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)

Awesome read

Would you consider the audio edition of Divergent to be better than the print version?

I didn't get the print version.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Tryst and Four

What about Emma Galvin’s performance did you like?

Very well done.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes

Any additional comments?

Just a super fun book; an excellent adventure

Probably won't read the series

Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

I enjoyed Ender Game, Game of Thrones, and Star Wars. I didn't enjoy Twilight, Hunger Games, or this book if that gives you any idea.

What was your reaction to the ending? (No spoilers please!)

Ending was fine.

What does Emma Galvin bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

This was the first book I've listened to with a total female narrator, but she did a good job.

Could you see Divergent being made into a movie or a TV series? Who should the stars be?

Yes. No idea, I don't keep up with that type of news.

Any additional comments?

This wasn't a bad book, nor was it great. I might read the next one, haven't decided yet. If you enjoyed Hunger Games or Twilight, this book might be for you. Regardless, I would recommend you read it, then decide whether or not you want to finish the series.

10 out of 10would read again. One of the best books I have read followed by an outstanding movie.

This book could be easily described as the best book I have read or in this case listened to, in a while. I haven't experienced such pain, love,or determination in my own life compared to the characters in this book. Now to get the rest of the series would make my life complete.

Amazing!

I loved the movie but the book was way better. I can't wait to start the next one.

Great listen

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Definitely. It's a story that almost anybody can relate to, and it holds together extremely well.

Any additional comments?

The ending isn't great...it kind of feels like it was cut off mid-chapter, which is fine considering it just made me want to immediately pick up the second book and begin listening to that.

Great novel!

Very easy to listen to! Loved the story and the narration. Can't wait to go on in this series.

Clearly written for a young adult audience

While listening to this book it was obvious that it was written with a young adult audience in mind, but it was still an enjoyable story for an older person. It is hard for me to believe that super intelligent people would not have a backup their computer programs, but I guess if I were not out in the workforce yet I could believe things like that.

Interesting premise for a story

If you could sum up Divergent in three words, what would they be?

Engaging, well written, good start for novice scifi readers.

What did you like best about this story?

The characters

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

It made me keep reading.

Any additional comments?

It's no Hunger Games

What did you like best about Divergent? What did you like least?

I thought the narration was excellent in this book. I liked the premise of the novel, but the actual execution was too juvenile and unbelievable for my tastes.

Would you recommend Divergent to your friends? Why or why not?

No - I think this book wouldn't be enjoyed by someone in my age range.

Have you listened to any of Emma Galvin???s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No. Her narration was excellent.

Do you think Divergent needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?

Yes, it's left quite open ended.

A pleasant surprise

What other book might you compare Divergent to and why?

Sort of Hunger Games-ish, in that you have a teenage girl living in a dystopia, rising above the turmoil to take a stand.

What about Emma Galvin’s performance did you like?

Narration was excellent. Glad to see she narrated the next book in the series as well.

Any additional comments?

Bought this book during a sale, based on other ratings and loved it. Immediately got the next one. I'm also going to have my daughters listen to it.