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.
(Excerpt from Goodread)
The book starts like any other New Society story. Beatrice–Tris–is about to pave her own path in the world by deciding on one of the five communities provided. She goes into Dauntless, a crazy, stunt happy group –think Jackass, but with a purpose– Here, the girls are treated like the boys. The trainers stand back as girls are beaten into unconsciousness by boys, going so far as to encourage further brutality.
As dystopian books went, I found this one fascinating, even if Tris made me want to hit. I loved Christina, Tris’ smart-mouthed best friend. I also really liked Will. Al, I had high hopes for him, certain things I wanted to see happen, but I won’t give anything away, except to say that he disappointed me in more than one way. There were a few things at the end that I really wished could have been different, and felt like they could have been, but in the same breath, the author did make it seem very possible. That it really could have happened in that manner.
Will I pick up Insurgent, book 2?
Absolutely! Without a doubt.
Ms. Roth left open several key points that I’m eager to see revealed! The book was fast paced, so much so that I finished in a single sitting. The romance was sweet, at times, scalding even. And I’m looking forward for more from this author.