Divergent is a fast-paced dystopian thrill ride with plenty of chills to keep the reader, similar to the main character Beatrice Prior, entering into more dangerous territory.  Beatrice lives in a dystopian world where society is separated into five factions: Candor, the honest; Abnegation, the selfless; Dauntless, the brave; Amity, the peaceful; and Erudite, the intelligent. She a part of the Abnegation faction.  On Selection Day, all sixteen-year-olds must choose a place to call home.  For most teens, the affinity exam makes the choice clear because it usually shows the faction they grew up in, but Beatrice’s results showed she was divergent because she could choose Dauntless, Erudite, and Abnegation.

Beatrice then makes a choice that surprises everyone, including herself.  During the highly competitive initiation that follows in her new faction, Beatrice was able to renames herself and she decided to use her nickname “Tris” as her real name.  She 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 which include devastating consequences.  Tris also has a secret, one that she must keep hidden from everyone because she has been warned it will only bring her death.  She discovers that her seemingly perfect society has unrest and growing conflict that threaten to unravel it.  Tris has a lot to learn, but it is through obstacles and the friendships she makes that she ultimately finds herself.

Divergent by Veronica Roth is one novel that makes readers jump out of their seats and bite their nails.  It draws them into Beatrice’s dystopian world.  Divergent will have readers cheer her on one minute, and cry with her the next.  Victoria A. said, “I loved reading the book.  It was amazing, but I hated the ending.  It just ended with such a cliffhanger.”  This is one book that is recommended to anyone who loves action, bravery, a little romance, and a ton of adventure.