Finally got around to reading this much-hyped dystopian novel - and loved it. Complex world building, engaging narrative character, compelling romance and an interesting exploration of human nature and individualsim. Oh, and lots of action.

In some ways I wish I'd read it before The Hunger Games. Not that it's similar in plot, only that its societal separation themes are similar and in both, a situation arises to prompt our narrative character to question it, so it's hard not to compare the two, at least in the early pages.

While the factional division in The Hunger Games was based on geography and economic contribution, Divergent's divisions are based on personality traits: intellect, honesty, pacifism, selflessness and courage. Technology exists to identify which trait is most dominant, but individuals still get to choose which faction they will belong to.

It's not giving too much away to say that Tris discovers she is Divergent - not neatly sitting in any faction, which - according to the powers that be - make her a threat.

Tris makes her choice and discovers that all is not as it seems in her world and the ideals on which her society were founded are now corrupt and rotten, setting the scene for civil war.

This first book in the series was a fast-paced page-turner. I really enjoyed Tris and Four as central characters and liked that they both have such grey areas. Tris' journey is particularly compelling, especially as she realises the past she was so quick to throw away is actually critical to her moral centre - and her ability to survive the brutal new world she finds herself in.

Divergent lived up to the hype. I've got Insurgent ready to go, but will take a breather between books.