Summary: In this article, I have compiled 20 of the best books similar to The Hunger Games, featuring gripping dystopian worlds, rebellious heroes, and high-stakes action. My top 3 picks:
- Divergent by Veronica Roth
- The Testing by Joelle Charbonneau
- The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes by Suzanne Collins
TOP 20: Best Books Similar To Hunger Games
- Divergent by Veronica Roth
- The Testing by Joelle Charbonneau
- The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes by Suzanne Collins
- The Maze Runner by James Dashner
- Legend by Marie Lu
- Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard
- The 5th Wave by Rick Yancey
- An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir
- The Giver by Lois Lowry
- Matched by Ally Condie
- Delirium by Lauren Oliver
- The Selection by Kiera Cass
- The Knife of Never Letting Go by Patrick Ness
- Scythe by Neal Shusterman
- The Darkest Minds by Alexandra Bracken
- Carve the Mark by Veronica Roth
- The Young Elites by Marie Lu
- The Bone Season by Samantha Shannon
- The Grace Year by Kim Liggett
- The Firekeeper Saga by Jane Lindskold
1. Divergent
- Author: Veronica Roth
- About: Set in a dystopian Chicago, society is divided into five factions, each representing a particular virtue. Sixteen-year-old Beatrice “Tris” Prior must choose between staying with her family's faction or seeking her true identity. Her decision leads her into a world of intense challenges and unexpected discoveries.
- Style of Writing: The narrative is fast-paced with straightforward prose, creating an engaging and accessible read.
- Length: Approximately 105,143 words.
- Year Written: 2011
- Emotional Impact: The novel offers a compelling journey of self-discovery and courage, leaving readers contemplating themes of identity and societal structure.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate; suitable for young adult readers and above.
- Why Read It: For its intriguing world-building and exploration of personal identity within a rigid societal system.
2. The Testing
- Author: Joelle Charbonneau
- About: In a post-apocalyptic world, the United Commonwealth selects the brightest graduates for “The Testing,” a rigorous program to determine future leaders. Malencia “Cia” Vale is honored to be chosen but soon realizes that the process is more treacherous than it appears.
- Style of Writing: The writing is suspenseful and descriptive, effectively building tension throughout the narrative.
- Length: Approximately 105,000 words.
- Year Written: 2013
- Emotional Impact: The story is intense, evoking feelings of suspense and moral contemplation as characters face life-and-death decisions.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate; accessible to young adult readers.
- Why Read It: For its thrilling plot and exploration of ethical dilemmas in a high-stakes environment.
3. The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes
- Author: Suzanne Collins
- About: Serving as a prequel to The Hunger Games, the novel delves into the early life of Coriolanus Snow, exploring his rise to power and the origins of the Hunger Games.
- Style of Writing: The prose is detailed and immersive, providing deep insights into the protagonist's psyche and the sociopolitical landscape of Panem.
- Length: Approximately 110,000 words.
- Year Written: 2020
- Emotional Impact: The narrative offers a complex portrayal of ambition and morality, prompting readers to reflect on the nature of power and control.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate; suitable for both young adult and adult readers.
- Why Read It: To gain a deeper understanding of the Hunger Games universe and the factors that shaped its infamous antagonist.
4. The Maze Runner
- Author: James Dashner
- About: Thomas wakes up in a mysterious maze with no memory of his past. He must team up with other teens to escape the deadly labyrinth and uncover the truth about their predicament.
- Style of Writing: Fast-paced and action-packed, with a sense of mystery and urgency.
- Length: Approximately 101,000 words.
- Year Written: 2009
- Emotional Impact: Suspenseful and gripping, leaving readers on edge and eager for answers.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate; aimed at young adult readers.
- Why Read It: For its intense action, puzzling twists, and themes of teamwork and survival.
5. Legend
- Author: Marie Lu
- About: In a future dystopia, prodigy June and wanted criminal Day find themselves on opposite sides of a corrupt government but must team up when their lives intertwine.
- Style of Writing: Alternating perspectives with sharp, vivid descriptions.
- Length: Approximately 90,000 words.
- Year Written: 2011
- Emotional Impact: Emotional and thought-provoking, blending action with poignant moments.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate; suitable for teens and up.
