book review on divergent

Rating: 7 – Very Good

Reading Next: Beauty Queens by Libba Bray

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Thea James is one half of the maniacal duo behind The Book Smugglers. She is Filipina-American, but grew up in Hawaii, Indonesia, and Japan. A full-time book nerd who works in publishing for her day job, Thea currently resides in Astoria, Queens with her partner and rambunctious cat. COOKING FOR WIZARDS, WARRIORS & DRAGONS (available August 31, 2021) is her first cookbook.

55 Comments

Ooh, nice review. I was a bit frustrated by what you deem the “potato-chip” nature of this book (generally, schlocky action stuff just doesn’t appeal to me) but you nail what’s interesting about Tris. I really did enjoy her as a character!

Lisa (starmetal oak)

Thanks for the review!

A question about the story: if people have made these factions in order to combat the various reasons they think the world has failed before (greed, cowardice, etc) then why do they limit the intake of new recruits? Is this fleshed out in the book or just a way to create conflict?

Like Phoebe, I’m not sure I agree with the potato-chip comment, but overall exactly what I thought. 🙂

And I’m reading BEAUTY QUEENS now, too.

Dear Authors,

Please kill off more of your characters. It makes your OMGDANGER feel more…dangerous. See Connie Willis and Patrick Ness for details.

@Phoebe & @Jess Tudor – Perhaps I should make the disclaimer that my favorite movie is Die Hard and I am a HUGE fan of the cheesy action movie? Heh. I can completely understand frustrations with the book’s trials and nonstop action for action’s sake, though.

But I gotta admit…I love me some potato chips 😉

@Lisa – Though it’s not really explained in the book, it’s probably safe to assume that in the cases of factions like Candor, Erudite and Dauntless that initiation is so tough and restricted because they want to make sure their new members truly uphold the ideals of that respective clan. To gain membership into Candor, for example, initiates are forced to take some sick, publically humiliating lie-detector test. With Amity and Abnegation, however, I think the bar to entry is lower because they are less sought after factions, and their ideals are more selfless and accepting. If that makes sense?

I agree that this all does sound rather flimsy and fragile, though. The worldbuilding is simplistic and doesn’t really hold together under any stronger level of scrutiny!

That said, it’s a fun book, and I hope you get a chance to read it 🙂

@Raych – I’d like to sign your letter, please! So. So. TRUE.

Grr there are 16 people ahead of me at the library. Can’t wait to read this!

Ms. Roth isn’t afraid to kill people and that’s one of my biggest problem with many current YA “dystopias” – this lack of teeth.

I couldn’t agree more with this. What little I read of Divergent wasn’t really for me, but it’s good to know there are authors out there who are willing to go a bit outside the norm for YA.

I’ve been holding off on picking this one up, even though its set in Chicago and I live in the Chicago area , because the whole Faction business makes very little sense to me. I do like that it has “more teeth”, as you say, than many of the other YA dystopias out there (and like you, I have a weakness for dystopias and post-apocolyptic scenarios), but the weak worldbuilding makes me not feel the urge to read this title. Also, I am trying to stay away from incomplete trilogies for a while.

I am SO with you on this dystopia craze; so many people seem to want to cash in on this latest phenom yet so few of them seem to want to do their homework in order to make their world believable.

I know what you mean. I definitely have to be in the right mood for dystopias of the potato chip variety, but this review definitely makes me want to give Divergent a chance if nothing else.

Ebony McKenna

I read this recently and it was pretty absorbing. I liked the idea of factions and was especially pleased with the book having a decent ending. Yes, there is more to come, but this book at least ended in the right place. It’s a big ask to finish a book with a sense of completion, while also leaving scope for further adventures.

PS, speaking of factions, I’m kind of hankering to re-read Brave New World now. That book rocked my world.

Marleen Gagnon

This looks like a really good read. I’ve gotta get it. Thanks for all you do.

I actually agreed with the obsessive nature of this book. I didn’t realize I had read so much in one sitting until I was interrupted. I look forward to Roth’s future works, I think this book was very good.

But, the factions never make sense for me in the book, because there are too many other types of people out there for me, and overall, the world itself is not very well built (however, I really think that will come in the next book as there is some foreshadowing). I actually think the killing off of the characters was kinda weak, like old Star Trek red shirts. We barely know these people who are killed, so why do we care if they die?

But on a totally different note, how is this really considered dystopian? Is this a repressive or controlling state? These people get to choose which faction they will live in, regardless of what the test says. The can even leave the factions and live outside the government. This is what the book made me think of most when I was finished reading it, lol.

What’s this trilogy you keep alluding to? I can’t think of anything…

Ah it’s good to know you liked this Thea! Looking forward to reading this now. 🙂

Thanks for the great review. I was fortunate enough to be the first to check out DIVERGENT when it hit the library. I loved this book. Will be in line for the sequel. 😀

*The Trilogy That Must Not Be Named*

I just barely kept my snort of amusement from popping out. 😀

*Tris is not your usual Mary Sue. She’s selfish. She’s manipulative. She’s vindictive as hell – and I LOVED that about this book. I mean, at one point, when a character asks for her forgiveness, which she coldly refuses. Really coldly. I mean, holy masked avenger, Batman. It’s brutal, but refreshing (since these heroines are so often little goody-two-shoes that forgive even the most heinous acts).*

OH. Oh my. Me likey.

Oy – 500 pages, though! Wince.

*Though entertaining, this book does not provoke, incite, or demand a closer look at society*

Eh, I think I could be OK with that – too many dystopian works, whether YA or not, are so heavy. Maybe one that’s more on the entertainment side would be refreshing.

Awesome review, as usual. 😉

Thanks so much for recommending this book Thea, I downloaded from iBooks and read it in a night! I look forward to her next offering. 🙂

Amy @ Turn the Page

Brilliant review! I agree with your thoughts (though your review is far better written than my own lol!). I liked that Tris had flaws, but I still never exactly warmed to her as a character.

The relationship between Tris and Four was good – until it suddenly fast forward near the end and turned into the typical insta-love all over again!

I like an author who is willing to kill of characters – but I wasn’t feeling some of the character deaths at the the end – they felt… kind of pointless. But it was still an enjoyable read 🙂 Not fantastic but entertaining!

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Holly (Lily's Bookshelf)

I’m really looking forward to reading this one! Great review! 🙂

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I’ve just finished this book and it was very entertaining, read in it sooooo quickly too. A definite pocorn read and I am very much looking forward to the next installment. Spot on review!

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I have read this book 3 times…Now I’m doing a book review on it – the review is EXTREMELY helpful!!!

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Still unsure about reading this one. 😐

I enjoyed your review. The way that you told the story clearly was very well done. Also your oppinion on the novel was really well formatted. I totally agree with you, how can a world be filled with humans striving to become only one thing. It’s impossible… I’ve done a review of the novel aswell if you want to check it out 🙂

http://www.bookmark-reviews.blogspot.ca/2012/07/divergent-review.html

Divergent by Veronica Roth (Book Review) - Literally Correct

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Good review.

I have to agree – I didn’t care for the flimsy pretext of the factions. I am hoping Allegiant will shed some light on the odd situation.

As for the character of Tris, I found her to be inconsistent. The author seems to have allotted her whatever traits were convenient for that particular chapter of the story.

All in all – a good, quick read, but nothing substantial.

http://thebookcooks.blogspot.ca/2013/08/divergent-by-veronica-roth.html

Warning: The following post may be a too long, boring and pseudo feminist opinion of one unimportant person!

Well Reviewed!

I like that your review is well balanced in terms of criticism and praise! I find I agree with a lot of your points on where this book succeeds (pacing, action sequences) and where it fails (you can’t question the world, or it shatters). However I would disagree that Tris is an original take on Mary-Sue. In fact, I think more and more authors are relying on imperfection to create perfected Mary-Sues.

Tris is regularly commenting on her plain looks. A trend that started with the wonderfully dubbed “Trilogy that shall not be named!” As if, stating someone isn’t jaw-droppingly attractive (while still giving conventionally attractive attributes) gives them more character. This seems to be a YA thing more than others, as I find adult fiction of a similar nature rarely delves deeply into looks after initial description (with the possible exception of fantasy creatures (fairies, elves, etc) or female protagonists under a male authors pen). In fact, because of this new emerging trope one of my favourite lines in the story was (***Spoiler***) Four commenting that if all he wanted was sex, he wouldn’t have gone to her first. (Spoiler end) One because it was funny, and two because it so fully shows why authors think it takes away the mary-sue trope. She’s not desirable, so she can’t be perfect.

Secondly I found that Tris’ personality is now becoming another trait seeing more and more in YA literature with female leads. While one part of me fully enjoys that female protagonists are being featured and given attitudes beyond the disney princess; this dichotomy of princess or badass is just as problematic in creating fully realized female characters. I loved it with Katniss, because it was justified: She is poor, she is oppressed and she truly doesn’t understand giving without receiving. To her, survival and self-preservation justifies any means; yet she is still successfully kind. Her world supports that. In Tris’ case, she does have food, she lives in a world where essentially her father is the government and literally taught to only understand selflessness. The fact that she is then made so cold to differentiate her from others, makes her a Mary-Sue. She has no reason to be cruel and vindictive other than because in the eyes of the author and by extension readers: it makes her better. It makes her more than the average: She’s perfect because she’s tough, because she has undesirable traits she recognizes but doesn’t mind. In any other character, these traits would make them the villain. If done well an interesting machiavellian villain, but villain nonetheless. Lastly, she is instantly the attraction of the similarly perfect male lead without reason. (You mentioned this one) This I can overlook, after all people (especially at the characters given ages) can and occasionally do get enamored with a look. It may be even be justified as she is probably the only other person who can share a similar history, and present with Four.

I personally found myself uninterested in Tris as a character after a few chapters in dauntless: I already knew her. What kept me reading was the pace you were talking about, and the hopes something more interesting and unexpected happens. Her mother interested me, the other transfers interested me. We know Tris chose, but why did they? They weren’t special, divergent. Yet, we never really get to know anything about them.

In conclusion: Potato chips indeed!

Just read Divergent… and I had a slight problem with it that no one seems to address: If Caleb is Beatrice’s older brother (as she states in the first few pages), and if the Choosing Ceremony is for 16yos, then why is Caleb at the Choosing Ceremony at the same time as Beatrice? Is he newly turned 17 and missed the cutoff date for the previous year’s Ceremony? Tbh I nearly stopped reading the book because it seemed like such a huge thing to make the reader puzzle out.

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ggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggg An essay on divergent

In this essay I will consider the social, economic and political factors of divergent. Advancments in divergent can be linked to many areas. While it is becoming a hot topic for debate, it is impossible to overestimate its impact on modern thought. It is an unfortunate consequence of our civilizations history that divergent is rarely given rational consideration by so called ‘babies’, who just don’t like that sort of thing. With the primary aim of demonstrating my considerable intellect I will now demonstrate the complexity of the many faceted issue that is divergent.

Social Factors

Society begins and ends with divergent. When Thucictholous said ‘people only know one thing’ [1] he globalised an issue which had remained buried in the hearts of our ancestors for centuries. While deviating from the norm will always cause unrest amongst ones peers, divergent cleary plays a significant role amongst the developing middle classes.

Of paramount importance to any study of divergent within its context, is understanding the ideals of society. Society is powered by peer pressure, one of the most powerful forces in the world. As long as peer pressure uses its power for good, divergent will have its place in society.

Economic Factors

Increasingly economic growth and innovation are being attributed to divergent. We will primarily be focusing on the JTB-Guide-Dog model, which I hope will be familiar to most readers. Inflation

Clearly the graphs demonstrates a strong correlation. Why is this? Seemingly inflation will continue to follow divergent for the foreseeable future. Supply Side Economic Tax Cuts Tax deductions could turn out to be a risky tactic.

Political Factors

The media have made politics quite a spectacle. Looking at the spectrum represented by a single political party can be reminiscent of comparing divergentilisation, as it’s become known, and one’s own sense of morality.

It is always enlightening to consider the words of a legend in their own life time, Demetrius T. Time ‘People in glass houses shouldn’t through parties.’ [2] Primarily, he is referring to divergent. To paraphrase, the quote is saying ‘divergent wins votes.’ Simple as that. While divergent may be a giant amongst men, is it a dwarf amongst policy? I hope not.

To conclude, divergent parades along man’s streets and man waves back. It enlightens our daily lives, ensures financial stability and always chips in.

I’ll leave you with this quote from Stevie Jackson: ‘At first I was afraid I was petrified. Thinking I could never live without divergent by my side.’ [3] An essay on divergent

Increasingly economic growth and innovation are being attributed to divergent. We will primarily be focusing on the JTB-Guide-Dog model, which I hop

I also did not find myself respecting the protagonist, Tris. I just finished the second book of the Divergent trilogy. Although I was wary of her character before, when *spoiler* Tris turns down a position in leadership solely so that Four can take over the faction *end spoiler*, I actually had to put the book down and walk away in disgust. Why does she think Four is better than her? Why, no matter what major action Tris takes in the story, does she give others credit for it? Even in the many fight scenes, we catch her claiming that it was Four who taught her how, Four who somehow was responsible for saving her life. And a lot of the time, he does end up saving her life, because he is the stronger, more sensible character.

So what is this supposed to be teaching the young girls reading this book? That they should be weak and expect less of themselves than their boyfriends? That the best way to act is to be a stereotypical girl and depend on others? Or is the author, Veronica Roth, trying to prove the stupidity of sixteen year old girls? If this is the case, she should not have tried to make Tris so real and widely relatable.

Roth and Tris have the third and final book in the series to change my mind about this.

Although it’s a good read, and I love Tris, I love the idea, the setting, the factions, the love between the 2 main people, and yes the idea of being Dauntless sounds cool. I can’t help but compare it to to said Trilogy, something about said Trilogy just sores miles above this set of books. Thumbs up Roth, can’t wait to read others.

