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veronica roth

Book Review: “Carve The Mark” by Veronica Roth


Title: Carve The Mark

Author: Veronica Roth
Release Date: 17th January 2017 
Publisher: Harper Collins
Links: Goodreads

I received this book for review on my blog from Harper Collins! As always, my reviews are fair and unbiased.


**Reader discretion is advised as it has come to my attention this book might offend certain readers. This did not change my review.**

On a planet where violence and vengeance rule, in a galaxy where some are favored by fate, everyone develops a currentgift, a unique power meant to shape the future. While most benefit from their currentgifts, Akos and Cyra do not—their gifts make them vulnerable to others’ control. Can they reclaim their gifts, their fates, and their lives, and reset the balance of power in this world?
Cyra is the sister of the brutal tyrant who rules the Shotet people. Cyra’s currentgift gives her pain and power—something her brother exploits, using her to torture his enemies. But Cyra is much more than just a blade in her brother’s hand: she is resilient, quick on her feet, and smarter than he knows.
Akos is from the peace-loving nation of Thuvhe, and his loyalty to his family is limitless. Though protected by his unusual currentgift, once Akos and his brother are captured by enemy Shotet soldiers, Akos is desperate to get his brother out alive—no matter what the cost. When Akos is thrust into Cyra’s world, the enmity between their countries and families seems insurmountable. They must decide to help each other to survive—or to destroy one another. 




First Thoughts
Veronica has to be one of my top five Favourite YA authors of all time, so when I was offered the chance to read an ARC of Carve The Mark I was over the moon. I had heard amazing things about what Veronica was writing next and with Divergent being such a huge success, I had extremely high hopes. 

Review
From the get-go, I had the feeling that Carve The Mark was a mix of Star Wars meets The 100 with some kind of drama mixed in to give it an intriguing edge. Cyra and Akos were the POV’s of the book and while I thought that the gender reversal of the gentler characteristics given to the male and strength to the female was refreshingly powerful, I had heard from some readers on Instagram that the book could potentially be offensive toward POC readers because of the race of certain tropes in Carve The Mark – so I would advise discretion to readers who might be offended by these elements, but I also stress that Veronica probably didn’t mean/want to offend any readers with her story.
Though it is slow-paced, I loved that it was because it gave way for the elements of the story to come to light and build a strong plot to carry it through powerfully. I had Shatter Me and Divergent vibes at certain points (which was a huge YES from me!) and the way that the characters powers projected through the pages was dynamic and brilliant. Cyra was my favourite character and she was a strong-willed and minded character (and I love those). Akos was one of those characters that I could picture on the big screen, though I couldn’t relate to him as much as Cyra. The way that they weave into each others lives with their special powers called currentgifts is enrapturing. They could either help each other survive or give in and fight – but the need to survive in their world is strong and they ultimately decide that they’re going to need help if they want to live.
The character development for both Cyra and Akos throughout the story was compelling and with the spaceships, planets and stars, Carve The Mark was a gem among the diamond-like solar system. The Sci-Fi elements meets drama made for a story worth jumping into and getting lost in the pages. With enthralling enemies, raw and well-written characters and the hope for more of the believably magnificent story when Carve The Mark returns in this duo-logy, I am in awe at the way Veronica’s writing has evolved and grown. 
Overall, Carve The Mark is a story worth waiting for. With brave and bold characters, a story set in the stars and a lively plot to keep you hooked, you’ll be turning the pages faster than you think. Though it didn’t live up to Divergent (because that will forever be the best), I still thought that it was in an epic league of it’s own. Amazing!
Have you read Carve The Mark?

What did you think?

Let me know in the comments or @LittleMemoirs on twitter!

happy reading!

Book Review: Divergent Thinking by Various Authors {Winners Announced for Giveaway!}

Title: Divergent Thinking 
Author: Various (listed below)
Release Date: March 4th, 2014
Genre: Non-Fiction 

Published by: BenBella Books / Smart Pop

Veronica Roth’s Divergent trilogy (Divergent, Insurgent, Allegiant) has captured the hearts and thoughts of millions of readers. In Divergent Thinking, YA authors explore even more of Tris and Tobias’ world, including:

– What Divergent’s factions have in common with one of psychology’s most prominent personality models

– The biology of fear: where it comes from and how Tris and the other Dauntless are able to overcome it
– Full-page maps locating all five faction headquarters and other series landmarks in today’s Chicago, based on clues from the books
– Plus a whole lot more, from why we love identity shorthand like factions to Tris’ trouble with honesty to the importance of choice, family, and being brave

With a dozen smart, surprising, mind-expanding essays on all three books in the trilogy, Divergent Thinking provides a companion fit for even the most Erudite Divergent fan.

