I wrote this post WAY back in 2012 when, after the movie came out, people were asking me for books like The Hunger Games and begging me to help them with their Hunger Games hangover.
And now with all the Hunger Games world prequels that are being published, I thought I’d add a few more books in addition to my original picks to this post to give you even MORE ideas of things to read if you are back on a dystopian kick with all this Hunger Games excitement.
I did take out some of my original Hunger Games readalikes from the original iteration of this post as I don’t think they held up quite as well all these years later BUT that just made some room for some new & fresh stories that I think Hunger Games fans will love.
But even after all these years later, I love this series so much and think the movies are just fantastic adaptations. I can’t get enough of it even all these years later and it definitely was one of the books, The Giver was the original for me as a kid, that made me fall in love with the dystopian genre.
I think this selection of books are perfect for fans of the series, YA dystopian lovers in general or anyone who just needs a good fast-paced book similar to The Hunger Games.
So whether you’ve just read the series, reread it a million times or even if you’ve never read it but LOVED the movies and are in need of a good read — I hope you find these suggestions helpful!
[Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links which means that if you click on a link and purchase something I’ve talked about or recommended, I’ll receive a very small percentage of the sale. Please see my disclosure policy for more info.
My Recommendations
The Grace Year by Kim Liggett
🔎 Read it if you are looking for:
👉 Katniss vibes
👉 a compelling & oppressive dystopian world
👉 being thrown into a fight for survival (less competition based)
👉 action
While not a series, The Grace Year was the book that got me excited about dystopian YA again in 2019 after almost a decade of feeling a bit burnt out most of the stuff that followed The Hunger Games craze.
It’s Hunger Games with a dose of, even though this book was out well before it, a Yellowjackets vibes with the whole girls gone feral left to fend for themselves and dictate their own survival in their isolated little community.
These girls are banished out of society in this very patriarchal dystopian world when they turn sixteen, for a year that is a very hush-hush affair when the ones who survive it come home, to rid themselves of their magic to become good little wives.
We find out alongside the girls what actually goes on during this Grace Year!
Legend by Marie Lu
🔎 Read it if you are looking for:
👉 a fast-paced YA dystopian set in a future U.S.
👉 a book heavier on the revolution/resistance and government oppression elements (think more Mockingjay of all the books)
👉 a thrilling cat and mouse game
This series is the first one I always told people to read next after they became obsessed with Hunger Games and I still stand by this recommendation all these years later.
It has been a proven hit in my experience with reluctant teen boy readers (all of my nephews DEVOURED it) and teen girls. Every adult I’ve recommended it to also enjoyed the ride of this war torn dystopian United States even though this firmly reads YA.
A bit of a cat and mouse game between the two main characters – one on the side of the revolution and one who is rising up in ranks in the Republic’s army – and the series as a whole does NOT disappoint.
If you enjoyed The Hunger Games series as it delved deeper into political intrigue and exploring the morally greyness and the psychological toll of rebellion/war then you might find this to be up your alley.
I also think this author’s book Warcross could also be a good pick too – more cyberpunk dystopian but there’s an element of a high stakes game but a virtual one!
You May Also Like: Check out this list of new YA book releases if you are looking for more new young adult books!
The Knife of Never Letting Go by Patrick Ness
🔎 Read it if you are looking for:
👉 a series that will drop you into an even darker and brutal dystopian/post-apocalyptic world
👉 a fast-paced read full of high stakes survival and on-the-run action
👉 more sci-fi elements than a traditional dystopian
Another brutal world with young teens having to act in violence and this one hits hard and is grittier and maybe even a bit darker in the fight for personal survival in a harsh world.
The world is brutal and well built if you are looking for something unique and immersed me the same way as THG.
Humans have destroyed Earth and are living in a New World where women are non-existent after being killed by virus and men can hear all the thoughts of everyone around them – even animals.
We follow a teen boy, brought up in this world, whose whole world is flipped on its head when he comes across two things he didn’t think existed: a place with total silence AND a teen girl.
This discovery leads him to flee, into a world he never knew existed, and into a fight for survival on the run.
The series develops further into a more larger scale fight against the oppressive regimes like The Hunger Games but this first book is more that personal survival story.
The Prison Healer by Lynette Noni
🔎 Read it if you are looking for:
👉 that deadly trial/competition element that made THG so exciting but with a little elemental magic
👉 fantastic romantic tension in the series amidst all the survival & political intrigue (especially if you liked the Katniss/Peeta/Gale dynamic)
👉 a completed trilogy that will be your new obsession
Okay so this one is NOT dystopian but it is one of my new favorite series and if you loved the deadly trial/competition element give this one a try and get swept up in this series.
At the end of book 1 you will be scrambling to get the second book in your hands for how everything unfolds and the rest of the trilogy develops into the larger world and political situation/fight.
It follows a 17 year old who has spent ten years of her life in a brutal death prison as a healer and, after receiving a note from the outside, gets thrust into trying to survive a set of deadly trials in the place of the recently captured & injured Rebel Queen.
Scythe by Neal Shusterman
🔎 Read it if you are looking for:
👉 a truly top-notch dystopian series
👉 society that looks like a utopia but underneath is very much not
👉 something thought-provoking
👉 a high stakes “competition” of sorts
Honestly this is one of my favorite dystopian series — might even love it more than The Hunger Games!
The world is compelling — humans have eradicated things like death, hunger, war, etc. but, in order to keep balance population-wise, a system of culling of people has become the job of people called Scythes.
It’s an elite role in society and the two teens we meet are chosen and forced to train as apprentice-Scythes. The stakes get higher when they are pitted against one another but also as they see the corruption that can and does lurk amongst the Scythes.
Unwind by Neal Shusterman
🔎 Read it if you are looking for:
👉 an even more harrowing & disturbing dystopian world with an oppressive government
👉 less romance
👉 something that dives into human rights, government control & morally grey dilemmas
Pre-dating The Hunger Games, though I read this after, this is for the people who don’t mind truly dark and chilling premises.
It’s set in a world where there was a second Civil War over reproductive rights. What comes out of this war is a law where a life is considered a life from conception until age 13 where, from ages 13 to 18, parents can choose to have their children “unwound” — a process that harvests their organs for others who need them and ensures life doesn’t ever technically end.
This story follows 3 teens whose parents have chosen that for them, for various reasons, and they decide to escape their fate.
Disturbing, right??
The Testing by Joelle Charbonneau
🔎 Read it if you are looking for:
👉 a really well-developed and interesting dystopian world
👉 a deadly and high stakes competition/trial element
👉 something action-packed and tense with a resourceful & strong female lead
This one, when it came out, was definitely touted as the next Hunger Games. While I don’t think it quite lived up to THAT level for me, I think it really stands wholly on its own, has a lot of similar vibes, was super engrossing and was everything I wanted when looking for something in that vein.
In this series, after a huge world war, the planet is pretty much a wasteland and society is trying to rebuild. Part of this rebuilding is helping to choose the future’s bright new leaders and the government has put together a rigorous and deadly set of tests for potential candidates who will, if they survive, then go to university. It’s literally get it right or die.
The main character has been picked to take part in The Testing and, as she tries to survive the trials and figure out who to trust, she’ll also uncover some darker secrets about the whole process.
The Jewel by Amy Ewing
🔎 Read it if you are looking for:
👉 dystopian world where people are divided by class
👉 less violence/physical battles than The Hunger Games
👉 something that is super addictive and easy to read
👉 more focus on romance
This one came out in the boom of romance-heavy dystopians that came came after the Hunger Games boom and it definitely feels very 2010s if I’m honest. However I found this series intriguing and satisfied some of that Hunger Games hangover I was having while being SUCH a different kind of dystopian world.
It deals with the kind of class issues reminiscent of that series but this one is more focused on the royalty and also is more of a Handmaid’s Tale, body autonomy kind of dystopian.
The more elite live in a very Capitol-esque world and girls are auctioned off to them as surrogates where they find, like our main character, there are so many secrets and dangerous political games to survive in their new life.
This series is absolute book crack — easy, addictive and page-turning. It’s not one that cracks the genre wide open into something new but it’s an interesting world and keeps you majorly burning through the pages.
An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir
🔎 Read it if you are looking for:
👉 a can’t-put-down series set in a fantasy world as brutal as THG
👉 a more militaristic oppressive regime
👉 strong rebellion/resistance plot a la Catching Fire/Mockingjay
👉 a deadly competition/trial element
👉 a strong female lead trying to protect her family at all costs
A brutal fantasy series with a more militaristic feel, a brutal “tournament” plus fantastic espionage, rebellion and romance.
If you are looking like a true dystopian readalike, this might not be it. But every time I recommend when people say they liked stuff like The Hunger Games it’s always a success!
You may also like: best YA books to read this Fall & Halloween
Three Dark Crowns by Kendare Blake
🔎 Read it if you are looking for:
👉 a fantasy with a deadly competition element
👉 political and royal intrigue
Okay this recommendation can go either way depending on what you are looking for so let’s chat first, ok?
This one is a fantasy series where triplets, all with their own powers, basically have to have their own Hunger Games to figure out who gets the crown.
The first book really sets up for that battle between them so it is a little more slow-burn and does a lot of the character development and all the political intrigue/maneuvering.
So if you are looking for the high stakes of the competition element right away, you WILL be disappointed. If you are okay with waiting, it will pay off for you overall in the series.
The Loop by Ben Oliver
🔎 Read it if you are looking for:
👉 a fast-paced, edge-of-your-seat dystopian thriller
👉 a more high tech, sci-fi dystopian world
👉 something that is like if THG, The Maze Runner and The Walking Dead had a baby
Okay so my recommendation comes from only reading the first book in this series so I have no idea how the series goes or how it holds up but I am SHOCKED this book didn’t get more traction. It came out in Spring 2020 so maybe it was just unfortunate timing? I don’t know.
Anyways, this fast-paced, thrilling ride reminded me of bits and pieces of other media (I literally could have named more than I did above) but not in a bad way.
In this world, we meet a kid living in an AI-controlled prison where he is awaiting his death sentence but prisoners can subject themselves to scientific experiments to delay their fate. But when rumors of war and chaos on the outside world hit the inmates, strange things begin happening in the prison and it becomes a fight for survival and escape to find out what’s going on out there.
Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi
🔎 Read it if you are looking for:
👉 dystopian but with superpowers
👉 MORE romance focus than The Hunger Games
👉 a fast-paced, action-y story of rebellion
I remember this was originally pitched as The Hunger Games meets X-Men and I still think that’s a pretty good description. That brutal & oppressive dystopian feel & world but with more superpowers.
I especially found it compelling how in both The Hunger Games both Juliette and Katniss are being used as weapons — but in different ways. Literally with Juliette’s superpower she is being used as one but with Katniss Snow tried to use her to keep people in line and she was constantly being used as a symbol (even if for a good reason in the rebellion).
P.S. If the writing throws you in the beginning just KNOW that it isn’t like that forever!!
5 to 1 by Holly Bodger
A very unique dystopian set in India where boys outnumber girls 5:1 and women are a precious commodity. Boys must go through tests in order to marry the girls. Interesting concept, lots of social commentary. Also a bonus if you are looking for books like the Hunger Games that AREN’T part of a series. If you read this list when I originally wrote it I had the Matched series on here and I think this is similar to that.
