Helpful Score: 5
I wanted to really like this book since I LOVE Divergent (5 stars), thought Insurgent was pretty good (4 stars), but Allegiant really dragged for me. Some parts felt drawn out and repetitive. Everything finally picked up towards the end and the last 100 pages or so were great. I was satisfied with how the series ended as a whole, but I wish I enjoyed this book more than I did.
Helpful Score: 3
Ok now before we even get into this book, I want to say this is going to read more like a rant than a review. With that being said, here we go.
My first gripe about this book would be the alternating points of view. The first two books in the series are told solely from Tris's point of view. I normally love dual point of view books but something about reading events through Four's eyes just frustrated the hell out of me and I have no idea why. I think it is because the voice he was given did not fit the way I would have pictured him thinking. I am sure it is hard for authors to avoid this, but it just felt like the same person all the time, with a different "person" for some chapters.
Four's perspective being set aside, I am unbelievably disappointed with the way Tris's part in the rebellion turned out. My problem was not with what happened, it was with all the CHEESE. Why does everything have to be so cheesy all the time?!? I just do not understand. I wanted to throw the book across the room.
Looking at the broader purpose and overall message of the book, the secret behind Tris's city revealed early on in the book is interesting and creates so much potential. Unfortunately, Roth didn't seem to follow through and do something with all the possibilities she opened up in this final installment of her trilogy. Instead, she chose to take us on a rather boring, frustrating, and highly disappointing journey. I wish we could have seen more of the world outside of Tris's city and learned more about how people live. Stories and heresay are thrown at our little adventurers, and there are some isolated encounters, but I always felt like I needed more more more.
Overall, I was just really very disappointed with this book. I know a lot of people hated on Insurgent, but I felt like it was unbelievably more interesting than this final installment in the series.
My first gripe about this book would be the alternating points of view. The first two books in the series are told solely from Tris's point of view. I normally love dual point of view books but something about reading events through Four's eyes just frustrated the hell out of me and I have no idea why. I think it is because the voice he was given did not fit the way I would have pictured him thinking. I am sure it is hard for authors to avoid this, but it just felt like the same person all the time, with a different "person" for some chapters.
Four's perspective being set aside, I am unbelievably disappointed with the way Tris's part in the rebellion turned out. My problem was not with what happened, it was with all the CHEESE. Why does everything have to be so cheesy all the time?!? I just do not understand. I wanted to throw the book across the room.
Looking at the broader purpose and overall message of the book, the secret behind Tris's city revealed early on in the book is interesting and creates so much potential. Unfortunately, Roth didn't seem to follow through and do something with all the possibilities she opened up in this final installment of her trilogy. Instead, she chose to take us on a rather boring, frustrating, and highly disappointing journey. I wish we could have seen more of the world outside of Tris's city and learned more about how people live. Stories and heresay are thrown at our little adventurers, and there are some isolated encounters, but I always felt like I needed more more more.
Overall, I was just really very disappointed with this book. I know a lot of people hated on Insurgent, but I felt like it was unbelievably more interesting than this final installment in the series.
Helpful Score: 2
I kind of wish I hadn't read this book. It SUCKS as a resolution to any of what happens in the previous two books. Suspension of disbelief isn't enough, you have to suspend a lot of higher brain function for this story to make sense or be any fun to read at all. The whole book is just so unsatisfying. What they find outside the city is not very interesting, doesn't make good story, and so these other stories are then told which also aren't very interesting, not character driven, and do nothing to advance resolution to the overall situation or the Tris/Tobias relationship.
The writing isn't very good, Veronica Roth decides to tell this story with two points of view - Tris and Tobias. Unfortunately the "voice" of each character sounds exactly the same so you get confused who is talking and there's nothing added to the story by switching points of view except to make you lose respect for Tobias. Eventally you read some stuff that was written by Tris's mother and even she sounds exactly the same as Tris and Tobias.
Sort of spoiler follows so if you really want to read Allegiant without any idea what will happen stop reading here. If you're hoping for a happy ending, forget it. My bad review isn't just because of the unhappy ending but because it was sloppy writing and bad storytelling that delivered a crappy ending. I suggest you Finish reading Insurgent and then make up your own ending to resolve what's outside the city, to resolve why everything happened and what happens to all the characters. You will be much more satisfied.
The writing isn't very good, Veronica Roth decides to tell this story with two points of view - Tris and Tobias. Unfortunately the "voice" of each character sounds exactly the same so you get confused who is talking and there's nothing added to the story by switching points of view except to make you lose respect for Tobias. Eventally you read some stuff that was written by Tris's mother and even she sounds exactly the same as Tris and Tobias.
