Intense and riveting, Divergent opens up with 16 year old Beatrice Prior, right before the Choosing ceremony where she will decide the faction she belongs in for the rest of her life. Beatrice is part of Abnegation, her family's faction, which embodies selflessness. Among the other factions: Dauntless (bravery), Candor (honesty), Amity (peace), and Erudite (intelligence) Beatrice must choose the traits and group that will define her for the rest of her life. Despite the weighty issue of choice, Beatrice's aptitude test reveals an even deeper hidden secret that will wreck her world. Through this all, Beatrice chooses to a faction that invokes her inner power and strength, where it'll take all she has to stay alive and find out what's in store for her and the future. 
 There's nothing better than finding out how strong a character really is. Divergent doesn't hold back when Beatrice (aka Tris) unfolds from a more subdued Abnegation to a fierce and resourceful Dauntless member. Tris, oh I adore Tris, she's actually fierce without being heartless, and yet sentimental and human. Best of all, Tris never gives up in all of Divergent; she pushes herself to do better, to be better and rise up to the challenges at hand. Through a seemingly quick journey of new people and new obstacles, Tris sees the world for what it really is, while finding her new strength from within and realizing who she is. 
 Aside from Tris, Four, our romantic interest, is actually more than intriguing as well. Partaking as Tris's instructor in the Dauntless compound, he becomes far more than a harsh disciplinary. By mutual attraction, and secrets/pasts, Tris and Four share more than a bond - their relationship is deeply linked and completely well done. Four's past, Tris's family and other points are probed and explored adding a dash of angst and a hint of tragedy. From day one, the Tris/Four relationship proves to be electric without resorting to sexual tension, and stays mutual with shared experiences and teasing anecdotes. With such chemistry, Tris and Four stay realistic and add an emotional anchor to Divergent's already impressive repertoire. 
 On world-building, the bleak dystopian of Tris's world is oddly interesting. The idea of certain traits defining a group is enticing as well as the idea of initiation and choosing. In some regards, Divergent isn't quite plot-driven, there's no big goal of Tris conquering the world or overthrowing the government (well until the end) ; instead it's just Tris getting through her life and doing everything it takes to survive in her current situation. Which is very appealing to me, actually. 
 So overall, Divergent is definitely absolutely amazing! I'll admit it, I was reluctant, cautious and afraid to be disappointed with this book, yet Divergent never let me down! Every aspect, every scene had me wanting more, and repeatedly Divergent delivered on every note. I think it's been one of the best reads of 2011 so far! But on all counts, Divergent stunned me, read it!