Anyone else reading the Divergent series?

[meliss8599]

DD had to complete a novel study over Thanksgiving break and I decided to read it with her so we could bond over the book. I devoured Veronica Roth's Divergent (over 400 pages) in four days. It was phenomenal and I do not normally like dystopian society/sci fi stuff. A lot of thought provoking scenarios, I became very invested in the characters, interesting setting, quick pacing, etc. I even read the entire Hunger Games series, and while I enjoyed it, it pales in comparison to Divergent in my opinion.

Therefore, I was thrilled to have received the entire hardcover series for Christmas and started right in on the second book in the trilogy, Insurgent. Unfortunately, I am quite underwhelmed by it. It is quite dry and dragged out. I'm not nearly as invested in the relationship between Tris and Four as I initially was. It's also hard for me to follow. Maybe it's because I haven't had the time to invest in longer reading sessions where I can really focus on and analyze the plot.

What are your thoughts?

 

[carriemd]

I read the first two months ago, and really enjoyed them both. I started on the third and quickly realized that my brain is like quicksand and I can't remember any of the finer details of the first two--so I need to go back and re-read before going onto the third. A LOT of people hated the series' ending. Reviews on the third book were very mixed.

 

[monkeybug]

DD had to complete a novel study over Thanksgiving break and I decided to read it with her so we could bond over the book. I devoured Veronica Roth's Divergent (over 400 pages) in four days. It was phenomenal and I do not normally like dystopian society/sci fi stuff. A lot of thought provoking scenarios, I became very invested in the characters, interesting setting, quick pacing, etc. I even read the entire Hunger Games series, and while I enjoyed it, it pales in comparison to Divergent in my opinion.

Therefore, I was thrilled to have received the entire hardcover series for Christmas and started right in on the second book in the trilogy, Insurgent. Unfortunately, I am quite underwhelmed by it. It is quite dry and dragged out. I'm not nearly as invested in the relationship between Tris and Four as I initially was. It's also hard for me to follow. Maybe it's because I haven't had the time to invest in longer reading sessions where I can really focus on and analyze the plot.

What are your thoughts?

I loved the first book as well, but unfortunately the series just goes downhill from there. The last book was just plain awful.

 

[monkeybug]

I read the first two months ago, and really enjoyed them both. I started on the third and quickly realized that my brain is like quicksand and I can't remember any of the finer details of the first two--so I need to go back and re-read before going onto the third. A LOT of people hated the series' ending. Reviews on the third book were very mixed.

My problem with the third book wasn't really the storyline, but the writing. It is SO contrived! Characters behave unlike they ever have just to move the plot along, and the plot itself is full of gaping holes. I'm not sure what happened, but I think maybe the author's brain is like quicksand too and she forgot what she had written in the other two books.

 

[CourtasanSatine]

I'm going to read the book before the movie comes out.

 

[frequency]

I am not sure if this was intended as a trilogy or not, but I suspect the author may have been rushed to complete the third since they made a movie out of the first. The third was barely readable, the same story is told 3 times basically,different bad guys acting the same. I didn't care by the end. It's never good if you don't care at the end.

 

[NEDisneyFans]

DD had to complete a novel study over Thanksgiving break and I decided to read it with her so we could bond over the book. I devoured Veronica Roth's Divergent (over 400 pages) in four days. It was phenomenal and I do not normally like dystopian society/sci fi stuff. A lot of thought provoking scenarios, I became very invested in the characters, interesting setting, quick pacing, etc. I even read the entire Hunger Games series, and while I enjoyed it, it pales in comparison to Divergent in my opinion.

Therefore, I was thrilled to have received the entire hardcover series for Christmas and started right in on the second book in the trilogy, Insurgent. Unfortunately, I am quite underwhelmed by it. It is quite dry and dragged out. I'm not nearly as invested in the relationship between Tris and Four as I initially was. It's also hard for me to follow. Maybe it's because I haven't had the time to invest in longer reading sessions where I can really focus on and analyze the plot.

What are your thoughts?

It is on my list of books TBR

 

[DisneyJamieCA]

I've read the first two (loved the first, liked the second ok) and have bought the third. After hearing so many people complain about the ending (I don't actually know what it is that upsets them), I haven't made the time to read the third. Soon.

 

[meliss8599]

DDs classmates ruined the ending for her and thus she told me, so I know the fate of the main character; however, I will see the series through. It's truly disappointing to hear it only goes downhill considering how amazing the first book was.

I am an avid reader and thought Divergent was one of the best books I've read in a long time. Too bad.

 

[E&Cmom]

I read book one last week in a day. I couldn't put it down. I am currently halfway though book 2.

 

[SAHDad]

I read the first, and I think part of the second. I could not finish it - I could (barely) suffer through Hunger Games, and Divergent was worse. I waned to like it, but the MC in Divergent just screamed "Mary Sue" at me from every page.

My wife plans on reading the third book, but I think I will give it a pass.

 

[lucyanna girl]

Read the first, reading the second.


Penny

 

[meliss8599]

I read the first, and I think part of the second. I could not finish it - I could (barely) suffer through Hunger Games, and Divergent was worse. I waned to like it, but the MC in Divergent just screamed "Mary Sue" at me from every page.

My wife plans on reading the third book, but I think I will give it a pass.

What's MC? and "Mary Sue"?

 

[Marssiful]

I really enjoyed the first one, thought second book was okay, and hated the last book. I really really really hated it. And that was before I got to the end! I wish I had stopped after the second because the 3rd book pretty much ruined the series for me.

 

[dawnhaze]

What's MC? and "Mary Sue"?

MC = main character, I'm guessing.

A Mary Sue is basically an author wish fulfillment character. Someone who is basically perfect in every way, possibly with superficial flaws as a failed attempt to give them true imperfections. These characters are fun for an author to write, but not so much fun for most readers, since they tend to lack real character development (since they have little room for it).

Regarding the topic of the thread, I'm planning to see the films, but I can't read first person fiction. I had to listen to Hunger Games on audiobooks and it still drove me crazy.

 

[RadioNate]

I read them. I enjoyed the 1st book, the 2nd was ok & like the rest kinda hated the 3rd.

I think some of my confusion was from poor writing especially in book 3.

If we can talk spoilers I have some questions.

 

[kinntj]

I'm glad to not be the only one having a hard time getting through the second book. I just reached the halfway point and hope to finish soon. I will then start the third and I hope I can make it.

 

[Jennasis]

I slogged through the first one and bailed halfway through the second (just like I did with the HUnger Games series). I don't get it. Beyond formulaic. Predictable. Characters I just don't believe or care about.

 

[SAHDad]

MC = main character, I'm guessing.

A Mary Sue is basically an author wish fulfillment character. Someone who is basically perfect in every way, possibly with superficial flaws as a failed attempt to give them true imperfections. These characters are fun for an author to write, but not so much fun for most readers, since they tend to lack real character development (since they have little room for it).

Regarding the topic of the thread, I'm planning to see the films, but I can't read first person fiction. I had to listen to Hunger Games on audiobooks and it still drove me crazy.

Yeah, MC = main character.

 

[lizabu]

I've read them all. Fans are going to be really mad at Allegient