13 books like Divergent

13 books like Divergent

January 26, 2024
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Written by: the NextBook team
Hey there, fellow bookworms! Get ready to dive headfirst into the gripping world of Divergent, the series that will have you on the edge of your seat and begging for more! If you're anything like me, you love a good dose of thrilling adventures, heart-pounding romance, and a dash of dystopian goodness. Well, my friend, Divergent is about to deliver all that and more. In this overview/FAQ, I'll give you the lowdown on what makes this series so darn addictive and answer those burning questions that might be swirling in your mind. So, picture this: a futuristic Chicago divided into factions based on virtues. Pretty cool, right? But here's the catch – our fearless heroine, Tris Prior, doesn't quite fit into just one faction. She's what they call "divergent," and that makes her a target. As Tris navigates this dangerous world, battling against the factions and their inner struggles, she discovers secrets that can shake her society to its core. The thrills, the suspense, and the twists will keep you flipping those pages until the early hours of the morning. Now, you might be wondering, who are the key players in this electrifying saga? Well, my friend, brace yourself. Tris, with her unwavering determination, will become your new favorite badass protagonist. And let's not forget about Four, the enigmatic love interest who will melt your heart with his mysterious charm. Add in a colorfully intriguing supporting cast, dangerous adversaries, and a healthy dose of rebellion, and you've got a recipe for an unputdownable series. Oh, and before I forget, if you're itching for more rollercoaster rides through dystopian worlds and strong, inspiring characters, fear not! We've got a selection of fantastic books that capture the spirit of Divergent, and we can't wait to share them with you. So, get ready to embark on new literary adventures that will have you devouring pages faster than Tris can defy expectations. Trust me, you won't be disappointed!
The Book Cover Image for Divergent
The Book Cover Image for Divergent
Dystopian
Adventure
Survival

The Hunger Games

"The Hunger Games" is a dystopian novel set in a future where children from different districts are forced to compete in a televised fight to the death. It follows the story of Katniss Everdeen as she defies the oppressive regime and fights for survival and rebellion.
Author
Suzanne Collins
Year Written
2008
Read Time
6h24m
The Hunger Games
Dystopian
Adventure
Mystery

The Maze Runner

"The Maze Runner" is a gripping dystopian novel where a group of young boys are trapped in a maze, with no memory of their past, and must find a way to escape before time runs out. As they face deadly creatures and unravel the mysteries of the maze, the story delves into themes of survival, friendship, and sacrifice.
Author
James Dashner
Year Written
2009
Read Time
The Maze Runner
Dystopia
Coming of Age
Societal Control

The Giver

"The Giver" is a dystopian novel set in a seemingly perfect society where the absence of pain and emotions is maintained through strict control. When twelve-year-old Jonas is chosen to receive memories of the past from the community's sole Receiver, he starts to question the society's true cost of harmony.
Author
Lois Lowry
Year Written
1993
Read Time
The Giver
Fantasy
Dystopian
Young Adult

Red Queen

"Red Queen" is a captivating fantasy novel set in a dystopian world divided by blood, where the color of your blood determines your social standing and superhuman abilities. The story follows Mare, a young woman who discovers she possesses a unique power that threatens to disrupt the balance of power and ignite a revolution.
Author
Victoria Aveyard
Year Written
2015
Read Time
Red Queen
Dystopian
Young Adult
Thriller

Legend

"Legend" is a dystopian young adult novel set in a future where the United States is divided into two warring factions. It follows the thrilling journey of a prodigious teenage criminal, Day, and a driven young prodigy, June, as their paths intertwine in a quest for truth and justice.
Author
Marie Lu
Year Written
2011
Read Time
Legend
Dystopian
Young Adult
Romance

Delirium

"Delirium" is a dystopian novel set in a world where love is considered a disease and is eradicated through a procedure. The story follows Lena, a young girl who discovers the power of love and questions the oppressive society she lives in.
Author
Lauren Oliver
Year Written
2011
Read Time
Delirium
Dystopian
Romance
Rebellion

Matched

"Matched" is a captivating dystopian novel where society controls every aspect of its citizens' lives, including who they marry. The protagonist, Cassia, is thrown into a whirlwind of rebellion and self-discovery when she falls in love with someone other than her pre-determined match.
Author
Ally Condie
Year Written
2010
Read Time
Matched

The Selection

"The Selection" is a captivating and romantic dystopian novel where a young girl is thrust into a competition to win the heart of a prince. The book delves into themes of love, social class, and the struggle for acceptance, making it an engaging read for fans of romance and dystopian fiction.
Author
Kiera Cass
Year Written
2012
Read Time
The Selection
Science Fiction
Dystopian
Young Adult

The 5th Wave

"The 5th Wave" is a thrilling science fiction novel set in a post-apocalyptic world, where humanity is facing waves of deadly attacks. The story follows a young girl named Cassie as she fights for survival and seeks to uncover the truth about the alien invaders.
Author
Rick Yancey
Year Written
2013
Read Time
8h32m
The 5th Wave
Science Fiction
Young Adult
Military

