Suzanne Collins' next book in Hunger Games franchise, Sunrise at Harvestis one of the most anticipated dystopian books of 2025. Collins' Hunger Games books have sold more than 100 million copies worldwide and along with its Hunger Games film adaptations, the series invited a whole new generation of readers to enjoy the dystopian genre. And as the launch of the new Hunger Games the prequel is still a few months away, there are several great dystopian novels fans can read in the meantime.
Books in the dystopian genre often describe a future or alternative society, typically oppressed by government corruption or environmental ruin. These types of novels often address the ethics and morality of government functions and see their main protagonist attempt to resist their oppressive authority.—as Katniss from the original Hunger Games trilogy. While there are several amazing dystopian books available, these will be the ten best to read while you wait for the new one. Hunger Games romance.
10
The Year of Grace (2019)
Written by Kim Liggett
The Year of Grace by Kim Liggett is a stand-alone and utterly unique dystopian novel. Garner County believes women are born with magic to mislead men— and to counteract this, they banish girls during their sixteenth birthday to release their so-called magic safely into the wild. After a year of exile from home, the girls have transformed into women and are able to return cleansed of their previous affliction. The book's main protagonist, Tierney, always believed these claims were ridiculous, but it was only in her Year of Grace that she discovered the truth behind them.
Liggett uses narrative to really confuse readers about what happens during the girls' Thanksgiving – and the mystery behind its magic is extremely fun to solve.
The Year of Grace does an incredible job of exploring the dynamics of childhood into womanhoodand shows the many complex relationships between young women of that age. Liggett uses narrative to really confuse readers about what happens during the girls' Thanksgiving – and the mystery behind its magic is extremely fun to solve. The end of the book suggests a future rebellion against the corruption of the system, but The Year of Grace in itself acts more as an awakening of truth for several characters.
9
Red Rise (2014)
Written by Pierce Brown
Red Rise by Pierce Brown falls into several genres, but the social hierarchy of the plot corresponds most closely to the dystopian elements. After Earth's collapse, the Society divided the population into separate colonies, giving each colony an area of specialization and focus. The series follows Darrow, a lowborn Red – the lowest color in the hierarchy – whose family was placed on Mars to help prepare the surface for colonization. However, Darrow quickly discovers that the Reds have been deceived for generations, and although they have worked as slaves and died beneath the surface, civilization now reigns above them.
Although the book perfectly combines fantasy and science fiction, government corruption, social hierarchy and technological advances also classify it as dystopian. Like all classic dystopian novels, one character stands out from the rest and Darrow has more than risen to the occasion in his attempts to dismantle obvious government corruption. Darrow's story is full of stakes and plot twists, making this series a perfect match for fans who enjoy the dystopian genre.
8
We Dark Few (2023)
Written by Alexis Patton
The first in a two-book series, We dark few picks up several hundred years after a series of nuclear wars—making the Earth's surface uninhabitable. As the population is forced to take refuge deep beneath the surface, the underground city of Apollo is both a safe haven and a cage – as no one has ever been allowed to leave. Life in Apollo is dictated by the last domed city of Genesis, where the rules are strict and the rich are few.
patton We dark few is a refreshing new take on the dystopian genre and revolves around the life of Khalani Kanes – a young woman wrongfully sentenced to life imprisonment in Braderhelm underground prison for a crime she didn't commit. The introduction to Patton's novel quickly begins a series of events that lead its main protagonist to discover harsh truths about Apollo's current social structures.. During his time in prison, it becomes evident that Genesis has established lies to keep the poor class under government control.
7
The Hunger Games (2008)
Written by Suzanne Collins
Suzanne Collin's original trilogy is a must-read before the new Hunger Games prequel book released in March 2025. This dystopian series not only fully immerses the reader in its harsh social dynamics, but also expertly maps the story around government corruption.. The Hunger Games follows the life of Katniss Everdeen as she volunteers to enter the brutal Hunger Games tournament in her younger sister's place. The games require that two children be selected as honorees from each of the 12 neighborhoods of the Capital, in which they will compete to the death.
This annual event is held as punishment for an uprising in the districts that occurred decades before the start of the story, but is used to keep its citizens fearful and in compliance with its harsh rules. The Hunger Games The dynamics of the tests later inspired a plethora of dystopian novels and brought further acclaim to the genre as a whole. While Sunrise at Harvest is a prequel to this series, it is recommended to read The Hunger Games first trilogy fully understand the dynamics of the games and their main protagonist.
Written by Rachel Schneider
Metal Launcher is a great series of fantasy books for those who love a good mix of fantasy, romance and dystopian fiction. After a war that divided their people, the Alaha exiles are forced to live a life at sea, only being invited to touch the lands of Kenta once a year. Only the lucky ones are selected for this, and Brynn has spent her entire life waiting for the chance to participate in the annual market – and her chance comes thanks to her training as a future guard.
