Divergent

Divergent by Veronica Roth takes place in a dystopian world where citizens are sorted into factions when they reach adulthood by personality traits.  The different factions take care of different parts of the government, the Abnegation faction where Beatrice grew up prides itself on it's selfnessless and is in control of the government.  While taking the assessment there is a problem with Beatrice's result, she does not fit solidly into any of the traits and is classified as a divergent.  However, it is dangerous being a divergent in a society that rewards a solid focus.

I was weary when starting Divergent.  I've read so many dystopians lately that seem to be written with a cookie cutter format but this one is different.  The world that Roth created is strong and interesting.  Beatrice (who goes by Trice) is strong and independent and true to herself.  When she chooses a different path than is expected she fights for acceptance and to earn a place in her new faction.  There is a romance but it isn't the focus and Tris in no way needs a man to enlighten or save her.  This dystopian is original and has the quality of Westerfields Uglies or Suzanne Collin's The Hunger Games.

Appropriateness:  There are mentions of adults drinking and being drunk as part of society but the teenagers do not drink.  There is some sexual content and a scene which could be interpreted as the main character possibly having sex (although it is very vague).  The book is quite violent and contains many graphic fight scenes and murders.  The main character is 17.  I would put the interest level at 14+

The novel will be released in early May.  I received an ARC from Amazon Vine.