Veronica Roth has officially announced two fresh novels set in the Divergent universe, marking her first return to the franchise since the conclusion of the original trilogy in 2013. The author revealed the project during her appearance at BookCon in New York City on Saturday, May 18, 2024, describing the books as a companion duology set in an “alternate universe” where the protagonist Tris Prior makes a different life choice early in the story.
Speaking to attendees at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, Roth clarified that the new books are neither a prequel nor a sequel to the original series, but rather a reimagining that explores what might have happened if Tris had not chosen the Dauntless faction during her aptitude test. The announcement has reignited interest in the dystopian young adult series, which sold over 35 million copies worldwide and was adapted into a film franchise starring Shailene Woodley.
The author emphasized that while the new stories will feature familiar characters and settings, they will unfold in a divergent timeline that allows for fresh narrative possibilities. “It’s not about changing what happened before,” Roth said during her panel. “It’s about asking: what if one decision had gone another way? Who would these people become in a world that’s similar but not the same?”
Roth’s return to the Divergent world comes more than a decade after the release of Allegiant, the final book in the original trilogy, which was published in October 2013. The series, which began with Divergent in 2011, followed Tris Prior as she navigated a post-apocalyptic Chicago divided into five factions based on human virtues. The books were praised for their fast-paced plotting and exploration of identity, conformity, and rebellion, though the final installment received mixed reactions from fans due to its controversial ending.
According to Roth’s publisher, Katherine Tegen Books — an imprint of HarperCollins — the two new novels are currently in the final stages of editing and are scheduled for release in 2025. The first book is expected to launch in early 2025, with the second following later in the year. Exact titles and cover art have not yet been revealed, but Roth confirmed that the stories will be standalone companions that can be read independently of the original trilogy, though they will enrich the experience for returning readers.
What We Know About the Alternate Universe Premise
The core concept of the new duology hinges on a pivotal moment in the first Divergent novel: the Choosing Ceremony, where 16-year-olds select which faction they will devote their lives to — Abnegation (selflessness), Amity (peace), Candor (honesty), Dauntless (bravery), or Erudite (intelligence). In the original story, Tris, born into Abnegation, shocks everyone by choosing Dauntless, setting off the chain of events that defines the trilogy.
In the alternate universe explored in the new books, Tris makes a different selection — though Roth has not yet disclosed which faction she chooses instead. This single divergence, she explained, creates a ripple effect that alters character relationships, political dynamics, and the ultimate fate of the society. Fans have long speculated about how the story might have unfolded if Tris had remained in Abnegation, joined Erudite like her brother Caleb, or pursued another path entirely.
Roth noted that the alternate timeline allows her to revisit beloved characters such as Tobias “Four” Eaton, Christina, and Peter Hayes under new circumstances, while also introducing fresh perspectives. “Some characters who were minor in the original series secure to grab center stage,” she said. “Others we thought we knew reveal entirely different sides of themselves when placed in a different context.”
The author also emphasized that the new duology will maintain the same tone and thematic depth as the original series, addressing questions about autonomy, societal structure, and the cost of conformity — but through a lens shaped by different choices. “Divergent was always about what it means to be yourself in a world that wants to sort you into a box,” Roth explained. “These new books let me ask that question again, but from a different angle.”
Industry Reaction and Fan Response
The announcement at BookCon was met with enthusiastic applause and quickly trended across social media platforms. Within hours of Roth’s panel, the hashtag #DivergentUniverse began trending on X (formerly Twitter), with fans sharing theories, fan art, and nostalgic reflections on the series’ impact. BookCon organizers reported that Roth’s session was one of the most-attended events of the weekend, drawing a crowd that overflowed the designated hall.
Literary analysts noted that Roth’s return reflects a broader trend in young adult fiction, where established franchises are being revisited through alternate timelines, multiverse concepts, or companion narratives. Similar approaches have been seen in recent years with revisits to Harry Potter (via The Cursed Child and the Fantastic Beasts series), The Hunger Games (through The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes), and Twilight (with Midnight Sun).
“What Veronica Roth is doing isn’t just a cash grab — it’s a creative opportunity to explore the ‘what ifs’ that have lived in fan culture for years,” said Jenna Busch, a pop culture journalist and host of the Legends of the League podcast. “Fans have been debating Tris’s choices for over a decade. Now, Roth is giving them a canonical space to imagine those alternatives.”
Industry tracker Circana (formerly NPD BookScan) reported that the Divergent series has maintained steady backlist sales, averaging over 200,000 units annually in the United States alone since 2020. The resurgence in interest following the BookCon announcement has already led to a noticeable spike in online searches and retail interest, according to Google Trends data, which showed a 320% increase in searches for “Veronica Roth new book” in the 24 hours following her announcement.
Publishing Timeline and What’s Next
HarperCollins has confirmed that the two new Divergent novels will be released under the Katherine Tegen Books imprint, with no changes to the original creative team involved in the early editions. Roth will continue to work closely with her longtime editor, Michelle Frey, who has guided the author since the acquisition of Divergent in 2010.
While specific publication dates have not been locked in, industry sources suggest a spring 2025 launch for the first title, aligning with traditional young adult release cycles that favor early-year releases to capture school and library purchasing cycles. The second novel is expected to follow in fall 2025, allowing for sustained marketing momentum.
Roth has also indicated that she plans to embark on a limited book tour upon release, with potential stops in major U.S. Cities including Los Angeles, Chicago, and New York — though no official dates or venues have been announced. Virtual events and school outreach programs are also being considered as part of the promotional strategy.
For readers eager to stay updated, HarperCollins maintains an official author page for Veronica Roth on its website, where news about cover reveals, release dates, and pre-order links will be posted as they become available. The publisher’s social media channels — particularly its Instagram and X accounts under @HarperTeen — are expected to be primary sources for announcements.
As of now, there are no plans for additional film or television adaptations of the new duology, though Roth acknowledged in her BookCon Q&A that conversations with Lionsgate — the studio behind the original film series — remain ongoing. “Nothing is confirmed,” she said. “But I’m open to seeing where these stories could head, in whatever format feels right.”
The return to the Divergent universe offers both a nostalgic homecoming for longtime fans and an accessible entry point for new readers discovering the series for the first time. By framing the new books as an alternate universe tale, Roth invites audiences to reconsider not just what happened in the original story, but how identity, choice, and chance shape who we become.
For continuing updates on Veronica Roth’s new Divergent novels, including official release dates, cover art, and tour information, readers are encouraged to visit the author’s page on HarperCollins.com or follow @HarperTeen on social media.
If you’ve read the original Divergent series or are curious about this new chapter, we’d love to hear your thoughts. Share your theories, favorite moments, or hopes for the alternate universe in the comments below — and don’t forget to share this article with fellow fans who might have missed the announcement.