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Divergent #0.1-3
Divergent Series Ultimate Four-Book Collection: Divergent; Insurgent; Allegiant; Four
Available together for the first time—all three books in the #1 New York Times bestselling Divergent trilogy, plus the companion volume told from the perspective of the immensely popular character Tobias. Perfect for established fans who want to own the full Divergent library or readers new to the series, this ebook bundle includes Divergent, Insurgent, Allegiant, and A Divergent Collection.
One choice can transform you. Veronica Roth's #1 New York Times bestselling debut is a gripping dystopian tale of electrifying choices, powerful consequences, unexpected romance, and a deeply flawed "perfect society."
One choice can destroy you. Veronica Roth's second #1 New York Times bestseller continues the dystopian thrill ride. As war surges in the factions all around her, Tris attempts to save those she loves—and herself—while grappling with haunting questions of grief and forgiveness, identity and loyalty, politics and love.
The explosive conclusion to Veronica Roth's #1 New York Times bestselling Divergent trilogy reveals the secrets of the dystopian world that has captivated millions of readers.
A Divergent A companion volume to the worldwide bestselling Divergent series, told from the perspective of Tobias. The four pieces included—"The Transfer," "The Initiate," "The Son," and "The Traitor"—plus three additional exclusive scenes, give readers a fascinating glimpse into the history and heart of Tobias, and set the stage for the epic saga of the Divergent trilogy.
And don't miss The Fates Divide, Veronica Roth's powerful sequel to the bestselling Carve the Mark!
One choice can transform you. Veronica Roth's #1 New York Times bestselling debut is a gripping dystopian tale of electrifying choices, powerful consequences, unexpected romance, and a deeply flawed "perfect society."
One choice can destroy you. Veronica Roth's second #1 New York Times bestseller continues the dystopian thrill ride. As war surges in the factions all around her, Tris attempts to save those she loves—and herself—while grappling with haunting questions of grief and forgiveness, identity and loyalty, politics and love.
The explosive conclusion to Veronica Roth's #1 New York Times bestselling Divergent trilogy reveals the secrets of the dystopian world that has captivated millions of readers.
A Divergent A companion volume to the worldwide bestselling Divergent series, told from the perspective of Tobias. The four pieces included—"The Transfer," "The Initiate," "The Son," and "The Traitor"—plus three additional exclusive scenes, give readers a fascinating glimpse into the history and heart of Tobias, and set the stage for the epic saga of the Divergent trilogy.
And don't miss The Fates Divide, Veronica Roth's powerful sequel to the bestselling Carve the Mark!
Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2011
About the author
Veronica Roth
57 books461k followersVeronica Roth is the New York Times best-selling author of Arch-Conspirator, Poster Girl, Chosen Ones, the short story collection The End and Other Beginnings, the Carve the Mark duology, and the Divergent series. She lives in Chicago, Illinois with her husband and dog.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 221 reviews
August 20, 2020
Soo awesome! I can't even imagine that it's over! I've always cried in the end of a serie but that was nothing compared to this book!
February 18, 2024
For me this was what amounted to a re-read, which coincided well with hurricane Fiona (which has kept me and the rest of our town of Cabo Rojo, Puerto Rico in the dark for three entire weeks so far.) I watched the YA series in the theater with my stepdaughters, their mom, and my boys under duress. Admittedly, I enjoyed myself because Veronica Roth's world-building is impeccable. Consequently, when I "happened upon" the boxed set on Amazon, I grabbed it.
Talking to one of my kids (who is a non-reader), she relayed that she wanted to do more reading since deployment can sometimes be boring. I suggested this set as a buddy-read because she was already familiar with the characters. Fully expecting this series to go into next year, I was surprised how quickly this was inhaled. Clearly, having discussions with her augmented my subsequent enjoyment. I have already stated elsewhere that I hate the ending, and I will not reveal spoilers, but taking the series as a whole, and the conditions of my re-read, I have to give Veronica Roth a hearty thanks.
Talking to one of my kids (who is a non-reader), she relayed that she wanted to do more reading since deployment can sometimes be boring. I suggested this set as a buddy-read because she was already familiar with the characters. Fully expecting this series to go into next year, I was surprised how quickly this was inhaled. Clearly, having discussions with her augmented my subsequent enjoyment. I have already stated elsewhere that I hate the ending, and I will not reveal spoilers, but taking the series as a whole, and the conditions of my re-read, I have to give Veronica Roth a hearty thanks.
March 6, 2024
La quadrilogia è composta da romanzi young adult distopici ambientati nel futuro. In un mondo governato da fazioni, ognuna composta da persone con caratteristiche tipiche e delle regole precise, Tris cerca la sua dimensione. Sceglierà una fazione completamente diversa da quella di origine.
Nel primo libro impariamo a conoscere meglio Tris, le dinamiche delle varie fazioni e incontriamo Quattro/Tobias, il protagonista maschile della vicenda.
Nel secondo libro, le fazioni sono a rischio a causa di una guerra civile che modificherà il mondo così com'è stato fino a quel momento. Il libro è un po' più caotico del precedente ma molto avvincente.
Il terzo libro l'ho trovato un po' più lento e tratta di quello che viene definito 'il mondo al di fuori'. Si entra in maniera più approfondita nella trama e si comprendono meglio le dinamiche raccontate nei libri precedenti.
Non tutti hanno amato il plot twist finale, ma a me è piaciuto molto perché l'ho trovato coerente.
Il quarto libro è la storia dal punto di vista di Tobias, uno dei personaggi che più ho amato, in quanto la scrittrice è riuscita a renderlo forte ma vulnerabile e ben caratterizzato. Quando leggo di lui e Tris ho questa sensazione di sicurezza che non è facile far emergere da un libro.
Molti personaggi sono morti durante la saga ed è in linea con la guerra civile che imperversa. Mi dispiace solo che alcuni personaggi secondari non siano stati più valorizzati come per esempio Peter o Tori. La quadrilogia è consistente ma si legge con grande facilità.
Nel primo libro impariamo a conoscere meglio Tris, le dinamiche delle varie fazioni e incontriamo Quattro/Tobias, il protagonista maschile della vicenda.
Nel secondo libro, le fazioni sono a rischio a causa di una guerra civile che modificherà il mondo così com'è stato fino a quel momento. Il libro è un po' più caotico del precedente ma molto avvincente.
Il terzo libro l'ho trovato un po' più lento e tratta di quello che viene definito 'il mondo al di fuori'. Si entra in maniera più approfondita nella trama e si comprendono meglio le dinamiche raccontate nei libri precedenti.
Non tutti hanno amato il plot twist finale, ma a me è piaciuto molto perché l'ho trovato coerente.
Il quarto libro è la storia dal punto di vista di Tobias, uno dei personaggi che più ho amato, in quanto la scrittrice è riuscita a renderlo forte ma vulnerabile e ben caratterizzato. Quando leggo di lui e Tris ho questa sensazione di sicurezza che non è facile far emergere da un libro.
Molti personaggi sono morti durante la saga ed è in linea con la guerra civile che imperversa. Mi dispiace solo che alcuni personaggi secondari non siano stati più valorizzati come per esempio Peter o Tori. La quadrilogia è consistente ma si legge con grande facilità.
February 17, 2024
Questo era il mio tomo acquistato a fine 2019, con la copertina rigida, pesantissimo da tenere in borsa per leggerlo fuori casa, che racchiude i quattro libri di questa saga distopica young adult che, come ormai si è capito, rileggendola la seconda volta, per me è stata una lenta, lentissima discesa verso un precipizio.
L’idea iniziale del primo libro era bellissima, sebbene la storia del siero non mi aveva tanto convinto nemmeno con la prima lettura, poi però con il secondo e il terzo libro… ‘na tragedia.
Ma questa è solo la mia opinione, ognuno di noi deve avere la sacrosanta libertà di leggere ciò che gli pare e piace e poi dire o non dire quello che pensa. E ci sta anche che, crescendo come persona e come lettore, si possa cambiare opinione a distanza di tempo.
L’idea iniziale del primo libro era bellissima, sebbene la storia del siero non mi aveva tanto convinto nemmeno con la prima lettura, poi però con il secondo e il terzo libro… ‘na tragedia.
Ma questa è solo la mia opinione, ognuno di noi deve avere la sacrosanta libertà di leggere ciò che gli pare e piace e poi dire o non dire quello che pensa. E ci sta anche che, crescendo come persona e come lettore, si possa cambiare opinione a distanza di tempo.
Read
August 18, 2017Using this to mark that I read divergent twice in 1 year, and so that I'll get credit for it on my reading challenge =)
December 28, 2022
A great story and series
August 14, 2017
3.5 stars. Please just consider this a review for all the books except book three. I don't accept Allegiant as canon. Bye.
Okay, look, I know that in the book community, Divergent is occasionally considered an overhyped hunger games remake. Maybe just stop reading this review if that's how you feel about it. Because I absolutely LOVE this book.
WHY THIS BOOK STANDS OUT: AN ESSAY BY ME
Whenever I hear people joke about Tris being similar to Katniss, I immediately assume they haven't read both books. Because Tris is nothing like Katniss. Katniss can be very cold and dispassionate: she's driven by her need to protect her sister. Tris is not at all cold. She's driven by passionate, self-righteous anger. She's extremely reckless and These things are written as character flaws. Tris is called out for being reckless in the face of danger multiple times throughout the series. She's flawed in a realistic way and she'll always remain one of my favorite fictional characters.
While the worldbuilding of this book is admittedly a little odd, this book does a wonderful job exploring fear. There's such a deep examination of fear and its roots, which I've never seen in another book.
This book does a damn good job with moral conflicts.
