The Best Dystopian Novels for Teens and Young Adults

Author Gerald Lund.

This is one of the few novels on this list that I have allowed my 13-year-old son to read. It’s clean and basic enough that it deals with topics he can understand. But not too violent with more complex issues. This is a great intro book to the Dystopian genre. This is one of my favorite Dystopian novels. It’s one of the first I ever read. It is a very easy read and goes quickly. But still powerful in the message of the importance of agency and freedom

“It’s eighteen years after the nuclear holocaust and the end of civilization as we know it. Survivors are being relocated to a new society known as the Alliance. It seems like a dream come true for many of the new citizens. Crime, as well as harmful emotions, such as anger and prejudice have been eliminated, because the Alliance has computerized control over it’s citizens from a computer chip that has been implanted in everyone. Eric Lloyd discovers the Alliance’s corrupt power structure and vows to destroy it.”

By George Orwell. This is the very first dystopian novel I ever read. I picked it up in college. And I was hooked. It is a more classic dystopian and not as easy to read. But still very much worth the effort. It does deal with more adult topics, so it will be better for older young adults and not young teens. This is the basis for the commonly referred to term Orwellian Nightmare or the phrase BIG BROTHER as in “Big Brother is watching you”

“In 1984, London is a grim city where Big Brother is always watching you and the Thought Police can practically read your mind. Winston is a man in grave danger for the simple reason that his memory still functions. Drawn into a forbidden love affair, Winston finds the courage to join a secret revolutionary organization called The Brotherhood, dedicated to the destruction of the Party. Together with his beloved Julia, he hazards his life in a deadly match against the powers that be.”

From Suzanne Collins we have The Hunger Games. This is a rather obvious choice, right? I mean it’s one of the most popular Dystopian novel trilogies ever, especially after the creating of The Hunger Games Movie.

But don’t be one of those people who only see the movie. You miss out on so much. The books are so much better and more in-depth. I’ve read them more than 4 times each!

The Trilogy books include;

• The Hunger Games
• Catching Fire
• The Mockingjay

I'd also include The PREQUEL - The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes

“In the ruins of a place once known as North America lies the nation of Panem, a shining Capitol surrounded by twelve outlying districts. The Capitol is harsh and cruel and keeps the districts in line by forcing them all to send one boy and one girl between the ages of twelve and eighteen to participate in the annual Hunger Games, a fight to the death on live TV. Sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen, who lives alone with her mother and younger sister, regards it as a death sentence when sheis forced to represent her district in the Games. But Katniss has been close to dead and survival, for her, is second nature. Without really meaning to, she becomes a contender.”

Another dystopian bestseller turned into movie from best selling Author Veronica Roth. This series is a four-book series including

• Divergent
• Insurgent
• Allegiant
• Four

Again, you don’t want to rely on the movies for this series. There was a lot changed and the books have so much more to the story.

“Beatrice Prior’s society is divided into five factions—Candor (the honest), Abnegation (the selfless), Dauntless (the brave), Amity (the peaceful), and Erudite (the intelligent). Beatrice must choose between staying with her Abnegation family and transferring factions. Her choice will shock her community and herself. But the newly christened Tris also has a secret, one she’s determined to keep hidden, because in this world, what makes you different makes you dangerous.”

Another Veronica Roth book! And yes, it’s just as good as the Divergent Series! This one is a little more science fiction in the story, but still full of the same great writing that had us in love with Divergent.

“On a planet where violence and vengeance rule, in a galaxy where some are favored by fate, everyone develops a currentgift, a unique power meant to shape the future. While most benefit from their currentgifts, Akos and Cyra do not—their gifts make them vulnerable to others’ control. Can they reclaim their gifts, their fates, and their lives, and reset the balance of power in this world?”

