Review: Insurgent

Title: Insurgent (Divergent #2)
Author: Veronica Roth
Publisher: HarperTeen
Released: 1st May 2012
Rating: 5/5

How do you write a review for a book that takes your breath away?

Well, I don’t know about anyone else, but I don’t.  Not a coherent one, anyway.  So I’ll just scribble my thoughts down and hope for the best.

After the horrors of the simulation attack, Tris no longer feels the same – she isn’t the same.  Wracked with guilt and sorrow, she becomes more reckless with her life, making it increasingly difficult for her to settle into what remains of her society.  However, it is not long before Tris discovers that none of it is over – instead, it’s about to get worse.  She must prepare herself if she wishes to learn the shocking truths and survive what is to come.

This was an intense read from the start.  Everything, from the events, to the relationship between Tobias and Tris, to Tris’ ordeal, to her very character, swallowed me whole.  There were moments when I was literally holding my breath and forcing myself not to squeal or jump up and down.  I was so desperate to find out what would happen next I had to force myself to slow down and read it all word for word. 

Tris’ character development here was amazing.  She has to be, by far, one of the best, if not the best heroines of all time.  Her psychological and emotional states were crafted perfectly.  Yet despite what she has suffered and continues to suffer, she remains strong; she fights to survive even when she believes that all she wants is to die.  There were a couple of times when I wanted her to pull herself together, but perhaps I was being too harsh on her.  She is only human, after all.  Her perceptiveness, courage and determination, combined with her vulnerability and flaws, all add up to one incredible protagonist.

Tobias is as amazing, heartthrobbing and heartbreaking as he is in Divergent, if not more.  We get to understand more about his life and gain a deeper insight to him.  Surprisingly, I grew accustomed to reading him as Tobias, though I still think I prefer Four.  I loved the times when he became Four, pushing Tris and forcing her to do what she needed to, exactly as he had in Divergent.  Also like Divergent, he simultaneously managed to remain soft, gentle and understanding towards her.  The incredible strain of their circumstances reflected in their relationship, giving it a thick dose of tension; but despite that, both refuse to let that strain rule them completely and so they listen to one another, eventually regaining that trust which slipped every now and then.

Insurgent is, overall, incredibly powerful and moving.  It does, beyond doubt, exceed any and all expectations.  Veronica Roth’s writing style is overwhelming, successfully developing the world-building and our view of each of the factions – not just them, but the factionless too.  Circumstances and their effects on Tris are reflected perfectly and touchingly through her perspective.  This truly has to be the best book I have read so far this year.  Please.  If you haven’t already, go out and get a copy.  It will take your breath away.