In this futuristic dystopian society, life is divided into five distinct factions, Candor (the honest), Amity, (the peaceful), Erudite, (the intelligent), Abnegation (the selfless), and the Dauntless (the brave). Once a year, every year, all sixteen-year-olds are forced to make a decision: to choose one faction to belong to for the rest of their lives. If someone fails to “make it” as a member of their new faction, they are forced to live factionless for the rest of their lives, isolated from everyone and doing the jobs that no one wants.
Beatrice Prior and her family are from Abnegation, the selfless and modest sector. They live a humble life and are taught to put others ahead of themselves. Life with Abnegation is be tolerable, but boring and Beatrice is not sure she’s cut out for it. She has to choose between staying to be with her family, or leaving to find a faction that truly reflects her for what she is–a brave, intelligent, and selfless woman. But what if Beatrice doesn’t fit into any one category? And what if she chooses wrong?
Tris, as she renames herself, battles with her fellow initiates for a place in her new highly competitive faction, making both friends and enemies in the process. In the midst of all this, Tris struggles to hide her terrible and dangerous secret. Tris also finds herself falling for a mysterious, withdrawn, and fascinating trainer they call Four. In the process of finding her niche, Beatrice discovers her true self.
This violent and fast-paced story explores the notion of choice and the subsequent power behind each choice.
