The Darkest Minds by Alexandra Bracken
Ruby is on the run. At sixteen years old, she’s been living in a government “rehabilitation camp” for six years after waking up on her tenth birthday with abilities she couldn’t control. Now, she’s escaped and labeled as one of the dangerous ones. Ruby joins a group of kids just like her, but with the government hot on their trail, they don’t know how long they’ll survive. Main themes: Oppression, magic, societal fear Type: Series Genre: Young Adult, Dystopian, Science Fiction Read if you like strong protagonists and found family.
Ender’s Game by Orson Scott Card
Andrew “Ender” Wiggin thinks he’s playing a video game, but it’s actually something far more serious. Ender is the result of genetic experimentation, and he may just be the military genius Earth needs to win an alien war. At only six years old, the fate of the planet rests in Ender’s hands—will he be able to win the game? Main themes: Childhood, empathy vs. alienation, reality perception Type: Series Genre: Science Fiction, Young Adult Read if you like science fiction and philosophical themes.
Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas
Celaena Sardothien has come to win her freedom. If she can win a competition and defeat 23 other assassins, she’ll be released from prison and secure the title of the “king’s champion.” She’s invited into the castle, where she’ll compete, and it’s not only the fine decor that takes her breath away. The Crown Prince and Captain of the Guard swear to protect her, but will they be able to protect her heart? Main themes: Self-discovery, identity, destiny Type: Series Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult, Romance Read if you like strong protagonists, love triangles, and shocking plot twists.
Scythe by Neal Shusterman
Humanity has conquered hunger, disease, war, and misery, but death is yet to be resolved. But with all alignments cured, the only thing that can end a life now is a scythe, those commanded to keep the population under control. Citra and Rowan are apprenticing a scythe (to their disdain). They’re tasked with mastering the art of taking a life without losing their own. Main themes: Mortality, ethics, corruption Type: Series Genre: Dystopian, Young Adult, Fantasy, Science Fiction Read if you like psychological and philosophical themes.
Divergent by Veronica Roth
In a dystopian Chicago, every sixteen-year-old must select a faction: Candor, Abnegation, Dauntless, Amity, and Erudite. They will devote their entire lives to this faction, leaving their family behind, if they choose. But for Beatrice Prior, choosing between her faction and family isn’t an easy decision. The text concludes that she’s Divergent and belongs to all factions, a result punishable by death. Will Beatrice choose her family or unravel the once peaceful society she’s always known? Main themes: Conformity vs. individuality, freedom, government control Type: Series Genre: Dystopian, Young Adult, Science Fiction Read if you like strong heroines and an enemies-to-lovers pipeline.
Uglies by Scott Westerfeld
Tally can’t wait to turn sixteen because when you turn sixteen, you turn Pretty. She can’t wait to reach the height of her life, Pretty and no longer a part of the Uglies—her life will finally begin. But when a newfound friend runs away, Tally is tasked with uncovering her secrets, and what she discovers may make her question everything she’s ever known. Main themes: Type: Series Genre: Dystopian, Young Adult, Science Fiction Read if you like unreliable narrators and commentary on societal beauty standards.
An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir
If you defy the Martial Empire, you die, which is why Laia and her family lie low. But when Laia’s brother is arrested for treason, Laia’s forced to work with the rebels to rescue her brother and enrolls in the Empire’s greatest military academy. Faced with familial obligation, Laia’s heart is challenged. Will she be able to rescue her brother, or will a new crush hold her back? Main themes: Oppression, resistance, loyalty Type: Series Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult, Dystopian Read if you like strong heroines and corrupt politics.
Three Dark Crowns by Kendare Blake
A set of triplets is born every generation on the island of Fennbirn. Each triplet is a queen, equal heirs to the island’s crown and its magic. The sisters have to fight for the crown in a game of life or death. Once the heirs turn sixteen, the battle begins, and only the strongest will live to lead. Main themes: Sibling rivalry, betrayal, politics Type: Series Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult, Romance Read if you like fantasy and morally grey characters.
The Grace Year by Kim Liggett
In Garner County, girls are banished at the age of sixteen to release their toxic “magic” into the wild. They’re told their allure needs to be purified in order for them to be married. But each year, fewer and fewer girls return home. Rumor has it that poachers live in the woods, capturing girls to sell them on the black market. Will Tierney James and her friends make it back to their village alive, or will the woods take them? Main themes: Female empowerment, unity, expectation vs. reality Type: Standalone Genre: Dystopian, Young Adult Read if you like strong heroines and feminist storylines.
Legend by Marie Lu
Fifteen-year-old June is a prodigy born into one of the wealthiest families in the Republic, training to enter the military. Fifteen-year-old Day is the Republic’s most-wanted criminal. There’s no reason these teens’ paths should cross, but when June’s brother is murdered, Day becomes the prime suspect. Soon, they’ll learn that their country is full of more secrets than they could’ve imagined. Main themes: Good vs. evil, heroism, fate Type: Series Genre: Dystopian, Young Adult, Science Fiction Read if you like enemies-to-lovers and the unveiling of corrupt governments.
Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi
Juliette’s touch is fatal. She hasn’t touched anyone in 264 days. The last time she did, the Reestablishment locked her up for murder. It’s a mystery why her touch is so lethal, and at 17, Juliette wants answers. Outside of her cell, the world is in utter chaos. With a war near the horizon, is there anything Juliette can do? Main themes: Identity, self-discovery, love Type: Series Genre: Fantasy, Dystopian, Young Adult, Romance Read if you like love triangles and strong heroines.
The 5th Wave by Rick Yancey
It’s the dawn of the 5th wave, and Cassie’s running from Them. They look human, but they roam the countryside killing anyone in sight. There are only a few survivors left on Earth, and Cassie is one of them. It isn’t until she runs into Evan Walker that she realizes she isn’t as alone as she thought. The two team up to rescue Cassie’s brother. But can they trust each other? Because they certainly can’t trust Them. Main themes: Trust, belief, family Type: Series Genre: Young Adult, Science Fiction, Dystopian Read if you like dystopian worlds and science fiction.
Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi
Under a ruthless king, magic disappeared. But Zélie Adebola remembers what it was like when the world hummed with song and her family was together. On a quest to bring magic back, Zélie meets a rogue princess who may be able to give her exactly what she needs. Will Zélie be able to restore what’s lost in the world, or will she become lost herself? Main themes: Prejudice, inequality, systemic oppression Type: Series Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult Read if you like in-depth world-building and magic systems.
Heartless by Marissa Meyer
Catharine is one of the most sought-after girls in Wonderland, but she doesn’t care about being married. Her attention lies solely on opening a bakery with her best friend. But when she meets Jest, a handsome court joker, at a ball, she feels pulled in two directions. Cath is determined to set her own destiny, but at what cost? Main themes: Love and loss, ambition, revenge Type: Standalone Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult, Romance Read if you like morally grey characters and shocking twists.
The Maze Runner by James Dashner
When Thomas wakes up, the only thing he can remember is his name. That’s part of being in the Glade, a large labyrinth with towering walls. Surrounded by boys he doesn’t know, Thomas has to start new—it’s the only way he’ll survive. But when a girl arrives at their makeshift community, everything changes, and they discover they’re all a part of something more sinister. Main themes: Friendship, bravery, sacrifice Type: Series Genre: Dystopian, Young Adult, Science Fiction Read if you like high stakes and strong characters.
The Giver by Lois Lowry
At the age of 12, Jonas is chosen to receive special training from The Giver as the Receiver of Memory. The Giver recounts the past to Jonas, describing a world Jonas never even imagined. Memories of joy, color, and love awaken his spirit, and Jonas must decide whether or not to share these memories with the community. Main themes: Individuality vs. conformity, memory vs. history, human experience Type: Standalone Genre: Young Adult, Fiction, Dystopian Read if you like philosophical themes.
Red Rising by Pierce Brown
Darrow is a Red, the lowest member of society. He works all day knowing that his blood and sweat will make the world a better place for future generations. But Darrow and the rest of the Reds have been portrayed—all their hard work was for nothing. Longing for justice, Darrow leaves everything behind to infiltrate the Institute to find answers. Main themes: Oppression, social inequality, identity Type: Series Genre: Science Fiction, Fantasy, Dystopian Read if you like action and high stakes.
The Barcode Tattoo by Suzanne Weyn
Everybody’s getting the barcode tattoo, and why shouldn’t they? It gives you access to everything on the inside of your wrist—your credit cards, license, social security information. It’s a part of your identity. But what if you don’t want it? When Kayla questions the ethics of the barcode, her world turns upside down. Main themes: Identity, resistance, individuality vs. conformity Type: Series Genre: Young Adult, Dystopian Read if you like high-stakes and corrupt governments.
Heartless Hunter by Kristen Ciccarelli
Witches and magic have been outlawed. The revolution was devastating, and Rune will do whatever she can to protect her kind. A popular young socialite during the day and a witch vigilante at night, Rune schemes through society to bring magic back. She knows exactly what she wants. That is, until she meets Gideon, an unforgiving and handsome witch hunter who wants her head. Main themes: Self-discovery, hidden identity, rebellion Type: Series Genre: Fantasy, Romance, Young Adult Read if you like intense plots and enemies-to-lovers pipelines.
Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel
Kirsten will never forget the moment famous actor Arthur Leander had a heart attack on stage opening night. It was right before the flu pandemic shut down the world. Twenty years later, and Kirsten’s one of the last ones left. She travels with The Traveling Symphony, bringing music and theatre to the crumbling civilization. Main themes: Art and culture, memory and nostalgia, faith vs. despair Type: Standalone Genre: Science Fiction, Dystopian Read if you like connecting storylines and multiple points of view.Looking for even more recommendations? Check out our Book Recommendation Generator!
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