Divergent is one of the best young adult dystopian novels out there. It has everything: rebellion, romance, and the battle for the right to nonconformity.
Chances are, if you loved Divergent as much as we did, you’re looking for similar books to scratch that same itch. We’ve got you covered. While not all of these books fall neatly and explicitly into the category of “young adult” literature, they’re all fantastic dystopian books like Divergent and are suitable for readers of all ages.
Here are our ten favorite books, such as Divergent.
10. Red Rising by Pierce Brown
Red Rising is an incredible book like Divergent. It’s a mixture of space opera, dystopian literature, science fiction, and political rebellion.
Set in a caste-based society on Mars, it follows the story of a young miner named Darrow, who ekes out his living as an underground miner.
When Darrow’s personal life is irrevocably changed by the powers that be, he becomes entangled in a vast and secret rebellion movement dedicated to fighting for change at any cost.
Why we recommend it: I loved the high stakes of this book like Divergent. It was absolutely gripping.
9. The Maze Runner by James Dashner
A group of teenagers wakes up in an ever-changing maze, with zero recollection of how they got there. What’s worse: they have no idea how to escape, and the maze is becoming deadlier every minute.
This book like Divergent shares many of the same themes and aspects: action, suspense, oppression, and the struggle for survival.
Why we recommend it: I enjoyed the suspenseful atmosphere of this novel.
RelatedDiscussion: What new dystopian fiction books should I get?
8. Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi
A BookTok sensation, Shatter Me is Tahereh Mafi’s best work, even earning her an impressive three-book deal with HarperCollins.
It follows a young girl named Juliette who possesses deadly powers, and a dystopian regime’s mission to control her for good. Like Divergent, this book explores ideas of individuality, power, and survival.
Why we recommend it: I admire the poetic writing of this book, as well as its depiction of the realities of mental illness.
7. Severance by Ling Ma
Ling Ma’s dystopian novel follows protagonist Candace and her life both before and after a devastating global pandemic. The book was also successfully adapted into a critically acclaimed Apple TV series. After a three-year wait, the second season is nearly upon us!
This novel’s biting social commentary, post-apocalyptic setting, and themes of alienation and disillusionment make this book a great choice for fans of Divergent.
Why we recommend it: I loved the dark humor in this novel, as well as the Divergent-esque ideas of identity.
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Subscribe to our weekly newsletter6. 1984 by George Orwell
An absolute classic of dystopian literature, this book is required reading for all fans of Divergent, and its legacy is eerily relevant today.
It’s a story about Winston, a man who lives in a totalitarian regime known as “Big Brother.” The constant surveillance is enough to keep him in line until he discovers a secret underground rebellion…
Why we recommend it: I like the world-building in this novel, as well as the forbidden love theme, which was seriously influential on many books, including Divergent.
5. The Parable of the Sower by Octavia Butler
One of our favorite feminist dystopian novels, Octavia Butler’s masterpiece is yet another novel similar to Divergent.
Lauren is a normal teenage girl living in a seriously abnormal dystopian world: society has been ravaged by climate change, class inequality, and violence. Can she survive the dangers around her without losing the human spirit she clings to?
Why we recommend it: I loved the realism in this dystopian novel like Divergent and would recommend it to any fans of Divergent.
4. Wool by Hugh Howey
The opening work in the wildly popular Silo series, this dystopian book like Divergent is one of our favorites. It explores the realities of life in a post-apocalyptic world where contamination forces everyone into underground silos.
(If you haven’t yet watched it, be sure to check out the Apple TV adaptation, which was one of the most-watched shows of the summer!)
Why we recommend it: I liked the themes of truth and control in this novel, which were reminiscent of the themes in many dystopian books. Although it’s not necessarily a young adult novel, this book is a lot like Divergent.
RelatedSilo Season 2: Everything You Need To Know Before Watching It On November 15th
3. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
One of the best books like Divergent out there, The Hunger Games is about a society in which teenagers are randomly selected for a televised fight to the death. When Katniss is chosen for the battle, she must do everything she can to survive or die trying.
Why we recommend it: I love this book! It’s essential reading for dystopian fans of all ages and is very similar to Divergent in its themes and tone.
RelatedHow The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes Redefines the Hunger Games
2. The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood
This classic dystopian novel is more relevant than ever, mirroring some of our worst fears about society and control. It imagines a world in which select women are subjugated to domestic roles, including the birth and care of society’s children.
The novel’s Emmy-winning streaming adaptation has just begun filming its sixth season. Stay tuned.
Why we recommend it: I love how scary this novel is. A work of horror, realistic and brutal, which is a perfect choice for fans of Divergent.
1. Uglies by Scott Westerfeld
Our favorite book like Divergent, Uglies tells the story of a teenager named Tally who lives in a world where everyone receives cosmetic surgery on their 16th birthday to become a “Pretty.”
When Tally falls in love, however, she begins to question the fundamental groupings that underpin her dystopian society.
The novel’s adaptation just premiered on Netflix, and we are seated and ready to watch.
Why we recommend it: I like how this book explores social groupings and class, which reminded me a lot of Divergent.
