such as :Abnegation,Erudite,Candor,Amity,and Dauntless.To give you an idea of what makes up these groups are: Abnegation is selfishness and they do not draw attention to themselves,Erudite is involved with knowledge and learning,Candor's are the honest ones,Amity are the peaceful ones and they enjoy music and art,and Dauntless are are the people who are brave and enjoy doing dangerous things.However,in the book we have a strange thing that happens in the factions.It all starts of with a main character named Beatrice Prior(also known as Tris).When she turns 16 ,her and her brother Caleb will take an amplitude test to help them decide their faction on Ceremony Day.This is a very important day and private because their results will determine their rest of their lives.Beatrice takes the test ,but the results turn out wrong .She is told something that no one should know because it's dangerous .She is now so confused on which faction to choose.Beatrice ends of choosing a challenging faction and that is how she gets the name "Tris".Toward the story it becomes challenging for Beatrice.It is a book that is thrilling,full of action,romance,and tragedy.Is it possible to get more than one faction?
It was such a fantastic book.To be honest when I bought it I thought it was going to sit on my shelf ,but even the first page is great.I like how its different .It is a mixture of living and they use factions.It had action,romance, tragedy ,ect.I loved how there was a bit of everything.I loved the book that I started reading the rest of the series,I would recommend it to teens and adults or people who love sci-fi books. When you read the book you can visualize the book and when you watch the movie it becomes more realistic ,so hurry on those books, so you can watch the movie.
Reviewed by Andrea V., Grade 10
Glendale Central Library
Divergent, by Veronica Roth, is a story set in dystopian Chicago. The main character, a 16 year old girl named Tris, is a seemingly normal girl who hates showing weakness. However when she is tested to be out into her faction, she discovers a dark secret. This book ill take you on the adventure of a lifetime. Roth will guide you through the maturing of a young girl as she finds love and strength throughout the story.
I wasn't sure how much I would like this book until I read it. Now I am sure that everyone who reads it will love it. Veronica Roth will take the reader on suspenseful thrill rides through love and violence. I would recommend this book to readers over 12 due to the violence and pain throughout the story. Many readers will grow to love Tris Prior just as I have when the read Divergent.
Reviewed by Zack H., Grade 9
Montrose Library
Divergent is about a girl named Tris who lives in a dystopian society where there are 5 factions based on traits (Abnegation - selfless, Amity - peaceful, Erudite - intelligent, Candor - honest, and Dauntless - brave). To determine which faction you belong in, you take the Aptitude test, which is supposed to help you choose a faction. Tris ends up being Divergent, meaning she has more than one trait. She has to choose a faction or end up factionless/ homeless, and the faction she chooses is extreme.
I didn't really like this book, because it kind of felt like a copy of The Hunger Games. It's like the author didn't even bother trying to not copy The Hunger Games. It's set in a dystopian future (like The Hunger Games), divided into different states based on a certain trait (like The Hunger Games), and focuses on a heroine who can fight (like The Hunger Games). Also, the end of this series SUCKS. I don't recommend reading this.
Reviewed by Anonymous, Grade 9
Montrose Library
Divergent by Veronica Roth is a post-apocalyptic book that follows sixteen-year-old Beatrice "Tris" Prior. In the book, the survivors are divided into five factions. Each one is different in its own way. Abnegation is for the selfless, Candor is for the honest, Dauntless for the brave, Erudite for the intellectual, and Amity for the peaceful. However, upon taking this test, the results aren't conclusive and she gets three different houses. This is called being "Divergent" and it is extremely taboo. Tris chooses Dauntless and chaos ensues.
Though the storyline is unique and interesting, the writing does get redundant after a while. The writing can be choppy at times and I feel like she could've described certain scenes in a much better way. The book is action and romance-packed, so it can appeal and resonate well with teenagers due to the simple language and intelligent characters.
Reviewed by Melody, Grade 10
Montrose Library
Beatrice Prior lives in a futuristic dystopian Chicago where the population is divided not by race or gender or sexuality, but of the trait they most value. There are five factions, Amity, those who value peace, Abnegation, those who value selflessness, Erudite, those who value knowledge, Candor, those who value honesty, and Dauntless, those who value courage. On each person's 16 birthday, they attend a choosing ceremony where they choose a faction to join for the rest of their lives.
