Divergent

By: Veronica Roth

Narrated by: Emma Galvin

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.

Veronica Roth bursts onto the literary scene with the first installment in the Divergent series—dystopian thrillers filled with electrifying decisions, heartbreaking betrayals, stunning consequences, and unexpected romance.

Performed by Emma Galvin

Very much enjoyed this!

While simply perusing the website I found this gem. I can see why there are so many positive reviews for this book because it was done exceptionally well if you’re into this genre. This book is simply a darker version of “The Hunger Games” if you ask me with a stronger female lead.

The similarities between this book and “The Hunger Games” are startling I must say. The narrator did justice to the title itself and coupled with the story had you gripping the edge. There are some parts of this book that literally gets your mouth to drop and your eyes to widen. Also, when the action picks up, the action really picks up and the author creates such interesting imageries that left me quite impressed. This is just a fun listen if you ask me, with the right combination of poignant moments and fun, light moments.

If you enjoyed "The Hunger Games" or books within that genre you will simply love this book... if you didn't enjoy "The Hunger Games" though, I suggest you pass on this on.

OF NOTE: I listened to this book just AFTER I listened to “Einstein’s Relativity” (which I thought was just plain painful to listen to) so my review might be a bit skewered (positively) because the thought of that other book is fresh in my mind….

Insane No, Dauntless Yes

HASTE WILL NOT HELP
I don't need to review this as so many already have, but for those who care what I think, this is a very good book. It of course is a teen book and it reads like one. As a 54 year old man I liked it, but believe teens would like it even more. Unlike some authors who believe writing for a younger audience means writing with less skill, Roth writes a very intelligent novel. I liked Ness's Chaos series better and Hunger Games a little better, but this is still a five star read. I liked the main character a lot. She is not a beautiful girl, but she does not sit around and cry about it. In most situations, she may doubt herself at first, but she most always, gets her sh#t together and faces down the fear. In this way it is an upbeat story. I believe it teaches teens and even us old people, that you have to face your fears, it is not one of those good things happen to those who wait for it to happen. This is one of the most important lessons, especially for our young, in my opinion. The books is predictable in spots, but there is plenty that happens that I did not see coming, especially toward the end. There is also stuff here on brainwashing, another important subject.

POLITENESS IS DECEPTION IN PRETTY PACKAGING
The only thing that bothered me a little and only a little, was the premiss that a population would purposely divide into factions. They claim they did it to help prevent war. I believe that most intelligent people would do exactly the opposite. Dividing into factions would naturally lead to war. That aside this is a really good book and I am looking forward to reading the sequels.

Interesting, but not excellent

If you've already listened to the Hunger Games trilogy, then you should be warned that this book, while similar in concept, is not as good. If you have yet to listen to the HG, I suggest you use a credit for this book, listen to it, then do yourself a favor and buy the HG trilogy.
While the story is entertaining and imaginative, it does not have the depth and broadness of characters found in HG. I feel that, sadly, after listening to this book, any book in this genre will not compare to the Hunger Games trilogy.

As Good, Maybe Better Than The Hunger Games

For a first novel, written by a young author, Divergent was way beyond my expectations. I am a huge fan of The Hunger Games trilogy. I am not one who normally reads YA fiction (given that I'm in my mid-40s) or sci-fi/dystopian genre. However, I am a huge fan of Veronica Roth and her dystopian world.

The story is different and very interesting. The characters are well written. And the narrator is excellent - a good reader with the appropriately youthful tone in her voice to be reading as Beatrice. I highly recommend Divergent for anyone.

I'm looking forward to getting the next book in the planned trilogy, Insurgent, when it comes out in May 2012.

Finally, a great story!

I was hesitant due to the comparisons to The Hunger Games because I loved that book, but I gave in and I finally found another series to read between my current ones. This book is definitely NOT the hunger games but it is a great book on its own. I am definitely moving on to the next book.
The narration is perfect! They did a great job finding a narrator for this book.
This is a definite "you've got to read" book for all ages!