**spoiler alert** 3.5 Stars (+0.5 for the almost-end of the book) Overall: 4 Stars (a generous rating though)
Okay... I don't know where to begin. Honest**spoiler alert** 3.5 Stars (+0.5 for the almost-end of the book) Overall: 4 Stars (a generous rating though)
Okay... I don't know where to begin. Honestly, I'm really confused about what I feel about this book- I don't quite like it but I don't hate/dislike it either. Also, SPOILERS (obviously).
Short Intro First of all, I'd just like to clarify this; In my opinion, a good book is something that you can't read while doing something else- like you have to direct all of your attention to the book to enjoy it to it's fullest. This book, however, wasn't like that. It was very easy for me to lose my focus on what was happening and it was easy for me to switch from reading to do something else. However, there were a few parts to this book I'd say I quite enjoyed!
The Storyline Okay, at the beginning of the story, I think the plot was quite easy to follow, but it started branching off to so many other plots that I honestly just lost track. The story starts off 10 years after the main character, Sloane, and her 4 friends: Matt, Esther, Ines, and Albie defeated an evil being called 'the Dark One'.
Sloane and Matt are in a relationship, but Sloane is realizing that Matt doesn't know her for who she is, and she doesn't feel like she's in love with him anymore. (Oh, and Matt proposes to her and she says yes because of all the paparazzi, but she obviously is regretting it). Albie dies of drug overdose- he's had a drug addiction since the Dark One had kidnapped him and tortured him about 10 years ago, he had to rely on drugs to help him cope. Sloane introduces that she used a magical item; a needle (I'm not kidding, it's a really powerful needle) back in the days she fought to Dark One, but she stopped using it because it made her uncontrollable.
This is when things just made me go, "What the hell?" At Arbie's funeral, Sloane, Matt, and Esther (not Ines for some reason lol) kind of get "teleported" to a different dimension. This was just such an abrupt transition since multi-dimensions were never mentioned anywhere before this scene, so I was just left really confused.
I think the plot just gets really confusing and long at this point, so I'm not going to type a whole summary anymore.
There are a ton of plot twists, and I mean a ton . I personally love plot twists but I think this many was just overwhelming. There were some really good ones that grabbed my attention though. For example, in this alternate dimension(called 'Genetrix'), the evil being (equivalent to the Dark One from Earth), called 'The Resurrectionist' in this world, was Mox, a friend (?) Sloane had made there. However, it turns out that Mox wasn't the evil one- Nero, who had been the one who brought Sloane and her friends to Genetrix was, and he had made it so that it seemed like Mox was the evil source, not him. Oh, and also, it turns out Sloane and her friends never killed the Dark One from Earth- Nero is the same Dark One that they thought they had defeated, but he had just gone to another dimension.
Yeah... and just a lot of stuff happens; there are so many details that build up the plots so its really difficult to explain briefly. Anyway, another thing I think is big enough to mention is that Mox and Sloane start a romantic relationship (I think).
At the end of the book, Sloane uses the needle she had always despised to kill Nero, who turns out to have actually wanted to die this whole time, but he was immortal and couldn't find anyone powerful enough to kill him. Nero had made it so that Mox hated him enough to kill him, since Mox was apparently the only one powerful enough to. But, somehow, Sloane's desire was so powerful that she managed to kill Nero, without dying along with him (apparently if Nero died, everyone from both universes would as well- but yay Sloane managed that not to happen).
However, killing Nero made it so that Sloane basically made it so that the world was a combination between Earth and Genetrix, and somehow made the world how she wanted it to be (the places and people she didn't like were gone), and it felt wrong. The book ends with Mox and Sloane going to check if Sloane's mother was still alive and not erased from the world.
So... yeah. The plot wasn't very straightforward but it was enjoyable and I liked the relationship between Mox and Sloane and how Sloane was able to be friends with Matt again. Like I said earlier, most of the plot twists were enjoyable as well. Overall, the plot was just a bit too confusing for me, and it might just be because of my reading level, but this is just my opinion (lol).
