Divided

Divided #1

by Eloise Dyson

"A hero divided at birth is the one destined to save us, a new world will come."

Surviving in a corrupt world fifteen years after the earthquake that destroyed the country, sixteen-year-old Arys lives in one of the tribes, always changing location due to the Hunters. Nobody knows where they came from or why they hunt the survivors, keeping everyone in the tribes in constant fear.

When Arys discovers that her twin sister also survived the destruction and is living amongst other survivors in a safe haven known as the Compound, Arys leaves her tribe to find her. Heading towards the Compound, Arys journeys with her best friend, Kai, not knowing how much her life will be thrown into a plot she knows nothing about.

Genres: Dystopia, Young Adult, Fantasy, Science Fiction, Romance

349 pages, ebook

First published September 1, 2014

About the author

Eloise Dyson is the author of the Divided Trilogy, a young adult dystopia. She lives in York, United Kingdom, geographically basing her 'Divided' novels off the surrounding areas of Yorkshire and the Humber. She's a lover of books, turtles, and red peppers. You can find her online via Twitter, Facebook and Goodreads.

Reviews

[Sarah Elizabeth]

Free on Amazon today!
UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Divided-Elois...
US: http://www.amazon.com/Divided-Eloise-...

[BlaiddDrwg · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eloise Dyson has kindly sent me this book for free in exchange for an honest review.
So here we go!



I fell in love with the world at the very beginning, beautifully created, realistic and horrifying. Amazing characters, I absolutely loved reading from their different perspectives. And my top one: the idea of "Old World love" and "New World love". Genius. Pure genius.



And by the end of the book I was completely and utterly in love with Victor Thorne (I guess I'm just hopeless).

Actually, it's hard to believe that this book is a debut. It's just so good, and I can see how much effort and heart was put into this beauty.

Only one flaw that was hitting me through the whole book (and that's why I gave 4 not 5 stars): sometimes I felt like things are happening too fast, like there's not enough explanation or characterisation, decisions are made too quickly. But I am aware that if Eloise wrote everything in details book would probably be twice the size (not that I would be complaining about it, I'd love to read another 300 pages).

Anyway, I'm so grateful that Eloise has sent me this book, it was an amazing adventure and I can't wait for United. My best wishes on your journey through second book, dear author!

[Katie Holmes · Rating 5 out of 5]

After finding the book in a forum and falling in love with the concept and the first few chapters, I just had to recommend this to my book club. We went through it all in sync, slowly reading faster over three days! We had our fortnightly meeting tonight and almost everyone was amazed that this is a debut novel!

The only downside for me personally? It was nowhere near long enough!! It was 420 pages long. But I was so caught up in the world that I didn't consider what it would be like if it ended! A couple of other reviews right now are saying that it took time to get into, but for me, every moment of this book was incredible. It made me want more and more, even from the very first page.

I am unashamedly in love with Eloise Dyson's dystopian world. Not just the writing of it, which greatly exceeds that of a debut self-published novel, but for the comparison of the two worlds that are going on. On the one hand, you have Arys, who has just survived the earthquake and taken in by one of the tribes of survivors and is now hunted for reasons she doesn't know. Then you have Kayra who was taken into the safe haven known as the Compound and who is surrounded by friends in an utterly different world entirely! Then when they merge, how they react to their situations are just so well written and had me craving to read more, despite my schedule!

I myself had a long-lost sister, who went with my dad when my parents divorced while I was still young. When Arys and Kayra meet for the first time in their memory, their reaction was so true to my own experience that it connected me to the story on a whole new level. That's not even going into the stories of all of the side characters such as Papa, Lee, and even Kai's brother, Zeke, who is introduced as someone you despise, but as the story develops, you can't help but fall in love with.

Throughout the book, Eloise introduces so many unique twists and turns to the story! From sudden attacks, intense plot twists, iconic scenes such as the waterfall and the Festival. Some parts had me almost speed-reading due to the tension. It was a rollercoaster from page one for me, and the opening scene with the bear just drew me straight into Eloise's world.

The book is classed as a "dystopian" but it's a very different type. It reminded me of a more post-apocalyptic world, mixed with the survival nature of historical fiction, with various survival tactics explained in detail throughout the novel - she did her research!

I honestly can't describe how much I adored this book. After the slightly slower start, that draws you into the world and understanding their concepts of forbidden "Old World" love, and the horror that the tribes live in, it becomes fast paced, filled with many unique ideas, and I believe, bringing very fresh material to the dystopian genre.

