E-book
The son
Record details
- ISBN: 9780062285669 (electronic bk.)
- ISBN: 0062285661 (electronic bk.)
-
Physical Description:
electronic resource
remote
1 online resource. - Publisher: New York : Katherine Tegen Books, 2014.
Content descriptions
| Target Audience Note: | 7 years and up. |
| Source of Description Note: | Description based on vendor supplied metadata. |
Search for related items by subject
| Genre: | Electronic books. Fiction. Juvenile works. |
Search for related items by series
- Booklist Reviews : Booklist Reviews 2014 August #1
Fans of Divergent (2011) who can't get enoughâand maybe even the rare reader who missed the first rushâwill snap up this relatively stand-alone story collection told from the perspective of Tobias (aka Four). Beginning with his Choosing Ceremony several years before meeting Tris, these four tales give insight into his history, motivations, and psyche. While the collection complements the trilogy, Tobias' story is compelling enough in isolation. Running from an abusive home, he takes refuge in Dauntless and quickly rises to be a respected member. His rivalry with Eric is introduced, as are the first signs of conspiracy, observations of the relationships of others around him, and a depiction of his journey to find his place in his chosen faction. Three vignettes retelling critical and familiar scenes from Divergent from Tobias' point of view are appended. While short stories are sometimes underused in young-adult library collections, this one will fly off the shelves and for good reason. HIGH-DEMAND BACKSTORY: If it has Roth's name on it, it's going to sell, a fact borne out by a planned four-city tour, a custom social media campaign, and TV and radio spots. Copyright 2014 Booklist Reviews. - Kirkus Reviews : Kirkus Reviews 2014 July #2
Roth returns to her wildly popular Divergent series with four prequel stories from Four's viewpoint.Before he was "Four," he was Tobias Eaton, the abused and alienated son of Marcus, leader of the Abnegation faction. The stories (really one episodic novella) trace his path from the choice to join Dauntless to his first encounters with Tris, heroine of the trilogy and love of his life. Sufficient information is interwoven to make the world accessible to new readers, while fans will find a surreptitious thrill digging into a taciturn hero's back story; still, little of real consequence is added to the overall plot. Devotees will undoubtedly relish cameo appearances by several beloved (and loathed) characters, and they will squee over such iconic moments as Four's earning his nickname, getting his tattoos and learning the dangers of being "Divergent." More compelling is his gradual transformation from an angry, manipulated and vulnerable victim to a badass lonerâstill angry and bitter but now tough and determined. Unfortunately, this narrative arc is undercut by the final story and the three rewritten short scenes from the first book, which read almost like bad fan fiction: Once Tris appears, the love-struck Four becomes dithering and goony, gushing about her all-embracing awesomeness and explaining that all his harsh words and actions really meant their exact opposite.For fans only; but their number is legion. (Dystopian romance. 12 & up) Copyright Kirkus 2014 Kirkus/BPI Communications.All rights reserved. - Publishers Weekly Reviews : PW Reviews 2014 July #3
Four's story is already achingly familiar to fans of Roth's Divergentâhis close relationship to protagonist Tris Prior in the author's original trilogy allowed readers to grow fond of this fiercely protective yet guarded character. In this aptly numbered collection of four stories, all told from the perspective of Four (aka Tobias Eaton), readers receive an inside look at how he came to be a Dauntless instructor in the first place, got his name, uncovered the plot by Jeanine Matthews to attack the Abnegation faction, and fell in love with Tris. Divergent fans will thoroughly enjoy this extra bit of backstory, which is filled with names and places that became beloved in Roth's bestselling trilogy. Roth's storytelling retains the same mix of tension, uncertainty, and hope that made the original stories irresistible. For those who were brokenhearted to find themselves at the last page of Allegiant, this brief look back through Four's eyes will be a welcome trip down memory lane. Ages 14âup. Agent: Joanna Volpe, New Leaf Literary & Media. (July)
[Page ]. Copyright 2014 PWxyz LLC - PW Annex Reviews : Publishers Weekly Annex Reviews
Four's story is already achingly familiar to fans of Roth's Divergentâhis close relationship to protagonist Tris Prior in the author's original trilogy allowed readers to grow fond of this fiercely protective yet guarded character. In this aptly numbered collection of four stories, all told from the perspective of Four (aka Tobias Eaton), readers receive an inside look at how he came to be a Dauntless instructor in the first place, got his name, uncovered the plot by Jeanine Matthews to attack the Abnegation faction, and fell in love with Tris. Divergent fans will thoroughly enjoy this extra bit of backstory, which is filled with names and places that became beloved in Roth's bestselling trilogy. Roth's storytelling retains the same mix of tension, uncertainty, and hope that made the original stories irresistible. For those who were brokenhearted to find themselves at the last page of Allegiant, this brief look back through Four's eyes will be a welcome trip down memory lane. Ages 14âup. Agent: Joanna Volpe, New Leaf Literary & Media. (July)
[Page ]. Copyright 2014 PWxyz LLC - Voice of Youth Advocates Reviews : VOYA Reviews 2014 October
Four: A Divergent Collection contains four stories told from Tobias's point of view. "The Transfer" discusses why he chose to transfer to the Dauntless faction rather than stay in Abnegation: to escape his abusive father, Marcus. "The Initiate" takes the reader through Tobias's initiation into Dauntless, primarily facing his fears through simulation serum. It also describes the origin of his Dauntless name, Four. In "The Son," Four finds an anonymous note in his apartment telling him where and when to meet the sender. The note's details indicate that the writer is close to Four, so he assumes it is Marcus. Upon arriving at the destination, however, he finds his mother, Evelyn, a woman who he believed was dead for half his life. She voices concerns about the factions and confirms some of Four's own thoughts. Finally, in "The Traitor," Four describes his initial attraction to Tris and is faced with a dilemma about an impending attack on Abnegation Readers must have read the Divergent trilogy to understand and appreciate the stories. They do not add dramatically to the knowledge imparted in the previous books. The time line covers approximately two years but is murky in relation to the trilogy, especially The Son (HarperCollins, 2014). The stories are simply written and reiterate things Divergent readers already know. The characters are very one dimensional. The locale, especially Dauntless headquarters, is not well described, but the name Divergent will carry this book and result in high circulation.âEd GoldbergThis companion book delivers an interesting exploration of Four's past. The scenes focus on the dynamic changes in his character. They show his motives, strengths, and perspectives on his life and the lives of those around him. Anyone who read and enjoyed the Divergent trilogy will be glad to read Four; however, this is not a stand-alone book. Anyone who did not read the series will not understand it. 4Q, 4P.âRachelle David, Teen Reviewer 3Q 4P J S Copyright 2011 Voya Reviews.