OTHER GOOD THINGS
Tobias and Tris are my favorite damn couple. Their dynamic just... works. I love how they narratively parallel each other and reflect each other's flaws. I love how they fight but there's no dramatic breakup. (Oh, there's another bonus! No love triangle.) And that scene between them in the fear landscape remains one of my top ten scenes ever. The lack of jerkass guy x sweet innocent girl romance is also a plus. (Side note: I still think the movie Tobias was way too hot for the role. Maybe I should've known I was gay sooner??)
And the side characters!! I love the side characters. I love the Uriah and Lynn and Marlene dream team. I love Christina and Will. And Tris' family relationships make me feel All The Emotions.
SLIGHTLY LESS GOOD THINGS, AND WHY I IGNORED THEM AND LOVED THIS BOOK
The book isn't a very sensical dystopia. In some ways, I guess the faction thing is no less sensical than the Hogwarts worldbuilding. Actually, I think the alignments based on top values make more sense than HP houses. So I'm not really bothered by that.
All the worldbuilding is technically explained in Allegiant, but I hate Allegiant SO MUCH that I'm just going to acknowledge how weird the divergent tests are.
THE BIG BIG CON AND REASON I CAN NEVER ACTUALLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK
Because the last book fucking sucked. Sorry. Here's my ranty, spoiler-filled review about that. This book totally would've made my all-time favorites list if not for my anger over Allegiant.
Divergent is solidly the best book
Insurgent is kind of a "meh" second book. It's not terrible, just not amazing. At least it's not as bad as book three.
Allegiant is... a fucking mess. I wrote a separate review because I was just that pissed off. Fuck you, Allegiant.
Four is a typical story collection, but it's one I liked a decent amount. I always did like Four's character.
Okay, look, I know that in the book community, Divergent is occasionally considered an overhyped hunger games remake. Maybe just stop reading this review if that's how you feel about it. Because I absolutely LOVE this book.
WHY THIS BOOK STANDS OUT: AN ESSAY BY ME
Whenever I hear people joke about Tris being similar to Katniss, I immediately assume they haven't read both books. Because Tris is nothing like Katniss. Katniss can be very cold and dispassionate: she's driven by her need to protect her sister. Tris is not at all cold. She's driven by passionate, self-righteous anger. She's extremely reckless and These things are written as character flaws. Tris is called out for being reckless in the face of danger multiple times throughout the series. She's flawed in a realistic way and she'll always remain one of my favorite fictional characters.
While the worldbuilding of this book is admittedly a little odd, this book does a wonderful job exploring fear. There's such a deep examination of fear and its roots, which I've never seen in another book.
This book does a damn good job with moral conflicts.
OTHER GOOD THINGS
Tobias and Tris are my favorite damn couple. Their dynamic just... works. I love how they narratively parallel each other and reflect each other's flaws. I love how they fight but there's no dramatic breakup. (Oh, there's another bonus! No love triangle.) And that scene between them in the fear landscape remains one of my top ten scenes ever. The lack of jerkass guy x sweet innocent girl romance is also a plus. (Side note: I still think the movie Tobias was way too hot for the role. Maybe I should've known I was gay sooner??)
And the side characters!! I love the side characters. I love the Uriah and Lynn and Marlene dream team. I love Christina and Will. And Tris' family relationships make me feel All The Emotions.
SLIGHTLY LESS GOOD THINGS, AND WHY I IGNORED THEM AND LOVED THIS BOOK
The book isn't a very sensical dystopia. In some ways, I guess the faction thing is no less sensical than the Hogwarts worldbuilding. Actually, I think the alignments based on top values make more sense than HP houses. So I'm not really bothered by that.
All the worldbuilding is technically explained in Allegiant, but I hate Allegiant SO MUCH that I'm just going to acknowledge how weird the divergent tests are.
THE BIG BIG CON AND REASON I CAN NEVER ACTUALLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK
Because the last book fucking sucked. Sorry. Here's my ranty, spoiler-filled review about that. This book totally would've made my all-time favorites list if not for my anger over Allegiant.
Divergent is solidly the best book
Insurgent is kind of a "meh" second book. It's not terrible, just not amazing. At least it's not as bad as book three.
Allegiant is... a fucking mess. I wrote a separate review because I was just that pissed off. Fuck you, Allegiant.
Four is a typical story collection, but it's one I liked a decent amount. I always did like Four's character.
June 8, 2019
I have mixed feelings about this series. The author constructed a creative world, although it was not without its questions and shortcomings. Divergent and Insurgent were excellent pieces of work, but it fell apart with Alliegiant (much like Mockinjay did for the Hunger Games series). C'est la vie.
August 6, 2014
ALL THOSE FEELS WERE WORTH IT.
August 27, 2016
I am so stunned I can't even.
I hadn't been this hooked on a book since The Hunger Games (but make no mistakes, this is no Hunger Games). Until I finished reading absolutely everything there was to read from this series, I couldn't do anything else. I read a book per day, and then all the short stories in another. I just went nuts, I couldn't stop. I barely even slept.
I'm still trying to catch my breath.
I will here talk about the three books altogether as I always do for series.
Because of all the hype, I was expecting it to be special but, at the same time, not THAT special.
At first I was still on the fence about it because of the language. I guess I am not used to the YA writing style anymore; and, besides, I had just finished reading Hamlet, so that probably also made it a little worse. But then I remembered that this is a Young Adult book and, therefore, this is the perfect level of english for this genre. I got over it and it stopped being an issue. You can't diminish a children's book because the language is too simple, and here it's the same. But yes, I can understand why some people don't like it that much.
And now that the review of the story itself is going to start, I feel obliged to warn you that it contains major spoilers, so if you haven't read this yet but you have every intention to, back off AND GO READ IT ALREADY. Then you may come back to read my nonsensical blurts. If you choose to read this review nonetheless, I will not take charge of the consequences if you end up wanting to kill me.
---
Did I ever tell you that I just LOVE dystopias? Dystopian essays are an ultimate analysis of humanity and that's what fascinates me. Conjecturing about how we would act in extreme situations.
The story is beautiful, although some of the ways the events turned out were a little weird. The premiss may come out a little weird, yes, but the plot, and particularly the end, are NOT predictable. Shut up, you can't just KILL the main character, that's just.... AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH WHYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY. I guess if I had read A Game of Thrones before I wouldn't have been so floored. So yeah, the ending hurt like hell, but I can't hate it, because it suit the story perfectly, which just hurts even more. It was the most loyal unrolling of events, however helpless that makes us feel.
These books deal with an incredible number of issues in a surprising and somewhat subtle way. From peer pressure, to domestic abuse, depression, coping with death, grief and pain, facing your fears, learning how to trust and how not to trust, standing up for what you believe, keeping your mind open, self control, forgiving without forgetting, knowing when you are doing the right thing, concentrated power, ambition, control, homosexuality, labels, prejudice, loyalty, love, hate, friendship and the boundaries of our relationships, learning how to make the best out of everyone's best, and discrimination, genetical discrimination in this case.
It's a hellish roller coaster that does not stop, it sometimes slows down but if you want to get in or off, you have no choice but to jump in or out *winks*.
One thing I really appreciated was that Veronica Roth did not try to create perfect characters. You saw everyone's flaws and how they learned to cope with each other despite them, and that's beautiful. Beatrice and Tobias were "not very nice", as some said, it was not hidden that they liked to hurt other people, for instance, but that was okay because they had an important thing called self control, and that's what makes the difference and what is missing in a lot of us.
One thing that makes our forever alone stomachs sink is great and poweful love stories, and this is one of those cases, so prepare yourself for tight throats.
I can't help but to feel like shit when I read this kind of story about brave people that actually do something to try and change society. I feel like shit because I am a wuss who is afraid of bugs and does not leave her stupid bubble.
It made me want to do something and be more active, not exactly to do the same things they had to do since fortunately we are not living in a post-apocalyptic scenario (although I wouldn't be amazed if we were on the verge of one). My adrenaline junkie monster is back with a new will to take on new challenges and learn things like self-defense.
I was disoriented, flummoxed, dazed, baffled, and restless, not knowing how to cope with the fact that it was over just like that. I read it too fast and I felt it to intensely and then when it ended, I didn't know who I was or what the fudge my purpose was (I still don't know it, though). But I can understand the people that did not think it was that good: the organization of this dystopian world is not interably believable, the writing style is not admirable, the characters weren't always consistent, there were some incongruences (for exemple, I didn't find Tris as intelligent as she was supposed to be), I can see all of that and that's what is keeping me on the fence about giving it 5 stars, but make no mistake, I was still addicted to it and it truly moved me, I loved it. It is a YA after all, and I should be judging it as a Young Adult book, not an Adult book. I think it is a perfect book for the average teen or a mature child, maybe not so great for a well read adult with great expectations.
I can't even think about beginning a new book right now. I need to get my shit together. Writing this review was my way of mourning, dealing with loss, grief and pain and relieving some of my mixed feelings before I completely freaked out and threw myself off the balcony.
Now that the dust has set, I went for the 4 stars. I sometimes feel bad, I know if I was younger I wouldn't have thought twice before giving it the 5 stars, I just wish I had read it sooner.
I hadn't been this hooked on a book since The Hunger Games (but make no mistakes, this is no Hunger Games). Until I finished reading absolutely everything there was to read from this series, I couldn't do anything else. I read a book per day, and then all the short stories in another. I just went nuts, I couldn't stop. I barely even slept.
I'm still trying to catch my breath.
I will here talk about the three books altogether as I always do for series.
Because of all the hype, I was expecting it to be special but, at the same time, not THAT special.
At first I was still on the fence about it because of the language. I guess I am not used to the YA writing style anymore; and, besides, I had just finished reading Hamlet, so that probably also made it a little worse. But then I remembered that this is a Young Adult book and, therefore, this is the perfect level of english for this genre. I got over it and it stopped being an issue. You can't diminish a children's book because the language is too simple, and here it's the same. But yes, I can understand why some people don't like it that much.
