Four; A Divergent Story Collection

Veronica Roth
Two years before Beatrice Prior made her choice, the sixteen-year-old son of Abnegation’s faction leader did the same. Tobias’s transfer to Dauntless is a chance to begin again. Here, he will not be called the name his parents gave him. Here, he will not let fear turn him into a cowering child.
Newly christened “Four,” he discovers during initiation that he will succeed in Dauntless. Initiation is only the beginning, though; Four must claim his place in the Dauntless hierarchy. His decisions will affect future initiates as well as uncover secrets that could threaten his own future—and the future of the entire faction system.
Two years later, Four is poised to take action, but the course is still unclear. The first new initiate who jumps into the net might change all that. With her, the way to righting their world might become clear. With her, it might become possible to be Tobias once again.
What were your overall thoughts on the book?
When I heard about this book, I was sure it was just going to be another way for the publishing house to get money and so I was wary of reading it in case it didn’t add anything to the story. I also assumed the book was Four’s perspective on certain scenes that occur in Divergent but that is not correct. Instead Four tells the story of this character’s history. It is how he became Four and what lead him to the start of Divergent and I have to admit, I really enjoyed it!
What was your favourite aspect of the book?
Quite simply, the writing style. The way Veronica Roth writes is one of the reasons I fell so in love with Divergent. She has a style that pulls you in and makes you just feel all the emotions under the sun. Her style is easy to read while also being descriptive and full of depth. I loved being taken into her world again and it was fabulous seeing it from Four’s perspective as well! Which, you know, is another great aspect of this story!
Who was your favourite character and why?
I feel that the fact this book was about Four, this should be an easy question to answer but instead I’m a little torn. I loved getting to know Four better but I also felt many different wonderful emotions upon other characters creeping up, like Tori, Amar, Zeke, Uriah, and -ofcourse- Tris. But I think I’ll probably stick with Four because, well, he’s Four. And if you don’t know him, read the Divergent series now!
Would you recommend this book?
Yes and No. If you’ve read Divergent and really liked Four then yes, you will love this book. However, if you didn’t like Four then no, stay away from this book (but I’m sure you’ve worked that out for yourself!). If, on the other hand, you haven’t even read Divergent yet, then don’t read this book yet. Only read it once you have read and loved the first book in the series! This book maybe a prequel but it definitely needs to be read after the series. Or at the very least, after the first book.
Summarize in one sentence. (Verdict)
This book is the perfect way to dive back into the world of Divergent, Veronica Roth’s writing, and to be reminded of why Four is just such an incredible character that you wish was alive and with you right now.