Kazumi Reads

Plot Summary:
 Jeanine is dead and the Factionless have won. What should be a time of celebration is actually a test since everyone is now aware of the truth that has been hidden all these years and Evelyn is worried. For Tris, she wants to know what's outside and she wants out of the world that robbed her of her family. Tobias, on the other hand, wants to be with Tris, but is hesitant to leave his mother after reconciling with her; it's not that he has forgiven her for leaving him, he wants to know what her intentions are.Unfortunately, when a riot broke out, Tobias and Tris know that it was intentional to keep those who call themselves the Allegiant from leaving the city and they know they have to get out. With the help of Cara, Joanna, and Tori, Tris, Tobias, Christina, Uriah, Peter, and Caleb organize an escape plan to the outside. When they arrive at the Bureau of Genetic Welfare, they are met by Zoe and Amar who then takes them to David, who will explain who Edith Prior is and why civilization was forced into factions. Not only is the truth devastating for everyone, it's an outrage that the idea of pure genes and damaged genes determine a person's worth. This does not settle well for both Tris and Tobias, which leads to hasty decisions and unforgivable consequences. Furthermore, Natalie Prior, Tris and Caleb's mother, not only worked for the Bureau, but her untimely death is the result of an experiment gone completely wrong. Tris and Tobias must makes choices they know that are not easy, but with the help of Matthew and Caleb, the former Erudite and Dauntless soldier must press on and the end is just unbelievable. Grab the tissues, ya'll...it's gonna be a bumpy ride.

Critical Evaluation:
This is the final installment in the trilogy and I am SO HAPPY IT IS! Not that I don't like this series ( I love it), it's just refreshing to know that the author has decided that the story must end so she can move on to bigger and better things. Aside from being the final story, this one is very different because it is actually told from two different point of views (Tris and Tobias). Personally, I thought this was a gutsy move on Roth's part because reader's have never been inside Tobias' head and it is enlightening to hear because readers can actually see who he really is and that he is just as scared, and vulnerable, like Tris. I have read quite a few reviews regarding this book and there is a rather large number of people who were disappointed with the ending, but, for me, Roth couldn't have done anything better. The ending will make readers angry and sad, but what we have to realize that the choices we make in life lead us to a future that we cannot escape. For Tobias, his choice nearly destroyed his relationship with Tris, but it takes quite a bit of retrospection (on Tobias' part) to realize that there always alternatives to bring an end to tyranny and that our character flaws do not define who we are. For Tris, who has experienced so much growth (in a small amount of time), the choices she made has made her wise and it's almost fitting that she did what she did. I admire Tris very much because she has done so many things that even adult men and women could never do. In my opinion, Tris is the kind of daughter that I would want to raise, simply because she uses her heart to guide her through everything despite what her brain might be telling her. Furthermore, teens readers need to understand that life is very bittersweet and all we can do is just live not matter how difficult the choices in life may be.  I am quite content with the ending and I believe there is a companion coming out that may provide readers with a bit of solace and satisfaction.  

Information about the Author:
According to the book jacket of Allegiant:

Veronica Roth is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Divergent and Insurgent, the first two books in the Divergent series. Now a full-time writer, Ms. Roth and her husband live near Chicago.

Genre:
Teen Dystopian Thrillers, Teen Sci Fi, Teen Contemporary Fiction

Reading Level/Interest:
Grades 9 & up

Books Similar to Allegiant:

• Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins
• Champion by Marie Lu

Awards & Recognition:
From Amazon.com:

“Roth shakes up her storytelling (and will do the same to some readers) in this highly anticipated, largely satisfying wrap-up to the Divergent trilogy.” (Publishers Weekly)

“Roth’s plotting is...intelligent and complex. Dangers, suspicion, and tension lurk around every corner, and the chemistry between Tris and Tobias remains heart-poundingly real. This final installment will capture and hold attention until the divisive final battle has been waged.” (Publishers Weekly)

“The tragic conclusion, although shocking, is thematically consistent; the bittersweet epilogue offers a poignant hope.” (Kirkus Reviews)

“A surprise ending that is gutsier and much less predictable than the rest of the series would lead one to expect.” (Los Angeles Times)

“The next big thing.” (Rolling Stone)

“If you like Hunger Games & Twilight, then get stoked for DIVERGENT! Trust us on this—this baby is going to blow up BIG! And if you chose to remain factionless, then you’re gonna be one lonely soul.” (PerezHilton.com)