Like YA novels? Check out this list of 9 New-ish Paranormal Books To Read or these books for fans of Pretty Little Liars!
PIN FOR LATER
P.S. Looking for other great book to movie adaptations, check out this list of books becoming movies this year!
BookGeek says
Just bookmarked some of these books. GREAT list!
Tc says
You could read Ender’s Game before the movie comes out….
Gina says
yes! I was going to suggest Ender’s Game. GREAT dystopian novel, and I honestly doubt the movie will be able to compare. =\
Liz says
I was going to suggest Ender’s Game as well. Ender’s Shadow is also extremely good– it follows a different character.
Jody says
There is going to be an Ender’s Game movie? Do NOT toy with my emotions here. LOVE that book. As a fan of Ender’s Game you might consider reading the Nicholas Seafort series (Midshipman’s Hope is the 1st), by David Feintuch. They are both based on the Horatio Hornblower series originally written in 1937 (had to look it up:) by C.S. Forester; very good books. What can I say, I am a sucker for guy with integrity that has to overcome insane odds. Of note: The tv series about Horatio Hornblower is wonderfully worth the watch. For Real? About Ender’s Game?
Clary says
I was gonna say Mortal Instruments Shadowhunters
Jamie says
Thank you! Glad you found it helpful! 🙂
Forever Lost in Books says
Isn't it UNDER the Never Sky? Also, GIVER is great 😀 And Shatter Me 😀
Jamie says
Oops good catch! I should have reread the list when I was writing it up for my friend lol. YES..The Giver is one of my all time fave books. I read it about a billion times as a child.
Bess says
The Lois Lowry Giver, Gathering Blue, Messenger are my favorite books of all time next to HP and Hunger Games of course!
Amie says
Love all of these, Bess!!! Another good set is “Oryx and Crake” and “The Year of The Flood” (MaddAddam Trilogy, Margaret Atwood). Those are particularly good because they occur concurrently, so you can read them in any order, or at the same time… the last one hasn’t come out yet though. Another good (but relatively short) one is The Last Book in the Universe by Rodman Philbrick.
Melissa says
LOVE the MaddAdam Trilogy (well OK, anything by Margaret Atwood)…have we heard when the third is coming out yet?
This list is all right. I’ve read quite a few. Some I really enjoyed, some left me disappointed. Even for YA, some of the writing is too boring & easy, and the storyline isn’t intriguing enough to compensate. Maybe it’s just that I’m older.
Sara Lynette Thetford says
Jamie, I just finished one called Enclave by Aguirrre that I really liked a lot.
Sara (The Page Sage) says
I'm so glad The Maze Runner is on here! I would definitely add Starters by Lissa Price to this list!
bookluver says
I LOVED the Maze Runner, a friend of mine got me hooked, 🙂 and Starters was amazing too, I can’t wait till Enders comes out! 🙂
Christina Booktasty says
Good list! I agree they're good titles to point people to 😀
Kyle @ A Reader's Pensieve says
Birthmarked and Prized by Caragh M. O'Brien are great dystopians as well! I feel like they don't get the recognition (I think) they deserve. Great list! 🙂
cindi fox says
Totally agree! Birthmarked and Prized are awesome and keep getting left off the lists.
Kyle @ A Reader's Pensieve says
Birthmarked and Prized by Caragh M. O'Brien are also great dystopians that I have really enjoyed. Good list! 🙂
Anonymous says
You sound snobbish in everything you said. "I read them long before the movie"…and "I recommended Hunger Games many years ago". Bet your favorite phrase is " I told you so".
anonymous says
don’t be so jeally.
Becky C. says
Unecessary rudeness. Perhaps we should recommend a book on manners for you.
Anna Santore says
Great response. Hate it when people feel the need to ridicule others just to make themselves feel bigger. What a sad, small person.
ab says
Amen! Too much of that already in the world.
Appreciate the list. Thank you.
Rae says
Why do you feel the need to post that? So unnecessary. Such a great example you’re setting there, keep it up and see how far it gets you.
pj says
Huh? Why did you find it necessary to post your thought? I appreciate this list. If you don’t, then just exit and don’t come back.
SillieJilly says
I didn’t find her to be snobby at all, more like bubbly, cheerful and extremely thoughtful sharing her likes and passion for books with others. In MY opinion, you’re the snob!
Melissa says
Awesome list — so glad to see Unwind on there! Definitely one of the best dystopians I've ever read. I'd also add the Chemical Garden Trilogy (Wither, Fever and ?) by Lauren DeStefano. I'm halfway through the second one at the moment and it's soooooo good!
heather w says
so good im about 80% done with fever and i love them!
Emily says
Unwind is awesome! I devoured his other books too >< even better the skin jacker trilogy, epic. Just learned unwound is a trilogy, I read the second book in a day.. The third one is coming out YAY!
Anonymous says
There's always the Ender's Saga by Orson Scott Card.
Sarah Pope says
So glad you added this one to the list! I was sad to see it missing.
Rachel says
Yes!! The movie is coming out next March!
Sara Lynette Thetford says
Yea! I didn’t know there was a movie coming out. I need to get extra copies in the library because when a movie’s coming out the kids go crazy reading the book! Thanks for the information.
Amanda says
Completely agree… I ADORE the Ender’s saga. I had to read Ender’s Game in my college Science Fiction literature class and fell in love.. I had no idea I even liked that genre… now I’m addicted and loved The Hunger Games. I could read the series 5 more times and not be mad at all about it! Thanks for the list! Definitely will be checking it out!
Jamie says
Nah..more so I'm really excited that they are coming to me asking for books to read so I send them off with a pile of books to read 🙂
Jamie says
and honestly…I DID read them long ago…that's just a fact.
Christina T says
Great list! I hope your friends will try some of them out. It is fantastic that the Hunger Games movie inspires people to read the books and other great YA dystopian fiction. At my library we have adults clamoring for the books now and there are hundreds on the waiting list. I am even buying them in large print! I'll have to keep your suggestions in mind when patrons come asking for more.
Jamie says
That's so awesome!! I love that it is turning more people on to reading. I saw the same thing happen with Twilight. My sister, who NEVER read before then, started reading after we saw the first movie.
So far my friends read Legend off my list and they all have loved it so far! Here's to hoping they like some of the others!
brittany says
It was the same thing with my cousin she hated reading and i read twilight way before the movie was even thought about. When she saw the movie i told her i wasn’t going to tell her what happened in New Moon and she’d have to read the books to find out. Now she’s a book addict like me!! haha
Lisa [is Busy Nerding] says
This is SUCH a great idea. And YAY for mentioning The Knife of Never Letting Go! Hooray!
Sarah Pope says
I loved The Knife of Never Letting Go, too!
Kim Barney says
Manchee!!
Andrea says
Love this list & the suggestions from other people as well! I've read a few off the list & most were already on my TBR list, but I added the ones that weren't!
Thanks for this! = )
Daniel Martin says
How about The Roar by Emma Clayton?
Daniel Martin says
How about The Roar by Emma Clayton?
Anonymous says
FANTASTIC series. Omg.
Anonymous says
the long walk by stephen king -short story
Melissa says
Oh, that last comment just reminded me that my husband told me that Stephen King also has a story called The Running Man (?), which is apparently a more adult rendition of The Hunger Games. He says that the Hunger Games copied the King story, but made it more accessible for teens.
And, in response to Anonymous (the earlier one), there's nothing snobbish about having read a book long before it becomes "cool" — in fact, I always think it's pretty neat when something that you'd read ages ago all of a sudden goes viral. It means people are READING, and isn't that always a wonderful thing?!?
Kari says
The Running Man was a great read. SK wrote several books under a pen name and this was one of them.
It IS fun when your friends start reading something you read “long ago”. I read the Twilight series before it exploded and the Hunger Games series as well. Of course, as a 40 something… that isn’t much of an accomplishment eh?
happy reading
kari
Anonymous says
handmaids tale, orxy and crake both by Margaret Atwood
Jasmine Rose says
I suggested Divergent to someone though it was unsolicited 😛
The Sweet Life says
Good to know!!! I just downloaded and started divergent about an hour ago! :). Thanks for the recommendations!!!
Kasey says
LOVE that series!
Very similar to that too is the Skinned series by Robin Wasserman!
Anonymous says
The Uglies series by Scott Westerfield is a great series. It almost seems that Hunger Games could have followed this series in terms of the development of the Districts. I recommend it to anyone that LOVES the Hunger Games!
megan says
i love the uglies series, i read them when they first came out and thought the hunger games was very similar but different in the plot of course.
anonymous says
i agree they are awesome,,,I wouldn’t know which series I liked more…they are both so good:)
Megan Ann says
I read The Hunger Games years ago as well, and when I tried to tell my friends what it was about, they looked at me like I was crazy. Now it has become a huge thing and they have all read it.. All I can do is roll my eyes at them.
Thanks for the recommendations! I've been looking for something good to read recently, and this helps a lot!
heather w says
haha i was so one of those! when friends told me about it it just didnt seem like something i would be interested in. finally everyone was going all crazy and i just had to figure out what on earth made this series so crazy! and i of course was hooked!
Shannon says
The Adoration of Jenna Fox (first in a series). Seconding the Uglies series. Also the Gone series is so fabulous. And the Skinned series.
Anonymous says
This is what I was going ro recommend – The Uglies, The Pretties, and the Specials – I read before the Hunger Games, and loved both!!!
anonymous says
I recommend them too, they are awesome!!!
Christine says
I am looking up this Uglies series on amazon and there appears to be a fourth book in the series called The Extras. Have you read that and is it a continuation of the series?
GRPL Teens says
Extras is the fourth book in the series. Extras however has different protagonist and though characters from the first three novels are mentioned and make cameos they’re not the main focus.
Sarah says
Great List!
Also I read The Knife of Never Letting Go and loved it!
Granola Girl says
The Giver is now a series of 3…the other two are just as fabulous. Gathering Blue and Messenger are the other two.
Heather says
There is actually and fourth, and final, book in the “series”. I put that in quotes because they are only loosely related to one another and have different main characters. You can read all of them on their own just fine. The last one is called Son by Lois Lowry. Enjoyed your list!
Happy Go Lucky says
The Night Circus is incredible!
megan says
the night circus is amazing, i read it after water for elephant which i loved such a great story.
Anonymous says
Incarceron is another fantastic book that would fit this list.
Kelsey@TheLostBookReports says
I like how the person kept themselves Anonymous…
taradon says
Thanks for the great list! Added a bunch of these to my Goodreads lists.
Anonymous says
Wings by Aprilynne Pike is good!!
Magan @ Rather Be Reading says
Awesome list, Jamie! I'm about to tweet and facebook this because so many people are craving more like the Hunger Games. I've read quite a few of the books you included, and overall just really love dystopias. SO. GOOD. 🙂
Caitlin says
Matched is great – it reminded me a lot of The Giver. I think there is going to be a series; I don't know if the second book is out yet but I'll be excited to read it.
Jamie says
The second book actually came out in November and it's called Crossed! And I totally love The Giver. SO SO MUCH.