From Lois Lowry we have another classic Dystopian that has also been turned into a movie. But what is not well known is that The Giver is book 1 in a 4 book series! I loved the Giver. And it is one that a younger audience could read and enjoy. In fact, it is often a book read in many 6th-grade classes. But it’s not complete unless you read all 4 books

• The Giver
• Gathering Blue
• Messenger
• Son

The Giver has won over 6 literary awards including the 1994 Newbery Medal. It is one I highly encourage everyone to read. It is another great book to introduce a new reader to the dystopian genre.

Author James Dashner.

This is another dystopian novel that was created for a younger audience and one I would allow my young teenage kids to read. It has also been turned into a movie.

While I absolutely loved the first book The Maze Runner, I wasn’t as much of a fan of the rest of the books in the series. I didn’t feel like the character grew through adversity, more that he became whinier as the story progressed. But to each their own opinion. Even not enjoying the rest of the books as much as I loved the first book, I still recommend reading them all to get the full effect of the story. Because you are left with a lot of unanswered questions after book 1 if you don’t. And the first book is absolutely a must-read.

“When Thomas wakes up in the lift, the only thing he can remember is his name. He’s surrounded by strangers—boys whose memories are also gone. Outside the towering stone walls that surround them is a limitless, ever-changing maze. It’s the only way out—and no one’s ever made it through alive. Then a girl arrives. The first girl ever. And the message she delivers is terrifying.   Remember. Survive. Run.”

From Orson Scott Card we have another book series where the first book is amazing but I wasn't thrilled with the subsequent books. However, in this case, you can read just Enders Game and not have to finish the series.

This one has also been turned into a movie. But the Movie is far inferior to the movie and you lose a lot of the context and purpose of the book.

Enders Game has also won the Hugo and Nebula Awards.

“Ender’s skills make him a leader in school and respected in the Battle Room, where children play at mock battles in zero gravity. Yet growing up in an artificial community of young soldiers Ender suffers greatly from isolation, rivalry from his peers, pressure from the adult teachers, and an unsettling fear of the alien invaders. His psychological battles include loneliness, fear that he is becoming like the cruel brother he remembers, and fanning the flames of devotion to his beloved sister. Is Ender the general Earth needs? But Ender is not the only result of the genetic experiments. The war with the Buggers has been raging for a hundred years, and the quest for the perfect general has been underway for almost as long. Ender’s two older siblings are every bit as unusual as he is, but in very different ways. Between the three of them lie the abilities to remake a world”

by Stephanie Meyer. – Now before you freak out that this is the TWILIGHT author…let me explain. The Host is the book she wrote for adult audiences and is 100% FREE of vampires and teenage hormones running amuck. However, it does have a part of an alien experiencing human emotions and her struggle to find unity with the human existence.

I really enjoyed the Host because it is so very different from the Twilight series. It makes one ponder on the essence of what it means to be human.

“Melanie Stryder refuses to fade away. The earth has been invaded by a species that take over the minds of human hosts while leaving their bodies intact. Wanderer, the invading “soul” who has been given Melanie’s body, didn’t expect to find its former tenant refusing to relinquish possession of her mind. As Melanie fills Wanderer’s thoughts with visions of Jared, a human who still lives in hiding, Wanderer begins to yearn for a man she’s never met. Reluctant allies, Wanderer and Melanie set off to search for the man they both love.”

by Ally Condie – this trilogy has a great love story weaved into a typical dystopian struggle. This is one of my favorites and is very easy to read. However it is also one of the few where I was not pleased with the ending and felt it was too rushed. But still very much worth the read. Young women tend to really enjoy this series.

“Cassia has always trusted the Society to make the right choices for her: what to read, what to watch, what to believe. So when Xander’s face appears on-screen at her Matching ceremony, Cassia knows he is her ideal mate . . . until she sees Ky Markham’s face flash for an instant before the screen fades to black. The Society tells her it’s a glitch, a rare malfunction, and that she should focus on the happy life she’s destined to lead with Xander. But Cassia can’t stop thinking about Ky, and as they slowly fall in love, Cassia begins to doubt the Society’s infallibility and is faced with an impossible choice: between Xander and Ky, between the only life she’s known and a path that no one else has dared to follow.”

by Marissa Meyer – this series was a little more difficult to get into. But once I was immersed it really came alive. A classic Cinderella story in a dystopian climate with a flair of sci-fi. As the story proceeds to the follow-up books, you notice characters are pulled from other fairy tale classics like Little Red Riding Hood, Rapunzel, and Snow White.

