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.

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)

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!

I loved it although I'm not 16.

What made the experience of listening to Divergent the most enjoyable?

The narrator's voice was perfect for the characters. Very natural and you could hear the voice of a young woman in the middle of a series of life changing events.

This is a fun read, action, adventure, romance, bravery, courage, and a dark path. It is a perfect Young Adult story and that's what the writer went for. I found myself thinking about my high school days and wondering about the choices we make there and how they obviously were the same and yet differed from the choices made by these people.

What did you like best about this story?

I liked the scenes between Trish and her mother. A mother's love seems to be stronger than family in this book and I like it.

What I would have liked more was some more background on the education system in place before the kids all turned 16.

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

It's not the Hunger Games - thank goodness....

Any additional comments?

Lots of reviewers have been complaining about the lack of background, working science and small things like - who drives the train. Maybe these will become more relevant in the next book, but are not really a part of this story. If you are going to focus on this then skip it becuase that's not what THIS book is about.

Had this been a seasoned writer going for an adult audience the book would have been another 4 hours long and we would have had more background on the society, how it got this way, how social things worked, etc.

I found it to intrigue me enough to get the second one and I plan to enjoy that one too.

LOVED IT!

What did you love best about Divergent?

I loved everything. I am a fan of Hunger Games and Twilight. Totally loved this book and cannot wait until may 2012 for Insurgent! I wish It was already out. I cannot wait to continue this story!

What was one of the most memorable moments of Divergent?

The way Tris overcame the physical and mental aspects and became a true Divergent

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

She has an awsome voice. I looked up other books she has done to see if I it was something I would be interested in.

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

All of the above!

Any additional comments?

If you are a fan of Hunger Games or Twilight- give this book a try!!!

Reasonable Coattail-Rider

I question whether this book would have had such success if books like Ender's Game, Harry Potter and The Hunger Games hadn't been written first. But, you have to give Ms. Roth some credit, as I am sure there are thousands of authors who have been trying to ride those coattails and have failed. While it doesn't belong in the same league with the great books listed above, this is a fast-paced, entertaining story with a clever premise. The narrator is nicely functional; she does a good job of getting the story out there without intruding.

One of my favorite novels...EVER!

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

I can actually answer this. Normally I don't listen to the books I've read, but I just adore Emma Galvin, so I purchased it. I can honestly say that the audio was much better because of her!

What other book might you compare Divergent to and why?

Hunger Games, Shatter Me. They have reluctant heroines who evolve and kick butt and have love stories you root for! Oh and they are all dystopian.

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

The dream landscapes are very interesting. I wish I could go through one. Crazy right? But it got me thinking about how important it is to conquer fear.

Any additional comments?

Just purchased Insurgent. Loved the book, really looking forward to the audio. Next year the third book comes out! This is definitely one of my favorite trilogies.

Wonderful!

I have never read a book quite like this before. The characters are very strong, even the evil ones. I recommend this book Haley.