Movies and the books that inspire them...and books that are like the books that inspire movies
Unless you've been living under a rock you might have heard that Divergent, the first book in the Divergent trilogy by Veronica Roth, is out in theaters tomorrow. In anticipation of the film, the book has been super popular here at the library, and all of our copies are currently checked out. But don't despair; we have plenty of books and series that are similar to the Divergent books that you should like!
Books that are similar to Divergent (and why):
Starters by Lissa Price
In a postapocalyptic world decimated by a viral outbreak where desperate surviving teens rent their bodies to seniors who want to experience youth again, 16-year-old orphan Callie rents out her body only to discover that her renter is planning to commit a murder, in a first entry of a two-part series.
Why you'll like it: This suspenseful dystopian novel features a strong female character who is both brave and determined.
Variant by Robison E. Wells
After years in foster homes, 17-year-old Benson Fisher applies to New Mexico's Maxfield Academy in hopes of securing a brighter future, but instead he finds that the school is a prison and no one is what he or she seems.
Why you'll like it: This novel, short on adult supervision, which leaves teens to dole out their own discipline, is adrenaline-filled and action-packed.
Series that are similar to the Divergent Trilogy (and why):
Enclave by Ann Aguirre Book One of the Razorland Trilogy
In a post-apocalyptic future, fifteen-year-old Deuce, a loyal Huntress, brings back meat while avoiding the Freaks outside her enclave, but when she is partnered with the mysterious outsider, Fade, she begins to see that the strict ways of the elders maybe wrong--and dangerous.
Why you'll like it: These gritty and sometimes violent dystopian novels feature strong and capable heroines that must fight to survive in their tough worlds.
Graceling by Kristin Cashore Book One of the Seven Kingdoms Trilogy
Having the ability to kill a man with her bare hands since she was a young girl, Katsa, a Graceling, has been forced to do the king's dirty work for years in order to live in his kingdom, but things change dramatically when she falls in love with Prince Po and secrets about her powers are suddenly revealed.
Why you'll like it: Though Graceling is a fantasy novel, its main character is a strong, gutsy action heroine. This story is fast-paced and features romance and a wonderful cast of secondary characters.
Matched by Allyson Braithwaite Condie Book One of the Matched Trilogy
Cassia has always trusted the Society to make the right choices for her, so when Xander appears on-screen at her Matching ceremony, Cassia knows he is her ideal mate--until Ky Markham's face appears for an instant before the screen fades to black.
Why you'll like it: A gripping, romantic dystopian that features a strong heroine who must fight the establishment of her seemingly perfect society.
The Maze Runner by James Dashner Book One of the Maze Runner Trilogy
Sixteen-year-old Thomas wakes up with no memory in the middle of a maze and realizes he must work with the community in which he finds himself if he is to escape.
Why you'll like it: This science fiction dystopian series is suspenseful and compelling.
The Immortal Rules by Julie Kagawa Book One of the Blood of Eden Trilogy
After Allison is forced to flee the city, she joins a band of humans who are seeking a legend -- a possible cure to the disease that killed off most of humankind and created the creatures threatening humans and vampires alike.
Why you'll like it: This supernatural infused dystopian features a strong heroine who has to fight to stay alive.
Legend by Marie Lu Book One of the Legend Trilogy
In a dark future, when North America has split into two warring nations, fifteen-year-olds Day, a famous criminal, and prodigy June, the brilliant soldier hired to capture him, discover that they have a common enemy.
Why you'll like it: This romantic sci-fi takes place in future North America and is filled with issues of war, politics, love and sacrifice.
Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi Book One of the Under the Never Sky Trilogy
When Aria is exiled from the enclosed city of Reverie, she forms an unlikely alliance with an Outsider named Perry, who could be her only chance of survival providing they can overcome their prejudices.
Why you'll like it: An action-packed romantic dsytopian series which follows the heroine who is forced into a new life as she discovers her strength, overcomes prejudice and falls in love.
Quarantine by Lex Thomas Book One of the Quarantine Trilogy
When a virus deadly to adults infects their high school, brothers David and Will and the other students soon break into gangs that fight each other for survival and the hope of escaping their quarantine.
Why you'll like it: This violent, gruesome sci-fi has both suspense and romance.
Uglies by Scott Westerfeld Book One of the Maze Runner Trilogy
Just before their sixteenth birthdays, when they will be transformed into beauties whose only job is to have a great time, Tally's best friend runs away and Tally must find her and turn her in, or never become pretty at all.
Why you'll like it: This dystopian sci-fi is suspenseful and compelling.
