24 Insanely Gripping books like The Hunger Games you’ll obsess over

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Recently updated on June 10th, 2024 at 12:12 pm

So you’re searching for books like The Hunger Games? But there are so many dystopian books. And how do you know which are 100% worth reading. 

I surveyed book lovers and these are their top picks for books like The Hunger Games

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you.  

Maybe it’s the dystopian worldbuilding. Maybe it was Katniss Everdeen – The girl who was on fire. Or maybe it was the fast paced plot.  But I’ve had a Hunger Games obsession ever since I first read it.

And I’m clearly not alone. The Hunger Games was the first book to sell more than a million electronic copies.

After I first read The Hunger Games, I fell down a rabbit hole of Dystopian Novels. The 2010s spawned many dystopian novels following the success of The Hunger Games trilogy. 

The problem is, the results are mixed.

So, how do you know which Hunger Games books are worth reading?  I surveyed book lovers, browsed Facebook, Youtube, TikTok and Reddit. And I’ve compiled the absolute best books like The Hunger Games.

Read on for the best books like The Hunger Games

What books should I read if  I liked the Hunger Games?

I asked book lovers on social media to share their favourite books like The Hunger Games. I also browsed Facebook Groups, Reddit, TikTok, Youtube and blog posts for books like The Hunger Games.

And they did NOT disappoint with their responses! I compiled the results in a spreadsheet, ending up with over 160 different books!

I’ve sorted the recommendations and in this blog post, you’ll find the top 23 books like The Hunger Games.

 I’ve also read many of these books and I’ve left my personal thoughts on each book.

The best books like The Hunger Games

1. Red Rising by Pierce Brown

Red Rising was easily the most popular recommendation for books like The Hunger Games. Everywhere I browsed, this science fiction dystopian trilogy was recommended. 

Red Rising is a fast-paced dystopian novel that channels The Hunger Games vibes in a science fiction setting. But geared towards adults. If you’re searching for a book like The Hunger Games for adults, you‘ll love this series. 

We follow Darrow, he lives in a colour-coded future society. And he is a red – the lowest caste. Like other reds, he works all day.  His people believe they’re making the surface of Mars livable for future generations.

But Darrow and his kind have been betrayed.

Humanity reached the surface generations ago. Vast cities now spread across the planet. And Darrow (and other reds like him) are no more than slaves.

Similarities to The Hunger Games

Dystopian, caste system

2. The Maze Runner by James Dashner

I wasn’t at all surprised when The Maze Runner, came out as one of the top recommendations. Searching for book like The Hunger Games and Divergent? This unique trilogy is perfect.

Voters commented that the original trilogy are the best. But the series loses it’s way after this.

We follow Thomas. He wakes up in a lift. And all of his memories are gone. 

A group of teenage boys greet him and welcome him to the glade. Outside the glade is a dangerous maze. And it’s the only escape.

The unique concept hooked you instantly. The fast-pace and plot twists keep you on the edge of my seat. This is targeted at a YA audience and has an easy-to-read writing style.

Similarities to The Hunger Games

Dystopian, young adult, movie adaptation

3. Battle Royale by Koushun Takami

The similarities between Battle Royale and The Hunger Games are unavoidable.

Battle Royale is about a cruel government. They ship kids off to an island and force them to fight until only one remains.  

Many readers claim The Hunger Games is a rip-off of Battle Royale. However, the themes differ between the two books. And Collins insists she’d never heard of it previously. You can read more about The Hunger Games and Battle Royale in this article by Far Out Magazine.

Battle Royale follows a class of  junior high school students. They’re taken to a deserted island. And as part of a ruthless authoritarian profram, they’re given arms and forced to kill each other. Only one survivor remains.

Battle Royale is more brutal than The  Hunger Games. It was criticised as a violent exploitation when it was first published in Japan.  But it’s also a high octane thriller and a runaway best seller.  If you’re looking for books like The Hunger Games, this is a great option

Similarities to The Hunger Games

Dystopian, movie adaptation, trials

4. Divergent by Veronica Roth

Divergent is a fast-paced ya dystopian. And it also features a movie adaptation.

The problem is, while the first book is incredible. Many readers didn’t enjoy the rest of the series. And I agree.

In Divergent the world is divided into 5 factions. 

Each faction is based on a personality trait – Candor (honesty), Dauntless (bravery), Amity (peaceful), Erudite (intelligence) and abnegation (selfless).

Each sixteen year old must choose a faction.  To help them decide, they take a test telling them which faction they belong to. Those who don’t fit into one faction are divergent.

Divergent divides fans. But the fun premise and fast-pace make this worth reading.

Similarities to The Hunger Games

Dystopian,  young adult, caste system, movie adaptation, trials

 5. Uglies by Scott Westerfield

The Uglies trilogy stands out to me, due to the unique premise. It examines cultural values and beauty standards.

