Divergent

By: Veronica Roth

Narrated by: Emma Galvin

Length: 11 hrs and 11 mins

Publisher's summary

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.

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.

©2011 Veronica Roth (P)2011 HarperCollins Publishers

Critic reviews

"Though Galvin’s narration is concentrated on giving Tris the perfect voice, she never neglects the secondary characters. Poignant moments with Tris’s mother and Four, her leader and love, are subtly nuanced to let listeners hear the terror Tris often hides.... listeners will hold their breath waiting to see if she can survive the day." ( AudioFile)

Fantastic Book!

Would you listen to Divergent again? Why?

Not for a while - when you know how everything plays out, it takes a lot of the suspense away.

What did you like best about this story?

The Government and Society - Formed with good intentions but corrupt. Despite corrupt leaders, the individuals have value and an innate sense of right vs. wrong. Choosing the right, goes against society, and requires true bravery (the real dauntless.) You have plenty of time to connect with the characters' experiences, but the book is not all about a teenage girl and her emotional whining - bottom line, It keeps the BIG picture in view.

Which character – as performed by Emma Galvin – was your favorite?

Four

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

No

Any additional comments?

Amazing writing, plot, and development. Can't wait to get a hold of the Sequel!!!

Looking for a hunger games &found something better

What a great book. Worth a listen. It grabs you and won't let go. Great story, great charactors, and great action.

Great Listen

You can tell that it is a YA read, but I enjoyed it a lot. The narrator captured the main character perfectly. Easy to listen to and satisfying.

Reminded me of The Hunger Games

I loved The Hunger Games series and this had a similar feel. The narrator is really good. I enjoyed this book quite a lot, compelling plot line.

Unique Dystopian Narrative

The short descriptions of this novel don't even begin to communicate how phenomenal the story is. Roth's characters, especially Beatrice, are so well written that you'll feel like they're real people. The story line surrounds Beatrice, or Tris, and the five-faction society in which she lives. Granted, the story was written for the teenager (and appropriately so) but the avid adult reader will be hard-pressed to put the story aside.

It's so well written and incredibly engaging... suffice it to say that you'll be hooked in no time. I consumed both Divergent and Insurgent (the 2nd book in the series) in only one weekend. Mind you, I'm a high school teacher with four children of my own.

This will not be neither a waste of your time nor money! Now when is the last installment coming out?!

Great Follow Up to Hunger Games Trilogy

I stumbled upon The Hunger Games trilogy last year, reluctantly read the first book despite the genre being one I generally don't tend towards but fell in love. It felt different and I was open to something different. I searched for recommendations on the next book to read and the lovers of The Hunger Games consistently recommended Divergent. They were right! I read it in less than a week and was pleasantly surprised to find that it wasn't a regurgitation of The Hunger Games but something else fresh and new. I'm wondering if I'm now a true convert to this YA dystopian genre. Next up: Uglies.

Great Listen

Compelling book--and one that gets you to thinking once it's done. I listened to--the encouraged my husband to as well. We spent a good part of our Sunday morning listening to this book together! We both love it--and it provides some thought provoking questions.

I would put this book in the same class as the Hunger Games...and I can't wait for Book two of Divergent to come out next year!

Loved it!

What made the experience of listening to Divergent the most enjoyable?

Emma Galvin does an amazing job with this book. Not a lot of variation between characters, but I felt that she captured Trice magically!

Who was your favorite character and why?

I loved Trice. I think anyone who struggled against any type of stereotype as a young adult will be able to relate to her.

Any additional comments?

In comparison with The Hunger Games, which I really enjoyed, Divergent takes the cake over and over again! Great job Veronica and major applause for Emma Galvin! Can't wait for the rest!

Excellent Read!

What made the experience of listening to Divergent the most enjoyable?

I was excited when I saw this book premeire on Audible. I was a huge fan of the Hunger Games triliogy and was extremely excited to listen to the first book in this series. I was, of course, a little nervious that the story would not live up to some of my favorites, but I was not disappointed! This was a great story wil great characters and it left me wanting more. I will, without a doubt, be highly anticipating the release of the next book in the series.

Dystopia!

Any additional comments?

A really engaging book. I love a good dystopia and Divergent delivers. The narration is good, the characters are strong and the story is engrossing. Insurgent is a great followup. Now I am just waiting for the final book in the series.