Movie Review: Divergent

Synopsis (from IMDb):

In a world divided by factions based on virtues, Tris learns she's Divergent and won't fit in. When she discovers a plot to destroy Divergents, Tris and the mysterious Four must find out what makes Divergents dangerous before it's too late.

***

I don't know how to write this review and do both the movie and my opinions justice. I've learned one thing after watching the movie: Some thing just doesn't necessarily translate. 

I'm going to write this review in two point of views. One is the movie watcher review. It means I will be viewing this movie as one that has never heard of anything like this movie before. Another is the book reader review, which is how I actually view the movie as a reader who has read the book.

Plot:

My movie watcher side thinks that it's a well-enough plot. But the prioritizing can be done better. There are scenes where everything is just so rushed that sometimes I feel like those who haven't read the book will probably get confused. I think they should emphasize some more scenes such as... (spoiler alert!!!) Four discovering Tris being a Divergent (end of spoiler). Everything seems so subtle about this part. But overall it's good.

My reader side, however, is pretty different. I've read the book (like two years ago, come on). And I think the plot is good (because I really like the book and the movie keeps this plot just fine). The sequence of events is surprisingly good (because they keep things in order just like in the book). But the prioritizing thing is very infuriating. There is so much I wanna see that just doesn't show up on the screen. And some things are just so rushed when they shouldn't be. That's one of the main problems I have with the movie as a reader.

---

Character/Acting/Dialogues:

The movie watcher side thinks it's pretty nice. The characters are badass. And I know that they have their combat training. Like real honest-to-god combat training, which makes everything so much cooler. The dialogues are nice and smart and they get to the point real nice. The actors and actresses put a lot of effort in this movie, I can see that. My movie watcher side is pretty satisfied with that.

My reader side is not that impressed. While they're still badass, only Shailene (Tris) and Zoe (Christina) can capture the spirit of their character. It's really sad, because like I said, some things just don't necessarily translate. The dialogues are fair enough. But some of its spirit are lost. And some particular parts are missing. Sometimes I want a particular scene portrayed as closely as the book. Especially the very last scene. And the conversation between Four and Tris in the movie is completely different. 

The acting part... well, like I said, I think only Shailene and Zoe captures the spirit of their character enough to make me feel satisfied. And I'd like to discuss about Four (played by Theo James). While I can see that he has made a great effort to portray the Four in the book as close as possible, the spirit of Four is lacking. I just can't picture him as Four with my reader side. But, he still impresses me. Not just because he's really badass in the movie. But also because he portray Four well enough to give us a taste of how a complex character Four is (and Four is a really, really complex character). 

---

Setting:

My movie watcher side thinks the setting is cool and is dying to know what's outside. Everything seems so familiar yet so futuristic at the same time. This side of me loves this part the most because the visuals are awesome.

My reader side, however -- Jesus my reader side sounds like a petulant child but I don't care because that's how I feel -- is a little weird-out. I can't judge too harshly because everyone's imagination are different. But I just can't see the Pit being the Pit. I think the Dauntless compound will be super futuristic but it's actually not, which is a little disappointing. The only part that actually fits my imagination is the Erudite headquarters. It's like something out of ParaGen in Partials. And it just fits in the spirit of Erudite perfectly. The fact that they actually shoot almost all the scenes in Chicago is very endearing (because in City of Bones they shoot a lot of scenes in Toronto but the setting is in New York). So I'd say the visuals are good enough.

---

Overall:

Enough with the schizophrenia stuff (you know, dividing parts of my mind and stuff). If you haven't read the book, I think you will enjoy the movie. But if you have read the book... well, proceed with caution. 

I want to clarify something though. My reader side doesn't hate the movie. It just thinks that the movie doesn't do the book justice. If it's not a book adaptation, it will be quite an awesome one.

Rating: 8/10 (My movie watcher side)

Rating: 6/10 (My book reader side)

Top Ten YA Novels 2013 #3: Allegiant by Veronica Roth

Aha! This is one hell of a controversy. Some said that it has the best ending. Some said that it's not and it's unnecessary to end it like this. Some said that it's heart-breaking but at least the characters have their kind of closure they need. I'm more of the third type. And this book, however hard the ending is for us to accept, is still pretty good.