It is set in a world divided into uglies and pretties. When you come of age, you get surgery to become pretty. And to make you physically perfect.

Uglies follows Tally, who is about to turn Sixteen. She can’t wait. And in just a few weeks she’ll have the operation that’ll turn her from an ugly to a pretty.

This is a fast-paced dystopian read. But the character development sets this book apart for me. The arc Tally has throughout the series, is excellent.

This was published at a time when Dystopian novels were hugely popular. But it stands the test of time. A great choice for books like The Hunger Games.

Similarities to The Hunger Games

Dystopian,  young adult

6. Legend by Marie Lu

A fast paced dystopian book full of adventure, plot twists and dynamic characters. The setup is reminiscent of The Hunger Games.

Set in a future version of The United States, now home to the republic. A nation constantly at war with it’s neighbours.

Fifteen Year Old June is a prodigy born into an elite family from one of the wealthiest districts.

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.

They have no reason to cross paths. Until June’s brother is murdered. And Day becomes the prime suspect.

The dual POV works well in this book. And both characters have excellent character development throughout the book. The fast pace also keeps you on the edge of your seat.

Similarities to The Hunger Games

Dystopian,  young adult,

7. Delirium by Lauren Oliver

Delirium is a YA Dystopian series.  Published during a period of huge popularity for Dystopian Novels. Delirium still stands the test of time.

Set in a Dystopian world where love is considered a dangerous disease. And the government forces eighteen year olds to have the Cure.

We follow Lena Haloway. She’s looking forward to the Cure and living a safe live.

After all, she watched love destroy her mother. And Lena doesn’t want to make the same mistake.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?

Similarities to The Hunger Games

Dystopian,  young adult, romance

8. Unwind by Neal Shusterman

Unwind has a dark, creepy premise that stays with you after reading.

This dystopian book is much darker compared to other novels. But the premise keeps you on the edge of your seat.

The book takes place in a future dystopian world. Between the ages of thirteen and eighteen parents can have their child “unwound”. All the child’s organs are transplanted into different donors.

We follow a group of young adults, due to be ‘unwound’.

Unwind is a bit older. But I had to include it. A creepy, gripping and excellent book like the Hunger Games.

Similarities to The Hunger Games

Dystopian,  young adult,

9. The Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard

The Red Queen is a popular, YA dystopian series with a fast paced plot and a captivating enemies to lovers romance.

In this dystopian novel, blood defines your status.

Reds are commoners.

But silvers are the elite and have superpowers.

The main character is red. But she has superpowers.

The Red Queen has received thousands of five stars reviews and was a #1 New York Times Bestseller. 

The plot twists leave you on the edge of your seat! A thrilling read and an excellent choice for Katniss fans.

Similarities to The Hunger Games

Dystopian,  young adult,

10. The Grace Year by Kim Liggett

A compelling YA Dystopian novel. Darker than The Hunger Games with discussion of feminism. 

No one speaks of the grace year. It’s forbidden. Girls have the power to lure grown men from their beds. They believe their very skin emits a powerful aphrodisiac, the potent essence of youth, of a girl on the edge of womanhood

So they’re banished for their sixteenth year. And they release their magic into the wild. They then return purified and ready for marriage. Sixteen-year-old Tierney James dreams of a better life—a society that doesn’t pit friend against friend or woman against woman.

 But as her own grace year draws near, she quickly realizes that it’s not just the brutal elements they must fear. It’s not even the poachers in the woods, men who are waiting for a chance to grab one of the girls in order to make a fortune on the black market.

Their greatest threat may very well be each other.

Similarities to The Hunger Games

Dystopian,  young adult, fantasy

11. Scythe by Neal Shusterman

Neal Shusterman writes captivating dystopian novels. Scythe is a fast paced, ya dystopian book with a fascinating premise.

Set in a world with no hunger, disease, war or misery. Humanity has conquered all those things.

And they’ve even conquered death.

Now, scythes are the only ones who can end life. And they are commanded to do so. To keep the population under control. Citra and Rowan are chosen to apprentice to a scythe—a role that neither wants.

This compelling dystopian novel keeps you on the edge of your seat. Perfect if you’re after ya dystopian novels.

Similarities to The Hunger Games

Dystopian,  young adult, fantasy

12. The Testing Trilogy by Joelle Charbonneau

The Testing Trilogy is perfect for fans of The Hunger Games and Divergent.

The Testing is set in a future world after a war. The Seven Stages War left much of the planet a charred wasteland. The future belongs to the next generation’s chosen few who must rebuild it.

But to enter this group, first they must pass the testing.