Francesca Moore

This review summed up exactly how I felt about the book. I loved how fast paced it was and I loved the fact that the protagonist never become a superhero by the end of it, that way it felt more realistic. I’ve just watched the film and I wasn’t amazed by it, felt the book was so much better. I’m pondering whether to read books 2 and 3 of the series now as I’ve heard they are not as good as the first.

I’m sorry, I have to be the critic here. As a fellow writer reading through Divergent currently, Veronica certainly is creative, to an extent. Her writing style… it’s pure childish. She has the level of a 10th grade student. A lot of places I have to reread because the wording is off. Not only that, but her constant short sentences are annoying. And Tris and Four’s romance is disgustingly cliche. Tris, as a character, is both whinny and hypocritical. She doesn’t want her friends to betray her, but she wants to make them jealous? Really? And why exactly is she Divergent? She’s not selfless, she does nice things in remembrance of her family, which would be selfish, wouldn’t it? And she’s not really intelligent, honest, or loving. I can’t even remember what third faction she received.

All in all, the idea seems creative enough, but the only reason I’m powering through is just to be able to say I read it. I’m not even bothering picking up the next two books. You can count on that.

Book Review: Divergent | Books, TV, and Me

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I can’t believe Tris was even considered to be a Mary Sue. A book character for an authour’s own created universe can’t be a Mary Sue. Plus she’s HUMAN.

And potato-chip nature? Have you even looked at the themes of the book? They’re deep af.

Divergent by Veronica Roth | One Book Two

This book is such a kind of amazing. Can somebody tell me total part of this serie????

Becoming Napoleon – Calling All Skeletons

[…] interest to me, however I have felt a certain level of transformation with regard to, say, Beatrice Prior, or Tris as she would prefer. One could argue that artists have magic powers so to speak. They know […]

this review is very detailed and provides quiet a lot of information to satisfy our needs of information . to whomever did this , i show a lot of respect for it seems to have a lot of effort and time placed into it. all i would like to say is that however that it may provide information, it does not provide all information on related topics that all book reviews require to have on a needing bases. i hope my information supports future reviews 🙂

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In This Dystopia, Teens Must Choose Wisely

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By Susan Dominus

• May 12, 2011

Imagine the publishing world as it might look in a dystopian universe in the distant future. In this world, college English majors — call them “Englies” — aspire to write only one kind of book: the dystopian young adult novel set in the distant future. (Englies of a certain status are permitted to write about dystopias populated by vampires.) Another subset of the population — “the Fans” — provides a kind of slave labor, posting endlessly to dedicated blogs and recording podcasts, providing free marketing for an unceasing succession of aspiring best-seller trilogies.

I couldn’t help imagining this world as I read “Divergent,” the first in a planned trilogy of young adult novels set in a dystopian future and written by Veronica Roth, who sold the book in a major pre-­emptive bid before she even graduated from Northwestern last year. With “Divergent,” Roth adds to a genre that has crossed over from having a vague cultural moment to being a full-bore trend, much of it driven by the wild success of Suzanne Collins’s “Hunger Games” trilogy.

“Divergent” holds its own in the genre, with brisk pacing, lavish flights of imagination and writing that occasionally startles with fine detail. As the mother of Beatrice, the main character, cuts her daughter’s hair, the young narrator notices “the strands fall on the floor in a dull, blond ring.” Beatrice sees her reflection only when her hair is cut — the second day of every third month — because she has been born into Abnegation, one of five factions that make up the population. Those who belong to Abnegation believe selflessness begets world harmony; those who choose Candor see honesty as the path to the same goal.

The other groups are Amity, Erudite and Dauntless, and it is this last group that calls out to Beatrice when she is given the opportunity either to stay with her family’s group or to choose another allegiance. As part of the initiation process for Dauntless, Tris (a nickname Beatrice adopts to reflect her new self) must prove her mettle with adolescent feats of bravado, like jumping off a moving train onto a rooftop. She endures simulated death traps and jacks up her adrenaline with breathtaking leaps into the unknown.

“Divergent” clearly has thrills, but it also movingly explores a more common adolescent anxiety — the painful realization that coming into one’s own sometimes means leaving family behind, both ideologically and physically. It is not a coincidence that Tris falls in love while undergoing initiation into her new tribe. It is precisely the moment when young people discover romance that family life all but evaporates, at least in terms of its emotional significance.

Terrible things happen to the people Tris loves, yet the characters absorb these events with disquieting ease. Here, somehow, the novel’s flights from reality distance the reader from the emotional impact that might come in a more affecting realistic (or even fantasy) novel.

In this way, though Roth’s “Divergent” is rich in plot and imaginative details, it suffers by comparison with Collins’s opus. The shortcoming would not be so noticeable were there less blatant overlap between the two. Both “Divergent” and “The Hunger Games” feature appealing, but not conventionally pretty, young women with toughness to spare. Both start out with public sorting rituals that determine the characters’ futures. And both put the narrators in contrived, bloody battles that are in fact competitions witnessed by an audience. Even the language sounds familiar: the Hob is a central geographic point in “The Hunger Games”; in “Divergent,” it’s the Hub in the remnants of what was once the Sears Tower. For a book that explores themes about the right to be individual and the importance of breaking away from the pack, “Divergent” does not exactly distinguish itself.

“Now isn’t the time for debates about ethics,” Tris tells her father at one point, when she feels compelled to hurt someone for the greater good. Billboarding of this sort can interrupt the moment by announcing its own significance: now actually is the time for such a debate. In a novel that takes on the problem of conformity and questions the certainty of narrow-minded ideologues, such circuit-breaking is nonetheless useful, forcing the reader to pause and think in the middle of that dauntless break for the plot’s conclusion.

By Veronica Roth

487 pp. Katherine Tegen Books/HarperCollins Publishers. $17.99. (Young adult; ages 14 and up)

Susan Dominus is a staff writer at The Times Magazine.

By Veronica Roth

Veronica Roth's 'Divergent' is an action-packed young adult novel, with complex themes revolving around self-discovery and rebellion against oppressive systems.

Article written by Michael Chude

B.Sc. degree in parasitology and entomology from Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka.

Born into Abnegation, a faction known for its rejection of worldliness and the pursuit of material comforts, Tris Prior must prove to her new family and herself that she belongs in her new faction, Dauntless. ‘Divergent’ by Veronica Roth  is a multi-layered narrative of bravery, rebellion against rigid social structures, and self-discovery.  

In ‘ Divergent,’ tattoos serve as a conspicuous mark of identity, showing a person’s identification and dedication to their chosen faction. During the initiation process, people who have come of age and have chosen their new factions undergo a ritual ceremony where they are tattooed with the symbols of their faction. These tattoos are meticulously designed to represent the essence of each faction, reflecting their core principles and beliefs.

More than mere body art, tattoos have deep meanings for the characters in ‘ Divergent.’ The tattoos embody the values and ideals that shape the lives of the faction’s members. The bravery and fearlessness of the Dauntless faction are represented by various designs that symbolize courage, strength, and the overcoming of fears, all inked in black. The tattoos were also created to remind the members of the factions of the expectations placed upon them and to encourage them to live up to their faction’s values.

Tris Prior uses her tattoos to mark the milestones in her life. She also uses her tattoos as important markers in her search for self-identity; she also uses them as a declaration of her newfound independence from the life she knew as a child in Abnegation. After each milestone in her life, she gets a tattoo. Each tattoo has a different, specific symbolic meaning to her.

For example, she gets a tattoo of the Dauntless symbol, a ring of fire, to celebrate the fact that she’s finally feeling at home among the Dauntless. In general, though, Tris’ tattoos symbolize her desire to form an identity for herself: tattoos remind her who she is, and inspire her to be strong and true to her principles. Thus, her first tattoo represents her family, symbolizing her continued allegiance to her old life in Abnegation; her second tattoo is Dauntless, symbolizing her love for her new community.

Within the restrictive, rigid, and factional system that defines the dystopian society created by Veronica Roth in ‘ Divergent,’ divergence becomes a force that defies the limitations of prescribed virtues. It disrupts the neatly organized lives of citizens, threatening the delicate balance of control created and meticulously maintained by the leaders. Those who are Divergent possess a unique gift—a mosaic of traits from multiple factions—rendering them unpredictable, elusive, and, most importantly, resistant to manipulation.

As a Divergent, the book’s protagonist lacks strong feelings of allegiance to any one of the five factions. Instead, she has qualities that align her with more than one of the factions. Divergence also suggests a unique kind of mental state that is yet to be fully explained to the reader, as Divergent people like Tris and Tobias can resist mind control and hallucinations that affect those with more clear allegiances. Although Tris thought she was the only Divergent in her city, she soon began to discover that others like her struggle with their identity and their loyalties. She also discovers that her mother is Divergent.

Divergent people cannot conform to factional expectations, making them resistant to indoctrination. These qualities ignite the flames of rebellion and hope. Divergent individuals emerge as the champions of individuality who shatter the shackles of societal expectations by daring to question the suffocating pressure to conform. In doing so, they unveil the strength that lies within embracing one’s distinctiveness.

Criticisms of Divergent

One frequent criticism of the book ‘Divergent’ is its overall unoriginal concept. Other works exist that have explored the idea of a dystopian society divided into factions based on personality traits or virtues, including books such as Lois Lowry’s ‘ The Giver .’ Many critics argue that ‘ Divergent ‘ fails to bring fresh ideas or a unique perspective to the genre, relying on familiar tropes and plot elements.

Readers and critics alike have also expressed their disappointment in the lack of depth of the worldbuilding in the ‘ Divergent ‘ book. The factions and their corresponding virtues are seen as somewhat simplistic and shabbily explored, leaving aspects of the society and its history underdeveloped. The setting of post-apocalyptic Chicago, while intriguing, may not be fully realized or explained to the satisfaction of some readers.

Divergent: A Gripping Story of Self-discovery

Book Title: Divergent

Book Description: In Veronica Roth's "Divergent," young adults are thrust into a world of high-stakes action and intricate dilemmas. Centered on themes of self-discovery and resistance against a repressive regime, the novel captivates readers with its intense narrative and thought-provoking questions about individuality and societal norms.

Book Author: Veronica Roth

Book Edition: First Edition

Book Format: Hardcover

Publisher - Organization: Katherine Tegen Books

Date published: April 26, 2011

Illustrator: Joel Tippie

ISBN: 0-06-202402-7

Number Of Pages: 487

• Writing Style
• Lasting Effect of Reader

In Veronica Roth’s ‘ Divergent ,’ a dystopian society divided into factions based on virtues forces sixteen-year-old Tris Prior to make a life-altering choice. Leaving behind her selfless Abnegation faction, she embraces her newfound identity as a brave member of Dauntless, as she hides a secret that will change her society forever.

• Gripping and engaging plot.
• Strong female protagonist.
• Explores concepts like identity and individuality.
• Lack of originality.
• Underdeveloped and unexplored worldbuilding.
• Simplistic characterization.

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About Michael Chude

Michael Chude has years of experience writing flash fiction and reviewing books with his book club members. He is also an avid reader who loves great stories and extensive world-building.

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From the Divergent series , Vol. 1

by Veronica Roth ‧ RELEASE DATE: May 3, 2011

Guaranteed to fly off the shelves.

Cliques writ large take over in the first of a projected dystopian trilogy.

The remnant population of post-apocalyptic Chicago intended to cure civilization’s failures by structuring society into five “factions,” each dedicated to inculcating a specific virtue. When Tris, secretly a forbidden “Divergent,” has to choose her official faction in her 16th year, she rejects her selfless Abnegation upbringing for the Dauntless, admiring their reckless bravery. But the vicious initiation process reveals that her new tribe has fallen from its original ideals, and that same rot seems to be spreading… Aside from the preposterous premise, this gritty, paranoid world is built with careful details and intriguing scope. The plot clips along at an addictive pace, with steady jolts of brutal violence and swoony romance. Despite the constant assurance that Tris is courageous, clever and kind, her own first-person narration displays a blank personality. No matter; all the “good” characters adore her and the “bad” are spiteful and jealous. Fans snared by the ratcheting suspense will be unable to resist speculating on their own factional allegiance; a few may go on to ponder the questions of loyalty and identity beneath the façade of thrilling adventure.

Pub Date: May 3, 2011

ISBN: 978-0-06-202402-2

Page Count: 496

Publisher: Katherine Tegen/HarperCollins

Review Posted Online: April 5, 2011

Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 15, 2011

TEENS & YOUNG ADULT SCIENCE FICTION & FANTASY | TEENS & YOUNG ADULT SOCIAL THEMES | TEENS & YOUNG ADULT FICTION

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BOOK REVIEW

by Veronica Roth

More by Veronica Roth

IF ONLY I HAD TOLD HER

by Laura Nowlin ‧ RELEASE DATE: Feb. 6, 2024

A heavy read about the harsh realities of tragedy and their effects on those left behind.

In this companion novel to 2013’s If He Had Been With Me , three characters tell their sides of the story.

Finn’s narrative starts three days before his death. He explores the progress of his unrequited love for best friend Autumn up until the day he finally expresses his feelings. Finn’s story ends with his tragic death, which leaves his close friends devastated, unmoored, and uncertain how to go on. Jack’s section follows, offering a heartbreaking look at what it’s like to live with grief. Jack works to overcome the anger he feels toward Sylvie, the girlfriend Finn was breaking up with when he died, and Autumn, the girl he was preparing to build his life around (but whom Jack believed wasn’t good enough for Finn). But when Jack sees how Autumn’s grief matches his own, it changes their understanding of one another. Autumn’s chapters trace her life without Finn as readers follow her struggles with mental health and balancing love and loss. Those who have read the earlier book will better connect with and feel for these characters, particularly since they’ll have a more well-rounded impression of Finn. The pain and anger is well written, and the novel highlights the most troublesome aspects of young adulthood: overconfidence sprinkled with heavy insecurities, fear-fueled decisions, bad communication, and brash judgments. Characters are cued white.