And now that the review of the story itself is going to start, I feel obliged to warn you that it contains major spoilers, so if you haven't read this yet but you have every intention to, back off AND GO READ IT ALREADY. Then you may come back to read my nonsensical blurts. If you choose to read this review nonetheless, I will not take charge of the consequences if you end up wanting to kill me.
---
Did I ever tell you that I just LOVE dystopias? Dystopian essays are an ultimate analysis of humanity and that's what fascinates me. Conjecturing about how we would act in extreme situations.
The story is beautiful, although some of the ways the events turned out were a little weird. The premiss may come out a little weird, yes, but the plot, and particularly the end, are NOT predictable. Shut up, you can't just KILL the main character, that's just.... AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH WHYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY. I guess if I had read A Game of Thrones before I wouldn't have been so floored. So yeah, the ending hurt like hell, but I can't hate it, because it suit the story perfectly, which just hurts even more. It was the most loyal unrolling of events, however helpless that makes us feel.
These books deal with an incredible number of issues in a surprising and somewhat subtle way. From peer pressure, to domestic abuse, depression, coping with death, grief and pain, facing your fears, learning how to trust and how not to trust, standing up for what you believe, keeping your mind open, self control, forgiving without forgetting, knowing when you are doing the right thing, concentrated power, ambition, control, homosexuality, labels, prejudice, loyalty, love, hate, friendship and the boundaries of our relationships, learning how to make the best out of everyone's best, and discrimination, genetical discrimination in this case.
It's a hellish roller coaster that does not stop, it sometimes slows down but if you want to get in or off, you have no choice but to jump in or out *winks*.
One thing I really appreciated was that Veronica Roth did not try to create perfect characters. You saw everyone's flaws and how they learned to cope with each other despite them, and that's beautiful. Beatrice and Tobias were "not very nice", as some said, it was not hidden that they liked to hurt other people, for instance, but that was okay because they had an important thing called self control, and that's what makes the difference and what is missing in a lot of us.
One thing that makes our forever alone stomachs sink is great and poweful love stories, and this is one of those cases, so prepare yourself for tight throats.
I can't help but to feel like shit when I read this kind of story about brave people that actually do something to try and change society. I feel like shit because I am a wuss who is afraid of bugs and does not leave her stupid bubble.
It made me want to do something and be more active, not exactly to do the same things they had to do since fortunately we are not living in a post-apocalyptic scenario (although I wouldn't be amazed if we were on the verge of one). My adrenaline junkie monster is back with a new will to take on new challenges and learn things like self-defense.
I was disoriented, flummoxed, dazed, baffled, and restless, not knowing how to cope with the fact that it was over just like that. I read it too fast and I felt it to intensely and then when it ended, I didn't know who I was or what the fudge my purpose was (I still don't know it, though). But I can understand the people that did not think it was that good: the organization of this dystopian world is not interably believable, the writing style is not admirable, the characters weren't always consistent, there were some incongruences (for exemple, I didn't find Tris as intelligent as she was supposed to be), I can see all of that and that's what is keeping me on the fence about giving it 5 stars, but make no mistake, I was still addicted to it and it truly moved me, I loved it. It is a YA after all, and I should be judging it as a Young Adult book, not an Adult book. I think it is a perfect book for the average teen or a mature child, maybe not so great for a well read adult with great expectations.
I can't even think about beginning a new book right now. I need to get my shit together. Writing this review was my way of mourning, dealing with loss, grief and pain and relieving some of my mixed feelings before I completely freaked out and threw myself off the balcony.
Now that the dust has set, I went for the 4 stars. I sometimes feel bad, I know if I was younger I wouldn't have thought twice before giving it the 5 stars, I just wish I had read it sooner.
January 19, 2015
The plot carries you along, but ultimately, it's just OK. I had problems with it. In its defense, I'd say that this edition is the way to read it: all at once, as one big novel. Since there are no continuity gaps or breaks between the books, plowing through works best.
First problem is the writing. It's average at best. When she starts using Tobias's POV in the third book, there's virtually no difference in the voice. A bit less than OK on setting, probably works better for people intimately familiar with Chicago. And unfortunately, she has no innate gift for action sequences. It's always at the level of genre writing, more about moving the plot forward than the characters. If I think about good dystopian sci-fi, I'm thinking about something like Snow Crash. This isn't even close to playing in that league. But Ms. Roth is young, probably has more money than God now, and all the time in the world to improve.
Second problem is the tech. I have no idea whether this was supposed to be alternate history, or set far into the future, but everything in the setting was current...except that the knowledge of neurobiology and genetics (especially at the level of manipulation and control) was easily 50-100 years ahead of where we currently are. So for me, the tech came in at the "sonic screwdriver" level, where you have magic that lets you move the plot in any direction you like, and you never have to explain or explore the science in the science fiction.
And ultimately, you don't want to think about this plot too closely. Whether it's the legal and ethical landscape, or at the practical level of how the characters are obtaining various things they're using that their "society" has no capacity to create, or the psychology of a sociopath being capable of enough reflection to decide that he doesn't want to be a sociopath (he understands "normal"and knows he's not it? Huh?)...none of it really feels "right," like a seamless imagined world where all the pieces fit together perfectly, and you can have the pleasure of joining the characters there.
Obviously, all this is just my opinion. I wish I had enjoyed this more than I actually did.
First problem is the writing. It's average at best. When she starts using Tobias's POV in the third book, there's virtually no difference in the voice. A bit less than OK on setting, probably works better for people intimately familiar with Chicago. And unfortunately, she has no innate gift for action sequences. It's always at the level of genre writing, more about moving the plot forward than the characters. If I think about good dystopian sci-fi, I'm thinking about something like Snow Crash. This isn't even close to playing in that league. But Ms. Roth is young, probably has more money than God now, and all the time in the world to improve.
Second problem is the tech. I have no idea whether this was supposed to be alternate history, or set far into the future, but everything in the setting was current...except that the knowledge of neurobiology and genetics (especially at the level of manipulation and control) was easily 50-100 years ahead of where we currently are. So for me, the tech came in at the "sonic screwdriver" level, where you have magic that lets you move the plot in any direction you like, and you never have to explain or explore the science in the science fiction.
And ultimately, you don't want to think about this plot too closely. Whether it's the legal and ethical landscape, or at the practical level of how the characters are obtaining various things they're using that their "society" has no capacity to create, or the psychology of a sociopath being capable of enough reflection to decide that he doesn't want to be a sociopath (he understands "normal"and knows he's not it? Huh?)...none of it really feels "right," like a seamless imagined world where all the pieces fit together perfectly, and you can have the pleasure of joining the characters there.
Obviously, all this is just my opinion. I wish I had enjoyed this more than I actually did.
September 25, 2015
I really enjoyed this series of books. I think that reading all the books one after the other helps with the continuity. I agree with all the reviews that the first two books were incredible. It was like a runaway freight train. I had a hard time putting it down. The third book was also very good, I thought it was very engaging but the way the story was written was done through either Tris' or Tobias' point of view. And I also enjoyed the forth book which is a compilation of short stories that give you some background and thoughts of what happened to Four and his thoughts about Tris during her initiation.
The reason I gave 4stars and not 5 is I was disappointed in the ending. I know that every story doesn't always have a happy ending but I can always hope for one!
The reason I gave 4stars and not 5 is I was disappointed in the ending. I know that every story doesn't always have a happy ending but I can always hope for one!
August 19, 2020
Divergent - 3 stars
Divergent is based in future dystopian world where the people are divided in factions. It was a little slow in the beginning but I was intrigued nevertheless to find out what the each faction does or rather what the people in each faction do.
Insurgent - 2 stars
This book dragged on so much and there was very little action. I did not like it.
Allegiant - 2 stars
This whole series is very underwhelming and disappointing. But this book was even more disappointing than the first two books.
Four - 5 stars
The only book I liked from the before or after or in-between books of the series. I love Four and loved his POV.
Divergent is based in future dystopian world where the people are divided in factions. It was a little slow in the beginning but I was intrigued nevertheless to find out what the each faction does or rather what the people in each faction do.
Insurgent - 2 stars
This book dragged on so much and there was very little action. I did not like it.
Allegiant - 2 stars
This whole series is very underwhelming and disappointing. But this book was even more disappointing than the first two books.
Four - 5 stars
The only book I liked from the before or after or in-between books of the series. I love Four and loved his POV.
January 26, 2015
Die ersten beiden Teile “Divergent” und “Insurgent” habe ich förmlich inhaliert. Beide Bücher haben nicht länger als zwei Abende vorgehalten – ein gutes Zeichen, wenn die Story einen dazu einlädt einfach einzutauchen.
Während mich Band Eins restlos begeistert hat, empfand ich die Entwicklung der lovestory bereits im zweiten Band als etwas anstrengend, weil oftmals diese Situationen entstehen, die für Teenagerverhältnisse normal sind: Ich liebe ihn, ich will ihn nie mehr wiedersehen, ich liebe ihn trotzdem, ich kann ihn nicht ertragen – und das im gefühlt ständigen Wechsel. Aber das kann ich akzeptieren, schließlich sollen unsere Helden 16 und 18 sein und in dem Alter ist man sich seiner Gefühle vielleicht noch nicht immer so sicher. Geschenkt. Bis hierhin ist die Story spannend, mitreißend, schnell. Tris und Tobias wirken zwar nicht mehr wie Teenager, aber haben wenigstens endlich so zusammengefunden, wie es sich der Leser wünscht.
Ich gehe jetzt hier direkt auf Band drei ein, weil der Abschluss der Serie meine Wertung leider auf 3/5 Sterne runterreißt.
ACHTUNG +++ MAJOR SPOILER +++
Der Leser wird aus dem schnellen pace der Story herausgerissen und in ein irres Zeitlumpentempo katapultiert, so dass sich das Lesen anfühlt, als würde man versuchen durch Honig zu schwimmen.
