Divergent by Veronica Roth

Released: May 3rd, 2011
Publisher: Katherine Tegan Books
Pages: 495
Rating: 5/5

In Beatrice Prior's dystopian Chicago, 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 isâ€"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 to determine who her friends really area 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.

Debut author Veronica Roth bursts onto the literary scene with the first book in the Divergent series dystopian thrillers filled with electrifying decisions, heartbreaking betrayals, stunning consequences, and unexpected romance.

Captivating, heart racing, and satisfying I loved LOVED this book. I'm going to be pretty general in giving my thoughts on the book as I really want it to be spoiler free and not take anything away from what you will experience reading it.

It's hard to believe that Veronica Roth is a debut author as her writing is solid and the world building she does in Divergent is fantastic. I thought the separation of society into factions according to Virtue was fascinating, as was the mandatory segregation between families in separate factions. It's hard to imagine choosing between those you love and who you feel you are, knowing that you'll never be with them again.
The relationships in the novel were complex and believable and I instantly connected with Beatrice. I wanted to fight with her and for her.
Divergent will be compared to The Hunger Games and they do have similar qualities in that they have these amazing strong girls rebelling against society, and they are both amazing novels that everyone should read. But I think that's where most comparisons will end.
I don't know what it is about books with a Dystopian theme but they really seem to be my favourite genre to read. I think more than anything I admire characters who go against conforming to an unfair and corrupt society just because they are told they have to. I love the characters who kick ass and aren't afraid to stick up for themselves and those they love. They do what needs to be done, because they know things have to change, they are the catalysts.
Rumor has it the movie rights have already been optioned for this stunning debut by Veronica Roth. Highly Recommended. Worth buying.