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Have you ever finished a book where the world divided people into factions and every choice felt like life or death? Yes, that's 'Divergent' — Veronica Roth's dystopian society where your identity and future depend entirely on fixed societal divisions.
If you loved the 'Divergent' series and want more stories with high-stakes action and complex characters who refuse to conform, these 20 books deliver precisely that. Each of these book recommendations will make you question the systems surrounding your life.
And, if you're interested in learning more about topics like identity, society, bravery, and what it means to be different, download Headway. You can dive into a 15-minute summary from 2000+ books that break down these big themes into key insights.
Quick answer: What are the best books to read, like 'Divergent'?
Here's a quick rundown of some of the best books that scratch the same itch:
'The Hunger Games' by Suzanne Collins — A girl is forced into a violent, televised struggle for survival in a post-apocalyptic world.
'Delirium' by Lauren Oliver — In a society that treats love like a disease, one girl's forbidden romance makes her question everything.
'The Maze Runner' by James Dashner — Teens trapped in a deadly maze with no memories must find the way out or die trying.
'The Testing' by Joelle Charbonneau — In a future where only the smartest survive, a girl faces brutal tests that push her thinking and survival to the limit.
'The Darkest Minds' by Alexandra Bracken — After a virus wipes out most of America's youth and grants the surviving teens dangerous powers, one girl fights to survive in this new, ruthless world.
'The Giver' by Lois Lowry — In a so-called perfect society, a boy discovers the dark truths behind the carefully controlled world around him, and must make a life-changing decision.
'The 5th Wave' by Rick Yancey — After an alien invasion leaves Earth on the brink of destruction, a teen girl must battle to survive and protect her brother in a world turned upside down.
'The Handmaid's Tale' by Margaret Atwood — In a dystopian world where women's rights have been stripped away, one woman fights back against the system controlling her every move.
If you're ready for more, check out the complete list of books like Divergent in the article below!
20 must-read books like 'Divergent' (dystopian & apocalyptic reads for fans of the trilogy)
The best dystopian-like fiction books (society, rebellion, and survival)
In the face of oppressive systems, some people conform, while others fight. These stories examine the resilience of humanity against social control and the hopeless choices necessary for survival.
1. 'The Hunger Games' (2008) by Suzanne Collins
"May the odds be ever in your favor."
In Panem, the Capitol controls 12 districts. And every year, two children from each district fight to the death on live TV. Katniss Everdeen volunteers to replace her younger sister in the brutal Hunger Games. As she navigates alliances and dangers, Katniss must decide whether to play by the Capitol's rules or rebel against them.
Can she outsmart the system, or will she become its victim?
Key points:
Theme tags: dystopian, rebellion, survival
Why it's like 'Divergent': Both feature young protagonists in oppressive societies forced to make life-or-death choices.
Why people love it: Thrilling plot, a fierce heroine, and an emotional journey.
2. 'Delirium' (2011) by Lauren Oliver
"Love is a disease."
In this world, love counts as a deadly illness. Lena Haloway can't wait for her procedure to cure her of it. Then she meets Alex, a boy from the resistance, and suddenly, everything she grew up believing starts falling apart. Lena has to choose: play it safe or risk everything for passion and rebellion.
Will she embrace love and its risks, or submit to the society that has dictated her life?
Key points:
Theme tags: dystopian, love, rebellion
Why it's like 'Divergent': Young people challenging oppressive systems to keep their freedom and sense of self.
Why people love it: A heartfelt exploration of love, identity, and freedom in a high-stakes dystopian world.
3. 'The Maze Runner' (2009) by James Dashner
"Remember. Survive. Run."
With no memory of his past, Thomas wakes up in a mysterious maze with other boys in the same situation. As they navigate the shifting maze and face deadly creatures, Thomas uncovers the truth about his role, realizing he might hold the key to escaping. This book is about friendship and the deep bonds that form when facing impossible odds.
Can he uncover the maze's secrets, or will he remain a prisoner forever?
