“Sometimes, the path you take doesn’t just change your future. It changes the world.”
Fans of Veronica Roth’s YA dystopian phenomenon, the Divergent series, are sure to be thrilled with her return to post-apocalyptic Chicago this fall. The first in a new duology, The Sixth Faction reworks this bestselling story from a different angle: How would Tris’s life—and the entire world around her—unfold if she chose a different path?
Just like in Divergent, 16-year-old Beatrice Prior faces the most important decision of her life. In a society where the population is separated into five distinct groups, each young adult must decide for themself which faction to spend the rest of their life with. Beatrice was raised in Abnegation, with principles of sharing, helping, and selflessness—principles she knows are good, yet she doesn’t truly feel at home there.
After taking the simulation that should reveal which faction is her match, Beatrice learns why she’s never felt like she fit in: She doesn’t fall into just one faction like she’s supposed to. She’s Divergent, different from those around her because she exhibits the traits of multiple factions. And Divergent is a dangerous thing to be in this world.
This news makes Beatrice’s decision all the more difficult. She doesn’t feel particularly drawn to Amity, known for their kindness, or Candor, known for their honesty; and the results of the simulation support this. But she does wonder how she may fit with the Erudite, who value knowledge and intelligence, or the thrilling prospect of Dauntless, protectors of the city. And, of course, there is always the option to remain with her family in Abnegation. So, Beatrice heads into the Choosing Ceremony uncertain of which faction to pick.
This all sounds pretty familiar, right? Then Roth turns everything we know about this world upside down.
The excitement of reading a retelling like The Sixth Faction lies in all the ways it parallels and diverges, if you will, from the original series. The story starts just like Divergent does, down to the details: Beatrice Prior in front of the reflection she’s only allowed to see four times each year, as her mother prepares to cut her hair. The premise holds the same basic thread, however within two pages the details already begin to spin off in a different direction.
Although she doesn’t choose to join Dauntless, Beatrice still evolves into Tris—but a different version of Tris. While she struggles with the same overarching question of who she is, and therefore what choices she should make for her life, there is a different air about her from the start. The storyline still feels authentic to her character, though. And it’s not just the fact that she makes different choices in this novel. The plot also unfolds in a different way, allowing her options that would never have existed in Divergent.
Roth also makes this story about more than just Tris. Whereas Divergent was told entirely from her point of view, not branching out until later in the series, The Sixth Faction begins alternating perspectives early on. Divided into six parts, the narration incorporates the perspectives of two other characters, which keeps the momentum driving forward. (Sorry, you’ll have to read to find out which two characters!)
It’s difficult to say too much more about the plot without completely spoiling the fun. However, here’s a hint: The title gives a big clue to the story ahead. And if you’re worried about whether or not Four will still be part of that story, don’t. Take a closer look at the cover. Roth does a great job of echoing pieces of Divergent across this alternate universe, calling up many of the memorable characters and scenes to play a role in this story, just in new ways.
Many readers were upset by the way Roth chose to end the original Divergent series, so they see this new duology as a chance to find a better ending. I’m not, however, one of those readers. Unhappy endings sometimes come with the territory in this genre, as they should. I’ve had a soft spot for dystopian fiction since reading Lois Lowry’s The Giver as a child and the world of the Divergent series—both past and in this new imagining—nails all the hallmarks you’d expect: a broken down society, opposing groups, power grabs, control of knowledge and communication, and more.
The Sixth Faction is intriguing from the start because the reader can’t wait to find out how Tris’s story will change in this alternate universe. It’s a fantastic premise. There’s also a clear evolution of Roth’s writing from the original; it has definitely grown, along with her readers. So, be prepared to suspend time when you pick this one up—you won’t be putting it back down until you turn the last pages, and those last pages will leave you in pure shock.
Stay tuned for the conclusion of this duology, The Last Testimony, set to release February 2, 2027!
The Sixth Faction is available from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Bookshop.org, and other good book retailers, like your local bookstore.
Will you be picking up The Sixth Faction? Tell us in the comments below!
Synopsis
The worldwide sensation as you’ve never seen it before. Step into a bold new Divergent series from #1 New York Times bestselling author Veronica Roth.
Beatrice Prior stands on the brink of a decision every person in her world must make: five factions, five futures, five lives.
She has a plan: she’s going to make the bravest choice and leave Abnegation to join Dauntless, even though it means abandoning her family.
But when tragedy strikes at her choosing ceremony, everything changes—her world, her plans, even Beatrice herself.
Her decision will thrust her into the crosshairs of an underground rebellion, where a boy with secrets as dangerous as her own—a boy with only a number for a name—may be the only person she can trust.
One choice will change everything.
