Allegiant

I picked up this series both because a friend recommended it and because most sites recommend it as a great follow-up after the Hunger Games. It did not disappoint. In fact, in many ways, I like it better.

I was far more drawn to Tris than I ever was to Katniss (and I liked Katniss a lot). And I thought her romance with Four was a far more balanced relationship than either of Katniss's relationships with Peeta and Gale. She's a generally stronger character, both on her own, and with Four. She just felt more real to me in many ways that Katniss did not. I wanted to keep following her story.

Before I got the book, I heard that people had gotten their hands on an advanced copy, and were Not Happy, but I refused to let that stop me. I figured it would probably be something that wouldn't bug me as much, because I'm a fan of realism and of alternative stories. I'm glad I didn't let it stop me, but I was wrong that it wouldn't bug me.

I got the book on Monday, and would have finished last night, but then I hit that part–the part where Tris dies. And I thought for sure she had to be saved, they wouldn't just let her die...but I was scared to read on. So I put it off until this morning. I arrived at work a soggy mess.

The ending is terrible and beautiful and real, and I hate that Tobias is alone, but I do have faith that he will help create a world Tris would have been proud of saving. I ache for them both, and want to go back to before I started. Or perhaps just after she forgave him, and live in that moment, and never finish the book. But it would always have felt unfinished to me. I think she gave it the right ending. To have any less sacrifice for their new world would have felt a cheat. And I'm also glad Christina stopped Tobias from forgetting. That would have been just as horrible.

To those of you I have recc'd this series to, I apologize for the heartache you will go through at the ending, but I hope you'll agree with me once you've finished–it was definitely worth the ride.