The third place belongs to:

Allegiant by Veronica Roth

Synopsis:

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.

Told from a riveting dual perspective, Allegiant, by #1 New York Times best-selling author Veronica Roth, brings the Divergent series to a powerful conclusion while revealing the secrets of the dystopian world that has captivated millions of readers in Divergent and Insurgent.

***

Date Read: October 23, 2013

My Review:

http://smoking-hot-books.blogspot.com/2013/10/allegiant-review.html

My Rating: 9.5/10

***

Top 5 Reasons Why I Like It:

1. The ending

Yes, you heard me right. A lot of fans doesn't like the ending but I do. I get that why they don't like it because they think it's unnecessary for... um, a certain death to happen. I don't like deaths either, but as much as it's heartbreaking, I really like it. It shows completely what this series really is about: courage, love and ultimate sacrifice. 

2. The truth

Not that the truth is exceptionally explosive. Because genetically alteration is nothing too explosive. But it's unexpected, and that's good enough. I like unexpected things.

3. Nothing is as it seems

When you think the world outside Chicago is better than the world inside no matter what, the danger the characters encountered has proven them wrong. And there are a hundred other things that are not what we're expecting them to be. And I'm a girl who loves uncovering secrets underneath layers of faux goodness.

4. Digging deeper into the characters' hearts

In Allegiant, we know more about the characters internal fears and strength. Tris' fear of her love ones getting hurt, Tris' sacrifice. Tobias' fear of being not good enough, and his determination to make it right... We know so much more about them in Allegiant. I'm tired of seeing only one side of a character.

5. Christina

Christina is actually my favorite character in Allegiant. She's been so strong for both Tris and Tobias when they're going through their hard times. I'd love to have her as friend.

***

Why I recommend this book/series:

Easy. The factions, the dangers, the sacrifices... It's just an excellent model for a dystopian novel. Especially the first book, which is pretty awesome, as the whole concept of bravery dawns on Tris and us.

***

Do I like the cover?

The orange background seems a little odd first, but I've got used to it. The water is awesome.

***

Top 3 Favorite Scenes:

1. When Tris and her friends finally escaped

I was all like, "Yes! Yes! Yes! Finally! Let's go outside and see what it really is!".

2. The ending

Like I said, this ending brings closure the characters need. Loss is hard, but this mends our hearts.

3. Various heart-to-heart scenes between Tris and Tobias

Yes, their confession is endearing, especially when they're clearing out nasty stuff standing between their relationship.

***

OTP:

None

Reason: I like Tris/Tobias, but this time they ticked me off a little too much. 

Allegiant: Review

Synopsis:

One choice will define you.

What if your whole world was a lie?
What if a single revelation—like a single choice—changed everything?
What if love and loyalty made you do things you never expected?

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.

Told from a riveting dual perspective, Allegiant, by #1 New York Times best-selling author Veronica Roth, brings the Divergent series to a powerful conclusion while revealing the secrets of the dystopian world that has captivated millions of readers in Divergent and Insurgent.

***

It's official. This book is the ruin of my soul.

Okay, safe things first. I can't believe this book is more action-packed than the last book. Guess Veronica Roth is a woman full of surprises. The plot just keeps getting crazier and crazier. I should've prepare myself better before I actually pick up this book because Allegiant left me stunned for hours after I read the book (believe me, I still can't believe I actually read Allegiant). This book is way more complex than Divergent and Insurgent. I have only one word for the plot: Brilliant.

Emotions are very intense in this book. Allegiant shows us hidden sides from characters that we thought we're so familiar with. It's just... overwhelming that Veronica Roth can put so many emotions and events in one single book. This book is about discovery, sacrifice and understanding. It shows the deepest part of humanity itself.

Now here's the... not so safe stuff. I will try to keep it as spoiler-free as possible. But I'm deep in sorrow and anger right now I'm not sure if I can keep myself together.

