Suzanne Collins' next book in theHunger Gamesfranchise,Sunrise On The Reaping, is one of the most highly anticipated dystopian books of 2025. Collins’Hunger Gamesbooks have sold over 100 million copies worldwide, and, alongside itsHunger Gamesmovieadaptations, the series has invited a whole new generation of readers to enjoy the dystopian genre. And as the release ofthe newHunger Gamesprequelis 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 alternate society, one that is typically oppressed by government corruption or environmental ruin.These types of novels usually tap into the ethics and morality of government functions, and see its main protagonist attempt to resist its oppressive authority—like Katniss from the originalHunger Gamestrilogy. While there are several amazing dystopian books available, these will be the ten best to read while waiting for thenewHunger Gamesnovel.
10The Grace Year (2019)
Written by Kim Liggett
The Grace Yearby Kim Liggett is an entirely unique stand-alone dystopian novel.Garner County believes that women are born with magic to lead men astray—and to counteract this, they banish girls during their sixteenth year to release their so-called magic safely in the wild. After their year exiled from home, the girls have transformed into women and can return purified of their previous affliction. The book’s main protagonist, Tierney, has always believed these claims to be ridiculous, but it isn’t until her own Grace Year that she discovers the truth behind them.
Liggett uses the narrative to truly confuse readers as to what happens during the girls' Grace Year—and the mystery behind their magic is extremely entertaining to solve.
The Grace Yeardoes an incredible job of exploring the dynamics of girlhood into womanhood, and showcases the many complex relationships had between young women at that age. Liggett uses the narrative to truly confuse readers as to what happens during the girls' Grace Year—and the mystery behind their magic is extremely entertaining to solve. The book’s ending hints at a future rebellion against the system’s corruption, butThe Grace Yearitself acts more so as an awakening of the truth for several characters.
9Red Rising (2014)
Written by Pierce Brown
Red Risingby Pierce Brown falls under several genres, butthe plot’s societal hierarchy matches the closest with dystopian elements. After the collapse of Earth, the Society split the population into separate colonies, giving each colony an area of expertise and focus. The series follows Darrow, a low-born Red—the lowest color in the hierarchy—whose family has been placed on Mars to help prepare the surface for colonization. However, Darrow quickly discovers that the Reds have been lied to for generations, and while they have been slaving away and dying under the surface, civilization already reigns above them.
While thebook perfectly blends fantasy and sci-fi, the government corruption, societal hierarchy, and technological advancements categorize it as dystopian as well. Like all classic dystopian novels, one character stands out from the rest, andDarrow more than rises to the occasion in his attempts to dismantle the obvious government corruption. Darrow’s story is full of high stakes and plot twists, making this series a perfect match for fans who enjoy the dystopian genre.
8Us Dark Few (2023)
Written by Alexis Patton
The first in a two-book series,Us Dark Fewpicks up several hundred years after a series of nuclear wars—making Earth’s surface uninhabitable. As the population is forced to take refuge deep under the surface, the underground city of Apollo is both a safe haven and a cage—as no one has ever been permitted to leave. Life in Apollo is dictated by the last above-ground, domed city of Genesis, where the rules are strict and the wealthy are few.
Patton’sUs Dark Fewis 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 the underground Braderhelm Prison for a crime she didn’t commit.The intro to Patton’s novel quickly kicks off a series of events that leads to its main protagonist discovering harsh truths about Apollo’s current societal structures. During her time in prison, it becomes very apparent that Genesis has established lies to keep the poor class under government control.
7The Hunger Games (2008)
Written by Suzanne Collins
Suzanne Collin’s original trilogy is a must-read ahead of the newHunger Gamesprequel bookreleasing in March 2025.Not only does this dystopian series totally immerse the reader in its harsh societal dynamics, but it expertly maps out the history surrounding its government corruption.The Hunger Gamesfollows the life of Katniss Everdeen as she volunteers to enter into the brutal Hunger Games tournament in her younger sister’s place. The games demand that two children be selected as tributes from each of the Capital’s 12 districts, in which they will compete to the death.
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This annual event is held as punishment for an uprising in the districts that happened decades before the story kicks off, but is used to keep its citizens fearful and in line with its harsh rules.The Hunger Gamestrials dynamic later inspired a plethora of dystopian novels, and brought more acclaim to the genre as a whole. WhileSunrise On The Reapingis a prequel to this series,it is recommended to readThe Hunger Gamestrilogy firstto fully understand the dynamics of the games, and its main protagonist.