The testing is their one chance at a college education and a rewarding career.Cia Vale is honoured to be chosen as a Testing candidate.  But on the eve of her departure, her father’s advice hints at a darker side to her upcoming studies—trust no one. But surely she can trust Tomas, her handsome childhood friend who offers an alliance? Tomas, who seems to care more about her with the passing of every gruelling (and deadly) day of the Testing.To survive, Cia must choose: love without truth or life without trust.

Similarities to The Hunger Games

Dystopian,  young adult, fantasy, post apocalyptic

13. Cinder by Marissa Meyer

A unique, dystopian retelling. Fans of retellings such as A Curse so Dark and Lonely or ACOTAR will love this book.

Cinder is an android. She had an accident when she was younger. And she now has a cyborg hand and ankle. But the world she lives in shuns androids.

A deadly plague also affects the world/

She meets and falls in love with the Prince. But she can’t tell him that she’s an android.

This book is unputdownable. Intriguing mysteries at the start make you keep reading. And the sci-fi and dystopian elements work together perfectly.

Similarities to The Hunger Games

Dystopian,  young adult, fantasy, post apocalyptic

14. Matched by Allie Condie

Searching for books like The Hunger Games? You’ll love this quick and easy read.

The problem is, the rest of the series is underwhelming compared to the first book. 

Set in a Society where officials decide everything. Where you work, who you love and even when you die. 

On their seventeenth birthday, Cassia meets her Match. Society dictates her perfect partner for life. But, Cassia falls in love with another boy. And she is determined to make choices of her own.

This is a quick, entertaining read.  But underwhelming compared to other books on this list.

Similarities to The Hunger Games

Dystopian,  young adult, romance, love triangle

15. The 5th Wave by Rick Yancey

The 5th Wave is an addictive YA Dystopian novel. And the plot will keep you hooked throughout.

The 5th Wave follows Cassie.  After the 1st Wave, only darkness remains.  After the 2nd, only the lucky escape. And after the 3rd, only the unlucky survive. After the 4th wave, only one rule applies: trust no one.

Cassie runs from Them. Beings who look human and kill anyone they see. Cassie believes she must stay alone to stay alive.

Until she meets Evan Walker.

Evan might be Cassie’s only hope for rescuing her brother. But Cassie must choose: between trust and despair, between defiance and surrender, between life and death. To give up or to get up

Similarities to The Hunger Games

Dystopian,  young adult

16. Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi

Under the Never Sky has everything you want in a dystopian trilogy. An interesting premise, plot twists and romance. 

We follow Aria. She’s lived  her whole life in the protected dome of Reverie. Her entire world confined to its spaces, she’s never thought to dream of what lies beyond its doors.

 When her mother goes missing, Aria knows her chances of surviving in the outer wasteland long enough to find her are slim. Then Aria meets an outsider named Perry. He’s searching for someone too. He’s also wild—a savage—but might be her best hope at staying alive. If they can survive, they are each other’s best hope for finding answers.

Similarities to The Hunger Games

Dystopian,  young adult

17. All of Us Villains by Christine Lynn Herman, Amanda Foody

All of Us Villains is set in the remote city of Ilvernath. Every generation, at the coming of the blood moon, seven families name a champion. The champion mustcompete in a tournament to the death. The prize? Exclusive control over a secret wellspring of high magick, the most powerful resource in the world―one thought long depleted.

But this year is different.

A scandalous book exposes the tournament. And thrust  the seven new champions into the worldwide spotlight.

The book also gives them valuable insight that previous champions never had. Insight into the other families’ strategies, secrets, and weaknesses.Either way, this is a story that must be penned in blood.

Similarities to The Hunger Games

Dystopian,  young adult, competition

18. Powerless by Lauren Roberts

The Hunger Games and Red Queen fans will love Powerless. This dystopian fantasy features an enemies to lovers romance and a sassy street thief.

We follow Paedyn. She lives in the Kingdom of Ilya. Only the exceptional, powered Elites belong in the Kingdom. These powers were gifted to them by the Plague. Those born Ordinary are banished to preserve an Elite society.

This makes Paedyn Gray a felon by fate and a thief by necessity.

When Paeydn unsuspectingly saves one of Ilyas princes, she finds herself thrown into the Purging Trials. The brutal competition exists to showcase the Elites’ powers—the very thing Paedyn lacks.

This book has many parraells to The Hunger Games and The Red Queen. The main character is morally grey, she loses a father and is skilled at archery. Not to mention, trials and an arena.

Similarities to The Hunger Games

Dystopian, morally grey main character, trials, arena,

19. #Murdertrending by Gretchen McNeil

#MurderTrending is less known than other books on this list.  But it has a fast paced plot and an original premise Hunger Games fans will love. 

