Common Sense Media Review
By Sandie Angulo Chen
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Excellent dystopian sequel is terrifically twisty, intense.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 14 parent reviews
Based on 108 kid reviews
Kids say this book is a thrilling sequel that captivates with its complex plot and character development, though it's noted for having an increased amount of violence and romantic content compared to its predecessor. While some find the intimacy excessive, many consider it a compelling read with strong messages about resilience and identity, making it suitable for mature younger readers.
- page-turner
- strong characters
- increased violence
- excessive romance
- suitable for teens
- powerful messages
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
After surviving the horrors of the day the Erudite (intelligent) faction controlled the Dauntless (brave) to invade the Abnegation (selfless) compound and kill many of its members, a grieving Tris and Tobias travel with a small group to seek answers and allies among the other factions. With the help of Tris' brother, Caleb; Tobias' abusive father, Marcus; and the Dauntless friends they reunite with, Tris and Four discover that a key to stopping the Erudite from pursuing their goal of complete domination is to align themselves with the factionless, who aren't the starving and homeless they were thought to be but rather a highly organized and militarized group of outcasts led by someone with connections to Tobias. When Tris decides the only way to help the cause is to turn herself in to the Erudite, she doesn't realize that Tobias will stop at nothing to save her -- and their cause.
Is It Any Good?
Once again, Veronica Roth has created a pulse-quickening plot that delves further into the dysfunctional governing structure of factions that either collaborate or can't stand each other. In the tradition of second installments, Roth introduces in-depth exposition, new characters, seemingly unsurmountable challenges, and cliffhanger-level twists to move the story forward. The factionless folks are particularly fascinating, since as the literal outcasts of the book's highly stratified society, they're unpredictable and free thinking. It's also refreshing to have so many women as leaders, even though they have completely opposing agendas.
As in Divergent, INSURGENT centers on Tris, a beautifully flawed heroine much in the Katniss Everdeen (of The Hunger Games) mold of fierce and unflinchingly courageous young women. Unlike Katniss, however, Tris only has eyes for Tobias/Four, and he for her. Their intensely mature relationship far surpasses many of the superficial romances in young adult books. With a devotion and a certainty that belies their age, Tris and Tobias face each obstacle as equal partners who will do anything and everything to keep everyone safe in unthinkably dangerous world.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the growing popularity of dystopian books aimed at teens. Why are stories set in a dangerous future such a hot trend? What are some of the best examples of the genre?
Which characters or factions' philosophies do you agree with? Which Faction do you think you'd belong to?
How are Tris and Four different from other teen-lit couples? Why are central love stories in a series less common than love triangles? Which do you prefer?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Science Fiction
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic ) , Adventures , Family Stories ( Siblings )
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : HarperTeen
- Publication date : May 8, 2012
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 14 - 17
- Number of pages : 525
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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