Key points:
Theme tags: dystopian, survival, mystery
Why it's like 'Divergent': Both feature young heroes facing life-or-death scenarios, who fight against the restrictions placed by those in power and try to discover the truths in an oppressive society.
Why people love it: Suspenseful pacing and twists that keep readers on the edge of their seats.
4. 'The Testing' (2013) by Joelle Charbonneau
"The only way to get into the University is to survive the Testing."
Only the smartest are chosen for the Testing, a brutal series of trials designed to select the next generation of leaders. Cia Vale realizes that the Testing isn't just about intellect. It's about survival, betrayal, and how far you'll go to succeed. As the stakes rise, Cia uncovers dangerous secrets about the system she must survive.
Can she pass the Testing, or will it destroy her?
Key points:
Theme tags: dystopian, survival, education
Why it's like 'Divergent': Both feature young protagonists in oppressive systems forced to compete in deadly trials that test their values and will to survive.
Why people love it: It's suspenseful, fast-paced, engaging, and filled with moral dilemmas.
5. 'The Darkest Minds' (2012) by Alexandra Bracken
"The world was broken, and the government was to blame."
After a deadly disease kills most of America's children, the survivors develop dangerous powers that society deems too dangerous to control. Ruby, one of the survivors, must navigate a fractured world where she's seen as a threat. As she joins a group of rebels, she faces choices that challenge her morality and survival.
Can Ruby control her powers, or will they control her?
Key points:
Theme tags: dystopian, rebellion, survival
Why it's like 'Divergent': Both include young protagonists with extraordinary abilities, who navigate oppressive systems that seek to control them.
Why people love it: A gripping mix of action, emotional depth, and the exploration of power and survival in a broken world.
6. 'Uglies' (2005) by Scott Westerfeld
"The operation will be performed as soon as you're ready."
In Tally Youngblood's world, everyone gets mandatory surgery at 16 to become "Pretty." Tally couldn't wait for her turn until she befriended someone who refused the surgery. When authorities force Tally to betray her friend, she's thrust into uncovering the truth behind the "Pretty" society and where her loyalties lie.
Will she conform to the system or fight for a life of freedom and individuality?
Key points:
Theme tags: dystopian, rebellion, identity
Why it's like 'Divergent': Both books feature protagonists who resist oppressive systems that define their identities and force them to make life-altering choices.
Why people love it: A thought-provoking look at beauty, conformity, and rebellion, combined with action and a compelling lead.
7. 'Under the Never Sky' (2012) by Veronica Rossi
"Aria had been told that the outside world was a dangerous place."
Aria has lived her entire life in Reverie, a sealed dome where people escape the deadly storms ravaging the outside world. When she's cast out into the wasteland after a tragic accident, she must survive in a harsh world she knows nothing about alongside the mysterious outsider, Perry. The two navigate danger, deadly storms, and a connection neither expected.
Can Aria survive in the dangerous sky, or will her sheltered life define her fate?
Key points:
Theme tags: dystopian, survival, adventure
Why it's like 'Divergent': Both feature young protagonists who must navigate dangerous, oppressive worlds and make tough choices that challenge everything they've been taught.
Why people love it: A thrilling, emotional adventure that blends love, loyalty, and survival in a vividly imagined dystopian world.
8. 'Unwind' (2007) by Neal Shusterman
"In a future world where abortion is illegal, the only option left is to 'unwind' — a procedure that disassembles a person into usable parts."
In a society where teens can be "unwound" for their organs, three teens — Connor, Risa, and Lev — run for their lives when they're marked for unwinding. As they escape together, they grapple with questions about identity, morality, and what it truly means to be alive.
Can they find a way to escape the system, or will they be torn apart by it?
Key points:
Theme tags: dystopian, survival, morality
Why it's like 'Divergent': Both feature teens defying oppressive systems that seek to control their lives and bodies.
Why people love it: A gripping, thought-provoking exploration of the value of life, identity, and freedom, filled with intense action and moral dilemmas.
