A review by reka111
Insurgent by Veronica Roth

adventurous challenging emotional informative inspiring sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

People, I have discovered, are layers and layers of secrets.

I really wanted to love this book, but it just didn't work the way I wanted it to. We've reached the lowest point in Tris's story — and the whole book series. 

Tris has been through so much (barely at sixteen!) and everyone has abandoned her so much, even when she has given so much and never received. My brave girl deserves a rest, she could have a free peaceful moment. Tobias, well, I don't know where to put him. Somehow, I feel like he's overshot the mark (maybe too many times), but I understand most of the time, no matter how much I hoped he would finally take off his armor. By the way, Evelyn & Johanna were sympathetic characters in their own way, and I really liked that even though they didn't get a big role, they still controlled the events from the background. Peter is such a mystery to me, I understand, comprehend and know the reason for his decisions, but I can't forgive him yet, I just can't. Christina, I was so glad we got her back, I needed her strength and support, maybe even more than Tris. 

Love seemed a bit toxic to me this time, if for no other reason than because they literally don't trust each other — what is the foundation of a relationship. They lie and hide important information from each other, expecting the other person to magically forgive them. They should have simply discussed it with each other, but no, keeping quiet is actually easier.

The plot was understandable and I liked it, it was fast-paced, full of action and excitement, but maybe that's why I couldn't love it so much; There should have been a little calm for a tiny ray of light into it. The phrasing is what I can't identify with, but it's not necessarily just the author's fault. The ending was interesting, strong and just right enough for me to want to continue in the near future (even though I know what the end will be).