Divergent by Veronica Roth

I'd been hearing amazing things about this book for ages before I finally got my hands on a copy.  I have to say, every awesome thing you've heard about this book is true.  Really.  I've even heard that some of my book loving friends like it better than the Hunger Games.  Here's the Goodreads blurb for you:

Beatrice "Tris" Prior has reached the fateful age of sixteen, the stage at which teenagers in Veronica Roth's dystopian Chicago must select which of five factions to join for life. Each faction represents a virtue: Candor, Abnegation, Dauntless, Amity, and Erudite. To the surprise of herself and her selfless Abnegation family, she chooses Dauntless, the path of courage. Her choice exposes her to the demanding, violent initiation rites of this group, but it also threatens to expose a personal secret that could place in mortal danger. Veronica Roth's young adult Divergent trilogy launches with a captivating adventure about love and loyalty playing out under most extreme circumstances.

I loved this book. Loved it. I could barely stand to put it down to take my kids school shopping. This is one of those books that just grabs you and drags you in. The characters are wonderful and the premise is interesting. I really liked that Veronica decided to set her story in Chicago. I have never been to Chicago but the location made the story that much more interesting. Their closed society is in the middle of the US so there may be other groups in other locations. Chicago doesn't feel as isolated as New York City might. Beatrice is a great lead character. You really get to slip inside her head and see why she's so conflicted about choosing to leave her faction. It is painful to watch Tris make her choice and then be put through all kinds of grueling training. She is no Katniss Everdeen. She is not good at things right off the bat. It takes her a few tries to learn the new skills. Four is absolutely awesome. He is like an M&M. Hard on the outside and soft on the inside. As they get closer, Four lets Tris inside his hardened exterior to see him for who he really is. He's not just their hard nosed instructor. Their relationship is so unlike the others that Tris has had. She doesn't have to be someone else for Four. They can be themselves when they are together and they're extremely loyal to one another. There is romance and action. This book is just epic. I would suggest this one for readers 14 and up.

You can find out more about Veronica Roth and her books on her website. You can also follow her on Twitter.

Divergent gets 5 Fairies for the sexy Four and for general awesomeness.