October 28, 2013
Roth shakes up her storytelling (and will do the same to some readers) in this highly anticipated, largely satisfying wrap-up to the Divergent trilogy. First, the majority of the story takes place outside the city walls, since Tris and Tobias (aka Four) have joined the rebel group known as the Allegiant, whose goals are to fight the factionless and discover whatâs beyond the cityâs boundaries. Second, Roth alternates between Trisâs and Tobiasâs viewpoints as readers learn about genetic tampering that the U.S. government performed generations earlier, which gave rise to the faction system. Rothâs plotting is, as readers have come to expect, intelligent and complex. Dangers, suspicion, and tension lurk around every corner, and the chemistry between Tris and Tobias remains heart-poundingly real. The alternating perspectives are bothersome at times, due to the similarity between Tris and Tobiasâs first-person narratives. However, for those who have faithfully followed these five factions, and especially the Dauntless duo who stole hearts two books ago, this final installment will capture and hold attention until the divisive final battle has been waged. Ages 14âup. Agent: Joanna Volpe, New Leaf Literary & Media.