Review: Insurgent by Veronica Roth

Insurgent by Veronica Roth

Hardcover, 525 pages

Published: May 1st 2012 by HarperTeen
Source: Purchased
Buy the Book:  Amazon : B&N : Goodreads

From Goodreads:

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.

     Of course the anticipation for this book was high with everyone that had read Divergent last year. After that stunning debut, many were hoping the magic could be repeated with its sequel. Thankfully, hopes and dreams do come true occasionally and Roth knocked it out of the park again.
      We get to know the characters a lot more this time around. Tris and Four are really dynamic in this installment and their interactions were sometimes hit or miss with me. Their relationship has to go through several hurdles and they grow in their personalities as a result. Is it for the best? Eh, we will see next time around probably. I loved getting to know the other factions better this time. It was great learning some of their intricacies and downfalls within them. All this builds around a very hurtful betrayal by a character that might have been thought to be steady as a rock. Roth keeps the intrigue going as the character list evolves and digs deeper into turmoil.
     There was no lack of action in Insurgent, very much like Divergent. It is deeply entwined with the characters and the roller coaster of emotions that they go through, and subsequently you as well. Roth is clever with the situations that emerge and confront our heroes. She always provides a few events that make me stop and think, "Wait, what?!" Ugh, the ending though. It's sad that the book had to end, let alone leave you walking off the page like that. It only builds the anticipation for the next book which, by the way this is building, should be astronomical in proportions!