In the future there is no war. Humanity is divided up into factions, each serving others through knowledge, truth, selflessness, protection or peace. In this way man's natural war-like tendencies are addressed.
Tris does not fit into any faction, she is Divergent. Nevertheless she leaves the selflessness of her Abnegation faction and becomes a Dauntless - a fearless defender of the new order.
Man's lust for power and control will surface regardless, however. Tris uncovers plans for war. She must halt the conflict, save her family and find her place in the world.
Often violent and disturbing, the novel is concerned with becoming an individual, facing your fears and finding your place in the world - and there's a teenage romance too.