Jamie says
Thanks Magan!! Appreciated <3
Jamie says
Haven't yet read that one but another friend of mine really loves her books! Will have to check them out!
Jamie says
No problem! Hope you enjoy them! 🙂
Jamie says
I've heard amazing things about that book! Will need to read that one soon! Thanks for mentioning it!
Jamie says
I've had that book on my list since it came out and have YET to read it. I AM THE WORST. I've heard amazing things though. Should get to that sooner rather than later!
Jamie says
I had soo many people telling me how good it was and finally had to cave and go read it! Thanks for stopping by!
Jamie says
I've heard amazing things about Jenna Fox. I MUST get that from my library soon! Thanks for the recs! I'm finding so many new ones to read from all the comments!
Xanthe says
Thanks a bunch for the list. I work at a library and even though I love to read I can't read everything! These suggestions will help me.
🙂
Melony Healy says
Me too. I am a middle school librarian and have several of these series’ mentioned and am glad to have the suggestion of others to order. THANX!!!
Jamie says
Hahah that was the same reaction my friends gave me! "WHY would I want to read a book about teens killing themselves?" But now they are all like, "I don't know why I didn't listen to you forever ago!" I'm hoping that maybe they'll start asking me for more recs! 🙂
Xanthe says
Oh- I found this post via Pinterest
Jamie says
You know..I read Uglies like 4 or 5 years ago and just could NOT get into it. BUT I think it's also because I wasn't sure how much I liked YA fiction as an adult. lol. So I think I was being a little snobby about it. I think I'm going to give it another chance!!
Jamie says
No problem!! Hope you love it!! 🙂
Jamie says
Sara — I got Starters in the mail and reallyyy need to get to it! I've heard nothing but praise so far! Thanks for reminding me!
Jamie says
Thanks Christina! After having a few friends ask, I figured I might as well share the list for others who aren't so immersed in the book world as we bloggers can be! I remember how hard it was to find books similar to ones I liked before blogging and Goodreads (which was what introduced me to bloggers).
Jamie says
I haven't even heard of those! Will def be checking those out. I love reading books that are gems and deserve more recognition!
Jamie says
YES. I meant to put Wither on there! ONE OF MY FAVE SERIES EVER! Fever was so stinking good!!
Jamie says
I have yet to read that series and have heard nothing but amazing things!
Jamie says
Thanks Lisa!!
Jamie says
Thanks Andrea! I agree..I've been loving the recs from commenters! I've added a few books to my TBR list already!
Jamie says
I've never heard of that one! Will be going to check it out! Thanks for the rec!
Jamie says
I DO love me some Stephen! Thanks for the suggestion. I don't read enough short stories. I think the last book of short stories I read was from Ray Bradbury.
Jamie says
Hmm I'll have to check out The Running Man! You have piqued my interest for sure!
And thanks Melissa — I wasn't try to be snobbish at all (although I totally am when it comes to music and I try SO HARD not to be) but reading it just makes me so happy that something I love goes viral. And I've had a few friends even say, "Isn't that the book series you recommended a while ago to me?" But it's great because now they've been asking me for more! I'm always about sharing the book love!
Kelley says
Sorry, I know this is old, but I saw it on pinterest. The Running Man was one of the first movies I remember Arnold Schwarzenegger in….classic. I love this list by the way. I’ve added so many ‘to-read’s to my Goodreads list. Trying to decide where to start!
Jamie says
LOVE Margaret Atwood — her work and her as a person. Good suggestion!
Jamie says
No problem! I'm so jealous of your profession, btw! 😛 Hope this list helps supplement what you already recommend to people! Thanks for stopping by! 🙂
Jamie says
Oh Pinterest..how I love thee! <33
Jamie says
Have you read Robopocalypse? Also I'm curious as to what you thought about The Passage? I felt like it dragged on in the middle.
PS Your name rocks!
Genevieve Deits says
That was exactly what I was going to suggest. You should definetly read the Ender's Sage as well as any other series by Orson Scott Card, they are all amazing!
Anonymous says
Delirium series is excellent! The second book just came out. I may love them more than The Hunger Games…
Anonymous says
I just read The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer, pretty good, Tiger Curse Series was ok. I loved the Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater (sp?) So many good YA books out there now. Discovery of Witches was pretty good. I hate having to wait for the next book to come out…
Stephanie G. says
Lauren DeStafano is writing a dystopian triology. The first is called Wither, the second is called Fever, and third hasn't been released yet. I've only read the first, just started the second. They're no Hunger Games but they're an enjoyable read.
Anonymous says
The Running Man – read it for context, it was far ahead of its time.
The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater
Nice List – thank you
aspanoudis says
matched is really good. Good suggestion!
cLNrun says
Distopian adult read: Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro
Catkin says
This book creeped me out in a big way. It was excellent but I just kept thinking how real it seemed and how ‘nearly’ it could be! I loved it but hated it, if you get what I mean:)
Anonymous says
The Night Circus is just spedtacular, the imagery in it was amazing.
Anonymous says
snobbish never crossed my mind. the first book did come out a few years ago which i would describe as a long time ago.
Jamie says
HOW did I forget that one!? I just reviewed it last year! lol Thanks for suggesting that one!
Cass says
Girlfriend in a Coma by Douglas Coupland is worth reading (adult fiction), as well as Oryx and Crake by Margaret Atwood.
Anonymous says
The Wool Series by Hugh Howey (there are five, and they can be bought together in "The Wool Omnibus"). They're post-apocalyptic adolescent lit, and the number one on Kindle Fiction right now.
Life with a Van says
I'm a big fan of this series and couldn't help but do some comparisons when reading the hunger games trilogy.
Brandy says
These are great suggestions – I've read Delirium (and Pandemonium) and liked them both. I also saw that someone recommended Birthmarked – that's one of my favorites as well. I'd also like to suggest Poison Study (and Magic/Fire Study) to the list. They are really good!
Anonymous says
There's a new book by the name of Eleftheria that's VERY captivating. Definitely one you cant put down. And I hear the second one is in the works for next year. I say get this one first!
Eleftheria by Jade DeKelaita
Barnes and noble and amazon have it online.
Momma_S says
Not sure if anyone suggested it yet but Anthem ny Ayn Rand is another really good young adult book
Carly says
I would surely add Graceling by Kristen Cashore, and it's companion book Fire to this list… I'm a huge Hunger Games fan and I have specific loaner copies of the book that I give out to friends so they can read them… Doesn't it feel great to share amazing stories with other people?? 🙂
Carly says
Yep! Same here! I think Hunger Games is just one of those books where the story is really difficult to do justice to if you're trying to summarize it. But, the friends who DID take my advice and read the books certainly were glad they did. 🙂
Bree says
Glow by Amy Kathleen Ryan is the first in what I believe is supposed to be a trilogy (Sky Chasers), I really enjoyed it!
Anonymous says
What about the Mortal Instruments (1st of series is City of Bones)by Cassandra Clare? I could not stop reading them.
Kaela says
Definitely read Ender's Game, then go to Ender's Shadow and the other Shadow books and then read Speaker for the Dead, it's 2,000 years later so the story barely has anything to do with the characters in Ender's Game.
librarian4 says
Ember City by Jeanne DuPrau and the house of the scorpion by Nancy farmer
Ariane says
the last song by Nicholas Sparks and My sister's keeper by Jodi Picoult both amazing! I also did a blog post on my favorite books http://skyeslife.wordpress.com/2012/03/09/the-greatest-books-of-all-time-at-least-in-my-opinion/
The Brightly Colored Misfit says
That's not snobbish, it's just a fact. Book nerds often read things before they become mainstream, it doesn't mean we are trying to rub it in our friends faces.
Anonymous says
HUGE fan of Birthmarked! I would highly recommend it!
Lauren Michelle says
The Uglies Series by Scott Westerfeld is really good and YA dystopian. Thanks for the list!
Carolyn says
Thanks for this.
I would add this Young Adult Novel –
GLOW by Amy Kathleen Ryan
Anonymous says
Ugh I read all three. They're well enough written but…. I just didn't like them very much. Felt the need to see the series through, though, so that's something.
Anonymous says
Divergent is spectacular. I'm trying to lend it to as many people as I can to get the word out about it! Delirium…not one of my favorites. It was hard to get through.
the hollie rogue says
i read Delirium and loved it! thanks for sharing this great list.
Emily says
Great list! I would like to add one to the list.
Downburst by Katie Robison
It was published independently, so not a lot of people have heard of it, but it is a fantastic book. Also Young Adult fiction.
Keekee says
I second this!!! If I hadn't seen it in the comments I would have said something. Birthmarked was something random I picked up last summer and was bummed to find out I had to wait for the other books to come out. HAHAHA
Anonymous says
Life as We Know it has follow up books now C:
Erin says
The Tripod Trilogy series by John Christopher is also excellent. It was published in the 1980's, but it is a timeless story with tons of adventure. The three books are The White Mountains, The City Of Gold and Lead, and The Pool of Fire. I read them as a kid and then as an adult and appreciated them all the more.
Cheryl Sammons says
I remember those books well! I had forgotton who wrote them, but I remember vividly ‘the tripods’. Big brother was watching over us before Orwells “1984”. Thank you for sharing them and jarring my memory. I was in 7th grade when I read these. That would make it 1969. I was 12. Very good read!
Jenn Cartwright says
Yes! That was my first taste of a world gone awry. I read the first two in grade school and found the third as an adult helping my kids find books. I picked up all three and read them, thankful to finally finish the series!
Anonymous says
You should add "A Discovery of Witches" to that list!!! AMAZING read!! And the sequel is coming out in JUNE!!!!!!!
MaryAshlyn says
Scott Westerfield's "Uglies" trilogy is another great series I would recommend! The books are "Uglies," "Pretties," and "Specials." There is also a fourth book – "Extras" – that I wouldn't say is really a part of the trilogy but definitely continues the storyline. They're all great books, but easy reads!
Megan Brenner says
Consider checking out Violet Eyes (http://www.amazon.com/Violet-Eyes-Nicole-Luiken/dp/0743400771) I remember reading it in middle school and loving it.
M says
Not sure if you mentioned "The Daughter of Smoke and Bone" by Liam Taylor or "Cinder" by Marissa Meyer. Not so explicity dystopian fiction, but both a action packed page turners with strong female protaganists.
Great list! Thanks for sharing.
goose9902 says
The Forest of Hands and Teeth (first book of a YA trilogy). I highly recommend. Obviously not as good as Hunger Games, but it was a fun read!
The Petersons says
I love so many of these books, but I advice people to be careful indulging your Hunger Games hangover. Your brain will become a dystopian mess and you will have a hard time keeping all of the stories straight! 🙂
The Petersons says
It's so good! Did you know a sequel just came out?
Anonymous says
I didn't see anyone mention The Among the Hidden series by Margaret Peterson Haddix, aimed a little "younger" than Hunger Games but still good.
Anonymous says
there are those who like to stir the pot when doing so is unnecessary.
thank for all the recommendations. that's really what thi is about.
Anonymous says
ditto
apulliam says
The uglies series by Scott westerfield.
