Four

Goodreads Says:    Two years before Beatrice Prior made her choice, the sixteen-year-old son of Abnegation’s faction leader did the same. Tobias’s transfer to Dauntless is a chance to begin again. Here, he will not be called the name his parents gave him. Here, he will not let fear turn him into a cowering child.

Newly christened “Four,” he discovers during initiation that he will succeed in Dauntless. Initiation is only the beginning, though; Four must claim his place in the Dauntless hierarchy. His decisions will affect future initiates as well as uncover secrets that could threaten his own future—and the future of the entire faction system.

Two years later, Four is poised to take action, but the course is still unclear. The first new initiate who jumps into the net might change all that. With her, the way to righting their world might become clear. With her, it might become possible to be Tobias once again.

From #1 New York Times bestselling author Veronica Roth comes a companion volume to the worldwide bestselling DIVERGENT series, told from the per-spective of the immensely popular character Tobias. The four pieces included here—THE TRANSFER, THE INITIATE, THE SON, and THE TRAITOR—plus three additional exclusive scenes, give readers an electrifying glimpse into the history and heart of Tobias, and set the stage for the epic saga of the DIVERGENT trilogy.

My Thoughts:

-    I enjoyed the Divergent series, but I wasn't sure about this novella thing. I didn't know if I should try it or not. Well, I did.

-    It's like a giant monologue in Four's head.

-    This was an easy and quick read, and I usually enjoy those, but not this one. I wouldn't read this again.

-    There was nothing new. I didn't learn anything new or special. It as disappointing.

-    There was a part where he went back and forth about if he liked Tris or not, and it was really annoying!

-    I didn't like being in Four's head. It took away some of his appeal. I liked how mysterious Four was, and how I didn't know what he was thinking. Now I do and I don't like it. 

-    I feel like this book didn't need to be made. I feel like the publishers are just trying to squeeze more money out of us.

-    If you haven't read this, go ahead and pass it up. Just go read the Divergent books. It is better. 

Divergent Trilogy
(covers are linked to my thoughts)

  

Allegiant

Goodreads Synopsis:    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.

My Thoughts:

-    I can see why people had a hard time with this book, but overall, I thought it was good.

-    I didn't like switching between Tris and Tobias's POV. It was confusing at times, and it took me a while to get used to Tobias. In the end, I understand why the author did the alternating POVs though.

-    There were some boring parts in the middle. I felt the characters were just talking about a lot of info. There was a lot of telling and not as much showing. All the info was important though, and I don't know how else the story could have explained everything.

-    The main thing that bugged me about this book was how Tobias and Tris fought like children. It was so immature, and it really bugged me. I felt like Tobias took a big step backwards in his maturity. He kind of threw fits, and the stuff that came out of his mouth was so dumb.

-    My honest opinion of the end is that I'm okay with it. The decision Tris made was very much in her character. I felt like all three books were building her character into making this decision. Her parents would be proud of her.

-    The author is gutsy!

-    As far as the overall problem with the government and the people, I didn't feel like it was totally resolved. I still feel like the whole civilization could still turn into turmoil, and I would have liked the characters to resolve the whole government and gene thing. 

-    Overall, it wasn't amazing, but I thought it was good. 

Previous Books

(covers are linked)

 

Insurgent

Goodreads Description:   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.

My Thoughts:

-    The story picks up EXACTLY where Divergent ends.

-    In her weakened state, I love that Tris isn't too proud to accept help when it's offered.

-    Why does Tris push everyone away when she needs them most?  It is a little frustrating!!  I can't entirely blame her though, I do the same thing at times.  I really feel bad for Tobias.

-    I'm not really a fan of the name Tobias.  When I think Tobias, I think of the never-nude from Arrested Development.  You know?  David Cross's character?  I just don't want to associate that Tobias with this Tobias.

-    I LOVE LOVE LOVE the epiphany Tris has in chapter 34.  She needed a good kick in the butt, and she got it!!  I understand that she is dealing with some major emotional crap, and I'm sure I wouldn't act or handle it any better, but I'm glad Tris faced her problems and worked through some of them.  The character development is great!!

-    NEXT BOOK PLEASE!!  The ending is ok, but it opens up all these new questions.  I not even sure where the next book is going to go.  Who is the enemy?

-    This is one of the best Dystopian series out there!!

Divergent

Goodreads Synopsis:    In a future Chicago, 16-year-old Beatrice Prior must choose among five predetermined factions to define her identity for the rest of her life, a decision made more difficult when she discovers that she is an anomaly who does not fit into any one group, and that the society she lives in is not perfect after all.

My Thoughts:

-    I just finished this a few minutes ago, and my mind is blown!

-    Beatrice picked the worst faction!!  Why would you put people through such harsh initiations?  I understand it was necessary to the story, and Beatrice really did pick the best faction for herself, but dang! 

-    This book makes my heart race!!  I could feel my heart quicken throughout the story.  It was like reading this was a workout ;)

-    I really liked that Four and Tris were independent and strong separately and together.  They both could stand up for themselves and act for themselves.  It was nice to see that.  I'm getting tired of the relationships that involve idiot or sissy boys and whiny, needy girls.

-    As terrible as this is...I would have probably chosen Erudite.  I love knowledge and learning. I would have revolted against the evil woman, Jeanine, though too.  

-    The ending is good, but it leaves me DYING to read Insurgent!!!!!!!   The cliffhanger wasn't too bad, but it still leaves the story wide open, and the story is definitely not complete!!

-    I want to cry for Tris.  Everything that happens to her and her family in the last few chapters is heart wrenching!!!  I just want to mourn for her!