Contributor list: Elizabeth Wein, Maria V. Snyder and Jenna Snyder, V. Arrow, Jennifer Lynn Barnes, Mary Borsellino, Rosemary Clement-Moore, Debra Driza, Julia Karr, Dan Krokos, Elizabeth Norris, Janine K. Spendlove and Blythe Woolston.

 I was so excited to read Divergent Thinking (being a MASSIVE fan of Veronica’s series) and to make things even better, I got to give away some amazing prizes (thank you, BenBella!) from the book on my blog! There were SO many entries, so I let the random Rafflecopter button pick two winners (except for excluding quite a few US residents who tried to sneak in to the contest!) and picked two lovely winners! 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Having read the entire Divergent series (and you should read all three books for delving into some spoilers regarding the series), I was ready to delve back into the world of Tris and Tobias and examining Dauntless, among the many factions alike. The book was split into several different segments that one of the various authors would write, explaining a bit more about that particular element of the series. For example, Rosemary Clement-Moore expresses the personality types in Divergent and how they mold each member of the different factions. 

Divergent Thinking goes further into the world of Divergent than we’ve ventured, into the psychology and how real issues in the series are based in each faction, in sort of an analyzing and sometimes conversational way. So being a fan of the series, it was amazing to see how other people thought of the complex themes and perception of the dystopian Chicago world. 

I really loved how each contributor of the book felt about the series and how each of their opinions could change our own perceptions of the series and open our eyes to things inside the world of Divergent that we hadn’t yet ventured to uncover. My favourite part of Divergent Thinking would be Debra Driza’s part – she examined the secrets within the series and it really captivated my attention more than any other part. 

Many of the parts were comparing the fictional world to our real world and our issues compared to theirs, shining a light on things we had missed and satisfying our fangirl/boy hearts by opening our minds back up to the dystopia series. Fans of Divergent will adore this book – it will entertain your need for more in the world of Divergent, fascinate you with it’s new discovered topics and add a dash of astounding Non-Fiction to your shelf even if you’re more of a Fiction reader. 

Each author added something amazing to Divergent Thinking to bring together an almighty read worthy of a place on your bookshelf. 

Aside from Debra Driza’s part, I really liked Maria V. Snyder and Jenna Snyder’s Mother/Daughter take on the series! It was different to see a conversational analysis aside from a solo part, so it added some extra depth to the book.  

Divergent Fans, or anyone who’s read the series and wants another hit of dystopia! YA and Adult fans are going to eat this up.

Have you read Divergent Thinking?


What did YOU think?


happy reading!

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Top Ten Tuesday: New-To-Me Authors I Read In 2013



Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created at The Broke and the Bookish, where bloggers come up with their top ten list on different subjects every week.

This week we’re talking new-to-me authors that we read in 2013, regardless of whether the author is new to anyone else’s reading history. This is my first TTT in a few months, (since I’ve had a TBR list as tall as me) so I’m excited to go back over my favourites of the year!


1. Amy Plum
I read the whole “Die For Me” series this year and absolutely fell in love with it. Everything from the idyllic Parisian setting to the amazingly crafted plot; I can’t wait to read more from Amy with her dystopian novel “After the End” coming soon.
2. Kasie West
I only read “Pivot Point” recently, but anyone who has will know how amazing it is. It had everything I look for in a novel and more. I have one of Kasie’s other novels, “The Distance Between Us”, so I have high hopes for that and “Split Second”.
3. Holly Black
“The Coldest Girl in Coldtown” was the first dystopian vampire novel I’ve read, and so naturally, I was intrigued all the way through. A seriously incredible novel by an author that crafted a world so unique I was mesmerized by it.

