Divergent (2011) (edit title/settings)

• Rated 4 stars

“Like the story - sixteen-year-olds choosing factions that will determine their futures. The book doesnt really get into why and how this all came about, but I like it anyway. ”

• Rated 4 stars

“I had a hard time connecting with Tris in the beginning. That's not to say that I didn't enjoy the book, because I did. It's just that there's only so much self-doubt I can take and Tris is riddled with it. One redeeming factor was that she didn't whine about it.

Overall, I found the plot predictable. I knew where we were going and all the plot twists and character revelations that would follow from about page 46. This means I spent a lot of time waiting for Tris to catch up with me.

Of course now some of you may be wondering how I can give 4 stars to a book where I didn't instantly fall in love with the main character or where I'd figured out the plot so early on.

Well, since you asked:

1) I love the world Veronica Roth created. I love its texture, its history, its layers, and its message. I love all the secondary characters, from her friend and fellow initiate Christina to the conniving, cruel Eric.

2) I love where this story seems to be heading. The book actually ends, unlike some others I've read in recent history. It can stand on its own, but it left room for the sequel that is coming. A sequel that I am now anticipating.

3) Just because I couldn't relate to Tris' character doesn't mean that she's not an interesting character. At the very least, I understood her motivation. Tris' self-doubt and her sometimes infuriating behavior stemmed from her background and, to be honest, there's not an Abnegation bone in my body, so it was hard for me to understand her actions and reactions. But she was conflicted and I can appreciate that. And she was always honest about it.

Tris grew on me. The more she came into her own -- realizing that her so-called flaws were actually part of her strength -- and the more she embraced the whole person she was meant to be, the more I liked her. By the end I was rooting for her.

4) Four -- If the book had been about Four standing in a cardboard box, I would have read it cover to cover and begged for more. To me, Four was the most compelling character in the story, even though I had him figured out from the start.

He's strong, loyal, brave, selfless, and kind & loving wrapped up in a hard exterior. He's bruised by his past, but far from broken. Just how I like my heroes. He reminded me of a Dean Winchester or Wolverine type. And anyone who knows me, knows how much I love those guys.

I'd recommend this book, especialy to anyone who likes Dystopia. And to those who may have trouble connecting with Tris like I did, stick around. It's worth it. ”

• Rated 5 stars

“Fantastic, fast-paced sci-fi world with diverse, and sometimes downright creepy, characters. Simply Amazing.”

• Rated 5 stars

“To be honest, I didn't really want to read this book the first time I saw it. It took me a month or two to finally hold it on the library. And then another month to actually read it. The moment I picked up the book, I couldn't put it down. There are no words to explain how awesome this book was— and that's saying a lot. Only a few books leave me speechless, and this one one of them. After I read this book, I knew I had to buy it. It was that good.”

• Rated 5 stars

“This book grabbed my attention right away. It reminds me a little of Hunger Games or the Host. It is a whole different world and incredibly suspenseful. Romance was good, could have used maybe a tad bit more. ;) I loved it! Listened to it on audio book and didn't want to stop listening...couldn't wait to see what was going to happen. I love the writing and enjoyed all the thoughts the main character had. She does lots of thinking, like me. It is wonderful and CAN'T wait till the next one!!!”

• Rated 5 stars

“Lots of action and interesting characters. Believable dystopia. Better than I thought it would be. The characters are likable and I read through the night as the end neared, not wanting to put it down!”

• Rated 5 stars

“I have to admit I was really impressed with Roth's debut book! The world she builds around futuristic Chicago is briming with real characters, a growing threat and plenty of obstacles for her friends. The threat of trouble looms over the entire story from almost the first page and Roth handles it deftly, letting Tris' realization of the danger come slowly and intermingled with her typical teen issues and the struggle of intiation into the Dauntless. I wish there could have been more of the issues at the end, but I completely understand that that's where the second book comes in and the ending was not a terrible cliffhanger but definitely wrapped up quite a few things (certainly it didn't leave the reader with the crazy questions like Dashner's Scorch Trials did).

The realistic teenage struggles added a lot to this book without being whiny and I loved how the MCs were unable to shed their past lives just because they were in a new world.

In all, I enjoyed this one quite a bit and am looking forward to the sequel but I think Hunger Games still holds the top spot in my heart for YA Dystopians.”

• Rated 0 stars

“Action packed and suspenseful. A little too graphic for younger students, but a great teen read.”

• Rated 5 stars

“Fabulous book! I can't wait for a sequel.”

• Rated 3 stars

“My search for the best thing since The Hunger Games continues...”