Nachdem Roth eine so tolle und lebendige Umgebung geschaffen hatte, ist dieser compound mehr als ernüchternd. Okay, vielleicht gibt es dort nicht so viel zum Erschaffen, aber dann ist es für genau diese Story eben nicht die richtige Wahl für das Setting für den großen Showdown.
Aber hey, mit einem schlechten Setting könnte ich ja noch leben. Mit einer total verhunzten Storyline allerdings nicht.
Der komplette dritte Teil (bis auf sehr wenige Seiten) spielt ausschließlich innerhalb dieses compounds und es ist – langweilig.
Die Helden erfahren in diesem wissenschaftlichen compound hinter der Stadt, dass sie ihr Leben lang in einer Art Truman Show herumgetanzt sind. Lauter Wissenschaftler sitzen an Monitoren und supervisen die Stadt den lieben langen Tag (und nachts), weil es sich um ein Experiment handelt. Herzlich willkommen bei Lost, Namaste.
Ich gebe zu, dass ich so ein Szenario bereits befürchtet habe, aber dass es so schlimm wird, hätte ich niemals gedacht.
Roth kommt mit einer wahnwitzigen Theorie um die Ecke: Das Experiment dient dazu, die Menschheit von einem Gendefekt zu heilen. Angeblich haben die Menschen vor hunderten von Jahren damit angefangen, die Gene zu manipulieren, damit schlechte Eigenschaften nicht mehr weiter vererbt werden. Schlechte Eigenschaften aka Aggression, Feigheit, blabla. Im Prinzip geht es um genau die Dinge, die die factions innerhalb des Experiments lehren sollen: Wie man selbstlos lebt, wie man furchtlos lebt, usw..
Da die Divergents in keine faction so richtig passen, soll nun die conclusion sein, dass es sich hier um genetisch geheilte Menschen handelt, während alle anderen noch immer einen Defekt im Erbgut mit sich herumtragen.
Macht keinen Sinn? Macht wirklich keinen Sinn.
Jetzt stellt sich mir natürlich die Frage, warum die Menschen das kaputte Gen nicht einfach zurückmanipulieren? Immerhin sind sie in der Lage Serum Zeug zu erstellen, dass solche freakigen Dinge hinbekommt, wie hirnlose Soldatenzombies zu erschaffen, die von einem Computerprogramm gesteuert werden können. Oder einen dazu zwingt, die Wahrheit zu sagen. Oder eben Halluzinationen im Kopf erzeugen kann, die man auf einem Computerscreen anschauen kann. Simulationen im eigenen Kopf, in die man sogar jemanden mitnehmen kann.
Warum der ganze Aufwand, solche Experimente zu starten, wenn man auf die Gentechnik zurückgreifen könnte? Zuvor wurde in den Büchern mehrfach betont, dass nur genverändertes Essen in der Stadt verzehrt wird, weil es gar kein anderes mehr gibt.
Desweiteren erschließt sich mir in diesem Punkt nicht, warum man in den Experimentstädten genetisch “defekte” und genetisch “geheilte” Menschen miteinander mischt. Wenn es das ultimative Ziel ist, diesen “Genfehler” herauszuzüchten, wie auch immer man es nennen will, wäre es dann nicht einzig sinnvoll NUR genetisch geheilte Menschen innerhalb der Städte zu “halten”? So könnte man problemlos verhindern, dass sich die defekten Gene weiter vererben.
Mal abgesehen davon, dass diese ganze Genetiklehre hinkt (wobei hinken nicht das richtige Wort ist, das ist so bescheuert aufgezogen, dass es nicht mal Beine zum hinken hat), entgleitet Roth auch der Rest der Story völlig.
Die Figuren, die wir in den letzten Büchern so sehr lieben gelernt haben, sind nicht mehr existent.
Die side characters, die ebenfalls aus der Stadt geflohen sind und eine wichtige Rolle während der Revolution eingenommen hatten, werden quasi unsichtbar. Sie haben wenige Parts in der “neuen” Geschichte, werden kaum beachtet, bekommen kaum Gesprächszeit.
Dafür sind Tris und Tobias plötzlich nicht mehr die Helden, die wir aus den vorherigen Büchern kennen.
Tris entwickelt sich zu einer annoying bitch, die einfach alles besser weiß und dafür sorgt, dass auch jeder weiß, dass sie es weiß. Wo ist die Tris, die immer alles in Frage stellt? Die, die einen Plan so lange dreht und wendet, bis er Hand und Fuß hat? Wo ist die Tris, die kapiert hat, dass sie Tobias liebt und es genau diese Liebe ist, die sie zum Weitermachen bringt?
Weg. Just gone. Stattdessen bleiben wir mit einem rotzigen, nervigen Mädchen zurück, das immer und immer wieder die falschen Entscheidungen trifft, grundlos sauer auf ihren boyfriend ist und andauernd Streit provoziert. Awesome. Als hätte die Pubertät verspätet eingesetzt.
Dieser “Wandel” beeinträchtigt nicht nur das Verhältnis zu den anderen Figuren, sondern bringt auch einen generellen Bruch in der ganzen Story mit sich, aber dazu später.
Tobias macht ebenfalls Bekanntschaft mit Roths Fleischwolf und kommt als Häufchen Elend unten raus. Tobias, Four!, der absolute Leadertyp, der unter Stress immer die richtigen Entscheidungen trifft, der den Überblick behält und Tris perfekt ergänzt – tja, der ist auch gone.
Stattdessen ist Tobias ein nerviges, weinerliches Etwas geworden – pathetic. Auch er trifft eine falsche Entscheidung nach der anderen, findet kaum noch einen Zugang zu Tris… what the hell happened?
Der Tobias, der seit Beginn an trust issues hat, schließt sich vollkommen blind einer Tante im compound an, die vor hat, die ganzen Wissenschaftler und Regierungsleute umzubringen. Sie erzählt Tobias, sie wolle das Memory Serum stehlen, will dabei allerdings an das death serum, das ebenfalls im Tresorraum stationiert ist. Ohne sich um die genauen Details zu kümmern, ohne den Plan zu erfragen, ohne IRGENDWAS zu erfragen, schließt sich Tobias dieser Mission an und wird natürlich von dieser Tante beschissen.
Das macht ungefähr genauso viel Sinn, wie den Himmel plötzlich grün zu färben. Der smarte badass Tobias, der fast niemandem vertraut, würde sich niemals einem solchen Plan anschließen. Schon gar nicht, wenn er in die Details nicht eingeweiht wird und nur eine Mitläufer Rolle übernehmen soll.
Als Anstoß hierfür nimmt Roth, dass er erfährt, dass er gar nicht Divergent ist, sondern einfach nur eine besondere genetische Konstellation hat, die es ihm ermöglicht, den Serum-Geschichten zu widerstehen. Nachdem er weiß, dass er genetisch beschädigt sein soll und Tris nicht, ist die Beziehung zwischen den beiden noch schwieriger als zuvor (kaum zu glauben). Liegt allerdings weniger an der Genscheiße, sondern an dem out of character Verhalten von beiden.
Als nur noch 48 Stunden Zeit bleiben, um zu verhindern, dass die Wissenschaftler die Stadt mit Hilfe eines Memory Serums "resetten", muss ein Plan her. Das Serum ist in einem Hochsicherheitstresor – man könnte nun meinen, dass unsere Helden versuchen werden an den Zahlencode zu gelangen, um das Serum zu stehlen. Zumal Tobias ein Computerfreak ist, was sich in den vergangenen Büchern schon mehrfach als nützlich erwiesen hat.
Roth meint, dass das zu einfach ist. Sie findet es viel stimmiger, die Helden auf eine suicide Mission zu schicken, indem Caleb (wir erinnern uns, Tris’ Bruder) die Tür aufsprengen soll, um danach das Programm für das Memory Serum zu starten – allerdings nicht in der Stadt sondern innerhalb des wissenschaftlichen compounds.
Das Ziel ist, dass die Wissenschaftler sich nicht mehr daran erinnern sollen, was sie vor hatten und somit wäre die Stadt sicher. Dass Caleb dabei sterben soll ist sozusagen seine Art von Wiedergutmachung, weil er seine Schwester beinahe umgebracht hätte. Nun – der letztere Teil ist nachvollziehbar, womöglich wäre es gut gekommen, wenn Caleb sich für Tris geopfert hätte, um zu beweisen, wie sehr er seine vorherigen Taten bereut.
Aber der Plan an sich? Hallo? Die ganze Zeit sind die Entscheidungen und Pläne wahnsinnig smart und durchdacht und plötzlich greift man zu so einer hirnrissigen Aktion, die keinen Raum für einen Plan B bietet, wenn derjenige im Tresorraum zu früh draufgeht? Mal abgesehen davon, dass es vermutlich deutlich einfacher wäre, den Code irgendwie zu bekommen, anstatt das Risiko auf sich zu nehmen, mit einem Sprengsatz zu dieser Tür zu spazieren.
Man hätte beispielsweise einfach ein bisschen Wahrheits-Serum organisieren können und schon hätte der Leiter seinen Code “freiwillig” herausgegeben. Auch die side characters können keinen Einfluss auf diesen unfassbar dämlichen Plan nehmen. Warum auch, sie sind in Band drei sowieso nur noch Statisten.
Die Tris, die immer in den Vordergrund gestellt hat, dass man die unschuldigen Menschen schützen muss, dass jeder das Recht hat zu leben wie er will, die Tris ist nun plötzlich versessen auf einen Plan, der nach dem Motto “der Zweck heiligt die Mittel” verfährt. Sie will den Wissenschaftlern im compound das antun, was die Wissenschaftler der Stadt antun wollen – was sie verurteilt. Äh ja. Eine weitere out of character Handlung, die dazu führt, dass man Tris nicht wieder erkennt.