 4. Veronica Roth
“Divergent” is one of my all-time favourite reads, and I can’t believe that I hadn’t read it before this year now that I’ve read all three in the series. The novels kept my attention, my mind in suspense and pulled at my heartstrings (Allegiant, of course). So it’s only natural that Veronica makes this list!
5. Kass Morgan
“The 100” was something that came out of the blue and crept up on me. It was one of the first dystopian novels that I read, along with Divergent, and sparked my new-found love for them ultimately.
6. Susane Colasanti
I just LOVE Susane’s books. Seriously. If you’ve ever read “Something Like Fate” or “Take Me There”, you KNOW what I’m talking about…they’re adorably amazing.

 7. Teresa Mummert
I read “White Trash Beautiful” near the beginning of this year, (which seems like it was only yesterday, but it’s December and almost 2014!) and it is still in my favourites. Adored this one a LOT.
8. Amanda Sun
I reviewed “Ink” a few months ago and even did a Q&A with Amanda. My mind was captured in a world of phenomenal worlds and characters in “Ink”. Just SO good.
9. John Green
There was the book, then the movie…”The Fault in Our Stars” was a favourite for everyone. I read it in June this year, over the summer, and it was so world-changing and breathtakingly beautiful and heartbreaking.
10. Graeme Simsion
“The Rosie Project” was my favourite Adult Book that I’ve read this year, with my main loves being YA novels. Though there was something light and whimsical about it that made it feel like reading a YA or NA novel. 

What are your chosen 10 for Top Ten Tuesday?

Do you agree with mine?

Tell me in the comments or at @LittleMemoirs on twitter! Don’t forget to add your links so I can check them out, too.
happy reading!
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Review: “Allegiant” by Veronica Roth {SPOILER VERSION}

*Spoiler Version – to see the spoiler-free version, click here. *





Title: Allegiant (Divergent, #3)
Author: Veronica Roth
Genre: Young Adult – Dystopian
Release Date: October 22nd, 2013

Other Books by Author: Divergent, Insurgent, Free Four, The Initiate, The Transfer, The Traitor 

Published by: Katherine Tegen Books (USA) Harper Collins, (UK)


I bought this book myself. As always, my reviews are non-bias and fair.




The faction-based society that Tris Prior once believed in is shattered—fractured by violence and power struggles and scarred by loss and betrayal. So when offered a chance to explore the world past the limits she’s known, Tris is ready. Perhaps beyond the fence, she and Tobias will find a simple new life together, free from complicated lies, tangled loyalties, and painful memories. 

But Tris’s new reality is even more alarming than the one she left behind. Old discoveries are quickly rendered meaningless. Explosive new truths change the hearts of those she loves. And once again, Tris must battle to comprehend the complexities of human nature—and of herself—while facing impossible choices about courage, allegiance, sacrifice, and love. 

Told from a riveting dual perspective, Allegiant, by #1 New York Times best-selling author Veronica Roth, brings the Divergent series to a powerful conclusion while revealing the secrets of the dystopian world that has captivated millions of readers in Divergent and Insurgent.

 I’ve loved Divergent and Insurgent and so reading Allegiant was ultimately always going to happen. I started reading this a few weeks after it’s release date (*it was spoiler-central everywhere in October and most of November*) because I wanted to wait until everything online had died down. And also because I was reading a few things at that time, so when I finally picked it up…there were a lot of thoughts to process!

*Another warning: this WILL be a spoiler version! If you haven’t read Allegiant, please click > here < to read the non-spoiler version*


I had read a few spoilers online but didn’t take anything into consideration when I started reading Allegiant. I wanted to read it for myself and not take anyone else’s word for it, although I did see that Veronica had to explain the ending because of some really bad reactions to the conclusion, so I ultimately knew something bad had upset some of the fans at the ending of the series. That being said, this is Veronica’s series and I’m 100% sure she wouldn’t just be reckless with characters for effect unless it was her initial plan all along, so I didn’t take that to heart, even though it maybe would come as a shock if a favourite character of mine had died or something. 

