S1 : BOOK REVIEW

           Set in post-apocalyptic Chicago, Divergent, authored by Veronica Roth, features a face-paced storyline starring an interesting mix of characters and settings, where society is split into five factions: Dauntless, Abnegation, Candor, Amity and Erudite. Starting off innocently enough as a utopia, the story slowly unfolds as time progresses, revealing hidden conflicts and questionable intentions that suggest otherwise.

Beatrice Prior faces arguably the most important day of her life: Choosing Day, the day every sixteen year-old must decide one of five factions to spend the rest of their lives in. Prior to Choosing Day, each person takes the aptitude test: a series of simulations wherein the individual’s reactions are recorded to determine their best-fitting faction.

When Beatrice’s test result returns undetermined, it is revealed that she is Divergent – she does not belong in one faction, but in fact, three: Abnegation, Dauntless, and Erudite. She is warned that being Divergent is rare, and extremely dangerous, as it often resulted in getting killed. For the safety of her life, Beatrice is forced to keep it secret from everyone else, including her friends and family. With multiple test results, the choice is hers, and soon she faces the difficulties of choosing between her family and her life.

Meanwhile, there’s increasing tension between Erudite and Abnegation, as the former continues to release propagandist reports attacking Abnegation’s leadership and role in government. As Beatrice struggles to face her fears and prove her bravery, she must also come to terms what her Divergence really means, why it’s relevant, and how dangerous the situation really is before it’s too late.

            The premise sounded ridiculous to me at first – a society based on a personality test? – however, Divergent proved to be a compelling story, following a strong heroine that relearns what it means to be brave - all the while discovering more and more about the society she once thought she knew. The book is well-written, being very easy to understand and read. There is some lack of description regarding physical settings, although imagination (if you have any) covers that and events are executed wonderfully.

The story contains some clichéd, predictable plot devices, which jarred me out of the book just to think, “Really?”. Another thing I was particularly annoyed by was the beginning of Beatrice and Four’s relationship, as it had no premise, and Beatrice knew nothing of him other than the fact that he was hot neither of them had very meaningful connections beforehand. However, I must admit, once their relationship was developed, it stood its ground respectably well. I also had some trouble remembering and identifying all the different characters, but that might have been a personal problem.

If you haven’t read this book already, by all means, give it a try. It’s a very enjoyable read, and is followed by its equally-as-entertaining sequel Insurgent, with the last book (unnamed) of the trilogy coming out on October 22, 2013. There are striking similarities with The Hunger Games, so if you've enjoyed that book, definitely consider reading this one.

            8/10 - Wonderful read. Had a few issues with some of the plot details (especially the love story). There are many great quotes from the book dealing with bravery, society, and power corruption [To be discussed in S4] that are only a little sappy.