The fast-paced action and gripping storyline throughout Metal Launcher make it an incredibly easy and fun read. The book revolves around a corrupt government, hidden truths, and oppressed people who want to fight for more than what they are given. Metal Launcher adds a lot of fantastical elements to the narrative as well, and some tropes encountered could label it more as a romanticism – but its dystopian setting is still what drives the story.
5
The Giver (1993)
Written by Lois Lowry
Lois Lowry The Giver portrays a dystopia first disguised under the illusion of a utopia. Life in the community is described as idyllic, but citizens have little autonomy over their own lives. Citizens are assigned virtually every aspect of their lives, from their partners to their jobs, and even the children they will raise are assigned to and come from pre-selected biological mothers. No one in the community questions society's authority over their lives – not until 12-year-old Jonas is chosen for something different.
Instead of receiving his pre-designed life at the Ceremony of the Twelve, Jonas finds himself working with a mysterious old man known as The Giver. During his period of instruction, Jonas begins to understand the power of feelings and discovers harsh truths about the society in which they live. The Giver is an incredible story that portrays totalitarian control, lack of individuality and concern about placing complete trust in the government.
4
The Handmaids' Tale (1985)
Written by Margaret Atwood
The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood is probably one of the most revered dystopian novels of recent decades. The story depicts the collapse of government and, through fear and control, those in power have built a new society that raises some important concerns. Offred is separated from her family and transferred to become a Handmaid in the Republic of Gilead. This basically means that her rights have been taken away from her – she is no longer allowed to read, speak or even have control over her own body.
The Handmaid's Tale looks like a frightening depiction of a dystopian future, and its masterful storytelling even spurred an award-winning Hulu TV series adaptation. Now in its sixth season, Hulu's The Handmaid's Tale continues to captivate audiences with its relevance to current events and compelling moral dilemmas – forcing people to truly reflect on the troubled society portrayed in the books. Although the show continued to draw on Atwood's source material, it remained faithful to the novel's many themes and main plot.
3
Fahrenheit 451 (1953)
Written by Ray Bradbury
The dystopian world found in Ray Bradbury's film Fahrenheit 451 and a classic example of government control, loss of individuality, and the negative effects of technology. Information is hidden from citizens, and the biggest concern throughout the novel is the desire to banish books from society. The government fears that if citizens thought for themselves, corruption and violence would emerge among the population. So instead, they appease them with drugs and entertainment, and keep close watch on anyone who acts outside of the new social norms.
Fahrenheit 451The Council's powerful message serves as both a reminder and a warning about what a future too dependent on technology could become.
The story follows the life of Guy Montag, a firefighter whose job is to burn books and the houses that house them. Your life follows the same pattern day after day, and Only when he meets his neighbor Clarisse does he begin to question his role in this new society.. Fahrenheit 451The Council's powerful message serves as both a reminder and a warning about what a future too dependent on technology could become.
2
Uglies (2005)
Written by Scott Westerfeld
Ugly by Scott Westerfeld is a dystopian young adult fiction that portrays the truly “ugly” side of propaganda and government control. The series follows the life of Tally, whose life is about to change when she turns sixteen and can finally become a Pretty – an operation that would technologically enhance all characteristics and erase any flaws. However, when her friend decides she doesn't want to join the Pretties and runs away, Tally's life changes forever.
The book series challenges society's obsession with beautyand in turn does Ugly' mandatory cosmetic surgery, a frightening representation of their government control. After Tally discovers the truth about what it means to become “pretty,” she renounces the life of the Pretties and joins the rebellion in hopes of dismantling social oppression. THE Ugly sequence, Beautiful continues this narrative, and the series as a whole is a great addition to the dystopian genre.
1
The Ember City (2003)
Written by Jeanne DuPrau
Known as one of the best children's fantasy books, Jeanne DuPrau's THE Ember City remains a fun read no matter how old you are. The City of Ember depicts a society that is forced to live underground for hundreds of years, left behind by the Builders with everything necessary for human survival. However, when her supplies are nearly exhausted, Ember is in danger of being swallowed by the darkness. No one dares venture above the surface, but when two children take matters into their own hands, they discover long-forgotten truths.
The City of Ember challenges various social norms and portrays different responses to fear and the unknown through many different characters. The belief that the Builders placed them underground for a purpose is held by the citizens of Ember without much proof, and their fear keeps them trapped regardless of their meager resources. Why The City of Ember is aimed at a younger audience, its narrative can become a little predictable. However, this doesn't take away from the entertainment factor of the novels and it's still a great read before starting. The Hunger Games prequel release.