Allegiant by Veronica Roth

Allegiant by Veronica Roth

Divergent Trilogy, Book 3

Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books (October 2013)

545 pages, eBook (purchased myself in a bundle for $14.99)

Book Rating: 3 Stars

Content Note: Includes Graphic Violence

Having traded one dictator for another, Tris, Tobias and a small group of people escape beyond the wall in search of freedom and the truth, only to find out their entire world was a lie and not only that, but they’ve stumbled onto a conflict between two struggling factions every bit as volatile as the one they left behind. Tris and Tobias continue to frustrate me with their lack of communication and the secrets. I really did not like the ending of this book, the painful part seemed unnecessary and depressing. I can understand a grand noble gesture, but that wasn’t even how it turned out, and I don’t think it was worth making everyone miserable for the rest of their lives, just to have that little twist at the end. I’d have much rather had a happily ever after ending.

Insurgent by Veronica Roth

Insurgent by Veronica Roth

Divergent Trilogy, Book 2

Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books (October 2013)

545 pages, eBook (purchased myself in a bundle for $14.99)

Book Rating: 3 Stars

Content Note: Includes Graphic Violence

Everything is in upheaval as the various factions (and parts of factions) align with or against the Erudite and their malicious leader, Jeanine. Tris is suffering from PTSD and depression following the events of the simulation-induced attack, causing a strain on her relationship with Tobias, and an unhealthy obsession with sacrificing her life and leading to an indifference about her own death. I must say I wasn’t very impressed with Tris throughout most of this, she becomes even more immature and volatile then she had been in the first book, and her tendency to lie to/not confide in Tobias got really old. Tobias was reduced to following her around trying to save her from her own impulsiveness much of the time. I can’t really say I’m looking forward to the next book, but I will finish the series, because I can’t not finish. If you don’t mind quitting in the middle of a series, I’d just read Divergent and the five stories from Four’s perspective (Free Four, The Transfer, The Initiate, The Son and The Traitor), and call it good. But, maybe the last book will blow me away . . . it would be a nice surprise.

Four Divergent Stories by Veronica Roth

Four Divergent Stories by Veronica Roth

Divergent Trilogy, Divergent Prequels & Companion Story

Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books (July 2014)

304 pages, eBook (purchased myself for $10.19)

Book Rating: 5 Stars

Content Note: Includes Graphic Violence

This is a collection of four stories told from the perspective of Four. The first three (The Transfer, The Initiate and The Son) are all prequels to Divergent, and take us through Four’s choosing ceremony, Initiate training and the beginning of his life as a full Dauntless member. Many of these events revolve around people or things referred to in Divergent as a part of Four’s past, and it was nice to see the full story behind many of those references. The last story, The Traitor, is a companion story to Divergent, taking us through Four’s version of many of the events that Tris led us through (excepting the knife-throwing scene available in Free Four), but also adding some that were uniquely Four’s and it was interesting to see what was going on with him during that timeframe. Great extra for those who enjoyed Divergent!

Free Four by Veronica Roth

Free Four by Veronica Roth

Divergent Trilogy, Divergent Companion Story

Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books (August 2012)

16 pages, eBook (purchased myself for $0.99)

Book Rating: 5 Stars

This is the knife-throwing scene from Divergent told from Four’s perspective. It is very short, but very insightful and I believe anyone who enjoyed Divergent will enjoy reading this little extra.

Divergent by Veronica Roth

Divergent by Veronica Roth

Divergent Trilogy, Book 1

Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books (October 2013)

501 pages, eBook (purchased myself in a bundle for $14.99)

Book Rating: 4 Stars

Content Note: Includes Graphic Violence

In a dystopian society that has divided itself into five factions, we follow Beatrice Prior as she turns 16 and faces the decision of which faction she will choose, and what that decision will mean for her relationship with her family and her future in general. This story reminded me of a combination of Hunger Games and Harry Potter, though there is no magic, the school atmosphere and the training that the initiates undergo was similar to Hogwarts. If you are preparing to start this series, I’d advise reading Divergent before moving on to Free Four and Four: A Divergent Collection, because I believe Divergent is best read with the character of Four being somewhat of an unknown mystery. After you’ve finished Divergent, then you can read Four’s perspective in the short Free Four and the four prequel stories. There aren’t many characters in this story that are entirely likable, Tris (Beatrice) included, but the flawed characters were very real, I thought, and I liked the exploration of what it means to have courage or be truly selfless. Despite the uncertainty that lies ahead, this ending was so perfect, I’m almost reticent to move on to Insurgent and Allegiant; I’d almost rather read the companion and prequel stories, from Four’s perspective, and have done with it, but I suppose I must continue—let’s hope it turns out well.

Movie Adaptations:

Divergent (2014)

Shailene Woodley, Theo James, Jai Courtney

Movie Rating: PG-13