Insurgent by Veronica Roth {Divergent #2}

One choice can transform you—or it can destroy you. But every choice has consequences, and as unrest surges in the factions all around her, Tris Prior must continue trying to save those she loves—and herself—while grappling with haunting questions of grief and forgiveness, identity and loyalty, politics and love.

Tris's initiation day should have been marked by celebration and victory with her chosen faction; instead, the day ended with unspeakable horrors. War now looms as conflict between the factions and their ideologies grows. And in times of war, sides must be chosen, secrets will emerge, and choices will become even more irrevocable—and even more powerful. Transformed by her own decisions but also by haunting grief and guilt, radical new discoveries, and shifting relationships, Tris must fully embrace her Divergence, even if she does not know what she may lose by doing so.

New York Times bestselling author Veronica Roth's much-anticipated second book of the dystopian Divergent series is another intoxicating thrill ride of a story, rich with hallmark twists, heartbreaks, romance, and powerful insights about human nature. {Synopsis taken from Goodreads}

My thoughts:

Wow! Just holy freaking wow! I absolutely loved this amazing book. I was extremely skeptical because of all the reviews I had seen and thought it wouldn't live up to the first book. It. completely. did.

So many sophomore books don't live up to the first book but this was just not the case with Insurgent.  Veronica Roth's writing style is still amazing. I just devoured this book and loved the fact that it was over 500 pages. I could just keep reading and loving Tris and Four.  One of my worries was that the romance I enjoyed so much in Divergent wouldn't be present in this book, it was even better!  Tris and Four are definitely developing their relationship and it's growing to be more and I love being a  part of it. 

The only thing honestly that bugged me about this book was Tris.  I realize that she has just lost both of her parents so she's allowed to fall apart but she drove me a little crazy in this book but it worked really well.  Roth was able to tie up the broken Tris and make it a pretty amazing story.

Their are so many "holy oh my gosh's" in this book, some I just was not expecting and I just loved that.  I enjoy being shocked by a story and Insurgent definitely did this, especially the ending. Wow! What a cliffhanger. I just was not expecting that! 

I absolutely cannot wait to read the third book of Veronica Roth's.  She herself is evolving as an author and I'm just so happy to be reading her wonderful books.  Her next book cannot come out soon enough.

I give it 5 big fabulous rainbows!

Divergent by Veronica Roth

• Reading level: Ages 14 and up
• Paperback: 576 pages
• Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books; Reprint edition (February 28, 2012)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0062024035
• ISBN-13: 978-0062024039

In Beatrice Prior’s dystopian Chicago world, 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-olds 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 alongside her fellow initiates to live out the choice they have made. Together they must undergo extreme physical tests of endurance and intense psychological simulations, some with devastating consequences. As initiation transforms them all, Tris must determine who her friends really are—and where, exactly, a romance with a sometimes fascinating, sometimes exasperating 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 unrest and growing conflict that threaten 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 YA scene with the first book in the Divergent series—dystopian thrillers filled with electrifying decisions, heartbreaking betrayals, stunning consequences, and unexpected romance. (Synopsis taken from Amazon)

My Thoughts~

WOW! Just, wow! What a book!  I absolutely devoured this book in one sitting. I am still amazed at this story. I am now among all of the crazy Divergent fans anxiously anticipating Insurgent May 1. It cannot come soon enough.

Beatrice or Tris as she wishes to be called was awesome! She's tough and vulnerable and believable. She isn't confused and silly; she's a lot more than that. While she does struggle with her choice she only does because choosing otherwise affects her family.  I loved her bravery that she shows when she chooses.  I actually teared up at the choosing ceremony. It was done so well. One of my favorite parts of the book, but believe me there are so many favorites in this book.

The world that Veronica Roth has created is creative and the concept is so different.  I was very much expecting something close to The Hunger Games and it just isn't that. It is so different! I actually enjoyed this so much better than The Hunger Games. The Hunger Games to me did not have romance, Divergent does and it is soooo good! I love Four. He's so enjoyable to read about and their romance was so good!  It isn't forced or pushed on you or rushed at all, it just happens and as it is  you're pulled into it and you find yourself giggling for Tris and Four.

I did have a few issues with this story that I don't understand why they were put in but I'd have to spoil it so lets just say I'm going to trust the amazing Veronica Roth with this story and I am willing to go into it wherever she may take it! Amazing book, go read it now!

 

Review: Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi

Release Date: January 12, 2012

Age Group: Young Adult

Received From: Purchased from Amazon

IBSN: 9780062072030

Blurb:

Since she'd been on the outside, she'd survived an Aether storm, she'd had a knife held to her throat, and she'd seen men murdered. This was worse.

Exiled from her home, the enclosed city of Reverie, Aria knows her chances of surviving in the outer wasteland - known as The Death Shop - are slim. If the cannibals don't get her, the violent, electrified energy storms will. She's been taught that the very air she breathes can kill her. Then Aria meets an Outsider named Perry. He's wild - a savage - and her only hope of staying alive.

A hunter for his tribe in a merciless landscape, Perry views Aria as sheltered and fragile - everything he would expect from a Dweller. But he needs Aria's help too; she alone holds the key to his redemption. Opposites in nearly every way, Aria and Perry must accept each other to survive. Their unlikely alliance forges a bond that will determine the fate of all who live under the never sky. (Synopsis taken from Goodreads.)

My thoughts:
This book took what felt like forever to get in to. I was so confused by the aether and the storms, this book is just unlike anything I've read.  It was just difficult for me to get in to.  I honestly know the moment when I actually couldn't put it down, it was page 98 when they met.

I am so glad that I didn't give up on this book! It was wonderful. I enjoyed the characters so much, Aria and Perry were enjoyable to read about and I love that the book is told from her point of view and his. I loved to be in both of their heads and feel what they were feeling and see what they were seeing.  I feel as if I would have lost so much of the story had it not been told from both point of views.

I loved the romance in this book. It was so enjoyable and swoon-worthy.  Aria and Perry don't have insta-love at all. It's well developed and not forced, sweet and appropriate with just the right amount of romance. I love Perry and Aria!

Veronica Rossi created completely different and complex worlds for her backdrop in this beautiful story. Her main characters Aria and Perry are lovable and enjoyable and wonderfully written. I found myself rooting for them all the way.  The supporting characters were great as well.  I loved Talon and his relationship with Perry. 
  
This story has twists, turns and surprises around every chapter and I couldn't put it down (after page 98 of course).  I loved it right up until the clever and suspenseful ending!  Veronica Rossi has created an amazing and superb debut novel that I cannot wait to continue reading with Through the Ever Night!

4.5 Stars I loved it!

Happy Reading Ya'll!
Stephie