What's the not safe part? The ending. Because it actually shocks me dumb. Not that I'm not entirely expecting this happening, but I just can't process it in my mind. Now I completely and freaking understand one of the hidden reasons of Veronica Roth writing this book in dual point of view! Veronica Roth you are so brutal! You can't just end it like that. Even though the characters have eventually found their peace, I'm still in a mourning state and I'm so sad and angry right now I can't even concentrate on my favorite class today. The ending is very beautiful, don't get me wrong. But it's just as heartbreaking and soul-crushing.

(Warning: emotional breakdown below)

I'm at a loss right now.

There's no going back.

Because this is the last book of Divergent trilogy.

And there will always be a damaged spot in my soul.

I just want to cry so badly but that will make me look crazy in front of people that don't understand what we're going through right now. I have to stop myself from rolling across the bed and trying to tear my hair from my head and punch anything nearby and stomp my foot and throw my copy across the room.

Nothing has me lost control like that before. Not. Even. Clockwork. Princess.

Veronica Roth is as brutal as she's a genius.

Damn it.

(End of emotional breakdown... for now)

Every dystopian fan should read these series. Although when it comes to Allegiant, you have to prepare yourself before diving for it.

Rating: 9.5/10

Teaser Tuesday: Allegiant by Veronica Roth

This weekly bookish meme is host by MizB @ Should Be Reading

To participate you:

1. Grab your current read
2. Open to a random page
3.  Share two (2) ¡§teaser¡¨ sentences from somewhere on that page
4.  BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS!
(Make sure that what you share doesn¡¦t give too much away! You don¡¦t want to ruin the book for others!)
5.  Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

***

This week I choose Allegiant (Divergent #3) by Veronica Roth

It isn't as clean as it was when it was the Erudite compound; now it is ravaged by war, bullet holes in the walls and the broken glass of shattered light bulbs everywhere.














Add Allegiant on Goodreads:

Snippets and Cover Reveal

Well, three snippets from two different books and one cover reveal? Best day ever! Although I warn you, you might think this is the worst day ever after reading a certain snippet.

Snippet #1: Allegiant by Veronica Roth (And in Tobias/Four's point of view! Squee!)

Excuse me while I asdfghjkl.

Snippet #2: City of Heavenly Fire by Cassandra Clare (FINALLY!!!)

a rune, hovering like an angel: a shape like two wings joined by a single bar

I do believe Clary has created another rune... or is it from an angel? 

Snippet #3: City of Heavenly Fire by Cassandra Clare

Warning: This is just my opinion, but I think it's best not to jump on conclusions. Because I think there's a chance we're freaking out over nothing like before Clockwork Princess is released.

"Oh, God," Magnus said, "They're dead. They're all dead."

Well you break my heart right here then, Cassie. But wait...

This is a photo snippet originally:

You can see that the words are enlarged. Seriously enlarged.

Now I wonder. Is this a real snippet, or is Cassie just trolling on us? :p

Cover Reveal: Saving Raphael Santiago by Cassandra Clare and Sarah Rees Brennan (The Bane Chronicles Part 6)

It's. The. FEARLESS. RUNE!!!!!!!

Holy crap. 

City of Ashes feelings all over the place.

Synopsis:

A Manhattan teen—Raphael Santiago—is missing, and Magnus Bane must track him down before it’s too late.

In 1950s New York City, a distraught mother hires Magnus Bane to find her missing son, Raphael. But even if he can be found, is Raphael beyond saving?

Expected Publication: September 17, 2013

We're one step closer to part 8, which is about our favorite couple, Malec!!!!! 

The Transfer: A Divergent Story: Review

Synopsis:

More Four! Fans of the Divergent series by #1 New York Times bestselling author Veronica Roth will be thrilled by "The Transfer," the first of four new short stories told from Four’s perspective. Each brief story explores the world of the Divergent series through the eyes of the mysterious but charismatic Tobias Eaton, revealing previously unknown facets of his personality, backstory, and relationships.

