The true power of words is when they force you to think or feel something new. I previously wrote about a book called Divergent by Veronica Roth. The sequel, Insurgent, releases May 1st. You need these books in your life. This series is a game changer. It is the bludger that knocks you off your broom just when you think you’ve got the game won.
The thing about books is that they are a magic all their own. They have the ability to take you places faster than apparating & teach you more than all the professors at Hogwarts. However, they usually fall into a formula. The reader knows where the plot is going to go and what the characters are doing to do. Every once in awhile a story comes along that you cannot put down. (And not just because it’s an evil, enchanted diary that’s secretly sucking out your soul.) Divergent is that series. J.K. Rowling’s words were (and are) actual magic. Veronica Roth must have some kind of summoning charm on her words because she pulls you in to her characters and story in a way that is nothing short of magic.
Divergent is about a girl named Tris, the choice that defines the rest of her life, and a secret that will either save or destroy her. I spoke about the compelling nature of Divergent as, similar to Harry Potter, people are sorted into groups based on the attributes that define them. However, the real question is can someone ever really be defined? Isn’t trying to sort everyone into groups just a way to “figure people out” and generalize about them? “A way to “understand” people so it is easier to establish control? Insurgent continues to question the fundamental theme of Divergent and the Harry Potter series: How does society adapt when one group seeks ultimate power and seeks to bend the will of others? Insurgent also poses another question: how do people respond to, and understand, chaos?
For those of you who haven’t read Divergent, why the hell are you reading this? Go buy it! Read! Now!
For those that have read the book, Insurgent picks up directly after Divergent ends. Facing the consequences of the choices she’s made, Tris must find a way to discover the truth about the world she lives in. A truth that some people will do anything (short of building a basilisk filled chamber) to keep secret. The realities of loss, lies and loyalty all come into play as she struggles to find an answer which might make her question everything.
Tris’ story is spellbinding (not literally, still no charm casting in this book). She is the epitome of a character worth knowing, in a story so compelling you can’t put the book down. The reason that people are drawn to series like Harry Potter and the Hunger Games are that they make you question the world. This book has action, romance (gross), intrigue, mystery, and a plot so full of twists and turns that it might as well double as a Triwizard Tournament maze. Most important of all; it has something to tell. It is not just a book, it is a story. One that anyone, regardless of if they fall into the “young adult” category, can (and should) read & enjoy. It will give you plenty to think about. Which is good, because most people are idiots and can use all the practice at using their brains that they can get.
Seriously though, you just read all of that. What are you, a Ravenclaw? Clearly you like reading… and have too much time. Read this book. You won’t regret it. You might if you don’t though….
Insurgent releases May 1st.