Lauren Bingham says
I cannot wait to delve into your list! I am always hungry for more delicious books. I heartily agree with the commenters recommending the Uglies series and anything that Orson Scott Card has written (my favorite is Enchantment). I will add Kristen Cashore's Graceling & Fire YA novels (took my breath away and I devour multiple books every week, so that is hard to do.) A great old post nuclear war America book is Alas, Babylon. Whee! Very real and intense. One last recommendation (once I get started…) is Diana Wynne Jones' Deep Secret. I love book lists by book lovers. Thank you!
Anonymous says
I think the problem with the Uglies series was that he took it in a way I didn't hope for. In all actuality, it wasn't a bad series. I just kept thinking, "NO. Not that!!!" and it frustrated me. The writing style is a simple one, but well-enough to keep me going.
Thank you for the suggestions in the list, and throughout comments! I have a nice selection of books to read!
Not a YA book, but great (and long!!) nonetheless, The Stand by Stephen King. A little bit more apocalyptic than dystopian, but still a favorite!
Anonymous says
Someone already said it, but the Uglies series is sooooo good, and the whole time I read Hunger Games I thought of those books. I can't wait to read some of these suggestions!
The Queen Vee says
I've read many of the books suggested. The Bartimeaus trilogy by Jonathan Stroud is an absolutely WELL written stand out dystopian read, almost too sophisticated to be classified YA. The end notes are what make his story.
Jenny says
I LOVED this series! The footnotes are hysterical…definitely a fantastic read.
Mandi Sue says
His Dark Materials by Phillip Pullman!
Anonymous says
I've only read the first Ender's Game novel but I highly recommend it. They're also releasing a movie adaptation in 2013 starring that kid from Hugo. I'm interested in seeing how it goes.
mommy long legs says
Ps. I'm sorry for all the typos. For some reason as I was typing (on my phone) it would auto correct and then the website froze every time I tried to backspace and edit. I really am literate and educated, although somewhat sleep deprived after staying up til 4 am to finish Hunger Games. 😉
mommy long legs says
I do agree. I think I need something To really lighten the mood before forging back into dystopian worlds. I'm thinking Tina Fey's Bossy Pants might do the trick. 😉
Kim says
I am in heaven with all of these suggestions! I have read most on your list but, there are several in these comments that I have never heard of. I am a fellow book nerd as well and I too have friends ask me often for recommendations. Isn't it wonderful when they tell you how much they liked the books you've suggested?
Not dystopian but, one that I have come across and really enjoyed is Inescapable (The premonition series) by Amy A Bartol. The 3rd book is being released next week.
Kim says
I love Divergent! I stumbled upon it the day it came out and I am rereading rigt now since the sequel comes out next month.
Tamie says
I didn't get through all the suggestions, so hopefully I'm not repeating; but "Posession" by Elana Johnson (came out this year) is a GREAT read and is a YA book —
Tamie says
seriously? "anonymous". Whose the snob by not being able to show who they really are? Step up to the plate, be a man and show yourself — you've apparently got something to hide.
Trent Ross says
BITCH Y U SO DUMB
Jenni Shaver says
Some days, I really like Pinterest… and some days I love it. Like today, it brought me to you. I am so excited to be a new follower of your blog. I am a reader and am constantly looking for new things to read. Thank you for sharing your reviews. I can’t wait to start this list.
Thanks, Jenni
Leana says
I read and LOVED Divergent (especially being born and raised and still living in Chicago)!!! The second book Insurgent comes out on May 1 and I can not wait!!!
Suzanne says
What did you think of the Gregor the Overlander series? I, too, am a “snob” and read Hunger Games a few years ago. I was hesitant to read HG because I did not like the Gregor series. I loved the Knife of never letting go series and I’m just finishing up The Maze Runner. I loved them both. Great website.
Annie Dunavan says
This is also a great list:
http://listverse.com/2008/03/12/top-12-dystopian-novels/
Would the book One Second After, be dystopian? It is definitely post – apocalyptic. I liked it.
lhmer says
I know a lot of people already mentioned the uglies trilogy by scott westerfield, but I just want to mention I read them back to back because they were so good…!!! I highly recommend them:)
An says
Not sure if anyone mentioned it, but The Chrysalids by John Wyndham is awesome – an old classic.
Lo says
Divergent is GREAT and will be a trilogy also (2nd one coming out in May!). AND the movie rights have been bought. YAY!!!
Jenna says
Thanks for the recommendations. I have already read Life As We Knew It and it’s sequels as well as Delirium and Pandemonium.
I am reading Feed by M.T. Anderson right now and it is quite an interesting read. It is a dystopian novel.
Rikelle says
Thanks so much for sharing this list. I have been desperate to escape in a new series!
Mommy Long Legs says
Apparently my original post didn’t post. But The Parable of the Sower by Octavia Butler is another book I loved. As I was reading hunger games, I often thought of Parable. The strong female protagonists were very similar and set in a dystopian society as well.
Michlle says
Thanks for sharing this list 🙂 I read Divergent and really liked it. Can’t wait for book 2!!! I will have to check out some of the others 🙂
Calpernia Honeyfletcher says
Those books were SO good. As toilet paper. And that’s just a FACT.
Jamie says
To each their own…that’s fine if you didn’t like them. Others did..so this list is for them. Feel free to share some recommendations of other dystopian novels you find better…
Katy says
The City of Ember series is also good. I loved The Giver when I was younger, and plan to check out quite a few of the ones mentioned above. Thanks!
Madelynkay says
Shatter me was INCREDIBLE. The writing was well done and very descriptive. Definitely worth reading.
FrenchAngel says
A series that I didn’t see mentioned is Tui Sutherland’s “Avatars” trilogy. The 3rd book can be hard to find, and they are a little younger than Hunger Games, but they are still quite good.
I’d also highly recommend Margaret Atwood’s “Handmaid’s Tale”, which I know someone did mention above.
Sandi says
Farenheit 451
K says
I second this comment! Fahrenheit 451 is my all time favorite novel.
KathieC says
I would recommend Oryx and Crake by Margaret Atwood. It’s not written for young adults but I don’t see any issue with it being read by that age group.
Gerald says
Eleftheria was a great read. I can’t believe it doesn’t have more readers. It seems to be inching its way into the b&n best sellers. i liked it.
Alyssa Binney says
I have read unwind and it a GREAT book.
Stacey says
I have read several of these and enjoyed UNWIND as well.
Sarah Pope says
Thanks for this list! I am always looking for good reads. Although I have read most of these, there are a few that I am totally going to jump on! Thanks again!
Whitney says
All great books!! You need to add a new book to your list Risen-By Britney Jensen! Such a great read.
Miriam says
Try Wool by Hugh Howey. It’s a series of 5 short stories (with more on the way) about a future (somewhat dystopian) society. Anything by Hugh Howey is great.
nicole says
the handmaid’s tale is super good. it is similar to hunger games in that it is set is what seems to the the not so distant future if things go weirdly wrong with the world. but a different take on it. good and more of an adult subject matter.
Corree says
Not sure anyone mentioned Battle Royal but it is a awesome read!
Michele says
I usually never comment on anything, however, I Love to read and am always looking for new authors. Here is my contribution to good reads….
The Mating (Law of the Lycans series) by Nicky Charles. I have found all of these books for free download. Nicky uses Canadian spelling in her novels. Writing is a hobby for her. If you can get past the difference in spelling specific words then you will LOVE this series. I could not put the books down.
The second series I recommend: Darkfever (Fever Series) by Karen Marie Moning. Another series I found for free and could not put it down. If you like long books, these are great. This author also has another series The Highlander Series. I have not read any of these books, however, if they are ANYTHING like the previous series I mentioned, I will be all over it.
Samantha says
Yes, the novel The Mating was spectacular. One of my favorites! I still have yet to read the other three in the Law of the Lycans series, but plan to.
Right now I am finishing up The Hunger Games (a little behind!). So good!
K says
So many good books suggested! Just a note on all of Karen Marie Moning’s books such as the dark fever books- they are excellent books but not meant to be young novels. Her highlander series is the same, great adult reads.
Another series that got me through high school was Madeline LeEngle’s Wrinkle in Time series and her books Ring of Endless Light and Arm of the Starfish! Great for any age. Not precisely dystopian, but such treasures!
I also loved the Bartimaeus Trilogy and the Mortal Instruments series was really well done!
Thanks for the list!!
Lexi says
I have to say, I was actually hugely disappointed in The Maze Runner trilogy. Especially the third book! It just felt like he was just throwing random things together… Anyone else?
Oh, and Uglies is AMAZING! When will that be a movie???
Lydia says
The Maze Runner series is really good! I’m sure that these will be made into a movie at some point
Emily says
This is a great list … I’m not really suffering a Hunger Games Hangover, but I’m constantly looking for new books to read. If you haven’t read it yet, I recommend “Always Coming Home” by Ursula K. LeGuin. Not a novel, but a lovely collection of stories from a culture which “might be going to have lived a long, long time from now in Northern California.”
Mariah says
Maybe check out some other Margaret Atwood books, such as Oryx & Crake and Year of the Flood (they have related characters/plots). Also, I really loved The Windup Girl by Paolo Bacigalupi. Happy Reading!
samantha says
Try califa’s daughter. Can’t remember. The author but another female protagonist in dysotopian world.
mistaya27 says
I stopped halfway thru Uglies. Maybe if I give it a break and pick it up again, it’ll grow on me, because I’ve read rave reviews about it.
But I’m really glad Divergent by Veronica Roth is on this list. This book is packed with action and suspense and is fast-paced (compared to Uglies). I was having a serious hangover from HG and this book satisfied my craving for more dystopia. I can’t wait for Insurgent coming out in May 2012!!!!!
r.y. storteboom says
So many good recommendations! I would add a one or three more. For the grown-ups the best two books I’ve read this past year were both dystopian: ASHES OF THE EARTH by Eliot Pattison and FAR NORTH by Marcel Theroux. For the YA fans among us Andrea White’s SURVIVING ANTARCTICA: REALITY TV 2083.
Kaitlyn says
I read Divergent and it is by far my FAVORITE book. The next one comes out May 1.
Jess says
Great list, thanks so much! I just placed several of them on hold at my library. Just finished Divergent – LOVED it – and have to second the recommendations for the Uglies series, Incarceron and The Giver. 🙂
Jess
Karen J. says
I also read the books before there was any talk of a movie. As I was reading them, I thought how great it would be if they could turn them into a movie (or series of movies, rather). Then, when I heard they were going to, I was SO PUMPED!!! (I don’t think it’s snobbish to say that you enjoyed something long before the hype. If NO ONE had read the books before, there would be no movie and no hype to speak of. It had to start somewhere.) I had also recommended them to family and friends back when I read them. Many of them know that I would only recommend something that really IS good, so they borrowed my copies and they all really enjoyed them as well. When the people who hadn’t read them after I recommended them (because they were too busy or just didn’t think it sounded like something they’d like) heard the movie was coming out and finally decided to read them, they too, really enjoyed them. It’s interesting that the hype around a movie like this can turn non-readers into readers, at least for a little while. Right now people are borrowing my copies of the trilogy and I even have people on a waiting list to read them. I just want them back so I can read them again.
