cover image Four: A Divergent Collection

Four: A Divergent Collection

Veronica Roth. HarperCollins/Tegen, $17.99 (304p) ISBN 978-0-06-234521-9

Four's story is already achingly familiar to fans of Roth's Divergent%E2%80%94his 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 14%E2%80%93up. Agent: Joanna Volpe, New Leaf Literary & Media. (July)