Four is the fourth and final book in the Divergent series by Veronica Roth. The Divergent series is of the dystopian genre and is known as Veronica Roth’s best work. It was followed by a trilogy of movies based on the first three books: Divergent, Insurgent, and Allegiant. In these three books, readers meet and get to know the beloved main characters, Beatrice “Tris” Prior and Tobias “Four” Eaton. 

The story takes place in the city of Chicago, Illinois, at some point in the future. In the societal structure that we observe in the series, at age 16, everyone living in the city gets a choice as to which faction to belong to for the rest of their lives. The options are as follows: Amity (value kindness), Candor (value honesty), Abnegation (value selflessness), Erudite (value wisdom and education), and Dauntless (value bravery). Over the duration of the first two books, Divergent and Insurgent we read the adventures of these characters through the point of view of Tris. In the third book of the series, Allegiant, we are introduced to a dual-point of view of both Tris and Four that alternates approximately every chapter. 

Throughout the plot we learn about what it was like for Four to grow up and live in his home with his abusive father as his legal guardian. 

“I want some kind of reminder that while wounds heal, they don't disappear forever- I carry them everywhere, always, and that is the way of things, the way of scars.”

Throughout the book, Four learns to be able to let go of his past and pave his own future, and though he makes sure to remember where he came from, he doesn’t let the painful memories of the past stop him from achieving success and happiness. With his cruel, abusive father as an important member and influencer of society, he feels as though he has no escape or control. But as we know from the previous books, Four does something to escape his father that no one expects: he switches his faction from Abnegation to Dauntless. 

Overall this book told an appreciable story. Throughout the story Four learns the important lessons of perseverance, self-worth, and forgiveness. The themes of the book relate to those of the previous books. Readers see many of the same events from the previous books in a new, more distinct light, helping them truly understand the significance of them. The switch from Tris’s point of view to Four’s point of view is extremely refreshing, and not something you see in many books. 

All in all, I would definitely recommend this book to those who have read the rest of the series. Reading the books in order is important because it helps readers understand the gravity of different events and the evolution of different relationships. Veronica Roth did an amazing job writing this series, as she continued to dish out plotlines and stories that one wouldn’t expect. If you have read Divergent, Insurgent, and Allegiant, you should definitely read Four. 

Check out Four from the Newport Beach Public Library.