I read the books over a year ago, and when I heard about the movie I decided that I wouldn’t reread them before it came out. I knew that if I did, I would be so critical of the differences between the two, that I wouldn’t be able to enjoy the movie. I think it was a good choice. I was able to remember enough about the book that I knew more of the background and what was going on, and I knew there were some differences, but I wasn’t as picky as I would have been otherwise. I feel they did a great job making the book into a movie, and I hope they can do the same with the next two books. :o)
I saw previous posts about Stephen King’s (writting as Richard Bachman) books The Long Walk and The Running Man. I read them a few years ago and really enjoyed both books. I also thought The Hunger Games was very similar to The Running Man, except that in The Running Man, the main character is an adult male. I liked how Suzanne Collins made Katniss the main character and hero in The Hunger Games.
Thank you for the recommendations of these other books like Divergent, The Maze Runner, The House of the Scorpion, and Matched . I’ve seen these on the shelf at the library and book store, but wasn’t quite sure about them. Now I will definitely have to pick them up, along with the others you suggested. Thanks!
Nicole says
I read MATCHED and it was GREAT – the second in the trilogy, CROSSED, unfortunately isn’t nearly as good and is definitely a ‘filler.’ Plus the ending of Crossed is unrealistic based on what the charectors had just gone through, but… Just my opinion! SHATTER ME is also really good and a very quick read.
Can any of you tell me if DIVERGENT is good? I read the sample from Amazon on my Kindle and thought it was a little odd… Slightly intriguing but not enough to make me want to buy it. Opinions?
cnbmom says
I agree with you about Crossed.
DIVERGENT, DIVERGENT, DIVERGENT!!!! I had to keep a notebook close by to keep up with who was in what faction!! Counting down the days before #2 comes out!! I am 41, and just starting reading for ME as a hobby about 3 years ago. All I read for the last 10-15 years was baby, and parenting books/magazines. Can’t believe that I am reading and enjoying these books.
Hal says
I will really need this! They say The Giver is a good “cure” book.
Aaron says
Suggestions:
Shades of Gray by Jasper Fforde- adult
The Giver by Lois Lowry- childrens
City of Ember by Jeanne DuPrau- childrens
Kylie says
The Uglies set is a great YA read. Uglies, Pretties, Specials, and Extras. It’s definitely in a similar thread as some of these other reads. Really awesome. One of my fav series. Also, for a more adult read, try Sharon Shinn’s Archangel Trilogy. The land of Samaria is fascinating. You don’t realize what’s truly going on until deeper into the novels.
Brimstada says
So glad that you mentioned Handmaids tale one of the best books ever. My one suggestion is the Ender series by Orson Scott Card, not exactly distopian, more science fiction, but enough distopia to get your fix and it’s hopefully going to be a movie soon ( they have been talking about making it a movie FOREVER )
Heather says
Wool by Hugh Howey!
Thewalnut says
I loved The Handmaid’s Tale and in fact I just reread it because I was in need of something a bit dystopian. I also love Atwood’s Oryx and Crake , and The Year of the Flood. One of my personal favorite however is Ender’s Game by Orson Scott Card. Good reading to all!
Christine says
YA books: Shiver trilogy and the Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater
Adult: Pure by Julianna Baggott–excellent!!
Stephanie says
I’ve also found The Passage by Justin Cronin to be a nice step-up for an adult read.
Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater was fantastic.
Alicen says
I really liked angelfall and Alice in deadland too…both are more post-apocalyptic novels really but I lovvvvve a bunch of these suggestions and wanted to share these that I haven’t seen yet…like I said, not dystopian but still good, both have yet to be published sequels i believe? Angelfall by Susan Ee and Alice in Deadland by Mainak Dhar
claire says
Yes! I love it. I’m looking forward to reading some of these. I would also totally recommend Downburst, by Katie Robison. I seriously could not put it down. It’s on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Downburst-Katie-Robison/dp/0985046511/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1334293137&sr=1-1
Emily says
And, Ally Condie’s MATCHED has its sequel CROSSED out!! I love these books!
Ally says
Great adult post-apocalypse book : In A Country of Last Things, Paul Auster
Meg says
This is a great list, especially with all the additional suggestions! Gathering Blue from the Giver trilogy was one of my favorites growing up!
Jordyn G says
i’ve already read a lot of these books…(:
Sadie says
Don’t forget The Uglies series! It’s a fantastic distopian series that I love
Michelle says
I have never posted to someone before but recognize a great reader when I see your post. I go back and forth to YA and adult fiction and can recommend The Giver, by Lois Lowry. then read the next two. Another series to enjoy is the City of Ember, followed by People of Sparks. Skip third book and read the finale fourth… Name escapes me. Always a joy to throw some re-read of Harry potter in. Then a total departure but good… The dark angel by John Leary. He is worth your time. Sincerely, a book lover
Beth Taylor says
I also loved th City of Ember series but didn’t like the 3rd book. Haven’t read the 4th but will do now that I’ve read your post. You must read Life as We Knew It (trilogy now, I do believe). I loved them!!! I will read The Giver next!
Michelle says
Just read all the posts, realize I should have done that first. Great list and will be following you. Thanks to all of you posting I have a greeaattt reading list. Great blog.
jeanette says
An good one that is post apocalyptic/dystopian/zombies is The Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan. I really enjoyed that. Matched is good, Divergent as well. The Chemical Garden series is definitely awesome in a creepy way. Just a question , though, why is it considered snobby if you read the books a long time ago? I go to the bookstore all the time and just pick stuff up I think looks cool. I ‘ve read most of the “popular” stuff waaaaaay before it’s popular, and don’t mean it to sound snotty. Some of us just spend a lot more time reading , and buying books. Maybe we’re weird, but hey, what can I say? 😉
Lindsay says
I’m not sure if anyone above mentioned it, but I loved The Passage, by Justin Cronin. The second book doesn’t come out until October, but I am already looking forward to it.
Dana says
LOVED Divergent!!! I can’t wait for the next one to come out. I’m in the middle of The Passage right now…it’s intriguing…I’m really enjoying it. Thanks for the list!
Rachael says
Check out Gate to Woman’s Country…it’s a great read
Elena says
I love The Hunger Games trilogy and I saw that Barnes & Nobles suggests Graceling by Kristin Cashore. Would you recommend that one?
Chelsea says
I bought Graceling because of the B&N suggestion and I really enjoyed it.
Jamie B @ merricontrari says
There’s a bajillion comments here, lol, so I didn’t check to see – but I’d add The Giver, Gathering Blue, and Messenger to this list (all by Lois Lowry), in the name of YA dystopia. I caught a glimpse of someone mentioning the Ender series as I scrolled, and I concur. Reading the Hunger Games put me in a mood to read A Wizard of Earthsea (again) by Ursula K Leguin, so I guess they’re connected in my subconsious. Haha.
Kim Bond says
I have read about half of these so I will read some of your other recommendations as well. Another one you should check out is Possession by Elana Johnson. I love it and it is similar to Matched and Delirium. Enjoy!
Meshele says
I also had the “hangover” and found a list of books to read at my local library. I picked Delirium by Lauren Oliver and became obsessed. I read it in less than a day (poor hubby an kids). I then found the sequel Pandemonium and read that with a couple of days. I cannot wait for Lauren Oliver to finish of the triology!
Jeanne says
WOOL is incredible. Get the omnibus edition which includes all 5 books!
Daniel says
Clockwork Orange
Kim Higgs says
Have you read the Tomorrow series? Australian books by John Marsden, beginning with Tomorrow, When the War Began. A group of kids go camping in Aussie bush. When they return, the country has been taken over by a hostile army and all their families are thrown into camps. Great story as they search for other survivors – I read them in my late 20’s and shared them with my 60 yr old dad who loved them too.
Maya says
I will second this suggestion – my FAVOURITE series of books. Could not put them down.
I really enjoyed the Wool series also.
I am SO glad I have found this blog, I cant wait to read so many of these suggestions. I have just filled a couple pages with titles already and only got halfway through the comments. Thank you for everyone’s recommendations.
Alison says
So many comments, so I am not sure if this book was already mentioned, but you need to read Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro. This book is beautiful.
amber says
I just read the “Uglies” series by Scott Westerfeld-that is the name of the first book in a series of four-they were VERY similar to the Hunger Games in that it depicts a dystopian society set in the future….VERY interesting and VERY hard to put down! I highly recommend them!
Kym says
The Passage by Justin Cronin.
Bailey says
DIVERGENT, I just read it. It was a very very easy read. It was great. Can’t wait for the second one.
anonymous says
don’t read the “matched” series. you end up hating the main character through the whole book and she never gets the picture. wasted hours of my life…
willm says
I read Unwind a few years ago when I was 15. It was very interesting and I couldn’t put it down! Defiantly something to get caught up in after HG.
Hanna says
What about Brave New World? Assigned reading when I was in high school. SO good!
Kay says
‘The City of Ember’ and ‘The People of Sparks’ are written for an audience younger than the Hunger Games…. but still provide lots to think about. (Just realized that there is another in the series but I haven’t read it.)
Erin Meier says
How about “Never Let Me Go” by Kazuo Ishiguro?
Mercedes "FireCraker" Luey says
I haven’t read any of these yet but “The Legend” is a really, really good book. Reminds me a lot of the Hunger Games. You should really add it! :3)
Allee says
Never Let Me Go
Kazuo Ishiguro
Colette says
I think that anything by Brandon Sanderson beats out the Hunger Games on my love list. My favorite is “Way of Kings” but The “Mistborn” Trilogy is good as well 🙂
Rebekah says
The House of Night series was one that I really enjoyed. It isn’t very alike to the hunger games books but it’s interesting.
YourMama says
Try Graceling and Fire…both by Kristin Cashore
Lex says
The Uglies was also a great series, if you like hunger games you’ll like it
k8 says
i didn’t get the chance to read all the comments but beautiful creatures is worth a mention for this genre
Allison says
Sundial by M. Pearsall and C. Fruzetti! If you liked Hunger Games, you’ll love Sundial!
Lauren says
“Oryx and Crake” and “The Year of the Flood” by Margaret Atwood are also excellent dystopic novels. She’s a fantastic writer.
“Boneshaker” by Cherie Priest is a fun steampunk novel. It has zombies and airships and it’s really cool. It’s part of her “Clockwork Century” series.
Also, The Abhorsen Trilogy by Garth Nix is a great read. Not really dystopic, but definitely under-read and underrated. Start with “Sabriel.”
Lastly, His Dark Materials by Philip Pullman is a great trilogy as well.
Cheers!
Bonnie says
Wither (Book 1 in the Chemical Garden Trilogy) by Lauren DeStefano is definately a must read if you loved The Hunger Games. You should totally add it to the list and read it, yourself. One of my most favoriate books, for sure.
kayla says
if you like hunger games and maze runner you should read incarceron!!!!!
paula says
I have read most of these and they are great! actually prefer most of them to the hunger games.
I would add anything by margaret peterson Haddix as well. INCREDIBLE author. I have read all of her books (she has over a dozen stand alone books and several series too) and I still can’t predict what’s going to happen next in any of them! she’s great!
Anonymous says
Ender’s Game!!! best book ever and great YA novel. Also the subsequent series following Bean…Shadow of the Giant, Shadow of the Hegemon,
BetsyAFS says
1Q84 by Haruki Murakami is more adult than YA – definitely leave you thinking. I think that I liked it, although it is very very different than anything I have read before. Huge hit in Japan.
