Sunday 24 June 2012

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.

9 comments:

  1. This is such a great review, Aa'Ishah! I know how difficult it can be to review a book that blew you away, but you did a fab job. ;)

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  2. Aw, thanks Sam! It took me ages to focus and try and write something for this. I really can't wait for the third one. :)

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  3. I agree with Sam! You did an amazing review, A! It took me hours to write my review for this one because it blew me away so much! So glad you enjoyed this! :D

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  4. Thanks Eunice! I know! I had to think so much about what I was going to write. Haha, me too! Veronica Roth has to be up there with the best of the best. Seriously, she's just...wow. ;)

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  5. Gah, I still haven't read Insurgent! I'm at that place where I'm scared it won't live up to Divergent and I'll be disappointed, haha. Going to have to get around to it sooner or later... but glad you liked it! Great review, it definitely puts me at ease. :) I can't picture him as Tobias! It will take some getting used to for me as well.

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  6. I know, there's always that fear that the second one won't be so good. There are people out there who didn't like Insurgent, but thankfully I wasn't one of them ;) Hopefully you won't have too much trouble getting used to him. Thanks, Lauren! :)

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  7. I think this is the second time I've read your review and I still absolutely LOVE it! You did such an amazing job doing this book justice -- and considering how awesome it is, that's not an easy thing to do! x) I loved how you described Tris. She stutters a few times, but she always bounces back and that's the thing I love most about her. LOL and I think I'll always call him Four too, but hey! He's amazing either way x)

    Amazing review, A! I'm loving you with a blog already :) <3

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  8. Oh, please. *attempts to look nonchalent* You're inflating my head. :P Yep, me too! She's really strong.
    Haha, yes he is. ;)

    Aww, thanks Mim! I'm gald to be a part of it. :)

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  9. Aa'ishah! a) I love your name, I have a friend called Aisha and she's a big book nerd too!
    b) I love the reviews, have read just couple of them till now and will have to come back and read all of them!

    Good going!
    Aditi

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