Sort of spoiler follows so if you really want to read Allegiant without any idea what will happen stop reading here. If you're hoping for a happy ending, forget it. My bad review isn't just because of the unhappy ending but because it was sloppy writing and bad storytelling that delivered a crappy ending. I suggest you Finish reading Insurgent and then make up your own ending to resolve what's outside the city, to resolve why everything happened and what happens to all the characters. You will be much more satisfied.
Helpful Score: 2
After looking at several reviews and comments I simply must add my own comments about this novel. It's dynamic, fascinating and moving. I truly enjoyed the story including the development of the romance between Four (Tobias) and Tris. The tale develops according to the personalities of the characters. True, I was sometimes disappointed in the portrayal of Four's fears and insecurities because I found them so hard to believe after reading the first two novels in the series. However, Tris emerges as a strong, mature character who bolsters him in every way because she loves him. Told from both viewpoints, the two narratives are linked in such a way that I felt the story flowed well. In short, as my reading progressed I found it hard to put the book aside.
Leaving the city, to travel outside and discover the truth takes courage to face the unknown. When the group, led by Tris and Tobias, find another controlled society where the city is viewed as an experiment and the people within it as scientific subjects, they are not certain where to turn. And, because of the decision by the scientists to reset the city - start over - the group cannot bear to see the memories of their friends and families erased. Yet how can a group of newcomers change the outcome? Knowing that the scientists were responsible for so much of the chaos and death in the city they are determined to try to save the city. As the book comes to it climax I found myself running with these young idealistic young people so full of hope for the future.
Yes, I thought this was an excellent well written novel. I'm glad I read it and believe that the author did credit to her story and the characters in the outcome. Rather than give away the ending, I simply suggest that it be read with an open mind and enjoy it for its merits.
Leaving the city, to travel outside and discover the truth takes courage to face the unknown. When the group, led by Tris and Tobias, find another controlled society where the city is viewed as an experiment and the people within it as scientific subjects, they are not certain where to turn. And, because of the decision by the scientists to reset the city - start over - the group cannot bear to see the memories of their friends and families erased. Yet how can a group of newcomers change the outcome? Knowing that the scientists were responsible for so much of the chaos and death in the city they are determined to try to save the city. As the book comes to it climax I found myself running with these young idealistic young people so full of hope for the future.
Yes, I thought this was an excellent well written novel. I'm glad I read it and believe that the author did credit to her story and the characters in the outcome. Rather than give away the ending, I simply suggest that it be read with an open mind and enjoy it for its merits.
Helpful Score: 1
Dystopian Young adult fiction by Veronica Roth, third in the Divergent series. Where to start? At the end of Insurgent, our heroes had uncovered a message from one of the founders of the City. Indicating that there was more to the world, outside the city limits.
Inside the city, there is a war between the Factionless, and those who want to preserve the Faction system.
Tris, Four and some friends decide to leave the city to find out what is out there. What they find is more than they ever imagined. The outside civilization may be bigger, and more advanced, but it too has issues.
Tris and Four, who now goes by his given name, Tobias become embroiled in the politics of this new place, which directly impact their former home.
While I'm glad I read it,I have to say that I did not enjoy this book as much as the first two. I found it to be something of a letdown. Lots of confusing stuff happening. Progress means sacrifices. And progress is made in this world.
Inside the city, there is a war between the Factionless, and those who want to preserve the Faction system.
Tris, Four and some friends decide to leave the city to find out what is out there. What they find is more than they ever imagined. The outside civilization may be bigger, and more advanced, but it too has issues.
Tris and Four, who now goes by his given name, Tobias become embroiled in the politics of this new place, which directly impact their former home.
While I'm glad I read it,I have to say that I did not enjoy this book as much as the first two. I found it to be something of a letdown. Lots of confusing stuff happening. Progress means sacrifices. And progress is made in this world.
Helpful Score: 1
I was disappointed with the choices made by the author in the ending. I just didn't see it coming.
Helpful Score: 1
This is Book 3 of the Divergent trilogy.
As hard as it is to do with this book, I am writing a spoiler-free review.
I can't decide if I hated this book, or merely disliked it. I think I come out somewhere in the middle (but ever so slightly closer to hate).
Compared to all of the action and adventure that was packed into the first two books, this third book felt oddly dull. While the reader is finally given the opportunity to peer behind the curtain to learn about the world outside of Chicago, it isn't really enough to make you feel involved. After so much gritty interaction and conflict, this third book actually felt very sterile and somehow disconnected. Roth had a great opportunity there, and I feel like she squandered it completely.