The Characters I think Sloane is a pretty cool character. There's actually almost nothing... 'good' about her. She's been called a b*tch, as*hole, and numerous insults throughout the whole book- and she loves destruction and is overall just a really grumpy and selfish (?) person, although she does have a tad bit of kindness in her heart. Although I'm sure most people would hate Sloane's personality, I like that Veronica Roth didn't make her seem like the perfect role model, which made her seem more "real" to me. Sloane was not even close to perfect, and I think it makes her a little bit relatable, although I'm sure almost no one is as 'scary' as her (still love her character though). Sloane also suffers from PTSD and in-a-way, depression, and I think Veronica represented that very clearly in this book, and made it seem realistic. Still, I think it would be nice to see a little more diversity in Sloane personality-wise, I think most of her emotions are very predictable, although the ending made it very clear that Sloane could be kind.
I wish Mox had more of a voice in this story. I think Mox has such big character potential but there wasn't enough of that in this book, in my opinion. I still don't quite understand how he and Sloane had fallen for each other in only a few days, but okay-
I think Matt was a nice character addition too. I really feel bad for him though- he cared so much for Sloane but she just couldn't return the same feelings. I'm a bit upset that Sloane didn't let him go earlier and led him on for YEARS- like what's up with that? The only thing Matt did wrong was seeing her as her better version, which I think his a really admirable trait, but I guess Sloane just couldn't handle Matt not seeing her true self, and only thinking of her as who she could be with a few alterations. Now that Sloane's moved on, I think Matt deserves someone too (it has been hinted several times that he and Cyrielle (she's from Generix) may be a thing).
The other characters were meh in my opinion. Nero didn't seem to have much personality either, but I maybe just didn't pay that close attention to his character.
Other Stuff I recommend this book to people who like this kind of genre, and like to read about 'magic'-related things (I guess?). I still think this book is a bit disappointing compared to 'Divergent' (still one of my favorite books!), but I can definitely see people who would really enjoy this story. However, again, like 'Carve the Mark', it was pretty good, but it just wasn't for me.
There were also like 'secret reports' and newspaper articles that were in this book, and I think that's a really creative and unique way to input some important details into the story line and carry on the plot. It was a little confusing for me, some of the more 'philosophical' (I think that's the best word to describe it?) articles about 'magic', but that, again, is probably because of my reading level/grade (?) and I'm sure most people like and understood it.
Still, despite my mixed feelings about this book, I can't wait for the sequel, which I'll definitely check out!...more
**spoiler alert** Review #1 (Nov. 2018) 4.99 Stars “I didn't choose the blood that runs in my veins, any more than you chose your fate. You and I, we**spoiler alert** Review #1 (Nov. 2018) 4.99 Stars “I didn't choose the blood that runs in my veins, any more than you chose your fate. You and I, we've become what we were made to become.” "I may be in pain, but I am not weak." “I am a Shotet. I am sharp as broken glass, and just as fragile. I tell lies better than I tell truths. I see all of the galaxy and never catch a glimpse of it.”
So.... I **LOVED** this book. Honestly, the beginning of this book was boring and therefore, uninteresting, but as I continued, the book started getting really good. One thing I didn't really understand was how a servant and a princess could easily fall in love with one another. I know, it's kind of like not judging people by their rank, but how they really are. I had some trouble relating to the characters, and I found it strange how Cyra's brother, Ryzek, was just straight-up.... cruel. He must have had some kind of softness, right? Anyways, its really cute how much Cyra and Akos care for each other, and Veronica Roth added a lot of lessons in this book, and I'm glad that she's still continuing to write (she is one of my favorite authors after all).
Can't wait to read Book #2- The Fates Divide~ :D [image]
Review #2 (Sep. 2020)
Okay... I'm not quite sure why I **LOVED** this book back in late 2018. I guess a lot has changed.
The pacing of this book was SO SLOW. I know some people don't mind slow story-lines, but I prefer fast-paced ones (hence why I loved Warcross And Divergent). For the most part of this book (like the first 3/4), it was just really boring, and to be honest, it was really difficult to get through because of how slow it was.
