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Divergent Reading Order.

Quick Answer

Start with Divergent (2011), then Insurgent and Allegiant. The trilogy is one continuous story.

The complete reading order for the Divergent series by Veronica Roth. Below you'll find the authoritative guide on how to read the books in order, including publication dates and chronological timeline placements.

Where to start

Start with Divergent (2011), then Insurgent and Allegiant. The trilogy is one continuous story.

  • •Four is a collection of short stories told from Tobias's point of view, mostly set before and during Divergent. Read it after the trilogy so it doesn't spoil Allegiant.

Complete Series Reading Order

Publication Reading Order4 Titles

Why Publication Order?We recommend reading in Publication Order (default). This follows the author's release schedule, ensuring you experience plot twists, character growth, and world-building exactly as intended without spoilers.
Best Start Here
1

Divergent

Pub: 2011

‘Divergent’ is the first in a trilogy of dystopian, YA novels by Veronica Roth. The book is written from Beatrice Prior’s (Tris), point of view and is written in short chapters making it easy to put down and pick up again. The story is fast paced with full on action throughout. It contains elements of humour and romance, alongside some seriously brutal scenes, especially during Tris’s initiation. There is also quite a few though provoking moments. This was one of the first YA novels that I read and I found myself hooked right through to the very last word. The scenes are described in detail giving you a clear picture and making it easy to visualise the on goings in your head. Tris can be a little moody at times and doubts herself too much, but this only adds to her good nature, fun, determined and strong personality which we see blossom throughout The ending wasn’t what I expected, thus my need to get the second book, ‘Insurgent’, straight away. I Needed to know what happened next. I surprisingly found myself enjoying Divergent much more than I first thought I would, and thus my love of YA novels began. Divergent was made into a movie back in 2014. If you have seen the film but not read the book then you are missing out on vital aspects of the plot and characters, that didn’t appear in the film. I enjoyed the film, just not as much as the book.

2

Insurgent

Pub: 2012

Plot details hidden until you finish "Divergent".

One choice can transform you--or it can destroy you. But every choice has consequences, and as unrest surges in the factions all around her, Tris Prior must continue trying to save those she loves--and herself--while grappling with haunting questions of grief and forgiveness, identity and loyalty, politics and love. Tris's initiation day should have been marked by celebration and victory with her chosen faction; instead, the day ended with unspeakable horrors. War now looms as conflict between the factions and their ideologies grows. And in times of war, sides must be chosen, secrets will emerge, and choices will become even more irrevocable--and even more powerful. Transformed by her own decisions but also by haunting grief and guilt, radical new discoveries, and shifting relationships, Tris must fully embrace her Divergence, even if she does not know what she may lose by doing so. "New York Times" bestselling author Veronica Roth's much-anticipated second book of the dystopian "Divergent" series is another intoxicating thrill ride of a story, rich with hallmark twists, heartbreaks, romance, and powerful insights about human nature

3

Allegiant

Pub: 2013

Plot details hidden until you finish "Insurgent".

The faction-based society that Tris Prior once believed in is shattered -- fractured by violence and power struggles and scarred by loss and betrayal. So when offered a chance to explore the world past the limits she's known, Tris is ready. Perhaps beyond the fence, she and Tobias will find a simple new life together, free from complicated lies, tangled loyalties, and painful memories. But Tris's new reality is even more alarming than the one she left behind. Old discoveries are quickly rendered meaningless. Explosive new truths change the hearts of those she loves. And once again, Tris must battle to comprehend the complexities of human nature -- and of herself -- while facing impossible choices about courage, allegiance, sacrifice and love.

4

Four

Pub: 2014Optional

Plot details hidden until you finish "Allegiant".

This collection of stories follows Four, also known as Tobias Eaton. If you enjoyed the Divergent series, you will love reading the story you know and love in Tobias' view.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What order should I read Divergent in?

Start with Divergent (2011), then Insurgent and Allegiant. The trilogy is one continuous story.

How many books are in Divergent?

3 main books, published 2011–2013, plus 1 side story.

Can I read Divergent out of order?

It's best not to. The books build on each other, so reading out of order spoils earlier twists.

Which books in Divergent are prequels, novellas or side stories?

"Four". Each is placed in the reading order below.

Has Divergent been adapted for TV or film?

Films: Divergent (2014), Insurgent (2015) and Allegiant (2016). The planned final film was cancelled, so the movies never finish the story.