Also, the format of the book changed. The first two books were told from Tris's perspective. This book alternates between Tris and Four for the entire length of the book. And while I was initially intrigued about the opportunity to spend more time inside Four's head, having him narrate every other chapter made for a rather disjointed reading experience. It was also confusing, because the "voices" for Tris and Four sounded exactly the same. I kept having to go back to the chapter heading to see which character was speaking.
The resolution of this book made me feel similar to the way I felt at the end of Paolini's Inheritance Cycle: disappointed, a little cheated, and haunted with the sense that much of this entire reading experience was a waste. I don't know what I was expecting, but I feel like Roth ruined a decent series by throwing together a slapdash storyline and subjecting her main characters to an unworthy, unsatisfying, and undeserved ending.
Is it a book (or series) worth reading? In all, I'm not sure. Divergent introduces the reader to an interesting (and plausible) dystopian world. Insurgent continues to move the plot forward, although it starts to get bogged down with unending conflicts. Allegiant seems to strike this strange contract where a lot is going on but nothing ever really happens, which isn't what you want in a series finale. The plot just got too heavy, too needlessly complex, and too overly introspective to remain plausible. The end result was that it simply collapsed under its own weight and the reader is left standing among the wreckage. Divergent started things off with so much potential. It is a shame that Allegiant was truly unable to deliver.
As hard as it is to do with this book, I am writing a spoiler-free review.
I can't decide if I hated this book, or merely disliked it. I think I come out somewhere in the middle (but ever so slightly closer to hate).
Compared to all of the action and adventure that was packed into the first two books, this third book felt oddly dull. While the reader is finally given the opportunity to peer behind the curtain to learn about the world outside of Chicago, it isn't really enough to make you feel involved. After so much gritty interaction and conflict, this third book actually felt very sterile and somehow disconnected. Roth had a great opportunity there, and I feel like she squandered it completely.
Also, the format of the book changed. The first two books were told from Tris's perspective. This book alternates between Tris and Four for the entire length of the book. And while I was initially intrigued about the opportunity to spend more time inside Four's head, having him narrate every other chapter made for a rather disjointed reading experience. It was also confusing, because the "voices" for Tris and Four sounded exactly the same. I kept having to go back to the chapter heading to see which character was speaking.
The resolution of this book made me feel similar to the way I felt at the end of Paolini's Inheritance Cycle: disappointed, a little cheated, and haunted with the sense that much of this entire reading experience was a waste. I don't know what I was expecting, but I feel like Roth ruined a decent series by throwing together a slapdash storyline and subjecting her main characters to an unworthy, unsatisfying, and undeserved ending.
Is it a book (or series) worth reading? In all, I'm not sure. Divergent introduces the reader to an interesting (and plausible) dystopian world. Insurgent continues to move the plot forward, although it starts to get bogged down with unending conflicts. Allegiant seems to strike this strange contract where a lot is going on but nothing ever really happens, which isn't what you want in a series finale. The plot just got too heavy, too needlessly complex, and too overly introspective to remain plausible. The end result was that it simply collapsed under its own weight and the reader is left standing among the wreckage. Divergent started things off with so much potential. It is a shame that Allegiant was truly unable to deliver.
This was the third (and final) book in the Divergent series by Roth. It was well written and I still enjoy Roths writing style, however the story itself was a disappointment.
The story switches between Triss and Tobias's point of view. Tris is languishing in lockdown after releasing information that Tobiass mother (and leader of the Factionless) didnt want released. Tobias is walking a fine line; he doesnt really support what his mother is doing but wants to be in the know and wants her to trust him. Tobias also wants Tris released. Then both characters learn about a faction called Allegiant which is against what the Factionless are doing. When Tris and Tobias get involved with the Allegiant they are asked to travel beyond the fence and see whats out there. Both of them hope that beyond the fence will be a better place where they can start anew.
It honestly took me a while to figure out what I thought about this book. There are certain things that happen at the end that will piss off the reader big time. So I had to take some time and think the book through in order not to just have the Oh, my God I hate this book reaction. In the end I realized that there were a lot of things...not just the ending...that I was disappointed about.
I think a lot of these dystopian trilogies suffer from poor endings. I mean really, the first book is the big reveal of a cool new world and neat ideas. The second book is further development of those ideas. The third book has to resolve stuff, and thats tough when honestly the resolution is usually a bit convoluted and boring. I mean ultimately you are looking at replacing a corrupt system with a better one...and thats not all that exciting or easy to do in an entertaining way. I cant think of one dystopian series I have read where the final book in the series is better than the earlier books.