Pub Date: Feb. 6, 2024

ISBN: 9781728276229

Page Count: 416

Publisher: Sourcebooks Fire

Review Posted Online: Jan. 5, 2024

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 1, 2024

TEENS & YOUNG ADULT SOCIAL THEMES | TEENS & YOUNG ADULT FICTION | TEENS & YOUNG ADULT ROMANCE

More by Laura Nowlin

by Laura Nowlin

From the Powerless Trilogy series , Vol. 1

by Lauren Roberts ‧ RELEASE DATE: Nov. 7, 2023

A lackluster and sometimes disturbing mishmash of overused tropes.

The Plague has left a population divided between Elites and Ordinaries—those who have powers and those who don’t; now, an Ordinary teen fights for her life.

Paedyn Gray witnessed the king kill her father five years ago, and she’s been thieving and sleeping rough ever since, all while faking Psychic abilities. When she inadvertently saves the life of Prince Kai, she becomes embroiled in the Purging Trials, a competition to commemorate the sickness that killed most of the kingdom’s Ordinaries. Kai’s duties as the future Enforcer include eradicating any remaining Ordinaries, and these Trials are his chance to prove that he’s internalized his brutal training. But Kai can’t help but find Pae’s blue eyes, silver hair, and unabashed attitude enchanting. She likewise struggles to resist his stormy gray eyes, dark hair, and rakish behavior, even as they’re pitted against each other in the Trials and by the king himself. Scenes and concepts that are strongly reminiscent of the Hunger Games fall flat: They aren’t bolstered by the original’s heart or worldbuilding logic that would have justified a few extreme story elements. Illogical leaps and inconsistent characterizations abound, with lighthearted romantic interludes juxtaposed against genocide, child abuse, and sadism. These elements, which are not sufficiently addressed, combined with the use of ableist language, cannot be erased by any amount of romantic banter. Main characters are cued white; the supporting cast has some brown-skinned characters.

Pub Date: Nov. 7, 2023

ISBN: 9798987380406

Page Count: 538

Publisher: Simon & Schuster

Review Posted Online: Sept. 9, 2023

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 1, 2023

TEENS & YOUNG ADULT SCIENCE FICTION & FANTASY | TEENS & YOUNG ADULT ROMANCE

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Divergent, book 1.

• Common Sense Says
• Parents Say 72 Reviews
• Kids Say 537 Reviews

Parents Say

Based on 72 parent reviews

Parent Reviews

Amazing book set in dystopian future.

This title has:

• Great messages
• Great role models
• Too much violence
• Too much sex

Report this review

My current favorite book.

• Educational value

Great book but too much detail

Good book , gripping, great storyline, amazing book, great book for 12+, addictive, but weaker than the hunger games. overall a fun read ;), not for kids and disturbing that parents and schools think it’s okay, what to read next.

The Forest of Hands and Teeth

The Hunger Games, Book 1

Matched, Book 1

The Maze Runner: Maze Runner Trilogy, Book 1

Romantic fantasy books for teens, fantasy books for kids.

Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.

Book Review: Divergent By Veronica Roth

By: Author Laura

Posted on Published: 31st July 2019  - Last updated: 12th January 2024

Categories Book Reviews , Books

Wondering whether to read Divergent by Veronica Roth? Check out my in-depth Divergent book review to help you decide!

I’ve taken my time with getting to the Divergent series by Veronica Roth because I was afraid of all the hype surrounding it but boy do I regret it. I have just finished reading this book and I can’t believe that I put it off for so long! This book isn’t quite what I expected but it’s certainly action-packed and I never knew what was going to happen next.

Divergent Book Summary

Divergent follows the story of Beatrice (Tris) Prior in a new dystopian world. In an attempt to prevent the outbreak of war, humankind broke into five different ‘factions’: Erudite, for the clever, Amity, for the peaceful, Candor, for the honest, Abnegation, for the selfless and Dauntless, for the brave.

Children grow up in whichever faction their parents belong to, but at the age of 16, they go through an aptitude test to show them which faction they belong in and the following day, at the Choosing Ceremony, they must decide the path for the rest of their lives.

Tris knows that she doesn’t belong in Abnegation like the rest of her family and so she makes the difficult decision to leave her family behind and join a new faction, Dauntless.

A tough initiation process follows – one that not everyone will survive. As Tris tries to fit in among the Dauntless she struggles to figure out who she is and who her real friends are. As if finding herself in a new faction wasn’t difficult enough, Tris has a secret that she learned about herself during the aptitude test. A secret that she has been warned to never tell lest it destroy her.

Divergent Book Review

What I love about this story is how real the characters and the setting all feel, despite the dystopian setting, which is all down to Roth’s genius. Each character is flawed, some more than others, and this made it easy to relate to them as a reader and I found that I actually cared about what happened to the characters.

When they felt sad, I felt sad; when they felt pain, I felt pain and when they felt happy, I felt happy. It is rare that you find a book in which you can truly share your emotions with the characters but Divergent is one of those gems.

RELATED: 17 Best Dystopian Novels For Teens

The book is written in the first person from the perspective of Tris herself. She often finds herself torn between what she thinks she should do and what she actually wants to do and isn’t afraid to admit that she is sometimes selfish.

I really loved this about her because, let’s be honest, very few of us can say that we don’t often have selfish thoughts no matter how hard we try to be moral people.

Tris isn’t afraid to admit it when she’s afraid or weak but she’s also strong-willed and determined not to be beaten.

She is well aware of what her short comings are and that she hasn’t been blessed with the best physique for a member of Dauntless, but she tries her hardest and at the end of the day, that’s all that matters right?

Four was also a really interesting character because his emotions were always veiled and you could never really tell what he was thinking.

Four isn’t a difficult character to love but because he doesn’t show his true emotions very often, you’re also sort of frightened and unsure of him for a large part of the novel.

I guess this is perfect because that’s pretty much how Tris feels about him for a large part of the story too so the reader and Tris really are as one on this adventure.

I love that Roth didn’t make him the stereotypical ‘bad boy’ (I guess that’s what he is) but made him a real character that has much more to him than meets the eye. He does what he wants and he isn’t easily influenced by the opinions of others.

Sometimes I felt like the characters seemed a little deadpan but I suppose that’s all part of the ‘dauntless’ act and it made the moments when the characters were happy and laughing all the more special. This certainly isn’t a happy story and it isn’t one that suddenly retreats in a world filled with fluffy clouds.

There is an ever-present darkness lining this book, even when the story takes a more positive turn. It is evident that there is more going on in this story than meets the eye but Roth has carefully staged this story so that the reader has absolutely no idea what’s going on until it hits you in the face.

The reader is on a level with Tris throughout the story – what she knows, we know, what she doesn’t know, we don’t know.

At least, that will be the case if you have been completely unexposed to the spoilers that are just about all over the internet. I knew very little about Divergent prior to reading the story so I found all the twists and turns to be incredibly shocking and exciting.

There’s no insta-love in this story! I think this book deserves a big fat hooray just for that. It’s hard to find YA books that aren’t centred on romance that still get the romance perfect but I think Veronica Roth may have done it.

The chemistry between Tris and Four takes a backseat in this story, but it’s always there lurking in the background.

RELATED: 22 Teen Romance Novels to Read

There aren’t any PDAs, in fact, the romance is rather chaste, or at least, less prominent than in many other YA novels , which I guess can be put down to the factions in which the characters were brought up in and the ones they currently reside in.

The story doesn’t exactly end on a cliffhanger so you could almost read Divergent as a standalone novel and be satisfied at the end. That said, this almost certainly won’t be the case because you’ll want  to find out more about this phenomenally interesting world.

I did find the ending to be a tad abrupt as I turned the page on my kindle expecting to find more story when, in fact, it was already over. There were no clues whatsoever as to how this story will continue so you really are in the dark and I can’t wait to get my hands on a  copy of Insurgent!

This is, I think, one of the keys to this story’s success. This book wasn’t predictable in the slightest and never knowing what was coming next made me desperate to keep reading.

All in all, Divergent is a fantastic and captivating read that I would highly recommend to all fans of YA dystopian novels . The combination of very real characters and an original plot make this an absolute must-read and I understand now why there is so much hype surrounding this series.

If you’re looking for a YA book that stands out from the rest, then this is your book. I absolutely cannot wait to read Insurgent now and watch the Divergent film , which I’ve heard is actually better than the book, believe it or not!

Now read my Divergent film review here.

Buy Divergent: Amazon | Waterstones | Blackwells

Pin now, read again later!

If you liked this post, check out these: The Hunger Games Book Review Catching Fire Book Review Mockingjay Book Review The Maze Runner Book Review

Founder & Editor of What’s Hot?

[This post was first written in 2014 but edited and updated in 2019]

Friday 16th of August 2019

Loved this series so so much! The films unfortunately .. suck :/

Thursday 22nd of August 2019

Hahah that is usually the case with book to film adaptations - sadly!

Thursday 1st of August 2019

I really liked "Divergent". And loved the characters, especially Four. I read it I guess two or three summers ago and was totally into the whole story. Unfortunately I didn't liked the sequels that much. Don't know why, but something significant was missing. Ruth

That's such a shame! I haven't read the last two books but I do own them. Don't feel like reading them now after your comments :(

Sunday 17th of January 2016

I have wanted to read this for a while and I want to hear it even more now! x

Rachel | Beauty and the Bird

Saturday 16th of January 2016

This looks like a pretty interesting read - not my usual type but I may give it a go sometime :)

Leesha Starr

Friday 15th of January 2016

Not my type of book but it does sound pretty interesting.

Book Reviews | Open Book Society

Read, review & discuss, divergent (divergent book #1) by veronica roth:book review.

Review brought to you by OBS staff member Annabell Cadiz

During the highly competitive initiation that follows, Beatrice renames herself Tris and struggles to determine who her friends really are—and where, exactly, a romance with a sometimes fascinating, sometimes infuriating 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 a growing conflict that threatens to unravel her seemingly perfect society, she also learns that her secret might help her save those she loves . . . or it might destroy her.

Review: (SPOILERS)

I am not a huge fan of dystopian type novels. Not many are written well. But I must say I found myself enjoying Divergent aside from it’s many flaws. The suspense is written very well and the action helps fix where the pacing is lax at times.

Divergent is basically the story of sixteen year old Beatrice Prior and her initiation trial to get to decide which of the five factions she belongs to. The factions are based on virtues which were cultivated by the council when they set out to create a world free of war. Candor values honesty, Abnegation values selflessness, Dauntless values bravery, Amity values peacefulness and Erudite values intelligence. When the youth of the factions reach the age of sixteen, they must decide as to which faction they will join or they may remain in the one they already belong to. On the day of the Choosing Ceremony, Beatrice is stuck deciding between joining Dauntless or staying with her family in Abnegation. Her choice changes not only her life forever, but the lives of all those belonging in the factions.

I did like reading Divergent but the problem was I always felt like something was missing throughout the story. The characters are interesting and fairly well written but there isn’t enough of a back story for most them so I don’t really care about some of them. Four, is probably the best character of the novel. He is handsome but not your overbearing hot guy like in most books. He is rough around the edges and has had a really tough life. I really liked his character. The romance that manages to develop between Beatrice and Four is nice but somewhat odd. It seems out of place in the story and not believable enough. The amount of violence in the story at times was a bit disturbing and there wasn’t always adequate reasons to have some of it placed inside the plot. The explanation as to what a Divergent exactly is was way to vague and anti-climatic.

Even though the suspense was fairly good in the novel, a lot of it was also predictable. The plot twist closer toward the end, around page 400 or so, was probably the best part to the story but again, somewhat obvious.

Tris otherwise known as Beatrice, is not my favorite female heroine. She is cruel in a lot of ways and forgets her friends easily. She tends to throw temper tantrums often as well, like running away and hitting people when she’s pissed. She has a lot of insecurities to overcome, and as understanding as I can be about that since everyone suffers from insecurities, she tends to jump to stupid conclusions because of it when the answers are so obvious. She just wasn’t a likable character.

For a five hundred paged book, a lot of explanations where missing. Like what happened to Chicago or the world that caused the factions to be created? What are there Dauntless soldiers guarding the fences outside of the factions? What are they guarding against and why is it used as punishment? And how the hell can the tattoos heal so dang on quickly?

The Dauntless never really seemed braved. They seemed to value more being bullies and attempting suicide stunts to show off. Most of them were just so very annoying!

Divergent isn’t the bang up dystopian novel it may come off as but it’s still a decent read. Makes you think about what you would choose and what your own beliefs would be.

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I loved the book, and I’d like to comment about how the author of this review said that there were too many unanswered questions. If you read the next two books, all the questions you had would be answered. 🙂

I love the books!!! I cannot wiat until the 3rd one comes out. My BFFTLEWE(Best Friend For Totally Like EVER Without Exception) Dauntless is 100000% My Faction. The Ziplining off the roof of that building!! It sounded awesome. I just love this book. The ending is a big cliffhanger. for both books, DIvergent && Insurgent, and I am sure Allegiant won’t be a downer either!!

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Book Review

• Veronica Roth

Readability Age Range

• Katherine Tegen Books, an imprint of HarperCollins Children's Books

Year Published

This futuristic thriller book by Veronica Roth is the first in the  Divergent series and is published by Katherine Tegen Books, an imprint of HarperCollins Children’s Books.

Divergent is written for kids ages 14 and up. The age range reflects readability and not necessarily content appropriateness.

Plot Summary

Sixteen-year-old Beatrice Prior lives in post-apocalyptic Chicago where society is divided into five factions: Amity (kind), Erudite (intelligent), Candor (honest), Abnegation (selfless) and Dauntless (brave). Beatrice and her brother, Caleb, must take an aptitude test that will tell them which faction they are best suited for and then choose which they will join. Where they join determines the value they will commit to for the rest of their lives.

During the aptitude test, Beatrice is injected with a serum that simulates several scenarios. She is judged on her reactions to these scenarios. After the test, the administrator tells her the results are inconclusive. Instead of having aptitude for only one faction, Beatrice shows an aptitude for three — Abnegation, Dauntless and Erudite — a result the administrator says makes her Divergent. The instructor warns Beatrice to not share the results with anyone because those who are found to be Divergent are killed.

