Book Review: Allegiant

There has been so much buzz about Allegiant, the third book in the Divergent trilogy by Veronica Roth, since it was released last fall.  That's because the ending is surprising--I mean, REALLY surprising--and it doesn't wrap itself in a pretty bow like we've come to expect as dystopian readers.  And after a week of faction outfits, I'm now going to tell you what I thought of this final book!

• 3rd book in the Divergent series
• Dystopian

WARNING--There are spoilers below.  Read the book if you don't want to be surprised.

The Gist:

Tobias' mother, Evelyn, and the factionless are now in control of the city.  They want to disband the factions but keep control of all the residents.  As a result, a group called Allegiant forms; their purpose is to leave the city to find/provide help and possibly start a revolution.  Tris and Tobias join the Allegiant and head for the fence.  But what they find outside the city is nothing like they expected.  

What I Loved:

• We got answers.  I've read some dystopian series that have left me with so many questions, but I felt like the questions that I had were answered in this book.  
• I couldn't predict what would happen next.  It was unexpected the whole way through (as were the earlier books in the series).  I was such an engaged reader.
• The ending--I know!  I know!  I know!  Everyone hates the ending.  But I was okay with it...I really was.  Tris couldn't be an immortal character--there had to be something that would stop the reckless life she was living.  When she initially walked into the lab (at the end of the book) and the death serum didn't affect her, I literally rolled my eyes.  I mean, come on, there has to be SOMETHING that gets to her.  And then there was.  Well played, Veronica Roth.  I've never read a book where the narrator dies, so this was very interesting for me.
• I love Christina.  And she lives, so I'm happy.
• Tobias flying down the zip line.  A great way to end.

What I Didn't Love:

• The dual point of view.  I know that it was necessary (Tobias has to continue the story for Tris), I would have rather Tris tell the whole story and then Tobias pick up for her at the end.  This is for two reasons--one, we hadn't really seen all of Tobias' flaws until this book and it changed his character for me, and two, there were times when I couldn't remember if Tris or Tobias was talking.
• So David just gets to wheel around at the end with no major consequences?  Huh?  And Evelyn's factionless soldiers don't escort Marcus out of the city when they exile him?  Weak for me.
• All of the genetically pure and genetically deficient talk--too much.  I was so over reading all the science parts (but again, I'm not an Erudite!).

My favorite quote:  "I sigh.  I may like to run, but I hate climbing stairs."

A really enjoyable read that has stirred up so much conversation (and emotion!).

I'll be back on Monday with my 100th post!  It's a new review!