Rounding up - 4.5 stars

I always say that new books get so much hype for a reason, and Divergent is definitely no exception. I picked up this book late one evening and couldn't put it down until I had read the last word. In a market quickly becoming flooded with dystopian novels, Divergent is engaging, compelling, and fresh, unique spin on the genre.

"Faction before blood." Beatrice has heard this motto before, but it takes on a new meaning after her sixteenth birthday. On the appointed day, after taking an aptitude test, she will have to choose which of the five factions she wants to devote her life to. And while she is not sure she fits in Abnegation (the selfless), she's also not sure that she wants to leave her family. However, she has to make a choice, and once she does, she is immersed into initiation rites. As if this isn't enough to handle, outside of training she has to deal with those who don't like her, the one who likes her a little too much, and the one that she likes even though she shouldn't. But as Tris learns more about herself and those around her, she comes to realize that the faction system isn't as perfect as she thought - and it may not be able to last much longer.

In this great debut novel, Roth provides not only a riveting story but also complex characters and vivid descriptions. I don't want to give too much away, because part of the experience of this book is living in the moment with Tris. There were some definite surprises in the story, and each one just kept me reading faster to see what would happen next. In addition to this, the characters are completely memorable. Tris is a strong female protagonist who comes to have not only physical strength but also intelligence, wit, and compassion. She is able to make her resolutions and follow through with them. Standing opposite her is Four, and with the air of mystery surrounding him, one cannot help but be intrigued. Their developing romance and journeys of self-revelation and self-discovery added yet another dimension to the story.

Despite all of these great elements, something about the story was still missing for me. Perhaps it was simply all the hype, or perhaps it was the present-tense style with sentences that felt short and almost rushed. I did love this book, just not as much as I was expecting to. That being said, I know that I am in the minority on this opinion, and most others will say that this was the best dystopian novel of the year and follows in the footsteps of Hunger Games.

Divergent is a fabulous debut novel and will certainly take its place among the great dystopian novels. I cannot wait to read what happens in the rest of this trilogy!