***

One does not simply not want more Four. Ain't that the truth. Four/Tobias is always one of my favorite character in all YA novels. And we get a glimpse of what life was really like for him before he met Tris! The Transfer is not long, and damn if I don't want more Four in this novella. His feelings are just so bold and profound in this book and I can totally feel the emotion he had throughout the book. All the fear, dread, anger, and the need for liberty is bare in this book. It's one of the greatest novella I've read, though I suggest you read both Divergent and Insurgent and Free Four before you read The Transfer.

(Oh and sorry for the shortness of the review, but I'm extremely weary after 9 periods at school and the after-school events.)

Rating: 8.5/10

Cover Reveal: The Transfer by Veronica Roth

Reblog from Hypable:

More Four! Earlier Veronica Roth, author of Divergent, announced four short stories about our most beloved character Four/Tobias! The first one, which will be released on September 3, 2013, will be called The Transfer. We have a cover here!

According to Hypable, the bottom skyline is Chicago, just like the three main books of the trilogy. And up there, just like the three books, has a ball of something. Thought it was nothing special. Look closer:

See? That's part of the circle of trains. I really, really love the sparks when the trains collide. And hey, it's the TRANSFER. Of course they are trains. (Aww, my devotion for trains. They are like the best transport ever)

Remember to check them out all! Oh I will.

Cover Reveal: Allegiant by Veronica Roth

Did you see the video on Today Show earlier? The cover of the final book of the bestselling Divergent trilogy is revealed! Here is the HD version

Synopsis:

One choice will define you.

What if your whole world was a lie?
What if a single revelation—like a single choice—changed everything?
What if love and loyalty made you do things you never expected?

The explosive conclusion to Veronica Roth’s #1 New York Times bestselling Divergent trilogy reveals the secrets of the dystopian world that has captivated millions of readers in Divergent and Insurgent. 

Allegiant will be released on October 22, 2013... same as The Iron Traitor and Teardrop (so, October is a month for books just like April, huh?) 

Name Reveal: Divergent #3 by Veronica Roth

The third book of Divergent! Aren't you excited for the explosive finale? I love the name!

Is it Convergent? Nope

Is it Resurgent? Nope

Is it Emergent? Nope

Is it DETERGENT? NOPE

The title is:

ALLEGIANT

What is ALLEGIANT?

So I think the cover will be the symbol of Abnegation?

Possibly. But I think Erudite will do too, because the cover of INSURGENT is Amity. I mean, the meaning of Insurgent is almost the opposite as the word Amity. You know what I mean. :)

Allegiant will be released on October 22, 2013

(God I will never get tired of this name. It's perfect!)

Shards and Ashes: Review

Synopsis:

Gripping original stories of dystopian worlds from nine New York Times bestselling authors, edited by Melissa Marr and Kelley Armstrong.

The world is gone, destroyed by human, ecological, or supernatural causes. Survivors dodge chemical warfare and cruel gods; they travel the reaches of space and inhabit underground caverns. Their enemies are disease, corrupt corporations, and one another; their resources are few, and their courage is tested.

Powerful original dystopian tales from nine bestselling authors offer bleak insight, prophetic visions, and precious glimmers of light among the shards and ashes of a ruined world.

***

This review only contains the short stories by Veronica Roth, Kami Garcia, Margaret Stohl and Beth Revis. And the review might contain spoilers
  
1. Hearken by Veronica Roth

  Hearken is written by NY Times #1 Bestseller Veronica Roth. I have to say the writing is just as beautiful as in Divergent and Insurgent. Her ability of writing the indecision of Darya, the main character of this story is beautiful. And there are the quotes which make people think. A lot. In this way, the story is successful.

The base of this story is Hearken, who can listen your life song or your death song. This is kind of mythical, considering we haven't heard anyone who can literally listen their life/death song. But then, they have to work for the government, so there's a more modern factor in the story. If this is a short story about mysterious abilities, this is a great story. But I think Shards and Ashes is an anthology of a dystopian world. That... there's few things that are related to dystopian stuff in the story. Based on this point, the story disappoints me a little.