Beatrice’s family belongs to Abnegation, the faction that has run the government since the great peace when the factions were formed. At home, Beatrice’s father tells the family that tension between Abnegation and Erudite is high. Erudite leader Jeanine Matthews has released a report saying that Abnegation leader Marcus’ abusive behavior toward his son Tobias is the reason Tobias left Abnegation two years earlier and chose Dauntless. They all believe the report is a lie. Beatrice has never met Tobias but knows leaving one faction for another is considered a betrayal. Beatrice believes she is too selfish to remain in Abnegation and secretly admires Dauntless, but she knows if she chooses another faction, she will have to leave her family forever.

At the choosing ceremony the next day, Beatrice is shocked when Caleb chooses Erudite. She intends to choose Abnegation so her parents won’t lose both their children, but at the last second, she chooses Dauntless, much to her father’s disappointment.

Beatrice travels to the Dauntless compound with other initiates and renames herself Tris. The initiates are told that only 10 of them will succeed, the others will become factionless or homeless with no place in society. Tris befriends Christina and Al from Candor and Will from Erudite. Peter, Drew and Molly, three others in their group, bully her.

The group’s Dauntless instructor, Four, teaches them how to use guns and knives, and to fight using hand-to-hand combat in the first stage of their initiation. Tris is simultaneously intimidated and attracted to Four.

Tris’ mother comes to the Dauntless compound on visiting day. She warns Tris to stay in the middle of the rankings and to not draw attention to herself because she is Divergent. She also asks Tris to visit Caleb in Erudite and ask him to research the simulation serum. Tris notices that her mother knows her way around the compound and realizes that she is Dauntless-born.

Stage two of Tris’ initiation involves conquering fear. As with the aptitude test, initiates are injected with a serum that simulates a frightening situation and measures the teens’ ability to remain calm or eliminate the threat. Tris performs well during this phase and eventually realizes that she can control the simulation and change the outcome. Four tells Tris that manipulating a simulation proves she is Divergent and warns her that if she does not hide it, the Dauntless leaders will kill her. He deletes the footage of the simulation.

Tris is more careful but still excels at training, getting through her simulations faster than anyone else. By the end of stage two, she is ranked first among the initiates. Other initiates become jealous, and three of them, including her friend Al, kidnap her and try to kill her. Four saves Tris before she is thrown over a ledge.

Tris and Four draw closer together, and Four takes Tris into a simulation of his fears. Tris discovers that Four only has four fears, hence the nickname. Most initiates have an average of 10 to 15. She also discovers that he is actually Tobias, the Abnegation leader’s son and an Abnegation transfer. Four’s greatest fear is of his father beating him and locking him in a small closet. After the simulation, Four takes her to the rapids where he tells her that he likes her, and they kiss.

The next day, Tris is disappointed that Four treats her like everyone else in her group. She fails a simulation, and he scolds her. Tris runs away to the Erudite headquarters in search of her brother. She tells Caleb about their mother’s visit and asks him to research the simulation serum. Caleb is afraid for Tris. He feels something big is going to happen, but he doesn’t know what it is. The Erudite are not happy with the government under Abnegation. As she tries to leave, Tris is arrested and taken to Jeanine, the Erudite leader, who questions her about choosing Dauntless and about her training records. Jeanine developed the serum aptitude tests and simulations, and she is suspicious of Tris’ results. Tris tells her that she transferred to Dauntless because she hates Abnegation and her parents. She is allowed to return to the Dauntless compound.

Four explains to Tris that they must keep their relationship a secret or other initiates will think her rank is based on favoritism and not merit. He also tells her that he got into the Dauntless computer system and found war plans from the Erudite. They realize that the Erudite want to use the Dauntless as soldiers in a war against Abnegation.

Tris passes her final test in the Dauntless initiation, a virtual simulation of all her combined fears, and receives the top rank. Afterward, Eric, the Dauntless leader, injects her with what he says is a tracking serum. He tells her that all the Dauntless are getting it as a precaution.

That night, Tris wakes up to find all the other initiates in her dorm getting out of bed in unison and getting dressed. They are in a trance-like state, and she can’t wake them. She follows them aboard the train to the Abnegation section of the city. She realizes the serum they received contained transmitters, and the transmitters are connected to a mind-control program. The Erudite developed the serum and the simulations, and the Dauntless leaders are working with Erudite. She is not under the mind control like all the other Dauntless because she is Divergent. She finds Four, who is also awake and pretending to be in a trance. He is Divergent as well.

When they get to the Abnegation sector, they see mind-controlled Dauntless shooting Abnegation members in the street. After a confrontation with a Dauntless leader, Tris is shot in the shoulder, and Eric and Dauntless soldiers capture Tris and Four. They are taken to the Erudite leader who tries a new serum on Four, one made especially for the Divergent, and it turns him into a mindless killer as well. Tris is left to drown in a tank rapidly filling with water, but her mother rescues her. She tells Tris where her father and the other Abnegation are hiding. She distracts soldiers so Tris can get away, but in the process, Tris’ mother is killed.

Tris finds her father hiding with her brother and Marcus, Four’s father. They agree to go back to the Dauntless compound to find the computer running the mind-control simulation and destroy it. When they get to Dauntless, they find another initiate, Peter, willingly guarding the facility; he is not under any mind control. Tris shoots him in the arm to get him to tell her the location of the computer. Leaving a wounded Peter with Caleb and Marcus, Tris and her father find the computer room and encounter several guards along the way. Her father shoots them, and in the fight, he is killed. Tris finds Four in the computer room monitoring the simulation. She knows she can’t shoot him or beat him in a fight, so she reasons with him, hoping that because he is Divergent, he will be able to break free of the simulation, and he does. They stop the computer program and remove the data. The Dauntless group, no longer under mind control, realizes what they have done.

Tris reunites with her brother, and Four faces Marcus for the first time in more than two years. Tris warns Marcus to stay away from Four. They take a train to Amity Headquarters to seek refuge.

Christian Beliefs

Tris’ father gives thanks to God before dinner. She notes that not every Abnegation family is religious, but her father urges her not to think about that because it will only cause division. Four has the words “Fear God Alone” painted on his bedroom wall. After Tris is shot and left to drown, she thinks of her baptism as a baby and how her mother gave her to God then. She knows she has not thought about God in a long time, and she suddenly is happy that she did not kill the Dauntless leader who assisted Erudite with the rebellion. Tris’ father tells her to go with God’s help as she faces soldiers guarding the Dauntless computer room. Thinking that Four will shoot her, Tris wonders what death will be like. Will she be instantly in another world and can she be forgiven for all she has done in this one?

Other Belief Systems

After her friend Al’s suicide, Dauntless leader Eric eulogizes the initiate by telling the Dauntless crowd that Al was courageous for leaping into rapids in order to explore an unknown and uncertain afterlife. He asks the crowd if any among them is brave enough to venture into darkness without knowing what lies beyond it.

Authority Roles

Once 16-year-olds choose a faction, they are no longer under any sort of parental supervision. Those who transfer to a different faction rarely or never see their parents again. Dauntless leaders are not selected by age, so Eric and Four, who oversee Tris’ initiation, aren’t much older than she is. Eric is hostile and violent, traits that are progressively working their way into the original, nobler Dauntless ideologies of bravery and courage. Erudite leader Jeanine uses deception and bad publicity to turn other factions against Abnegation. She has the Dauntless injected with a serum that makes them kill Abnegation members without realizing what they’re doing. Tris’ loving parents don’t disown her for changing factions. She discovers her mother has many secrets, including being formerly Dauntless and, like Tris, Divergent. Tris’ mother ultimately gives her life to save Tris. The beatings Four received in youth from his father, Marcus, leave him emotionally scarred and fearful.

Profanity & Violence

The Lord’s name is taken in vain twice. God’s name is taken in vain 12 times with for —‘s sake, thank, oh my, oh and swear to . Profanity used includes h— . Other language used: stiff (a derogatory name for members of Abnegation), hellions, idiot, shut up, jerk, stupid and crap .

As a part of initiation, Dauntless initiates jump out of a moving train onto the roof of a building; some are hurt, and one falls to her death. Initiates must then jump off a seven-story building without knowing what lies at the bottom. Tris goes first and falls into a net. During training, the instructor holds a gun to an initiate’s head because he is not paying attention. Tris has to stand still while knives are thrown at her head; one of them nicks her ear. Initiates face each other in fighting matches and are paired together regardless of gender or size. Two boys fight until one is knocked unconscious. Two girls fight, and when one is beaten so badly she surrenders, the instructor makes her hang off a ledge over rapids for five minutes. A large boy and a small girl are paired, and the boy brutally punches and kicks the girl until she passes out. Tris, angry for being constantly bullied, beats Molly mercilessly during their match — until Molly passes out.

The highest-ranking initiate is targeted and stabbed in the eye by three other initiates while he sleeps. After Tris is ranked first, other initiates kidnap her. They blindfold her, grope her and attempt to throw her over a ledge into the rapids. Four saves her and severely beats one of her attackers. In the virtual simulations, initiates face several of their deepest fears including bird attacks, drowning, shooting family members and kidnapping. Even though the simulations are not real, the teens have horrific nightmares after going through them. Skirmishes break out among initiates who punch each other. Two initiates are almost choked. Using mind control, Erudite turns members of Dauntless into an army that attacks Abnegation and kills several citizens. When Eric realizes Tris and Four are not under the mind control because they are Divergent, he threatens to kill Four. Tris shoots Eric in the foot to stop him. Tris is shot in the shoulder and left to drown. Her mother rescues her by shooting and killing several guards. Tris’ mother allows herself to be shot and killed so Tris can get away. Tris is forced to shoot her friend Will before he kills her. Tris’ father removes the bullet from her shoulder with a knife. Tris shoots Peter in the arm to get information from him. Tris’ father also dies because he sacrifices himself to save her. He kills several soldiers before he dies.

Sexual Content

Tris sees two initiates kissing in the dining room. She is embarrassed because Abnegation does not condone public displays of affection. Al likes Tris and tries to put his arm around her, but she rebuffs him.

Tris comes out of the shower wearing only a towel and encounters Peter, Molly and Drew in the dormitory. She barely has time to grab her dress before Peter pulls her towel away. Although she is able to hold the dress in front of her, they see her naked body from the back and laugh at her. After Tris is ranked first, other initiates kidnap her. They blindfold her and grope her before attempting to throw her over a ledge into the rapids.

Tris and Four secretly begin a dating relationship and kiss. Tris and Four sneak out to see Erudite headquarters at night, and while they are on the train, she straddles his lap, and they kiss. Christina tells Tris that she and Will kissed and are now dating. During Tris’ final test of her fears, a virtual simulation, she is placed in a situation where she and Four are alone in a room with a bed. Four kisses and begins to undress her, and Tris realizes she has a fear of intimacy. She tells virtual Four that she will not have sex with him in a simulation. After the test, she asks Four about his expectations of her because he is older than she is and more experienced. She tells him what happened in the virtual test and that she is not ready for sex. Four tells her that he is just as inexperienced as she is, and someday, if she still wants him, they can take their relationship to the next level.

After Tris is declared first among the initiates, she and Four kiss in front of everyone in the dining hall. In the train ride on the way to the Amity headquarters, Four tells Tris that he loves her, and he kisses her.

Discussion Topics

Get free discussion questions for this book and others, at ThrivingFamily.com/discuss-books .

Additional Comments

Alcohol: Four is seen with a bottle in his hand and appears tipsy. Alcohol is present at a wake where some of the initiates drink. People are drunk at dinner and at various celebrations.

Bullying: Tris is bullied for being Abnegation and pushed around because she is shorter and thinner than everyone else. She is often called a Stiff , a derogatory nickname for members of her home faction.

Lying: Tris lies to her brother Caleb when she tells him she was sent home early from the aptitude test because she got sick. When their mother asks if they know who got sick and was sent home early, Caleb tells her no. After she is rescued by Four, Tris tells her friends she does not know who saved her. Tris lies to her friends about the results of her aptitude tests. She lies to the Erudite leader about her reasons for joining Dauntless and her feelings toward her parents. Four lies to Eric about why Tris went to the Erudite headquarters. Tris lies to her friends about her whereabouts when she spends time with Four.

Smoking: A crowd from Candor smoke outside the building prior to the choosing ceremony.

Suicide: Al performs poorly in training and becomes increasingly depressed. As his ranking is lowered and Tris’ rank improves, he helps Peter and Drew kidnap her in an act of desperation. Al apologizes to Tris for his participation in the kidnapping, but she does not accept it. He commits suicide a few hours later by jumping off a ledge into the rapids.

Tattoos: The Dauntless routinely get tattoos and piercings. Four has several tattoos on his back; Tris gets three tattoos and accompanies her friends as they get their own tattoos. Eric has several tattoos and piercings. After Tris realizes her mother was Dauntless born, she notices a small tattoo under her mother’s arm.

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Divergent by Veronica Roth | Parent Guide & Review

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Synopsis of Divergent

Divergent is set in a dystopian world, society is divided into five factions. Each faction values one particular trait – Candor (honesty), Abnegation (selflessness), Dauntless (bravery), Amnity (peace), and Erudite (intelligence). On a specific day, every year all the sixteen-year-olds choose which faction they will be a part of for the rest of their lives. Beatrice Prior has a choice between staying with her family or being her true self. Her choice surprises everyone, including herself. Next comes the competitive initiation where newly names Tris discovers who her real friends are and figure out a budding romance with an infuriating boy. But Tris has a secret. A secret that might kill her if others find out. When conflict arises between the factions Tris learns her secret could help her save her loved ones or it could end her.

Disclosure: I am an Amazon affiliate. If you click on a link and decide to buy something, I will get pennies for referring you. This in no way changes the price for you. It just helps me make a bit for doing what I love.

