YA Dystopian books are my favorite. What’s a YA Dystopian book you ask? YA stands for “Young Adult” and the dictionary defines “Dystopian” as a society characterized by human misery, as squalor, oppression,disease, and overcrowding. However, for me, I define a great YA Dystopian novel as a “check out from normal reality for a few hours whilst completely engrossed in a story which takes place in a fallen/futuristic/”messed-up” society.” YA Dystopian books often feature action, suspense, teenage romance, and an element of rebellion against society at large.
While there are MANY fantastic dystopian novels on the market, these are my 10 favorite series. I FLEW through these pages, endured the agony that comes from waiting for the “next book” to be written, and became completely immersed in these stories. If you’ve heard the hype about YA Dystopian, these series are a good place to start.
1. The Divergent Series
Plot:
For Tris and those around her, there is no life outside of the five factions. You are born into either Abnegation, Erudite, Amity, Candor, or Dauntless. On your 16th birthday, you must choose which faction you will remain in – often forsaking your family and way of life. Tris’s choice takes her down a path not just of self-discovery, but of one that could forever change the way her current society is structured.
What I Loved:
This was perhaps my favorite vision of a dystopian world. I loved the notion of the factions and the implications that come from defining yourself and your life by your defining personality trait. The books were gripping, fast-paced, and very “visual.”
Watch Out For:
I threw the third book across the room….
Books: Divergent, Insurgent, Allegiant, Four
2. The Hunger Games
Plot:
Each year, The Capitol selects one girl and one boy from each of the 12 districts to compete in the Hunger Games – a fight to the death match, with one celebrated victor.
What I Loved:
I flew through this series – unable to stop turning the pages. I loved watching the relationship between Katniss and Peeta change and develop. (Team Peeta all the way!) As much as I loved The Hunger Games, I began Catching Fire without knowing the plot, and my jaw fell! Loved the twist!
Watch Out For:
As with the Divergent Series, I was NOT a fan of the third book. Is it that hard to end a trilogy?!
Books:
The Hunger Games
Catching Fire
Mockingjay
3. The Selection Series
Plot:
The Selection series is basically “The Bachelor” set in a futuristic/dystopian world. 35 girls are selected to compete for the hand of the future king.
Read more about my thoughts on The Selection Series
What I Loved:
I loved that The Selection was a change of pace from many of the other books in the YA/Dystopian genre. It’s romantic yet sweet and isn’t violent or at all “sci-fi.”
Watch Out For:
At one point in the series, I turned on Maxon. He is not altogether likable throughout the whole series.
Books:
The Selection
The Elite
The One
The Heir
Plot:
Cassia trusts the Society to make all of her decisions for her, so naturally, when she sees her best friend Xander’s face appear on the screen at her Matching ceremony, she’s happy – until she sees Ky’s face flash for just an instant. Society tells her it was just a glitch – but as she gets to know Ky and develops feelings for him, she wonders if the Society should be the one telling you who to love.
What I Loved:
I loved this version of a dystopian world. In Cassia’s world, “Society” (aka – the government) dictated EVERYTHING and the citizens enjoyed little freedom. Very intriguing, and depending on your views, perhaps not that far-fetched.
Watch Out For:
Like most trilogies, the first book was by far the best. I didn’t fully love the ultimate choice Cassia made and would have ended several things differently.
Books:
Matched
Crossed
Reached
Plot:
Love is dangerous and it must be cured. On their 18th birthday, all citizens receive an injection, curing them of the ability to fall in love – and the evils that come with it. Lena is ready to be cured – until she meets Alex, a boy from “the Wilds”, a place outside of the government’s control. Throughout the trilogy, their story progresses, until Lena is forced to make a choice – a safe loveless life or a life with Alex? Safety or life on her own? Rule-follower or rebel?
What I Loved:
I actually loved all three books in the series, and was happy with the way the series ended. These books were the perfect blend of action, romance, and utter dystopia.
Watch Out For:
There are definitely a few plot twists you might not see coming, and definite “sadness.” (I have also not met all of Lauren Oliver’s other books with such enthusiasm.)
Books:
Delirium
Pandemonium
Requiem
6. The Uglies Series
Plot:
At 16, everyone must undergo a mandatory operation, which wipes out physical differences and makes everyone “pretty” by conforming to an ideal standard of beauty. The Pretties are free to party, while the Uglies are left to play tricks and pranks. Tally is bold. When caught pulling an epic prank, she must choose. Will she betray her best friend who ran away prior to her operation to live amongst the rebels, or will the allure of the rebels change her mind?
What I Loved:
I loved the entire series. This was the first dystopian series I read and it changed the way I read!
Watch Out For:
You may find yourself frustrated with some of the “teenage decisions” made in the book….or be fully aware that you are not a teenage any longer.
Books:
Uglies
Pretties
Specials
Extras
7. The Lunar Chronicles (Cinder)
Plot:
Cinder is a cyborg – a second-class citizen despised by her stepmother, forced to work as a mechanic to pay the bills. When Prince Kai employs her, she sets forth on an intergalactic adventure – full of secrets, plot twists, and suspense. Cinder must uncover the truth about her past, her identity, and the plague ravaging New Beijing. Can she stop Queen Levana? Will she discover who she really is? Can a cyborg save the world?
What I Loved:
I LOVED the twist on classic fairy tales. These books were gripping and full of action, suspense, and just a hint of romance.
Watch Out For:
The first third of the first book read a bit slow to me, and I nearly put it down. DON’T!!! The storyline picks up!Additionally, if you read Fairest, you just might find yourself feeling empathetic towards the villain!
Books:
Cinder
Scarlet
Cress
Fairest
Winter
8. The Maze Runner Series
Plot:
What I Loved:
The first book is incredibly compelling, and so unlike other dystopian novels. I loved the novelty, the action, and the sheer suspense. (And I read the book before I even knew there was a movie!)
Watch Out For:
As with most trilogies, I HATED the third book. However, the first book alone merits this trilogy making the list.
Books:
The Maze Runner
The Scorch Trials
The Death Cure
The Kill Order (Prequel)
9. The Caster Chronicles Series
Plot:
Lena is not like the other teenagers in her small Southern town. She’s struggling to hide her growing powers – and the curse that has haunted her family. Soon, she will change – and her fate will be decided. Will she turn to the light, or be taken over by the darkness? And will Ethan, the boy that has entered her life still accept her if she goes dark?
What I Loved:
I loved the way these books were different than others in the genre. These were completely unlike anything I ever read, and I was surprised at how the story sucked me in.
Watch Out For:
Those who may be offended by witchcraft or magic should not read these books. People are often tempted to watch the movies based on their favorite books. DO NOT WATCH THE MOVIE. (A fantastic cast could not save how much they destroyed the plot line.)
Books:
Beautiful Creatures
Beautiful Darkness
Beautiful Chaos
Beautiful Redemption
10. The Giver Series
Plot:
Jonas lives in a sensible society – one in which all of life’s decisions are made for you. Your career is chosen for you. Your mate is chosen for you. The number of children you will raise is chosen for you. Even your “death” is chosen for you. When Jonas becomes the Receiver of Memory, he begins to understand the secrets and truth about his community.
What I Loved:
The Giver came before the string of dystopian novels that exist today. I love the way it is more than a teenage romance novel. This is an allegory and forces the reader to consider things like hope, value, joy, and knowledge.
Watch Out For:
You may expect Gathering Blue to be a true “follow-up” to the story of Jonas. If you expect that – you will be disappointed. You end up getting some “answers” if you read the entire series, but it is not a series that follows one main character throughout their life.
Books:
The Giver
Gathering Blue
MessengerSon
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