I liked it! I kinda wish I saw more of his side of things with Tris, but I enjoyed the stories of before she was a part of the world story. I just wish there was more! ( )

Eh, this was... fine, I guess? Just like "Divergent", this book benefits from taking place almost entirely in Dauntless headquarters. It benefits from not having to go through the other factions and show how ridiculous and non-sensical this world is. It's confined to a small location, and it can be easy to forget about how none of this world makes much sense when the reader is almost entirely focused on Dauntless initiation and life.

It was somewhat interesting learning about Tobias's early days in Dauntless and how he transformed from a timid Abnegation nobody to an intimidating Dauntless leader in such a short period of time. It was also interesting seeing him reconcile his various identities and goals as he started assimilating into Dauntless life and figuring out its various secrets.

However, at the end of the day, I still don't see much of a point for this book existing. When it comes to prequels for the Divergent franchise, I would have much rather read about the early days of genetic damage, the Purity war, and the forming of the factions. That would have provided so much more information about this extremely shallow world than whatever this is. Dude, the last 100 pages of this book actually contain the exact same events that we read in Book 1, with the only difference being that they're from Tobias's point-of-view rather than Tris's. Was this really necessary?

In the end, I'm excited to say that I'm done with this franchise. Despite re-reading it a couple of times over the years, it's never really affected me in the way that the Hunger Games franchise has. I don't think it's awful in any way, but I'm honestly kind of glad to say that I don't have any intention of revisiting it in the future ever again. ( )

A companion volume that includes four pre-Divergent stories plus three additional scenes from Divergent, all told from Tobias’s point of view.

Readers first encountered Tobias as “Four” in Divergent. His voice is an integral part of Allegiant. Readers will find more of this charismatic character’s backstory told from his own perspective in Four: A Divergent Collection. When read together, these long narrative pieces illuminate the defining moments in Tobias’s life. The first three pieces in this volume—”The Transfer,” “The Initiate,” and “The Son”—follow Tobias’s transfer from Abnegation to Dauntless, his Dauntless initiation, and the first clues that a foul plan is brewing in the leadership of two factions. The fourth story, “The Traitor,” runs parallel with the events of Divergent, giving readers a glimpse into the decisions of loyalty—and love—that Tobias makes in the weeks after he meets Tris Prior. ( )

4.5 stars really. I love this world that Veronica Roth has created. I read this book quicker than probably any book that I can remember! That is saying alot for a slow reader. I even try to slow myself down for her books, just so I can hang out with the characters a bit longer. It was interesting to read that initially this series was to be from Tobias' point of view. I am glad she changed it to Tris, but I really like hearing Tobias' back story and thoughts. This is one of those series that if you don't like the books, that is fine, we can still be friends. Kinda. ( )

Really interesting seeing things from Tobias' perspective. He's always been one of my favorite characters in the series. ( )