First Impressions

Divergent is a science fiction dystopian novel with a dash of romance and a whole lot of action. I originally read this book during the boom of dystopian novels. This take on the “perfect” society is different and refreshing with different flaws unique to this society. I liked how the very thing that put Tris in danger is what ultimately saved her life. Plus, it allows her to help those around her. This book does have quite a bit of violence but it was refreshing that Veronica Roth focused more on the psychological damage happening through the violent scenes instead of the gore.

Divergent Parent Guide

Overall: PG-13 for violence and brief nudity (from a prank) Violence: PG-13 for graphic war scenes and fights Language: G Adult Content: PG some kissing Reading Level: Grades 7-12

Touchy Topics in Divergent

• Abuse – One of the main characters has a residual fear of an abuser from their past and confronts that fear.
• Bullying – Multiple instances of severe bullying happen during the initiation process.
• Cultural Retraining – Each faction focuses on a specific value above all others and enforce that in everything to the point of mass groups things and handling situations the same way.
• Brainwashing – Brainwashing and mind control are weapons deployed during the war that happens at the end of the book.
• Fears – Fear and how an individual reacts in the face of fear is a large theme in the book. 
• Self-Doubt – Double and triple questioning whether you fit in or made the right choice happens frequent
• Self Discovery – Tris comes to terms that she is not like anyone else and how she what makes her different is one of her biggest strengths.
• Death – Many people die in the book from various causes and the characters learn how to react and continue living with it.

“We believe in ordinary acts of bravery, in the courage that drives one person to stand up for another.” ― Veronica Roth, Divergent

“Becoming fearless isn’t the point. That’s impossible. It’s learning how to control your fear, and how to be free from it.” ― Veronica Roth, Divergent

“I might be in love with you.” He smiles a little. “I’m waiting until I’m sure to tell you, though.” ― Veronica Roth, Divergent

My Thoughts about Divergent

This book was at the top of the New York Times best-seller list and won multiple awards for a reason. Divergent is both similar and different from other dystopian novels. You have the broken system and it is partly about that but the book is more about Tris and her self-discovery process within the system. Tris has the choice to follow in her parents’ footsteps or to create her own path. Tris also has to confront and accept all parts of herself. I really enjoyed the book and loved being transported to this new fresh world.

On another note, here is a bit more of a peek inside the book’s violence and other things to be aware of. There is one scene with brief nudity in Divergent. Nothing is described and it is a hazing ritual instead of anything remotely romantic. Violence wise there is quite a bit. During some of the training, they are pitted against each other until someone passes out. Later, multiple people are murdered right in front of Tris. These scenes are graphic but the main focus is the psychological pain and suffering she is going through.

Over all I fully recommend this book to anyone 16 and up. For teens between 13 and 16, this book would be great on a case by case basis.

What to Read Next?

If you are a fan of this book, read the second book, Insurgent . Veronica Roth has written a few other books that you might like too. Check out her website here for more of her books. After that great books to read include Matched, Hunger Games, and Maze Runner. Here is a list of other action-filled books and another list of books with strong female character s.

Happy Reading!

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Divergent by Veronica Roth (Divergent Trilogy #1)

Little did I know when I first picked up a copy of Veronica Roth's Divergent that it was quickly becoming a sensation of its own. Not quite of the scope of Suzanne Collins' The Hunger Games , but some sizable movement. More surprising was that Divergent is Roth's first book, which she wrote instead of doing homework in college.

Perhaps most surprising of all was how good the book actually was. Revolving around a young protagonist, Beatrice, on the eve of her sixteenth birthday in a dystopian wasteland future, their civilization of survivors (of what catastrophe we're not told) has divided into five factions, each of which focuses on a different virtue. Beatrice and her whole family are in Abnegation, which emphasizes selflessness. The four others are Candor (the honest), Dauntless (the brave), Amity (the peaceful) and Erudite (the intelligent). On your sixteenth birthday you must choose which faction you will be associated with – and if it is one your family is not a part of, you will probably never see them again. Beatrice, always having admired Dauntless, joins their faction and begins her training in the Dauntless guild. But there is a dark secret to this perfect system: many people do not fit perfectly into just one faction or another. These individuals are known as Divergent, because they do not fit in, and Beatrice is increasingly worried she may be among them. And when Divergents disappear without a trace, there's good reason to be worried.

The book is well-written, with solid prose and an emotional and thematic depth that gives the book an extra nudge. The characters are interesting and compelling, the story driving and rarely lags. Much like other stories that separate society into different character or personality traits (think here Rowling's four Hogwarts houses or the three classes in Ann Aguirre's Enclave ), Divergent is interested ultimately in their (often painful) reintegration. Every virtue can be inverted into a vice and this is slowly what we see as the story progresses. Bravery can give way to aggression. Intelligence can become calculating and manipulative. Love of peace can become passivity. Honesty can become a way to brutalize others. Selflessness can be inverted into self-destruction. I look forward to how Roth unfolds these ideas in the future books of the series (which, if I hear correctly, will be a trilogy). Life is too complicated and messy to fit in our neat little boxes, and those who do not fit the boxes are the ones able to change the system for the good, seems to be the theme of the book.

Present too are more familiar aspects to contemporary YA fiction; the strangely secretive and aloof older boy who is attractive yet angry, the potential for a love triangle in future instalments, the lengthy world-building conversations that seemingly exist mostly for themselves. Some of these are more interesting than others; I, for one, am ready to see an end to these angsty love triangles. Perhaps they are meeting some forgotten need of adolescence I did not experience, but I cannot recall but a few times when this tactic has actually worked (most notably in The Hunger Games ). These conflicts usually come across as contrived and designed to keep audiences engaged in the franchise during the long gaps between books. This particular time it was not horribly done, though I repeatedly found it the least interesting aspect of the book; this is saying something, coming from a male reader who doesn't mind a decent romantic subplot so long as it has a realistic resonance.

Beyond the occasional quibbles and trifles of choice and style, the book is paced quite nicely, building to a stellar climactic final act that is both intense and surprising, while remaining consistent with the unfolding story of the previous two-thirds. There is much climactic emotional intensity here, tremendous tragedy and sacrifice on the part of people we have come to identify with, a race to the finish I found difficult to set aside. AT Ross, 9/10

I have an unhappy habit of coming late to the ‘next’ YA fantasy. I was late to Harry Potter, late to Hunger Games, and now I’ve come late to Veronica Roth’s Divergent trilogy – but boy I’m glad got to arrive at all!

I was first made aware of the series by a friend who showed me the trailer for the 2014 movie release. Unsurprisingly, I quickly acquired the whole trilogy and ploughed through ‘Divergent’ – the first book in the series – in less than five hours. From the first page – much like ‘The Hunger Games’ by Suzanne Collins – I was captivated by the world springing up in front of me. A dystopian feel and a sixteen year old female protagonist had me from the very first page, and I didn’t stop reading until I finished the book.

Divergent is, for all the good and bad, a Young Adult book, carrying with it all the tropes and ideological perfection necessary when writing sixteen year olds. Stuff mum says is almost immediately forgotten, and feelings are behind every decision – for good or for ill.

That being said – I love all of that stuff. I was never a sixteen year old girl, and after reading The Hunger Games and now Divergent, I’m seriously beginning to get an idea for it. It doesn’t sound easy, that’s for sure!

I was a bit disappointed with the way that some plot points were just left by the wayside – whether because “as a sixteen year old you just dismiss it as being unimportant” or because the author forgot, I’m not sure. Add to that the inherent ‘speed’ with which a YA book has to move – because obviously young adults don’t have an attention span yet – and this book has a really fast-paced style to it, which is at times wonderful and at other times a little disconcerting.

The story and characters, always important in a YA book, were brilliant. The world is beautifully conceived, without being overbearing in its appearance, and the characters actually exist in three dimensions, rather than just being “bad” or “good” or “sexy”. You really do get the feeling of high school drama, with feelings coming and going as quickly as the wind passes through the school corridors. People are upset with each other one moment, and clinging to each other in grief another.

The ending of the book finishes very quickly, obviously reliant upon sequels to make up for it. I’m glad I have the next book to step right into, because otherwise I would have been a bit unnerved by how quickly we reached the last page. But with that being said, what comes next is greatly anticipated, and again I’m relieved that the next book is right there waiting for me, because I can’t wait to pick it up.

Divergent is a brilliant read, good for any teenager and most adults (as long as you are willing to allow yourself to be sixteen again). Joshua S Hill, 7/10

In the Harry Potter novels there were several houses the students at Hogwarts were sorted out into depending on their potential. A talking witch’s hat did the decision making, called the Sorting Hat.

And similar to that, Divergence has several factions they can be sorted into, yet unlike Hogwarts the people of Chicago (or at least a high-tech future version of it) have to pass several tests to find out whether they belong in the following; Abignation, Candor, Erudite, Amity or Dauntless. After the tests, in the Choosing Ceremony, they will find out their fate. For the test to be successful, these are the rules: there has to be someone from another faction in the test room as no one can test others from the same faction as it would be considered cheating. The test isn't what you would expect either. It isn't a written one even though each participant is taken into a room full of tables and chairs. Instead, electrodes connect the tester to the testee, and the testee drinks a vial of liquid. After that the testees are mentally taken into a scenario they think is real. This is the real test, and depending on what choices they make in the scenario it explains as to whether they will fit into either one of the factions. The idea is that this futuristic world is a utopia where each person fits snugly into a perfect faction and they live their lives by the code of each faction. Unfortunately if any person is chosen to be put into a different faction from the one they grew up in, they have to move and in this story, Beatrice (Tris) Prior and her brother Caleb are to be tested to see where they belong, but when Tris takes the test, she finds she can fit into three different factions, this being concluded as her being a Divergent.

In this world being a Divergent is a bad thing as it means the perfect world she has been brought up in could be a lie. Tris is told she can't tell anyone the fact she is a Divergent, which is lucky for her as she isn't supposed to reveal her test results to anyone. According to the facts, each faction lives a certain way. The Abnegation stand for selflessness as they are without the trappings of wealth and power that others take for granted. They have plain houses, wear plain clothes without ornament. The reason for it is to make them forget themselves and instead think of others. Candor value honesty above anything else, the Dauntless have a fearless attitude to life which makes them ideal for protecting their nation's borders even though they are looked down on by the other factions. The Erudite are the ones who value intelligence. As the ceremony approaches, Tris fears what she will choose despite what she was told.

As in Harry Potter, the houses all have their uses and as we know, Slytherin was considered the worst house to be put into. Tris's dad already has a dim view of the Dauntless, calling them 'Helians' as they wear tattoos and behave like careless delinquents. Though he forgets that they are valued in society as none of the other factions are strong enough to tackle any adversity. It isn't surprising that this, the first novel in a trilogy has been made into a major motion picture - Insurgent and Allegiant being the next two - as the plot is such a strong one.

With over four-hundred-and-eighty pages Divergent and its later novels in the series are something to invest time in, like the Harry Potter and The Hunger Games series. Tris, like Katniss, is the sort of heroine teens will warm to as there is something of her in all of us. Sandra Scholes, 9/10

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Reviews by AT Ross and Joshua S Hill and Sandra Scholes

11 positive reader review(s) for Divergent

Veronica Roth biography

Divergent Trilogy

• Divergent (Divergent Trilogy #1)
• Insurgent (Divergent Trilogy #2)

Kyle from UK

BEST BOOK EVERRRRR! Divergent is one of my favorite books and it's a real page turner. I would recommend it for any Hunger Games or Maze Runner fans. What I love about this story is that it doesn’t seem unrealistic at all. The characters and the setting felt very real to me. When they felt sad, I felt sad; when they felt pain, I felt pain... The main character Tris Prior is a really interesting character. In the beginning she was known as a soft, delicate girl and towards the end, she transforms into a strong warrior. The development of Tris and Four's relationship is also very exciting. The ending of the book is quite open and it makes you want to read the next books of the serie.

Erin-Hope from Uk

My Favourite book... OF ALL TIME! Such a good read that's packed with action. I would most definitely recommend it for any Hunger Games lovers. I absolutely loved it. A real page turner! I genuinely could not put it down! Veronica Roth is an incredible writer who helps you to really engage with the characters. The characters felt so real to me and I really felt like I built up a relationship with them. If you are going to watch the film I would recommend reading the book first so that you have a better understanding. Tris is such a brave and strong-minded character! The best fiction trilogy I've ever read.

Jeanine Matthews from Erudite

The book was amazing, relatable characters, a good story full of plot twists and interesting discoveries and that little bit of (scientific) facts. I can easily say it’s the best book I’ve ever read.

Jessica from Australia

I am immensely addicted to this book and the ideas in it. This is a must-read for fans of the Hunger Games or Harry Potter who are looking for another devour.

Johny Tammyson from Aussie

I think it was good but just didnt give me that kick in the but i wanted like when she got bashed she got punched

John from Antarctica

Although this book was not badly written, I do not give it a 10/10. The ending could be elaborated. Also, the book was paced slightly too quickly. It was a benefit at some times, sure, but it made the book messy at others. The rest of the series decreased in quality. As the big reveal plays out at the end of Insurgent, it gives the series the feel of a great story, then ending with an, "It was all a dream."

Sian from England

FAV BOOK EVER. READ IT 10 TIMES.

Kyra from UK

One of my favourite books at all times! If you're wanting something to read this is the right book!!! Definetly go read it!!!

Malia from New Zealand

Probabaly on of the best books I have ever read. A good book, a must read.

Ariel from Singapore

I finished the book recently and I love it. I love the idea of a futuristic city, where people are separated into factions and how some people are special (Divergent). I am looking forward to reading the next two books in the trilogy and 'Four : a Divergent collection'.

Ashley from US

I have read almost all of the books and just as I am done more books come back out. These books great and the movies are too. Wish I could meet the author and ask her some stuff about the book.

