Allegiant (Divergent, #3) in The Wide Web of Friends in YA Books

Jan 29, 2014 Erika B. (SOS BOOKS) rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: ya, backtothefuture, sort-of-spicy

3.5 stars! UGGGGGHHH!!! I don't know how to feel right now. I finally was brave enough to pick this up off my dresser. It's been sitting there taunting and haunting me for awhile now. Let's start with the things I liked! I was really invested in the story. I didn't struggle with reading this at all! I was all in. I still adore Tris and Tobias. BUT all of the little things I didn't like add up to me being mad. I found some of the story line a bit hard to grasp (plot holes) and thought some things ...more

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Oct 22, 2013 Carie rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Probably 3.5. This book was not as good as the first two. It’s A LOT slower, without as much excitement and action (except for the last 100 or so pages which were SUPER intense!). There’s A LOT of info-dumping, which was interesting and somewhat necessary, but seemed to go on FOREVER and be a bit excessive. Also, the story took on new focus and conflicts, which irritated me a bit because I was more invested in the conflicts of the first two books. And, though the new conflicts worked with the ex Probably 3.5. This book was not as good as the first two. It’s A LOT slower, without as much excitement and action (except for the last 100 or so pages which were SUPER intense!). There’s A LOT of info-dumping, which was interesting and somewhat necessary, but seemed to go on FOREVER and be a bit excessive. Also, the story took on new focus and conflicts, which irritated me a bit because I was more invested in the conflicts of the first two books. And, though the new conflicts worked with the explanations, they seemed to “muddy the waters” a bit too much--and lots of controversy resulted. This controversy ((view spoiler)) was thought-provoking and did pose some interesting questions to consider, but it took the story in some odd directions that I didn’t like as well as the original story. And, though I did like having Tobias’ POV, I often lost track of whose POV I was reading because both were so similar. I found myself having to page back to the beginning of the chapter several times to remind myself of whose POV I was reading at the moment.

I actually wasn’t as bothered by the ending as I’m sure a lot of people were. I think this is because I was expecting something horrible after hearing about the bad reviews this book was getting (I did manage to avoid any detailed spoilers before I finished the book, which I was SO happy about!). Of course I hated that (view spoiler). I did like the epilogue, with its somewhat hopeful (view spoiler), but I’m still upset that much of what happened with key characters seemed SO unnecessary and downright (view spoiler) :( Disappointing!

I did like the intense action in the book--particularly in the last 100 pages. And I LOVED the close, sweet, romantic moments with Tris and Tobias-- (view spoiler). I also loved that we FINALLY got some answers to questions that have bugged me since the beginning of this series. And, I thought the author had some beautiful sentiments and realizations with the main characters--I was happy to see them continue to grow and learn and have thought-provoking realizations about their pasts, futures, convictions, selves, and each other. I liked the themes of continuing on no matter what, always trying to better your situation, being self-sacrificing for the ones you love, being brave, and standing true for what you believe. I thought the book posed some very thought-provoking ideas about (view spoiler). This was a good book, despite its flaws and disappointments. I’m glad I read it and I haven’t been able to stop thinking about it since I finished it.

One picky thing that kept bugging me: When Tris made the comment about choosing Tobias again and again, it seemed like an almost direct quote from the MATCHED series by Allie Condie. I swear I remember almost that exact same quote from the end of REACHED…

Finally, I’d probably recommend this book (and series) to older teens or adults because of some mature content and violence.
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Nov 13, 2013 chinami rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

