Insurgent was my number one most anticipated sequel since Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. I
discovered Divergent, its
prequel, through scholarly reviews and immediately requested it. I have been
marketing it ever since as the must read if you enjoyed the Hunger Games trilogy. I let Insurgent rest on my bureau as long as I
was able. I wanted to savor every minute of it.
Here is my review of the
first in the series, Divergent. I read through Insurgent just about as quickly and, while
I didn’t enjoy it nearly as much as the first, I am satisfied because it ended
on a resoundingly high note. The future
holds promise.
First, it was very hard to
pick up where I left off and I am unsure as to whether that is the fault of the
author or myself. I don’t normally have such trouble when I am reading a
favorite series. Perhaps it has been too long in between volumes. Perhaps I
should have reread Divergent first.
That is advice to take. I had trouble remembering who was who and what happened
to whom. Even the name of the romantic interest eluded me at first. Understandably
because he has two names, one of which was used much more frequently than the
other and has more meaning.
Second, any kind of
summary of the first novel was non-existent. It would have behooved me to
reread my own review to remember what each of the factions was, what each of
them stood for and against, and why they were even there in the first place. Both
of these problems could have been solved with a few more detailed flashbacks.
Third, the first book was
more interesting and exciting because it built the premise. There was more
detailed description. We truly got to know the characters and could understand
their choices. This novel merely advanced the action. The characters seemed
static. In some cases, I felt that their actions were working against their
established character.
Finally, romantic tension
can be integral to these novels. Once you win the love of your life, there must
be some conflict to keep the tension. The conflict created here between the
main characters seemed forced or false. I had a hard time believing in it. It was
my least favorite part of the novel whereas the dynamics of the relationship
were so strong in the first. I would rather have seen the conflict come from elsewhere
and have the main characters working together without the strange tension.
So my favorite part of
this novel was the end – when the characters finally started acting like themselves.
The way they should have all along. Plus the surprise twist of course. When the
characters finally started behaving the way I thought they should based upon
everything I knew about them, then I was ready to cheer.
[Now, I actually know
someone who claims she likes this volume better than the first. ;) I think it
is because she had it read to her out loud while on vacation. That person
probably used different voices and accents which might have improved it a bit.
:P lol.]
But seriously. Being
divergent, Triss displayed an aptitude for Dauntless, Erudite and Abnegation.
She left Abnegation and joined Dauntless. When we last left Triss, her world
had been turned upside down. The Erudite had forced the Dauntless, through use
of simulation, to attack the Abnegation killing many unknowingly. Fortunately,
Triss’ divergence prevented her from succumbing to the simulation.
Unfortunately, she had to watch and attempt to stop the massacre.
When Insurgence begins the Dauntless have been divided
into Loyal Dauntless against the Erudite and the Traitor Dauntless who have
joined the Erudite. What is left of the Abnegation, along with the Loyal
Dauntless, including Triss, seek refuge with the Amity. But the peaceful Amity
might not be able to prevent conflict if they harbor the refugees.
Triss and her boyfriend,
Tobias/Four, set off to find an alternative. One possibility might be the
Factionless. Their numbers are greater than anyone had believed before and they
have a leader that might be willing to work with Tobias. The set back is that
Triss thinks another leader might be of more help, but it is Tobias’ father,
Marcus. Let the conflict begin!
The plots, politics and
intrigue are what kept me reading until I finally got hooked. Despite my slight
disappointment in this installment, I will eagerly await number three. Number
two’s wrap-up had me chomping at the bit!
I recommend this series to
junior and senior high youth who enjoyed Hunger Games and other such dystopian novels!
No comments:
Post a Comment