Snazal from UK

Divergent trilogy are one of the best fiction novel series to this era. As I love a kind of story that will brings me into another world of fantasy, I like the way Veronica plot the story. The trilogy is comparable to others popular fiction novels like Hunger Games, The Maze Runner etc. In my view that veronica Roth have given more complexity on her story. The story behind the girl Tris and how she struggle her life is fantastic, she is so brave i love the characters. In Divergent Trilogy the story is plot on division of society into personality type, with action and romance. Overall all the collection in Divergent are Fantastic.

Suleman from UK

Divergent, Insurgent, Allegiant and Four books collection novel is very interesting to read. I really like this novel Divergent Series It’s true that Veronica Roth books are amazing to read. Nice set of books, for first time all the four books collection. All the books are amazing and interesting to read. I am very glad I bought these books. And price is also too good, it was reasonable to me. It’s worth to buy this book series for me. I really love this novel its hold components of romance, action, drama and suspense. This arrangement keeps up steady anticipation with various shocks that ideas in continually keeping book lovers captivated.

Kayla from Canada

I loved this book. All time favourite book!

9.6 /10 from 15 reviews

All Veronica Roth Reviews

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Is Divergent Worth the Read? A YA Dystopian Romance Book Review

Hey bookworms and fellow initiates!

It's time for another book review, and today I'm diving headfirst into the electrifying world of Divergent by Veronica Roth, where factions rule and being different could be deadly!

First things first, let's talk about the premise. In a society where everyone's divided into factions based on their personality traits, our heroine Beatrice Prior is facing one heck of an identity crisis. As she navigates through this dystopian Chicago, we're thrust into a whirlwind of action, romance, and some seriously tough choices.

Roth doesn't hold back when it comes to world-building. From the gritty streets of Dauntless to the intellectual haven of Erudite, each faction feels like its own vibrant universe. It's like hopping on a magical train where you never quite know what's around the corner.

But what really sets Divergent apart is its characters. Beatrice, or should I say Tris, isn't your typical damsel in distress. She's fierce, independent, and flawed in all the right ways. And don't even get me started on Four – mysterious, brooding, and totally swoon-worthy.

Of course, no dystopian tale would be complete without its fair share of twists and turns, and Divergent delivers them as expected.

The Finer Book Review Details

Now let's look at the finer details, and be forewarned...I'm going to be harsh!

👸 Characters: As mentioned before, Tris is a strong female MC, which I really do like about her. But her voice feels very stiff to me, which is probably on purpose since people tease her and call her “Stiff.” 😂

Four is our MMC and romantic interest. I enjoyed his character a lot, which is probably why I wished there was more of him. But he doesn’t really take a significant role in the story until roughly the half-way mark, which was a bummer for me.

💗🌶️ Romance & Spice: Romance takes a back seat in this story, but I’m not sure if it was really supposed to. Four and Tris’s relationship is a slow burn, with no spice present, making this better for younger readers interested in YA Dystopian stories. The relationship develops fairly organically and remains sweet throughout the course of the book.

📖 Plot: The world in this book isn’t complex at all and easy to follow, but I do find the plot to be fairly unexciting. Yes, there’s conflict, but this book is more about Tris trying to become Dauntless (a faction in this dystopian society), and only introduces the main conflict. There were a few surprises here and there, but overall, I just wasn’t that into it.

Overall Rating: ⭐⭐ 

I think that The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins and Configured by Jenetta Penner are far better dystopian reads than Divergent . I do believe, however, that Divergent is a classic in the genre. So, if you're a diehard dystopian fan, then you should absolutely read it

Now, if you're a dystopian romance fan, then you might want to check out Revile . Romance takes centerstage in this standalone book withing the larger Dissenter Saga universe. With an enemies-to-lovers romance, spice, and a strong female MC, Revile offers a great ride!

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Book Review: Divergent by Veronica Roth

I’ve seen the first Divergent film and unfortunately, I’ve caught glimpses of the sequels too. This left me with a fairly poor taste in my mouth about the whole series with the feeling that it felt very “samey” to any other generic YA dystopian novel. However, after reading ( listening mostly ) to the book, my opinion has massively changed.

Divergent is set in an alternative future where the world has been broken down into five factions, none of whom seem to get on overly well. At sixteen years old, you must choose which faction you wish to join based on their virtues and way of life. A fairly simple premise but one that Veronica Roth explores every avenue of.

Beatrice (later donned Tris) must choose her faction – a choice that will see her choose between her family and who she truly is as a person. After this, physical and psychological tests become their lives as they are tested to see who the elite are amongst them. What ensues is a tale of Tris fighting not only against her own demons but amongst those who want to displace her in society.

There are some great elements thrown into this book. One of my favourite is the “fears” aspect that they go through. Essentially the sixteen-year-olds go through psychological simulations where they face their utmost fears and the one with the least fears at the end is ranked first. Due to Tris’ rough upbringing and bullying, what she experiences is far different from those whose lives have been easier. It’s a great idea and one I think Roth touches on just enough to get its point across.

Characters – 4/5

The characters in this book I could take or leave. They all fit into the generic YA tropes – you’ve got the bullies, the friends, the geeky ones and the love interest. The dialogue between them was above average I’d say, Roth clearly wanted there to be banter between the characters and she implements just enough of this to avoid it becoming cringe. The love story is also dripped at us at just slow enough of a speed to make us care – though it is instantly obvious from the get-go.

None of the characters particularly stick out to me individually. However, I did have a lot of time for how dark Roth made some of them. The things that these “kids” will do to some of the other initiates to get to the top of the ranking becomes very dark and just shows how intense this world is that they’re living in. I had a lot of time for this simply because I wasn’t expecting them to go that far.

Divergent summary – 4/5

I was surprised by how much I liked Divergent . I have a bit of a problem when it comes to YA novels with how they often sacrifice any sort of deep plot to develop a cringe love story. The purpose of this book is certainly not the love story, it’s the building of an interesting premise and world.

If you’ve seen the films and were put off, I’d definitely still give the book a try. It’s not going to blow your mind but it’s certainly deeper and explains a lot more than the films are able to do. If you’re a fan of fantasy and dystopian novels, I definitely think this is worth picking up as it offers up some unique ideas.

2 thoughts on “ Book Review: Divergent by Veronica Roth ”

it was very good as I read it. Thank you as it helps me a lot.

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Book Review: Divergent by Veronica Roth

I received this book for free from Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Paperback features over fifty pages of bonus materials, including a sneak peek of Insurgent, an author Q&A, a discussion guide, a Divergent playlist, faction manifestos, and more! 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, she also learns that her secret might help her save those she loves . . . or it might destroy her. Veronica Roth is the New York Times bestselling author of Divergent, the first in a trilogy of dystopian thrillers filled with electrifying decisions, heartbreaking betrayals, stunning consequences, and unexpected romance.

I have a confession to make. I thought Divergent by Veronica Roth was going to be terrible because of the cover. Don’t hate me, but I think the cover is a bit cheesy looking. Then everyone started reading it and tweeting about how great it was and I learned an important lesson. YA’LL THIS IS A BOOK YOU SHOULD NOT JUDGE BY THE COVER!!! Is that in your face enough? Seriously, I am in LOVE with Divergent. Okay, so you know how some long books take like forever to read, unless they contain Harry Potter magic inside? Well, I’m pretty sure there is something magical inside Divergent because I read this almost 500 page book in two days. It would have been one day, but work frowns on me coming in on zero sleep.

HOLY CRAP. I will come out right now and say I liked Divergent more than I liked the Hunger Games . Don’t get me wrong, I love the Hunger Games, but sigh, Divergent . First off, kids aren’t in an arena fighting each other on the t.v. Instead, the book takes place in the exotic land of Chicago. Hey, I am from NY, Chicago and the midwest are exotic to me. Anyways, in this society one comes of age at 16. Instead of getting a driver’s license one chooses which faction they want to join. Society is divided into five factions: Abnegation – the selfless, Erudite – those in search of knowledge, Dauntless -the brave aka Gryffindor, Amity – the peaceful aka Hufflepuff, and Candor – the honest. So anyways, Beatrice is raised in the Abnegation faction which kind of sucks because you just wear plain grey clothes, eat boring food, have no cake, and don’t get to care about yourself. You spend all day caring about others. SO, on her choosing day, she goes to a cooler faction, one that involves awesome things like tattoos and piercings and weapons. AND I WON’T SPOIL YOU FURTHER.

Okay, so there is so much for me to prattle on about with Divergent . FIRST: NO LOVE TRIANGLE. Flail it out with me: NO LOVE TRIANGLE. Oh, Veronica Roth , you rock my face off with your lack of contrived love. Now, what this book lacks in love rivals it makes up for in the swoons department. Straight up, there is kissy time, and it’s AWESOME. Once you read Divergent , you won’t think of 4 as just a number. I mean, forget the boy with the bread, straight up, it’s Four.

THEN this book will stomp your heart into a million billion little pieces, and not over some lame romance crap. OH no. It’ll stomp you because of the betrayals. Yes, there will be double crossing and you won’t see it coming and you will be like NO NO BAD CHARACTER NO, with a rolled up piece of newspaper, of course. Then you will be like WAHHHHH but I love that character and was just coming to terms with their BAMF-ness. And you will be full of the sads.

THEN you will be like me and want to steal Beatrice, now Tris from the book, and put her in your passenger seat and drive around singing music at the top of your lungs, because she deserves better than her current world. Seriously, Tris is spunky, intelligent, kind, and dogged. I mean, girl does not give up. She’s little, like me, and a scrapper, like me. I think we would get along perfectly in real life, if she were really. Anyways, girl goes through hell and back, and survives without losing her humanity. I love that. I love that she wormed a little place in my heart, that if she were real, I’d throw down for her. I love that she begins a bit vulnerable, yet she’s courageous, she will fight for what she wants, literally and figuratively. I love that Tris is not perfect by any means. I love that she has questions. I love that she has fears.

ALSO, Veronica Roth’s writing straight up flows. I was never WTF is going on, mate? Plus, she’s not BFF with the thesaurus, so mad props there. None of the prose felt out of place. And, see I was really impressed by this because Veronica Roth is young, and well, I’ve been burned by younger writers with beautiful covers. GUYS, age is nothing but a number. Divergent does not feel anything like a first novel, it feels like something written by someone with years and years of life experience. I mean, okay this isn’t Harry Potter, but it has the same gripability. You can’t just pick this book up and set it down and then NOT THINK ABOUT IT. I mean, I had to set this down while at work, and my fingers itched so bad to read it, that I read under the desk. I know, I know, that’s not the most brilliant thing to do, but AH, I could not set it down and had to see if Tris would make it to the next stage.

Really, all I can say is if you want to still be my friend or in the circle of trust, you better read Divergent , or you are cut off. Seriously. I kid you not.

Disclosure: Received for review.

Other reviews of Divergent by Veronica Roth:

Pure Imagination GreenBeanTeenQueen Bookalicio.us The Compulsive Reader

Books by Veronica Roth: Insurgent

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April is in her 30s and created Good Books And Good Wine. She works for a non-profit. April always has a book on hand. In her free time she can be found binge watching The Office with her husband and toddler, spending way too much time on Pinterest or exploring her neighborhood.

Your praise might tip me over the edge on this one. I know everybody’s been all lovey dovey about it already, but it wasn’t calling to me so much….but if you liked it more than Hunger Games, I might just need to check it out. Plus there’s that whole ultimatum thing.

I’m just going to push until you go completely over the edge and read Divergent!

YES YES YES. (My mantra throughout the whole book, and while reading your review) Divergent is just plain awesome. I liked Tris so darn much. And her love interest. And everything about the book. Great review!

Best.mantra.ever.

I love it SO MUCH MORE than The Hunger Games as well. And that is say something.

I love this review. You’ve managed to sum up my feelings a lot better than I did myself. 🙂

I felt a twinge of guilt liking Divergent more, however, I just felt a deeper connection with Tris.

I wasn’t going to read it because of the cover as well. That, and the description didn’t really catch me. I really enjoyed it as well. And totally agree with you about Four!

Good to see that you can’t always judge a book by the cover!

SO glad to hear someone else judging on the cover a bit. glad to hear you love it though! 🙂

I feel alone because everyone is like OMG I love the cover and I’m like omg cheesy flame circle. However, the important part, the story inside, is FABULOUS!

Awesome review, totally agree with the love for 4 and not seeing the betrayals coming. Also couldn’t believe how fast I read through this giant book. 🙂

YAY! There is not one person I know, or come across their blog that hated Divergent, or gave it four or less stars.

I loved this book so much and it’s by far THE BEST book of 2011 so far. 🙂

Great Review!

You can find my review here:

http://www.goodchoicereading.com/2011/04/review-divergent-by-veronica-roth.html

I completely agree. It’s got top 5 of 2011 status for me, anyways.

I want to be in the circle of trust!

This is the funniest review that I’ve read! Divergent sounds worth the read, even though I haven’t experience Harry magic or Hunger games. (Please don’t throw anything at me!)

YES, join the circle of trust, READ DIVERGENT. Then fix your life and read Harry Potter and the Hunger Games.

Wooo! That’s one hella positive review. OK, you got me. I’ll read it. May 3rd it comes out, I believe?

Yay! And yes, that is the release date. Totally worth it.

OH SWEET BABY JESUS, THE BETRAYALS.

I know we talked about this on Twitter, but F:LSJDLFKJ. I wanted to throw shit. I loved this review and I LOVED THIS BOOK!

Pretty much this. THIS!

Sad but true, the cover does matter, a lot. I try to look past it, but when there’s shitloads of books to choose from, it’s much more likely I’ll grab one with an interesting cover.

Added this to my TBR pile now though. 🙂

Yay! I agree with you, cover really does matter. And I do the same thing, I grab the one with the interesting cover.

I’m not a fan of the cover either, but so many people have been raving about the book itself. Good thing I pre-ordered a copy, because I don’t want to be kicked out of the circle of trust!

Liz, for you I would make an exception. You can stay in the circle of trust regardless.