Wie dem auch sei. Es geht damit weiter, dass sich die Heldengruppe aufteilt. Tobias will in die Stadt gehen, um mit seinen Eltern zu verhandeln. Sein Vater hat sich auf die Seite durchgeschlagen, die gegen seine Mutter kämpft (Überraschung) und Tobias hofft nun, dass er eine der beiden Seiten dazu bewegen kann, ein Friedensangebot zu machen. Dafür nimmt er Memory Serum mit, um notfalls die Erinnerungen eines Elternteiles zu löschen und die Voraussetzung für Frieden zu schaffen.
Zeitgleich soll Caleb im wissenschaftlichen compound das Memory Serum freisetzen, gegen das sich unsere Statisten-Gruppe geimpft hat.
Nochmal zum Mitschreiben: Nach allem, was passiert ist, glauben die wirklich, dass sie sich zum Reden mit Tobias’ Eltern verabreden und dann klappt das schon? Dass diese Theorie “gewagt” ist, ist noch milde ausgedrückt.
Desweiteren: Tobias lässt Tris nach allem, was passiert ist, tatsächlich allein im compound zurück? Eine weitere Entscheidung, die nach den letzten Erfahrungen der Figuren out of character wirkt.
Dass Tris in letzter Konsequenz nicht zulassen würde, dass ihr Bruder sich für sie opfert, ist ja wohl mehr als klar. Das ist wohl das einzige, in dem Tris ihrem Charakter tatsächlich treu bleibt im dritten Buch, als sie sich opfert und in zwei Sätzen einfach tot geschrieben wird.
Tobias erreicht in der Stadt währenddessen, ganz ohne Memory Serum, dass seine Eltern Frieden schließen. Er sucht das Gespräch zu seiner Mutter, in dem er sie quasi bittet, mit dem ganzen Quatsch aufzuhören, sie überlegt und sagt “Oh. Okay.” Ihr meint jetzt, ich verarsche euch, oder? Nein! Es ist tatsächlich genau so der Fall. Diese abgezockte bitch, der ihr Sohn vorher noch scheißegal war, besinnt sich auf einmal und denkt sich, es wäre ganz cool ihre Herrschaft aufzugeben, damit ihr Junge sie wieder lieb haben kann. Genau. As if.
Zuguterletzt:
Am Ende ist es so, dass das Memory Serum in Chicago dann doch freigesetzt wird und da die Wissenschaftler auch alle nicht mehr wissen, wer sie sind, leben nun alle glücklich und zufrieden in der Utopia Insel Chicago.
Zum Glück hat die amerikanische Regierung beschlossen, einfach zu ignorieren, was da passiert ist, weil wen interessiert es schon, dass das komplette Experiment in den Arsch gegangen ist, von Rebellen der Tresorraum gesprengt wurde und jetzt keine Wissenschaftler mehr da sind, die sich an ihre Identität erinnern?
Come on, are you fucking kidding me? Die Regierung hätte die Wissenschaftler einfach durch neue ersetzt und das Experiment fortgeführt. Oder aber das Experiment geschlossen und die ganze Stadt plattgemacht, nachdem sie die genetisch geheilten Leute rausgeholt hätten. Es macht einfach keinen Sinn, dass da diese Insel der Glückseligkeit irgendeinen Bestand haben sollte.
Emotional völlig entgleisend wirkt auch, dass Tobias überlebt. Es ist in Ordnung, wenn man als Autor einen Helden umbringt, wenn es für die Story einen Nutzen hat. Entweder, weil die Story diese Entwicklung als Motor braucht oder eben eine andere Figur diesen Entwicklungsmotor braucht. Hier ist weder das eine noch das andere der Fall. Macht es einen Unterschied für den Ausgang, dass Tris sich geopfert hat? Nö.
Es hat nur den Effekt, dass Tobias noch zerstörter als zu Anfang der Serie die Bühne verlässt. Das Buch endet mit einem Sprung auf “zwei Jahre später” und es wird deutlich, dass er nie über den Tod von Tris hinwegkommen wird. Wunderbar. Diese ganze arc of redemption dieses Charakters für nichts und wieder nichts. Man hat das Gefühl, dass es für dieses ultimative Opfer keine echte Belohnung gibt und das ist richtig bescheiden.
One more thing:
Im letzten Band hat mich sofort irritiert, dass die Sicht des Lesers plötzlich kapitelweise von Tris zu Tobias switcht. Vorher erlebte der Leser alles aus Tris’ Sicht und mit einem Mal schlüpfen wir in Tobias’ Kopf. Das kann sehr cool sein, aber der einzige Grund, wieso Roth das gemacht hat ist wohl, weil Tris vorzeitig den Löffel abgibt. Sonst wäre kein Erzähler mehr da, der die Story zu Ende erzählen könnte.
Extrem nervtötend ist, dass beide völlig gleich klingen. Stellenweise wusste ich gar nicht mehr, in wessen Kopf ich gerade bin und musste nochmal zurückblättern, um zu schauen, wessen Kapitel es ist. Das könnte natürlich der Grund sein, warum Tobias plötzlich wie ein 16 jähriges Mädchen wirkt.
Tja. So viel also dazu. Knappe 4.000 Wörter rant und ich weiß, dass die meisten es einfach nicht einmal lesen werden, weil es so viel ist, aber es hat mich die ganze Zeit nicht losgelassen, weil es mich so unfassbar sauer macht. Die ersten beiden Bücher waren so toll und das dritte verdirbt einfach die komplette Story. Schlecht recherchiert, schlecht geschrieben, es wirkt alles, als würde man ein Buch lesen, das nicht einmal zur Reihe gehört. So schade. So so schade. Was war los? War Roth unter Zeitdruck? Hat sie keinen Bock mehr gehabt? Ich weiß es nicht.
Ich finde es nur so unfassbar traurig, dass man als Leser diese tolle Entwicklung der Charaktere mitmacht, um dann einen solchen Arschtritt verpasst zu bekommen. Die geliebten Helden sind einfach nicht mehr da, weil sie NUR NOCH out of character handeln. Als würde man Fremden zusehen.
Divergent lässt mich mit einem üblen book-hangover zurück. Beschissenes Gefühl nach über 1500 Seiten.
Während mich Band Eins restlos begeistert hat, empfand ich die Entwicklung der lovestory bereits im zweiten Band als etwas anstrengend, weil oftmals diese Situationen entstehen, die für Teenagerverhältnisse normal sind: Ich liebe ihn, ich will ihn nie mehr wiedersehen, ich liebe ihn trotzdem, ich kann ihn nicht ertragen – und das im gefühlt ständigen Wechsel. Aber das kann ich akzeptieren, schließlich sollen unsere Helden 16 und 18 sein und in dem Alter ist man sich seiner Gefühle vielleicht noch nicht immer so sicher. Geschenkt. Bis hierhin ist die Story spannend, mitreißend, schnell. Tris und Tobias wirken zwar nicht mehr wie Teenager, aber haben wenigstens endlich so zusammengefunden, wie es sich der Leser wünscht.
Ich gehe jetzt hier direkt auf Band drei ein, weil der Abschluss der Serie meine Wertung leider auf 3/5 Sterne runterreißt.
ACHTUNG +++ MAJOR SPOILER +++
Der Leser wird aus dem schnellen pace der Story herausgerissen und in ein irres Zeitlumpentempo katapultiert, so dass sich das Lesen anfühlt, als würde man versuchen durch Honig zu schwimmen.
Nachdem Roth eine so tolle und lebendige Umgebung geschaffen hatte, ist dieser compound mehr als ernüchternd. Okay, vielleicht gibt es dort nicht so viel zum Erschaffen, aber dann ist es für genau diese Story eben nicht die richtige Wahl für das Setting für den großen Showdown.
Aber hey, mit einem schlechten Setting könnte ich ja noch leben. Mit einer total verhunzten Storyline allerdings nicht.
Der komplette dritte Teil (bis auf sehr wenige Seiten) spielt ausschließlich innerhalb dieses compounds und es ist – langweilig.
Die Helden erfahren in diesem wissenschaftlichen compound hinter der Stadt, dass sie ihr Leben lang in einer Art Truman Show herumgetanzt sind. Lauter Wissenschaftler sitzen an Monitoren und supervisen die Stadt den lieben langen Tag (und nachts), weil es sich um ein Experiment handelt. Herzlich willkommen bei Lost, Namaste.
Ich gebe zu, dass ich so ein Szenario bereits befürchtet habe, aber dass es so schlimm wird, hätte ich niemals gedacht.
Roth kommt mit einer wahnwitzigen Theorie um die Ecke: Das Experiment dient dazu, die Menschheit von einem Gendefekt zu heilen. Angeblich haben die Menschen vor hunderten von Jahren damit angefangen, die Gene zu manipulieren, damit schlechte Eigenschaften nicht mehr weiter vererbt werden. Schlechte Eigenschaften aka Aggression, Feigheit, blabla. Im Prinzip geht es um genau die Dinge, die die factions innerhalb des Experiments lehren sollen: Wie man selbstlos lebt, wie man furchtlos lebt, usw..
Da die Divergents in keine faction so richtig passen, soll nun die conclusion sein, dass es sich hier um genetisch geheilte Menschen handelt, während alle anderen noch immer einen Defekt im Erbgut mit sich herumtragen.
Macht keinen Sinn? Macht wirklich keinen Sinn.
Jetzt stellt sich mir natürlich die Frage, warum die Menschen das kaputte Gen nicht einfach zurückmanipulieren? Immerhin sind sie in der Lage Serum Zeug zu erstellen, dass solche freakigen Dinge hinbekommt, wie hirnlose Soldatenzombies zu erschaffen, die von einem Computerprogramm gesteuert werden können. Oder einen dazu zwingt, die Wahrheit zu sagen. Oder eben Halluzinationen im Kopf erzeugen kann, die man auf einem Computerscreen anschauen kann. Simulationen im eigenen Kopf, in die man sogar jemanden mitnehmen kann.
Warum der ganze Aufwand, solche Experimente zu starten, wenn man auf die Gentechnik zurückgreifen könnte? Zuvor wurde in den Büchern mehrfach betont, dass nur genverändertes Essen in der Stadt verzehrt wird, weil es gar kein anderes mehr gibt.
Desweiteren erschließt sich mir in diesem Punkt nicht, warum man in den Experimentstädten genetisch “defekte” und genetisch “geheilte” Menschen miteinander mischt. Wenn es das ultimative Ziel ist, diesen “Genfehler” herauszuzüchten, wie auch immer man es nennen will, wäre es dann nicht einzig sinnvoll NUR genetisch geheilte Menschen innerhalb der Städte zu “halten”? So könnte man problemlos verhindern, dass sich die defekten Gene weiter vererben.
Mal abgesehen davon, dass diese ganze Genetiklehre hinkt (wobei hinken nicht das richtige Wort ist, das ist so bescheuert aufgezogen, dass es nicht mal Beine zum hinken hat), entgleitet Roth auch der Rest der Story völlig.
Die Figuren, die wir in den letzten Büchern so sehr lieben gelernt haben, sind nicht mehr existent.
Die side characters, die ebenfalls aus der Stadt geflohen sind und eine wichtige Rolle während der Revolution eingenommen hatten, werden quasi unsichtbar. Sie haben wenige Parts in der “neuen” Geschichte, werden kaum beachtet, bekommen kaum Gesprächszeit.
Dafür sind Tris und Tobias plötzlich nicht mehr die Helden, die wir aus den vorherigen Büchern kennen.
Tris entwickelt sich zu einer annoying bitch, die einfach alles besser weiß und dafür sorgt, dass auch jeder weiß, dass sie es weiß. Wo ist die Tris, die immer alles in Frage stellt? Die, die einen Plan so lange dreht und wendet, bis er Hand und Fuß hat? Wo ist die Tris, die kapiert hat, dass sie Tobias liebt und es genau diese Liebe ist, die sie zum Weitermachen bringt?
Weg. Just gone. Stattdessen bleiben wir mit einem rotzigen, nervigen Mädchen zurück, das immer und immer wieder die falschen Entscheidungen trifft, grundlos sauer auf ihren boyfriend ist und andauernd Streit provoziert. Awesome. Als hätte die Pubertät verspätet eingesetzt.
Dieser “Wandel” beeinträchtigt nicht nur das Verhältnis zu den anderen Figuren, sondern bringt auch einen generellen Bruch in der ganzen Story mit sich, aber dazu später.
Tobias macht ebenfalls Bekanntschaft mit Roths Fleischwolf und kommt als Häufchen Elend unten raus. Tobias, Four!, der absolute Leadertyp, der unter Stress immer die richtigen Entscheidungen trifft, der den Überblick behält und Tris perfekt ergänzt – tja, der ist auch gone.
Stattdessen ist Tobias ein nerviges, weinerliches Etwas geworden – pathetic. Auch er trifft eine falsche Entscheidung nach der anderen, findet kaum noch einen Zugang zu Tris… what the hell happened?
Der Tobias, der seit Beginn an trust issues hat, schließt sich vollkommen blind einer Tante im compound an, die vor hat, die ganzen Wissenschaftler und Regierungsleute umzubringen. Sie erzählt Tobias, sie wolle das Memory Serum stehlen, will dabei allerdings an das death serum, das ebenfalls im Tresorraum stationiert ist. Ohne sich um die genauen Details zu kümmern, ohne den Plan zu erfragen, ohne IRGENDWAS zu erfragen, schließt sich Tobias dieser Mission an und wird natürlich von dieser Tante beschissen.
Das macht ungefähr genauso viel Sinn, wie den Himmel plötzlich grün zu färben. Der smarte badass Tobias, der fast niemandem vertraut, würde sich niemals einem solchen Plan anschließen. Schon gar nicht, wenn er in die Details nicht eingeweiht wird und nur eine Mitläufer Rolle übernehmen soll.
Als Anstoß hierfür nimmt Roth, dass er erfährt, dass er gar nicht Divergent ist, sondern einfach nur eine besondere genetische Konstellation hat, die es ihm ermöglicht, den Serum-Geschichten zu widerstehen. Nachdem er weiß, dass er genetisch beschädigt sein soll und Tris nicht, ist die Beziehung zwischen den beiden noch schwieriger als zuvor (kaum zu glauben). Liegt allerdings weniger an der Genscheiße, sondern an dem out of character Verhalten von beiden.
Als nur noch 48 Stunden Zeit bleiben, um zu verhindern, dass die Wissenschaftler die Stadt mit Hilfe eines Memory Serums "resetten", muss ein Plan her. Das Serum ist in einem Hochsicherheitstresor – man könnte nun meinen, dass unsere Helden versuchen werden an den Zahlencode zu gelangen, um das Serum zu stehlen. Zumal Tobias ein Computerfreak ist, was sich in den vergangenen Büchern schon mehrfach als nützlich erwiesen hat.
Roth meint, dass das zu einfach ist. Sie findet es viel stimmiger, die Helden auf eine suicide Mission zu schicken, indem Caleb (wir erinnern uns, Tris’ Bruder) die Tür aufsprengen soll, um danach das Programm für das Memory Serum zu starten – allerdings nicht in der Stadt sondern innerhalb des wissenschaftlichen compounds.
Das Ziel ist, dass die Wissenschaftler sich nicht mehr daran erinnern sollen, was sie vor hatten und somit wäre die Stadt sicher. Dass Caleb dabei sterben soll ist sozusagen seine Art von Wiedergutmachung, weil er seine Schwester beinahe umgebracht hätte. Nun – der letztere Teil ist nachvollziehbar, womöglich wäre es gut gekommen, wenn Caleb sich für Tris geopfert hätte, um zu beweisen, wie sehr er seine vorherigen Taten bereut.
Aber der Plan an sich? Hallo? Die ganze Zeit sind die Entscheidungen und Pläne wahnsinnig smart und durchdacht und plötzlich greift man zu so einer hirnrissigen Aktion, die keinen Raum für einen Plan B bietet, wenn derjenige im Tresorraum zu früh draufgeht? Mal abgesehen davon, dass es vermutlich deutlich einfacher wäre, den Code irgendwie zu bekommen, anstatt das Risiko auf sich zu nehmen, mit einem Sprengsatz zu dieser Tür zu spazieren.
Man hätte beispielsweise einfach ein bisschen Wahrheits-Serum organisieren können und schon hätte der Leiter seinen Code “freiwillig” herausgegeben. Auch die side characters können keinen Einfluss auf diesen unfassbar dämlichen Plan nehmen. Warum auch, sie sind in Band drei sowieso nur noch Statisten.
Die Tris, die immer in den Vordergrund gestellt hat, dass man die unschuldigen Menschen schützen muss, dass jeder das Recht hat zu leben wie er will, die Tris ist nun plötzlich versessen auf einen Plan, der nach dem Motto “der Zweck heiligt die Mittel” verfährt. Sie will den Wissenschaftlern im compound das antun, was die Wissenschaftler der Stadt antun wollen – was sie verurteilt. Äh ja. Eine weitere out of character Handlung, die dazu führt, dass man Tris nicht wieder erkennt.
Wie dem auch sei. Es geht damit weiter, dass sich die Heldengruppe aufteilt. Tobias will in die Stadt gehen, um mit seinen Eltern zu verhandeln. Sein Vater hat sich auf die Seite durchgeschlagen, die gegen seine Mutter kämpft (Überraschung) und Tobias hofft nun, dass er eine der beiden Seiten dazu bewegen kann, ein Friedensangebot zu machen. Dafür nimmt er Memory Serum mit, um notfalls die Erinnerungen eines Elternteiles zu löschen und die Voraussetzung für Frieden zu schaffen.
Zeitgleich soll Caleb im wissenschaftlichen compound das Memory Serum freisetzen, gegen das sich unsere Statisten-Gruppe geimpft hat.
Nochmal zum Mitschreiben: Nach allem, was passiert ist, glauben die wirklich, dass sie sich zum Reden mit Tobias’ Eltern verabreden und dann klappt das schon? Dass diese Theorie “gewagt” ist, ist noch milde ausgedrückt.
Desweiteren: Tobias lässt Tris nach allem, was passiert ist, tatsächlich allein im compound zurück? Eine weitere Entscheidung, die nach den letzten Erfahrungen der Figuren out of character wirkt.
Dass Tris in letzter Konsequenz nicht zulassen würde, dass ihr Bruder sich für sie opfert, ist ja wohl mehr als klar. Das ist wohl das einzige, in dem Tris ihrem Charakter tatsächlich treu bleibt im dritten Buch, als sie sich opfert und in zwei Sätzen einfach tot geschrieben wird.
Tobias erreicht in der Stadt währenddessen, ganz ohne Memory Serum, dass seine Eltern Frieden schließen. Er sucht das Gespräch zu seiner Mutter, in dem er sie quasi bittet, mit dem ganzen Quatsch aufzuhören, sie überlegt und sagt “Oh. Okay.” Ihr meint jetzt, ich verarsche euch, oder? Nein! Es ist tatsächlich genau so der Fall. Diese abgezockte bitch, der ihr Sohn vorher noch scheißegal war, besinnt sich auf einmal und denkt sich, es wäre ganz cool ihre Herrschaft aufzugeben, damit ihr Junge sie wieder lieb haben kann. Genau. As if.
Zuguterletzt:
Am Ende ist es so, dass das Memory Serum in Chicago dann doch freigesetzt wird und da die Wissenschaftler auch alle nicht mehr wissen, wer sie sind, leben nun alle glücklich und zufrieden in der Utopia Insel Chicago.
Zum Glück hat die amerikanische Regierung beschlossen, einfach zu ignorieren, was da passiert ist, weil wen interessiert es schon, dass das komplette Experiment in den Arsch gegangen ist, von Rebellen der Tresorraum gesprengt wurde und jetzt keine Wissenschaftler mehr da sind, die sich an ihre Identität erinnern?
