Insurgent by Veronica Roth

Genre: Young Adult-Dystopian

Source: Publisher (BEA)

Series: Yes, #2 in a trilogy

Buy It: The Dolphin Bookshop (Shop Indie!)

Challenge: Free Reads

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.

     Insurgent was probably my most anticipated book of 2012.  I read Divergent last June and I fell in love with the story and Veronica Roth's writing.  Her books are so fast-paced and thrilling that you don't even realize that you're speeding right through them!  Insurgent was a whopping 525 pages but, I enjoyed every single one of them.  Although the first half was a bit slow, I understand that it built a foundation for all of the events that occur in the second portion of the book.
     The Divergent series rests very heavily on character development throughout the story.  So many events influence the actions of the characters.  I was completely shocked by some of the occurrences in the book.  Although I wont spoil anything, I was especially shocked by Caleb and Peter.  Even Marcus, Tobias, and Tris shocked me!  Veronica Roth never bores me.  So much happens towards the end of her books that you just have to pay attention or you'll be completely lost!  Anyway, all of the characters, both main and supporting, go through huge changes and discoveries throughout the book.  My opinions about everyone were constantly changing and I was kept on the edge of my seat the whole time.
     When I first started reading Insurgent, I was actually really confused.  Since it had been almost a year since I started the first installment in the series, I didn't remember a lot of the the characters, events, and relationships that had been built in the first book.  I was forced to lookup an online summary of Divergent and ask a few friends who had read the book for reminders.  Upon asking them I discovered that they were also a bit confused, too.  I wish Veronica Roth would've written in a few more context clues to trigger the reader's memory of the first book.  That is pretty much my only complaint for Insurgent.  I just feel that so much happened in Divergent and there needed to be a few reminders at the opening of Insurgent.
     Veronica Roth's writing is completely captivating.  If you haven't read Divergent, what are you waiting for?  It was one of my favorite books of 2011 and Insurgent is already on my list for 2012.  I was completely shocked by the ending of this book and I was so angry about the cliffhanger!  I don't know how I'll wait so long for Detergent!  I'm not sure if Divergent or Insurgent was better but, either way, this series will blow you away!

Final Grade: