12 Books like Divergent For Young Adult Fans

The Divergent trilogy, written by novelist Victoria Roth, has become one of the most popular Young Adult series of today.

The series depicts a dystopian future where society divides itself into five factions. Each faction is defined by their particular aptitudes and natural values. Each year, every 16-year-old is given the chance to choose the faction they want to devote their lives to.

The series is full of life lessons and has earned praises from establishments like The New York Times and Entertainment Weekly. It has sold more than 30 million copies since it was first printed and been turned into a film series that has earned its own accolades.

Books Like Divergent

Due to the massive attention that Divergent has attracted, many young adult fans are now looking for similar novels to read after they’ve finished the trilogy.

One of my friends has insisted for a long time that I read this particular series, but I’ve only just started reading it this year. I blame my ever-expanding list of to-be-read books.

After reading the first book, though, I was struck by the similarities between it and a few books I’ve already finished in the past. So if you’re looking for books similar to the trilogy, here are a few of my recommendations:

1. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

When Katniss takes her sister’s place in the Hunger Games, she understands that her choice is basically a death sentence. It is, after all, a fight to the death. Already an expert hunter, Katniss will need to learn how to hunt another kind of prey.

2. Illuminae by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff

Kady is forced on the run when her planet is invaded by two rival megacorporations. Now she’s locked in a ship her ex. When a plague breaks out and the ship’s AI seems to be turning into an enemy, her ex (whom she swore she’d never speak to again) might just be the help she needs in surviving this ordeal.

3. Seeker by Arwen Elys Dayton

Quin Kincaid has been training to be a Seeker all her life. But on the night she is to take her Oath, she learns how far from honorable and just a Seeker’s work truly is. Now she needs a way out before it’s too late.

4. Lockwood &. Co. by Jonathan Stroud

London is home to legions of ghosts and they’re not exactly harmless. As a result, Psychic Detection Agencies are set up to battle this growing supernatural presence. Only the young can truly see and battle these threats, but how can they do a proper job when the Adults are always there, messing things up?

5. The Maze Runner by James Dashner

Thomas awakens in a maze full of traps, puzzles, and deadly creatures called “grievers.” He doesn’t know how he got there, and the only thing he really remembers is his name. Along with other amnesiac teenagers, they must find a way out before they die from the maze’s many dangers.

6. Aversion by Kenechi Udogu

Gemma Green “averts” people from future disasters. It’s a simple process: just hold their gaze and implant a thought into their heads. They won’t remember a thing! But Russ Tanner seems determined to remember, and the more Gemma pushes at him, the more he pushes back.

7. The Selection by Kiera Cass

The Selection is every lady’s dream. It means leaving their poor lives behind for a chance to marry the gorgeous prince of Illea. But for America Singer, the contest is a nightmare that means giving up everything and everyone she’s ever loved. Now she’s been Selected, and her fears are slowly turning into reality.

8. Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs

After his grandfather’s violent death, Jacob Portman sets off to a small, mysterious island. There he finds the seemingly abandoned Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children. Only, it’s not abandoned—and soon he finds himself traveling back in time to solve the mystery of his grandfather’s past adventures.

9. Delirium by Lauren Oliver

Love has been declared a dangerous disease, and anyone over 18 is forced to undergo the Cure. Lena Haloway lives a safe life and looks forward to being cured. But just months before her procedure, she meets Alex, enigmatic, rebellious, and very much a member of the resistance. Is this love she’s feeling right now?

10. Under The Never Sky by Veronica Rossi

Aria is a Dweller, someone who lives in the enclosed, futuristic city of Reverie. Exiled from home, her only hope is Perry, a savage she chances upon right after being exiled. Forming an unlikely alliance, both require each other’s help in saving both of their worlds from destruction.

11. Matched by Allie Condie

The Society controls each of its citizen’s choices, from what they watch and read to who they marry. So Cassia doesn’t question when her best friend Xander is announced as her partner.But another face briefly appears on her screen—a glitch that leads to Cassia questioning the very society she’s trusted all her life.

12. The Young Elites by Marie Lu

More than a decade ago, an illness struck the nation that left some of the survivors with mysterious powers. Adelina Amouteru is one such survivor. Hunted down as a threat to the nation, Adelina must not only evade her captors, but learn who to trust.

13. Angelfall by Susan Ee

It’s the apocalypse, and the angels are descending for battle—not against demons, but against humanity. When her kid sister is whisked away by a winged warrior, Penryn’s willing to do anything to get her back, even if it means striking a deal with the enemy.

14. Three Parts Dead by Max Gladstone

Kos, god of the city, is recently deceased. Without him, his city of Alt Coulumb will destroy itself from within. Now it’s up to Tara, practically a novice, to bring him back to life. With only the help of a chain-smoking priest, it’s going to be tough—especially when they discover that Kos was murdered.

Can a 12 year old read Divergent?

Divergent’s official age rating is 14 years and above, although it indicates reading ability more than reading appropriateness.

According to Common Sense Media, a non-profit dedicated to curating media suitable for kids, parents believe that the series is good for kids 13 years old and above. Although kids themselves think that 12 is an appropriate age.

It mostly depends on your kid’s maturity level though. If you think your kid can handle the level of mature themes in the series, then go for it. Just remember to ask about their reading experience afterward. It’s not only a great way to bond but to also learn what your kid thinks of the book and if there’s anything they’re struggling with it.

What Makes a YA Book Popular?

All of these books share a few characteristics. Each of them feature strong female characters, the tension of living in an unfair and dangerous world, a desire to change the status quo, and a quest for deeply concealed secrets.

But they also capture what it feels like to be a teenager. Their characters, barely adults, are suddenly thrown into situations that are far too heavy for one person to handle.

These novels showcase how teenagers overcome challenges, mature, and discover who they are. It’s one of the biggest reasons why Young Adult fiction is a thriving genre.

Though the situations these characters find themselves in are far from real, the processes they undergo, including all the mistakes and triumphs they experience on the way, is something any teenager can relate to.

Do you have a favorite YA book? Share it in the comments below!

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