Come on, are you fucking kidding me? Die Regierung hätte die Wissenschaftler einfach durch neue ersetzt und das Experiment fortgeführt. Oder aber das Experiment geschlossen und die ganze Stadt plattgemacht, nachdem sie die genetisch geheilten Leute rausgeholt hätten. Es macht einfach keinen Sinn, dass da diese Insel der Glückseligkeit irgendeinen Bestand haben sollte.
Emotional völlig entgleisend wirkt auch, dass Tobias überlebt. Es ist in Ordnung, wenn man als Autor einen Helden umbringt, wenn es für die Story einen Nutzen hat. Entweder, weil die Story diese Entwicklung als Motor braucht oder eben eine andere Figur diesen Entwicklungsmotor braucht. Hier ist weder das eine noch das andere der Fall. Macht es einen Unterschied für den Ausgang, dass Tris sich geopfert hat? Nö.
Es hat nur den Effekt, dass Tobias noch zerstörter als zu Anfang der Serie die Bühne verlässt. Das Buch endet mit einem Sprung auf “zwei Jahre später” und es wird deutlich, dass er nie über den Tod von Tris hinwegkommen wird. Wunderbar. Diese ganze arc of redemption dieses Charakters für nichts und wieder nichts. Man hat das Gefühl, dass es für dieses ultimative Opfer keine echte Belohnung gibt und das ist richtig bescheiden.
One more thing:
Im letzten Band hat mich sofort irritiert, dass die Sicht des Lesers plötzlich kapitelweise von Tris zu Tobias switcht. Vorher erlebte der Leser alles aus Tris’ Sicht und mit einem Mal schlüpfen wir in Tobias’ Kopf. Das kann sehr cool sein, aber der einzige Grund, wieso Roth das gemacht hat ist wohl, weil Tris vorzeitig den Löffel abgibt. Sonst wäre kein Erzähler mehr da, der die Story zu Ende erzählen könnte.
Extrem nervtötend ist, dass beide völlig gleich klingen. Stellenweise wusste ich gar nicht mehr, in wessen Kopf ich gerade bin und musste nochmal zurückblättern, um zu schauen, wessen Kapitel es ist. Das könnte natürlich der Grund sein, warum Tobias plötzlich wie ein 16 jähriges Mädchen wirkt.
Tja. So viel also dazu. Knappe 4.000 Wörter rant und ich weiß, dass die meisten es einfach nicht einmal lesen werden, weil es so viel ist, aber es hat mich die ganze Zeit nicht losgelassen, weil es mich so unfassbar sauer macht. Die ersten beiden Bücher waren so toll und das dritte verdirbt einfach die komplette Story. Schlecht recherchiert, schlecht geschrieben, es wirkt alles, als würde man ein Buch lesen, das nicht einmal zur Reihe gehört. So schade. So so schade. Was war los? War Roth unter Zeitdruck? Hat sie keinen Bock mehr gehabt? Ich weiß es nicht.
Ich finde es nur so unfassbar traurig, dass man als Leser diese tolle Entwicklung der Charaktere mitmacht, um dann einen solchen Arschtritt verpasst zu bekommen. Die geliebten Helden sind einfach nicht mehr da, weil sie NUR NOCH out of character handeln. Als würde man Fremden zusehen.
Divergent lässt mich mit einem üblen book-hangover zurück. Beschissenes Gefühl nach über 1500 Seiten.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 9, 2020
Molto molto più bello di quello che pensavo,non mi ha mai annoiata ,una lettura fluida e coinvolgente con picchi di avventura e "pianti"
Molto bello
Molto bello
December 29, 2015
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Divergent
Really enjoyed this book. Was a fast read and am ready for the next book!
Insurgent
This book moves very fast - hard to keep up with at times! I also found it hard to put down even though I might be falling asleep as I read it!
The end keeps you wanting more - glad the last book is already out while I am reading it!!!
Allegiant
I was not so impressed with this book (in comparison to the others in the series). I found this book to be boring while the other 2 I could not put down.
Got emotional when Tris dies. I knew she was going to - as she lost both her parents and I just knew...but it hurt just the same.
Divergent
Really enjoyed this book. Was a fast read and am ready for the next book!
Insurgent
This book moves very fast - hard to keep up with at times! I also found it hard to put down even though I might be falling asleep as I read it!
The end keeps you wanting more - glad the last book is already out while I am reading it!!!
Allegiant
I was not so impressed with this book (in comparison to the others in the series). I found this book to be boring while the other 2 I could not put down.
Got emotional when Tris dies. I knew she was going to - as she lost both her parents and I just knew...but it hurt just the same.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 20, 2015
Beautiful Story
I loved this series! Read all four books in 3 days; I couldn't put them down. Four and Tris will be forever in my heart. Not many authors do it, but I think getting to hear the story AND thoughts from both main characters' perspective makes you feel like you really know them - they become part of your life and you have a hole in your heart when it's over. If only there were an alternate ending...happy.
Excellent job Veronica! I'm looking forward to reading your next book.
I loved this series! Read all four books in 3 days; I couldn't put them down. Four and Tris will be forever in my heart. Not many authors do it, but I think getting to hear the story AND thoughts from both main characters' perspective makes you feel like you really know them - they become part of your life and you have a hole in your heart when it's over. If only there were an alternate ending...happy.
Excellent job Veronica! I'm looking forward to reading your next book.
August 1, 2014
Though all the novels of the Divergent series, I was always on my seat. I have never finished a book so fast in my life and these I finished within a couple of days. I'm an extremely slow reader but that is because I try to get every little detail into my brain and I never regretted reading these books. I absolutely loved them.
November 30, 2016
One of the best series to date! Great from beginning to end. It's one of those you have to EXPERIENCE to understand.
I love how effortlessly the writing sucks you in and how the story grabs you refusing to let go. I was very pleased with this as a whole. So glad I finally got around to it. Better late than never.
I love how effortlessly the writing sucks you in and how the story grabs you refusing to let go. I was very pleased with this as a whole. So glad I finally got around to it. Better late than never.
January 31, 2018
I realized I was never going to finish this book series because it wasn't good, and after reading Marie Kondo's book about decluttering your life, I knew that spending time on the Divergent series would just be creating mental clutter. So here is the review of the first book, which I read several years ago, but never posted....
When I accidentally got sucked into watching the second half of the Divergent movie, I was inspired to read the books. This was, unfortunately, not the best idea I've ever had. Somehow the screenwriters managed to turn a vapid girl trapped in an illogical world into an exciting action adventure story. Kudos to them. Scenes that were emotional and exciting on film were awkwardly cringe-worthy on the page. If I had a single electron for every time Tris "felt electricity" when she was close to Four I could power Manhattan for a week. The world felt gritty and, well, at least plausible on screen - I never really accepted the whole society in the book. Where are the adults? Where are the old people? Why are 18 year olds running things? How do they get food? It's like a child's perspective on what being a teen should be like, without actually dealing with any real issues. It's almost like the book uses being Divergent as an excuse for having fewer emotions - but, really, if they are supposed to be more human, shouldn't they have more? Shouldn't things bother Tris more than they do? This book touches on a lot of serious themes, but I can't say I think they handled any of them well. Too often the answer is violence or submission, neither of which have the lasting repercussions you would expect in a more realistic scenario. Although my ebook has the entire series bundled together, I'm not sure when I'll get around to finishing it - I think my time could be much better spent reading something else.
When I accidentally got sucked into watching the second half of the Divergent movie, I was inspired to read the books. This was, unfortunately, not the best idea I've ever had. Somehow the screenwriters managed to turn a vapid girl trapped in an illogical world into an exciting action adventure story. Kudos to them. Scenes that were emotional and exciting on film were awkwardly cringe-worthy on the page. If I had a single electron for every time Tris "felt electricity" when she was close to Four I could power Manhattan for a week. The world felt gritty and, well, at least plausible on screen - I never really accepted the whole society in the book. Where are the adults? Where are the old people? Why are 18 year olds running things? How do they get food? It's like a child's perspective on what being a teen should be like, without actually dealing with any real issues. It's almost like the book uses being Divergent as an excuse for having fewer emotions - but, really, if they are supposed to be more human, shouldn't they have more? Shouldn't things bother Tris more than they do? This book touches on a lot of serious themes, but I can't say I think they handled any of them well. Too often the answer is violence or submission, neither of which have the lasting repercussions you would expect in a more realistic scenario. Although my ebook has the entire series bundled together, I'm not sure when I'll get around to finishing it - I think my time could be much better spent reading something else.
May 14, 2023
how dare these books make me cry again
September 25, 2024
Every book just got worse and worse, the ending of the last two should both be illegal completely ruined what was a well thought out and beautiful first book
August 14, 2024
porzuciłem tą serię po pierwszej części mając 15 (?) lat
October 23, 2015
Divergent Trilogy is the debut novel series of American novelist Veronica Roth, published by HarperCollins Children's Books. The story takes place in dystopian Chicago, a city encased in chain link fence, where society is divided into five factions: Abnegation(the selfless), Candor(the honest), Amity(the peaceful/friendly), Dauntless(fearless/brave), and Erudite(the thinkers/knowledgeable).When teenagers turn 16 they go through an aptitude test that shows them one single that faction suits them best; however, they have the choice to either stay in the same faction they were born into or move to another faction. But when the choice is made they cannot take it back.
The fascinating trilogy follows Beatrice Prior (Tris), a 16 year old who has an aptitude for three factions instead of just one. She is told that she is special, she is 'divergent', but that’s a secret the Tris must conceal because being divergent is "dangerous" .There are dark forces that will stop at nothing to protect the secret that her original faction, Abnegation, have been hiding. Tris embarks on a journey full of dangers and risks to reveal the secret kept from the factions, protect herself and those who are threatened for their divergence, and discover what mysteries lie behind the chain fence that, she noticed, was guarded from the inside and not the outside(which seems like they're trying to keep people inside instead of keeping outsiders away).
