Must-Read YA Dystopian Books

Have you read The Giver yet? It’s a classic YA dystopian book that will stay with you long after you finish it. It follows Jonas, a boy living in a seemingly perfect society. However, everything changes when he is chosen to be the Receiver of Memory.

If you’re looking for a thought-provoking read about individuality and the importance of memories, this is the book for you. The Giver is a must-read for fans of YA dystopian books. Plus, it’s a quick read, so you can easily finish it in one sitting!

Starters is a YA dystopian book with a unique premise. It takes place in a future where teenagers rent out their bodies to older people who want to relive their youth. But, it’s not as simple as it sounds.

If something happens to the “starter,” the renter dies, adding a dangerous twist to the story. It’s a creepy and thrilling concept that will keep you hooked from start to finish. If you enjoy suspenseful stories, then you need to add Starters to your TBR list.

So, Red Rising. It’s this epic YA dystopian book with a whole series to dive into. It follows Darrow, a young man living under a color-coded caste system on Mars. But everything changes when he infiltrates the ruling class to lead a revolution.

If you’re a fan of The Hunger Games, then this book is definitely for you. It’s filled with action, suspense, and a touch of romance. Just be warned, once you start this series, you won’t be able to put it down.

In The Declaration, it’s the year 2140 and Anna shouldn’t exist. She’s a “Surplus” child, born illegally in a world where aging has been cured. But Anna is not alone, as Grange Hall houses many other children like her. But then, Peter shows up with a different story about the world outside.

Peter convinces Anna to escape Grange Hall and claim a life for herself. However, their journey isn’t easy. They must make their way to London, find Anna’s parents, and join an underground movement fighting for children’s rights. If you’re into stories about rebellion and fighting for what’s right, you need to check out The Declaration.

Shatter Me is a YA dystopian book with a unique superpower twist. Juliette, the main character, has a lethal touch and is imprisoned by the government. They see her as a weapon, not a person. But then, someone new enters her life, and Juliette starts to question everything she’s been told.

If you like stories about self-discovery, forbidden romance, and fighting for freedom, then you’ll definitely love Shatter Me. It has that beautiful, poetic writing style that’ll draw you right in. Trust me, you won’t be able to put it down!

The Jewel is a YA dystopian book set in a world where girls are trained to become surrogates for the wealthy. Violet, the main character, is one of these girls, known as a “Surrogate.” But as she gets closer to her Auction, she starts to question everything she thought she knew.

If you like stories about defying expectations and fighting for what’s right, then you’ll definitely love The Jewel. It’s a captivating read with plenty of twists and turns. Trust me, you won’t want to miss it!

So, Scythe is this really interesting YA dystopian book set in a future where death has been conquered. Cool concept, right? But, of course, there’s a catch: someone still needs to control the population. Enter the Scythes, people chosen to “glean” or kill others.

It follows two teens who are chosen to be apprentices, and let me tell you, it’s intense. They have to grapple with morality, ethics, and the meaning of life and death. If you’re into thought-provoking books that’ll make you question everything, Scythe is definitely worth checking out.

Have you heard of Birthmarked? It’s a YA dystopian novel set in a post-apocalyptic world. Gaia Stone is a midwife, following in her mother’s footsteps. However, her life takes a dark turn when her parents are arrested for treason.

Gaia is forced to uncover the secrets of her society and the true purpose of her role as a midwife. But, she soon realizes that the truth is far more sinister than she ever imagined. If you’re into dystopian stories with a touch of mystery and a strong female lead, you won’t want to miss Birthmarked!

In Garner County, girls are banished to the wilderness for their sixteenth year. This is known as the Grace Year. It’s a time for them to purge their so-called magic. However, the reality of the Grace Year is harsh and brutal.

Tierney James, one of the girls, quickly realizes this. She fights for survival and questions the true purpose of the Grace Year. If you love YA dystopian books with strong female characters, The Grace Year is a must-read. It explores themes of societal control and female empowerment.

Enclave is a YA dystopian book set in a future America ravaged by environmental disasters. People live in domed enclaves, while everyone else struggles to survive in the harsh Wastelands.

But here’s where it gets interesting: Deet, a seventeen-year-old girl, is exiled from her enclave for a minor crime. She joins a group of outsiders known as the Scavengers, and she uncovers a hidden truth about the enclaves. This book is perfect if you’re into stories about survival and fighting against injustice. Plus, it’s action-packed and totally engrossing!

The Knife of Never Letting Go is set in a dystopian world where everyone can hear each other’s thoughts. Todd Hewitt, the main character, lives in a town with no women, and he believes they were killed by a virus. But, everything changes when he meets a girl named Viola.

They embark on a dangerous journey, running from those who want to silence them. This YA dystopian novel explores themes of gender, power, and the consequences of unchecked noise. If you enjoy thrilling stories with a touch of mystery, this book is definitely worth checking out.

The Marrow Thieves is a powerful YA dystopian novel set in a future where people have lost the ability to dream. Indigenous people, however, retain this ability through their bone marrow. This makes them targets for those seeking to reclaim their lost dreams.

The story follows Frenchie, a young Indigenous boy who must fight for survival alongside a group of other survivors. They embark on a perilous journey, navigating treacherous terrain and facing ruthless hunters. If you’re looking for a gripping read about resilience, hope, and the power of community, then The Marrow Thieves is a must-read.