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Cover of Divergent

Divergent

Veronica Roth (2010)

SubgenreSci-Fi Romance
Age groupYA 12-17
Content ratingPG-13
Pages (Standard (250-400))
SettingNew York City
CSM age13

Content levels

ViolenceStrong
Sexual contentMild
LanguageMild

Synopsis

ā€˜Divergent’ is the first in a trilogy of dystopian, YA novels by Veronica Roth. The book is written from Beatrice Prior’s (Tris), point of view and is written in short chapters making it easy to put down and pick up again. The story is fast paced with full on action throughout. It contains elements of humour and romance, alongside some seriously brutal scenes, especially during Tris’s initiation. There is also quite a few though provoking moments. This was one of the first YA novels that I read and I found myself hooked right through to the very last word. The scenes are described in detail giving you a clear picture and making it easy to visualise the on goings in your head. Tris can be a little moody at times and doubts herself too much, but this only adds to her good nature, fun, determined and strong personality which we see blossom throughout The ending wasn’t what I expected, thus my need to get the second book, ā€˜Insurgent’, straight away. I Needed to know what happened next. I surprisingly found myself enjoying Divergent much more than I first thought I would, and thus my love of YA novels began. Divergent was made into a movie back in 2014. If you have seen the film but not read the book then you are missing out on vital aspects of the plot and characters, that didn’t appear in the film. I enjoyed the film, just not as much as the book.

Tags

Dystopian FictionActionAdventureComing of Age

Is Divergent appropriate for my child?

Suitable for most readers 13 and up.

Intense violence during initiation sequences includes brutal fighting, some with deadly consequences. Brief romance (kissing only) and themes of self-discovery and defying authority.

What to know going in

This book has strong violence, mild sexual content, and mild language. Content notes include torture, graphic violence, emotional abuse, captivity, and death (see the full list above).

Who'll love this

Fast-paced dystopian adventure with a strong heroine choosing her own path and discovering her power in a society that demands conformity.