HOWEVER, the last 1/4- *chef's kiss* (lmao-) I dunno, somehow the ending or the last quarter of the book just made up for everything- and I think that's why I gave this book such a good review about 2 years ago. Something that definitely hasn't changed since 2018 is that I LOVE really cheesy and cliche couples (*cough* tRiS anD fOuR), and Cyra and Akos were a really cute couple as well. I must say, Veronica Roth always manages to create the best the love interests- "Sivbarat. Zethetet." One Shotet word, one Thuvhesit. Sivbarat referred to a person'd dearest friend, someone so close that to lost them would be like losing a limb. ... "What does it mean, 'zethetet'?" He looked away, like he was embarassed. "Beloved," he said softly.
**spoiler alert** 4 Stars. .-. 4 Stars is **REALLY** generous. *sigh* This wasn't.. very good. I mean, like a lot of books I've read, it's okay, but i**spoiler alert** 4 Stars. .-. 4 Stars is **REALLY** generous. *sigh* This wasn't.. very good. I mean, like a lot of books I've read, it's okay, but it didn't reach my expectations. First off; UGHHHHHHHHHHHHH- AKOS AND CYRA ARE IN THE FRIENDZONE NOW. [image] ;-----;
Anyways, besides that, I also found the book generally just- boring. I'm definitely glad Cisci and Isae are together (:D), but they both talked about planning too much. Like I mentioned in my many other reviews, I HATE when there's too much "planning" for something (like a war/attack) in a book. And, well, this book had a load of it.
Going back to the Akos and Cyra "split", I also HATED that they were apart from each other for like more than 3/4 of this book. ;---; A load of parts weren't explained clearly, so they were EXTREMELY CONFUSING and COMPLICATED, and I wouldn't have known what happened if it was not mentioned again in the text a few pages after.
No offense, Veronica Roth, I ADORE your books, but... I think you should just make 1 book in a series (that would make it not a series, but oh well-). I LOVED Divergent and Carve the Mark, but Insurgent, Allegiant, and this book (The Fates Divide) was just... dissapointing.
Anyways, overall, this book was.. okay. It was decent, in my opinion. rip Akos and Cyra (CRI) {Okay- they did kiss and hold hands at the ending, but Cyra told Akos that she needed a break daishjyuashdhadashdj} CONGRATS ISAE AND CISCI- :D
P.S- Since (like I mentioned) this book was pretty boring, it took me FOREVER to finish reading (16 DAYS REEEEEEEEEEEEE)....more
“One thing I know: For helping me forget how awful the world is, I prefer her to alcohol.”
I can't do this anymore. I just love Four so much and thes “One thing I know: For helping me forget how awful the world is, I prefer her to alcohol.”
I can't do this anymore. I just love Four so much and these short stories give me more insight into his character < 3 I feel like a lot of people dislike this collection fsr, but I think it's amazing. Four is genuinely one of my favorite characters of all time. he's 'perfectly flawed', if that makes any sense
The last short story, "The Traitor" is still my favorite :) the fourtris moments I crave!!! The way he talks about her is so sweet and beautiful and the small but meaningful gestures!?!? Ugh, I miss them so much
Overall, I think the stories tie the events in Divergent together well- they help me understand the original story better. And we get a closer look into Four's motives and personality, which was really all I was expecting from this anyway
“I want some kind of reminder that while wounds heal, they don't disappear forever- I carry them everywhere, always, and that is the way of things, the way of scars.” - Tobias; IV
(spoiler tagging all my previous reviews again) (view spoiler)[ I think Four is a great character, and he's definitely shown so much character growth throughout the series, so I loved the fact that he gets his own book from his own perspective. The stories were clear and full of his character.
However, this book also made me very emotional- especially the last short story: 'The Traitor'. After I read Allegiant (SPOILERS), knowing that Tris dies, it just hurts to read about Tobia's feelings about her when they were in Dauntless, taking place in the first Divergent book. He was so keen on protecting her, not ever knowing that one day soon, she'll be gone.
Quotes:
"One thing I know: For helping me forget how awful the world is, I prefer her to alcohol.”
“I want some kind of reminder that while wounds heal, they don't disappear forever- I carry them everywhere, always, and that is the way of things, the way of scars.”
“I don't have the right word for how she looks, but even now, with parts of her face swollen and discolored, there's something striking about her, something I haven't seen before. In that moment I'm able to accept the inevitability of how I feel, though not with joy. I need to talk to someone. I need to trust someone. And for whatever reason, I know, I know it's her. I'll have to start by telling her my name.”