For being self-published, I have to say a huge congrats, Eloise! Now if you could kindly speed up time and have a published book 2 out already, that would be swell!

[Amy Rehbein · Rating 5 out of 5]

After finding out about this book on The Hopeful Forum, I knew I had to read it straight away!

If there was one way to sum this book up it would be TRUELY AMAZING! As soon as I started reading I was hooked! The story line was amazing and I loved all the characters (even Phillip as I could tell he just longed for his fathers approval and love). Also, can I have Kai please? I think I'm in love with him. The writing style was excellent and I loved reading different characters perspectives.

This book will stick with me for a long time! And I can't wait for book two (I need it like now!)

[Finn · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW.

If I had to sum up everything I feel about this book into one word, that's the word I'm going for.

I got the Kindle edition last night and could NOT put it down lol! I had to force myself to stop at the start of Part 4 and picked it up again as soon as I woke up. The various perspectives show all the unique sides to everything. From The Compound to the Tribes, to the people at NorthBridge. Everyone's stories are amazing.

I cant understand what happened to Kai before Divided started because of the flashbacks and so I think Dyson should DEFINITELY release a book on just his history because his character is so deep and intense and I found him amazing. The story was quite slow to start with and because I am more of a survival and sci-fi geek, I loved it from Part 2 onwards. Part 1 was good, but the story got amazing once I met Kayra and when her story started, I fell in love with the book!

Really emotional, a real page turner, brilliant characters and a really great world has me needing the sequel because of that ending. Any dystopian fan, or any survival geeks need to read this because it is a great story and especially for her first book, it's something great!

[Ashleigh Pace · Rating 4 out of 5]

Had to sign up to Goodreads just to review this because nobody else has yet and I have just finished it after finding it in the Hopeful forums.

It is definitely in league with other popular dystopian books out there. All of the characters are beautiful. And Lee!!!!!!!! <3 Can I just marry him please!!?

For her debut novel, Eloise has managed to write something amazing and a page turner for fans of the dystopian genre. The only thing I didn't like in the book was that we didn't get to see as much of the Compound as I wanted to, but that's ok because it is only book one and it can't be over yet!

Actually can't wait for the next one

[Kt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was entranced by this book and read it in only one sitting. The characters are realistic, and the world built is very detailed. This is a YA dystopian future novel, a genre I really enjoy. The story takes place 15 years after the earth is devastated by an earthquake. Society has not recovered and the lives of the characters are very different from our own, but their experiences spring very true. Everything I read came across so genuinely it felt to be true. I think that is a notable quality in fiction. This is the first in a trilogy and I look forward to the rest of the story.

[Karen · Rating 2 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.I found it difficult to finish this book.The characters seemed stiff & I could not relate to them.The first person pov switched between the main characters & their story never really resonated with me.The dialogue seemed distant & cold.I felt no concern for the characters & their fates.

[Callum · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exceedingly good book. And I should hope so too, it is dedicated to me after all. ;)

[Raquel V · Rating 3 out of 5]

* I received this book in exchange for my honest review *
Divided is a fine book. It had ups and downs, but that's the gist of it. If you want a more detailed review, here are the things I saw as ups and downs:

Let me say this: Eloise Dyson writes well, the flow of the story is pleasant, it has action and heart. But there are some flaws that stopped me from enjoying it completely.

The premiss is interesting, even if it is confusing. I really like dystopian worlds, and this one has tribes that were forced into a more primitive living, government compounds that train teens, and brain enhancements. Fun, right? Yes, but too bad it doesn't hold up that well as a cohesive world. It isn't one of those stories where you don't get answers. There are a lot of things that are explained, and that is satisfying. But that is it: they are explained. Always explained, never discovered, or unveiled. Also, things seem to fall perfectly into place so the main chatacters find out what they need to find out in order for the story to move along.

The characters were something else I had trouble with. The book is writen in the first person perspective, from Arys', Kai's, Kayra's and Phillip's points of view, thus giving us a chance to get to know their voices. But even with that, I wasn't able to relate to them. They were "likable" enough, smart enough, flawed enough. They were Ok. But they didn't speak to me. No personality traits they have really stood out, "good" or "bad". They weren't particularly true to the slight traits they seem to have, either. Not that people are cohesive all the time, but at least for the most part, right? It also annoyed me how trusting Arys and Kayra are. Especially Arys, who was raised in the tribes. She should know better than to let people she barely knows have experiments done to her, or to tell her biggest secrets to people she just met. And the worst part is, they miraculously are all thrustworthy (or are they?).