Jackie says
A Great And Terrible Beauty series. =)
Hailey says
I’m SO glad Divergent is on here, such a great book.
The Mortal Instrument series should be added 🙂
Lex says
I decided to try Life as we know it, since a few people on here recommended it. I have to say I find it incredibly boring, however I’m only a third into it. I’m trying really hard to keep reading but it’s just not doing it for me.. I know some books are just boring til you get further in.
I did read Delirium and found it really boring too until about halfway through, and I loved the second book Pandemonium. I can’t believe I have to wait a year to find out what happens next.
Same thing kinda happened with The Uglies. Once you get past the first half it gets so good. The Uglies series is top notch. I love love loved it. The second book The Pretties is the best out of the three.
Emma Burger says
Blindness, by Jose Saramago, is a FANTASTIC read for adults (it’s not dystopian as much as magic realism/alternate reality, but if you like dystopian novels it will appeal to you!). The style is really difficult at first, because the only punctuation used is periods–no quotation marks, question marks, dashes, semicolons, etc. But you get used to it really quickly. If you pick up the book and are intimidated by this prose, I highly recommend getting it on audiobook. It isn’t horribly long, and after reading it it quickly became my favorite book.
Paige says
Oryx & Crake by Margarett Attwood was a great (non-YA) follow up… Great distopian read.
Lex says
I would just like to add to my previous comment about Life as We Knew it. I just finished, usually it takes me a couple days to finish a book. This book took nearly two weeks because it was so boring. I don’t wanna sound like a Debbie downer, but it was definitely not worth buying. The majority or the book was about canned goods an how they rationed it and chopping wood. Hardly any action, if the world was truly in that much chaos then people would be going mad and fighting and raiding and stealing more. Anyways I think I’ll try divergent next.
Allison says
You might want to check out Steve Erickson’s books. Some of them are tough to find since they’re out of print but well worth the hunt. In particular: ‘ arc d’x’ and ‘Our ecstatic days’.
Lex says
The cloud prophet trilogy by Megg Jensen
Not dystopian, more fantasy. About two warring peoples, one enslaved and the other rule over them. You can buy this on amazon I dont think you can find it in many stores.
Julie says
I really like the Uglies series by Scott Westerfield!
Danielle says
Hi, thanks for the list! I’m not sure if the book, “The Running Man” by Stephen King has been suggested to go along with the adult fiction list as well as the short story, “The Lottery” by Shirely Jackson. My husband suggested these reads and said that he’s pretty sure The Hunger Games series was inspired by the short story. I’m sure we could list off a few more but these are all the come to mind at the moment. Have a good one, fellow reader! 🙂
Chloe says
Water wars is also a good one
margaret says
Another great book I just read is Whither by Lauren Destefano, it comes as a trilogy… Its a a must!
Anon says
If I Stay and the sequel Where She Went by Gayle Forman are superb books, not dystopian but very real, emotional and well written
hilary says
The Chrysalids by John Wyndham is a fantastic book! I have wished they would make it into a movie although I have seen hints of its story in a lot of books and movies with similiar stories.
lmondon says
Graceling series by Kristin Cashore!! It is so good!
Also the books series Battle Royale is almost the exact same premise as the Hunger Games and written by a Japanese writer translated into English. It is supposed to be really good and also has a movie already made for it.
Jasmine says
Dang it, I’ve already read most of these. I do agree though.
Alison says
Matched is wonderful! Also, The Host by Stephenie Meyer reminds me of the hunger games and is one of my favorite books, but it’s nothing like Twilight for any twilight haters.
Christine says
Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo is another that you can add to this list, it only came out last week so not a lot of people know about it yet, but it was a good read, fast and different.
Michelle says
So glad to see The Knife of Never Letting Go on one of these sorts of lists! I’ve been recommending that trilogy to everyone that would listen since the first book came out! Incredible series, Patrick Ness is wonderful!
Julie says
Matched is excellent! Can’t wait for the final installment this fall!
SggurcsYeleak says
I’m glad to see that Battle Royale, Unwind, and The Handmaid’s Tale made it onto this list!
Lily says
Shout-out to Ship Breaker, as well. I loved it!
Lily says
Sorry, by Paolo Bacigalupi!
Alexa @ Alexa Loves Books says
I’ve got to say – I am LOVING the suggestions you have up there. I’m in complete agreement with your suggestions of Divergent and Incarnate. Both would make sense as a read that might help fill the new void THG creates.
Emilie says
matched is SOOOO GOOD. when i came to this page i looked for it cause i knew it was so great for this. but better. i love it. its actually a series, and the thrid and final book is coming out in november. ALL WILL BE SORTED
heaven says
twilight
celtics4eva says
I will go ahead and admit that Divergent is just as good, possibly better than the hunger games!
90sbornreader says
The Mortal Instruments series is a great series as well! Has a lot of action and romance, but also a fantastical side to it like Harry Potter. It is an amazing series that doesn’t take long to read, but you won’t want to stop reading it like The Hunger Games!
This is a great post and now I have so many books that I’m going to read!
Shaye says
I’m very late to the book party, but wanted to thank you for providing a list for all the new Hunger Games fans. As a former librarian, I happen to love Young Adult literature even though lately I’ve been creeping into more adult fiction when I find something engaging enough. In Young Adult I also recently enjoyed Angelfall (Penryn & the End of Days, Book 1) by Susan Ee. What’s especially intriguing is that it’s her first novel and she has no publicity team since she self-published it. I continued to hear great things about it, so I grabbed it up last month. Now I’m on her list to hear when Book 2 comes out. For book 2 (and on) she has a publisher who will be working PR for her. 🙂
In adult fiction I’m (finally) enjoying the Outlander series by Diana Gabaldon. I was overwhelmed to find almost every book was 1,000 pages, but it reads so quickly. Now I’m looking forward to the release of book 8 next fall (and also want to read the Lord John Grey series that is connected to the Outlander series). YAY! I have four young children and we homeschool, so I always try to squeeze good books in the little nooks and crannies of my day.
Thanks, again!
Alina says
I love the house of night series by P.C. Cast & Kirstin Cast, really good books!
Joann says
If you haven’t read The Giver by Lois Lowry, it can give you a lot to think about.
Kayla says
I would add Graceling, along with Fire and Bitterblue, by Kristen Cashore. And especially Graceling. They’re great books.
Courtney says
The mortal instrument series and the infernal devices series by Cassandra Clare are also really good to help cut the “hunger” pains!
AprilDC says
Sorry, I didn’t read all the posts, but I read about halfway down and didn’t see these mentioned… I highly recommend The Secret Under My Skin. Also: Compound was enjoyed by my son; the Susan Beth Pfeffer series has two additional books, The Dead and the Gone and This World We Live In, both excellent; The Roar has a sequel, The Whisper; another book about teens forced into a reality-to-the-death show is Surviving Antarctica; the Dark Life series is dystopia under the ocean; The Bar Code Tatoo and The Bar Code Rebellion; for zombie lovers there are the Rot and Ruin series and (my recommendation) The Forest of Hands and Teeth and its sequel, The Dead Tossed Waves;…. I could go on. You originally asked about adult dystopian fiction. I highly recommend Beauty, by Sheri S. Tepper. It combines my two loves in literature, dystopian settings and fairy tales. As in, what would happen if all those fairy tale princesses were real, and their time traveling descendant/ancestor (time travel makes that possible) tried to help them with their screwed up lives? Sounds a little silly, but trust me, it is an absolutely stunning book. Hope some of these recommendations were helpful. 🙂
AprilDC says
Sorry, a few more things: I recommended several books earlier. In no way am I saying that these are “as good as” The Hunger Games trilogy. They are just more titles in the genre that readers might like. Some are better than others. When I first started reading dystopian fiction, I read everything I could find, as it was a lot more rare then. Also, another adult dystopian book I recommend is The Gate to Women’s Country by S. Tepper. A review of yours made me think of it.
Binky says
This was so helpful! Not that I don’t already have enough books to read but hey. I just downloaded samples for nearly everything mentioned and added them to my Amazon wishlist. The only ones I knew of were Delirium, Unwind (read and loved both), Divergent, Uglies, and Gone. I have all of these series waiting for me along with The Declaration by Gemma Malley which I don’t think has been mentioned, and The Host, Marked and The Passage which I didn’t realise were similar. I must say though there is a lot of repetition which was annoying but good to have people back up the books already mentioned I guess. Oh and I love Pinterest too as that’s how I found this 🙂
Liz says
Just started reading “Matched” by Ally Condie. Another dystopian novel – the first book of a young adult trilogy. So far so good!
Thank you for all of the suggestions!
amy says
matched is awful. you end up hating the main character through the whole book. giver and unwind are great. so is ‘when she woke’ by hilary jordan.
Angela says
In the YA category, you’re missing the Giver series by Lois Lowry (though really, I think she’s a children’s author?). There are three and they’re fantastic, though each one centers around a different character, instead of being a continuation. Along the same vein are Jeanne DuPrau’s Books of Ember. I thought they were pretty awesome. My nine year old niece says the movie, The City of Ember wasn’t that great, but I have yet to get her to read the books.
In the adult category, dystopian and post-apocalyptic are some of my favorite sub genres!
Robert R. McCammon – Swan Song (this is my FAVORITE book of all time!)
Stephen King – The Stand
Ursula K. Le Guin – The Lathe of Heaven (read this years ago, and it makes a bit more sense on the second read. Also, it’s more science fiction than dystopian, but I lumped it in since it’s got a different take on history and how things turned out in our world)
David Brin – The Postman (Yes, as in the Kevin Costner movie. Like most other book/movie titles, the book is a billion times better!)
E.E. Knight – The Vampire Earth series (if you want something different, this is a pretty good choice. Knight’s writing took some getting used to for me, as he does a lot of “background” before he starts the novel, and if I recall correctly, some chapters have a bit of background as well. But, I liked these quite a bit.)
That’s all I can think of right now.
Amber @ Pooch & Puddy says
Not sure if it’s been suggested (So many responses!) but if you’re still looking for more YA dystopias, try the Storm Thief by… Er, crud, I have it packed. Christopher Wood, Wooding, Woods? Something like that. I think.
It’s a good little book. I wish he’d written more!
Cara says
I’ve been reading the Gone series for years and they’re amazing!!
The Mortal Instruments series by Cassandra Clare are really good as well.
Kate says
Ita not dystopian at all but if you like young adult fantasy fiction perhaps try The Rose Legends by Kate Brown. Book 1 is currently the only one available but I’ve heard rumors that book 2 will be out some time next year.
Kimi Who says
I can’t wait to look into these. I found a similar list several months back that I got wonderful results from. Check out a book called “Exceptional” by Jess Petosa. It’s only 200 pages, but I really enjoyed it and it’s got a very similar THG quality about it.
Rebecca C says
Check out Shades of Gray (no, not that one!) by Jasper Fforde! One of my favorite newer dystopias about a world that is separated by caste determined by what colors you can see. Sounds strange, I know, but it is fantastic! Typical, witty Fforde!