 My favourite book from the series (even after reading all three, now) would be Divergent. It was the book that made me fall for the series, so it will always be my number one. And although Insurgent packed a punch with it’s action-packed plot and discoveries, Allegiant will be my second favourite. I was so excited when they left the confinement of Chicago and went to the Fringe. It wasn’t just exciting for the characters, but because this was a revelation; they had no idea that the world just didn’t work like that. Seeing the characters also out of their comfort zone was intriguing, like Tris on the aeroplane or Christina and Uriah’s new found friendship. 
I was so intrigued in the concept of Natalie, Tris’s mother, having come from the Fringe and been sent into the city posing as a Dauntless to save Divergent’s lives, because the system was stopping them from living. Then she quit her mission, sort of, by stopping full communication with the outsiders, because she fell in love with Tris’s father. But she never stopped fighting for the lives of the Divergent. She was brave, too.
Tobias’s mother, Evelyn, was initially the enemy, but I’m glad that when things wrapped up, that that relationship could be repaired. Mended, you could say. I’m also so happy that Tris forgave Caleb. I know all the things he did in Insurgent and betraying her in Divergent, were really terrible, but knowing that she would die for him, *which she…did* meant so much for their brother/sister bond. 
Then there was Tobias being lead astray by Nita. I knew right away that she wasn’t a very reliable character when she asked him to hide things from Tris. And what happened with the explosion and trauma at the Fringe was just to prove all the trouble she had roped Tobias into. It not only put Uriah into a coma, but it destroyed Tris and Tobias’s relationship for the most of the middle of the novel. I was really pleased that they patched things up and were stronger than ever at the end, because of the inevitable. 
But the highlight of the novel for me would always be how Tris changed Chicago, and more, with her legacy. She helped the Divergent. She stopped wars. In her sixteen years, she did so much to help others and risked her life for them every time she took her bravery to the next level. She will always be one of the best characters I’ve ever read about and it was truly amazing to have read her story.

 Tris was…herself. Brave, selfless, hasty and curious. She had changed a little from Insurgent, because I think seeing outside of Chicago had changed her. She could see growing up somewhere else, and a new beginning. But she put all that aside to save the people she loved, most importantly Tobias, and her brother Caleb. I was distraught when she died toward the end. Seeing the way Tobias, Caleb and Christina were afterwards was so heartbreaking. Tobias had lost the last person he could trust and the love of his life, Caleb had betrayed a sister that he loved and just barely got his forgiveness, and Christina had lost her last best friend. But what came of this was a new-found friendship for Tobias and Christina, and that was really amazing to see. 
Having the split point-of-view’s was interesting. There was a slight distinction between the two voices but I can understand how some people say they sound alike. But Tris and Tobias were a lot alike, so that’s how I understood it. It was definitely great to see how Tris through someone else’s eyes. One of my favourite quotes that Tobias said about Tris was in a short chapter towards the end about when he first saw her jump first in Divergent. About how her eyes were so stern, so insistent. Beautiful. THAT was a tear-worthy chapter. 
I was so sad to see Tori die so early on, even after her brother wasn’t dead after all, and he was safe inside the Fringe. It was devastating, alike Uriah dying and seeing Zeke and Hana say goodbye to him. The, well, I guess it was a sort of farewell to Tris, on the zip-line when Tobias faces his fear to spread her ashes…that was *beautiful*. 
And when Tris is dying, that moment when she sees her Mom…I was just so happy and sad, simultaneously. She had finally finished what her mother had started, saved so many lives and the city. She had been the bravest, most selfless of all.  Another cry-worthy scene. 


This finale to the Divergent series was incredible. I cried, I laughed, I smiled. There was so much going on and a lot to take in inside one book, but it was entirely worth the ending for Tris to have this massive legacy and to have read this journey. Of course, everyone would say if they could change the deaths of the characters, they would, but I think they made the book what it is. You can’t have all these brave people risking their lives in a city in ruins and not have any of them die. It’s unrealistic. So, thank you; Veronica. For making this book real, amazing and without a doubt the book of the year. 
*See below to check out what I listened to when I read Allegiant!*



Have you read Allegiant?

What did you think? 

Tell me in the comments or at @LittleMemoirs on twitter!
happy reading…and BE BRAVE.
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Book Review: “Insurgent” by Veronica Roth

 

Title: Insurgent (Divergent #2)

Author: Veronica Roth
Genre: Young Adult – Dystopian
Release Date:  May 1st, 2012
Published by: Katherine Tegen for Harper Collins Children’s

With thanks to HarperCollins Children’s books for the eBook copy of this novel! As always, my reviews are non-bias and fair.