Set in the near future. Citizens enjoy watching the executions of infamous convicted felons. All streaming live on The Postman App from suburbanized prison island Alcatraz 2.0. When seventeen-year-old Dee Guerrera wakes up in a haze, lying on the ground of a dimly lit warehouse, she realizes she’s about to be the next victim of the app.

Knowing hardened criminals are getting a taste of their own medicine in this place is one thing. But Dee refuses to roll over and die for a heinous crime she didn’t commit.

Can Dee and her newly formed posse, the Death Row Breakfast Club, prove she’s innocent before she ends up wrongfully murdered for the world to see?

Similarities to The Hunger Games

Dystopian

20. Gone by Michael Grant

Seeing Gone recommended for books like The Hunger Games was such a blast from the past.  

Set in a world where everyone disappears. Gone.  Except for the young. There are teens, but no adults. Just as suddenly, there are no phones, no internet, no television. No way to get help. And no way to figure out what’s happened.

Hunger threatens. Bullies rule. A sinister creature lurks. Animals are mutating.

 And the teens themselves are changing, developing new talents—unimaginable, dangerous, deadly powers—that grow stronger by the day

 It’s a terrifying new world. And time is running out: On your 15th birthday, you disappear just like everyone else…

Similarities to The Hunger Games

Dystopian

Other books like The Hunger Games

These books were recommended. However, they did not get enough recommendations to make the top 20. 

But, as a huge dystopian lover and Hunger Games fan, I HAD to include them. If you’re searching for books like The Hunger Games then I highly recommend picking these up.

21. We set the dark on fire by Tehlor Kay Mejia

We set the Dark on feature is a Ya dystopian novel featuring a wlw romance and Latine representation.

We follow Daniela Vargas. She lives in a dystopian world where each man is entitled to 2 wives. A Primera and a Segunda. The Primera is intelligent, calm and analytical. The Segunda is the mother figure.

Outside the wall, the people go hungry. Dani started life outside of the wall. And she must use her wits to survive illegally in the capital.

The premise was intriguing. And the world-building is excellent. But it also explores important issues such as immigration politics, toxic masculinity and feminism.

Similarities to The Hunger Games

Dystopian, rebellion

 22. Lore by Alexandra Bracken

Greek Mythology meets The Hunger games.  Lore features Greek mythology, an urban setting and a strong female lead.

Every seven years Greek Gods are hunted by descendants of ancient bloodlines. If the hunters succeed they seize their immortality. We follow Lore Perseus. She has turned her back on this world.  But as the next hunt dawns, two participants seek out her help.

The complex plot of Lore is executed perfectly.  Bracken does a great job building the world and concept. The greek mythology is woven flawlessly into the modern setting.

It has an excellent revenge storyline. So if you like revenge plots then you’ll love Lore.

Similarities to The Hunger Games

Dystopian

23. An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir

Ember in the Ashes isan incredible ya fantasy book. And guess who was an emotional mess while reading this? ME!

Ancient Rome inspired the beautiful worldbuilding in this book. It also features a strong female heroine, an adventure plot and a dystopian society.

An Ember in the Ashes opens with Laia. She finds an illegal sketchbook belonging to her brother.  The empire comes and takes him away. She must locate the resistance and go on a perilous mission to save him.

The book opens with a punch and makes you emotionally invested. Laia goes to extraordinary lengths to save her brother. The high stakes leave you on the edge of your seat.

Similarities to The Hunger Games

Dystopian, young adult

24. The Sunbearer Trials by Aiden Thomas

The Sunbearer Trials is an urban fantasy book with transgender main character and some serious Hunger Games vibes.

Set in a world where the Mexican Gods and Goddesses are real. They had children who are semidioses.

As each new decade begins, the Sun’s power must be replenished to that Sol can keep travelling along the sky and keep the Obsidian gods at bay. Ten semidioses aged between thirteen and eighteen are chosen as the most worthy to compete in The Sunbearer Trials.

This is an addictive read. The worldbuilding hooks you in, without feeling like a big chunk. The pace also  keeps you reading.

Similarities to The Hunger Games

Dystopian, young adult

25. Crescent City by Sarah J Maas

Sarah J Maas was always going to appear on this list. Sarah J Maas writes strong, female protagonists very well. And Katniss fans will love Bryce.

 Bryce is half-fae, half-human.  And she is tasked with investigating a series of crimes with Hunt Athalar – a fallen angel. But they discover some dark powers at work.

Let me tell you – I was on the edge of my chair reading this. Sarah J Maas poses a number of mysteries at the start. And these hook you in. The book was also full of unexpected plot twists.

There is some info-dumping at the start. But the world-building is exquisite and the urban fantasy setting is developed very well. Sarah J Maas writes strong sassy female leads very well. And Bryce is an incredible main character. But all the side characters were very well developed.

Similarities to The Hunger Games

Dystopian, strong female main character, romance

This post was all about books like The Hunger Games

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