"Insurgent" (2012) by Veronica Roth REVIEW

WARNING: The following review contains spoilers for the previous book, Divergent, which isn't as good as this book.

Taking place right after Divergent ended, Insurgent begins as Tris jumps off the train and stays in the Amity compound for protection. Still feeling guilty for the death of her friend Will, she finds herself unable to use a gun or even hold it in her hand. Trying to keep Jeanine's data safe from the Dauntless member's that have joined up with Erudite, Tris and Tobias must figure out a way to conquer Erudite's power before a second simulation attack is launched.

Superior to its predecessor, Insurgent gives a deeper insight in this dystopian world and how its government system works. Though many would pass the first half of the book to drag, the pacing is actually quite steady (unlike the uneven pacing of Divergent). However, the fast pace kicks in for the second half, which is where the book falters. The pacing becomes uneven and the details very little, making me unsure at times where a scene is taking place.

Given that flaw, Insurgent is a rather great read about trying to decide what a right option is and forgiveness. Fair warning: there is a huge cliffhanger.

3.5/5 Stars

Comments

"Kingsman: The Secret Service" (2015) REVIEW

Anyone else felt the need to buy a suit after watching this movie? Ever since his dad passed away, Gary "Eggsy" Unwin has been doing his best to care for his mother. Unfortunately, his short temper with others including his stepfather doesn't help. When he lands into trouble, he calls the one number that can get him out of the tight spot. Little did he realized his connection would hire him for job unlike any other: a kingsman position in the secret organization of the same name. Using his physical and mental skills, Eggsy must train to prove his worth to the organization, but trouble is brewing as a billionaire inventor moves forward in his plan in recreating the world in his image. Kingsman: The Secret Service was really unexpected for me. I had only seen bits and pieces of the trailers and have heard nothing but great things about the film. I can honestly say those remarks were not said in vain. Kingsman is truly an amazing spy-flick, full of amazingly choreo...

What to Read After Insomiac's Spider-Man

So you've just defeated the Sinister Six, maybe done a side mission here and there, or perhaps 100% completed what most are considering the best Spider-Man game ever made (and they're right). What now? Where do you go from here to learn more about the wisecracking wall-crawler? Besides Tom Holland's performance in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, we've never really seen Spider-Man portrayed so solidly like we have here. This, my friends, is where the fun part comes in: Entering the vast world of Spider-Man presented in comics and novels. Allow me to be your guide, providing recommendations for any requests you may be wishing for. "I just want more..." Well, you're in luck because Marvel has 2 options for you! Spider-Man: Hostile Takeover is the official prequel novel to the game, taking place 6 months prior. It follows Spider-Man trying to find an imposter killing people, working with a newfound friend from the police force to take ...

"The Son of Neptune" (2011) by Rick Riordan REVIEW

WARNING: If you have not read the previous book in this series or the previous series this is following up on, I think it'd be best to not read this post due to spoilers. After eight months of slumber, Percy Jackson wakes up without any memory of his past. Nothing, except a name: Annabeth . Trained by the Roman wolf teacher Lupa, Percy tries to find a safe haven for demigods like him, finding it in San Francisco, California. Percy knows he is safe there, but he also knows he doesn't belong there. Everything seems... off. Maybe because he somehow knows Greek mythology facts and Camp Jupiter, the safe place for demigods, uses Roman mythology. However, his safety is short-lived when he and his new friends, big, clumsy Frank Zhang and mysterious Hazel Levesque, are set to go on a quest to Alaska to free Thanatos, the god of death, from the hands of the giant Alcyoneus. The clock is ticking with less than five days on the counter as Percy struggles to lead his new friends ...

Kevin Lau

Search This Blog