AUTHOR SITE | TWITTER  | GOODREADS

 

Fighting for survival in a shattered world… the truth is her only hope.
The thrillingly dark sequel to No. 1 New York Times bestseller, DIVERGENT.
I have done bad things. I can’t take them back, and they are part of who I am.
Tris
has survived a brutal attack on her former home and family. But she has
paid a terrible price. Wracked by grief and guilt, she becomes ever
more reckless as she struggles to accept her new future.
Yet if
Tris wants to uncover the truth about her world, she must be stronger
than ever…because more shocking choices and sacrifices lie ahead.
 If you read my review for Divergent, then you’ll know I said; “Veronica Roth is a genius, and has created a storyworld that I would stay in forever” which is what I did, returning with Insurgent for some more dystopian Chicago time in one of the most iconic YA series I’ve ever read, and is still everywhere I go, meaning it’s not just me who knows this series isn’t going to quit it’s incredible twists and turns, gripping plots and daredevil characters. 



Do you know what Insurgent means? There’s this quote in the book that says Insurgent is; A person who acts in opposition to the established authority, who is not necessarily regarded as a belligerent. 
 Isn’t that Tris in a sentence? 
Insurgent picks up pretty much where Divergent left off, where everything is still sort of hanging in the balance of craziness. The group of characters, including Tris and Tobias, are bewildered and confused by the events happening in their factions and wounded, they struggle to piece together some of the facts they know. One thing that was apparent was how not only a shift in the balance of how they thought about the factions, but about each other as well. Tris and Tobias’s relationship was if anything stronger for what they had been through together in the beginning, but other relationships were on the rocks or already plummeting to the ground at a steady speed. Tris and Caleb weren’t on the best terms considering his actions, and Marcus and Tobias were as always, never going to be close as some of the other fathers and sons. 
They are seeking safety for the most part in the beginning, and find that with the most peaceful of factions; Amity. It’s there though, that quite a lot of un-peaceful events happen. Although we do get a more detailed gaze into the Amity way of things, and how very different they are to Dauntless. We also see a lot of the Candor headquarters, the honest faction. That’s where everything starts to crumble and one of Tris’s painfully kept secrets comes to light.
One of my favourite things that had progressed since Divergent was how we learn more about the characters that we always thought we knew fairly well. Tobias’s past wasn’t always crystal clear, and at times it still isn’t because it’s part of that mystery behind the years Tris didn’t know him. Though we get a peak behind the curtains at some closeted secrets that get dug up toward the middle of the book that startles Tris at the honesty she thought they shared. But as always, Tris and Tobias are a lot alike, and where one has a secret, the other has one to match. Even though they’re not really on “bad” terms by the end of the book, they are far from perfect which is ultimately what makes them seem so real. They are always a work in progress, but one thing that’s always been clear is that they’re meant for each other.
As for the book as a whole, it was unbelievably addictive and I couldn’t put it down. I always had to find out what was in the next chapter and found it matched my high expectations following Divergent and in some places, exceeded by miles. The plot was so fast paced, full of everything that made me love the series in the first place, reminding me just how talented Veronica is. She made me fall in love with the world, the characters and connect with them on a level that not every author can with such an action-packed, suspenseful plot. 
Tris shows me once again how naturally fearless she is. She may still have those fears, but she is still that impulsive, protective and smart girl from Divergent. She would do anything to save the people remaining that she loves, including sacrifice everything she is and herself. That’s overall what makes her such a unique, iconic character. Maybe my favourite of all time.
Every last remaining non-Dauntless traitor, and even other factions involved alike, aren’t willing to put faith and trust in each other since the events that have unturned in Insurgent, including that FIRECRACKER of an ending! 
I am in such high anticipations to read Allegiant, and although there are spoilers pretty much *everywhere*, I’m still going into it with an open mind about what lies ahead and how things will wrap up after they are unturned.
 The Divergent series is one of those that make you forget the world around you and find yourself a first-row seat in the epic, dystopian-Chicago and love it with each new chapter and revelation.
5 stars+ for another powerful, magnificent book by Veronica Roth!

Have you read Insurgent?

What did you think? 
Tell me in the comments or at @LittleMemoirs on twitter!
happy reading!
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{Quick Post} New Divergent Poster + Trailer!

