Divergent (Divergent, #1) in Crazy Challenge Connection

Feb 28, 2014 Chaitra rated it it was ok · review of another edition

Shelves: dystopia, too-stupid-to-live, fantasy, adventure, first-of-a-series, science-fiction, romance, part-of-a-series, young-adult, first-book

In the first few chapters we're told over and over again that the tests don't have to affect the faction you choose. The tests can tell you Candor but you can still choose to make a fool of yourself in Erudite. This is in fact divergence. Which makes this book stupid.

That's not counting all the other ways it's stupid - a society divided into idiotic factions, and only one of them getting to rule, the protection of their city given to a bunch of thrill seeking maniacs you wouldn't trust to watch ...more

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Aug 02, 2013 Cathie rated it did not like it

Shelves: coffeeandbooks-botm, coffeeandbookschallenges, bb-botm, young-adult, dystopia, yea-it-s-over, sucked-in-by-the-hype, they-cut-down-trees-for-this, 2013-reads, choiceawards2011

Senseless violence and an equation that violence and cruelty =s bravery. Do not go against the faction; do not break the rules. Hell, don't even question the rules. Do stupid mean life endangering acts and equate this to being brave because you didn't chicken out or you allowed someone to smash in your face or throw knives at you. Oh yeah, you are also fearless if you jump onto or off of moving vehicles without injury to life or limb. The books theme seemed to be bullies are cool and we rule bec ...more

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Mar 17, 2014 Ashley Au rated it it was ok

Perhaps a fault of my own, It took awhile for me to shake the feeling of a hunger games knockoff. I really didn't enjoy this book. I think the author has been too ambitious. There is a lot of the story the could have been explored in more detail. I was left wanting a lot more than what I got. This first book could have easily been made into two separate books and been much more enjoyable. I never connected with much of the supporting characters. They were more blips on the radar that showed up w ...more

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Aug 02, 2014 Olivermagnus rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: ya, zjuly-2024, 2024, sci-fi, dystopia

Divergent takes place in Chicago years after a society changing disaster. In order to survive, the isolated population has divided itself into five factions, Abnegation (the selfless), Dauntless (the brave), Erudite (the intelligent), Amity (the peaceful), and Candor (the honest). Each faction is especially suited to serve the societal roles assigned to their faction. If someone fails to conform or be accepted to one of the factions they become ostracized and relegated to the lowest tier of soci Divergent takes place in Chicago years after a society changing disaster. In order to survive, the isolated population has divided itself into five factions, Abnegation (the selfless), Dauntless (the brave), Erudite (the intelligent), Amity (the peaceful), and Candor (the honest). Each faction is especially suited to serve the societal roles assigned to their faction. If someone fails to conform or be accepted to one of the factions they become ostracized and relegated to the lowest tier of society, the factionless. When a child reaches sixteen they take an aptitude test which determines which faction they are best suited to and then pledge their loyalty to the faction of their choosing.

The results of Beatrice's aptitude test are confusing because instead of identifying with one faction she somehow has traits that make her eligible for three different factions. She's told by her test procter that she may be “Divergent” and warned never to say that word to anyone or her life will be in danger. She doesn't know what this means and she doesn't have anyone she can talk to about it.

The story follows Beatrice (now renamed Tris), who like others her age must make the difficult decision to choose her faction, an irrevocable decision. If the wrong faction is chosen, there is no going home, the only option available at that point is to become factionless.

I enjoyed the multiple dimensions in Tris, the conflicts between Dauntless and Abnegation, her rebellious attitude. The characters are likable, but not as well-rounded as they could be. Their strengths and flaws are black and white, and not as complex as they could be. Since this is the first book of a trilogy, the characters may become more complex over time.

Overall I thought it was a really enjoyable read filled with electrifying decisions, heartbreaking betrayals, stunning consequences, and unexpected romance. While I'm not the primary audience for this series, I might check out the next book in the series sometime in the future. ...more

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