I cannot decide if this book should get 4/5 stars. It was was amazing, back when i did read it, I could not get myself to like the book mainly because of the ending which apparently at that time did not sit well with me. But I definitely don’t think I hated it either. as far as the story went, i had no issues. may be expected more action but the plot was too tame. the scientific details were overwhelming and it was different from zombie scenarios. i expected more character developments as well b I cannot decide if this book should get 4/5 stars. It was was amazing, back when i did read it, I could not get myself to like the book mainly because of the ending which apparently at that time did not sit well with me. But I definitely don’t think I hated it either. as far as the story went, i had no issues. may be expected more action but the plot was too tame. the scientific details were overwhelming and it was different from zombie scenarios. i expected more character developments as well but they only got worse. this book was not as exhilarating as insurgent, not counting the number of deaths which was a common ingredient all over the series.
Did the ending bother me, yes but I am not complaining. Bad things tend to happen, its normal. It is well within Ms Roth’s right to end the story she created in any way pleasing to her.Now that i think about it, i feel she is one of those authors who has the guts to kill off a main character without ceremony. many a times i have come across in novels the potential and need to kill main or supporting characters or both arises and the author is gung ho on not relieving any of her chars save for the extras whose deaths cause no development in the plot . i have to give Ms Roth props for that. Not that i am chasing bittersweet book endings; since it is as realistic as any story could get, i wont hate the author simply for thinking that the ending was inevitable. I will always like her. She made me sad and cry bucket of tears and looking back, all those heart wrenching moments were totally worth it.
That being said, here is my personal idiocy filled rant peppered with a logical observation or two.
I loved the way the author created the world of divergent. She painted her scene, built a world, created characters and breathed life into them and then she spun the words around their life as a story. She made the connection between the story and readers allowing them to familiarize with her characters and falling in love with them. We are addicted to the world and wonder in fascination and speculate the events of their life as if it’s all real. She simulated us into the book and we were as much a part of the plot as the other artists.
She gradually introduced emotions into the artists and we sympathized with them. We shipped their relationship and she played with romance, friendship and loyalty. We learned about the disposition of the imaginary friends we so made and related ourselves to their situation. She rained them with challenges and we wished them success. Then came violence, bloodshed and pain neither characters nor readers could bear. We prayed that no harm befell them. We realized that the characters are brave, smart, passionate and strong willed individuals who can overcome any number of problems. In spite of death of many side characters the lead pair survived through the crisis and it made us proud and content.
The world of divergent inspired by the distant future was crafted with meticulous details and developments. The imagination and creativity ran wild with high class technology, advanced science and even the violent parts and a well run society mimicking peace and prosperity and free of injustice. The author mesmerized us with descriptions of simulation and reactions with delicate hands.
As she led us to the heart of the tale, she brought out the imperfection and purity so as to further get to know her little artists. We began to admire their courage and smart work and experienced the selflessness of their actions. We also saw the character’s self actualization and evaluation of their choices in life and saw them attempting life threatening deeds and venturing out safely. We were anxious that they return safe instead of turning up as next on the casualty. After betrayals and wedges in the relationships we finally understood the clear picture of what the author has set as premise for.
The romance was sweet and breezy, untouched by wild and crude form of lust. We saw a real relationship blossoming with both its best and unpleasant times. We saw beauty in the innocence and were left craving for more. The lines between young love and lust were clearly defined, it felt like Cinderella and Charming again.
The characters grew along with us and we became intertwined with their life. When we were so sure of their future, the maker took the heroine away from us, sacrificed for greater good, leaving us shattered and lost.
The ending is not justified. Tris sacrificed her life for a noble cause. She could not send her brother to his death; he was too much of a coward to face death in the face. She decided to honor her parent’s selflessness by giving up her life too. She became a martyr. We were introduced to a tris who could not embrace the life of abnegation. She is smart, enthusiastic towards every new thing and brave. She had substance. Her passion drives her to be reckless in order to save her loved ones. She comes off as fierce in friendship and in battle. She is loyal and selfless. She realizes via various fatal ventures that she is as selfless as her parents and would not stop to think before she throws her life for the greater good. She is too stubborn to listen to tobias nor her friends. Unlike many she felt guilty about the lives that were lost on account of her and she mourned it. She trembled using the gun. She did not value her life above others. She was a pure soul.
To say that it was predictable that tris died is absurdity. A character develops into a better personality as the story advances and tris only advancement was to think she is meant to sacrifice herself. She made poor choices. She cheated death quite a number of times and hoped she could pull off a final one. But death caught up with her. She had survived serums and simulations only to die by gun shot. This is more insult than honor.
Now the explanation to her demise is illogical. What was so inevitable? Was it because she was so reckless? Was it because her plans backfired? Was it because she miscalculated the consequences? Was it because she was too complacent? She merely misconstrued that her parent’s selflessness was without ulterior motives.
Being selfless does not mean laying down your life. We are all defined by the choice we make. Since when has the direst crisis ever pushed us towards death? Then it’s cowardice. No one’s purpose in life is to die however noble the cause is. Death does not answer to any problem. Her parents gave up because that they had seen enough. They had also lived their life. It is the young who need to lead the world and if they think they have to emulate elders then all of us should die. Everyone has huge problems and they have to face it. Caleb did not deserve her pity; he should have been the one to die for his betrayal. By making that choice, she failed to enlighten us upon the various harmless alternatives that were there. What kind of moral is this? That a sixteen year old girl is mature enough? Hell no!! As for tobias he went from a little annoying to a douche. He just lost the shine out of him.
This ending is expected of a dystopian novel. It is considered silly if readers hope for happily ever after. It would be too unrealistic. Bittersweet ending is apt only when its justified. The patterns and trends in this trilogy led ppl to speculate death and violence and even want the same. Also it is in human nature to want things to wind up pleasing and good, although many don’t like anything that comes neatly packed in a HEA. Dystopian teaches us all things horrible that is possible. Sometimes the sadness is okay. Tris’s death is an insult. It’s a case of execution gone completely wrong.
Tris did not care how much she would hurt tobias. Their relationship went on a rollercoaster ride with lies, mistrust and fights. In the end they found their way back into each other’s arms. We’ll love her. She’ll always be the gun toting kickass girl who was a good person. There will never be another Tris. We’ll miss her forever. She was unique and normal at the same time.
Tobias found his closure after a couple of years.
Indeed allegiant is neatly wrapped up in a lovely red wrapper with a golden string. But untie the ribbon; inside you see pain, grief and lingering misery. We started our journey with tris jumping from buildings, catching fast-moving trains and zip lining just because she is the kind of person who does not shy away from courageous feats. We felt the love between her and tobias and became close only to lose her in the end. Her death feels real and leaves an empty silence in the place where she lived in our hearts.
I hope Ms Roth gives us more tales preferably fantasy and with one of a kind plot. Going by what i said at the beginning of this review, lovely ending, looking forward to more in the similar vein. ...more

