Author:  Veronica Roth

Genre:  Sci-Fi

Ratings

Enjoyability/Awesomeness:  4

• Action:  5
• Suspense:  4
• Boredom:  5
• Romance:  7
• Magic:  2
• Thrills:  4

Recommended Age Range:  13+

• Violence/Fear:  6
• Mature Content:  7
• Language:  2
• Alcohol/Drugs:  2
• Advertising:  1
• Positive Messages:  4
• Role Models:  4

While Divergent has received rave reviews, it does not meet one’s expectations.  While the concept of divisions of humanity into factions based on virtues is clever and original, this is not used to the extent desired.  Only three of the five factions are discussed with any detail, and only two from an inside view.  The primary conflict of the story is one-sided and poorly justified.  Ultimately, one of the primary message of the story seems to be that humanity cannot resist its vices and will ultimately become evil, and that pursuit of knowledge is the doorway to evil.  Finally, reading is dull as attempts at foreshadowing are heavy-handed and reveal future events prematurely, and plot is already predictable.