Books
15 Books That Are As Addictive As 'Divergent', Since You Can't Live Without More Of That Thrilling Action
If you’re into YA novels, you’ve most likely heard of Veronica Roth's Divergent by now. For me, Divergent was a glorious treasure that I happened to stumble upon by accident. I’d won an online drawing a month before the book was officially released, and the prize was an advanced copy of the novel. Only having snagged miniature plastic Slinkies and glow-in-the-dark rings for A+ dental reports as a kid, I was shocked I’d actually scored a real prize. Of course, I devoured it in two days and recommended that everyone I knew buy it the day it came out.
Fast forward four years later, and the entire trilogy is now released for public consumption. But if you haven’t read the books, perhaps you’ve seen the movies? Either way, it’s hard not to be enthralled in the dynamic, fast-paced world of Divergent . In fact, you’ve probably found yourself wanting MORE. Veronica Roth confirmed she's writing two new books, but in the meantime, you should definitely check out these 15 compelling reads.
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'Tracked' by Jenny Martin
Divergent fans who were found of Tris will love Phee’s headstrong personality in this pulse-pounding adrenaline rush of a novel. Set in a futuristic society, Phee — a race car-driving prodigy — must overthrow a corrupt corporation. It’s packed full of high stakes tension that’ll keep you immersed ‘til the last page.
'Red Rising' by Pierce Brown
Just like Divergent , Red Rising has the same themes of corrupt government. Darrow, a “Red” — the lowest member of society in a world where hierarchy deems the nature of people’s lives — joins a group of rebels. That’s when things get real. With an intriguing plot line and captivating characters, this is another great cure for your Divergent hangover.
'The Knife of Never Letting Go' by Patrick Ness
This uniquely written novel will quickly have you absorbed in its pages. Set in a town where everyone can hear everyone else’s thoughts, Todd has grown up where privacy is virtually impossible. But after coming across a town of silence, everything changes.
'An Ember in the Ashes' by Sabaa Tahir
OMG, guys. The world-building in this one is incredible. An Ember in the Ashes is told in dual narration from Elias, a soldier of the Martial Empire, and Laia, a girl who’s desperate to save her brother from his imprisonment. Also, #SorryNotSorry you’ll be up all night reading Tahir’s addictive chapter endings.
'Taken' by Erin Bowman
Still have a hankering for dystopias? Don’t you worry — here’s another one that will keep you intrigued. In Taken , Bowman creates a bleak world where people live in a confined society. But when Gray discovers the Council leaders are hiding dark secrets outside the walls, he becomes determined to unravel the mystery. It’s a thrill ride that’s sure to keep you immersed until the end.
'The Wrath and the Dawn' by Renée Ahdieh
The Wrath and the Dawn is one of those books where you’ll end up canceling any plans you have so you can keep reading. A loose reimagining of The Thousand and One Nights , the story follows the smart, strong Shahrzad, who vows to avenge her BFF’s killer by agreeing to wed Khalid, the Caliph of Khorasan, who is known for murdering each new wife the night after their marriage. But things aren’t quite as they seem, and the real meat of the story picks up throughout the pages in this engrossingly complex novel.
'Shadow and Bone' by Leigh Bardugo
I hope you’re a trilogy enthusiast, because you won’t want to miss these three books. Set in the land of Ravka where orphaned Alina Starkov has known nothing but wars, she discovers she possesses a power that gathers the attention of the royal court. Most specifically from the Darkling, leader of a magical elite group. Packed with gorgeous descriptions and unique twists of magic, Shadow and Bone is guaranteed to feed your post- Divergent appetite.
'Cinder' by Marissa Meyer
Are we tired of retellings yet? NEVER. Set in a fantastical New Beijing, Cinder — a cyborg with a mysterious past — becomes entangled with the ever-charming Prince Kai. This stunningly executed tale (inspired by Cinderella , of course) combines gripping adventures, a fierce main character, and a swoon-worthy romance.
'The 5th Wave' by Rick Yancey
Before I lose you at ALIEN INVASIONS, hear me out. The 5th Wave is a sci-fi told in the voices of different narrators struggling for survival after an alien species is determined to eliminate the entire human race. This heart-pounding thrill ride is sure to keep you turning pages until the end.
'Fire & Flood 'by Victoria Scott
If you enjoyed the high stakes plot line in Divergent , you’ll love Fire & Flood . Tella’s determined to help sick younger brother when she receives instructions to join the Brimstone Bleed, a race where contestants compete to win the Cure that will heal their sick loved ones. It’s a wildly compelling read that’s sure to hold your interest.
'The Selection' by Kiera Cass
Those who were enamored with Four and Tris’s romance in Divergent will devour The Selection . A group of girls from a divided society compete to become the bride to the ever-handsome Prince Maxon to help rule the country of Illea. America Singer is one of the selected contestants, but upon befriending Maxon, she discovers darker secrets within the kingdom. Also, there’s a love triangle, because yes.
'The Darkest Minds' by Alexandra Bracken
Those who were enraptured by Divergent ’s bleak and bleary setting should enjoy this one. Set in a futuristic society where children are dying from a mysterious illness, survivors are sent to “rehabilitation” camp. Ruby is one of these survivors, but she soon discovers she’s emerged with unexplainable abilities. Bracken’s story is filled with engaging characters and a complex storyline that you’re sure to become invested in.
'Reboot' by Amy Tintera
Reboot is another dystopia you’ll enjoy if you loved Tris and Four in Divergent . Set in a desolate futuristic society in Texas, humans remerge as “Reboots” — deadly superhumans trained to become soldiers. Wren is the strongest born-again Reboot chosen to train a group of newbies, including Callum, the weakest Reboot. Packed full of face-paced action and romance, this story will definitely suck you in from beginning to end.
'Red Queen' by Victoria Aveyard
Red Queen has been talked about a lot this year, but I promise you the hype is real. Fans of Tris will adore Mare. Defined as a “Red,” Mare is one of the many servants to the “Silver” elites — those born with special abilities. But when Silver royalty discovers that Mare does indeed possess a unique gift, they force her into a new royal identity within the palace. Throw in rebellions, revolution, and tons of twists and turns, and you have a spectacularly unputdownable fantasy.
'Snow Like Ashes' by Sara Raasch
This addicting fantasy follows Meira, a trained warrior in the Kingdom of Winter that has been overthrown and with it, its magic lost. The only way to restore it is by retrieving both halves the queen’s locket, which Meira plans to find. The gripping plot line will throw you in all sorts of twisty directions that you’ll be desperate to follow until the very end.
