Age: Teen

"In a few words, Divergent is one long initiation trial. Beatrice Prior is a member of a society that has been maintaining its peaceful existence by separating its citizens into 5 distinct factions. These factions are formed on the basis of virtues they cultivate in their members - Candor values honesty the most, Abnegation - selflessness, Dauntless - bravery, Amity - peacefulness and Erudite - intelligence. At 16 all citizens take a test that is supposed to help them decide if they want to stay with the faction into which they were born or transfer to another faction forever. Beatrice's test results are inconclusive and puzzling. Ultimately she decides to abandon her own faction (Abnegation) and her family and enter another (Dauntless)" (Review from Tatiana).

An easy and fast read, suspenseful enough to keep your attention until the end. I liked that Tris' selfishness was tied to her bravery. Although I don't particularly like selfish characters, it was believable and a bold move for Roth. However, the writing is just okay and the atmosphere is vague. I had a hard time accepting the division of personalities. How are these people brainwashed into sticking to one faction? If children are exposed to other factions in school, what happened to their curiosity? Why aren't more rebelling? If kids can switch sides, wouldn't that make them divergent? Without more background depth, the story was fun but not memorable.

"It promotes all the good things - bravery and self-sufficiency, friendships, honesty, determination. It is all about girl empowerment. But as the same time it isn't particularly thought-provoking or chilling. It never truly touched my heart. It is a write-by-numbers dystopia" (Tatiana)