Insurgent by Veronica Roth

Hey everyone! It's Maddie. You've probably read Amelia's review of Divergent by Veronica Roth(below), so here is my review of the sequel Insurgent!

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

REVIEW

This sequel definitely did not disappoint! In fact, I think it was better than Divergent. The
action was exactly what I was expecting, fast paced and exciting, told in a way that brought it to life. Veronica Roth is an amazing writer, and each scene is beautifully written, as we experience everything with Tris, something I love about books written in present tense.

Tris and Four's relationship grew in insurgent. For part of the book it was rocky, as Tris isn't really ready to open up and trust Four completely. There is a lot of suspicion between all the characters, especially when we meet Four's mother. Tris wants to do what she thinks is right, but so does Four, and he doesn't agree with Tris's version of right and wrong. Still, I love Tris and Four together, because I think Four really helps Tris, being there for her and looking out for her as she struggles to find her way.

Divergent was about Tris finding who she was and where she belonged, and we tried to figure that out alongside her. In Insurgent, Tris is still finding her way, and although she is more sure of herself, the questions still remain. Tris undergoes some serious character development in Insurgent, struggling to get over what happened in Divergent, and what she has done. Towards the end of the book, she really thinks about herself, and she sort of... Sees the situation in a new light. She comes to an important realization about herself, and everything she was raised to believe. Of course, then the book ends on a cliff hanger, and I need to know what will happen! When book 3 comes out, I will definitely be picking it up, and if you haven't already, read Divergent and Insurgent because you won't regret it!

Divergent By: Veronica Roth

 

Amelia here!

To start with this review, I have a story....
so, one of my great friends Priya was reading this book. When she was finished, she was completely and utterly OBSESSED. Yes, the capslock is needed. I refused to read it because it looked kind of stupid and nerdy. After Maddie telling me it was good, and multiple suggestions from Priya, I caved.

Apparently, I was wrong. After reading Divergent the first time, I became completely CRAZY too. It wasn't as nerdy as I thought and I even went to read Divergent Fan Fictions to satisfy myself.

REVIEW TIME!!!!

The actual book's back cover doesn't have a synopsis. At least the copy I have. I got this plot synopsis on the version that's selling on Amazon...

In Beatrice Prior's dystopian Chicago, 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 to determine who her friends really are—and where, exactly, a romance with a sometimes fascinating, sometimes infuriating 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 a growing conflict that threatens to unravel her seemingly perfect society, she also learns that her secret might help her save those she loves . . . or it might destroy her.
_______________________________

Well, I totally understand why that synopsis isn't printed on the back... It's too long!!!

I'd  probably give the book 20 out of 10. I know that sounds illogical and stupid, but it was that good. If you like the Hunger Games, you'll DEFINITELY like Divergent. As the text above describes, it's set in about the same time as Hunger Games.

I like Divergent because there isn't a lot of mush. I'm not really one for that kind of stuff (Maddie, maybe?) It's mostly about action and loyalties. What makes it so likeable is that you can sort of connect with the main character. She is trying to prove something to the other people in the faction.

Also, I totally LOVE Veronica Roth because she can write in present tense and not mess up. I'll worship anyone who can write in present tense because I can't.

I have enough courage to admit this. I have a character crush. It's totally understandable, right? I mean, you must've had one in a book you read too, right? I'm not going to embarrass myself further when it comes to who, but read the book and guess!

Divergent taught me to use big words. Have you ever heard of the word Erudite? Divergent? Abnegation? I thought they were her own terms, until I looked them up. I'm pretty sure Divergent could be a dictionary all by itself if Veronica Roth wanted it.

I actually thought it couldn't get better, but I was proven wrong. The second book in the trilogy came out on May 1st and it definitely did not disappoint. It's got as much action and epicness as the first book and proves the saying, 'the first book is always the best' untrue.

The characters are either likeable or easy to relate to. Even the antagonists intrigue you because they aren't the typical 'make the main character suffer for no reason' cliche. They have depth and most of the characters have back stories.

I've read Divergent 5 times in 3 days. That was how much I loved it and I swear you won't be disappointed. I'm sort of picky about my books, but Divergent is probably one of the best undiscovered books. It deserves to be up there with Harry Potter, the Mortal Instruments, and the Hunger Games.

Thanks for reading,

- ♫ Amelia ♫

Guest Post! (The Ruby Key, by: Holly Lisle)

This is Amelia!

I'm super sorry that you guys haven't heard from us in a long time...

Since we're still on school, we're super busy. Maddie has been going to various competitions, and I've been reading and writing a story for a contest! I'm sure you probably don't care, but hey, I'm just putting it out there...

This isn't one of our posts. Our good friend Eman, who is super smart, has written this review for The Ruby Key. I personally haven't read it, but I think Maddie has. You'll probably find it to be good!

Now, turning it over to Eman!

This book is great. For those of you who like adventure books I recomend this book. It has a cliff hanger end to every page. It pulls you into the book to become one of the characters. In the begining its boring but as soon as you hit the quarter mark its interesting. This what the back says:

When Genna and her brother Dan learn that their village chieftain has made a dangerous deal with Letrin, ruler of the Nightlings, offering the lives of his peoplem in exchange for his own immortality, they strike their own bargain with the nightling lord. But the stakes are even higher. Now the siblings must embark upon a journey along the moonroads, and bring back the key to Letrin's downfall.............
Read this book and you'll never want to stop.

I give this book:                                          +       

Wasn't that good? Let's give Eman a big hand!

Remember, if you want to be featured here, just write a review and send it to me! There's a tab at the top with 'request a review.' My Email should be there so you can send.

Also, the next review here is probably going to be Divergent or The Mortal Instruments! Stay tuned for that!