The Hunger Games
by Suzanne Collins
In the ruins of North America, the nation of Panem forces twelve districts to send one boy and one girl to participate in the annual Hunger Games—a televised fight to the death where only one survives.
Red Risingby Pierce Brown
A miner leads a rebellion in a color-coded society on Mars.
Why you'll love it:Often called 'The Hunger Games in space,' it features a brutal caste system and a driven protagonist who infiltrates the elite to destroy them.
Divergentby Veronica Roth
In a society divided by virtues, one choice can change everything.
Why you'll love it:The classic companion to Hunger Games, following a young girl who discovers she doesn't fit into her society's rigid factions.
The Maze Runnerby James Dashner
Survival is the only way out of the glade.
Why you'll love it:Features the same high stakes, mysterious overseers, and a group of teens forced to collaborate to survive a deadly environment.
Battle Royaleby Koushun Takami
The original psychological thriller of students forced to fight.
Why you'll love it:The dark, gritty inspiration for many survival game stories. A brutal and intense look at friendship and betrayal.
Legendby Marie Lu
A high-stakes chase between a prodigy and a criminal.
Why you'll love it:A dual-perspective thriller set in a futuristic Los Angeles that captures the same military tension and systemic corruption found in Panem.
Scytheby Neal Shusterman
In a world without death, life is chosen by the Scythes.
Why you'll love it:Explores the morality of power and population control in a post-mortality world with deep philosophical questions and high stakes.
Ugliesby Scott Westerfeld
A society where everyone is made 'pretty' at sixteen.
Why you'll love it:A foundational dystopian series that questions beauty standards and societal control through conformist technology.
The Selectionby Kiera Cass
Thirty-five girls. One crown. The chance of a lifetime.
Why you'll love it:If you enjoyed the 'game show' and romantic drama aspects of the Hunger Games, The Selection's royal competition is a lighter but addictive mix.
Gracelingby Kristin Cashore
A girl with a gift for killing discovers a deeper secret.
Why you'll love it:Features a powerful, skilled female lead navigating a corrupt monarchy, with strong themes of agency and survival.
Legendaryby Stephanie Garber
A game of magic, love, and dangerous illusions.
Why you'll love it:While more magical, its high-stakes 'game within a game' and atmospheric world-building will appeal to fans of the Capitol's drama.