Rating: 7.5/10

2. Necklace of Raindrops by Margaret Stohl.

Necklace of Raindrops is written by NY Times Bestseller Margaret Stohl. This is about the mysterious necklace of raindrops and the people holding onto it. The writing style of Margaret Stohl is different from Veronica Roth but just as beautiful. The words are simple yet can touch the deepest corners of your heart. They are beautiful and pure. I look forward to Icons, which is the first book of the Icons series.

In this short story there's a thing that none can ever imagine exist. It's the necklace, which is rumored to have great powers on people wearing them. The story reveals the true "nature" of those necklace, which is in fact, no more than a scientific stuff. But still, this is one crazy story. People risking their lives attempting to get their hands on those necklaces. And the great power that rest inside them is unfathomable in a good way. I love the idea of the story. And the last part of this short story is touching. Very touching. You will learn a lot from this one.

But, like Hearken, there's few dystopian elements in the short story. And like I said, Shards and Ashes is supposed to be an anthology of dystopian worlds.

Rating: 7/10

3. Burn 3 by Kami Garcia

Burn 3 is written by NY Times Bestseller Kami Garcia. Of all four short stories that I read in Shards and Ashes, I love this one most. Firstly, it contains almost every element that a dystopian story needs. The world is burnt by the sun and people can bare live in it. And once a big city in the world is nothing but dust and ashes. This is hell on Earth. It's a true dystopian story.

The idea of the story is not just any dystopian world. It's kinda like Breathe, where the essence of living is lacking. But the story contains more beautiful words. I always like Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl's Caster Chronicles. But this time, the story goes deeper. Yep, there are no quotes that inspire you or great emotions. But the effect is just the same because of the thrill of the story. This is one that you will never forget.

Rating: 8/10

4. Love is a Choice by Beth Revis

Love is a Choice is written by NY Times Bestseller Beth Revis. It's a story about Orion's past, in which that he lives in the dark and attempting to seek out all the secrets that Eldest is fighting so hard to keep. I always love the idea of Across The Universe, about the endless list of secrets that one single ship is hiding. The short story does not contain any particular beautiful words or sophisticated sentences. But I think it works just fine for me.

This story is about Orion's life in Godspeed after everyone was told that he was dead. Then he met a girl who just wants to rebel as much as he does. This is a great plot for the story. But I think the story is just a little bit too long for me, even if the story explains why Orion is so desperate to reveal all the secrets.

Rating: 7.5/10

Divergent #3: Description Reveal and Pre-Order

Waiting for the final installment of Divergent trilogy impatiently like me? Here's some tease (well, not really tease, cuz it's kind of like an early summary of it.) from the book.

What if your whole world was a lie? What if a single revelation—like a single choice—changed everything? What if love and loyalty made you do things you never expected?

Response:

1) Well you remember the sort-of headline of Divergent is "One Choice Can Transform You" and that of Insurgent is "One Choice Can Destroy You". I kind of think that the third one might be "One Choice Can Change You" based on the description alone. But this one resembles the first ... a lot. So maybe some other will be better. We'll have to wait and see.

2) Loyalty? Well, I totally get what love means in this book. But loyalty? Loyalty to who? (Spoiler ahead) Abnegation? Her family? Tobias? The citizens? That's kind of absurd to say loyalty. Well, not unless you're talking about Caleb. That is, if he has any loyalty to anyone other than himself.

3) Totally want this one. Like right now. But I can't freaking pre-order it. Cuz I don't have enough money and my mom will never allow me to pre-order anything again after Clockwork Princess (weeps)

Pre-order it here:

Amazon

Book News: Divergent #3

Woohoo! We finally have an official news about the third book of the Divergent trilogy!

Here's it:

Ooh! Orange background! The cover's gonna be awesome. Maybe the faction seal will be Erudite? (See my post about my predictions of what will be on the cover: Click)

And damn, where's the name! Ahh, will it be Convergent or other names? The anticipation is killing me... literally. (See my post about my predictions of what will the book called: Click)

And... October 22?! It's just too freaking far away!

