40 Must-Read Books Like Divergent Series in 2023 | See List
In 2011, Veronica Roth’s dystopian novel, “Divergent,” captured the hearts of millions of readers worldwide. Since then, fans of the series have been on the lookout for similar gripping tales that transport them to intriguing new worlds. We have cataloged amazing and must-read books like Divergent in this resource.
American author Veronica Roth’s Divergent is a series of young adult science fiction and adventure books set in a dystopian post-apocalyptic Chicago. Divergent (2011), Insurgent (2012), and Allegiant (2013) make up the trilogy.
Four (2014), a book in the same genre, features a collection of short stories written from the viewpoint of Tobias, the male love interest who appears in the trilogy.
Five years after the events of the trilogy, a further short tale titled We Can Be Mended (2018) serves as an epilogue, once more from Tobias/Four’s viewpoint.
Now in 2023, a new wave of captivating adventures awaits book enthusiasts. In this blog post, we present 40 must-read books like Divergent series that will satiate your appetite for thrilling narratives, imaginative settings, and complex characters.
About Divergent
The book Divergent tells Beatrice (Tris) Prior’s story in a brand-new dystopian setting. Humanity is divided into five distinct “factions” in an effort to stop war from breaking out: Dauntless, for the courageous, Candor, for the honest, Amity, for the peaceful, and Erudite, for the clever.
“Divergent,” took the literary world by storm when it was published in 2011. Set in a dystopian Chicago, the book follows the story of Beatrice “Tris” Prior, a young girl who discovers she is “Divergent” – someone who doesn’t fit neatly into any of society’s predefined factions.
With its gripping narrative, complex characters, and thought-provoking themes, “Divergent” captured the hearts of readers worldwide.
Fun Facts About the Book “Divergent”
Below are what makes this book a must-read for fans of dystopian fiction.
1. Engaging Characters
One of the strengths of “Divergent” lies in its well-developed characters.
Tris Prior, the protagonist, is a relatable and determined young woman who undergoes a transformation as she navigates the challenges of her society.
Roth skillfully portrays Tris’s internal struggles, allowing readers to connect with her and root for her as she faces adversity.
2. Dystopian Setting
The world-building in “Divergent” is exceptional. Veronica Roth creates a post-apocalyptic Chicago where society is divided into five factions based on personality traits: Abnegation (selflessness), Amity (peacefulness), Candor (honesty), Dauntless (bravery), and Erudite (intellect).
This meticulously crafted world provides a captivating backdrop for the story, showcasing the stark contrast between factions and the conflicts that arise as a result.
3. Exploration of Identity
At its core, “Divergent” delves into the exploration of identity and self-discovery. Tris’s journey as a Divergent challenges the notion of conformity and encourages readers to question societal norms.
The novel raises important questions about individuality, belonging, and the consequences of suppressing one’s true self.
4. Action and Suspense
From exhilarating initiation tests to heart-pounding action sequences, “Divergent” is filled with suspense and adrenaline.
The intense training sessions and dangerous missions keep readers on the edge of their seats, eagerly turning pages to uncover what awaits Tris next.
The fast-paced narrative ensures that there is never a dull moment in the story.
5. Themes of Loyalty and Betrayal
“Divergent” explores themes of loyalty and betrayal, highlighting the complexities of human relationships.
As Tris forges new friendships and faces unexpected challenges, she must navigate the blurred lines between trust and deception.
These themes add depth and emotional resonance to the story, making it a compelling read.
6. Romance and Relationships
The blossoming romance between Tris and Four, her enigmatic trainer, adds a layer of sweetness to the narrative.
Their relationship develops gradually, intertwining with the larger conflicts and challenges they face.
The chemistry between the characters and the emotional depth of their connection captivate readers, providing a balance between action and heartfelt moments.
7. Social Commentary
Like many dystopian novels, “Divergent” offers social commentary on various aspects of our own society. It explores themes of power, control, and the dangers of dividing people based on their qualities.
The factions in the book can be seen as a reflection of the human tendency to categorize and segregate, prompting readers to reflect on the consequences of such divisions.
40 Books to Read if You Liked the Divergent Series
1. The Gilded Wolves by Roshani Chokshi
Step into an alternate Paris in the late 19th century, where a group of talented misfits embark on a quest to uncover ancient artifacts and unlock hidden secrets.
2. Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard
In a world divided by blood, Mare Barrow discovers she possesses a unique ability that could alter the balance of power and spark a revolution.
3. Legend by Marie Lu
Set in a future United States divided by war, this thrilling series follows the intersecting paths of two prodigious individuals from opposing sides of society.
4. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
Explore a post-apocalyptic world where young tributes from each district fight for their lives in a brutal televised event. A dystopian classic that you won’t want to miss.
5. The Maze Runner by James Dashner
Join Thomas and his fellow Gladers as they navigate a mysterious maze, uncover their pasts, and challenge the oppressive forces that control their lives.
6. The Selection by Kiera Cass
Immerse yourself in a captivating tale of romance, competition, and societal hierarchy as America Singer participates in a fierce competition to win the heart of a prince.
7. The 5th Wave by Rick Yancey
Witness an alien invasion through the eyes of Cassie Sullivan as she fights to survive in a world where trust is scarce and danger lurks at every turn.
8. The Lunar Chronicles by Marissa Meyer
Experience a futuristic reimagining of classic fairy tales, where a group of unlikely heroes battles a wicked queen and her lunar forces.
9. Delirium by Lauren Oliver
In a society where love is considered a disease, Lena Haloway finds herself questioning everything she has been taught when she falls for someone forbidden.
10. Uglies by Scott Westerfeld
In a world where everyone undergoes extreme cosmetic surgery at age sixteen, Tally Youngblood discovers the dark truth behind the so-called “perfect” society.
