Throwback Thursday: 'Divergent' (Divergent #1)

Since I'm reviewing books I'm reading this year, I thought it'd be fun to do a series where I review books I've read in the past. So let me introduce you to Throwback Thursdays! It probably won't be every Thursday, but hopefully it'll be somewhat consistent.

This week I'll write about Divergent, by debut author Veronica Roth. The third and final book in the series was released in October, and I reread this before reading the last one. It has also been made into a movie, which releases at the end of next month.

Divergent (Divergent #1)
By Veronica Roth
Published: May 3, 2011
First Read: July 2012
Format: Hardcover

Rating: A

“Human beings as a whole cannot be good for long before the bad creeps back in and poisons us again.” 

Beatrice Prior lives in a futuristic Chicago, where society has been divided into five factions. Each faction has been built around a specific value, and its residents are expected to uphold that value above anything else. Beatrice lives in Abnegation, which values selflessness. There is also Amity (peace), Candor (truth), Dauntless (bravery) and Erudite (knowledge). When citizens are 16, they take a simulation that's supposed to tell them which faction to which they belong and then on Choosing Day they pledge their loyalty to that faction. Except for Tris (as she is later named), it isn't that simple. Her test results are inconclusive, meaning that she doesn't belong to any one faction, but could choose between several. This is called being Divergent, and though she doesn't know why yet, it's so dangerous she's told not to tell anyone of her unique status.

Tris embarks on an adventurous journey, which was exhilarating, exciting and breathtaking. She makes new friends, enemies, and even falls in love. Though it sounds similar to the Hunger Games series, Divergent is unique. The author's writing style is similar but it won't feel like the same story. I was hooked on this book from the beginning. It was long (almost 500 pages) but the fast pace made it seem much shorter. I was so entranced that I found myself reading it while I got ready for work and ate breakfast. It was just as captivating the second timer around as well, even though you know what's going to happen. I am a sucker for romances, so I did enjoy this portion of Divergent. But it was by no means the main point of the book, and I think even those who don't love romance will enjoy it.

Thanks to the Hunger Games series, the dystopian genre has been very hot in the last several years. Dystopian fans will love Divergent, as it is a unique addition to the genre. But even if you've never read a dystopian novel or don't think you'd enjoy fantasy, I implore you to try out this book. I guarantee you won't be disappointed.