I pushed my way through the interweb…

 …to find this!

rights go to the owners!
 There it is! How amazing is that? 
We’ve already been given the character posters for Tris, Four, Christina, Peter…who I’m still a little like this with…

..and also Tori, Max and Eric, but here we have the official movie poster! YAY. Although the full trailer isn’t here yet, eighteen seconds were released and I’ve added the link below!

 

 

be brave.

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Happy ALLEGIANT Day!

 
 
It’s here!
Finally the day we can complete our coveted Divergent collections with the epic conclusion to the trilogy! I’ve literally been counting the days, and am so excited to finally find out what’s in store for Tris and Tobias, including life possibly outside the gates…like hinted on the cover (which is so beautiful, by the way!) where it looks like we’re going to step outside of the faction-based walls and explore more of Chicago.
Get ready, fan-girls and boys! Veronica Roth, a.k.a, the best author ever, has also released the trailer for Allegiant and reads us Chapter One!
 
 

HAPPY ALLEGIANT DAY, EVERYONE!

 
 
happy reading!
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We Talk Divergent! + Review {with Sophie from 23 Review Street}

So this is a little different, or divergent, from our normal review styles…this week, me and Sophie from 23 Review Street, are doing a Divergent discussion and review, and will be continuing this for the whole trilogy by Veronica Roth!
Let’s get started!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Title: Divergent {Divergent #1}
Author: Veronica Roth
Genre: Young Adult -Dystopian
Release Date: May 3rd, 2011
Published by: Katherine Tegen Books
Format: USA Paperback

I purchased this book myself and I’m in no
way bias from one book to the next.
These opinions are totally my own.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
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-old’s 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.

Debut
author Veronica Roth bursts onto the literary scene with the first book
in the Divergent series—dystopian thrillers filled with electrifying
decisions, heartbreaking betrayals, stunning consequences, and
unexpected romance.

 

 

 
Sophie: I
didn’t really know about this book, until I heard it was being made
into a movie. After watching the trailer which was amazing, I decide to
read the book first. The tagline on the front drew me in along with the
blurb. As soon as I read the first page, I was hooked and couldn’t put
it down.
Becca: When
I first read about this last year, I snatched it up. It sat on my shelf
for a while before I finally got around to reading it this year when
Dystopian books were becoming a favourite of mine. I was first taken
aback by the whole faction thing, because I thought; how am I going to remember all these factions and rules? But then it wasn’t as complicated as I thought and was seriously addictive as soon as I started.

 Who was your favourite character?

Becca: My
favourite character was most definitely Tris. She was impulsive (in a
good way), fiery and honest. She wasn’t always so rule obedient, but
that made her the girl she was. If she hadn’t have been so curious and
question everything, then she wouldn’t have been an iconic lead
character. I also liked Four, because even though he was a little bit of
an idiot to Tris in the start, I ended up liking his character in the
end.

Sophie: My
favourite character would have to be Tris, from reading the book she is
a likeable character that you get to know as the book progresses. I
like that she is different from the rest of the people, yet that doesn’t
stop her. I like that she is loyal to her friends, and the chemistry
she has with Four that make the book even more enjoyable.

Favourite scene?
Becca: Obviously
I’m going to say the knife-throwing scene from Chapter 13. That was the
moment I was like; Four definitely has a thing for Tris, and she’s
oblivious, and he’s going about it the wrong way. But regardless to them
as a couple, it was still thrilling and a classic scene that Veronica
wrote.
Sophie:  My
favourite would have to be the Ferris Wheel scene from Chapter 12. This
showed how much being Dauntless meant to Tris, as she took it upon
herself to climb. The other thing I liked about the scene was that Four
went with her, even though his argument was realistic, you could tell
there was a underlining reason to why he went with her.

What is the part that you are looking forward to seeing projected from the book to the big screen when Divergent hits cinemas?

Becca: Everything
to do with the Chasm, basically. It’s so vividly described in the book,
from where Al dies, to where Tris is almost killed, to where Four and
Tris kiss. If it looks anything like Veronica wrote about, it’ll be a
good translation from book to screen for me.
Sophie:  The
scenes to do with the trains, as they jump off the trains a lot in the
book and there is a lot revolving around them. There are some important
scenes that are either on the trains and that have a big impact on the
story.