- Why Read It: For its compelling characters and thrilling exploration of loyalty, justice, and rebellion.
6. Red Queen
- Author: Victoria Aveyard
- About: In a world divided by blood—red for commoners and silver for the elite—Mare discovers she has a unique power that could shift the balance of power.
- Style of Writing: Descriptive and dramatic, with an emphasis on world-building and intrigue.
- Length: Approximately 118,000 words.
- Year Written: 2015
- Emotional Impact: Tense and emotionally charged, with twists that keep readers invested.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate; suitable for young adult readers.
- Why Read It: For its mix of fantasy and dystopian elements, with a strong, relatable heroine.
7. The 5th Wave
- Author: Rick Yancey
- About: After a series of alien attacks devastates Earth, Cassie struggles to protect her younger brother and survive in a world where trust is a gamble.
- Style of Writing: Suspenseful and reflective, with vivid descriptions of a post-apocalyptic world.
- Length: Approximately 136,000 words.
- Year Written: 2013
- Emotional Impact: Haunting and thought-provoking, with a mix of fear, hope, and determination.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate; appealing to teens and adults.
- Why Read It: For its gripping depiction of humanity’s resilience against overwhelming odds.
8. An Ember in the Ashes
- Author: Sabaa Tahir
- About: In a brutal empire, slave Laia and soldier Elias cross paths, challenging the oppressive regime and their own destinies.
- Style of Writing: Richly detailed, with an evocative and immersive tone.
- Length: Approximately 130,000 words.
- Year Written: 2015
- Emotional Impact: Deeply emotional and intense, with themes of sacrifice, love, and courage.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate; accessible to young adults and older readers.
- Why Read It: For its intricate world-building and powerful story of rebellion and hope.
9. The Giver
- Author: Lois Lowry
- About: In a seemingly utopian world devoid of pain and strife, young Jonas is chosen to inherit memories of the past, uncovering the truth about his society.
- Style of Writing: Simple yet profound, with a focus on philosophical and emotional depth.
- Length: Approximately 43,000 words.
- Year Written: 1993
- Emotional Impact: Profound and thought-provoking, leaving a lasting impression.
- Difficulty Level: Easy to moderate; suitable for teens and adults.
- Why Read It: For its timeless exploration of individuality, memory, and freedom.
10. Matched
- Author: Ally Condie
- About: In a world where the government controls every aspect of life, Cassia begins to question her predetermined path after a glitch in her assigned match.
- Style of Writing: Gentle and introspective, with a focus on character development.
- Length: Approximately 89,000 words.
- Year Written: 2010
- Emotional Impact: Quietly emotional, with themes of self-discovery and love.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate; perfect for young adult readers.
- Why Read It: For its exploration of individuality and defiance in a controlled society.
11. Delirium
- Author: Lauren Oliver
- About: In a world where love is considered a disease, Lena eagerly awaits her cure—until she falls in love just days before her scheduled treatment.
- Style of Writing: Lyrical and poetic, with vivid emotional depth.
- Length: Approximately 110,000 words.
- Year Written: 2011
- Emotional Impact: Heartbreaking and thought-provoking, lingering in readers’ minds.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate; accessible to teens and adults.
- Why Read It: For its unique premise and moving exploration of love and freedom.
12. The Selection
- Author: Kiera Cass
- About: In a dystopian monarchy, 35 girls compete for the prince’s hand and the chance to escape their caste, while America Singer grapples with her own feelings.
- Style of Writing: Light, romantic, and character-driven.
- Length: Approximately 80,000 words.
- Year Written: 2012
- Emotional Impact: Charming and engaging, with emotional moments that resonate.
- Difficulty Level: Easy to moderate; ideal for young adult readers.
- Why Read It: For its mix of romance, competition, and a Cinderella-like premise in a dystopian setting.
13. The Knife of Never Letting Go
- Author: Patrick Ness
- About: In a world where everyone can hear each other’s thoughts, Todd discovers a deadly secret that forces him to flee with his loyal dog.
- Style of Writing: Unique and immersive, with fragmented, stream-of-consciousness narration.
- Length: Approximately 117,000 words.
- Year Written: 2008
- Emotional Impact: Raw and emotional, with moments of intense suspense and heartbreak.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate; requires attention due to its distinct narrative style.