Lauren says
If you are looking for good adult fiction books, the sword of truth series by terry goodkind are fantastic! They are more sci fi byt they definitely have some dystopia based plots about it as well
Claudette says
this is a great list 🙂 i also like
Bumped (McCafferty) – YA
Battlefield Earth (of course! Hubbard) – adult
The Unidentified (Mariz) – YA
Outside (Boland) – YA
Jenebra says
Thank you so much for these suggestions! I am currently reading the “Matched” series per your recommendation and LOVE it. You’ve saved my reading life. THANK YOU!!!
Natalie says
I just read Cinder a couple of days ago and it was really good! It’s more of a futuristic style with there being “Lunars” living on the moon and cyborgs, but it isn’t really science-fictiony, in my opinion. It’s just an updated version of Cinderella (obviously). The next one will be involving Red Riding Hood, as well. Looking forward to it.
I remember reading The Uglies series and having to wait for the next ones to come out. They were fantastic and definitely deserve to be on the list. I didn’t commit to reading THG until the movies, but I can say that once The Uglies movie comes out – it’ll be the same thing… just like any other book > movie.
Other good ones I’ve been reading and some I haven’t read, but are on my list:
Insurgent – the sequel to Divergent
Tortured – another in the “Birthmarked” series
Across the Universe & it’s sequel A Million Suns
The sequels to The Maze Runner
*** I would suggest going to goodreads.com because they give lists of the new dystopian books coming out this year as well as just good ones in general. The lists are pretty long, too. It’s where I’ve gotten all my new book reads from.
Nikki says
Awesome blog! Just found it via Pinterest.
I’d recommend Feed by M.T. Anderson for a YA dystopian option and adult fiction I’d recommend Looking Backward by Edward Bellamy, Herland by Charlotte Perkins Gilman, and News from Nowhere by William Morris as some utopian/dystopian options!
Laken says
I have been using this book as a cure for my Hunger Games Hangover. I have to say that Divergent and its sequel Insurgent were devoured in two days! I am upset to have to wait a whole year for the third book, though. I would also suggest reading The City of Ember and its sequel books. (There are a total of four.) I transitioned straight to these books from Divergent and fell in LOVE with them! Thanks for the list posted. It is a great jumping off point for future reads.
Michele says
Matched reminded me much of the hunger games. It was a good book. It is also good for spurring political conversations with the students!
TamTam says
I would add Janine Spendlove’s War of the Seasons series to this list, the first two books are currently available.
Book One: the human http://www.amazon.com/War-Seasons-Human-Janine-Spendlove/dp/0983656703/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1342997856&sr=8-1&keywords=janine+spendlove
Book Two: the half-blood http://www.amazon.com/War-Seasons-Book-Two-Half-blood/dp/0983656746/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1342997856&sr=8-3&keywords=janine+spendlove
April says
Great list and even more in the comments to check out. I don’t have the time to read all the comments, so I hope I’m not repeating, but I also thought Shipbreaker by Pasco Bacigalupi had a similar tone and mood to Hunger Games. I’ve recommended it to several high school students having HG withdrawals. A few cuss words so consider the audience when recommending it.
Thanks for all the suggestions!
Dawn says
I’m on the third book of The Maze Runner series and I love them! I would recommend them to anyone!
Morgan says
Thanks for the list! I started the Gone series when it first came out and just finished up The Maze Runner trilogy. I just checked out The Knife of Never Letting Go and can’t wait to start it!
Audrey says
I’m gonna give an extra shout-out for Divergent. I can’t wait til the next books come out; I thought it was (dare I say it aloud) BETTER than Hunger Games! Of course, that’s just my humble opinion!
Susanne H says
Susan Beth Pfeffer …Life As We Knew It,
The World we Live In,
& The Dead & The Gone
I can’t wait for the next one!
sabrina says
good list iv read divergent and enclave!both great!divergent is alot like the setting of the hunger games but the main character in enclave is more like katniss . they bith have very strong female characters though.the celestra serise by addison moore is also good.hush hush by becca fitzpatrick is another good one.switched by amanda hocking is also good.the adoration of jena fox by mary e pearson, a beautiful dark by jocelyn davies, a dark divine by bree despain. and if your into the romance thing the statistical probability of love at first sight by jennifer e smith ,th eforest of hands and teath by carrie ryan beautiful creaturs is also going to be a movie
Christine says
Great list. i will have to check these out. I haven’t read a novel in about 10 years. I just read the Hunger Games trilogy three times in the past month. I loved it. Just watched the movie released today for the first time and I felt so much was missing. I didn’t feel the passion the books brought. I am trying to decide what to read next. Insurgent series or The Uglies series. I would love some suggestions.
Victoria says
Christine,
The Uglies series is amazing and I highly recommend them. Similar to The Hunger Games in ways. Definitely a good transition.
Ashleigh says
Ally Condie’s Matched series is fantastic. I’m very excited for Reached to come out.
Tyler-Rose says
I’ve read a few of those… and have a few on my shelf 🙂 Just haven’t gotten round to reading them yet!
Jen says
Into the Forest by Jean Hegland. … If you’ve wandered this far down the page and are still looking for something
Jen says
Also…Life of Pi
Krazzyme says
BLOOD RED ROAD <3!!
Rinn says
Also, if you’re looking for books about the series (but not visual companion sort of things), I just recently reviewed a title called ‘The Girl Who Was On Fire’, which is a series of essays on the books contributed by various authors. It was a very thought provoking read, my review is up now =) I’d definitely recommend it if you want some more HG!
Rinn
Darla says
Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas
sara says
Have any of you tried The Wind on Fire trilogy? The Wind Singer, Slaves of the Mastery,Firestone, by William Nicholson . Brilliant, as are the Dark Materials trilogy by PhilipPullman .
Kaitlin Michelle says
Found this list on Pinterest. Subscribing to your blog. I like your style! This list looks great to me. Have you read the Uglies series by Scott Westerfield. It is a dystopian series with 4 books total. I liked it a lot. I think you might dig it.
Caity says
All of Margaret Atwood’s books are great reads, I would recommend them to anyone who is looking for more adult themes.
Kenni says
City of Bones(The Mortal Instruments) and Clockwork Angel (The Infernal Devices) are AMAZING books by Cassandra Clare! The Selection is a AWESOME book by Kiera Cass… she also wrote The Siren which is also a really good book.
Andrea says
The Leftovers
Lezlee says
Wow, thank you for this list!! I’ve bookmarked your page as well as printing out your list! I am reading Unwind right now and it’s an excellent read. I didn’t know what this genre was called before coming across your site. Thank you again!!
Rebecca says
I LOVE this list!! And Ender’s Game is a fantastic read as well! I do have to admit that The Maze Runner trilogy plus the prequel (which I just finished; so 4 books total) also gave me a hangover!! Left me wanting more! I said the same thing at the end of both series (Hunger Games and Maze Runner) Why are there only 3 books 😉
Shelbee says
The passage by Justin Cronin is an amazing book! It’s adult fiction apocalyptic type
Carrie says
Pure by Julianna Baggot is an adult dystopian…very good although it is very brutal (not YA at all!) and reminded me in parts of the hunger games.
Amber Jones says
I just came across your list through Pinterest; wonderful stuff on here! I would like to suggest Ayn Rand’s Anthem if no one else has. It’s a quick-reading dystopian novel that I loved. Atlas Shrugged is also really great. Thanks for the suggestions; I will be checking a few of these out.
Christine says
This is a great list and I will be checking the ones I haven’t read out at the book store. I scanned some of the comments and I noticed the Giver, which is a great book. I would also like to recommend The Chrysalids and The Uglies, The Pretties and the Specials trilogy (those are the titles of all 3 books).
Beth says
I’m not gonna read through all the comments, so I apologize if this is redundant, but “The Passage” and “The Twelve” by Justin Cronin are two awesome adult dystopian books. Be prepared, though…they are part of a trilogy and the last book, “City of Mirrors” is not out until 2014.
Also, another classic adult dystopian novel (since Stephen King was brought up) is “The Stand.” I am reading it now for the first time and it’s awesome.
Lucia says
How about “Fahrenheit 451”? Great dystopian. I had some others…. maybe they’ll come back.
Oh! “The Messenger”!
FYI, for those who read the Matched trilogy, you will find that the Delirium one is very similar.. it really didn’t catch my attention after the first one.
vanessa says
a series I read around the same time as The Hunger Games series is the Uglies series. Equally as amazing! Also set in the future…
Morgan says
Battle Royale by Takami is basically where all of Hunger Games storyline was taken from. I can’t believe it didn’t make your 15 book list. You should read it and see what you think. It is just Japanese teens that are taken to an island and forced to kill each other with random weapons in a fight to the finish. It is more vulgar and also more graphic because you get to know every character and you read about every death. I can’t wait to read some of the 15 books though.
Morgan
Savannah says
great list! another book i highly reccommend is The Odds by Amy Kinzer 🙂
Nicole says
Not sure if it was mentioned, but the Wool Omnibus edition is fantasic!!
Mary says
I found your page on Pinterest a few months ago, and I just wanted to say thank you! Most of my life I didn’t think I enjoyed reading. Truth is, I just didn’t read the right books. I started with Divergent from your recommendation and LOVED it! I have almost finished all of the others on this list, and I have enjoyed all of them. Excellent list! I am now the type of person who can read a book in a day. Thanks again!
rosIe says
hey. you have got to read Oryx and Crake and The Year of the Flood, both by Margaret Atwood. They’re soooo good. Also try Never Let Me Go by The Passage by JustIn CronIn, The City and the CIty by China MIevIlle, EInsteIn’s Dreams by Alan LIghtman, The Host by StephenIe Meyer, and sooo many more. YA Is awesome, but you know, there’re tons of “grown-up” dystopIan books out there. Just have to fInd them. happy readIng
kori says
As far as a dystopian/post-apocalyptic novel that I didn’t see mentioned in the comments (I can’t really differentiate between the two types), I’d suggest Super Sad True Love Story by Gary Shteyngart. I just finished it and it was quite good. It was written in a very interesting manner. It’s been compared to 1984, as being a more modern version of it. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Also, Reddit.com has a great search feature that you can use to search for a topic like “dystopian novels”. What’s great about the site is that you’ll get a lot of results of discussion posts and you can read comments about the books to know whether or not you’d like to read them!
Kate says
The Enemy (book 1 of trilogy) by Charlie Higson is good also.
Ninja lord says
The Tapestry series by Henry H. Neff is a good one too.
Ashley Allman says
Makai Queen is a new YA fiction that is a crowd pleaser!
Carol O. says
Hey, I did not see Kristin Simmons mentioned: Article 5 is her book and it is really good! YA fiction and Dystopian and definitely a good read. There is another book in this series now, but I have not read it, yet. Good author, good book.
Nicole says
Another great book series is the Maddaddam Trilogy by Margaret Atwood! The last book is coming out in September (I think). The first two books, Oryx and Crake, and Year of the Flood are amazing! If you loved Hunger Games, you will love this series!
Ash says
Another great dystopian adult fiction book is Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury. In my English 101 class we focused on dystopian fiction and read that book as well as 1984 and Brave New World. All are great books.
