23 Must-Read Dystopian Novels
From apocalyptic times to realistic and terrifying alternate realities, dystopian novels have a way of intriguing readers. These are the top choices for dystopian lovers that you need in your life.
The Fifth Season by N.K. Jemisin
Essun must find her daughter before the end of the world as we know it.
Blindness by José Saramago
A group of people are struck with a blindness epidemic and must figure out how to survive.
An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir
Laia must choose between betraying her family or helping a rebel group overthrow the Martial Empire.
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
Katniss must fight for her life in the Hunger Games.
1984 by George Orwell
Orwell's classic dystopian novel follows Winston Smith as he tries to rebel against the totalitarian government of Oceania.
The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood
Offred is a Handmaid in the Republic of Gilead, where she must bear children for the wealthy and powerful.
Scythe by Neal Shusterman
In a future where death has been eliminated, two teens must train as Scythes to reap souls.
Trail of Lightning by Rebecca Roanhorse
Maggie Hoskie is a kick-ass monster hunter in a world that has been devastated by climate change.
Parable of the Sower by Octavia E. Butler
Lauren Oya Olamina must find a new home for her community after their compound is attacked.
Brave New World by Aldous Huxley
In a future where people are bred in labs and happiness is mandatory, one man questions the world he lives in.
Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro
Three friends must come to terms with the horrifying truth of their existence.
Legend by Marie Lu
In a future America divided into the wealthy Republic and the poor Colonies, June and Day must help each other survive.
Divergent by Veronica Roth
In a society where people are divided into five factions, Tris must choose between staying with her family or joining a new faction.
The Resisters by Gish Jen
A young woman must choose between her wealthy family and joining the resistance.
Internment by Samira Ahmed
Muslim Americans are forced into a camp, where they must fight for their freedom.
Tender is the Flesh by Augustina Bazterrica
A love story set in a time when people are forced to "special meat" after animal meat becomes poisonous.
Sanctuary by Paolo Mendoza and Abby Sher
In a future America where undocumented immigrants are detained in internment camps, two teens must find a way to free their families.
An Excess Male by Maggie Shen King
In a future China where the One Child Policy has led to a society with too many men, one man must find a way to provide for his family.
The Road by Cormac McCarthy
A father and son journey across a post-apocalyptic America in search of a better life.
Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury
In a future America where books are outlawed, one man must choose between following the law and standing up for what he believes in.
Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel
In a future America that has been decimated by a pandemic, a group of actors and musicians roam the wastelands.
A Clockwork Orange by Anthony Burgess
In a future England, a young man goes on a rampage of violence until he is caught and subjected to a controversial government experiment.