I did like that Tris and Tobias actually tried to work through their relationship problems. However, even this got a bit old...they have the same problems over and over again. The chemistry between these two seems to have cooled off some in this book.
The book is very readable and well written, I am not sure I liked how convoluted the story got. I was a kind of disappointed when Tris and Tobias get out of the city and find very similar problems to what they faced in the city. There are multiple factions outside the city and people are not being treated fairly. The outside was just an echo of the inside of the city (or visa versa). The addition of more and more different factions just got old...and to be honest boring. No surprises, nothing all that interesting or groundshaking. I was having trouble staying awake as I read this book.
This is a long book...I feel like a lot of what is in here was unnecessary and just added complication. The whole thing ends up being a war between Tobiass dad and Tobiass mom...which is kind of dumb and disappointing. Not to mention the vast number of coincidences that happen in this story to lead the reader to that point. It just came of as convoluted and contrived.
Also, while I understand the ending of the book and why it was possibly the most realistic path forward, I also think it wouldn't have killed Roth to write an ending that was just a little bit more happy. It would have been nice to give the reader a bit more hope that things in this world were going to go the right way in the end. As mentioned above this is part of why I am getting sick of dystopia...they never end all that happy.
Overall definitely the weakest book of the trilogy. I still enjoy Roths writing style but I thought that what Tobias and Tris found Outside was disappointing, boring, and just added complication that didnt need to be there. I didnt enjoy the addition of yet more groups and factions and the fact that the whole thing ended up being more of a war between Tobiass parents than anything else. I also didnt like the ending, although I understand how it fit the story well. I really wasnt a fan of this book, it felt more like a necessary evil I had to read to finish this series than anything else.
All that being said, the first two books in this series were absolutely excellent. So I still recommend the series as a whole; it is really really well done. Unfortunately this final book was probably my biggest disappointment of 2013.
The story switches between Triss and Tobias's point of view. Tris is languishing in lockdown after releasing information that Tobiass mother (and leader of the Factionless) didnt want released. Tobias is walking a fine line; he doesnt really support what his mother is doing but wants to be in the know and wants her to trust him. Tobias also wants Tris released. Then both characters learn about a faction called Allegiant which is against what the Factionless are doing. When Tris and Tobias get involved with the Allegiant they are asked to travel beyond the fence and see whats out there. Both of them hope that beyond the fence will be a better place where they can start anew.
It honestly took me a while to figure out what I thought about this book. There are certain things that happen at the end that will piss off the reader big time. So I had to take some time and think the book through in order not to just have the Oh, my God I hate this book reaction. In the end I realized that there were a lot of things...not just the ending...that I was disappointed about.
I think a lot of these dystopian trilogies suffer from poor endings. I mean really, the first book is the big reveal of a cool new world and neat ideas. The second book is further development of those ideas. The third book has to resolve stuff, and thats tough when honestly the resolution is usually a bit convoluted and boring. I mean ultimately you are looking at replacing a corrupt system with a better one...and thats not all that exciting or easy to do in an entertaining way. I cant think of one dystopian series I have read where the final book in the series is better than the earlier books.
I did like that Tris and Tobias actually tried to work through their relationship problems. However, even this got a bit old...they have the same problems over and over again. The chemistry between these two seems to have cooled off some in this book.
The book is very readable and well written, I am not sure I liked how convoluted the story got. I was a kind of disappointed when Tris and Tobias get out of the city and find very similar problems to what they faced in the city. There are multiple factions outside the city and people are not being treated fairly. The outside was just an echo of the inside of the city (or visa versa). The addition of more and more different factions just got old...and to be honest boring. No surprises, nothing all that interesting or groundshaking. I was having trouble staying awake as I read this book.
This is a long book...I feel like a lot of what is in here was unnecessary and just added complication. The whole thing ends up being a war between Tobiass dad and Tobiass mom...which is kind of dumb and disappointing. Not to mention the vast number of coincidences that happen in this story to lead the reader to that point. It just came of as convoluted and contrived.
Also, while I understand the ending of the book and why it was possibly the most realistic path forward, I also think it wouldn't have killed Roth to write an ending that was just a little bit more happy. It would have been nice to give the reader a bit more hope that things in this world were going to go the right way in the end. As mentioned above this is part of why I am getting sick of dystopia...they never end all that happy.
