Emotional level (least to most) - 4
Action (little to a lot) - 6
Divergent, the first in a series by Veronica Roth, is a book very similar to Suzanne Collins' The Hunger Games. Divergent is different for a number of reasons:
1) the protagonist, Beatrice, has not been developed as much as Katniss from HG
2) while the idea of different areas of status is similar between both books, there are no Games, but rather once teens reach a certain age they are tested to be put into different factions (the Divergent equivalent to districts) and ultimately end up choosing their "best suited" faction
3) the action is quicker in Divergent, but the description is lacking
Divergent is based primarily around the story of Beatrice and her experience in being tested for which faction is the best fit for her, and what she chooses to do based on her test. At the choosing ceremony, she makes a choice the reader is able to infer. Of course, there is a plot twist during the ceremony, but doesn't quite affect Beatrice in the novel.
And of course, like every other teen novel, there lies some sexual tension between various characters. Divergent is not the exception to this rule.
It's like The Hunger Games. But at the same time, it's a completely different story altogether. Instead of the Games meeting the needs and requirements of basic living, Divergent has a more hopeful message: choose what you are best suited for - make the wrong choice and become a no-one. This resonates with teens mostly because of the strong urge to belong. Belonging is so important in life (but most importantly in high school) it only makes sense that it would be so central to a young adult novel. And of course, we could read more into it, but I would find it difficult to do so without ruining any of the major plot events.
For anyone who liked and is currently looking for a replacement for The Hunger Games, Divergent is a perfect choice.
Overall rating (poor to excellent) - 7
Quotes from the novel:
“We believe in ordinary acts of bravery, in the courage that drives one person to stand up for another.”
“I might be in love with you." He smiles a little. "I'm waiting until I'm sure to tell you, though.”
“You think my first instinct is to protect you. Because you're small, or a girl, or a Stiff. But you're wrong."He leans his face close to mine and wraps his fingers around my chin. His hand smells like metal. When was the last time he held a gun, or a knife? My skin tingles at the point of contact, like he's transmitting electricity through his skin.
"My first instinct is to push you until you break, just to see how hard I have to press." he says, his fingers squeezing at the word break. My body tenses at the edge in his voice, so I am coiled as tight as a spring, and I forget to breathe.His dark eyes lifting to mine, he adds, "But I resist it."
"Why..." I swallow hard. "Why is that your first instinct?""Fear doesn't shut you down; it wakes you up. I've seen it. It's fascinating." He releases me but doesn't pull away, his hand grazing my jaw, my neck. "Sometimes I just want to see it again. Want to see you awake.”
"I am selfish. I am brave.”
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