Allegiant by Veronica Roth {A Review}

Title: Allegiant
Author: Veronica Roth
Series: Divergent #3
Publisher: HarperCollins Children's Books
Publication Date: October 22, 2013
Source: Bought
Format: Hardcover
Rating: 5 Stars

The faction-based society that Tris Prior once believed in is shattered—fractured by violence and power struggles and scarred by loss and betrayal. So when offered a chance to explore the world past the limits she’s known, Tris is ready. Perhaps beyond the fence, she and Tobias will find a simple new life together, free from complicated lies, tangled loyalties, and painful memories.

But Tris’s new reality is even more alarming than the one she left behind. Old discoveries are quickly rendered meaningless. Explosive new truths change the hearts of those she loves. And once again, Tris must battle to comprehend the complexities of human nature—and of herself—while facing impossible choices about courage, allegiance, sacrifice, and love.

Told from a riveting dual perspective, Allegiant, by #1 New York Times best-selling author Veronica Roth, brings the Divergent series to a powerful conclusion while revealing the secrets of the dystopian world that has captivated millions of readers in Divergent and Insurgent.
 

I really don't even know what to say at the moment. I bought this book on it's release day. Back in October. I actively avoided anything Allegiant related. I'm always nervous reading series enders... are they going to hold up? How's the author going to wrap it all up? Who will live? Die? Will I like it? So I put it off. I had heard of some angered readers, but I didn't know why, other than they weren't happy with the way Roth ended things. That made me even more nervous. And then, by complete accident one day toward the end of December, I saw one sentence... one sentence! And I knew a major plot point. I won't say what, or where it happens, but I truly was afraid it was going to ruin my book reading experience (if you've read it, I'm sure you know what that point is...). So I procrastinated even longer on reading it. It's what I do.

Then my friend read the entire series and I started getting antsy to know what she knew. I thought I would skim Divergent and Insurgent, to refresh myself, but Roth's writing and story just sucked me right in... I couldn't just skim. I read them both, in their entirety. Slowly, savoring every detail. And I enjoyed them just as much as I did the first time. So I moved onto Allegiant with high hopes. Thankfully, Veronica Roth didn't disappoint.

I was excited to get started, despite my previous apprehension. Getting back into the series by actually rereading the first two probably contributed to it. It was great to continue getting to know these characters, to feel like I was walking next to them as they learned, watched, grew, fought.

I really liked watching as Tris and Tobias grew together, apart, together, apart... like most real life relationships work. They're never easy-peasy 100% of the time. It's refreshing to see how they learn about each others faults and strengths and become better because of one another.

There was a part toward the beginning where I was a bit confused... I wasn't sure where the story would go, at all, and I was really worried it would go in a science direction that I wouldn't enjoy... thankfully, it didn't. But I think, given how much I enjoy Roth's writing, that even if it had gone all sciency, I wouldn't have minded all that much. (I'm not a science person... I don't mind some, but too much makes me breaks out in hives...)

I still haven't read much in the way of Allegiant reviews/posts/what-have-you... but I imagine there's quite a few haters, some lovers, and a lot of on-the-fencers. I'm a lover. I feel that may be a minority group to be in, but that's okay. I've been there before (with Requiem by Lauren Oliver). I think Roth took brave actions, just like her Dauntless characters. While I was an emotional mess for a while after reading, despite knowing certain things, I wouldn't have it any other way. And while I teetered between four and five stars, I finally settled on five. Overall, I enjoyed it too much.

I can't wait to read more of Veronica Roth's work, whenever she gets around to it. In the meantime...

Be Brave.

Smiles,
B