Overall definitely the weakest book of the trilogy. I still enjoy Roths writing style but I thought that what Tobias and Tris found Outside was disappointing, boring, and just added complication that didnt need to be there. I didnt enjoy the addition of yet more groups and factions and the fact that the whole thing ended up being more of a war between Tobiass parents than anything else. I also didnt like the ending, although I understand how it fit the story well. I really wasnt a fan of this book, it felt more like a necessary evil I had to read to finish this series than anything else.
All that being said, the first two books in this series were absolutely excellent. So I still recommend the series as a whole; it is really really well done. Unfortunately this final book was probably my biggest disappointment of 2013.
First of all, I have NOT read the first two books. In fact, I did not plan to read this one either until I read all disappointed reviewers who complain about the alternating voices, overly complicated plotline, and the ending. So I borrowed this out of couriosity about just how bad the writing and storyline might be.
I disagree with a lot of the complaints.
First. This is more a book about thinking, feeling and choosing, not just survival and/or action scenes. If you were presented with the bigger world than you grew up with, how would you react? What if you were NOT different than everybody you know? What is really good or bad, if you knew you were different than what outsiders labeled you? These are all questions every human must answer at some point in ther life.
Second. Tris is just sixteen years old. She grew up believing and living by very simple rules taught to her by her parents. OK, so she's a Divergent and capable of all the other traits. But that doesn't mean she KNOWS what she's capable of, much less understands all the possible paths to choose from. She still in the first 6-months of her relationship with her boyfriend, and as a teenager, her biological urges tied with the neurological changes are going to make her feel rather than deduct an answer to the problems she faces. Her small, very well defined world - even with the Factionless in power - has just been demolished by a whole series of NEW realities and "facts" beyond the wall. So she deals with the most immediate crisis. And Tobias has to deal with the consequences of her choices, as well as his own.
Third. The nitpickers should just write down under "suspension of belief" and get on with the deeper elements. This is far enough in the future that no one questions where the energy comes from. - anywhere in that world So this must mean that it is very renewable or production is very self-sustaining. Either way, knowing the Dauntless has survelliance cameras everywhere, Jeanine has a car or the trains run at all helps the story along. But knowing where the electricity comes from to run the cameras, train (or car) is a distraction. After all, do we question how the cars fly in Blade Runner, or how we get aspirin from willow bark?
Fourth. Tobias has even more things to adjust to than Tris. So self-doubt is going to be very logical for someone who was the "strong one" in their relationship. And Roth needed to establish Tobias' voice for this book because the Divergent/Insurgent world is no longer the main reality they find themselves. They represent two different reactions to the new "factions" of the outside World. Besides. He allows Roth to continue the storyline to the end.
--
Kuzu
I disagree with a lot of the complaints.
First. This is more a book about thinking, feeling and choosing, not just survival and/or action scenes. If you were presented with the bigger world than you grew up with, how would you react? What if you were NOT different than everybody you know? What is really good or bad, if you knew you were different than what outsiders labeled you? These are all questions every human must answer at some point in ther life.
Second. Tris is just sixteen years old. She grew up believing and living by very simple rules taught to her by her parents. OK, so she's a Divergent and capable of all the other traits. But that doesn't mean she KNOWS what she's capable of, much less understands all the possible paths to choose from. She still in the first 6-months of her relationship with her boyfriend, and as a teenager, her biological urges tied with the neurological changes are going to make her feel rather than deduct an answer to the problems she faces. Her small, very well defined world - even with the Factionless in power - has just been demolished by a whole series of NEW realities and "facts" beyond the wall. So she deals with the most immediate crisis. And Tobias has to deal with the consequences of her choices, as well as his own.
Third. The nitpickers should just write down under "suspension of belief" and get on with the deeper elements. This is far enough in the future that no one questions where the energy comes from. - anywhere in that world So this must mean that it is very renewable or production is very self-sustaining. Either way, knowing the Dauntless has survelliance cameras everywhere, Jeanine has a car or the trains run at all helps the story along. But knowing where the electricity comes from to run the cameras, train (or car) is a distraction. After all, do we question how the cars fly in Blade Runner, or how we get aspirin from willow bark?
Fourth. Tobias has even more things to adjust to than Tris. So self-doubt is going to be very logical for someone who was the "strong one" in their relationship. And Roth needed to establish Tobias' voice for this book because the Divergent/Insurgent world is no longer the main reality they find themselves. They represent two different reactions to the new "factions" of the outside World. Besides. He allows Roth to continue the storyline to the end.
--
Kuzu
I'm always torn when an ending results in many losses in some key characters. On one hand I appreciate the more realistic "unhappy-ever-after"; that even when you win, you often still lose in significant ways. Yet I still want the characters I've become invested in to have a well deserve happy ending. D*mn you, Disney.
This was such a great story story, up until this final book.
There are so many ways this series could have ended better. It seems like a cop out to me. It feels like the author was tired of writing and just wanted it over and done with.
I rather enjoyed the POV change in this book. It felt like we got a better, deeper understanding of Four/Tobias. That's about the only thing I liked about this book.
The explanation of the divergent (DNA experimenting, the GP and GD) reads like a bad sci-fi novel. This wouldn't be complete without a corrupt government that needs to be saved from itself.
The ending is rushed and generic. Frankly, it made the entire series a waste of time.
There are so many ways this series could have ended better. It seems like a cop out to me. It feels like the author was tired of writing and just wanted it over and done with.
I rather enjoyed the POV change in this book. It felt like we got a better, deeper understanding of Four/Tobias. That's about the only thing I liked about this book.
The explanation of the divergent (DNA experimenting, the GP and GD) reads like a bad sci-fi novel. This wouldn't be complete without a corrupt government that needs to be saved from itself.
The ending is rushed and generic. Frankly, it made the entire series a waste of time.
I loved the first two books. It was a long wait for the third one to come out. I found that I had forgotten the dynamics of a lot of the key players so I scrambled to do some reviewing before I got too far into the book.
It was slow at first. I didn't think I was going to like it. The middle got me going and kept me hooked although I thought there were a lot more interesting "paths" she could have taken some of the characters.
Possible spoilers below here, at least hints ... ALERT
The ending? Oh no way ... nuh-uh. I did not like the way she ended it at all. I can understand because it would have almost been too contrived had something like that not happened. But from the moment "it" happened - I kept waiting for "something" to make it not so. Some sort of reverse serum, or something. I don't know what I was waiting for. It took me until almost then end to realize, "hey, this IS how it's going to end."
All in all, it was a good series. I'm glad I read the three books - I just wish the last one was as good as the first two.
I just saw the first movie and gave it high marks. I'll be watching the rest of the movies as they come out.
It was slow at first. I didn't think I was going to like it. The middle got me going and kept me hooked although I thought there were a lot more interesting "paths" she could have taken some of the characters.
Possible spoilers below here, at least hints ... ALERT
The ending? Oh no way ... nuh-uh. I did not like the way she ended it at all. I can understand because it would have almost been too contrived had something like that not happened. But from the moment "it" happened - I kept waiting for "something" to make it not so. Some sort of reverse serum, or something. I don't know what I was waiting for. It took me until almost then end to realize, "hey, this IS how it's going to end."
All in all, it was a good series. I'm glad I read the three books - I just wish the last one was as good as the first two.
I just saw the first movie and gave it high marks. I'll be watching the rest of the movies as they come out.
Tris and Tobias/Four are surrounded by the Factionless. They are going to be learning a load of history about what really goes on in the city inside the fence. The mysteries are going to change their lives forever in so many ways.
It is hard to write this review without giving any spoilers at all. First off, I will say this was the most boring of the three books. There was a lack of feeling the emotions in the majority of this book compared to the other two, until you reach the end of the book. However, I will say that I believe it captured a lot of realities that could occur.
One mess up I found in this story has to deal with Tris' grandmother. In the first book her mom told her that her grandmother was high up with the Dauntless or something like that. However, in this book we learn that she hadn't talked to her mom in a long time and was a police woman who never sent her anywhere at all. They didn't keep that in line.
Also there were some questions I had throughout this book that I believe were left blank and were unexplained that they made seem like they would be revealed.
The ending? I actually liked it. I can understand how it would surprise people though or upset them.
What is this story about? Showing what love looks like sometimes, even though it can be hard to love. We have one life to live, and the choices we make are important. The relationships we make and how we deal with them are important. That's what I got from this series.
It is hard to write this review without giving any spoilers at all. First off, I will say this was the most boring of the three books. There was a lack of feeling the emotions in the majority of this book compared to the other two, until you reach the end of the book. However, I will say that I believe it captured a lot of realities that could occur.
One mess up I found in this story has to deal with Tris' grandmother. In the first book her mom told her that her grandmother was high up with the Dauntless or something like that. However, in this book we learn that she hadn't talked to her mom in a long time and was a police woman who never sent her anywhere at all. They didn't keep that in line.
