Mini Review: Divergent and Insurgent by Veronica Roth

Divergent

Author: Veronica Roth
Series: Divergent #1
Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books
Genre: YA Dystopian
Format: Paperback, 487 pages
Release Date: January 1, 2011
Source: Bought
Rating: 5 Stars
Add to Goodreads
Buy the Book

Synopsis from Goodreads:

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 friends 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, Tris also learns that her secret might help her save the ones she loves . . . or it might destroy her.

My Review:

I read this book a long, long time ago, way before I started this blog, and really loved it. But of course, I wanted to reread it before Allegiant comes out. So I just want to leave you with a few short thoughts on the book.

This book made me rediscover the YA genre and reading in general. It also helped me discover the dystopian genre which is now one of my favorite genres to read. I look at Veronica Roth and how young she is and how successful she is and I get insanely jealous. She’s my age and she already has a trilogy published AND has a movie deal. The woman is incredible. Her writing is superb.

Rereading Divergent made me fall in love with it all over again. It rejuvenated my relationships with the characters, reminded me of who I hated (I’m looking at you, Eric and Peter), who I loved (Four!!!!), and how blisteringly fast the plot is. I meant to stretch this reread out a bit, but ended up blowing through the book in one night. I couldn’t put it down even though I knew what was going to happen. Most of you have probably read this by now, but if you haven’t, jump on the bandwagon. I can’t wait for Allegiant and now, after rereading, I can’t wait for the movie!

Insurgent

Author: Veronica Roth
Series: Divergent #2
Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books
Genre: YA Dystopian
Format: Hardcover, 525 pages
Release Date: January 1, 2012
Source: Personal Library, Bought
Rating: 5 Stars
Add to Goodreads
Buy the Book

Synopsis from Goodreads:

One choice can transform you—or it can destroy you. But every choice has consequences, and as unrest surges in the factions all around her, Tris Prior must continue trying to save those she loves—and herself—while grappling with haunting questions of grief and forgiveness, identity and loyalty, politics and love.

Tris's initiation day should have been marked by celebration and victory with her chosen faction; instead, the day ended with unspeakable horrors. War now looms as conflict between the factions and their ideologies grows. And in times of war, sides must be chosen, secrets will emerge, and choices will become even more irrevocable—and even more powerful. Transformed by her own decisions but also by haunting grief and guilt, radical new discoveries, and shifting relationships, Tris must fully embrace her Divergence, even if she does not know what she may lose by doing so.

My Review:

I forgot just how much I love this series until I reread these books. I can’t. They are so freaking good. Insurgent was even better than Divergent. Tris is so screwed up in this book after the events at the conclusion of Divergent. I probably would be too. My heart broke for her in this book, but at times I also wanted to punch her in her stupid face. I wanted to slap her and scream “Wake up! Stop acting like an idiot! Pull yourself together!” But that was just the me from the outside looking in. If I was in her situation, maybe I would have acted the same way.

The romance in this book is amazing. Tobias is still mega-hot, though I did question some of his decisions. We saw a more vulnerable side to him in this book. And we saw the romantic side, more of the side that truly loves Tris. I could swoon over him all day.

There is a lot more mystery in this book than the first one and a lot more politics. It was fun to slowly peel back layer after layer of secrets. The great thing about rereading a book is catching all the little details and hints the author leaves along the way. The first time I read this book, I could not figure anything out and the revelation at the ending slapped me in the face and left me gaping. But this time, I was like “how did I not see that coming?” But that’s the beauty of reading a book multiple times. It’s never the same experience. So many good lines in this book. So many good lessons learned. I sticky-noted the shit out of this one. Allegiant is going to be incredible. I can just feel it. In fact, at this point, I’ve probably already read it and (hopefully) loved it. Happy reading all!

 Who's your favorite character in this series? Which book is your favorite? Were you as shocked by the ending of Insurgent as I was the first time I read it?