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Jun 17, 2014 Mary Bronson rated it really liked it

Wow is all I can manage to say right now. I know most people did not like the book. I was told from friends before I read this. As much as I respect my friends opinions I would have to disagree. I enjoyed reading this book. Just like the first two it was a fast read. I was shocked and heartbroken over the loss of Tris but I understand and respect the decision Roth made. I felt so bad for Four and what he went through. At least he still has the support of his friends and now his mother. Is there ...more

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Apr 05, 2013 Nikki rated it really liked it

I don't know. I was shocked with everything even if I already knew the ending. It was different reading it. It made me cry, though but I moved on. I guess there's something missing in this book. Though to be honest, I wanted it to be a happy ending. I cannot say it's a happy ending because Tris and Four are not together anymore. Not that they broke up, but because Tris died. Oh God. I felt sorry for Four but it was still a stupid thing that they got separate plans. They could've gone to Chicago ...more

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Oct 30, 2013 Candace rated it liked it · review of another edition

Well... spoiler alert! No Zombies!!

I gave it 3 stars for a few different reasons, and heavens it wasn't for the story. It was hard for me to get through, for the lack of surprises, and absence of Zombies.

Storytelling in First Person leaves a tell, but having two person perspective leaves intrigue. That helped get me through the book, however the voices where the same, there wasn't much separation.

But I'll be honest - I didn't like being in Four's head. I like the mystery of what hid behind his c ...more

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May 09, 2013 Kendra rated it it was amazing

It was slow at first and I must admit... I was a little disappointed at what was on the outside. As it progressed, however, it got better and now my emotions are everywhere. It was so sad but so good. I love but hate the ending and I won't lie... I cried. ...more

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