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)

What a terrible way to end a great series

I loved the first two books. And the third, until I felt like the author tossed the dice to determine the outcome of the characters. Evens, this one lives; odds, they die. To say I am disappointed in Roth's handling of the characters and particularly in the ending of an otherwise great series, is an understatement.

It is a gift to create characters that are people we can relate to and embrace. To kill one off with so little thought or finesse that there is no emotional response in the reader, and particularly a character that made the series, is just proof of a lack of skills or a lack of emotional depth. The death of a major character is not something that should be done lightly or in this case, as I opined above, at the toss of the dice.

I like to reread good stories and I am always recommending good reads to friends. This one will not make my list on either count.

Imaginative

I enjoyed the performance and story very much. Definitely looking forward to the next book in the series. I've never heard this narrator before - she did a fantastic job.

Great book!

Amazing start to an original and captivating story. Much better than the movie. Worth a credit. Good job by reader.

Solid

This is a pretty solid YA dystopian novel. Of course, we've got the required love triangle. But other than that, it is fairly original in its premise. The main character is very compelling. The story is exciting and pretty fast paced. Decent character development.

Uniquely Captivating

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

Captivating Surprising Inspirational

Who was your favorite character and why?

Beatrice' s Mom,The woman who stood cloaked by the sullenness and stillness of grey. Deep inside burned like a cool yet intensely hot fire for what she believed in and died to fulfill her purpose. She his the true heroine behind the scenes who created Tess who provided her with the clues the desire and the drive to bring about a change and the unfaltering loyalty to her family no matter the cost. A truly strong bloodline worthy of Dauntless.

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

No but I have preferred her reading prior to others that I have heard.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

One choice, One moment, and the path of destiny Diverges, but YOU MUST CHOOSE.

Any additional comments?

A surprising read that captured the audience of both a 14 and a 31 year old at the same time. My younger sister and I were trying to bridge the gap between our ages by trying to find something we could share in common. We created the secret book club of two and after reading the hunger games choose Divergent. In great anticipation over the third release we have read the two books twice over. We love the characters and the story completely. Veronica does an outstanding job of describing the world of Tess so well that you no longer feel like you are reading but the words take visual and metaphysical shape. Without even realizing it you are running, leaping, diving, and experiencing the adventure simultaneously.

A story that seems to target juveniles

Would you try another book from Veronica Roth and/or Emma Galvin?

An interesting plot that keeps the listener engaged

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

I find Emma brings the characters to life

If this book were a movie would you go see it?

No, it has a good plot, but is more for the Teen crowd. I like more intensity and action.

Any additional comments?

I saw this book was recommended and decided to give it a try. Juvenile emotions and characters make it a little less desirable for me.

loved the book

I loved this book very much would listen to again would recommend which is surprising

Not for me

I listened up to chapter 10. I just couldn't get into the story. The violence between the characters was bothersome. I figured it would just get worse as the story progressed so I opted to return it and move on to something more my style. The narration was pretty monotonous, but that could be related to the depressing back drop of the setting. However if you liked Hunger Games you may like this story as there are strong similarities between the two books.

Amazing

I could not stop listening to this I finished it in two days and I loved it.

what I think

she was great and she used expression great book I recommend this book to anybody