Divergent is the debut novel of author Veronica Roth, and the first book of the trilogy. Published in 2011, this dystopian novel is set in a post-apocalyptic Divergent universe where the main character, Beatrice “Tris” Prior, comes of the age to choose a faction. There are five factions: Abnegation, for the selfless; Amity, for the peaceful; Candor, for the honest; Dauntless, for the brave; and Erudite, for the intellectual. At age sixteen every young adult must take an aptitude test, which suggests which faction they should choose. Beatrice matches with not one, but two factions: Abnegation, which is what her family is, and Dauntless. When someone is matched with two factions they are known as Divergent. Beatrice chooses Dauntless, changes her name to Tris, and is challenged mentally, physically, and emotionally through initiation and training. She must not tell anyone or show that she is Divergent because the divergent are a threat to the government. Out of all the initiates, only the top ten will officially become a dauntless and the rest will be left factionless. The three stages of training include will challenge each individual’s physical, mental, and emotional stamina. The initiates male instructor, Four, pushes Tris through training making her more tough and helps her to realize she is made to be a dauntless, which then leads to a more intimate and romantic relationship between the two. At the end of initiation, Tris is ranked number one of the initiates and becomes a dauntless, but conflicts between the Abnegation faction and Erudite faction force Tris and Four, both Divergent, to reveal themselves which puts them in great danger. Through the help of Tris’ family they are able to stop the war and government takeover, at least for now.
The Divergent movie came out in 2014, which was enjoyed by many, but for people who read the book were also let down, like most movies usually do to books. I was determined not to see the movie before I read the book. I received the trilogy as a Christmas gift and finally read the first one, and was hooked. I finished it in two days. As this is the author’s first book I am very impressed and like the story line she chose to create. Roth has also revealed she is writing a second series, currently unnamed, due to release in 2017 and I am excited to read them.
The book was very intriguing from the very start to the end. The plot line was unique and kept me reading. Divergent was based around many different aspects, but what I liked the most about this book was that it displayed multiple relationships. The reader is able to see Tris grow through her relationships with family, the friends she meets through initiation, and a romantic relationship with Four. The dynamics of each of those relationships continued to drive the character and storyline forward. It made me cheer Tris on and also beg her to stop before she did something too stupid. I also enjoyed that the main character Tris was a very strong, independent female. I am not an extreme feminist, but it is always nice to read a book with a female character who is showing bravery and the guts to stand up for herself and others. Tris had her own mind and did not follow rules. She was a very determined character, which I look up to. She is, for lack of a better word, a badass.
This book is constantly compared to The Hunger Games (2008), by author Susan Collins, as both books are post-apocalyptic dystopian societies in which a female uses and defines her strengths, as she becomes the leader of a revolution. But I can say these books are very different. A major way they are different is through the numerous relationships the Tris has, but through the separation of factions you can learn more about a character because of the strengths but also flaws each faction has. Every virtue can be inverted into a vice and this is slowly what we see as the story progresses. The plot progresses quickly. There is no lull or boring part. It was written for teenagers or young adults so the faster and more interesting the plotline, the greater number of young adults will continue to read and enjoy it. The ending of the book comes very quickly and almost abruptly but this sets up the next book perfectly as the rest of the series is highly anticipated.
This book, as well as the other two, is an easy read. It can be read and enjoyed by a person of any age. It is action packed and sometimes violent, which young readers should be warned about. Friendship and love continue to push the story forward as well as connect the readers with the characters. Be prepared for late night reads as this book will capture your attention as you turn from one page to another. I recommend reading the book before seeing the movie, but never the less, Divergent should not be missed.