8 Books To Read If You Liked Divergent

The Divergent series by Veronica Roth captured readers with its thrilling dystopian world, complex characters, and themes of rebellion, self-discovery, and societal control. If you enjoyed the fast-paced action and gripping narrative of Divergent, here are eight similar books that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

1. The Hunger Games by Suzanne CollinsIf you haven’t already dived into this iconic dystopian series, The Hunger Games is a must-read. Set in a post-apocalyptic world where the Capitol holds an annual event that pits children against each other in a deadly arena, the story follows Katniss Everdeen as she navigates a brutal game for survival while also sparking a revolution. Like Divergent, this book focuses on strong female characters, rebellion against an oppressive system, and intense action sequences. 2. The Maze Runner by James DashnerIn The Maze Runner, Thomas wakes up in a mysterious maze with no memory of his past, surrounded by other boys who are also trapped. Together, they must find a way to escape the ever-changing maze filled with deadly creatures. This dystopian thriller is filled with suspense, mystery, and plenty of twists and turns, much like Divergent's faction-based world and its tests of courage and survival. 3. Legend by Marie LuSet in a militarized future America, Legend follows two teens, Day and June, who come from opposite sides of society. Day is a criminal and fugitive, while June is a prodigious soldier. When their paths cross after a murder, their beliefs about their society are shattered. Fans of Divergent will enjoy the exploration of a divided society, the action-packed plot, and the evolving relationship between the protagonists. 4. Red Queen by Victoria AveyardIn Red Queen, the world is divided by blood—those with red blood are commoners, while those with silver blood possess god-like abilities. Mare Barrow, a red-blooded girl, discovers that she has a deadly power of her own, throwing her into the dangerous world of the silvers. The political intrigue, rebellion, and power dynamics in this novel echo the themes of Divergent, especially Tris’s journey of self-discovery in a divided society. 5. The Giver by Lois LowryFor a more philosophical take on dystopia, The Giver offers a world where society has eliminated pain, suffering, and choice. Jonas, the protagonist, is selected to be the Receiver of Memory and learns the truth about his seemingly perfect society. Like Divergent, The Giver questions conformity and explores the importance of individuality, while offering a suspenseful and emotionally engaging narrative. 6. Shatter Me by Tahereh MafiIn Shatter Me, the world is on the brink of collapse, and Juliette, the main character, is imprisoned because her touch is lethal. As she learns to control her power, she becomes entangled in a rebellion. With themes of oppression, rebellion, and a protagonist discovering her true potential, Shatter Me offers an intense, action-packed story reminiscent of Divergent. The poetic writing style and emotional depth make it a unique experience. 7. Matched by Ally CondieMatched is set in a society where the government controls every aspect of life, including who people marry. Cassia has always trusted the Society to make the right choices for her, but when she starts questioning her match and the system itself, she embarks on a journey of rebellion. Like Divergent, this book explores themes of control, free will, and self-determination, along with a romantic subplot. 8. The Selection by Kiera CassFor fans of the romance element in Divergent, The Selection offers a dystopian world where a competition is held for girls to win the heart of the prince and become the future queen. America Singer, one of the competitors, has no desire to win, but she becomes caught up in the political intrigue and dangers within the palace. Although The Selection has a lighter tone than Divergent, its blend of romance, competition, and societal expectations will appeal to readers who enjoy Tris's personal growth and struggles.