6Metal Slinger (2024)
Written by Rachel Schneider
Metal Slingeris agreat fantasy book seriesfor those who lovea good mix of fantasy, romance, and dystopian fiction. After a war that divided its people, the exiled Alaha are forced to live life on the sea, only invited to touch the Kenta land once a year. Only the lucky are selected to do so, and Brynn has spent her whole life waiting for the chance to attend the annual market—and her chance arrives thanks to her training as a future guard.
The fast-paced action and thrilling plot throughoutMetal Slingermake it an incredibly easy and entertaining read. The book revolves around a corrupt government, hidden truths, and oppressed people who wish to fight for more than their given.Metal Slingeradds a lot of fantastical elements to the narrative as well, and some tropes found within could label it as more of a romantasy— but its dystopian setting is still what drives the story.
5The Giver (1993)
Written by Lois Lowry
Lois Lowry’sThe Giverdepicts 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 practically every aspect of their life, from their partners to their jobs, and even the children they will raise are assigned and come from pre-selected birth mothers. Nobody in the community questions society’s authority over their lives—not until Jonas, a 12-year-old boy, is chosen for something different.
Instead of being assigned 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 time of instruction, Jonas begins to understand the power of feelings, and uncovers harsh truths about the society they live in.The Giveris an incredible story that depicts totalitarian control,lack of individuality, and the concern with placing total trust in the government.
4The Handmaids Tale (1985)
Written by Margaret Atwood
The Handmaid’s Taleby Margaret Atwood is probablyone of the most revered dystopian novels of the last several decades. The story depicts the collapse of the government, and, through fear and control, those in power have built a new society that raises some major concerns. Offred is torn from her family and reassigned to become a Handmaid in the Republic of Gilead. This basically means her rights have been stripped from her—she is no longer allowed to read, speak, or even have control over her own body.
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The Handmaid’s Talereads as a frightening depiction of a dystopian future, andits masterful storytelling has even propelled an adaptation into an award-winning Hulu TV series. Now inseason six, Hulu’sThe Handmaid’s Talecontinues to captivate audiences with its relevance to current events and compelling moral dilemmas—forcing people to truly reflect on the troubling society depicted in the books. While the show has continued to build upon Atwood’s source material, it has stayed faithful to the novel’s many themes and main plot.
3Fahrenheit 451 (1953)
Written by Ray Bradbury
The dystopian world found in Ray Bradbury’sFahrenheit 451isa classic example of government control, loss of individuality, and the negative effects of technology. Information is kept from citizens, and the biggest concern throughout the novel is its desire to ban books from society. The government fears that if citizens were to think for themselves, corruption and violence would emerge among the populace. So instead, they placate them with drugs and entertainment, and keep close surveillance on anyone acting outside the new societal norms.
Fahrenheit 451’s powerful message serves both as a reminder and a warning of 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 harbor them. His life follows the same pattern day after day, andit is not until he meets his neighbor Clarisse that he begins to question his role in this new society.Fahrenheit 451’s powerful message serves both as a reminder and a warning of what a future too dependent on technology could become.
2Uglies (2005)
Written by Scott Westerfeld
Ugliesby Scott Westerfeld is a young adult dystopian fiction that portrays the truly “ugly” side of government propaganda and control. The series follows the life of Tally, whose life is about to change when she turns sixteen and can finally be made into a Pretty—an operation that would technologically enhance every characteristic and erase any flaws. However, as her friend decides she doesn’t want to join the Pretties and runs away, Tally’s life is forever changed.
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The book series challenges society’s obsession with beauty, and in turn makesUglies' mandatory cosmetic surgery a frightening depiction of its government control. Once Tally learns the truth about what becoming a “pretty” entails, she forgoes the life of the Pretties and joins the rebellion in hopes of dismantling societal oppression. TheUgliessequel,Prettiescontinues this narrative, and the series as a whole is a great addition to the dystopian genre.
1The City Of Ember (2003)
Written by Jeanne DuPrau
Known as one of thebest children’s fantasy books, Jeanne DuPrau’sTheCity of Embercontinues to be an entertaining read, no matter how old you get.The City of Emberdepicts a society that is forced to live underground for hundreds of years, left behind by the Builders with everything needed for human survival. However, when their stockpiles are found to be almost depleted, Ember is threatened to become engulfed by darkness. No one dares venture above the surface, but when two children decide to take matters into their own hands, they discover truths long forgotten.
The City of Emberchallenges several societal normsand depicts 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 Ember’s citizens without much proof, and their fear keeps them trapped, regardless of their dwindling resources. BecauseThe City of Emberis set for a younger audience, its narrative can become a bit predictable. However, this doesn’t take away from the novels' entertainment factor, and still makes for a great read ahead ofThe Hunger Gamesprequel release.