Ender's Game

"Ender's Game" is a gripping science fiction novel that follows the story of Andrew "Ender" Wiggin, a young boy enlisted in an advanced military school in order to prepare for an impending alien invasion. As Ender navigates intense training, complex interpersonal relationships, and ethical dilemmas, the book explores themes of leadership, morality, and the effects of war on youth.
Author
Orson Scott Card.
Year Written
1985
Read Time
Ender's Game
Dystopian
Feminism
Oppression

The Handmaid's Tale

The Handmaid's Tale is a chilling dystopian novel that follows the harrowing journey of a handmaid named Offred in a society where women's rights have been stripped away. Through her eyes, readers witness the oppression, desperation, and resilience that define this haunting story.
Author
Margaret Atwood
Year Written
1985
Read Time
5h50m
The Handmaid's Tale
Dystopian
Coming of Age
Superpowers

The Darkest Minds

"The Darkest Minds" is a gripping dystopian novel following the story of Ruby, a teenage girl with mysterious powers who becomes a part of a group seeking freedom and safety. As Ruby unravels the truth about her abilities and the oppressive society she lives in, she must navigate a world full of danger, betrayal, and hope.
Author
Alexandra Bracken
Year Written
2012
Read Time
7h44m
The Darkest Minds
Dystopian
Coming of Age
Science Fiction

Uglies

In Uglies, set in a dystopian future, Tally Youngblood is eagerly anticipating her sixteenth birthday when she will undergo a surgery that will transform her from an "ugly" to a "pretty." However, as she becomes involved with a group of rebels, Tally starts questioning the true cost of beauty and the control of the society she lives in.
Author
Scott Westerfeld
Year Written
2005
Read Time
7h28m
Uglies

FAQ

Overview

In a futuristic Chicago, society is divided into factions based on specific virtues, and individuals must choose where they belong for life. Enter Beatrice "Tris" Prior, a young woman who doesn't quite fit into any single faction and discovers she is "divergent," possessing qualities from multiple factions. This makes her a target in a society that values conformity above all else. As Tris navigates this dangerous world, she uncovers a sinister conspiracy to control the city. With her courage and determination, Tris becomes a catalyst for rebellion and must confront her own fears and limitations to fight for a better future. Divergent is an electrifying dystopian tale that explores themes of identity, conformity, and the power of choice. It will have you completely engrossed from the first page to the last, with its heart-pounding action, complex characters, and a romance that will make your heart skip a beat. Prepare to be captivated by Veronica Roth's vivid and suspenseful storytelling as she takes you on a thrilling journey of self-discovery and rebellion.

Length of Read

The average reader, reading at a speed of 300 WPM, would take 5 hours and 44 minutes to read Divergent by Veronica Roth.

Main Characters

Alright, let's meet the crew of Divergent and discover what makes them so darn intriguing: - Tris Prior: Our kickass protagonist, Tris, is a fearless rebel who challenges the faction system, bringing hope and change to their dystopian world. - Four (Tobias Eaton): The brooding and mysterious love interest, Four, adds an extra layer of intensity to the story, with his enigmatic past and undeniable chemistry with Tris. - Christina: Tris's loyal and witty best friend, Christina, brings humor and friendship to the mix, reminding us that even in the darkest times, laughter is essential. - Eric: The conniving and ruthless antagonist, Eric, keeps us on our toes, constantly testing Tris's limits and providing the perfect foil for her bravery and determination. - Jeanine Matthews: The cunning and power-hungry leader of the Erudite faction, Jeanine, serves as the catalyst for conflict, pushing Tris and her allies to fight against the oppressive system. Each character in Divergent brings their unique qualities and motivations to the table, adding depth and complexity to the story. From Tris's courage to Four's mysterious allure, they all play a vital role in shaping the narrative, making this dystopian adventure an absolute thrill to read.

Ending & Meaning

Alright, hold on tight because we're about to dive into the mind-blowing ending of Divergent! In this heart-pounding finale, Tris Prior, our fearless heroine, makes the ultimate sacrifice to save those she loves. She exposes the corrupt leaders and their twisted plans, but it comes at a devastating cost – her own life. With her selfless act, Tris becomes a symbol of hope and resistance, inspiring others to stand up against the oppressive society they live in. Now, let's talk about the themes and meaning that hit you right in the feels. One major takeaway is the power of sacrifice. Tris's decision to give up everything, even her own life, to expose the truth and fight for a better world shows us the incredible strength and courage that lies within us. It reminds us that sometimes, in order to make a difference, we have to make sacrifices that may seem impossible. Another theme that shines through is the idea of challenging the status quo. Tris's refusal to conform to a single faction and her fight against the faction system itself is a powerful metaphor for breaking free from societal expectations and finding your own path. It's a reminder that we should never let ourselves be confined by the labels and limitations imposed on us by others. So, my friend, as you close the final pages of Divergent, take with you the inspiration to stand up for what you believe in, the courage to make sacrifices for the greater good, and the reminder that true strength comes from embracing your uniqueness and defying expectations. And hey, if you're hungry for more thrilling reads that explore similar themes, stay tuned because I've got some fantastic book recommendations coming your way!
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