Review ~ Allegiant (Divergent #3) by Veronica Roth

Paperback purchased by myself

Release Date: 22nd October 2013

Publisher: HarperCollins

Description:
The faction-based society that Tris Prior once believed in is shattered—fractured by violence and power struggles and scarred by loss and betrayal. So when offered a chance to explore the world past the limits she’s known, Tris is ready. Perhaps beyond the fence, she and Tobias will find a simple new life together, free from complicated lies, tangled loyalties, and painful memories. 

But Tris’s new reality is even more alarming than the one she left behind. Old discoveries are quickly rendered meaningless. Explosive new truths change the hearts of those she loves. And once again, Tris must battle to comprehend the complexities of human nature—and of herself—while facing impossible choices about courage, allegiance, sacrifice, and love.

My Opinion - I have tried to keep spoilers out but there may be subtle hints due to my rant.... please excuse my anger :)

Wow...where do I even start with this review? It took me a while to read Divergent but I fell in love with both book one and two quickly. They were gritty, edgy and full of brilliant action. They were worthy of five stars to me. So, because of this, I purchased them all in paperback because I wanted to display them in my collection of books rather than just have an ebook. I also shipped the box set over to the UK so I could get Allegiant in paperback before it's released here - with in my opinion a better cover. However, now that I have read it I just feel severely disappointed. For me this is book was a perfect example of how to ruin a great series. And it wasn't just the final few pages that I hated, it was the whole thing!

I won't say to much about what goes on as, even though it's bad, I don't want to ruin it for those who haven't yet read it. I saw a comment that ruined the book for me before I even started and from that point on I knew I wasn't going to like Alligent. Basically I read it for closure. 

Allegiant lost all of the gritty action and toughness that I fell in love with in the first two books. Instead, it is just page after page after page of talk about genetics and I found myself skimming easily. I was so tempted to give up but had to see the series through. Seriously, it was painful to read. As well as that the first person narrative just didn't work for me. There was not enough on Evelyn throughout the middle section and I got bored of reading about what Tris and Tobias were doing.

The major annoyance, disappointment with this book though was the ending. Seriously who does what Veronica Roth did!!!??? It was ridiculous, stupid and in my opinion a waste of time. For me it rendered all of the other books pointless and I was left disheartened. It has even put me off wanting to see the movie which looked amazing from the trailer.

Overall this book was a perfect example of how not to end a series. It was disappointing, lacked everything that made it unique in the first place and was just plain stupid. I'm not a die-hard fan who has followed this series and has been eagerly anticipating this release either but it still has irritated me a lot. I don't think I've ever had such a variation in ratings for a series. If you want closure, read Allegiant but it's not a book I would recommend.

Review ~ Insurgent (Divergent #2) by Veronica Roth

ebook received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

Release Date: May 1st 2012

Publisher: HarperCollins UK

Description:

One choice can transform you, or destroy you.

Every choice has consequences, and as unrest surges in the factions all around her, Tris Prior must continue trying to save those she loves, and herself, while grappling with haunting questions of grief and forgiveness, identity and loyalty, politics and love.

My Opinion

I started Insurgent straight after I finished Divergent as I needed to know what was going to happen and I still can't believe I have waited so long to get a hole of this series! I do wish I had waited a little longer to read this one because now I have to wait for the third to arrive but it can't take that long to post can it?

Anyway Insurgent was just as fast-paced and gripping as the first book. Now I knew what I was letting myself in for with reading Veronica Roth's work I think I enjoyed it even more because I was excited to see how Tris developed and where the author was going to take the story next.

I liked that the author let Tris stay true to herself. She was strong but also doubted herself and the emotions that she went through came across as believable and realistic. I could sympathise with Tris and for me her doubt added another level of uncertainty to the writing that had me turning pages to find out what was going to happen. 

Once again, I loved the action. Everything is described perfectly and I like how now of it is muted. People die and it adds to the realism as I've read so many books where death is covered up so it was a nice change. 

The only thing I want more of was the romance but that is because I love romance books. I don't think the book needed it but Tris and Four are great to read about when they are together that I enjoyed those scenes most. In no way do I want the book to be total romance, I love the fact that it is mostly action but maybe a tad more. 

Overall Insurgent was all that I expected to be and more. I can't believe the author left it on such a cliffhanger which is now annoying me because I have to wait to finish the trilogy. Go read these books before the movie comes out - you won't be disappointed!

Review ~ Divergent (Divergent #1) by Veronica Roth

ebook received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

Release Date: 28th Feb 2012

Publisher: HarperCollins UK

Description:
In the world of Divergent, society is divided into five factions – Candor (the honest), Abnegation (the selfless), Dauntless (the brave), Amity (the peaceful) and Erudite (the intelligent). Every year, all sixteen-year-olds must select the faction to which they will devote the rest of their lives. For Beatrice Prior, the decision is between staying with her family and being who she really is. Her choice shocks everyone, including herself.

During the initiation that follows, Tris and her fellow initiates undergo extreme physical tests of endurance and intense psychological simulations, some with devastating consequences. As initiation transforms them, Tris must determine who her friends really are – and where the boy who seems to both threaten and protect her fits into the life she's chosen.

But Tris also has a secret, kept hidden because she's been warned it can mean death. As unrest and growing conflict threaten to unravel her seemingly perfect society, Tris learns that this secret might save those she loves… or it might destroy her.

Debut author Veronica Roth bursts onto the scene with the first book in the Divergent trilogy – dystopian thrillers filled with electrifying decisions, heartbreaking betrayals, stunning consequences and unexpected romance.

My Opinion

I have been meaning to buy this series for a while but of course being a reviewer I get a lot of books sent to me that I end up reading those first. So when the first two (Divergent and Insurgent) became available on NetGalley because of the release of the final book Allegiant, I knew I had to request them immediately and was so glad that I got accepted!

I knew this series was big but I never really knew what it was about or what was involved so going into reading this, I didn't know what to expect. I assumed it was going to be like most YA out there but boy was I wrong. It was so different to anything else I have read before - especially in terms of violence. I was expecting it to be quite muted and tame but I love that it wasn't. The author created the characters brilliantly and I loved the strong mindedness of Tris, especially towards the end. 

Divergent was action packed from start to finish and it kept m hooked all the way through. Honestly, there was a moment where I wanted to skim read a section. The writing moves at a fast pace and everything is described vividly. The fights were choreographed well so you could see what was going on. The world building was great and I liked the unique idea of Factions. I did find parts of Tris' revelation towards the end a little predictable but I was more interested in enjoying the book as I read it than think ahead. The writing just immersed me in Roth's world.

I think my favourite part of the book was the training and the development between Four and Tris. I liked how she grew into her role and became more herself. I also thought some of the technological side of things such as simulations were inventive and different.

Overall Divergent was a great read and I can't believe I waited so long to finish it! I've already read Insurgent and my review will be up in a few days so now I'm just waiting for the paperbacks to arrive so I can finish the trilogy! I would highly recommend you read them if you haven't already, especially before the movie comes out next year!