9. '1984' (1949) by George Orwell
"War is peace. Freedom is slavery. Ignorance is strength."
In a totalitarian society ruled by the Party, Winston Smith's job is to rewrite history to fit the regime's needs. But when he begins to question Big Brother's oppressive control, Winston embarks on a dangerous journey toward truth and rebellion. As he lives in constant surveillance, he must choose between conformity and defiance.
Can Winston break free from the Party's grip, or is he doomed to be controlled forever? Discover the answer in the '1984' summary on the Headway app.
Key points:
Theme tags: dystopian, oppression, rebellion
Why it's like 'Divergent': Both explore societies where individuals must resist totalitarian control and make life-or-death choices to protect their freedom and identity.
Why people love it: A chilling, thought-provoking critique of government control, personal freedom, and the consequences of surveillance.
If you're a fan of George Orwell, discover more books like '1984' for nonstop reading or listening sessions with Headway.
The best survival and post-apocalyptic fiction books (humanity in crisis)
When the world as we know it collapses, only the strongest and most resourceful will survive. These stories dive into humanity's struggle to rebuild, survive, and find hope after disaster.
10. 'The Selection' (2012) by Kiera Cass
"For thirty-five girls, the Selection is the chance of a lifetime."
In a future monarchy, America Singer is chosen to compete for the heart of Prince Maxon in a competition known as The Selection. Torn between the boy she left behind and the prince who's nothing like she expected, America must decide what she's willing to sacrifice for love and freedom.
Can she find love in a world where her choices are made for her, or will she risk everything for independence?
Key points:
Theme tags: dystopian, romance, rebellion
Why it's like 'Divergent': Both have young women in restrictive societies who must maneuver dangerous systems while struggling with choices about love and identity.
Why people love it: A mix of romance, rebellion, and intrigue with a strong-willed heroine and a fascinating world.
11. 'Red Rising' (2014) by Pierce Brown
"I live for the rebellion. I live for the future."
Darrow is a "Red," part of the lowest caste in a color-coded society where Golds rule from above. After the ruling Golds kill his wife and he finds out his hard work was in vain, Darrow infiltrates their elite society to bring it down from within. He faces brutal challenges and makes unimaginable sacrifices as he rises through the ranks.
Can he bring down the Golds, or will he become a tool of the very system he despises?
Key points:
Theme tags: dystopian, rebellion, survival
Why it's like 'Divergent': Both feature young protagonists in oppressive societies who challenge the system, fight for equality, and struggle with their own identity.
Why people love it: A fast-paced, high-stakes thriller with a complex, morally gray protagonist and a world full of intrigue and betrayal.
12. 'The Knife of Never Letting Go' (2008) by Patrick Ness
"The Noise is a man's thoughts, unsanitized, unfiltered, and in a constant roar."
In Prentisstown, everyone's thoughts are exposed to all through the "Noise" — a constant stream of sound that men cannot escape. A young boy called Todd Hewitt discovers a mysterious silence in the woods, leading him to dangerous secrets about his world. As the journey starts, Todd must confront the truth about his society and his place in it.
Can Todd escape the Noise, or will it consume him?
Key points:
Theme tags: dystopian, survival, identity
Why it's like 'Divergent': Both feature young protagonists who must survive in oppressive, controlled societies and fight against systems that try to define their futures.
Why people love it: A thrilling, emotional story with a unique concept that explores power, identity, and what it means to be human.
13. 'The Giver' (1993) by Lois Lowry
"The worst part of holding the memories is not the pain. It's the loneliness of it."
In a society where emotions are suppressed and everyone follows their roles, Jonas is chosen to be the next Receiver of Memory. After receiving teachings from The Giver, Jonas begins to see the dark cost of modern society. He must decide whether to accept the controlled peace or risk everything to seek true freedom, with all its beauty and suffering.
Will Jonas escape the confines of his world, or will he remain bound by the rules of society?
Key points:
Theme tags: dystopian, memory, rebellion
Why it's like 'Divergent': Both feature protagonists who challenge their society's control and explore the consequences of a life without choice.