Divergent Movie Official Pages

Get ready initiates! We now have the Official Divergent Movie Facebook Page, Twitter Page and Summit Entertainment Page!

Facebook Page: (Make sure to like it!)

Facebook.com/DivergentMovie.

Twitter Page: (Make sure to follow it!)

Twitter.com/Divergent

Summit Entertainment Page:

Summit-Ent.com

Synopsis:

In Beatrice Prior's dystopian Chicago world, society is divided into five factions, each dedicated to the cultivation of a particular virtue--Candor (the honest), Abnegation (the selfless), Dauntless (the brave), Amity (the peaceful), and Erudite (the intelligent). On an appointed day of every year, all sixteen-year-olds must select the faction to which they will devote the rest of their lives. For Beatrice, the decision is between staying with her family and being who she really is--she can't have both. So she makes a choice that surprises everyone, including herself.

During the highly competitive initiation that follows, Beatrice renames herself Tris and struggles alongside her fellow initiates to live out the choice they have made. Together they must undergo extreme physical tests of endurance and intense psychological simulations, some with devastating consequences. As initiation transforms them all, Tris must determine who her friends really are--and where, exactly, a romance with a sometimes fascinating, sometimes exasperating boy fits into the life she's chosen. But Tris also has a secret, one she's kept hidden from everyone because she's been warned it can mean death. And as she discovers unrest and growing conflict that threaten to unravel her seemingly perfect society, she also learns that her secret might help her save those she loves . . . or it might destroy her.

***

Book Trailer (Not the movie trailer) of Divergent:

 
 

Flashback Friday: Divergent by Veronica Roth

The first Flashback review in 2013. This time features the first book of NY Times bestselling dystopian trilogy by Veronica Roth. Divergent.

Synopsis:

In Beatrice Prior's dystopian Chicago world, society is divided into five factions, each dedicated to the cultivation of a particular virtue--Candor (the honest), Abnegation (the selfless), Dauntless (the brave), Amity (the peaceful), and Erudite (the intelligent). On an appointed day of every year, all sixteen-year-olds must select the faction to which they will devote the rest of their lives. For Beatrice, the decision is between staying with her family and being who she really is--she can't have both. So she makes a choice that surprises everyone, including herself.

During the highly competitive initiation that follows, Beatrice renames herself Tris and struggles alongside her fellow initiates to live out the choice they have made. Together they must undergo extreme physical tests of endurance and intense psychological simulations, some with devastating consequences. As initiation transforms them all, Tris must determine who her friends really are--and where, exactly, a romance with a sometimes fascinating, sometimes exasperating boy fits into the life she's chosen. But Tris also has a secret, one she's kept hidden from everyone because she's been warned it can mean death. And as she discovers unrest and growing conflict that threaten to unravel her seemingly perfect society, she also learns that her secret might help her save those she loves . . . or it might destroy her.

***

I will always remember the first time I fall in love with the trilogy and the characters. This is probably the first awesome dystopian novel I read since I started my YA nerd times. With the factions, and the pressure in choosing your future, and the futuristic world with a peaceful appearance and chaos brewing underneath, not reading this book is... blasphemous.

The first time I read this book, I thought Tris is unlike everyone else I read in other novels. That was because I was not that nerdy when I first read Divergent. But now, 1 year after my first read, I still can't find a heroine better than Tris. She's extremely brave, and selfless at very important moments even if she claims that she's selfish at times. And she's deadly smart, like Four says. A intelligent dystopian girl with fighting skills? Definitely.

And the really sweet, really selfless and really brave guy is Four. Come on, with the strong, stunning appearance, it's hard to miss Four. And his secrets is just... really surprising. Who can imagine his true identity and his secret about his mind? He's truly Dauntless. He's not one of the bullies in Dauntless compound. Yes, he's really tough. And sometimes he's really cruel to Tris. But his intentions pretty much zero out the cruel part. He's surprisingly sweet, considering his tough to the core and... Stiff. Blue eyes and dark hair? He's irresistible. 

