Divergent (2011) by Veronica Roth is a gripping dystopian YA novel set in a futuristic Chicago where society is divided into five factions based on virtues: Abnegation (selflessness), Dauntless (bravery), Erudite (intellect), Amity (peace), and Candor (honesty). The story follows 16-year-old Beatrice “Tris” Prior, who discovers she is Divergent—possessing traits of multiple factions, a dangerous anomaly—after choosing to leave her birth faction (Abnegation) for Dauntless.
As Tris navigates the brutal initiation trials of Dauntless, she uncovers a conspiracy by Erudite leader Jeanine Matthews to overthrow Abnegation using mind-controlled Dauntless soldiers. With the help of her enigmatic instructor, Four, Tris must embrace her Divergence to survive and stop the coup.
Roth’s fast-paced prose and exploration of identity, conformity, and courage made Divergent a phenomenon, spawning a trilogy and film adaptations.
