REVIEW: Allegiant (Divergent #3) by Veronica Roth

Title: Allegiant

Series: Divergent #3
Author: Veronica Roth

Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books

Release Date: October 22, 2013

Pages: 526, Hardcover
Source: Library, Audiobook

Summary from Goodreads:

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. 

I am struggling to put my thoughts into words so I am not going to break up my review like I have been. 

I started Allegiant with really low expectations. I was prepared to hate it. And when I didn't hate it, it knocked me off kilter. On the surface, I am not as disappointed in this book as I thought I would be. I did not get bored. I was always interested in what was to come. But if I were to be critical, this book has many flaws. It is not a great book, or a great series ender. But it's not terrible either. 

This book was no where near as action packed as Divergent, but was more so than Insurgent. And instead of filling the pages with Tris's relationship woes, Allegiant focuses more on the world 'beyond the fence' and introduces new players. I don't know if I buy all the answers/ explanations given for everything but it definitely kept my attention. 

I like the ending and I don't like the ending. But my reasons for like and dislike are probably opposite those of many readers. My main reason why I didn't like the ending was because it didn't actually end anything. The world is as it was. I don't feel like I have closure. I had a similar problem with Requiem. But the reason why everyone disliked the ending, I didn't mind at all. Call me crazy but it seemed rather fitting. 

I could care less about Tris and Four's relationship now that I think about it. Or, I hate to say it but, even Tris and Four as characters. Tris redeemed herself a little from the Insurgent debacle but Four dimmed significantly. His POV didn't help matters any. But their feelings for each other were so not convincing. 

Ultimately, Divergent was the shinning star in this series. It was a fantastic book but then kind of lost direction in Insurgent and now Allegiant. But Allegiant is definitely a better book than Insurgent and I think it still has some good to offer fans.