Review: Insurgent by Veronica Roth

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.

Holy. Wow. Let me just say that Veronica Roth is a *rock star*. I thought Divergent was incredible, but as Roth continues her story, it only gets more intense ~ if you can believe it.

Tris has got to be my favorite heroine. She's never the "damsel in distress" and she never expects to be saved, relying mostly on herself. She makes her own decisions based on what she believes is right despite what she might lose in the process. She makes mistakes, and she has weak moments, but that makes her all the more real.

Tris and Tobias add a little dash of romance and heartbreak, but it's definitely not at the center of the story ~ making me respect Roth even more, if that were possible. Their bond stretches, struggles, and strengthens, but they are each individuals that can stand alone without always depending on the other. 

I felt like Insurgent had a deep focus on Tris battling her demons and facing her altered past. She's trying to deal with what she's done, what she thinks she's become, all in the midst of an evolving war between the factions. As she learns more about herself, she discovers what she is truly capable of and the sacrifices she might have to make in order to find the truth and, hopefully, save those she's come to love.

As always, Roth's writing style is impeccable. Her world building and character development doesn't miss a beat, and the connection the reader feels with both is practically tangible. The complexity between the different factions is very distinct, and you can tell where each character comes from simply by their dialogue and personality. Pure talent.

I won't spoil it ~ I hope ~ but I have to say, once I got to the last few pages, I did not see THAT coming. Insurgent completely changes your perspective of the entire story, and you begin to see everything in a totally different way.

The only bad thing is ~ we have to wait a whole year to find out what happens next.

If you haven't started this series yet, I suggest you get on it, ASAP.




Happy Reading Everyone :)




~ Keely