It’s been one week since Allegiant came out and there has been a LOT of talk about this final installment in the Divergent trilogy. There is no shortage of emotions here: Shock. Sadness. Anger. Confusion. If you’ve read it, you know! Here’s are some of our thoughts on the book. Don’t worry: no spoilers here!
Nat’s Review:
It had been over a year since I read Insurgent but I still remember where it ended and that there was a new place that was going to be explored, a place outside of the realm of the factions as well as the factionless. There were many questions to be answered and I have to say, those questions were pretty much answered in Allegiant.
Whether or not you liked the answers to those questions is all up to you, the reader. Me, being one of those readers, was satisfied for the most part with the answers, partly because I had not expected the answers that were given. I had speculated, sure, but the world we get to see beyond the borders is just nowhere what I would have predicted. And boy, it really turned me on my head.
The plot is complex and dramatic and intriguing and yes, sad. There’s a lot to think about when you read how the characters have changed and how Tris’ world has changed after. The book begs you to questions the situations we face on a daily basis, to see the similarities and to question how you see things, how you see people, and how society itself sees the world.
And that’s what’s so good about this book, it dares you to compare because, although we don’t live in a dystopian society, it’s still comparable to life today. It’s comparable to people today, and I hope that the young adults who read this book are able to learn from it.
The drama between Tris and Tobias never ceases to amaze me. They light each other up in both the way they argue and the way they don’t. It’s kinda crazy to see and scary as well, because these are the type of people that I see could destroy each other as well.
Then there’s the drama between Tobias and his parents and Tris and her brother, and the idea of forgiveness comes to play very much here, but isn’t limited to just those relationships.
Of course there’s action involved, but it’s secondary to the drama of all these characters and ethical challenges scattered throughout. All together, it makes for a really good read.
For the spoilers, check out her complete review on Goodreads!
Jessi’s Review:
A quick, spoiler-free summary: I liked Allegiant. I enjoyed reading it. I found it to be fast-paced, interesting, and it kept my attention the entire time—no small feat! Of course this is a bittersweet time; the trilogy is complete and this is the end. Coming in to this I was most looking forward to finding out what waited for us beyond the fence. And I have to say, it certainly wasn’t what I was expecting, so it took me a little time to digest the new world I was being introduced to. However, I’m a BIG fan of answers, so I was happy to get them, even if I had some difficulty accepting all the details.
The alternating POVs were unique to this book in the series and it took a little getting used to, but it didn’t end up being too much of a distraction, and it does serve a purpose. While at times I thought the Tobias chapters were Tris chapters ( I was so used to Tris narrating EVERYTHING!) it didn’t detract from the story. Concerning Tris and Tobias’ relationship—I prefer the Allegiant version of them. Personally, I found it to be more tender and swoon-worthy, which I love. I felt like they were more mature, especially after all they had been through, and there are some really sweet moments between the two of them. I do think the change in their relationship from Insurgent to Allegiant happens kind of fast, as I don’t see the evolution of it being fleshed out entirely; however I can easily overlook this because I really did enjoy seeing them get to be in love with out as much volatility.
As for the ending, let’s just say I’m still working through it! While I won’t disclose what happens, I think most people are aware by now that some notable things do. Some things I haven’t completely found peace with yet. Sometimes we just need more time :). I respect Veronica Roth and her decisions, and will continue to do so while I work through understanding them. I do have to say that the last quarter of the book will fill you with A LOT of emotions. I felt so many, in fact, it was hard to tell just what I was feeling. What a ride! The end gives us answers and a glimpse at the future that does provide closure to the series. And I have to say, I’m sad to see that it is over!