A review by bethyalot
Divergent by Veronica Roth

adventurous fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

Loved this book as a younger adult when it first came out and thought I'd revisit.
I still enjoy the main plot of the factions, Divergence, mystery of rumours of overthrowing the government, and Four/Tris' relationship.
The writing is ok with a fairly fast pace, but can be repetitive, especially around Tris' thoughts and feelings.
It's a great third part, fast paced, exciting and emotional.
The main thing that annoys me is despite Tris
finding out that she is Divergent and being EXPLICITLY told to stay in the middle of the group, rather than drawing attention to herself by being at the top of the rankings, she does nothing to pretend that she is not aware that she is in a simulation in the second round of initiation. So she does come top of the rankings, again with the results of the third round, and this appears to have no impact. She doesn't acknowledge the danger she's in and it is hardly mentioned by anyone else later.

Overall a decent dystopian, YA novel and leaves you intrigued for the next in the series.
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