Who was your least favourite character?

Becca: The
characters were all so well made, so I couldn’t fault any of their
characteristics, but who I didn’t like because he was a horrible person,
was Peter. I know that Molly and Drew were probably as horrible, but he
was my pet peeve. I just wanted Tris to slap him SO bad, haha.
Sophie:  It
is hard to pick one, each are unique in his or her own way. Some are
nicer than others and others are nastier. Though if I had to pick one,
or three it would be Peter, Drew and Molly as they are always trying to
hurt and annoy Tris throughout the book.

Favourite quote?
Becca: “I
have something I need to tell you,” he says. I run my fingers along
the tendons in his hands and look back at him. “I might be in love with
you.” He smiles a little. “I’m waiting until I’m sure to tell you,
though.”

“That’s sensible of you,” I say, smiling too. “We should find some paper so you can make a list or a chart or something.”
I feel his laughter against my side, his nose sliding along my jaw, his lips pressing my ear.

“Maybe I’m already sure,” he says, “and I just don’t want to frighten you.”
I laugh a little. “Then you should know better.”
“Fine,” he says. “Then I love you.”

Sophie:  But he just says, “Careful, Tris.”

My
stomach drops like I just swallowed a stone. A Dauntless member at
another table calls out Four’s name, and I turn to Christina. She raises
both eyebrows.

“What?” I ask.
“I’m developing a theory.”

“And it is?”
She picks up her hamburger, grins, and says, “That you have a death wish.”

What did you think of the plot (the factions, the rules, etc)?

Becca: The
factions were so interesting and unique to Divergent, that it made me
think Veronica Roth must have the most vivid and creative imagination. I
loved how the factions were color-coordinated by their loyalties, how
the initiation took place…everything was just so addictive to read
about. I must admit that the Dauntless initiation was a little
frightening to read about, but bravery came with a price, there.
Sophie:  There
is five different factions, each different from the next. Though after
reading the first couple of chapters, you get to know what each
fraction is and the type of people that are linked to them. Each
fraction has different rules that they must follow, in Tris’s case
because she choose Dauntless the challenges are rules are a lot more
dangerous and thrilling. Though each challenge becomes more thrilling
and dangerous than before, testing how much they really want to become a
Dauntless member.

What made you like Divergent overall?

Becca: I
think it was half the detail, and half Tris’s narrative, because the
detail was something that roped me in, and then the way Tris led her
life from Abnegation to Dauntless, and finding out she was Divergent,
she was a true heroine. It was just so addictive, that I could’ve stayed
in the storyworld forever, so I’m pretty sure it’s one of my favourite
books of all time.
Sophie:  I
think it was the story, as it was completely different from any other
book I had ever read before. I loved the setting and what the book is
about. The bravery, the courage and the loyalties that as tested during
the course of the book.

What do you think will happen next?

Becca: I
expect SO much to go down with Erudite! I think that Tris is going to
really take charge of her future, even if that does mean not always
listening to Four. Possibly some twists that we haven’t stepped foot in
yet, too. I already have my copy of Insurgent waiting for me, so I will be reading ASAP.
Sophie:  I
can’t wait until Insurgent, as Divergent left off on a cliffhanger. I am
also looking forward to the friendships and relationships that Tris has
with people and how they will develop over the course of the next two
books.



 
I was a little slow on the whole Divergent thing, but now I wished I had read it back when it first came out a few years ago; because it is LITERALLY the best. 

It all starts with a little introduction to Tris and her family, and the Abnegation ways. Abnegation are the Selfless, whereas the other factions have different traits, like; Dauntless are Brave, Candor are Honest, Erudite are Intelligent, and Amity are Peaceful. Tris starts of in Abnegation after growing up there for the first sixteen years of her life, but she’s a very curious person, and even at the start, she is very wise.

Tris and her brother Caleb are due for their aptitude tests that will decide the faction they will spend the rest of their lives in. It’s a pretty crucial part of their lives and they will be put into a Simulation that detects what true traits they have and where they truly belong. Tris is told by Tori; who is dauntless, that she is Divergent–she can’t be controlled, and isn’t tied to just one faction. She get’s a result for; Abnegation, Erudite and Dauntless.

