Insurgent by Veronica Roth Book Review

This review may contain spoilers for Divergent, and slight spoilers for Insurgent (though key plot twists/scenes, etc, are not divulged.)

 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. 

-Amazon

Insurgent is one of the best novels I've read this year. I started this novel with hopes of feeling more excited about it than I did Divergent, and I was not disappointed. I was proved wrong, and it felt great!

In this latest installment, Tris (Beatrice) is left to deal with the aftermath of the death of her parents. She, Tobias (Four), and others roam through a world that seems to be ripe with unrest and hidden secrets. I loved this unveiled world that Roth has created within Insurgent. This world is raw, and horrible, but no less intriguing. It's very fitting that this world is set in the chilly city of Chicago, slick, cold, and rough on all sides. Every faction seems to succumb to madness one by one, and now Tris and Four have to question the foundations that they base their, and their families, existences on. 

Tris and Four's relationship is all the more realistic in this novel, and I think I loved them more here than in Divergent. I also loved that Roth made Insurgent less about Tris' romance with Four, and more about ones' own journey towards the truth. Tris does not hang on to Four's every word, she challenges him, and is independent enough to form her own conclusions. On the other side, I loved Four's sincere characterization. He is not this dreamboat who seems to have all of his ducks in a row. This novel makes you question who he really is, and whether he is holding quite sensitive information from Tris. Four also deals with the trauma he experienced at the hand of his father. The fact that he is imperfect, trying to figure everything out,  made me appreciate him all the more.

There were many frustrating moments throughout the novel where I wanted to yell and shake both of them. Tris, many times, throws herself into situations that cause Four to then act overly protective and dramatic. But it all worked together very nicely. I find Tris to be a really well done protagonist. She practically matures with each chapter, and experiences such hard lessons that I could not help but sympathize with her erratic behavior. She is strong in the midst of her weaknesses, thus ranking her amongst the best YA characters.

This novel is very much in grand scale. There is quite an ambitious plot, filled with many players that I wanted to follow to see where they stood in the end. During the last half of the novel, I literally grabbed on to it, filled with tension, and excitement at what was happening. I ended the novel, feeling exhilarated at it's poignant message about humanity, and the secrets that were exposed. Of course, it ends on a finicky cliffhanger that made me wish I could zip through to the future to pick up the next installment.

 Insurgent has all the excitement, adventure, mystery, and romance you need, Ladies and Gents. Please (not that I have to tell you) pick it up!

Bare in Mind: Insurgent contains violence, and slight profanity.

 I give Insurgent by Veronica Roth 5 out of 5 cups of Earl Grey.