If You Like....The Hunger Games

Looking for more heart-pounding reads like The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins? Try out some of these other books with murky futures, non-stop action, and strong characters you can cheer for! 

Graceling by Kristin Cashore (2008)

YA FIC CASHORE

In a world where some people are born with extreme skills called Graces, Katsa struggles for redemption from her own horrifying Grace, the Grace of killing, and teams up with another young fighter to save their land from a corrupt king.

The Selection by Kiera Cass (2012)

YA FIC CASS

America Singer is living in a caste-divided nation that formed after the war that destroyed the United States. America is chosen to compete in the Selection--a contest to see which girl can win the heart of a prince--but all she really wants is a chance for a future with her secret love, Aspen, who is a caste below her.

The Maze Runner by James Dashner (2009)

YA FIC DASHNER

Thomas wakes up with no memory in the middle of a maze and realizes he must work with the community in which he finds himself if he is to escape.

Grave Mercy by Robin LaFevers (2012)

YA FIC LAFEVERS

In fifteenth-century Brittany, Ismae escapes from the brutality of an arranged marriage to the sanctuary of the convent of St. Mortain. There she learns that the god of Death has blessed her with dangerous gifts---gifts that will make her the perfect assassin.

Legend by Marie Lu (2011)

YA FIC LU

In a dark future when North America has split into two warring nations, fifteen-year-olds Day, a famous criminal, and prodigy June, the brilliant soldier hired to capture him, discover that they have a common enemy.

Cinder by Marissa Meyer (2012)

YA FIC MEYER

As plague ravages the overcrowded Earth, Cinder, a gifted mechanic and cyborg, becomes involved with handsome Prince Kai and must uncover secrets about her past in order to protect the world in this futuristic take on the Cinderella story.

The Knife of Never Letting Go by Patrick Ness (2009)

YA FIC NESS

On an alien world where everyone can hear everyone else’s thoughts, Todd makes a disturbing discovery at a spaceship crash site and is soon on the run from a power-hungry tyrant with his dog and the ship’s mysterious occupant.

1984 by George Orwell (1949)

FIC ORWELL

One of the most influential dystopian novels ever written. Winston lives in a desolate, totalitarian society where every move he makes is watched by the Thought Police. Can he find the strength to escape the system and experience love and independence? 

Life as We Knew It by Susan Beth Pfeffer (2006)

YA FIC PFEFFER

When a meteor hits the moon, Miranda must learn to survive the unimaginable. Told in journal entries, this is the heart-pounding story of her struggle to hold on to hope in an increasingly desperate world.

Divergent by Veronica Roth (2011)

YA FIC ROTH

Beatrice must choose among five factions to define her identity for the rest of her life, a decision made more difficult when she discovers that she does not fit into any one group and that her “perfect” society is not perfect after all.

The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater (2011)

YA FIC STIEFVATER

Returning champion Sean Kendrick competes against Puck Connolly, the first girl ever to ride in the annual Scorpio Races, a dangerous competition involving deadly water horses.

Uglies by Scott Westerfeld (2005)

YA FIC WESTERFELD

All Tally wants is to turn sixteen; on that day she will be transformed into a gorgeous “Pretty” whose only job will be to have a great time. But when her best friend runs away before the transformation, Tally must find her and turn her in….or never become pretty at all.

Other Authors You Might Like:

Jenna Black

Joelle Charbonneau

Cassandra Clare

Ally Condie

Jeanne DuPrau

Nancy Farmer

Lois Lowry

Lauren Oliver

Beth Revis

Neal Shusterman