“I want her, in a way I haven't felt before, not just some kind of mindless physical drive but a real, specific desire. Not for someone, just for her.”
“And I stand in the hallway, alone, grinning like an idiot.”
Review 2 (December 14, 2020): Oh my god, I am such a simp for Four (WDJHWDJHWDJH AAAAAAA)
I thought Four's character couldn't get any better, but omg this book just opened up his perspectives, and it makes him even more admirable and cool (yes, my vocab is great).
**Allegiant Spoiler Below:** The last story, "The Traitor" was so wholesome and beautiful in a way, it show's Tobia's POV of how he feels about Tris. This is another reason why Tris and Four have such a great relationship, and it hurts that it couldn't last much longer. Each small gesture is so important to both of them, and they aren't satisfied with what they have yet, and they want to keep growing as a couple. It's wonderful, and it really crushes my heart to know that such a beautiful bond wasn't meant to last. AAAAAAAAAAAAAAA it's so painfulLLL- I can't but imagine a world where Tris was still alive, and she and Four would live happily ever after. But I suppose it's true that in such a dystopian world, romance cannot always prevail, no matter how much I hope it could. Still, I just wish the ending of the series wasn't so depressing.
-
Anyway, I just love this book, not only because of the scenes between Tris & Four (though I must admit, they're probably my favorite parts since I love romantic clichés), but because of all the unlocked backstories that Four has. It helps me visualize his character and his motives better, and I think the fact that he isn't quite the "perfect" character just makes me like his character more.
Okay, I take it back. Four is absolutely perfect and there is nothing that's going to change my mind- (GOD BUT IF ONLY HE AND TRIS HAD A HAPPY ENDING AAAAAAAAAA, IT WOULD SATISFY MY BROKEN HEART < / 3 )
"In this light, she looks like she comes from another world, her eyes rendered so pale they almost seem to glow in the dark."
"I can’t leave now. I like her too much. There, I said it. But I won’t say it again."
Even though it's just a short story, it manages to capture Four "I can’t leave now. I like her too much. There, I said it. But I won’t say it again."
Even though it's just a short story, it manages to capture Four's character so well < 3 I didn't realize he liked Tris all the way back during the knife-throwing scene. And I think it's so beautiful that he thinks "pretty" is too small of a word to describe her - he doesn't like her because she's conventionally pretty (she's not), he likes her for her bravery, her strength, her selflessness, and so on- things that are so much more than her looks.
Four is just such an interesting and well-developed character imo. I wish there was more I could read about him (and of the Divergent world entirely). This is the last book I read this time rereading the series, so it's kinda bittersweet < / 3 I'll miss the Divergent world so much aghhh
(spoiler-tagging all my previous reviews again) (view spoiler)[ Again, I think Tobias/Four is a really developed and just a good character, and even though this story was really short, it really opens up about him.
*Spoilers* Of course, this book is Tobia's perspective of the Knife-Throwing scene that occurred back in Divergent. It cleared up my confusion of my exactly he had to nick Tris's ear, and I found out that Tobias had an attraction to her all the way back then, even though he didn't show it much (based on Tris's perspective).
Quotes:
“I can’t leave now. I like her too much. There, I said it. But I won’t say it again.”
“Looking at her is like waking up.”
“She’s not pretty, that word is too small. She is not like the girls I used to stare at, all bend and curve and softness. She is small but strong, and her bright eyes demand attention. Looking at her is like waking up.”
“Eyes open, then," I say, tapping the skin between my eyebrows. I don’t really need her eyes to be on mine, but I feel better when they are.”
“It's like he knows, he knows I have a thing for her."
“She tips her chin up and looks at me with that Abnegation stubbornness I know so well. She may have left them, but they are what’s making her strong.”
Review 2 (December 14, 2020):
Okay, for such a short story, this book is amazing. I don't know how, but it just captures so much of Four's character in less than 5o short pages. Like, how-
**Allegiant Spoiler Mentioned** But I'm reading this after Allegiant, so like I've said in my other reviews, it HURTSSSS.
