Insurgent

Divergent, Book 2

By: Veronica Roth

Narrated by: Emma Galvin

Length: 11 hrs and 22 mins

Publisher's summary

One choice can transform you - or it can destroy you. But every choice has consequences, and as unrest surges in the factions all around her, Tris Prior must continue trying to save those she loves - and herself - while grappling with haunting questions of grief and forgiveness, identity and loyalty, politics and love.

Tris's initiation day should have been marked by celebration and victory with her chosen faction; instead, the day ended with unspeakable horrors. War now looms as conflict between the factions and their ideologies grows. And in times of war, sides must be chosen, secrets will emerge, and choices will become even more irrevocable - and even more powerful. Transformed by her own decisions but also by haunting grief and guilt, radical new discoveries, and shifting relationships, Tris must fully embrace her Divergence, even if she does not know what she may lose by doing so.

New York Times best-selling author Veronica Roth's much-anticipated second book of the dystopian Divergent series is another intoxicating thrill ride of a story, rich with hallmark twists, heartbreaks, romance, and powerful insights about human nature.

Motion Picture Artwork TM & © 2015 Summit Entertainment, LLC. All Rights Reserved

©2012 Veronica Roth (P)2012 HarperCollinsPublishers

An okay sequel

While I found Insurgent to be an overall enjoyable experience, I think it ultimately suffers from Middle Book Syndrome – the trap a lot of #2-in-a-series books fall into. There’s a lot of moving pieces around the board without much consequence, which allows the author to save the fireworks for the finale. Our heroine, Tris, sheds a lot of what made her such a unique and compelling character in the first book (her independence, her decisiveness, her straightforward approach to problem solving) and spends most of the time wondering what her on-again, off-again, brainwashed-again boyfriend is thinking about her and their relationship. There are some pretty decent main-story-arc reveals throughout, which keep the plot twisting and turning satisfactorily, and narrator Emma Galvin again does a fine job, but apart from a rather surprising and intriguing final chapter, the book didn’t hit the high notes of its predecessor. I do feel invested enough to see how it all pans out in the final book.

Solid Book 2 -- Must read for powerful book 3

Insurgent is the second youth fiction book in the trilogy. In order to understand this novel, you must read book one, don't even attempt it without doing so. Roth goes on to tell a story of how five different factions of society make war on each other over a secret. In this novel, the secret is revealed. Because this is the second book, and in such works, its job is to setup a thrilling conclusion to the trilogy -- like a volleyball player sets a spike for another player; book 2 succeeds in this role.

Still told in first person through the eyes of Trice Pryor, this books focuses less on the relationship between her and her boyfriend and more on her external relationships and internal demons. Roth still paints her as a strong central figure. There are numerous twists and turns; but they all work.

It is hard to put down and you'll be staring at your player saying, 'I should work now, but..." This is a must read. I particularity like the way Roth avoids grandstanding the gore and focuses on story and character development. This is a big yes!

Excellent Second Book

Insurgent is an excellent follow-up to Divergent (you have to read Divergent first). I was concerned that this second book wouldn't have the power of Divergent but I think it has more drama and action than the first book. I'm a big fan of the main character, Tris, who struggles with trauma, love, and guilt but still is the brave, resilient hero of the story. I can't wait for the next book.

Woah, what an ending!

I'm thoroughly enjoying this series. Tris has grown up a lot in this book, finding herself in real love and friendship, relationships that are not based on being told what to believe or how to act. She also is grieving, hurting, angry, and passionate about her cause. I felt like she was more "human" than other characters in other books, because of how she acted/reacted to situations. Sometimes her anger blinded logic and sometimes her impulses created huge problems. Isn't that the human way? Acting too quickly creates chaos. Anyway, I enjoy this series and will be anxiously awaiting the next book!

Good Or Bad?

I enjoyed this series - it was an easy, undemanding read. Not great but not bad either. My husband, however, disagreed and did not enjoy this particular YA novel. He found the world building silly and pointless in both this and the first novel. I, on the other hand, was more than happy to suspend disbelief and just let the story flow.

If the series has a weakness, it's that the villains are 1 dimensional. There's not a lot of depth to any of the characterization. But then again, that didn't ruin Hunger Games, either.

There are a lot of plot twists and quite a bit of the world starts to make sense for the high concept. And plot twists add some welcome depth to the action.

The book is well narrated.

Completely Riveting!

I can't believe the story even gets better, if you thought Divergent was a "page turner" this one sets the book on fire! I pretty much ignored anyone talking to me while I was listening, I was completely riveted and it ends on a huge cliff hanger. I can't believe I have to wait three months for the last book to come out ugh! Have to give an awesome job shout out to Emma Galvin the narration was stellar!

When does book 3 come out???

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

Super crazy awesome.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Come on really? Tris is obviously fantastic. Wonderfully flawed, and it's really interesting to see her evolution between a "Stiff," and a hard core soldier. However, the supporting characters are all strong. Who doesn't love Four? I think the dynamic between Uriah, Marlene, and Lynn is great fun as well.

What about Emma Galvin’s performance did you like?

Everything. She's at the top of my list of favorite narrators. The voices are all very distinct and done well. No stupid accents like other narrators do.

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

No, I needed a break. It gets heavy and I took a break to listen to a comedy and came back refreshed. I did the same thing when I read the book.

Any additional comments?

Veronica Roth hit a serious home run with this series and I can't wait for book 3!

Just as good at the first

This was an excellent addition to the storyline. There was a real sense of danger and stress and emotion though the book that I enjoyed.

Great book - if you're a teen girl...

This book could easily have been edited down to 1/2 or 1/3 of what is it here. I want to get to the end, but I struggle with the narration style and the Emma Galvin's affectations. I find them quite grating. Maybe I'll finish it, maybe not. Maybe i'll just watch the movies. This has been a struggle to stay listening.

great reading performance ,decent storyline

glad I gave the book a shot. a bit too mushy at times for a guy but overall exciting and mysterious