Also there were some questions I had throughout this book that I believe were left blank and were unexplained that they made seem like they would be revealed.
The ending? I actually liked it. I can understand how it would surprise people though or upset them.
What is this story about? Showing what love looks like sometimes, even though it can be hard to love. We have one life to live, and the choices we make are important. The relationships we make and how we deal with them are important. That's what I got from this series.
This series really devolves.
In this, the third and final book in the series, the repetitive sequence became monotonous: there's a crucial decision to be made based on limited information; there's a crisis or an incident; Tris and Tobias disagree -- or agree -- and either question their relationship -- or make up. Lather, rinse, repeat.
Also (although I don't know how she could've told the story otherwise), Roth's decision to alternate between Tobias and Tris' viewpoints was unwise. Her first-person Tobias narration is unconvincing and seems inconsistent with her previous characterization of him. (He even seems completely emasculated at one point in the story.)
Then there's the questionable science -- and I'm hardly a science whiz. Without revealing much, I'll just say that there's a bit of an issue in terms of scale.
I will give Roth credit for several "pearls of wisdom" (sprinkled here and there) that could be good for young adult readers to learn. Also, those same readers might not take issue with (or even notice) the problems I've noted here. As an adult reader, however, I find myself wishing I'd just read the first book and been done with it.
In this, the third and final book in the series, the repetitive sequence became monotonous: there's a crucial decision to be made based on limited information; there's a crisis or an incident; Tris and Tobias disagree -- or agree -- and either question their relationship -- or make up. Lather, rinse, repeat.
Also (although I don't know how she could've told the story otherwise), Roth's decision to alternate between Tobias and Tris' viewpoints was unwise. Her first-person Tobias narration is unconvincing and seems inconsistent with her previous characterization of him. (He even seems completely emasculated at one point in the story.)
Then there's the questionable science -- and I'm hardly a science whiz. Without revealing much, I'll just say that there's a bit of an issue in terms of scale.
I will give Roth credit for several "pearls of wisdom" (sprinkled here and there) that could be good for young adult readers to learn. Also, those same readers might not take issue with (or even notice) the problems I've noted here. As an adult reader, however, I find myself wishing I'd just read the first book and been done with it.
***DOES CONTAIN SPOILERS***
**DOES CONTAIN SPOILERS**
*DOES CONTAIN SPOILERS*
DOES CONTAIN SPOILERS
This was a spectacular ending to a spectacular series. However, first of all, let me get my one complaint out of the way. I hate the shifting viewpoints in this book. The book shifts from chapter to chapter from Tobias to Tris. Normally, I have NO PROBLEM with shifting viewpoints whatsoever, however, in this particular series, the first two books were told COMPLETELY from Tris' point of view. Changing that around in the third and final book was very irritating because I wasn't used to it. I'd start reading a chapter and get three or four pages into the chapter and then there would be a line similar to this: "I can't believe I'm looking at the man who tried to kill my girlfriend."
And I would be completely turned around. I'd think, "Wait... Someone tried to kill Tris' girlfriend? Tris had a girlfriend? That makes no sense." And then, of course, I'd realize, "Oh yes. This is another Tobias chapter." I feel like, if the author was going to be flip-flopping viewpoints, she should have found a way to do so throughout the entire series or not at all.
However, despite that irritating inconvenience, I loved the book. It wasn't a shocking revelation like I think the author was going for, but it didn't matter. It was still wonderfully put together and is a wonderful comment on the state of governmental affairs and absolute power.
Also, there are not very many books -- especially YA novels -- that have anything other than a typical, Hollywood happy-ending these days. That is why the ending to this novel -- this series -- was so poignant and perfect. Tris' final sacrifice to save the world -- as well as her brother who betrayed her -- was the perfect ending to this series. There is not a single way this book could have ended that would have been better.
**DOES CONTAIN SPOILERS**
*DOES CONTAIN SPOILERS*
DOES CONTAIN SPOILERS
This was a spectacular ending to a spectacular series. However, first of all, let me get my one complaint out of the way. I hate the shifting viewpoints in this book. The book shifts from chapter to chapter from Tobias to Tris. Normally, I have NO PROBLEM with shifting viewpoints whatsoever, however, in this particular series, the first two books were told COMPLETELY from Tris' point of view. Changing that around in the third and final book was very irritating because I wasn't used to it. I'd start reading a chapter and get three or four pages into the chapter and then there would be a line similar to this: "I can't believe I'm looking at the man who tried to kill my girlfriend."