Blood Red Road by Moira Young Book One of the Dust Lands Trilogy
In a distant future, eighteen-year-old Lugh is kidnapped, and while his twin sister Saba and nine-year-old Emmi are trailing him across bleak Sandsea they are captured too, and taken to brutal Hopetown, where Saba is forced to be a cage fighter until new friends help plan an escape.
Why you'll like it: This sci-fi series is set on post-apocalyptic Earth where teens must struggle to survive their bleak world.
Check one out today! Enjoy the books! Enjoy the movie!
In a postapocalyptic world decimated by a viral outbreak where desperate surviving teens rent their bodies to seniors who want to experience youth again, 16-year-old orphan Callie rents out her body only to discover that her renter is planning to commit a murder, in a first entry of a two-part series.
Why you'll like it: This suspenseful dystopian novel features a strong female character who is both brave and determined.
Variant by Robison E. WellsAfter years in foster homes, 17-year-old Benson Fisher applies to New Mexico's Maxfield Academy in hopes of securing a brighter future, but instead he finds that the school is a prison and no one is what he or she seems.
Why you'll like it: This novel, short on adult supervision, which leaves teens to dole out their own discipline, is adrenaline-filled and action-packed.
Series that are similar to the Divergent Trilogy (and why):
In a post-apocalyptic future, fifteen-year-old Deuce, a loyal Huntress, brings back meat while avoiding the Freaks outside her enclave, but when she is partnered with the mysterious outsider, Fade, she begins to see that the strict ways of the elders maybe wrong--and dangerous.
Why you'll like it: These gritty and sometimes violent dystopian novels feature strong and capable heroines that must fight to survive in their tough worlds.
Graceling by Kristin Cashore Book One of the Seven Kingdoms TrilogyHaving the ability to kill a man with her bare hands since she was a young girl, Katsa, a Graceling, has been forced to do the king's dirty work for years in order to live in his kingdom, but things change dramatically when she falls in love with Prince Po and secrets about her powers are suddenly revealed.
Why you'll like it: Though Graceling is a fantasy novel, its main character is a strong, gutsy action heroine. This story is fast-paced and features romance and a wonderful cast of secondary characters.
Cassia has always trusted the Society to make the right choices for her, so when Xander appears on-screen at her Matching ceremony, Cassia knows he is her ideal mate--until Ky Markham's face appears for an instant before the screen fades to black.
Why you'll like it: A gripping, romantic dystopian that features a strong heroine who must fight the establishment of her seemingly perfect society.
The Maze Runner by James Dashner Book One of the Maze Runner TrilogySixteen-year-old Thomas wakes up with no memory in the middle of a maze and realizes he must work with the community in which he finds himself if he is to escape.
Why you'll like it: This science fiction dystopian series is suspenseful and compelling.
After Allison is forced to flee the city, she joins a band of humans who are seeking a legend -- a possible cure to the disease that killed off most of humankind and created the creatures threatening humans and vampires alike.
Why you'll like it: This supernatural infused dystopian features a strong heroine who has to fight to stay alive.
Legend by Marie Lu Book One of the Legend TrilogyIn a dark future, when North America has split into two warring nations, fifteen-year-olds Day, a famous criminal, and prodigy June, the brilliant soldier hired to capture him, discover that they have a common enemy.
Why you'll like it: This romantic sci-fi takes place in future North America and is filled with issues of war, politics, love and sacrifice.
When Aria is exiled from the enclosed city of Reverie, she forms an unlikely alliance with an Outsider named Perry, who could be her only chance of survival providing they can overcome their prejudices.
Why you'll like it: An action-packed romantic dsytopian series which follows the heroine who is forced into a new life as she discovers her strength, overcomes prejudice and falls in love.
Quarantine by Lex Thomas Book One of the Quarantine TrilogyWhen a virus deadly to adults infects their high school, brothers David and Will and the other students soon break into gangs that fight each other for survival and the hope of escaping their quarantine.
Why you'll like it: This violent, gruesome sci-fi has both suspense and romance.
Just before their sixteenth birthdays, when they will be transformed into beauties whose only job is to have a great time, Tally's best friend runs away and Tally must find her and turn her in, or never become pretty at all.
Why you'll like it: This dystopian sci-fi is suspenseful and compelling.
Blood Red Road by Moira Young Book One of the Dust Lands TrilogyIn a distant future, eighteen-year-old Lugh is kidnapped, and while his twin sister Saba and nine-year-old Emmi are trailing him across bleak Sandsea they are captured too, and taken to brutal Hopetown, where Saba is forced to be a cage fighter until new friends help plan an escape.
Why you'll like it: This sci-fi series is set on post-apocalyptic Earth where teens must struggle to survive their bleak world.
Check one out today! Enjoy the books! Enjoy the movie!