Divergent: Divergent, Book 1

This novel is part 1 of the YA dystopian trilogy, also called “Divergent,” and was published hot on the heels of the wildly successful “Hunger Games” trilogy, which could have easily been dismissed as a wannabe. Lke Suzanne Collins’s books, the Divergent series feature a teenaged heroine trying to survive in a post-apocalyptic world. However, when you delve into the novel proper, you realise this is in no way a poor or derivative copy but a captivating and original work.Beatrice Prior grows up in a society that has been separated into five factions based on the belief that the downfall of humanity was caused by its proclivity for evil. Once the dust has settled on the past wars and destruction, this post apocalyptic society attempts to rebuild itself, making sure everyone has a place to prevent future conflict. Each faction is based on a value or disposition to classify their citizens so that they serve specific roles and maintain harmony and prosperity in the whole society.Beatrice is born of Abnegation, and as the title suggests, the faction is based on the virtue of selflessness, so she causes a major upheaval when she defects to the Dauntless (the brave) faction at a membership ceremony where all 16-year-olds choose their faction.The novel follows her transition from a meek girl to one who knows in her heart that she is something more. But does she really belong in Dauntless, or is she a “Stiff” at heart? What if she is neither and rightfully factionless? Or worse, could she be Divergent as her unrecorded placement test results suggests?What is impressive about this novel is that it was written by someone who is just a little older than the protagonist. Veronica Roth was still in the final year of university when she wrote the first book. The writing is sharp and the action sequences are so well-written you grimace with each blow and feel each crunch to the bone. The story balances the emotional and psychological upheavals that are part of the growing pains faced by the young Beatrice (who shortens her name to Tris in Dauntless) with her larger struggle to stop a major war among the factions that will cause the society to implode, even as she finds herself caught between family ties and allegiance to her newfound faction. I can’t wait to find out what happens in the next book, “Insurgent.”

First of all sorry guys its yet another Dysotonian book review as I cant get enough of them at the moment. BUT...and this is a BIG BUT Divergent is one of the best I have EVER read and as a reviewer I do not say this lightly.The Hunger Games have always been my number one, pipped at the post by Z2134/Z2135 but I have to admit Divergent and Insurgent have snuck past Hunger Games and leveled up with my favorite alltime Zs as my joint number one spot; as they are both so good but in completely different ways...sorry Hunger Games fans but you need to read this to see what I mean as it carries similar echo's of the Hunger Games trilogy!Oh my.....when I read all the great reviews about this trilogy, I never believed it was going to be THAT good BUT IT IS, this book blew me away, so much so I have been reading for over 24 hours and Im nearly finished book 2 Insurgent as I couldn't stop reading this amazing storyline and plot. But I just had to write my review of this first book first.Divergent has a unique original twist no one else has ever done. A Dysotonian society that at 16 you have to choose a faction which stems from your own personality.(Amity = Peace, Dauntless = Bravery, Erudite = Knowledge, Candor = Honesty, Abnegation = Selfless). What an incredible original idea for a book and Veronica has made it all work.Where do I start...Engrossing, riveting, addictive read. Its well balanced and it flows perfectly. You cannot put this book down...seriously....! Divergent is so completely original to any other book I have read in this genre, so those of you getting bored with Dysotonian style reads please give this a go. Its so good the film will be coming out in 2014.I loved in particular the idea of the governmental factions that have been explained so well; its seems so authentic and completely believable and understandable.Every character is perfectly created and are based around a 16 year old girl Beatrice (Tris) who you can really relate to; not because she is a perfect angelic 16 year old, but because she isn't, she has her flaws like us all. Roth makes us sympathize and root for her as she wants to change from her family faction Abegnation, (which would drive me crazy, they are so boring). Tris needs life, fun and excitement and maybe a bit of danger and she certainly gets that in abundance. We follow her anguish as she struggles with making the right life changing decisions, should she choose her family faction or follow her heart; with a chance she could end up factionless, a fate worse than death; a huge risk.The idea of having to take a test at 16 years old to see which faction suits their personality is just genius. This brings such credibility to the supporting characters as it emphasizes their own personalities. But Tris holds a secret in that she can manipulate the tests and initiations and has been quickly sworn to secrecy as it could mean her death, the government do not like Divergents. This is a fab twist to this amazing read.Four/Tobias is the next main character is great mix of secrecy and mystery in the beginning; but I love how we gradually get to learn more about him and his family secrets. He makes a fantastic love interest for Tris as they learn more and more about each other; but still maintains that air of mystery.Every chapter urges you to read on as we watch Tris grow and learn more about who she really is, she gains confidence and becomes more self assured if not a little cocky maybe. I love how she discovers family secrets that maybe her family are not so boring afterall.Divergent is a brilliant first book to a fantastic series, its an extremely well written, compelling, fast paced read which I simply couldn't put down.Its aimed at Young adult but I'm in my 40's and loved it...maybe Im a child at heart...but it felt like an adult read despite being about teenagers. This is not a quickie coffee book read, its a fully immersive escapism read to another magical world.Im almost finished Book 2 Insurgent and its just as good if not better...watch this space!Highly recommended especially if you love the Hunger games-esk plots.