I couldn't understand the motivation behind the bad guys either. Sure, I understood what happened. But why did they do it? That was the other confusing part, and where it crashed with the cohisiveness of the world that was being built.

What I did like about it is that it makes you think about what you have and what you don't in your life. The issue of freedom, especially. Freedom is relative: It's a feeling and a belief, rather than an absolute truth. There's freedom in the Compound, and there's freedom within the tribes. And there's imprisonment there too, in both situations. But is there freedom in a Hunter's life? Could there be freedom in lies and obscurity? It reminded me of a Nelson Mandela quote: "for to be free is not merely to cast off one's chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others". And how often is that possible? How often are we strong enough to do that? Those are questions raised by this book, and I liked it that much more for it.

This book might not be the best dystopian I've ever read, but I do believe fans of dystopian urban fantasy will enjoy it.

My rating: 3.5/5
Would I read it again? Probably not...
Will I read the next one in the series? Maybe, we'll see when it comes out.
Do I recommend it? Yes, but to big fans of YA dystopian stories only.

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

I recieved this book for free through the first reads program. I was initially interested in it for the concept of a world so divided into very different groups, as well as the idea of twin speak.
Overall I enjoyed this book. It kept me interested throughout, so that it was hard to put it down. The story is set in a post-apoplectic world and is about a young girl who lives with her tribe. She is as happy as can be expected in a world where she and her people are constantly hunted. However, some things about the past - and the present - are still not explained. As the book goes on, she gradually learns about who she is, and her destiny.
As I said previously, I liked reading Divided. The basic plot idea of the book was good. The idea of twin communication has always been a favorite and it is nice to see such a classic idea given a new twist. I found the idea that strong emotions get in the way of their communication to be a smart addition. Its good for powers to have a limit. I also like the two world of society as it is presented in this book. They are very different in setting and access to technology, but yet they both have the strictness that is often prevalent in times after tragedy. It's also amazing and nice to see that even in such different situations people are still people, and are still able to do good and work together. I also liked the idea of the difference between new and old world love, something I think has its importance even in the now.
The main problems I had with Divided are the same as the ones I have with the Divergent series. The pacing of the book was too fast and there were far too many plot twists. It would have been better if it had been less hurried. Plot twists and big reveals are an important part of many books. People like mystery and surprise. However, after a while, they started losing their surprise and became more of a nuisance than anything. I kept waiting for the next twist instead of staying in the now. There was no time to get settled in one way of thinking before something changed again. Essentially it was overwhelming, which took away from the intended effects.
However, the very last plot twist had exactly the right effect. I was greatly surprised. Even with all the other plot twists, I never even thought of this one. The surprise was nice in that is was a surprise, though I'm not very happy about its content, haha. Its placement in the epilogue was a good decision because it did make me curious about the next installment in this series and how this addition will be played out in the future.
As I said in the beginning, Divided was worth the read. I look forward to reading more.
Divided

[Sarah-Jayne Briggs · Rating 3 out of 5]

(I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a review).

(This review may contain spoilers).

Okay, so when I read the blurb of this book, I was immediately intrigued by it. The biggest problem is the multiple first person POVs. I ended up marking it down because I felt a bit like a yo-yo, trying to figure out whose head I was in at which time.

The differences in values and morals in the new world were quite interesting to read about, particularly where love meant something different in comparison to the Old World.

I did find the thing with the Hunters interesting, but I really didn't know what was going on with them until the end. Two of the characters I really liked in the book were Cara and Holly. They were particularly sweet and there's an adorable exchange between Holly and Kai later on in the book that really struck a chord.

It was interesting to get glimpses into both Arys' and Kayra's lives, but I felt there were a few too many characters at times and I really struggled to keep them straight. I would have liked to see more of some of the characters' pasts and histories. I would have much preferred limited third person POVs and get to know a bit more about some of the other characters.

I did feel that some of the relationships weren't shown as well as they could have been and there wasn't as much foreshadowing as there could have been.

I really liked Lee as a character and I would have liked to see more of him. I was also a bit disappointed by how trusting most of the characters seemed to be with each other, considering the society they live in. (No. I was not happy with Arys spilling her secrets to the first cute guy she meets).

I'm not sure if I'll read book two or not. I found some parts of this one to be quite contradictory and I did start getting a headache from the multiple head-switching. I'd give book two a try if it just stayed in either one first person POV or limited third person POV.