- Why Read It: For its innovative storytelling and exploration of morality, fear, and survival.
14. Scythe
- Author: Neal Shusterman
- About: In a world where death has been conquered, two teens are chosen to become scythes—grim reapers tasked with population control.
- Style of Writing: Thoughtful and gripping, blending philosophical depth with fast-paced action.
- Length: Approximately 98,000 words.
- Year Written: 2016
- Emotional Impact: Profound and haunting, sparking deep reflection on life and ethics.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate; appeals to both teens and adults.
- Why Read It: For its unique concept and exploration of morality and humanity in a futuristic world.
15. The Darkest Minds
- Author: Alexandra Bracken
- About: After a disease kills most children, the survivors develop supernatural abilities and are imprisoned by the government, sparking rebellion.
- Style of Writing: Descriptive and emotional, with a focus on character relationships.
- Length: Approximately 139,000 words.
- Year Written: 2012
- Emotional Impact: Intense and moving, with themes of resilience and hope.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate; suited for young adult readers.
- Why Read It: For its powerful story of survival, friendship, and standing up against oppression.
16. Carve the Mark
- Author: Veronica Roth
- About: In a galaxy where fate controls lives, two teens from opposing cultures must work together to regain control of their destinies.
- Style of Writing: Detailed and immersive, with an emphasis on world-building and complex characters.
- Length: Approximately 118,000 words.
- Year Written: 2017
- Emotional Impact: Thought-provoking and emotionally gripping, with themes of pain and resilience.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate to challenging due to its intricate world-building.
- Why Read It: For its richly crafted universe and exploration of fate, power, and identity.
17. The Young Elites
- Author: Marie Lu
- About: Survivors of a deadly illness emerge with supernatural abilities, forming the Young Elites, a group that challenges societal norms.
- Style of Writing: Dark, poetic, and emotionally charged.
- Length: Approximately 93,000 words.
- Year Written: 2014
- Emotional Impact: Haunting and impactful, with morally complex characters.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate; engaging for teens and adults.
- Why Read It: For its anti-hero protagonist and exploration of power, revenge, and redemption.
18. The Bone Season
- Author: Samantha Shannon
- About: In a future where clairvoyants are outlawed, Paige Mahoney is captured and discovers a hidden society that changes her understanding of her abilities.
- Style of Writing: Dense and detailed, with a focus on intricate world-building.
- Length: Approximately 130,000 words.
- Year Written: 2013
- Emotional Impact: Immersive and thought-provoking, with themes of identity and freedom.
- Difficulty Level: Challenging; suited for mature readers.
- Why Read It: For its richly imagined dystopian world and complex, compelling narrative.
19. The Grace Year
- Author: Kim Liggett
- About: In a patriarchal society, young women are exiled for a year to rid themselves of “magic,” but the truth behind the ritual is far more sinister.
- Style of Writing: Suspenseful and atmospheric, with a haunting tone.
- Length: Approximately 101,000 words.
- Year Written: 2019
- Emotional Impact: Chilling and unforgettable, with themes of survival and female empowerment.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate; accessible to older teens and adults.
- Why Read It: For its eerie, thought-provoking exploration of gender and societal control.
20. The Firekeeper Saga
- Author: Jane Lindskold
- About: Raised by intelligent wolves, Firekeeper must navigate human society and its politics while uncovering her true heritage.
- Style of Writing: Detailed and immersive, with rich character development.
- Length: Approximately 180,000 words.
- Year Written: 2001
- Emotional Impact: Unique and reflective, blending fantasy with personal growth.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate; suitable for readers who enjoy complex narratives.
- Why Read It: For its unique protagonist and thoughtful exploration of identity and belonging.
Conclusion
If you loved The Hunger Games, I think you’ll really enjoy these books—they’re some of my favorites! Divergent pulls you into a gripping world of factions and tough choices, led by a fearless heroine who’s impossible not to root for. The Testing is packed with tension and twists, with a deadly selection process that kept me on the edge of my seat. And The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes is a fascinating dive into the origins of the Hunger Games that I found both chilling and captivating. These stories are full of action, complex characters, and unforgettable moments—I highly recommend giving them a try!
