Insurgent by Veronica Roth

Synopsis (from goodreads.com):

One choice can transform you--or it can destroy you. But every choice has consequences, and as unrest surges in the factions all around her, Tris Prior must continue trying to save those she loves--and herself--while grappling with haunting questions of grief and forgiveness, identity and loyalty, politics and love.

Tris's initiation day should have been marked by celebration and victory with her chosen faction; instead, the day ended with unspeakable horrors. War now looms as conflict between the factions and their ideologies grows. And in times of war, sides must be chosen, secrets will emerge, and choices will become even more irrevocable--and even more powerful. Transformed by her own decisions but also by haunting grief and guilt, radical new discoveries, and shifting relationships, Tris must fully embrace her Divergence, even if she does not know what she may lose by doing so.

"New York Times" bestselling author Veronica Roth's much-anticipated second book of the dystopian "Divergent" series is another intoxicating thrill ride of a story, rich with hallmark twists, heartbreaks, romance, and powerful insights about human nature.

Jillian’s Review:

As action (and violence) packed as the first book, Divergent. There’s also a good bit of romance without too much detail. I’m annoyed that Tris thinks she has to keep everything inside and secret when every readers knows as soon as the truth comes out it will destroy the relationships of those around her. It’s one of those books that a lot of problems could be solved or eliminated all together if the characters would just talk. Thankfully the truth does come out and not at the very end, so things are resolved throughout the rest of the read. I do like though, that Tris is kind of weak in this second book just because she feels more realistic. We finally find out what this weird society is all for but have to wait until book three, title unknown to be release in 2013, for an ending (hopefully!). I'm looking forward to it, thought I'm glad I get a break from the blood and guts for a while. Best for the older Young Adult reader as there is A LOT of violence…like Hunger Games.

Divergent by Veronica Roth

Synopsis (from goodreads.com):

In Beatrice Prior's dystopian Chicago, society is divided into five factions, each dedicated to the cultivation of a particular virtue—Candor (the honest), Abnegation (the selfless), Dauntless (the brave), Amity (the peaceful), and Erudite (the intelligent). On an appointed day of every year, all sixteen-year-olds must select the faction to which they will devote the rest of their lives. For Beatrice, the decision is between staying with her family and being who she really is—she can't have both. So she makes a choice that surprises everyone, including herself.

During the highly competitive initiation that follows, Beatrice renames herself Tris and struggles to determine who her friends really are—and where, exactly, a romance with a sometimes fascinating, sometimes infuriating boy fits into the life she's chosen. But Tris also has a secret, one she's kept hidden from everyone because she's been warned it can mean death. And as she discovers a growing conflict that threatens to unravel her seemingly perfect society, she also learns that her secret might help her save those she loves… or it might destroy her.

Debut author Veronica Roth bursts onto the literary scene with the first book in the Divergent series—dystopian thrillers filled with electrifying decisions, heartbreaking betrayals, stunning consequences, and unexpected romance.

Jillian’s Review:

This was like reading a cross between the Hunger Games and The Host (after the first 100 pages). Fast-paced, action packed, with enough romance to keep me turning the page without blushing from too much detail.

I loved how each character grew, which is essential for a YA novel. The way the society was broken down was a bit unbelievable, like Delirium, but there’s so much going on that it wasn’t blasting me in the face the whole time.

Intelligently written. Can't wait for the next one in the series.

Probably best for older teen because of the violence, which was on the level as Hunger Games.

Crossed by Ally Condie

Synopsis (from goodreads.com):

Chasing down an uncertain future, Cassia makes her way to the Outer Provinces in pursuit of Ky--taken by the Society to his sure death--only to find that he has escaped into the majestic, but treacherous, canyons. On this wild frontier are glimmers of a different life and the enthralling promise of a rebellion. But even as Cassia sacrifices every thing to reunite with Ky, ingenious surprises from Xander may change the game once again.
 

Narrated from both Cassia's and Ky's point of view, this hotly anticipated sequel to Matched will take them both to the edge of Society, where nothing is as expected and crosses and double crosses make their path more twisted than ever.

Jillian’s Review:

I liked this one better than the first in the series, Matched. It was great to have the characters spend most of their time outside of the crazy Society and I liked the area where they were. This is not one you could read without reading the first in the trilogy. All of the made-up terms used for things weren’t defined, but thankfully I remembered most of them from the first book.

I was disappointed that Cassia and Ky barely had any time together before they’re separated yet again... and what's with Cassia waffling between Ky and the Golden Boy Xander again? She made up her mind who she wanted in the first book, do we really need to go back to that annoying chapter in her life?? She she’s so indecisive that by the last paragraph where she says she’s going to meet him tomorrow, I’m not at all sure who “him” is! Annoying. Just pick a guy and get on with it.

Once again, nothing was really resolved and I will be reading book three (Reached, release date: November 13, 2012) so I will finally know what’s going to happen.