And I would be completely turned around. I'd think, "Wait... Someone tried to kill Tris' girlfriend? Tris had a girlfriend? That makes no sense." And then, of course, I'd realize, "Oh yes. This is another Tobias chapter." I feel like, if the author was going to be flip-flopping viewpoints, she should have found a way to do so throughout the entire series or not at all.
However, despite that irritating inconvenience, I loved the book. It wasn't a shocking revelation like I think the author was going for, but it didn't matter. It was still wonderfully put together and is a wonderful comment on the state of governmental affairs and absolute power.
Also, there are not very many books -- especially YA novels -- that have anything other than a typical, Hollywood happy-ending these days. That is why the ending to this novel -- this series -- was so poignant and perfect. Tris' final sacrifice to save the world -- as well as her brother who betrayed her -- was the perfect ending to this series. There is not a single way this book could have ended that would have been better.
Very well written. Loved the story line unexpected ending
I thought ALLEGIANT was super disappointing.
Tris and Four narrate the story in alternate (and long-winded) chapters, which proves to be completely pointless since the author failed to give them distinct voices and characterization, so it's almost impossible to tell them apart without looking back at the chapter headings.
And unfortunately, what began as an original and clever idea in DIVERGENT basically descends into a convoluted, unclever pish-posh of genetic damage that results in Tris's character arc becoming little more than a far-reaching and dull fait accompli.
ALLEGIANT illustrates that DIVERGENT was a one-book story idea enthusiastically forced into three. I give it a C-....It almost makes me yearn to read the LEGEND trilogy again. Marie Lu's writing was of much higher quality and she also knew how to properly end a YA trilogy. (◕‿-) I'm sure Veronica Roth's skills will improve as she continues her writing career.
Tris and Four narrate the story in alternate (and long-winded) chapters, which proves to be completely pointless since the author failed to give them distinct voices and characterization, so it's almost impossible to tell them apart without looking back at the chapter headings.
And unfortunately, what began as an original and clever idea in DIVERGENT basically descends into a convoluted, unclever pish-posh of genetic damage that results in Tris's character arc becoming little more than a far-reaching and dull fait accompli.
ALLEGIANT illustrates that DIVERGENT was a one-book story idea enthusiastically forced into three. I give it a C-....It almost makes me yearn to read the LEGEND trilogy again. Marie Lu's writing was of much higher quality and she also knew how to properly end a YA trilogy. (◕‿-) I'm sure Veronica Roth's skills will improve as she continues her writing career.
OK, this book had a completely different voice to it and really can throw you off after reading the first two. Why the author would change to that style is beyond me. She now writes from the main characters point of view which is weird. Story picks up right where it left off, couple of twists but still pretty predictable in the outcome. Good trilogy, fun read.
3rd installment in the Divergent series, has Tris and Four questioning the entire life they have ever known. They finally journey outside the walls and discover an entire new world and the truth about their city. I literally balled my eyes out on the train at the end of this book.
Can't wait for the movie!!
Can't wait for the movie!!
great series!
I kind of wish I hadn't read this book. It SUCKS as a resolution to any of what happens in the previous two books. Suspension of disbelief isn't enough, you have to suspend a lot of higher brain function for this story to make sense or be any fun to read at all.
The writing isn't very good, Veronica Roth decides to tell this story with two points of view - Tris and Tobias. Unfortunately the "voice" of each character sounds exactly the same so you get confused who is talking and there's nothing added to the story by switching points of view except to make you lose respect for Tobias. Eventally you read some stuff that was written by Tris's mother and even she sounds exactly the same as Tris and Tobias.
Sort of spoiler follows so if you really want to read Allegiant without any idea what will happen stop reading here. If you're hoping for a happy ending, forget it. Finish reading Insurgent and then make up your own ending to resolve what's outside the city, to resolve why everything happened and what happens to all the characters. You will be much more satisfied.
The writing isn't very good, Veronica Roth decides to tell this story with two points of view - Tris and Tobias. Unfortunately the "voice" of each character sounds exactly the same so you get confused who is talking and there's nothing added to the story by switching points of view except to make you lose respect for Tobias. Eventally you read some stuff that was written by Tris's mother and even she sounds exactly the same as Tris and Tobias.
Sort of spoiler follows so if you really want to read Allegiant without any idea what will happen stop reading here. If you're hoping for a happy ending, forget it. Finish reading Insurgent and then make up your own ending to resolve what's outside the city, to resolve why everything happened and what happens to all the characters. You will be much more satisfied.
Great ending! didn't like the end but it was good!