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Actual rating: 3.5

First of, I want to thank the author for providing me an e-book copy in an exchange for an honest review.

This book take place 15 years before an earthquake destroys the earth. People lives in tribes, protecting each other from The Hunters. In the beginning the author let you believe that The Hunter kills people just for the fun of it, but after I read more than half the book, I discovered that sadly it wasn't The Hunter's choice to kill, but something else making them murder people.

Anyway, people that live in tribes does not know that there is this place called The Compound, which is where 15 years ago, a part of the government saved babies of a year or less old. This kids in The Compound were trained all their lives to be excellent fighters, but they never knew what was the truth of why the where there.

The part of the government that saved the babies are called Unit. This group of people, especially the leader,Victor Thorne, has they motive as to why they saved all this kids.

What I loved the most of this book was all the secrets in it, and the way that I discovered the truth little by little while reading the book. The thing I liked of the book, was the definition of “Old World Love” and the “New World love”. Also I liked all the twisted things happening in the book.

I do have to say that I didn't like how sometimes things happened so fast and without an explanation. And also sometimes I felt like Arys and Kayra believed and trusted in people they just met without seconds thoughts. Another thing that bothered me was that I didn't felt the connection between Arys and Kai.

But overall I think it was such a good book, and I will look forward for the next work from Eloise Dyson.

[Levian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Arya had lived with the tribe for all her life. they often changed location due to the horrifying Hunters, who killed every survivor that they came across. the tribe lived in constant fear, avoiding the Hunters on all cost. from her childhood memories, Arya remembered having a twin sister Kayra, whom she assumed had died with her parents. When she found out that Kayra was alive and living in a safe haven, known as the Compound, Arya was determined to seek her out. the twins secretly held telepathic ability, being able to communicate with each other with their mind. however, once they fell in love, their ability would be lost.

I received a free e-book from the author in exchange for a review. the book was surprisingly engaging the moment I started turning the pages. the unfamiliar backdrop took some getting used to, but Arya was a character so charismatic that I rooted for her after only a hand full of paragraphs. Kai’s character however, wasn’t as lovable for being all heroic and sacrificing. it was so captivating to see if Arya would choose Kai over Kayra. Kayra’s side of the story was far more familiar when it came to post-apocalyptic backdrops. she was equally relatable and intriguing compared to her twin. I was pleased to have picked out the book, it was so entertaining that I was able to enjoy some delicious goose bumps along the way.

[Bonny Bon Bon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Firstly id like to thank Eloise Dyson for giving me this book in exchange for a honest review

Eloise has written a great YA dystopian novel set 65 year in the future after a major earthquake has left people living in forests. Not only are they trying to survive the elements but also trying to survive by not being killed by what they call the hunters.

The hunters are a large group of people who over the past 15 years after the destructive earthquake that killed the majority of the population - are killing the survivors.
Why you ask? This is the same question Arys has asked many times in her life. While living in her tribe she has seen much death and devastation but this is seemingly a part of life in the new world. However plans that have been in effect her whole life may just start to reveal them selves with catastrophic consequences.

What happens when everything you have been taught and believe - is in fact a lie?

I really enjoyed this book and recommend it to any lovers of YA dystopian. This is only book one in the series and I'm looking forward to the next one.

[Fem loonieslibrary · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found out about Eloise and her book via The Hopeful group on Goodreads. I was immediately interested in it and decided to read it.

I absolutely LOVED this first part in the series. The characters were so lovely and perfectly described. You immediately felt connected to them and get invested in their life. This book made me make loads of theories about what was happening and what will happen further on, to be then proved wrong a few chapters further in the book. Eloise created this feeling of uncertainty in her book which made it very hard to stop reading. I'm very sad it took me this long to read because of school pressure but of I had had the time, I know I would've finished it in one go. While reading the book, I contacted Eloise a couple of times and she was very nice to answer and talk more about the book. I can't wait for the second part in this series and you can definitely count me as a fan!

[Xander Dyson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Definitely as good as the Divergent Trilogy, which is my favourite Trilogy. It was getting more and more confusing as the time went on, but thankfully it was all explained in the end.
The characters were written perfectly. It was a book which I cried at alot (I've only cried at Allegiant and Divided, so good job!), and it was hard to read on at Papa's funeral. I honestly can't wait for United and the 3rd book which I think is going to be called Rejected?

[Freya Tewnion · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was amazing,it has the best plot twist I have ever read at the end and I know that whoever reads this book is going to love it!