The decision takes it’s toll on Tris, and after deliberation and cautious thinking, she chooses to be brave in Dauntless. There kicks off one of the most addictive and action-packed novels I have ever read, and have ever thoroughly loved through and through. Tris is thrown into a training vortex where she is constantly building up her newer and reformed image, dropping her name that was Beatrice, to pick up Tris. Even though some other initiates like her are very judging and call her Stiff; because she was an Abnegation, she is determined to ignore their negativity and fight her way through. She even makes some friends, like Christina who transferred from Candor, Will who transferred from Erudite and Al who transferred from Candor. 

“I feel like someone breathed new air into my lungs. I am not Abnegation. I am not Dauntless. I am Divergent.”– Tris Prior

After building up her friendships and being thrown into fights with brutal consequences and enemies; Peter, Molly and Drew, Tris manages to use her Divergence to become stronger. This highlights her to Four; one of her trainers, the nicer of the two, the other being Eric. Tris and Four are first given some chemistry in the knife-throwing scene from chapter 13. She steps in for Al, and Four steps in from Eric, who were in a debate over his ability to aim at the target. Four then throws knifes…at Tris. And even then, we know there’s something between them, even though if anyone knew knifes at someone in this day and age, it would probably seem reckless and stupid, there it was brave.

Erudite also play a huge part in the novel. Jeanine is the leader of Erudite and in my words; is pure evil. She uses the Dauntless as her puppets and the last few chapters of Divergent are where things pick up to a fast paced cliffhanger. Lives are lost, alliances are made and things will never be the same…and as for Tris and Four (who may or may not have a name you will uncover in the book!)…they are highlight of Divergent, the spark that keeps the world alive. Even though he was a jerk toward her for the beginning of the novel, he is drawn to her individuality and perhaps is alike her in more ways than one that we will find out.

Veronica Roth is a genius, and has created a storyworld that I would stay in forever. The style of writing was unique and enthralling, and the deeper I read into the dystopian Chicago, the more I never wanted to put it down. The world is not perfect, but to be in Divergent is to know you don’t have to be perfect to be liked. Because Tris uncovered that we don’t have to just be one thing. She and Four wanted to be smart, kind, brave, selfless and honest. Why be just one?

Five stars in such an understatement. Bring on Insurgent!


Check out Sophie’s review here!

 

Did you love Divergent?

What was your favourite part?

Discuss in the comments with us or at twitter (@LittleMemoirs) (@23reviewstreet)! 

 

 

 

 

 
happy reading!

 

 

Waiting on Wednesday: “Allegiant” by Veronica Roth

“Waiting On” Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted at Breaking The Spine, that shines a spotlight on upcoming releases that we’re eagerly anticipating.
 

From the best-selling author of “Divergent” and “Insurgent”, my WoW post this week is from the AMAZING Veronica Roth…

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

One choice will define you.

What if your whole world was a lie?
What if a single revelation—like a single choice—changed everything?
What if love and loyalty made you do things you never expected?

The faction-based society that Tris Prior once believed in is
shattered—fractured by violence and power struggles and scarred by loss
and betrayal. So when offered a chance to explore the world past the
limits she’s known, Tris is ready. Perhaps beyond the fence, she and
Tobias will find a simple new life together, free from complicated lies,
tangled loyalties, and painful memories.

But Tris’s new
reality is even more alarming than the one she left behind. Old
discoveries are quickly rendered meaningless. Explosive new truths
change the hearts of those she loves. And once again, Tris must battle
to comprehend the complexities of human nature—and of herself—while
facing impossible choices about courage, allegiance, sacrifice, and
love.

Told from a riveting dual perspective, Allegiant, by #1
New York Times best-selling author Veronica Roth, brings the Divergent
series to a powerful conclusion while revealing the secrets of the
dystopian world that has captivated millions of readers in Divergent and
Insurgent.

 

 

 YAY. So I haven’t read Insurgent yet, but it’s on it’s way…I couldn’t find the US cover in the UK anywhere, but I finally did! I just know this series is super incredible with it’s fast-paced action and entwined romance into the futurist Chicago where Tris is trying to survive as a Divergent. I was hooked from the first page, and seriously can’t wait to have the whole trilogy. Bring on Allegiant‘s release date!

 

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