Title: The Initiate
Author: Veronica Roth
First published July 8, 2014
40 pages, Kindle Edition
Rating: 4.17
Overview
Martha Grimes’ latest mystery novel brings back the beloved detective Richard Jury, who finds himself embroiled in a complicated web of murder, deceit, and mistaken identity. When a young woman is found murdered behind a local pub in a small village, the only witness is the mysterious black cat that roams the area.
As Jury investigates, he discovers that the victim is both a shy librarian and a high-end escort from the city, and her death may be connected to a series of similar murders. With his arch-nemesis Harry Johnson lurking in the shadows, Jury must use all his wit and intuition to solve the case before it’s too late.
Grimes’ insight and grace shine through in this thrilling tale of madness and mystery, making it a must-read for fans of the genre.
About the Author
Meet Veronica Roth, a celebrated author who has penned several bestsellers including Poster Girl, Chosen Ones, The End and Other Beginnings (a collection of short stories), the Divergent series, and the Carve the Mark duology. She has also been invited as a guest editor for The Best American Science Fiction and Fantasy 2021.
Her latest work, a novella titled Arch-Conspirator, is set to hit the stands in February. Veronica resides in Chicago, Illinois.
Stay connected with her for updates on her latest projects, musings on writing, book suggestions, and more!
Editoral Review
Veronica Roths The Initiate is a compelling addition to the young adult dystopian genre. The author is well-known for her popular Divergent series, and her latest novel delivers on the same gritty themes of individuality, social control, and moral ambiguity that are characteristic of the genre.
The Initiate is set in a post-apocalyptic world where civilization is divided into five factions that strictly govern people’s lives. The protagonist, 15-year-old Cho, is a member of the Amity faction, a group dedicated to peaceful cooperation and cultivation.
Cho’s world is turned upside down when she discovers that she has an unusual ability that places her in danger and threatens to upend everything she knows about herself and her society. The novel is well-written and fast-paced, with strong world-building skills that immerse the reader in the unique and frightening world that Roth has created.
The author’s writing style is simple, crisp and action-packed, which keeps the reader engaged and invested in the narrative. Roth’s character development is one of her strengths in The Initiate.
Cho is a relatable and likable protagonist, whose struggles with her identity and place in society make her story one that is easy to empathize with. The supporting characters are also well-rounded and enjoyable, and the conflicts between them are complex and nuanced.
However, the novel’s plot structure can feel somewhat formulaic and predictable at times, and it relies heavily on familiar tropes from the young adult dystopian genre. Additionally, the pacing slows down in the middle, and the character’s inner conflicts can overtake the action, leading to a slight dampening of the story’s momentum.
Despite these minor flaws, The Initiate is a must-read for fans of the dystopian genre or Veronica Roth’s writing. The novel resonates with current events and issues of individual freedom, social control, and identity in a world that is increasingly polarized and divided.
The strengths of the narrative and the world-building make The Initiate a gripping and emotionally riveting read. Overall, I would give The Initiate a solid recommendation for fans of the genre, and rate it 4 out of 5 stars.
While it may not break new ground in the dystopian genre, it is a well-crafted and entertaining novel that delivers on its themes of identity and social rebellion.
