"I'll say it one last time: Be brave."
--Veronica Roth, Allegiant
--Veronica Roth, Allegiant
Genre: YA Dystopia
Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books, 531 pages
Publication Date: October 22nd, 2013
Goodreads Description
The faction-based society that Tris Prior once believed in is shattered—fractured by violence and power struggles and scarred by loss and betrayal. So when offered a chance to explore the world past the limits she’s known, Tris is ready. Perhaps beyond the fence, she and Tobias will find a simple new life together, free from complicated lies, tangled loyalties, and painful memories.
But Tris’s new reality is even more alarming than the one she left behind. Old discoveries are quickly rendered meaningless. Explosive new truths change the hearts of those she loves. And once again, Tris must battle to comprehend the complexities of human nature—and of herself—while facing impossible choices about courage, allegiance, sacrifice, and love.
The faction-based society that Tris Prior once believed in is shattered—fractured by violence and power struggles and scarred by loss and betrayal. So when offered a chance to explore the world past the limits she’s known, Tris is ready. Perhaps beyond the fence, she and Tobias will find a simple new life together, free from complicated lies, tangled loyalties, and painful memories.
But Tris’s new reality is even more alarming than the one she left behind. Old discoveries are quickly rendered meaningless. Explosive new truths change the hearts of those she loves. And once again, Tris must battle to comprehend the complexities of human nature—and of herself—while facing impossible choices about courage, allegiance, sacrifice, and love.
The Belle
Um...Where do I even begin with this? Ok. I'm gonna be honest and it's not going to be the popular opinion. What did I like about Allegiant? One thing--the ending. *dodges tomatoes being thrown* But seriously. While it was NOT what I imagined happening or ever wanted to happen, it felt real. It sucks but it was realistic and I give Veronica Roth mad props for writing what she did. It couldn't have been easy and I know she's getting a lot of anger from fans about it, but I thought the controversial ending was the best part. Why? Because it was the only part that felt organic and honest. However, ending as it did, what I REALLY wanted was for this ending to be founded in something super worthwhile...Let's now go to The Beast of the story...
The Beast
What didn't work for me? Um, everything EXCEPT the ending. The entire story was boring and felt super contrived. The plot felt pointless and was a useless filler until the *shocking* ending. I read it quickly, but to be honest, I had no idea what was going on. It felt like nothing was happening. I remember looking and being on page 420 and still waiting for the story to start. The non-shocking part of the ending I'm still confused as to why it was necessary. I just felt like nothing happened and the entire story bored me.
The dual POV, while great in theory, really lacked in execution. There was absolutely no distinction between Tris and Tobias' voices. I didn't even remember whose chapter I was reading most of the time. SPEAKING of Tobias. Where did he go? I mean, he had chapter in Allegiant but where was the strong, capable, I-don't-take-no-shit-and-fear-itself-fears-me Tobias? What a little bitch he was. He whined and complained and made horrible and rash decisions. He was gullible and insecure and a total baby most of the book. Where is Four?!? I want to know! Where did he go?! Terrible. Tobias was a top book boyfriend for me...now I'll have to say Four in Divergent and Insurgent because his representation in Allegiant was pathetic.
The entire Genetically Pure and Genetically Damaged--GP and GD--plot point was contrived and unnecessary. The idea that "pure" people are oppressing and ostracizing the "damaged" was so ridiculous that I was laughing at the story half the time. It just felt really stupid for lack of a better phrase. Unnecessary and, again, it felt like a filler to get from beginning to end.
Overall, the book was boring and pointless and while the ending was brave and unconventional, it was raw and honest and real. It was a tremendously disappointing ending to what began as an AMAZING series.
The dual POV, while great in theory, really lacked in execution. There was absolutely no distinction between Tris and Tobias' voices. I didn't even remember whose chapter I was reading most of the time. SPEAKING of Tobias. Where did he go? I mean, he had chapter in Allegiant but where was the strong, capable, I-don't-take-no-shit-and-fear-itself-fears-me Tobias? What a little bitch he was. He whined and complained and made horrible and rash decisions. He was gullible and insecure and a total baby most of the book. Where is Four?!? I want to know! Where did he go?! Terrible. Tobias was a top book boyfriend for me...now I'll have to say Four in Divergent and Insurgent because his representation in Allegiant was pathetic.
The entire Genetically Pure and Genetically Damaged--GP and GD--plot point was contrived and unnecessary. The idea that "pure" people are oppressing and ostracizing the "damaged" was so ridiculous that I was laughing at the story half the time. It just felt really stupid for lack of a better phrase. Unnecessary and, again, it felt like a filler to get from beginning to end.
Overall, the book was boring and pointless and while the ending was brave and unconventional, it was raw and honest and real. It was a tremendously disappointing ending to what began as an AMAZING series.
Should You RSVP to this Ball?
No. I mean, if you've read the first 2 books, read it to know finish the series...maybe. Don't, by any means, make this a priority if you have better things to read. Sad but true.
"Why is Four being such a little bitch?" My thoughts exactly. I hated how weak and insecure he got in this book. He felt like a completely different character to me. The ending was sad and all, but like you, I thought it was one of the best parts of the book. The rest of it was dull, boring, and didn't seem to serve much of a purpose. I thought that what was outside of the city was going to be so much cooler. So much worse. So much more badass. But nope. Just GD and GP. What?? I was massively disappointed in this book. It was such a disappointing end to this series. :(
ReplyDeleteI'm so nervous to read this book because I've heard so much hostility about the ending but I'm glad you liked it! I loved the first two books and I'd hate to end the series on a downer!
ReplyDeleteI actually really loved this book. I loved the direction Rossi took it, it was brave and selfless. It was what needed to be done. I can see the other points you make for sure. There could have been more romance for me, I mean, they had been fighting so long. But I think the pulling away was indicative of what was going to happen. Though it didn't make it any less hurtful. Four really felt like he changed in this book, and that was annoying. He was not as strong as I needed him to be
ReplyDeleteI hadn't read Insurgent yet because I was waiting for Allegiant to come out so I coudl just read both. Then I saw the huuuge blow up about allegiant and now I just don't know. I'm CURIOUS so I'll prob end up reading insurgent and then this. However I'm totally apprehensive and nervous about it because I loooved Divergent and Four and I just don't know how this will go for me. I'll get to it one day!
ReplyDeleteYou already know how I felt about Allegiant! While I wish a lot of things had been done differently, in the end, I'm just glad we had an ending. It's too bad that it didn't live up to the first two books for me!
ReplyDeleteBLEH. I knew from texting that you felt this way, but I'll sad that this wasn't a conclusion that worked better. Although I haven't read it, I do think the ending seems fitting (since it was already spoiled for me). My friend at work said the EXACT SAME THING you did - fitting ending but everything else was really lame/boring. What a shame!
ReplyDeleteYou and I had almost the EXACT same feels about this conclusion. Which is just further proof that you are my people.
ReplyDeleteYeah I'm still creeping. WHAT WHAAAT.