Kirkus
Copyright © Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

Cliques writ large take over in the first of a projected dystopian trilogy.The remnant population of post-apocalyptic Chicago intended to cure civilization's failures by structuring society into five "factions," each dedicated to inculcating a specific virtue.When Tris, secretly a forbidden "Divergent," has to choose her official faction in her 16th year, she rejects her selfless Abnegation upbringing for the Dauntless, admiring their reckless bravery. But the vicious initiation process reveals that her new tribe has fallen from its original ideals, and that same rot seems to be spreading... Aside from the preposterous premise, this gritty, paranoid world is built with careful details and intriguing scope. The plot clips along at an addictive pace, with steady jolts of brutal violence and swoony romance. Despite the constant assurance that Tris is courageous, clever and kind, her own first-person narration displays a blank personality. No matter; all the "good" characters adore her and the "bad" are spiteful and jealous. Fans snared by the ratcheting suspense will be unable to resist speculating on their own factional allegiance; a few may go on to ponder the questions of loyalty and identity beneath the faade of thrilling adventure.Guaranteed to fly off the shelves. (Science fiction. 14 up)]] Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

Horn Book
(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

In future Chicago, sixteen-year-old Beatrice should have discovered which of her society's five factions--Candor, Abnegation, Dauntless, Amity, Erudite--she belongs to after taking a sorting test. However, her results are inconclusive, which could get her killed; or she might just save the world. The story's fast-paced action; romance; and strong, intelligent characters facing difficult choices will appeal to Hunger Games fans. (c) Copyright 2011. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.