First book in an ambitiously epic sci-fi duology from the author of the Divergent series.
Akos lives in the peaceful nation of Thuvhe, part of a galaxy in which some inhabitants are “fate-favored”, and everyone has a “currentgift”, a unique and (usually) beneficial power. Shortly after attending the Blooming Ritual at which his oracle mother addresses an admiring audience in the temple, Akos and his brother are captured by Shotet soldiers. Intensely loyal, Akos is determined to liberate his brother from this enemy world when he encounters smart, sassy Cyra, whose currentgift is being relentlessly exploited by her Shotet ruler brother for his own tyrannical ends. Then, as the nations’ enmity intensifies, the very survival of the two young protagonists hangs in the balance as they’re forced to decide whether they can put their differences aside and work as one.
This may be set in a distant fantasy galaxy but it’s abundant in down-to-earth humour (“I don't want to get stuck staring at people's butts like last year”) and distinctly human dilemmas that have universal resonance. Roth’s world-building is astoundingly grand, her characters compellingly complex, and how refreshing it is to see such a strong female heroine in a work of sci-fi.
Veronica Roth's breathtaking fantasy captures an unusual friendship, an epic love story, and a galaxy-sweeping adventure. CYRA and AKOS grew up in enemy countries on a vibrant yet divided planet.
Cyra's ability to transfer extraordinary pain with a simple touch makes her a dangerous weapon for her tyrannical brother. When Akos is kidnapped and forced to serve Cyra, it's clear that their hatred is mutual. But as Akos fights for his survival, he recognises that Cyra is also fighting for hers, and that her true gift - resilience - might be what saves them both. Their world is on the brink of political chaos, and Akos and Cyra must decide if they will fight for what's right, even if it means betrayal of their families and countries. When the time comes, will they choose loyalty or love?
An exclusive extra story for Divergent fans We Can Be Mended, A Divergent Story will be included in this paperback. Veronica Roth tells the story of Four 5 years after the events of Allegiant.
Veronica Roth is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Divergent trilogy. Now a full-time writer, Ms. Roth and her husband live in Chicago.
Veronica was born on August 19th 1988 and was brought up in Barrington, Illinois. She wrote the first book in the Divergent trilogy, Divergent, while on while on winter break in her senior year at Northwestern University Her career took off rapidly with the success of her first novel, with the movie rights sold before she graduated college. The international blockbuster movie adaptation of Divergent by Summit Films, home of Twilight franchise, is due for release April 2014
The third and final installment in the series, Allegiant, was released on October 22nd and sold 455k copies worldwide on the day of its release.
