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)

You won't hunger for more of this one

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

So many reviewers claimed that this book was better than the HG trilogy, or was different and that comparisons couldn't be made. I disagree. With Divergent the story line is not as diverse, complex, or entertaining and I felt cheated that characters weren't as well developed. Some segments just droned on and on. Hunger Games is heads above this book, so I wouldn't recommend it if you're looking to fill your hunger for a similar tome with this one.

Great Read!

I really like the narrator on this one. This dystopian story was really good, the book just kept getting better and better. I look forward to the next one.

Entertaining YA

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

The end of the novel is the best part - the conflict among the factions is a bigger, more interesting overarching story. I like the exposition the least. It was too clear where the story was heading to justify so much buildup.

Would you be willing to try another book from Veronica Roth? Why or why not?

Yes.

What three words best describe Emma Galvin’s performance?

Very Age Appropriate.

Amazing Book.

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

Both are equal but I do think that the audio book gives a little extra something to the story.

Who was your favorite character and why?

I love Four. He is such a strong character but yet he has a soft part.

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

Tris because Emma portrayed her really well.

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

Not really but I did get goose bumps when Tris and Four met and at a certain other part!!

Any additional comments?

Divergent is an amazing book. I've read the book loads of times and know I will listen to the audio book more because it's one of those books that never get old.

Thank goodness for the movie!

I listened to this before I even knew it was going to be a movie, based off a friend's recommendation. To me it was just like 'Hunger Games' only worse. Female protagonist in dystopian future, unassuming heroine, who embraces the inner demon to usurp the powers that be. The only thing missing was the love triangle, which I'm sure will come with the remaining books in the trilogy.

Reluctantly, and only because I love my wife, did I acquiesce to her wishes and went to the movie. I was surprised, as they did a better character development of Beatrice in the movie than the book. Something heretofore, I thought nearly impossible.

In the end, I choose:

Katniss of the books and Trice of the film

Satisfies my hunger for more Hunger Games!

I could not turn this off! From the first chapter it had me hooked! I definitely need more from Veronica Roth!

Expected more from this story.

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

Not much of a story, it skimmed over characters briefly. The lack of depth of the story.

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

no, just watch the movie free on the computer.

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

She's fine, took some time to get use to her voice.

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

not now after listening to the audiobook.

Another High School Story

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

I thought that the book was a little shallow for about the first half, with the main character reminding me a little of Kristen Stewart in Twilight. The narrator was good and the storyline did eventually pick up in the last 3/4th of the book. Overall as a 20 something it was a nice short listen, and something I think teenagers would enjoy listening to.

Interesting, fast paced, and well-voiced

I've just finished listening to Delerium & Pandemonium by Lauren Oliver, and was looking for something in the same vein. What I found in Divergent & Insurgent was even better! I struggled a bit with not particularly liking the main character at first, but as the character developed, I found myself liking her more and more.

This series has it all: action, and lots of it, romance, and an overall story arc that gets bigger and bigger.

Well Read Excellent Dystopian Coming of Age Story

Would you listen to Divergent again? Why?

Interesting, fast paced coming of age story in a dystopian America city. My daughter and I were both griped by the story. Strong female lead character and well developed other supporting characters.

What other book might you compare Divergent to and why?

Comparable to the Hunger Games as a Dystopian Coming of Age Story. If you liked Hunger Games, you will likely like this too. However, the development of the love interest was more nuanced and the love interest was a very well developed character. In addition, less was explained and felt like the main character Trice and the reader are both figuring out darker truths about the society and initiation rituals at the same time.

It is pretty dark at times and so it may be too intense for some tween / teen listeners. My daughter enjoyed Hunger Games and didn't find this too dark / intense. However, there is some pretty graphic violence and fighting which is integral to the plot.

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

Great performance. She did an excellent job of bringing the complex character of Trice to life.

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

Yes.