This book has a clear theme, as shown from the first sentence you read, on the cover: 'One choice can transform you.' Such a simple line, and yet it dragged me in right from the start.
The main character, Beatrice 'Tris' Prior, has reached the age of sixteen, which in her post apocalyptic world, means something bigger than it does to most of us. Tris lives in a world where everyone is divided into five factions. These factions are formed on the basis of virtues their members have - Candor values honesty the most, Abnegation - selflessness, Dauntless - bravery, Amity - peacefulness and Erudite - intelligence. From birth, you are placed in the same faction as your parents, and at age sixteen, must choose your own.
Having been born into the selfless faction of Abnegation, Tris is expected to choose Abnegation at the choosing ceremony. Having taken a test meant to help her choice which didn't seem to work for Tris, she must make the choice by herself. To the surprise of everyone, she chooses the brave and fearless faction of Dauntless, meaning she is unable to see her family again.
Not knowing what she has gotten herself into, Tris must then face different life or death tasks to see if she is brave enough to survive in a Dauntless world. As if the initiation processes aren't bad enough, she also has to worry about not being murdered by others who want to get rid of the competition, and that things are happening outside of the Dauntless area which could put a ruin to the world she currently knows.
In essence, this is a story of betrayal, romance, war, and of course, choices. It is quite reminiscent of the Hungers Games series, but I reckon that if you liked them, you'll love Divergent. It has just the right amount of suspense to keep you wanting more, and plenty of twists that you will not expect.
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