Why people love it: A thought-provoking, emotional journey that raises essential questions about freedom, conformity, and the human experience.
14. 'The 5th Wave' (2013) by Rick Yancey
"The enemy is us."
After four waves of deadly alien attacks leave Earth in ruins, Cassie Sullivan is one of the few survivors, still fighting for survival. As the fifth wave approaches, Cassie meets a mysterious boy and must decide whether to trust him or keep fighting alone in a world full of deception.
Can Cassie survive the fifth wave, or will she become part of the alien invasion?
Key points:
Theme tags: dystopian, survival, trust
Why it's like 'Divergent': Both follow young protagonists in apocalyptic worlds who must contend with betrayal and loss.
Why people love it: A fast-paced, twist-filled thriller that highlights an emotional journey where anyone could be the enemy.
15. 'Station Eleven' (2014) by Emily St. John Mandel
"Survival is insufficient."
As a deadly flu pandemic wipes out most of humanity, survivors face the collapse of civilization. The novel alternates between the pre-apocalyptic past and post-apocalyptic present, connecting a traveling Shakespearean troupe to an actor who died the night the pandemic began. As they rebuild, they discover that art and human connection might be what separates surviving from truly living.
Can they find hope in a broken world, or will the collapse define them?
Key points:
Theme tags: post-apocalyptic, survival, humanity
Why it's like 'Divergent': Both explore human survival in a world turned upside down, where individuals must make critical choices about their future and identity.
Why people love it: A beautifully written, haunting tale about resilience, art, and the connections that make us human even after losing everything.
16. 'The Handmaid's Tale' (1985) by Margaret Atwood
"Better never means better for everyone... It always means worse, for some."
In the totalitarian nation of Gilead, women are oppressed. The main character, Offred, is a "handmaid" — a fertile woman forced to bear children for the ruling class. As she fights for survival, Offred clings to fragments of her past life while searching for ways to resist. It's a highly recommended read with social themes that remain relevant today.
Can she escape the oppressive grip of Gilead, or will she remain a pawn in a world of control?
Key points:
Theme tags: dystopian, oppression, resistance
Why it's like 'Divergent': Both feature strong female protagonists fighting against oppressive systems that strip them of their autonomy and identity.
Why people love it: A chilling, powerful exploration of control, resistance, and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of overwhelming oppression.
The best thought-provoking nonfiction books (society, power, and control)
What happens when authorities supervise our lives and shape our experiences? These nonfictions will help you examine the thinking behind 'Divergent,' and its exploration of social control and identity.
17. 'Homo Deus: A Brief History of Tomorrow' (2016) by Yuval Noah Harari
"The most important thing is not what we know, but what we do not know."
Yuval Noah Harari explores the future of humanity, contemplating the ways artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and new scientific advancements might shape society. With humanity overcoming disease and famine, Harari focuses on what's next — humanity's quest for immortality, happiness, and god-like powers.
Will these advancements bring us closer to utopia, or are we heading toward new forms of oppression? Uncover the details in the 'Homo Deus' summary on Headway.
Key points:
Theme tags: futurism, technology, society
Why it's like 'Divergent': Both explore the consequences of technological and societal control, and the ethical questions surrounding human identity and autonomy in a rapidly evolving world.
Why people love it: A thought-provoking exploration of humanity's future, technology, and the profound questions about life and existence that it raises.
18. 'Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind' (2011) by Yuval Noah Harari
"History began when humans invented gods, and will end when humans become gods."
Another enlightening text from Yuval Noah Harari takes us on a journey through humankind's history. He traces the rise of Homo sapiens up to the present day. He examines how humans have shaped the world and the systems that control us, questioning the structures of power, capitalism, and society.
Can we continue to evolve, or will our advances ultimately lead to our downfall?
Key points:
Theme tags: history, evolution, society
Why it's like 'Divergent': Both explore how systems of power shape humanity and the ethical implications of societal control and technological advances.
