Review - Divergent

Divergent, by Veronica Roth

I've been slack on my challenge reading, but here's another review for The Story Siren's 2011 Debut Author Challenge.

I began this book cautiously, afraid it wouldn't live up to the hype. But. Y'all. It does. I devoured this book, and immediately passed it on to my husband, who also blew through it. And I can't wait for the sequel! I hope Veronica Roth is a quick writer.

So on to more specific comments: the plot wasn't anything groundbreaking, but it was a solid treatment of a classic dystopian story, well-paced and with enough action to keep you moving through the story. Particularly for a first book in the series, I thought Roth's pacing was spot-on. She gave you enuogh of a story and resolution to feel satisfied, but left a lot more ground to cover and definitely left you wanting more. I loved Roth's characters because for the most part they seemed real -- flawed and conflicted. The progagonists were relateable and sympathetic, even when were making me mad. And while the antagonists made me want to punch them in the face, they seemed like characters not characatures. I enjoyed the romantic storyline as well, and the fact that it grew rather than appeared. And thank you, thank you, thank you Ms. Roth for NOT putting in a love triangle.

Overall, a highly recommended first book from a fantastic new author.

Snapshot reviews

Kitty and the Midnight Hour, by Carrie Vaughn -- a fun book about a late-night radio show host who also happens to be a new werewolf. It's not campy, but doesn't take itself too seriously. I also liked the way Kitty (ironic name for a werewolf, yes?) really exhibited character development throughout the story, which gave it a nice depth. Bottom line: great start to a series I plan to continue reading.

Daughter of Smoke and Bones, by Laini Taylor -- raise your hand if you want to visit Prague? (raises hand). This book has a ton of things going for it. Unique story, vivid characters, a wonderful sense of place and mood, and it's full of emotion. Hope and love and mystery and aching heartbreak.It's the kind of book that I just liked more and more as I continued reading it. I can't wait for the sequel!