Bestselling 'Divergent' Author Announces Surprise Alternate Timeline Duology

Veronica Roth returns to the dystopian world of Tris with two new books set in a parallel universe.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 7:19pm

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A dramatic black silhouette of a young woman's profile against a bright red background, conveying the bold, high-stakes themes of the 'Divergent' series in a minimalist, conceptual style.Veronica Roth's return to the dystopian world of 'Divergent' promises a fresh narrative twist for devoted fans.NYC Today

Bestselling author Veronica Roth has announced she has written a new companion duology set in an alternate timeline of her popular 'Divergent' series. The new books will explore what would have happened if Tris had chosen a different faction, offering fans a fresh take on the dystopian world without being a prequel, sequel, or spinoff.

Why it matters

The 'Divergent' series was a major publishing and film phenomenon, cementing Roth as a leading voice in young adult dystopian fiction. Revisiting this world with a new narrative twist is an exciting prospect for fans eager to return to the familiar characters and settings, while also offering a unique storytelling opportunity for the author.

The details

Roth revealed the surprise news at the annual BookCon event in New York City on April 18, 2026. She described the new duology as 'not a prequel, not a sequel, not a spinoff, not a different POV but an alternate universe of 'Divergent' where Tris chooses a different faction.' The announcement comes 15 years after the original 'Divergent' novel was first published in 2011.

  • Veronica Roth announced the new 'Divergent' duology at BookCon on April 18, 2026.
  • The original 'Divergent' novel was published in 2011.

The players

Veronica Roth

The bestselling author of the 'Divergent' series, one of the most popular young adult dystopian franchises of the 2010s.

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What they’re saying

“Not a prequel, not a sequel, not a spinoff, not a different POV but an alternate universe of 'Divergent' where Tris chooses a different faction.”

— Veronica Roth, Author

The takeaway

Roth's decision to revisit the 'Divergent' world through an alternate timeline demonstrates her continued creative vision for the series and her commitment to providing fans with new ways to engage with the beloved characters and dystopian setting.