And it's so wholesome and cute how Four already liked Tris all the way back during the knife-throwing scene. Ahh, my heart can't handle this < / 3 Four's character is *chef's kiss*
(quote mentioned above but I need to add it again:)
“I can’t leave now. I like her too much. There, I said it. But I won’t say it again.” -Tobias / IV (hide spoiler)]...more
I bawled so hard. Like probably 3 separate times in the last 1/6th of the novel (my heart is in pieces)
I think it's important to point out that this was my fourth time reading this book so it obviously holds more value: Four has always been one of my favorite characters ever (if not my favorite).
Of all the times I've read it, I think this is the one time I've both thought and cried abt it the most.
I can't even begin to explain how much the ending hurts me, even though I was already expecting it since rereading the series. I was bracing myself the whole time, and it still had me SOBBING multiple times. no other book has ever had this much of an emotional impact on me and I actually love this series for it
Some complaints tho: (view spoiler)[ I decided to think a little more about the plot this time around, rather than just the characters (agh, ouch). And yeah, the entire theory itself about the GDs and GPs was very flawed and sloppy tbh- it takes away from what "divergent" stood for and basically everything in the first book. I miss the simplicity of Divergent and the genius of it, but yk, it is what it is. For a finale, it was disappointing in that regard. The more I think about it, the more annoying and confusing it gets, so I'm trying to just not lol
Also, there were a few things between Tris and Four I really really really wished I could've seen. I wish Tris ran after Four and just reassured him at least once in this book :( He especially is in a very vulnerable place the whole novel (they both are), but I felt like he was the one who needed more comfort. Idk, it just bothered me that because of the circumstances, he would walk away and she couldn't follow him. Tris even says once that after everything he's gone through with his awful parents, he deserves someone to run after him but she doesn't and it kills me. Then it reminds me that Tris could've made up for it if she had lived since they were already getting rid of the problems and secrets between them- the 'what ifs' have me SCREAMING
And the fact one of his 4 fears was losing Tris and not being able to do anything about it… I’ll actually never recover. Then him facing his fear of heights on the Hancock building in honor of her at the end too (hide spoiler)]...more
Miscommunication is my least favorite trope— that’s my biggest problem with this book. Even 5+ years later, it fr “I’ll be your family now,” he says.
Miscommunication is my least favorite trope— that’s my biggest problem with this book. Even 5+ years later, it frustrates me so bad But these problems actually make their relationship feel more real/genuine in a way, especially with everything happening and the fact they’re both very young
I think people get annoyed by the characters and their actions in this novel, but I think they’re mostly all justified. Insurgent Tris defender till I die (even tho I wanted to scream at her 90% of the time)
Overall, this book is js messy, but this series truly is my favorite mess.
(I also made a fourtris playlist while reading this bc they are my everything)
(spoiler tagging my previous reviews) (view spoiler)[ First Time Reading Honestly, not as good as the first book (Divergent)- but it was still okay. Though, it was still better than "Allegiant" in my opinion. This book was just WAY too complicated and weird for me, but I wouldn't consider this a 'bad book'.
**SPOILER ALERT BEGINS* I didn't like the fact that Tris had to lie so many times, instead of telling the truth to Four/Tobias. And look where lying got to her!! There was too much aggressiveness between Tris's group and Erudite for my liking. A governor in Erudite, Jeanine, tried to kill Abnegation because they were about to show a 'secret footage' that Jeanine risked everything to keep hidden. The rest of the story got a bit complicated, so I don't know much about the other details.
Second Time Reading: (June 5-6 2020)
When I read this over a year ago, I was mad that Tris had to lie to Tobias so many times, but now, I don't feel that way about it anymore. Although Tris lied quite a lot, it brought them to another stage in their relationship and helped them grow as a couple.
This book was pretty good, I think it was a little boring because of all the action that was happening and it started getting confusing and hard to keep track of, I still think it was really good, although I prefer Divergent.
Third Time Reading (Dec 11-12 2020)
Okay, this book is definitely not bad- It's not quite as memorable as Divergent, and as the hopeless romantic I am I was still disappointed by the lack of Four and Tris scenes, but that's okay because this book mainly focused on the problems their relationship shared which are later resolved in Allegiant!