The threads of the book is sophisticated. And really fine-made. Factions leading to enemies and allies between factions. Thus creating chaos. And the emotional thread. Four's unwillingness to become a faction leader, leading to his childhood and his true identity and Divergence. Divergence intertwines with the war brewing between Erudite and Abnegation. And the war is about truth (at least, that's what the factions claim) behind the walls surrounding Chicago, which the information can be found in Insurgent.

This book is full of chaos and mayhem between factions. The lies and the truth are intertwined. There are half-truths. The society is destroyed and twisted. People are ignorant. And a girl, with intelligence and bravery, seeking a way to uncover the truth and set people free from ignorance and a society cage. Siding with a boy, who is surprisingly sweet and selfless and as brave as the girl herself. This is the perfect dystopian novel. It's hard to miss such bright star in bookstores worldwide.

Rating: 9/10

Top Ten YA Novels 2012: Insurgent by Veronica Roth

Finally, the Goodreads Choice 2012 Winner, by the New York Times #1 bestseller Veronica Roth, the sequel of the stunning book Divergent. Time to be a rebel!

No. 1: Insurgent by Veronica Roth

Summary:

One choice can transform you--or it can destroy you. But 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.

Tris's initiation day should have been marked by celebration and victory with her chosen faction; instead, the day ended with unspeakable horrors. War now looms as conflict between the factions and their ideologies grows. And in times of war, sides must be chosen, secrets will emerge, and choices will become even more irrevocable--and even more powerful. Transformed by her own decisions but also by haunting grief and guilt, radical new discoveries, and shifting relationships, Tris must fully embrace her Divergence, even if she does not know what she may lose by doing so.

"New York Times" bestselling author Veronica Roth's much-anticipated second book of the dystopian "Divergent" series is another intoxicating thrill ride of a story, rich with hallmark twists, heartbreaks, romance, and powerful insights about human nature.

***

(I figured I didn't write a review about it...)

Why I love this book so FREAKING much:

1. Best dystopian book ever

The 5 factions is the best thing in my life! Since I read Divergent, I always imagine what it would be like to live in Chicago. And yeah, I fall for the characters. Hard. And then things are getting crazier in Insurgent. All the fights in the Erudite Headquarters is awesome. And the betrayal of Caleb? It's more heart-breaking than it sounds because Caleb is one of my favorite characters in Divergent. The setting is perfect. Best among all the dystopian YA novels.

2. Absence of Love Triangle

Love Triangles are the main point of some very famous YA novels. But no, that is not the case in Insurgent, which is very relieving because after Clockwork Prince, I'm not sure if I can stand another wave like that. Yeah, there are emotional parts in Insurgent that gives us all the feels. But a book can be awesome without love triangles. And Veronica Roth has done a good job in Insurgent. I look forward to the final book of the trilogy.


Why you guys should read this book:

1. The previous two reasons of "why I love this book so FREAKING much"

2. More faction info

What I mean is Candor and Amity. I mean, if you read Divergent, you probably know that this is a war between Erudite and Abnegation, and the Erudite are using Dauntless as pawns. But there are not much about Candor and Amity. In Insurgent we can see that Candor is not that
"honest", and Amity leader is not that like Switzerland. She still has her own ideas. It's interesting to see because we always think that Candor and Amity should be the ones stay clean from this situation.

3. Hidden threats are everywhere

Yeah, first is the Erudite, which is no secret. But then Caleb's betrayal is kind of like a secret at first to Tris. And then there's Marcus, who would do anything to protect the information about the outside which can be the key to break free from the five-faction system. Jeanine is the same. And then there are the factionless, who will do anything to get the information and destroy it, the reason is still unknown, when they should be the group who are the most eager to break free. And then there's the outside, which is still unknown to citizens in Chicago, but can be a threat. Insurgent is the start of all kinds of battles.


Yes, you guys should definitely read Divergent and Insurgent because you will regret not reading this book. This is awesome as hell.

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The third book of Divergent will be released on September 26th, 2013, title unknown (I hope it will be Convergent!)