Review: Divergent by Veronica Roth - Juhina

Title: Divergent (Divergent #1)

Author: Veronica Roth

Publication date: May 3rd, 2011

Genre(s): Young Adult (Dystopian)

Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books

Source: Paperback (own) 

Pages: 487

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 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 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. 

Divergent blew me away, and let me just point out that I read this after I finished Shatter Me, and while I was having a conversation with someone I actually said "I feel sorry to whatever book I pick up after Shatter Me". Veronica Roth is a genius!! with so many dystopian books coming out, people might feel that the theme is becoming repetitive, with the corrupted government, etc etc, but Roth exceeded my expectations! 

Our protagonist, Beatrice, known as Tris ends up changing factions, however initiation begins and the struggle to stay on top, keep a secret that could end her life, and stay true to herself begins. I loved how most of the book centers around the initiation. It brought out the true colors of everyone, including Tris.

What is a young adult book without a romantic prospect for the protagonist? I don't want  to ruin it for anyone since you find out pretty late in the book who it is but he is definitely swoon worthy! Dystopian books have become a fast favorite for me because they contain everything in a book I want. Adventure (initiation!), Romance (boy!), mystery (secrets!) and a whole different world from what we know.  

Divergent was a book that ended with a BANG and so much promise! I would recommend this book to any lover of dystopian books and also to anyone who wants to try this genre, because once you start this book, I doubt you'll be able to put it back down!

Addicting tune!! best of the best!