Girl, I am so with you. I couldn’t put it down. It would be in my purse at work and I would just be eying it all day like, “Lord help me, it’s so close but so far away.” Let’s discuss Four! So cold, but so hot. Very enjoyable (especially as a Chicagoan).

I’m glad I’m not the only one who does the purse book thing and then gets a case of the sads when I can’t read it.

Ahhh! Love it! I am absolutely dying to read this book. I have been itching to get my hands on an ARC but by the time it gets here, it will already have been released.

Thanks for the review!

Yep, today is release day! So you should totally go out and buy it 😀

I’ve preordered Digergent – so excited it’s finally out next week! I’ve been guilty of reading at work too when a book is so addictive like it seems Divergent is. Glad to hear there is a great love interest and no love triangle! Awesome review.

Yayyyy! You are going to get it today and tomorrow and FALL MADLY IN LOVE!

Just finished this one, and I also LOVED it. It earned a spot on my favorites shelf, fo sho. Awesome review!

Fo sho, it deserves a spot there. It’s on my favorites shelf as well.

Oh wow! I’ve been away from blogging for a couple of months and I’ve read a few great reviews of this book since yesterday! I’m especially glad it is not to be judged by its cover, since like you, I thought it to be a bit cheesy.

You know, I am so glad I’m not the only one who thinks this about the cover. Everyone else seems ga ga over it, but I don’t love it.

And yes, you should return to blogging and read Divergent!

You had me at “no love triangles”! I’ve been on the periphery of wanting to read this one for a while now and that definitely sold me on it! Thanks for the review!

No love triangles always sells me too.

Haha, you’re review sums up my feelings exactly. I loved this book and this review. Read the entire thing pretty much in one sitting. I work at a bookstore and they let us borrow books for up to two weeks… they almost didn’t let me take this out because they don’t think we’ll have enough copies so I had to promise I’d have it back quick times… I think one day is sufficiently quick.

Ahhhh! I wan’t to go read it again.

One day definitely is sufficient for Divergent!

2 days…. seriously? its like 400 pages long :/

i mean i finished it in about half a day cos it was so good! i completely agree with everything you said 🙂

Ha ha. That’s fine!

And yes Divergent was SO GOOD!

Okay, so this is now my favourite review for DIVERGENT yet. That’s saying a lot too because I think I’ve been stalking the blogosphere for them… I’ve only read the first 100 pages (those that were posted online) (I can still be in the circle of trust, right?) but I AM going to order the book (TONIGHT. I keep forgetting). I’m glad that you like Four so much! I didn’t get to see too much of him but I did like what I saw 🙂 Thanks for the review!

Thank you, Sonia!

And yes, you are so invited into the circle of trust 🙂

Four rocks!

I must say – I struggled with this book. I felt very conflicted as if I was betraying Suzanne Collins! Divergent is soo much like Hunger Games – the strong, yet vulnerable 16 year old girl, the big choice, the government, the hub/hob, the factions/districts, the family – ughhh! I struggled to get lost in the book without comparing it to Hunger Games.

And I struggle to admit that I liked it because I feel a certain loyalty to Katniss! I will say that I read Divergent in 2 1/2 days – staying up past 1a.m. because I just couldn’t put it down! I

And I feel like your blog gives me permission to admit it: I LOVED THE BOOK! ahhhhhh – I said it. I meant it! Forgive me Suzanne – I love you! lol And to prove how much I loved it, yet still conflicted, the only reason I found this site is because I’m looking for the date part 2 is set to be released.

And I must agree – I would take Four/Tobias over Peeta any day! lol

Yes. There is no judgement here — you are free to love both The Hunger Games AND Divergent. 🙂

Glad you could stumble across my site and find the answer for when Insurgent is released. 🙂

When I decided to read this, I was really new to Dystopian. I mean, The Hunger Games was such an amazing series, that for months (a year to be exact. . .) I didn’t want to read another Dystopian novel, because I felt like I would betray the awesomeness that is The Hunger Games, and other books just wouldn’t live up to my expectation.

Then I had bought this book, purely out of boredom, and I was like staring at it, like if I opened it, It’d release Pandora’s Box. I just went for it, and when I did. . I could not put it down. I had to find out what would happen next. This is a VERY close second to The Hunger Games. I think it made me realize that I can totally read Dystopians, and still hold a torch for THG.

I just loved this book. and I am waiting so impatiently for Insurgent.

btw, Four > Peeta. I Four was like Adrian and Dimitri for me, mixed into one BAMF character. and That is full of so much WIN!

I love how you describe looking at Divergent as though it’s Pandora’s Box.

And dubs true on how gripping Divergent is!

I’m on edge for Insurgent as well. 🙂

Awesome! I was just googling a cover for this book as my next to read… and then read your review. Oh yeah… you just made this my #1 book for 2012…. this is what I will be reading on January 1

Haha I love being tops in google results.

So glad you read Divergent as the first book in January. 😀

Glad you injoyd it but i hope you woud still like the hunger games i think its possible to like both books in the same giniur unfortunatly i didnt like divergent it had some realy exiting moments but it didnt hold me on the edge of my seat if i can recomend a book it woud be blood red road its also full of action and suspence though isnt as political as the hunger games or divergent Ps. i dont realy like love intrests in ya giniur i prefer the grownup ones .

No worries, I still love the Hunger Games 🙂

I’ve read Blood Red Road, and quite enjoyed it.

Thanks for commenting Lian.

I read Divergent a few months back, loved it (obviously,) recommended it to a friend’s reading group and tonite I will be joining them for discussion. So, since it’s been a while, and I’m new to the blogging game and haven’t reviewed it yet, glad I could re-read your review today as a refresher for tonight! Thanks:)

That’s really cool that your friend’s reading group decided to pick up Divergent on your recommendation.

Glad my review was helpful ha ha. 🙂

This has got to be the most epic book review I’ve ever read in my entire life. You’re an absolute star!

Why thank you so much, Suz! I actually do try very hard to write decent reviews lol.

Hey its me again glad you injoyed Blood red road i thought about making a review on it but im not as good at it as some people . If you liked thous books I think you are going to injoy Angelfall by Susan Ee its more postapocaliptic Paronormal than Distopian . But realy good and not expensive and if You are fan of Katniss and Tris you might Injoy the main charecter shes realy fan to folow.

I’ll definitely check out Angelfall, I actually purchased that one for my kindle awhile ago.

You should definitely write a review of it. I think most people get better with more practice. 🙂 We all have to start somewhere.

I loved this book as well…but I also wasn’t keen on the cover! It surprised me that a lot of people were saying they loved the cover…I thought it was a bit lame. I am so excited for Insurgent…JUST. A. LITTLE. BIT. LONGER. 🙂 x

I’m so glad I am not the only person who is not exactly in love with the cover of Divergent. Like, seriously, it’s alright but not one I am going to fan girl over.

[…] no secret that I was a huge fan of Divergent and Tris and Four. I am so so so PSYCHED that one of the publicists at Harper Teen shared this news […]

[…] totally cannot wait! Also a cover hasn’t been released yet. Hopefully this is as thrilling as Divergent was.2. Endlessly by Kiersten WhiteSo, I totally LOVED me some IPCA and Evie and Lend and absolutely […]

[…] by Veronica Roth: I bought this because April was a little bit pushy about it. But for good […]

[…] tales to hone my world-building craft. Here’s what I discovered:Like Tris in Veronica Roth’s DIVERGENT, Sara comes to realize that many other people are invested in the outcome of her actions.Like Lena […]

[…] Opinions: S. Krishna, It’s All About Books, Dear Author, Good Books & Good Wine, The Book Whisperer, Presenting Lenore, YA Reads, Book Addiction, Book Monkey, Steph Su Reads, […]

[…] debut Starters. Like, I hate to compare books, but I feel like Starters might be 2012′s Divergent. The two books aren’t alike plot wise, but they both have that up all night quality. I mean, […]

[…] Faction Promo and y’all should totally just click this link to help DauntlessSeries Order:Divergent (Book One) Insurgent (Book Two) Untitled (Book Three)Also, I already posted this, BUT my faction is […]

[…] This week’s Top Ten Tuesday theme is book covers and summaries that were TOTALLY deceiving.1. Divergent by Veronica Roth DivergentWhy?: Confession: I did not love the cover of Divergent. I actually […]

[…] Reviews: The New York Times, Good Books and Good Wine, The A.V. Club Like this:LikeBe the first to like […]

[…] by Veronica Roth: Divergent […]

[…] been years since I’ve requested Above by Isla Morley on Netgalley. At the time of request, dystopian books were the THING to read. And well, I had this insatiable appetite. So, this book appealed to me on both a dystopian level […]

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– Entertainment Analysis and Reviews

Exploring the World of Divergent (novel) by Veronica Roth

Veronica Roth’s debut novel “Divergent” has gained immense popularity since its release in 2011, captivating audiences with its dystopian setting and gripping storyline. Set in a future Chicago, the book follows the story of Beatrice Prior, a sixteen-year-old girl who must choose a faction to belong to, and the consequences of her choice. “Divergent” has been praised for its exploration of themes such as identity, conformity, and loyalty, making it a standout in the young adult genre. The book’s success has also led to a movie adaptation and a lasting impact on popular culture. In this article, we will delve into the different aspects of the book that have made it a fan favorite and a must-read for anyone interested in dystopian fiction.

Plot Summary of Divergent (novel)

Themes and meaning explored, analysis of characters:, critical reception, adaptations.

“Divergent” is set in a post-apocalyptic Chicago where society is divided into five factions: Abnegation, Amity, Candor, Dauntless, and Erudite. Each faction is dedicated to a particular virtue, such as selflessness, honesty, or bravery, and every sixteen-year-old must choose which faction to join for the rest of their lives. Beatrice Prior, the book’s protagonist, is born into Abnegation but feels like she does not fit in with their selfless values. During the Choosing Ceremony, she decides to join Dauntless, a faction known for their courage and fearlessness, but soon discovers that she is “Divergent,” meaning that she possesses traits from multiple factions. As Beatrice, now known as Tris, tries to fit in with her new faction and keep her true identity a secret, she becomes embroiled in a power struggle between the factions that threatens to tear society apart.

List of main events in the plot:

• Beatrice Prior chooses to join the Dauntless faction
• Beatrice changes her name to Tris and begins her Dauntless initiation
• Tris befriends Four, a fellow initiate, and begins to develop feelings for him
• Tris discovers that she is Divergent, a dangerous and feared trait in their society
• Tris uncovers a plot by the Erudite faction to overthrow Abnegation and take control of the government
• Tris and Four team up to stop the Erudite’s plan, but face many obstacles along the way
• Tris is forced to confront her own beliefs and values as she fights for what she believes is right
• The book ends with a dramatic climax and a twist that sets up the next book in the series.

• Individuality and Identity: The book’s protagonist, Tris, struggles with finding her own identity and fitting into society’s expectations. As a Divergent, she doesn’t fit neatly into any one faction, and must reconcile conflicting parts of herself in order to find her place in the world.
• Conformity and Societal Norms: The five factions in “Divergent” represent different societal norms and values that are expected of its members. The pressure to conform to these norms and the consequences of not doing so are explored throughout the book.
• The Role of Government and Authority: The book raises questions about the role of government and authority in society. As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that the government has its own agenda and that those in power may not always have the best interests of its citizens in mind.
• Loyalty and Betrayal: Tris must navigate complex relationships and shifting loyalties as she uncovers a plot to overthrow the government. Betrayal is a recurring theme in the book, as characters must decide where their loyalties lie and what they are willing to sacrifice for their beliefs.
• Coming of Age: “Divergent” is a classic coming-of-age story, as Tris navigates the challenges of growing up and discovering who she is. The book deals with themes of maturity, responsibility, and the transition from childhood to adulthood.

These themes are skillfully woven into the plot and characters of “Divergent,” making it a thought-provoking and engaging read for young adults and adults alike.

“Divergent” is filled with complex and well-developed characters that bring the story to life. Here are some of the key characters in the book and what makes them so compelling:

• Tris Prior: Tris is the protagonist of the book and a prime example of a strong female character. She is brave, intelligent, and willing to fight for what she believes in. As a Divergent, Tris is able to see things from different perspectives and is not limited by the faction system. She is a relatable and likable character who readers can root for throughout the book.
• Four/Tobias Eaton: Four is a mysterious and enigmatic character who becomes Tris’s love interest. He is also a Dauntless instructor who helps train the initiates. Four has a troubled past and is dealing with his own demons throughout the book. He is a complex and well-rounded character who adds depth to the story.
• Eric: Eric is a Dauntless leader who serves as a foil to Four. He is power-hungry and cruel, using violence to maintain control over the initiates. Eric is an antagonist in the book, but his motivations and actions are complex and interesting to explore.
• Jeanine Matthews: Jeanine is the leader of the Erudite faction and the mastermind behind the plot to overthrow the government. She is intelligent and calculating, using her knowledge to manipulate others for her own gain. Jeanine is a formidable opponent for Tris and the other characters, making her an engaging villain.

“Divergent” has been both a commercial and critical success since its release in 2011. Here are some of the reviews and opinions of the book, as well as its success and comparisons with other popular young adult novels:

• Reviews and Opinions of the Book: “Divergent” has received generally positive reviews from critics and readers alike. It has been praised for its strong and relatable female protagonist, as well as its exploration of themes such as individuality and conformity. However, some reviewers have criticized the book for its similarities to other young adult dystopian novels and its lack of originality.
• Success of the Book and the Series: “Divergent” has been a huge commercial success, selling over 10 million copies worldwide. It has also been adapted into a successful film franchise starring Shailene Woodley and Theo James. The book’s success has spawned two sequels, “Insurgent” and “Allegiant,” as well as a spin-off novel, “Four.”
• Comparison with Other Popular Young Adult Novels: “Divergent” has been compared to other popular young adult dystopian novels such as “The Hunger Games” and “The Maze Runner.” While these books share similarities, “Divergent” has been praised for its exploration of themes such as identity and individuality, which set it apart from other dystopian novels.