Francie says
Here are many of the suggestions listed:
– Divergent by Veronica Roth
– Legend by Marie Lu
– The Knife of Never Letting Go by Patrick Ness
– The Maze Runner (Maze Runner Trilogy, Book 1) by James Dashner
– Unwind by Neal Shusterman
– Goneby Michael Grant
– Blood Red Road (Dustlands, Book 1) by Moira Young
– The House of the Scorpion by Nancy Farmer
– Life As We Knew Itby Susan Beth Pfeffer
– Delirium by Lauren Oliver
– Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi
– Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi
– Matched by Ally Condie
– Enclave by Ann Aguirre
– Incarnate by Jodi Meadows
Ender’s Game
Ender’s Shadow is also extremely good– it follows a different character.
Ender’s Saga by Orson Scott Card.
Definitely read Ender’s Game, then go to Ender’s Shadow and the other Shadow books and then read Speaker for the Dead, it’s 2,000 years later so the story barely has anything to do with the characters in Ender’s Game.
As a fan of Ender’s Game you might consider reading the Nicholas Seafort series (Midshipman’s Hope is the 1st), by David Feintuch. They are both based on the Horatio Hornblower series originally written in 1937 (had to look it up:) by C.S. Forester; very good books.
THE GIVER
Shatter Me
Maddaddam Trilogy by Margaret Atwood! The last book is coming out in September (I think). The first two books, Oryx and Crake, and Year of the Flood are amazing! If you loved Hunger Games, you will love this series!
If you are looking for adult fiction books: read The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood,
The Road by Cormac McCarthy (post apocalyptic),
Battle Royale by Kouhun Takami,
The Roar by Emma Clayton?
Stephen King also has a story called The Running Man (?), which is apparently a more adult rendition of The Hunger Games.The Running Man was a great read. SK wrote several books under a pen name and this was one of them.
Brave New World by Aldous Huxley & 1984 by George Orwell.
Another good set is “Oryx and Crake” and
“The Year of The Flood” (MaddAddam Trilogy, Margaret Atwood). Those are particularly good because they occur concurrently, so you can read them in any order, or at the same time… the last one hasn’t come out yet though.
Another good (but relatively short) one is The Last Book in the Universe by Rodman Philbrick.
Enclave by Aguirrre
Starters by Lissa Price
handmaids tale, orxy and crake both by Margaret Atwood
Birthmarked and Prized by Caragh M. O’Brien
Chemical Garden Trilogy (Wither, Fever and ?) by Lauren DeStefano.
Unwind is awesome! I devoured his other books too >< even better the skin jacker trilogy, epic. Just learned unwound is a trilogy,
Skinned series by Robin Wasserman!
The Uglies series by Scott Westerfield
The Adoration of Jenna Fox (first in a series).
The Night Circus is incredible!
Incarceron is another fantastic book that would fit this list.
Wings by Aprilynne Pike is good!!
Matched is great – it reminded me a lot of The Giver.
The second book actually came out in November and it's called Crossed!
The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater
Wither –
Robopocalypse
Any other series by Orson Scott Card, they are all amazing!
ONE OF MY FAVE SERIES EVER! Fever was so stinking good!!
The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer, pretty good,
Tiger Curse Series was ok.
I loved the Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater (sp?) So many good YA books out there now.
Discovery of Witches was pretty good.
Girlfriend in a Coma by Douglas Coupland is worth reading (adult fiction),
The Night Circus
Distopian adult read: Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro
The Wool Series by Hugh Howey (there are five, and they can be bought together in "The Wool Omnibus"). They're post-apocalyptic adolescent lit
I've read Delirium (and Pandemonium) and liked them both. I also saw that someone recommended Birthmarked – that's one of my favorites as well. I'd also like to suggest Poison Study (and Magic/Fire Study) to the list.
Eleftheria by Jade DeKelaita
Anthem ny Ayn Rand is another really good young adult book
Graceling by Kristen Cashore, and it's companion book Fire to this list…
Glow by Amy Kathleen Ryan is the first in what I believe is supposed to be a trilogy (Sky Chasers),
Mortal Instruments (1st of series is City of Bones)by Cassandra Clare?
Ember City by Jeanne DuPrau and the
House of the Scorpion by Nancy farmer
HUGE fan of Birthmarked!
GLOW by Amy Kathleen Ryan
Delirium
Downburst by Katie Robison
Article 5 by Kristin Simmons
Makai Queen is a new YA fiction
The Tapestry series by Henry H. Neff
The Enemy (book 1 of trilogy) by Charlie Higson
Super Sad True Love Story by Gary Shteyngart.
Never Let Me Go by The Passage by JustIn CronIn,
The City and the CIty by China MIevIlle,
EInsteIn’s Dreams by Alan Lightman,
The Host by StephenIe Meyer
Wool Omnibus edition is fantasic!!
The Odds by Amy Kinzer
“The Passage” and “The Twelve” by Justin Cronin are two awesome adult dystopian books.
Battle Royale by Takami is basically where all of Hunger Games storyline was taken from.
The Chrysalids
Atlas Shrugged is also really great.
The Passage by Justin Cronin is an amazing book! It’s adult fiction apocalyptic typePure by Julianna Baggot is an adult dystopian…very good although it is very brutal (not YA at all!) and reminded me in parts of the hunger games.
The Maze Runner trilogy plus the prequel (which I just finished; so 4 books total) also gave me a hangover!! Left me wanting more!
The Leftovers
City of Bones(The Mortal Instruments) and Clockwork Angel (The Infernal Devices) are AMAZING books by Cassandra Clare!
The Selection is a AWESOME book by Kiera Cass… she also wrote The Siren which is also a really good book.
The Wind on Fire trilogy? The Wind Singer, Slaves of the Mastery,Firestone, by William Nicholson . Brilliant, as are the Dark Materials trilogy by PhilipPullman .
Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas
BLOOD RED ROAD
Life of Pi
Into the Forest by Jean Hegland
Ally Condie’s Matched series is fantastic.
the celestra serise by addison moore is also good.
hush hush by becca fitzpatrick is another good one.switched by amanda hocking is also good.
the adoration of jena fox by mary e pearson,
a beautiful dark by jocelyn davies, a dark divine by bree despair.
and if your into the romance thing the statistical probability of love at first sight by jennifer e smith ,
th eforest of hands and teath by carrie ryan
Susan Beth Pfeffer …Life As We Knew It,
The World we Live In,
& The Dead & The Gone
Shipbreaker by Pasco Bacigalupi had a similar tone and mood to Hunger Games.
Janine Spendlove’s War of the Seasons series to this list, the first two books are currently available.
Book One: the human
Book Two: the half-blood
Feed by M.T. Anderson for a YA dystopian option and adult fiction
Looking Backward by Edward Bellamy,
Herland by Charlotte Perkins Gilman, and
Insurgent – the sequel to Divergent
Tortured – another in the “Birthmarked” series
Across the Universe & it’s sequel A Million SunsNews from Nowhere by William Morris as some utopian/dystopian options!
Cinder
Bumped (McCafferty) – YA
Battlefield Earth (of course! Hubbard) – adult
The Unidentified (Mariz) – YA
Outside (Boland) – YA
the sword of truth series by terry goodkind are fantastic! They are more sci fi byt they definitely have some dystopia based plots about it as well
Shades of Gray by Jasper Fforde
Exceptional by Jess Petosa
Shiver trilogy and the Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater
The Passage by Justin Cronin to be a nice step-up for an adult read.
Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater was fantastic.
Angelfall by Susan Ee and
Ally Condie’s MATCHED has its sequel CROSSED
Downburst, by Katie Robison.
In A Country of Last Things, Paul Auster – adult
The dark angel by John Leary.
Life as We Knew It (trilogy now,
The Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan.
The Passage, by Justin Cronin.
Gate to Woman’s Country
Graceling by Kristin Cashore
A Wizard of Earthsea by Ursula K Leguin
Delirium by Lauren Oliver and sequel Pandemonium
Tomorrow series – Australian books by John Marsden
Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro. This book is beautiful.
Unwind
The Passage by Justin Cronin.
Alice in Deadland by Mainak Dhar
Adult: Pure by Julianna Baggott–excellent!!
The Legend
by Brandon Sanderson beats out the Hunger Games on my love list. My favorite is “Way of Kings” but The “Mistborn” Trilogy is good as well
The House of Night series
Sundial by M. Pearsall and C. Fruzetti
“Boneshaker” by Cherie Priest is a fun steampunk novel. It has zombies and airships and it’s really cool. It’s part of her “Clockwork Century” series.
Also, The Abhorsen Trilogy by Garth Nix is a great read. Not really dystopic, but definitely under-read and underrated. Start with “Sabriel.”
Wither (Book 1 in the Chemical Garden Trilogy) by Lauren DeStefano is definately a must read if you loved The Hunger Games.
Incarceron
1Q84 by Haruki Murakami is more adult than YA – definitely leave you thinking.
A Great And Terrible Beauty series.
The Mortal Instrument series should be added
Blindness, by Jose Saramago, is a FANTASTIC read for adults (it’s not dystopian as much as magic realism/alternate reality, but if you like dystopian novels it will appeal to you!).
Steve Erickson’s books. Some of them are tough to find since they’re out of print but well worth the hunt. In particular: ‘ arc d’x’ and ‘Our ecstatic days’.
The cloud prophet trilogy by Megg Jensen – Not dystopian, more fantasy.
Water wars
Whither by Lauren Destefano, it comes as a trilogy
If I Stay and the sequel Where She Went by Gayle Forman are superb books, not dystopian but very real, emotional and well written
The Chrysalids by John Wyndham is a fantastic book!
Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo
Sorry, by Paolo Bacigalupi
The Mortal Instruments series is a great series as well!
Angelfall (Penryn & the End of Days, Book 1) by Susan Ee
Outlander series by Diana Gabaldon
house of night series by P.C. Cast & Kirstin Cast
when she woke’ by hilary jordan
In the adult category, dystopian and post-apocalyptic are some of my favorite sub genres!
Robert R. McCammon – Swan Song (this is my FAVORITE book of all time!)
Stephen King – The Stand
Ursula K. Le Guin – The Lathe of Heaven (read this years ago, and it makes a bit more sense on the second read. Also, it’s more science fiction than dystopian, but I lumped it in since it’s got a different take on history and how things turned out in our world)
David Brin – The Postman
E.E. Knight – The Vampire Earth series (if you want something different, this is a pretty good choice. Knight’s writing took some getting used to for me, as he does a lot of “background” before he starts the novel
Storm Thief
Adrian says
Kirsten Miller’s, Eternal One’s series is really good. Hoping there is a third book in the making.
Katie says
The Testing by Joelle Charbonneau is a book like The Hunger Games. It’s a novel where chosen students are made to go through a variety of tests to determine the top twenty test-takers who would be the best leaders and allowed to go to college.
Sandra Danby says
Thx, you’ve just quadrupled my to-read list. SD
Ashfa says
Awesome list!! I need to get started on The Mae Runner trilogy and The Knife of Never Letting Go by Patrick Ness.
Nicole Pio says
I know I’m late to the party but since I see so many great recommendations, I thought I’d give some of my own:
The Bone Season & The Mime Order by Samantha Shannon
The 100
The Soulless Series
Clary says
I was gonna say Mortal Instruments Shadowhunters