11. The Darkest Minds by Alexandra Bracken
Follow Ruby Daly’s journey as she escapes a government-controlled “rehabilitation camp” and joins forces with other young people with extraordinary abilities.
12. Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel
Delve into a post-apocalyptic world devastated by a pandemic, where a traveling symphony of actors and musicians attempts to preserve art and humanity.
13. The Chemical Garden by Lauren DeStefano
In a world plagued by genetic mutations and a lifespan of only twenty-five years for women, Rhine Ellery fights for freedom and a chance at love.
14. Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi
Discover Juliette Ferrars’ story, a girl with a lethal touch who becomes a weapon for a dystopian regime until she finds hope and strength in unexpected places.
15. The Testing by Joelle Charbonneau
Join Cia Vale as she faces a series of harrowing tests designed to determine the brightest minds in a post-apocalyptic United States.
16. The 100 by Kass Morgan
Venture into space as a group of juvenile delinquents is sent back to Earth to assess its habitability after a devastating nuclear event.
17. The Knife of Never Letting Go by Patrick Ness
Enter a world where every thought is heard, and Todd Hewitt embarks on a dangerous journey to uncover the truth about his society and himself.
18. Ready Player One by Ernest Cline
In a future where virtual reality is king, Wade Watts embarks on an exhilarating treasure hunt inside a massive digital universe.
19. An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir
Witness the clash between the oppressive Martial Empire and the resistance as Laia and Elias fight for their freedom and challenge the powers that be.
20. The Bone Season by Samantha Shannon
In a world where clairvoyance is both a gift and a curse, Paige Mahoney must navigate the dangerous realm of the Rephaim while battling for her own survival.
21. The Passage by Justin Cronin
Embark on a sweeping epic that spans centuries, following a group of survivors in a post-apocalyptic world overrun by bloodthirsty vampires.
22. The Fifth Season by N.K. Jemisin
Step into a land plagued by catastrophic geological events, where powerful individuals known as orogenes possess the ability to control and manipulate the earth.
23. The Bone Clocks by David Mitchell
Experience a multi-layered narrative that weaves together the lives of interconnected characters and explores themes of immortality and the battle between good and evil.
24. The Power by Naomi Alderman
In a world where women develop the power to cause pain and destruction, societal norms are shattered as gender dynamics shift.
25. The City of Ember by Jeanne DuPrau
Discover an underground city on the brink of collapse, and join Lina and Doon as they race against time to find a way out and save their people.
26. Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro
Explore a thought-provoking dystopian world where clones are raised for organ donation and three friends navigate their fates with a haunting sense of inevitability.
27. The Alchemist of Loom by Elise Kova
Enter a world where magic and steampunk technology coexist as Ari, an infamous thief, gets entangled in a dangerous plot that could change the fate of Loom.
28. Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi
Immerse yourself in a West African-inspired fantasy world where a young girl named Zélie fights against a tyrannical monarchy to restore magic to her people.
29. Scythe by Neal Shusterman
In a future where death has been conquered, trained individuals known as scythes are tasked with maintaining population control. Follow Citra and Rowan as they become apprentices in this macabre society.
30. The Queen of the Tearling by Erika Johansen
Witness the rise of a young princess, Kelsea Glynn, as she navigates political intrigue and battles dark forces to reclaim her kingdom’s lost glory.
31. The Long Walk by Stephen King (as Richard Bachman)
In a dystopian society, one hundred boys participate in a grueling annual walk where the penalty for slowing down or stopping is lethal.
32. The Declaration by Gemma Malley
Experience a world where eternal youth comes at a steep price, as Anna rebels against a society that denies the right to have children and love.
33. The Dark Tower: The Gunslinger by Stephen King
Embark on an epic journey with Roland Deschain, the last gunslinger, as he seeks the Dark Tower, the nexus of all existence, in a world filled with magic and danger.
34. Slated by Teri Terry
Follow Kyla, a girl whose memories have been erased, as she navigates a future where “slated” individuals must prove their loyalty to society or face dire consequences.
35. The Magicians by Lev Grossman
Join Quentin Coldwater as he enrolls in Brakebills, a secret college of magic, and discovers that the world of fantasy he once yearned for is more dangerous and complex than he ever imagined.
36. Contain by Saul Tanpepper
This novel is the first in a series of zombie apocalypse books. When a group of people is forced underground in a bunker to flee from a terrible plague, they uncover secrets that are more deadly than the disease itself. They have to rely on one another if they want to make it out alive.
37. The Girl with All the Gifts by M.R. Carey
In a post-apocalyptic world overrun by zombies, Melanie, a young girl with extraordinary abilities, holds the key to humanity’s survival.
38. The Rithmatist by Brandon Sanderson
Explore an alternate version of Earth where some individuals have the power to bring chalk drawings to life, and a young boy named Joel must uncover a conspiracy threatening his world.
39. The Quantum Thief by Hannu Rajaniemi
Delve into a futuristic world where reality is a malleable concept, and master thief Jean le Flambeur becomes entangled in a complex heist that could change the fate of the universe.
40. The Starless Sea by Erin Morgenstern
Immerse yourself in a labyrinthine tale filled with magic, books, and hidden doors as graduate student Zachary Ezra Rawlins embarks on a journey through a secret underground library.
Conclusion
If you’re a fan of the Divergent series and hunger for more captivating adventures, these 40 must-read books like Divergent will transport you to exciting new worlds.
A world where characters battle oppressive regimes, unravel dark secrets and challenge societal norms. From dystopian societies to post-apocalyptic landscapes, these novels offer a diverse range of narratives that will keep you enthralled from beginning to end.
So, grab a book, dive into these immersive stories, and let your imagination soar in the year 2023 and beyond. Happy reading!
