Divergent

A couple of months ago Carmen posted about this book she had just read - "Divergent" by Veronica Roth. When I was at a bookstore recently the salesclerk was mentioning this book for those who liked "The Hunger Games" - "Divergent". Hmm - two comments from two different sources. I was intrigued.

When I was at Vancouver Kidsbooks it was on their wall of bestsellers for young adults and I picked it up. I have just finished it and it was.... very good... even great and had me so hooked as the story progressed. What an exciting ending. But for the very mature readers. (sorry Gwen!)

In a dystopian society set in Chicago the population is divided into five separate and distinct factions that are dedicated to different virtues; Candor are honest, Abnegation are selfless, Dauntless are brave, Amity are peaceful and Erudite are intelligent. When a teen turns 16 they take an aptitude test to guide them into a faction but they are also allowed to choose which faction they will dedicate the rest of their lives to.

Triss comes from Abnegation but chooses Dauntless where she is challenged by extreme tasks she must compete and succeed at or be banished into the factionless, those homeless souls dependent on the generosity of the Abnegation for survival. For her, that is not an option.

In her new surroundings she discovers a side of herself she never knew existed, she discovers the value of friendship and she discovers first love. She also discovers a plot to shake the whole system up, a deadly plot for those she loves.

This is such a gripping tale you cannot help but be caught up in it. It starts slow but builds and builds and the ending is once again only the beginning.