Why people love it: A deeply insightful exploration of humanity's past, present, and future, filled with bold ideas that challenge conventional thinking.
The 'Sapiens' summary on the Headway app provides all the insights you need.
19. 'Outliers: The Story of Success' (2008) by Malcolm Gladwell
"Success is not just about individual talent; it's about opportunity, timing, and the culture you come from."
Through examining the factors that lead to remarkable success rather than looking at natural talent, Malcolm Gladwell takes a skeptical view of our conventional definition of success. Gladwell asserts that success comes from a mixture of hard work, culture, and circumstance, not simply through a person's natural abilities.
Can we truly shape our destiny, or are we all products of the systems around us? Get the full answer by checking out the 'Outliers' summary in the Headway app.
Key points:
Theme tags: success, society, opportunity
Why it's like 'Divergent': Both explore how external systems and circumstances shape individual outcomes, questioning the limits of free will in structured environments.
Why people love it: A compelling analysis of success that challenges the myth of the self-made individual, filled with fascinating stories and insights.
20. 'Man's Search for Meaning' (1946) by Viktor E. Frankl
"When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves."
In his touching memoir, Viktor Frankl recounts his time of surviving Nazi concentration camps and how it affected him. Even in the most horrific scenarios, his experiences convey a deep understanding of the human ability to create meaning. Frankl introduces his philosophy of logotherapy, which suggests that finding purpose in life is key to overcoming suffering.
Can we find meaning in the face of suffering, or does hardship define our fate? Explore the 'Man's Search for Meaning' summary in the Headway app to find your answer.
Key points:
Theme tags: meaning, survival, resilience
Why it's like 'Divergent': Both explore how individuals can find purpose and identity even in oppressive and life-threatening circumstances.
Why people love it: A timeless, inspiring work that challenges readers to find meaning in their lives, regardless of obstacles.
Ready to break the system for your self-growth? Make your move with Headway!
If 'Divergent' and these 20 books hit the spot, why not keep the momentum going? Head over to the Headway app to read more books like 'Divergent.' The app is a favorite for book lovers who want to fuel their transformation journey!
Not sure which book to dive into next?
Let Headway be your personal shortcut. Explore quick, insightful summaries first, then decide what's worth a deeper dive. With its sleek design, fast formats, and progress tracking, Headway is like having a personal nonfiction curator right in your pocket.
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Frequently asked questions about books like 'Divergent'
What age group is 'Divergent' best for?
'Divergent' is mainly aimed at young adult readers between the ages of 12 and 18. However, adults will connect with its themes of social control, rebellion, and self-discovery. Dystopian fiction fans will definitely enjoy the characters and plot. Overall, it's one of those books that's enjoyable well beyond its intended target audience.
Did 'The Hunger Games' inspire 'Divergent'?
Both 'The Hunger Games' and 'Divergent' feature similar dystopian themes and younger characters who are up against their controlling circumstances. But 'Divergent' wasn't based on 'The Hunger Games.' That said, 'The Hunger Games' did help popularize the direction of dystopian literature for young adults.
Is there a fourth book in the 'Divergent' series?
No, there isn't a fourth book in the 'Divergent' series. The trilogy consists of 'Divergent,' 'Insurgent,' and 'Allegiant.' While Veronica Roth has written short stories and companion works, the main story arc concludes in 'Allegiant,' and no official fourth book has been released.
What genre does 'Divergent' fall under?
'Divergent' is primarily classified as young adult dystopian fiction. It explores themes of societal control, identity, and rebellion within a future society. The novel blends action, romance, and political intrigue, making it popular among dystopian, science fiction, and coming-of-age readers.
What are the big three dystopian books?
The big three dystopian books often considered foundational to the genre are '1984' by George Orwell, 'The Hunger Games' by Suzanne Collins, and 'Brave New World' by Aldous Huxley. These novels shaped the dystopian genre, influencing authors like Marie Lu and Ally Condie and sparking important discussions about society, control, and freedom.