**BIG SPOILER FROM ALLEGIANT** It sucks knowing where this story is going to lead though, and every time something cute happens between Tris and Four, I just know that their relationship isn't going to last. It's just SOO PAINFUL and even though I hadn't even gotten to Allegiant yet, my heart was fr hurting III--
It SUCKS that I know exactly when Tris is going to die, even if it's not in this book. This story seems so hopeful that there was no way I would expect such a depressing ending to this series. (I'm writing this review while I'm more than 3/4th done with Allegiant so...)
Anyway, why am I talking about Allegiant instead of this book? lol
I agree with my second-time reading, the arguments and lying between Tris and Four only helped them have character/relationship development later-on in the series.
This book isn't quite memorable, because I barely remember what happens next, despite the fact I already read this book about only 6 months ago. I remember some details, but the thought, "OHHH I KNOW WHAT'S HAPPENING NOW!" never occurs to me, or very rarely.
Anyway, I am so so in love with this series, I hope I'll still enjoy it just as much in the following years to come. (hide spoiler)]...more
“We believe in ordinary acts of bravery, in the courage that drives one person to stand up for another.” — Dauntless Manifesto
This series has been my “We believe in ordinary acts of bravery, in the courage that drives one person to stand up for another.” — Dauntless Manifesto
This series has been my Roman Empire since the 6th grade (has it really already been over 5 years?!) If I could reread any book series in the world for the first time again, it would be this one
Also, there’s a certain type of gut-wrenching pain that comes with rereading the first novel of a series knowing how it ends. My heart hurts for no apparent reason rn
yea idc what anyone says, I love this novel and FourTris with my whole heart
*spoiler alerting all my previous reviews that I’m keeping for the nostalgia bc they’re so nerdy (nothing’s changed)
(view spoiler)[ Review #1 Yessss!!!! This book really got to me, and it's even better now that I've finished reading both 'Insurgent' and 'Allegiant' and 'Divergent' is MUCH better than both books COMBINED. 'Insurgent' and 'Allegiant' was just confusing and complicated, and 'Divergent' is the opposite of that, and it was AMAZING. I don't know why so many readers gave this book one star (or two stars) because it is now one of my favorite books. Yes, this is SLIGHTLY similar to Hunger Games, but I don't mind.
***SPOILER ALERT BEGINS*** Chicago is divided into 5 factions- Abnegation (Selflessness), Candor (Honesty), Amity (Kindness), Erudite (Knowledge), and Dauntless (Bravery), and both Tris and Four/Tobias switch from Abnegation and into Dauntless, where they meet. The main problem is that Jeanine, a governor in Erudite, starts working with some of the Dauntless leaders in secret and develop an "Attack Simulation" serum, that controls people and takes them to a simulation, where they obey Jeanine and the Dauntless leaders. However, the "Attack Simulation" serum gives no effect on those who are Divergent, which pretty much means he/she is aware in any simulation, and can usually control themselves easier (which was why Tris and Four/Tobias weren't being controlled). Jeanine and the Dauntless leaders use the serum to force the other Dauntless members into traitors and attempts to throw down the Abnegation government, by killing all the members of the Abnegation Council. However, a few Abnegation leaders survive, but unfortunately, Tris's parents don't. In the end, Tris and Four/Tobias escape by jumping into a moving train.
My favorite part of this book is that it's not complicated and confusing like the rest of the Divergent Series (not including 'Four'), and it made more sense. I didn't think I'd enjoy the book this much, but it turns out I do. I would definitely recommend this book to really anyone, and I now officially have named this book a 'Must-read'!! P.S- I would even give this 6 stars if possible!!!
Review #2- December 11, 2020
Uhm lol I don't know why I wrote reviews like that before but- I absolute LOVE LOVE **LOVE** this book, and I probably always will. This is kinda embarrassing but I'm literally in love with Four (I'm a simp :^)
Okay but Tris & Four are goals and AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA IM SO IN LOVE WITH THIS BOOK ITS TOO GOOOOOOOOOOOD HGWDGHWDGH
There are no words to express how much I love this book, it's been my favorite book since 2018 and hopefully will continue to be-
The quotes also just hit hard though :')
Since this is my third time reading this book, it does suck that I know this is the only book that doesn't give me such intense emotional pain (WJDJHDWHJ), and this is the best book in the series.
lotus ✧˚ · .
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