Delve Into 20 Engaging Dystopian Reads Like “Divergent”



“Divergent” by Veronica Roth has undoubtedly carved its own niche in the world of dystopian fiction. This intriguing tale of a dystopian society divided into five factions, each meant to uphold a particular virtue, has ignited readers’ imaginations worldwide.

Its central theme of self-discovery, along with the suspenseful storyline and the exploration of societal norms, makes it an exhilarating read. If you’re seeking books akin to “Divergent,” offering a similar thrill of dystopian worlds, deep-diving into characters’ identity struggles, and navigating societal conflict, look no further.

Here are 20 books like “Divergent” that promise captivating adventures and thought-provoking narratives!

The 20 best books to read if you liked “Divergent”



1. “The Hunger Games” by Suzanne Collins.



Unveil the fight for survival in a cruel, dystopian world through the eyes of Katniss Everdeen.

Elements in common with Divergent:

• A young and strong female protagonist.
• High-stakes survival in a dystopian setting.
• A quest for identity and purpose amidst societal chaos.



2. “The Maze Runner” by James Dashner.



Plunge into a gripping adventure where memory loss and a shifting maze dictate survival.

Elements in common with Divergent:

• A protagonist discovering their past and identity.
• Thrilling, unpredictable plot.
• A high-stakes battle against a controlled society.



3. “Legend” by Marie Lu.



Discover a gripping tale of two characters from opposite societal echelons in a dystopia.

Elements in common with Divergent:

• Character-driven narrative.
• Societal divisions and their implications.
• Unraveling of dark secrets.



4. “The Giver” by Lois Lowry.



Explore a utopian society where homogeneity is preferred and individuality suppressed.

Elements in common with Divergent:

• A protagonist’s rebellion against societal norms.
• Discovery of hidden truths about society.
• Struggle with self-identity and societal expectations.



5. “Matched” by Ally Condie.



Delve into a future society where ‘Officials’ control everything, including love.

Elements in common with Divergent:

• Struggle against a controlled society.
• A love story entwined within societal rebellion.
• A strong female lead grappling with societal norms.



6. “The 5th Wave” by Rick Yancey.



Navigate an alien-invaded earth through the eyes of a resilient survivor.

Elements in common with Divergent:

• Survival in a dystopian world.
• A strong female protagonist.
• An oppressive outside force controlling society.



7. “The Selection” by Kiera Cass.



Unearth a love triangle amidst a reality TV-style competition within a dystopian regime.

Elements in common with Divergent:

• A strong female lead navigating societal expectations.
• Love and romance within a dystopian context.
• Rebellion against a controlled society.



8. “Delirium” by Lauren Oliver.



Explore a world where love is deemed a disease, and everyone must undergo a procedure to eliminate it.

Elements in common with Divergent:

• Rebellion against societal norms.
• A strong female character grappling with her emotions.
• A love story against a dystopian backdrop.



9. “The Testing” by Joelle Charbonneau.



Dive into a thriller where high-stakes testing determines the future of students.

Elements in common with Divergent:

• Survival within systemic constraints and expectations.
• A determined female protagonist.
• The unveiling of deep societal secrets.



10. “Station Eleven” by Emily St. John Mandel.



Journey through a fragmented future society devastated by a pandemic.

Elements in common with Divergent:

• Survival in a dystopian world.
• Narration spanning multiple characters and their experiences.
• Exploration of societal constructs in the aftermath of civilization.



11. “The Host” by Stephenie Meyer.



Discover a world where human bodies serve as hosts for an alien species.

Elements in common with Divergent:

• Fight against alien control over society.
• The inner struggle of accepting an identity.
• A love story entangled within chaos.



12. “Red Queen” by Victoria Aveyard.



A story of an ordinary girl with extraordinary abilities in a world divided by blood.

Elements in common with Divergent:

• A strong female lead with unique abilities.
• Societal class divisions and their implications.
• A rebellion against an oppressive regime.



13. “The Darkest Minds” by Alexandra Bracken.



A tale of children developing unusual abilities who are deemed a threat to the government.

Elements in common with Divergent:

• Society’s fear of those who are different.
• A fight for survival in a dystopian setting.
• A strong-willed protagonist against societal control.



14. “The City of Ember” by Jeanne DuPrau.



Experience a city in darkness with dwindling resources, waiting for a savior.

Elements in common with Divergent:

• A dystopian society on the brink of collapse.
• Young protagonists navigating societal issues.
• Mystery and suspense in the quest for survival.



15. “The Knife of Never Letting Go” by Patrick Ness.



Step into a world where privacy is null and unwanted honesty is the reality.

Elements in common with Divergent:

• Struggle against a strange and controlling society.
• Quest for identity and truth.
• A thrilling, suspenseful plot.



16. “Under the Never Sky” by Veronica Rossi.



Delve into a world divided into the safe and sterile ‘Pods’ and the savage outer wastelands.

Elements in common with Divergent:

• A future society divided and controlled.
• A love story unfolding in a dystopian world.
• A determined protagonist challenging societal norms.



17. “Unwind” by Neal Shusterman.



Envisage a society where unwanted teens are disassembled for their body parts.

Elements in common with Divergent:

• Fight against disturbing societal norms.
• Survival in a dystopian setting.
• Quest for freedom and identity.



18. “Pivot Point” by Kasie West.



Precognition and alternate realities dominate in this thrilling dystopian novel.

Elements in common with Divergent:

• Exploration of unusual abilities.
• Fight for identity and making choices.
• A compelling love triangle.



19. “Breathe” by Sarah Crossan.



Experience a world where air is a commodity controlled by the government.

Elements in common with Divergent:

• Survival against oppressive societal control.
• Fight for fundamental human rights.
• Exploration of self-identity.



20. “Enclave” by Ann Aguirre



An adrenaline-packed journey of survival and fighting against a deadly society.

Elements in common with Divergent:

• Built upon a dystopian society
• Portrays a brave female lead, similar to Tris. 
• Puts friendship and loyalty at the heart of the narrative.

If you loved reading “Divergent” and are looking for more books with similar themes of futuristic adventures, rebellious protagonists, and thought-provoking societal constructs, then this list will offer you some excellent recommendations.

Each book in this list captures the essence of what made “Divergent” a fascinating read, allowing you to explore more dystopian worlds, complex societal norms, and deep-seated secrets. Happy reading, and may your journey through these stories be as exhilarating as your adventure with “Divergent”!



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