Divergent, by Veronica Roth
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
Comments
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
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
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 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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 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
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 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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