I loved the unusual concept of a society in which people are divided into factions of equally desirable virtues. However, it was intriguing how the people of each faction only had the one characteristic. When I tried to sort myself, my friends, and family into the factions it proved impossible because we all have a little bit of each faction.
The series is full of plot twists and turns, and the mind blowing ending had me curled up on the bed ,sobbing! Although there were many hints to this ending, I never expected it. I knew right then that I wouldn’t be getting over this anytime soon. The trilogy combines dystopia and action and romance all in the same wonderful ,amazing ,mind-blowing package. The only thing I disliked about the book was how the romance between Tris and her fellow faction member Four developed far too quickly ,but it did add a sweet touch.
Many of the people who have read the Divergent Trilogy complain about the sad ending ;however, in my opinion, that was the smartest ending Veronica Roth would have managed. True, it was too sad but it was totally realistic and it shows that you can't have everything, you've got to make some sacrifice to get to your goal. I'd rather sob an hour non-stop and never get over the book than be disappointed by an unrealistic ending that gives false hope.
Reading this book was a journey in itself. The book is written in such a way that makes you go through it with the protagonist. Your heart constricts when she's in danger, beats faster when she's with Four, it races when she's afraid, and skips a beat when she's excited. I would totally recommend The Divergent Trilogy to anybody, boy or girl , to catch the infectious divergent bug.
The fascinating trilogy follows Beatrice Prior (Tris), a 16 year old who has an aptitude for three factions instead of just one. She is told that she is special, she is 'divergent', but that’s a secret the Tris must conceal because being divergent is "dangerous" .There are dark forces that will stop at nothing to protect the secret that her original faction, Abnegation, have been hiding. Tris embarks on a journey full of dangers and risks to reveal the secret kept from the factions, protect herself and those who are threatened for their divergence, and discover what mysteries lie behind the chain fence that, she noticed, was guarded from the inside and not the outside(which seems like they're trying to keep people inside instead of keeping outsiders away).
I loved the unusual concept of a society in which people are divided into factions of equally desirable virtues. However, it was intriguing how the people of each faction only had the one characteristic. When I tried to sort myself, my friends, and family into the factions it proved impossible because we all have a little bit of each faction.
The series is full of plot twists and turns, and the mind blowing ending had me curled up on the bed ,sobbing! Although there were many hints to this ending, I never expected it. I knew right then that I wouldn’t be getting over this anytime soon. The trilogy combines dystopia and action and romance all in the same wonderful ,amazing ,mind-blowing package. The only thing I disliked about the book was how the romance between Tris and her fellow faction member Four developed far too quickly ,but it did add a sweet touch.
Many of the people who have read the Divergent Trilogy complain about the sad ending ;however, in my opinion, that was the smartest ending Veronica Roth would have managed. True, it was too sad but it was totally realistic and it shows that you can't have everything, you've got to make some sacrifice to get to your goal. I'd rather sob an hour non-stop and never get over the book than be disappointed by an unrealistic ending that gives false hope.
Reading this book was a journey in itself. The book is written in such a way that makes you go through it with the protagonist. Your heart constricts when she's in danger, beats faster when she's with Four, it races when she's afraid, and skips a beat when she's excited. I would totally recommend The Divergent Trilogy to anybody, boy or girl , to catch the infectious divergent bug.
November 16, 2021
Great series, until the 3rd book
I read all four of her books in record time. I liked the movies (Divergent and Insurgent, haven’t watched Aligent) and the books, but the books do a lot of justice! You won’t be disappointed reading this series as you follow Tris through her story and get to know Four as well! The book on Four was really nice I enjoyed getting to see things from his perspective and the build up to some of the things before Tris is in his life and some of their scenes together from Divergent.
My biggest issue though is with the last book Allgent. It doesn’t make sense, Four loses himself in this book and isn’t the strong, capable person we have know in the first two books. Tris isn’t bad in this one, but they aren’t seeing each other here and are losing themselves to a random plot tossed in that doesn’t make sense to the current plot already going on in the City they left with the Factions and Factionless. It doesn’t get resolved a lot of the things that happen.
The writing was done well but it just their were plot holes that’s were left and not handled. Edward dies, but who killed him? Tobias’s mom is just going to give up on all her desires for bloodshed and distraction just because she loves her son...that’s not really how it went insurgent anyway. The factionless are just going to listen to her change of heart and be cool with it? I guess so.
And my biggest issue with this book is here...
3
2
1
Tris also dies in this book, it just doesn’t make sense, and her death is pointless because she says she doesn’t want to die, doesn’t want to leave Tobias but she runs and accepts it once she’s been shot by bullets after surviving the death serum. It’s just dumb and doesn’t make sense for her to have died.
Roth could have easily kept her last chapters of the book, but made it Uriah’s urn, and stuff like that. Edited Tris in and had her remaking Dauntless to what it used to be or something, if she wanted to keep Tobias as Johanna Reeves assistant and get into politics, or you could switch them around in their roles and it would have worked. That’s my biggest issue is it just seems weird to have killed her off given everything she has done in the books and how she and Tobias have grown.
It was just pointless and ruined the whole series for me. It was a mistake and one I am not sure Roth can really come back from as an Author. You have to be careful what you do and someone should have told her it’s not a good idea before she published her third book. Her series had great potential, and then just lost all momentum and flat into a big fire.
I read all four of her books in record time. I liked the movies (Divergent and Insurgent, haven’t watched Aligent) and the books, but the books do a lot of justice! You won’t be disappointed reading this series as you follow Tris through her story and get to know Four as well! The book on Four was really nice I enjoyed getting to see things from his perspective and the build up to some of the things before Tris is in his life and some of their scenes together from Divergent.
My biggest issue though is with the last book Allgent. It doesn’t make sense, Four loses himself in this book and isn’t the strong, capable person we have know in the first two books. Tris isn’t bad in this one, but they aren’t seeing each other here and are losing themselves to a random plot tossed in that doesn’t make sense to the current plot already going on in the City they left with the Factions and Factionless. It doesn’t get resolved a lot of the things that happen.
The writing was done well but it just their were plot holes that’s were left and not handled. Edward dies, but who killed him? Tobias’s mom is just going to give up on all her desires for bloodshed and distraction just because she loves her son...that’s not really how it went insurgent anyway. The factionless are just going to listen to her change of heart and be cool with it? I guess so.
And my biggest issue with this book is here...
3
2
1
Tris also dies in this book, it just doesn’t make sense, and her death is pointless because she says she doesn’t want to die, doesn’t want to leave Tobias but she runs and accepts it once she’s been shot by bullets after surviving the death serum. It’s just dumb and doesn’t make sense for her to have died.
Roth could have easily kept her last chapters of the book, but made it Uriah’s urn, and stuff like that. Edited Tris in and had her remaking Dauntless to what it used to be or something, if she wanted to keep Tobias as Johanna Reeves assistant and get into politics, or you could switch them around in their roles and it would have worked. That’s my biggest issue is it just seems weird to have killed her off given everything she has done in the books and how she and Tobias have grown.
It was just pointless and ruined the whole series for me. It was a mistake and one I am not sure Roth can really come back from as an Author. You have to be careful what you do and someone should have told her it’s not a good idea before she published her third book. Her series had great potential, and then just lost all momentum and flat into a big fire.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Read
May 28, 2016on page 1538 of 1838. Five stars for book 2; two stars for book 3. There are some bizarre trends in today's lit; few original concepts. While Roth writes with an uncanny amount of wisdom for a 22 year old, this YA series at the end tastes like she ran out of ideas and rather than patiently waiting for the series to ripen, quickly blended a bunch of random ideas together and borrowed another author's ending. In hindsight, the series starts off as hunger games/twilight and ends as the game of thrones. There is a lot of wisdom and gorgeous writing in this series embedded in what becomes a stream-of-conscious narrative that is struggling to decide between realism and the fantasy of the genre. I would've voted for fantasy; maybe a happy or adventurous ending. The plummet from sci-fi fantasy to brutally realistic horror at the end left me in a state of shock that I don't need or crave in my light-weight literature. Maybe Roth needs to switch genres or start writing about vampires and dragons so that we can all prepare ourselves for what's coming. As it was, I became attached to a main character who died abruptly and am actually grieving that character (the mind is so weird!). I'm taking a break from Roth and may not read the Four mini-series or her work again. I may have to write my own ending to make myself feel better. Why does a technique that RR Martin used so brilliantly in his books feel so violating in this YA context? Perhaps because it felt like a glorified suicide; the impact of this book feels like I'm recovering from a friend's unexpected, unexplained suicide. It's like Roth stole my right to escape into a more innocent world without warning me that that world was coming to an abrupt, brutal end. Or maybe I should just stop expecting happy endings from my distopian novels and accept the new trend of shock-endings rather than endings that delve, contemplate and resolve.
June 13, 2017
This series, which was highly recommended to me by several friends, is one of the worst things I've ever read. Books #3 is the best of the trilogy, and it is still downright bad.
This book is completely different from the first two, and it is also the most detailed and universe-developed of the three. The story and events have no flow and the deaths are, in all reality, completely random.
This book is completely different from the first two, and it is also the most detailed and universe-developed of the three. The story and events have no flow and the deaths are, in all reality, completely random.
August 25, 2020
I loved this series. And then I hated it. Worst ending ever. It didn't even make sense. I felt like the author must have an ex that she hated and wanted to punish by writing these books. It may be the most visceral reaction I've ever had to a series.
September 10, 2015
What with every body saying that... Marked to read
Want to read
July 9, 2014Those books look frackin gorgeous!!!! Aghhhhhh can't believe I already have a box set!!! Need this one too ;(
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