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)

The next Hunger Games!

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

Great storyline, excitement, well written

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

Absolutely! And the sequel was just as good if not better!

Any additional comments?

Highly recommend. I can't see where this won't be made into a movie. Entertaining and worth the $$

Great Story!

This was a good story. An original concept that was very well written. I can't wait for the final book.

not as good as hunger games

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

The premise (societal tribes based not on family of origin, religion, or homeland; but instead based on personality type) , although not profound, was interesting. The obvious truth (in my opinion) is that everyone is Divergent--no one can be defined just by one predominant trait such as courage, intellectualism, selflessness, or amiability. I did not see the protagonist as being all that special just because she had traits of several "factions". I like books that are series (especially audio books) because of their length and their ability to keep me engaged for a long long time before I have to search for and choose another book. However, this is the only series I have ever started where I did not feel at all compelled to buy Book 2 or Book 3. I finished, I was engaged, I didn't hate it.....but one book in this series was enough.

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

Not really. Maybe it would be more enjoyable to high school age readers.

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

The narration was good, no complaints

Did Divergent inspire you to do anything?

Stop reading the series after book #1.

Any additional comments?

As many other readers, I was told to read this because it was like The Hunger Games. I really think Hunger Games was more interesting, the characters more complex and real, and the writing compelled one to continue reading until the very last of Book 3

5 Stars!

This novel was beautifully written. The storyline was so well crafted, it's really amazing. The society they live in is a wonderful idea and concept. To be honest I took the the test and my faction result was Amity, ( I thought I would fit there perfectly)! I would recommend this book to people who love fantasy ideas because this book completes that! Emma Galvin, the narrator has a very soothing voice and is easy to listen to! I think she was perfect for narrating Tris. Overall this book was one of the best and interesting!

Much better than the movie

Who was your favorite character and why?

Tris was my favorite but she should be everyone's favorite. Four was a close second.

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

I struggle with female readers for some reason, but Emma kept me stuck to the book the whole time. She did a great job.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Spoiler: Her mother giving up her life so she could live on. Very moving of how to be brave.

Fun story

Entertaining and an interesting thought experiment. Not quite as well done as The Hunger Games, but still worth it.

Entertaining

I found the book enjoyable. The author does a good job of painting a picture of the world she created. I am looking forward to reading the next book.

Looking for a good book in between Hunger Games

Where does Divergent rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

This is in my top 5. It was suggested by a friend after I finished the Hunger Games series and it hasn't disappointed me. I am looking forward to the next book.

What did you like best about this story?

I love the main character (Tris). She has this Katniss feel about her, but she is her own person, smarter. The story puts her into good situations.

What three words best describe Emma Galvin’s voice?

At first I thought this was one of the voices from The Help. Emma's voice is good. The only thing I would like to see it different voices from each character.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Tris falling for Four and finding out about where her mother came from.

Any additional comments?

I think the book is great. I am really happy I got into the series.

Exciting for young readers

This was an exciting story to read and listen to with my students who are learning English. They just finished it and are asking for the next one in the series.

A popular read for a good reason.

I have chosen a few books that had gained rave reviews and I was disappointed and left wondering if I had read the same books they were cheering about...this one however did live up to the Hype for me. It did remind me somewhat of Hunger Games, another of my favorites, in tone and it involved teenagers living in a desparate world and making extreme choices with maturity and courage.

My own children are older than the ones here and this ole lady still liked it. I was entertainted and drawn into the story very easily. I look forward to reading this entire trilogy and would suggest it for others, teen to adult.