The Lunar Chronicles includes the following books

• Cinder
• Scarlet
• Cress
• Winter
• Fairest

A really fun read that is a little easier on young adult audiences, but still being true to the nature of the Dystopian genre. And even though it was harder to start, it is one of my absolute favorite Dystopian novel series.

“Humans and androids crowd the raucous streets of New Beijing. A deadly plague ravages the population. From space, a ruthless lunar people watch, waiting to make their move. No one knows that Earth’s fate hinges on one girl…”

by Scott Westerfeld – This was the first dystopian series that I ever read. And it did not disappoint! I found it to be a powerful and moving series that leaves a lot to ponder. Especially with our society so focused on appearances and our Photoshop standard of beauty. It's very thought-provoking, especially in a world of social media influencing and image. I think it is a must-read for every young adult.

The Uglies series includes books:

• Uglies
• Pretties
• Specials
• Extras

While I wasn’t as happy with the ending of Extras, I still place Uglies series on my utmost top favorite dystopian novels list. And I always highly recommend it to everyone.

“Tally is about to turn sixteen, and she can’t wait. Not for her license — for turning pretty. In Tally’s world, your sixteenth birthday brings an operation that turns you from a repellent ugly into a stunningly attractive pretty and catapults you into a high-tech paradise where your only job is to have a really great time. In just a few weeks Tally will be there. But Tally’s new friend Shay isn’t sure she wants to be pretty. She’d rather risk life on the outside. When Shay runs away, Tally learns about a whole new side of the pretty world — and it isn’t very pretty. The authorities offer Tally the worst choice she can imagine: find her friend and turn her in, or never turn pretty at all. The choice Tally makes changes her world forever.”

by Joelle Charbonneau – Don’t let the names bore you! This trilogy is a lot of fun to read and makes you think. The Testing Trilogy includes books:

• The Testing
• Independent Study
• Graduation day

This trilogy pulled me in quickly and didn’t let me go until the last punctuation. The fact that it is not more popular is criminal!

“It’s graduation day for sixteen-year-old Malencia Vale, and the entire Five Lakes Colony (the former Great Lakes) is celebrating. All Cia can think about—hope for—is whether she’ll be chosen for The Testing, a United Commonwealth program that selects the best and brightest new graduates to become possible leaders of the slowly revitalizing post-war civilization. When Cia is chosen, her father finally tells her about his own nightmarish half-memories of The Testing. Armed with his dire warnings (”Cia, trust no one”), she bravely heads off to Tosu City, far away from friends and family, perhaps forever. Danger, romance—and sheer terror—await.”

by Kiera Cass – it’s like the Bachelor meets Dystopian! I loved this series! Teenage girls and Women all love this series. This may not be the best Dystopian series for the male reader. It seems to be geared a bit more for the female reader. But Oh! Does it ever deliver for the female reader! Especially if you like The Bachelor or Bachelorette! I couldn’t put them down.

The Selection features 5 books

• The Selection
• The Elite
• The One
• The Heir
• The Crown

“For thirty-five girls, the Selection is the chance of a lifetime. The opportunity to escape the life laid out for them since birth. To be swept up in a world of glittering gowns and priceless jewels. To live in a palace and compete for the heart of gorgeous Prince Maxon. But for America Singer, being Selected is a nightmare. It means turning her back on her secret love with Aspen, who is a caste below her. Leaving her home to enter a fierce competition for a crown she doesn’t want. Living in a palace that is constantly threatened by violent rebel attacks. Then America meets Prince Maxon. Gradually, she starts to question all the plans she’s made for herself—and realizes that the life she’s always dreamed of may not compare to a future she never imagined.”

by Lauren Oliver – The Delirium series is like 1984 meets Romeo & Juliet. There are similarities and the struggle in a society that tries to eliminate emotions to have the perfect society. It poses the age old question – if we could eliminate dangerous passions could we create a better society? And how much control should we allow a society to have our freedoms?

