Book Review: Insurgent by Veronica Roth

I read the first book in the series, Divergent, a couple of months ago, and I really liked it. The series surrounds the character of Tris, who lives in a society where each person is categorized by their strengths into one of five factions. They take their aptitude test at 16, and afterward choose the faction that they want to join. Most people clearly fit into one faction, but Tris fits into three. She is Divergent, and because of it, her life is in danger. Divergents tend to disappear or turn up dead, and if she can't keep her own secret, she will die.

The story is interesting and compelling, and the main character well crafted. I thought in the first book that the characters could have been better expounded on, especially Four/Tobias. I gave the first book four stars.

The second book, Insurgent, was not quite as good as the first book, but it delved into the characters more, exploring their faults, strengths, and relationships. However, I still would have liked more exploration of Four/Tobias. As the society falls apart and breaks into civil war, readers learn more about who Tris is, who the Divergents are as a whole, and what her place in society is. I found it to be a little slow and halting, and not as compelling as the first book, but nevertheless, the continued plot became more intriguing. I am looking forward to the next book.

Stars Image Credit: lovethenerddesigns