Overall, “Divergent” has been a successful and popular addition to the young adult dystopian genre. While it may share similarities with other books in the genre, its exploration of complex themes and well-developed characters have made it a standout novel for many readers.

• Movie Adaptation: “Divergent” was adapted into a movie in 2014, directed by Neil Burger. The film starred Shailene Woodley as Tris Prior and Theo James as Four. The movie was generally well-received by fans and critics, although some fans of the book noted that some important scenes and characters were left out or changed in the adaptation.
• Differences between the Book and the Movie: As with many book-to-movie adaptations, there were some differences between the book and the movie version of “Divergent.” Some of the key differences include:
• The age of the characters: In the book, Tris and the other initiates are 16 years old, while in the movie they are portrayed as older teenagers.
• The portrayal of certain characters: Some characters, such as Christina and Peter, were not portrayed as prominently in the movie as they were in the book.
• Changes to certain plot points: The movie made some changes to certain plot points, such as the order in which Tris completes her simulations and the way in which the simulation serum is administered.

Despite these differences, the movie adaptation of “Divergent” was generally well-received by fans and critics. It stayed relatively faithful to the book’s plot and themes, while also making some necessary changes to fit the story into a two-hour movie.

The world-building in “Divergent” is intricate and well-crafted, creating a detailed and believable future society that readers can fully immerse themselves in. The fast-paced plot and action-packed sequences keep readers engaged from beginning to end.

The characters in “Divergent” are also a major highlight of the book. Tris Prior, Four/Tobias Eaton, Eric, and Jeanine Matthews are all complex and multi-dimensional characters with their own motivations and struggles. Their interactions and relationships drive the story forward and add depth and nuance to the novel.

The critical reception of “Divergent” has been generally positive, with the book being praised for its strong female protagonist and exploration of complex themes. The book’s commercial success has also led to a successful movie franchise and a spin-off novel.

Overall, “Divergent” is a must-read for fans of young adult dystopian novels. Its unique themes, well-developed characters, and exciting plot make it a standout addition to the genre. Whether you’re a fan of the book or the movie, “Divergent” is a thrilling adventure that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

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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, she also learns that her secret might help her save those she loves . . . or it might destroy her.

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Barnes & noble, praise for divergent, 2011 goodreads choice award for favorite book, publisher’s weekly best book of 2011, winner of yalsa 2012 teens’ top ten, “a memorable, unpredictable journey from which it is nearly impossible to turn away.”, — publishers weekly (starred review), “you’ll be up all night with divergent, a brainy thrill-ride of a novel.”, “divergent’s depiction of adolescence rings true. growing up isn’t easy, and growing up with a terrible secret is just plain hard.”, — alan review, “the themes are particularly poignant for young adults trying to identify their place in the world—having the choice to follow in your parents’ footsteps or do something new… this is a fast-paced and fun read.”.

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Veronica Roth’s Divergent Series Order (10 Books, Including Extra Scenes And Novellas)

Veronica Roth’s gripping young adult science fiction dystopian series is a must-read! And in addition to the 3 main books, there are also several Novellas, an extra scene, and a not-to-be-missed add-on.

Once you‘ve heard of all the novella stories and add-ons interspersed before, after, and between the main books, you may be wondering in what order you should read them. If you’re anything like me, you’ll want to read them in the storyline’s chronological order.

That said, however, there are a great many fans who have devoured each book as soon as it was published. But crucially, this was not the same as the storyline’s chronological order.

In this article, I’ll carefully go through the storyline’s chronological order, giving you the gist of each book and its pros and cons. And in case you want to see it, I’ll also give you the publication order as well, so you’ll have two ways to read the series.

About The Divergent Series By Veronica Roth

The world of the Divergent series is set on Earth in the distant future. And its most striking feature, other than the ruins the characters find themselves among, is that their society is divided into 5 groups (called factions) according to each individual’s nature.

There’s Abnegation, the selfless; Amity, the peaceful; Candor, the honest; Dauntless, the brave; and Erudite, the intelligent. The story begins with Tris’ choosing day, where she has to choose which faction she wants to be part of.

And shockingly, she chooses a different faction from the rest of her family. She joins the Dauntless faction, which values bravery, daring, and courage above all else, and whose job it is to defend the city and its population.

Tris must first earn approval in the faction, and after several very daring and dangerous acts, she becomes accepted. Soon after, however, she discovers that the Erudite faction is up to some kind of big conspiracy that puts a whole faction of people at risk.

And as you imagine, Tris is not going to stand for this, and she does everything in her power to put things right. Much action ensues, and along the way, there is also a great deal of character development, and even a romantic interest to boot.

The Divergent Series In The Storyline’s Chronological Order

The transfer (novella).

This is the story of how it all begins for charismatic Tobias Eaton, known as Four in the first movie, told through his eyes and revealing his intriguing backstory.

• A fascinating look into Tobias’ upbringing
• It’s only 30 pages long – wish it was longer

The Initiate (Novella)

This short story is the next installment of Four’s story, revealing previously unknown dimensions of his personality and relationships before Tris that are integral to the main story.

• While the first novella explains how Four got transferred to the Dauntless faction, this one deals with his initiation to the group and his training
• Too short once again

The Son (Novella)

The third novella written from Four’s point of view, this story tells of his first ever date, what really happened to his mother, and how he learns to become independent, and more importantly that he truly belongs to no one faction.

• You get to see how Four discovered there was something wrong with Dauntless’ management
• You get to witness Four finally becoming independent and faction-free
• It only provides a tantalizing glimpse of Four’s life before the main story and may leave readers wanting more

This was the first of the books to be published and is the book on which the first movie is based.

This is the book in which the 5 factions of the society are explained, and it follows the story of Beatrice Prior, beginning with her choosing day when she shockingly chooses a different faction to the rest of her family.

• Explains the 5 factions, Candor, Abnegation, Dauntless, Amity, and Erudite
• Action-packed with danger at every turn, and told with emotional depth
• If you’ve already seen the film, then you will already know the plot

Free Four (Extra Scene)

Let’s be real, knowing a story from only one point of view is never the same as knowing the full story. And that tense knife-throwing scene in Divergent? Here we get to relive it from Four’s point of view.

• It’s a prominent bestseller in the category of 30-Minute Teen & Young Adult Short Reads
• It reveals the nature of Four’s attraction to Tris, and what it was that made him start to fall head over heels in love with her
• This same scene is already covered in Divergent, albeit through a different point of view
• Some readers may consider this to be bad value for money because it’s only 13 pages long

The Traitor (Novella)

This story runs parallel to that of Divergent, and another novella told from the point of view of Tobias, and it takes place two years following the previous Four novellas, The Son.

• Explains how Tobias uncovers Erudite’s plan to change their society as they know it forever, and how Tobias makes plans of his own
• Shows Tobias getting to know Tris from his point of view
• Fans may already be familiar with the dialogue since the words that are spoken are the same as those in Divergent

This is the second book of the main story, once again narrated from Tris’ point of view. It takes place 5 days after the end of Divergent.

Tris and co are on the run in post-apocalyptic Chicago. Characters have to fight for answers, fight for justice, and fight for their lives.

• It has all the action you’ve come to expect from those who can make it to the Dauntless faction
• It’s not just action – it has real emotional depth, with themes such as dealing with sacrifice and grief, and lessons learned
• It’s even more thought-provoking than the initial book from Tris’ point of view
• Some readers may find it a little dark, and possibly even painful to read

The Path To Allegiant (Add-On)

I’m going to level with you here – this isn’t a story or a novella. This is an add-on to the Divergent series, consisting of faction manifestos, an interview with the author Veronica Roth, series inspirations, discussion questions, book playlists, and a fun faction quiz .

I’ve placed it here in the order because it features ten enticing teasers for the final book in the main series, Allegiant.

• It genuinely helps to place the reader right in the middle of the dystopian Divergent world
• There’s no additional storyline here

This is without a doubt the most mind-blowing book of the series! Without giving too much away, our Tris learns that life, society, and Chicago as she knew it is not at all how it truly is.

Again, there’s plenty of action, drama, emotion, and life lessons along the way. This time the tale is told alternately between Tris’ and Tobias’ points of view.

• This book in the series has a completely different feel to it
• Compelling reading with a daring conclusion that raises important questions
• The constant switching between Tris’ and Tobias’ points of view
• It is only because we already know the central characters that this story carries more meaning

We Can Be Mended (Novella)

In this book, the focus is on Tobias (naturally). Following the end of the previous book, the last in the main series, this novella demonstrates how Tobias can and does heal, despite everything.

• It’s a prominent bestseller in the category of 45-Minute Teen & Young Adult Short Reads
• Many readers were satisfied with the ending
• This novella sees a new love interest for Tobias
• Some readers have described it as little more than an epilogue

The Divergent Series In Publication Order

Here’s how the earliest Divergent fans may have read the books, in order of their publication:

• The Transfer
• The Path to Allegiant
• The Initiate
• The Traitor
• We Can Be Mended

Final Thoughts

The most striking feature of this series is the concept of society being divided up into factions according to their values.

There’s compelling writing from the very beginning when the central character has to choose which faction to be assigned to for the rest of her life.

Action and adventure ensue when Tris chooses the faction of the brave, and the tension ratchets up significantly when she learns that one faction plans to eradicate another faction.

Among the various twists and turns along the way, there is considerable character growth and development. It’s also incredibly thought-provoking, which makes it an excellent series for a book club or a study group. 

In addition to the main three books, there are also several noteworthy novellas by the same author written from the perspective of Tris’ love interest, which shed more light on the intricacies of the story.

The series has also inspired a great deal of fan fiction, which may also be of interest to readers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a 4th movie in the divergent series.

Unfortunately, the director of the first 3 movies decided against returning, but it has since been reported that the final installment of the movie adaption will go straight to TV screens, and potentially a spin-off series as well.

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The Correct Order To Watch The Divergent Movies

This post contains spoilers for the "Divergent" trilogy.

The "chosen one" trope is a staple of young adult fare, through some franchises have made an effort to subvert it. For instance, "The Hunger Games" protagonist Katniss Everdeen is meant to embody the Mockingjay throughout "The Hunger Games" series , but she consistently detests being used as a revolutionary symbol for political propaganda. A similarly subversive figure emerges in Veronica Roth's "Divergent" book series, where Beatrice "Tris" Prior is initially presented as an anomaly within the system — with facets of the "chosen one" formula guiding her arc — only to be revealed as just one of many such anomalies. What really makes her stand out is being brave enough to challenge the status quo.

When director Neil Burger's adaptation of Roth's first book, "Divergent," was released in 2014, the film received mixed reviews from critics but did pretty well at the box office. Shailene Woodley's Tris felt fleshed out enough to ground the adaptation, which takes a rather bland approach to the source material. "Divergent" was followed by two sequels, "Insurgent" and "Allegiant," but the decision to split the third novel into two movies ultimately doomed the series and robbed it of a proper ending.

Although the watch order for the "Divergent" trilogy is pretty straightforward, it is worth looking at the missed opportunities that each entry should have capitalized on, and what the fourth canceled "Divergent" film ("Ascendant") might have added to the chronology of this dystopian tale. Without further ado, let us venture into a world ruled by factions, where expressing individuality is the greatest sin, but experiencing a crisis of identity is an even greater crime.

The Divergent story starts with (you guessed it!) Divergent

Start with 2014's "Divergent," which introduces us to post-apocalyptic Chicago. The aftermath of an unexplained war has led to the creation of five factions, which function as social indicators of personal and collective identity. Abnegation is for the selfless, who live monastic lives removed from capitalistic overindulgence, Erudite is for those who value knowledge and pioneer scientific progress, and Candor is for those who value the truth above all else. If someone chooses Amity, they value peace and favor political neutrality, while the Dauntless are described as fearless and are officially in charge of the city's security. Tris is forced to navigate these rather limiting factions as a rogue cog who refuses to fit into the machine, and her Divergent status puts her in immense danger.

There are some intriguing aspects to "Divergent" that could have been explored in the sequels to great effect, such as the direct correlation between state-led surveillance and societal identity. Although Tris is our lens for navigating this world, her field of vision beyond the first "Divergent" film feels extremely limited and is rarely invested with the fleeting depth that the novel series builds its foundation on. The inability to fit into boxed categories results in complete societal exclusion — leading to the factionless being exempted from integration — but the adaptations do not dwell on this aspect well enough, if at all. The "Divergent" films also missed out on the opportunity to improve upon Roth's sketchy worldbuilding in the books.

Insurgent is the second Divergent movie, Allegiant is the third

After watching "Divergent," move on to "Insurgent," which explores the aftermath of the coup and sees Tris in graver danger as the government declares Divergents to be societal threats who need to be eradicated. Tris is not the only Divergent, of course; Tobias/Four (Theo James) is also one, hinting at a deeper conspiracy behind a system so obsessed with erasing individuality but hell-bent on defining the human spectrum with only one overarching quality. Although parts of "Insurgent" sag under the weight of an overstuffed script, it feels more profound than its predecessor, as it does the legwork to competently grapple with some of its core themes. As bare minimum as that sounds, it is undoubtedly better than "Allegiant," the next and final destination of this watch order.

The first issue with "Allegiant" is that it only tells half a story due the book being split into two planned movies. However, the real reason why "Allegiant" officially put an end to the franchise lies in its noticeable drop in quality. The convoluted nature of the story emerges as neither visually arresting nor thematically entertaining enough for audiences to even bother with what happens next. The canceled film, "Ascendant," intended to explore Tris' attempt to expose a horrifying genetic experiment, which eventually leads to her death. This marks a turning point in Tobias' arc, and the advent of a new future thanks to Tris' sacrifice.

Had "Allegiant" incorporated the entirety of the novel's arc in its final installment, the film wouldn't have ended on a cliffhanger, but there is some comfort in knowing that we're probably not missing out on much. After all, there is no dearth of better YA adaptations that explore growing pains and fissures within personal identity.