By Olivia Teteris
Divergent, published by Katherine Tegen Books and written by Veronica Roth, takes you on a twisted journey through a futuristic, dystopian Chicago. Released on May 3, 2011, this novel and the rest of its trilogy has young adults captivated by its use of realistic science fiction, welcoming readers into the complex lives of the characters.
Tris Prior (short for Beatrice Prior) holds the main role of this book. When she and her brother Caleb turn 16, they, as well as the rest of the kids their age, chose a path to an entirely new life. An aptitude test determines which of the five factions each kid belongs, but it remains up to themselves to make an ultimate decision. They can go with their original faction, the one in which their parents raised them, or they can decide on the faction in which the aptitude test placed them. Whether they stick with their family or leave them behind, the choice is entirely theirs and could change their lives forever. The test is taken very seriously, so the kids have to go in the testing room individually, and are not allowed to share their results with anyone until the choosing ceremony. They’re injected with a serum, and begin to battle a series of simulated situations, and they have decisions to make in each. They way they chose to handle the problems at hand usually classifies each into a faction that seems suitable for them. The operation never glitches, or runs in any way but smooth- until the simulation meets Tris.
The factions are Abnegation, where the citizens must be entirely selfless and also the original faction of Tris and Caleb, Dauntless, where the people are fearless, daring, and marked with tattoos and piercings, Erudite, a faction in which studying and brain power mean everything, Amity, where the citizens are peaceful and caring, and lastly Candor, a faction in which all the citizens are completely honest about everything, all the time. For the fans of the popular Hunger Games trilogy, this book and the ones that follow would be an exciting read. The dynamic plot twists and the complexity of the characters pulls readers in, and doesn’t let them out until they turn the last page.
The characters keep readers on their toes through the entire book. Tris, a good girl turned bad, finds her fearless self through the aptitude test. Though she never holds back in speaking her mind, she does have a couple secrets that she may never tell.
The characters keep readers on their toes through the entire book. Tris, a good girl turned bad, finds her fearless self through the aptitude test. Though she never holds backin speaking her mind, she does have a couple secrets that she may never tell. Tris is ever changing, and the process of her growth engages the reader. She befriends others, who come just as easily as they go.Four, the instructor of Tris, has a compelling personality, with a heart that is nearly impossible to predict. Opposite of Tris, Four is reserved, and is particular about whom he shares himself. The two make an unstoppable pair. Readers learn quickly that the characters all have something to hide, emotionally, physically or mentally. It’s interesting to see them change and develop while moving forward in the story.
Divergent has plenty to offer. From a fixating plot, to the allure and charisma of the characters, all the way down to the fascinating use of science fiction, this book captures the reader’s interest immediately. Divergent locks you inside a whole different world, tangled with love, hate, and nearly everything in between.
Courtesy of Katherine Tegen Books