Chris or Cooper

It's hard for me to put into words how powerfully I love this book. It is not an easy read, but it is a meaningful and engaging read. I just finished listening to the audiobook (brilliantly voice acted). I was completely drawn into the world and characters. I felt as Ender felt. I cried deeply and felt a dull ache. It was the kind of book that bothers you in exactly the right way to make it unforgettable and an instant favorite. I love this novel.

I'm giving this one 4 stars, but it's probably more like 3.5. I really enjoyed it. Especially the first half of the novel. A lot of people told me to give this series a chance, despite the title and description not sounding very appealing. They were right. It was a lot better than I would have expected. I enjoyed it greatly and was sulked in immediately.
I really enjoyed the diverse group of characters. I especially liked seeing two female best friends playing the leads. Their dynamic was terrific and I really enjoyed it. The characters were deeply flawed, which always makes for fascinating stories. The mystery and conspiracy behind the novel was also very good.
The author also tackled ideas of misogyny. Having the misogynistic principles in the society as a major plot point and obstacle for our characters. At times this was done really well and I loved it. The characters struggled with the roles they were put in and also showed the problems of internalizing other people's ideas of who they should be, which I loved. Despite that, sometimes the book fell into the trap of prompting stereotypes, which undermined what the author seemed to be trying for. At times it seemed to fall into the stereotype of girls as caddy and backstabbing. The book almost seemed to prompt both that stereotype and that behavior at times. Other times there seemed to be a glimmer of subverting the stereotype, but it never fully committed to this. I am curious to see whether there is growth in the next novel, but it was a frustrating point in this one. That aspect of the book, which was pretty glaring toward the middle portion, was frustrating and pulled me out of the story.
I still am curious where it will go, and I plan to try the next novel at least.

No Spoiler Review:
I really love this book. It doesn't quite measure up to the first book overall, but that is because Divergent was so wonderful. But, the ending climax was much stronger in this one. I really like the way Tris develops over the course of this one. I really like digging into the minor characters more. Overall, I loved this. I had some issues here and there, and some scenes between her and Four felt repetitive at the beginning. But I loved it.



******Spoilers******
You have been warned, precede no further if you want spoiler free.
I was annoyed with Four more in this one. Though I realize that was because we got to see his flaws more. I think, due entirely to how he came around in the end, that made him a stronger character. Still, some of their fights felt ongoing. Which is realistic, but repetitive in a novel.
I loved the world building, getting to see Amity and Candor far more than originally.
I also was excited to see what became of Uriah, Zeke, Marlene (cries) and Lynn (cries more). Uriah was always a favorite of mine. And the arch with Christina was flawless. Loved it.
I think one of my favorite parts was Peter. Very interesting changes with him.
I loved that we got to see Tris use more of her traits from the three factions. She's really smart and resourceful in this!
And the end with her and Four was so cathartic after the complete failure of communication throughout the novel. Bravo!