Factions dictate your family, your friends, your clothes, and even what you do in your free time. Beatrice Prior grew up in Abnegation, but her inner struggle with selflessness led her to choose Dauntless, the faction of the brave. She leaves her family and must take part in a brutal initiation in order to be allowed to stay. If she fails, she becomes factionless and faces death. Amidst new friends, uncertain enemies, facing her fears like never before, and a possible new romance, Tris will be tested like never before.
Divergent isone of the most popular YA books with good reason. Dystopian society, a kindling romance and a kickass female lead- this book starts out with all the right tools. Tris is relatable, she is strong, brave, and selfless, but definitely has her flaws as well.
Her upbringing in Abnegation plays a huge role in her social interactions and it shows both the good and bad of each side of situations, her love of selflessness as an outsider, but her failure to live up to the strict self negligence that Abnegation requires for example. The story is much more that of a personal journey with lots of action than sci fi, so just because you don't like sci-fi doesn't mean you shouldn't read it. Tris's experiences as a female finding out who she is and against misogyny are also very prevalent in the book and they are very well told.
One of my favorite parts of the book was when Tris got tatoos. She got a lot of them, but they all had lots of meaning to her so that was very cool. Also, just wait till the zipline scene- it's awesome!
All in all, a very good book.
Reviewed by Claire Skye, Grade 9
Montrose Library
The book talks about a dystopian government set in the future. There are five factions each person is born into, but chooses a faction they fit into on the day of the Choosing Ceremony. If one does not meet the standards of the faction, they are faction-less. The Dauntless believe in bravery and courage. The Erudite believe in intelligence. The Amity believe in peace. The Abnegation believe in selflessness. The Candor believe in honesty. There’s a rare “condition” called Divergent, which is when a person shows traits from a combination of the factions. Beatrice Prior is a curious girl in Abnegation. As she grows up in her faction, she feels as if she doesn’t belong there. As the Choosing Ceremony approaches, she must choose the faction she can stand by and stay in for the rest of her life.
This was a thrilling and exciting book. Everything about this book is great, in my opinion. It’s the introduction of the Divergent series which makes the book so interesting. All the characters are getting introduced, and the romances of the series are just beginning. Another aspect I like is that you get to know the characters before their character developments throughout the series. You get to see the innocence of the transfers of the factions before their training changes them for better or worse. This book is good for people who like mystery in stories and people who want to see the world from other perspectives and what it could be like in the future.
Reviewed by Anonymous, Grade 9
Montrose Library
Divergent is an enthralling dystopian novel based on the life of a teenage girl, Tris. The book takes place in Chicago, however, there are factions in which the citizens have to act and behave a certain way. During her aptitude test, she learns something quite dangerous about herself. Tris goes through many ups and downs because she doesn’t seem to “fit it” with the society. She carries a very dangerous trait with her that could get her killed. During her choosing ceremony, Tris decided to be spontaneous, in hopes to “fit in.” She makes new friends and loses many as she goes through her imitation. Moreover, she and her friends go through a lot to survive. A traditional event turned into a dark one. Veronica Roth wrote, “One choice can transform you.” Tris chose something changed her life.
This book is quite interesting. It’s got a mix of a lot of genres, but it’s mainly action based. I like how it started, because it was different and I wanted to see how the author would carry this out. However, towards the middle of the novel it did get boring, there was too little going on, and it was hard for me to focus while reading. The ending was interesting, though the events that ended up happening were easily predicted. People who enjoy action and futuristic settings will love this book. I don’t recommend it to people who crave for an unexpected ending, because this book just didn’t have that.
Reviewed by Anonymous, Grade 10
Glendale Central Library
Divergent is the first book in a three book series. We follow the main character Tris, who is forced to label herself within a specific group that matches her future. As all should be, Tris is nervous and uncertain about choosing and sticking to one group for the rest of her life. Therefore she chooses the group with the most amount of freedom. Completely abandoning her family's wishes and making a path for her future in the process.
I love this book, As a teenager I think we can all relate with the internal struggles of finding a place for yourself as you grow up. The word "Divergent" stems from being unique, this is the main message that I got from the book. That I should always, make my own choices, even if the world is against me. This book focuses on the troubles and obstacles, young adults face as they enter adulthood. Although this book displays an important message, It also is very entertaining as it is a Dystopian novel with lots of action within it.
Reviewed by SH, Grade 9
Glendale Central Library
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