Delirium series is 3 books:

• Delirium
• Pandemonium
• Requiem

“In an alternate United States, love has been declared a dangerous disease, and the government forces everyone who reaches eighteen to have a procedure called the Cure. Living with her aunt, uncle, and cousins in Portland, Maine, Lena Haloway is very much looking forward to being cured and living a safe, predictable life. She watched love destroy her mother and isn’t about to make the same mistakes. But with ninety-five days left until her treatment, Lena meets enigmatic Alex, a boy from the Wilds who lives under the government’s radar. What will happen if they do the unthinkable and fall in love?”

By George Orwell. Can you believe I’ve not read this yet? I was shocked I hadn’t read it yet! It’s very high on my TO READ list.

"The animals of Manor Farm have revolted and taken over. Upon the death of Old Major, pigs Snowball and Napoleon lead a revolt against Mr. Jones, driving him from the farm. The animals embrace the Seven Commandments of Animalism and life carries on, but they learn that a farm ruled by animals looks more human than ever."

by Marie Lu. This one I put off for the longest times, and I have no idea why! Once I got into it I couldn't put it down.

In the new Republic, every child has to go through a series of tests (“the Trial”) when they’re eleven which determines their intelligence, general ranking, and if they will get into school or if they’re… banished. You can now imagine all the dangerous adventures awaiting the characters.

It has 4 books in this series:

• Legend
• Prodigy
• Champion
• Rebel

"What was once the western United States is now home to the Republic, a nation perpetually at war with its neighbors. Born into an elite family in one of the Republic's wealthiest districts, fifteen-year-old June is a prodigy being groomed for success in the Republic's highest military circles. Born into the slums, fifteen-year-old Day is the country's most wanted criminal. But his motives may not be as malicious as they seem.From very different worlds, June and Day have no reason to cross paths - until the day June's brother, Metias, is murdered and Day becomes the prime suspect. Caught in the ultimate game of cat and mouse, Day is in a race for his family's survival, while June seeks to avenge Metias's death. But in a shocking turn of events, the two uncover the truth of what has really brought them together, and the sinister lengths their country will go to keep its secrets."

By Victoria Aveyard. I've started this series, but haven't finished it yet. But so far, it is fascinating and engaging. It includes 4 books

• Red Queen
• Glass Sword
• King's Cage
• War Storm

"Mare Barrow's world is divided by blood—those with common, Red blood serve the Silver-blooded elite, who are gifted with superhuman abilities. Mare is a Red, scraping by as a thief in a poor, rural village, until a twist of fate throws her in front of the Silver court. Before the king, princes, and all the nobles, she discovers she has an ability of her own.

To cover up this impossibility, the king forces her to play the role of a lost Silver princess and betroths her to one of his own sons. As Mare is drawn further into the Silver world, she risks everything and uses her new position to help the Scarlet Guard—a growing Red rebellion—even as her heart tugs her in an impossible direction.

One wrong move can lead to her death, but in the dangerous game she plays, the only certainty is betrayal."

by Veronica Rossi. This series is on my "read" list. It includes 3 books

• Under the Never Sky
• Through the Ever Night
• Into the Still Blue

"Exiled from her home, the enclosed city of Reverie, Aria knows her chances of surviving in the outer wasteland—known as The Death Shop—are slim. Then Aria meets an Outsider named Perry. He's wild—a savage—and her only hope of staying alive. A hunter for his tribe in a merciless landscape, Perry views Aria as sheltered and fragile—everything he would expect from a Dweller. But he needs Aria's help too; she alone holds the key to his redemption."