The 30 Best Classic Novels Everyone Should Read - Forbes
Must-Read Classics · 1. The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison (1970) · 2. The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien (1937) · 3. The Age of Innocence by Edith ...
dystopian novel
With the recent rise of book bans, Ray Bradbury’s <anchor>dystopian novel</anchor> couldn’t feel more relevant. It predicts a future where books are illegal and any found are burned by fire fighters, including one who grows a conscience and begins fighting censorship. Book burnings in Nazi Germany and the McCarthy hearings in the U.S. inspired the plot.
The 30 Greatest Dystopian Books Of All Time
The 30 Greatest Dystopian Books Of All Time

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# The 30 Greatest Dystopian Books Of All Time

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May 25, 2024,08:00am EDT

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Actor Lorne Greene in a production of "1984," from the book by George Orwell, on the CBS anthology ... \[+\] series Studio One, circa 1953.

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For decades, writers have conjured nightmare worlds to terrify generations of readers. While the dystopian genre may have had a huge peak in the early 2010s, with dozens of additions to the dystopia canon, dystopian books have existed for almost two hundred years.

This list of best dystopian books will define what the dystopian genre consists of and guide readers across the landscape of dystopian novels, from books featuring seemingly perfect societies in the near future, to advanced civilizations paralyzed by inequality. These books are dark, thought-provoking tales that challenge the reader by invoking systemic problems and flinging them into stark relief.

## What Is Dystopian Fiction?

Dystopian novels take place in societies that have been restructured and are heavily controlled, be it by governmental agencies, monarchs, shadow cabinets, corporations or (depending on the sub-genre) supernatural/paranormal entities or deities. The key difference between utopian and dystopian fiction is whether the key conflict driving the story is about rebellion or highlighting societal issues plaguing the protagonists.

While there is some crossover between dystopian novels and [fantasy novels](https://www.forbes.com/sites/entertainment/article/fantasy-books/ "https://www.forbes.com/sites/entertainment/article/fantasy-books/"), fantasy novels focus on a quest, magic or the inner-workings of the world’s monarchy, as opposed to the overthrowing of an overt oppressive regime.

There is often crossover between the sci-fi and dystopia genres. Many dystopian books take place in the future, thereby focusing on Artificial Intelligence, interstellar travel or speculative scientific mechanics, but again, with a dystopia, the focus will be on the effects of the overarching ruling force vs explanations of the science that brought society to that point.

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The line is quite blurry between dystopian novels and post-apocalyptic novels. The main point of distinction will be that post-apocalyptic novels will focus on the immediate aftermath of the end of the world: people walking desolate roads, seeking sustenance, shelter or other survivors. dystopian novels will often take place hundreds of years “after the end,” as it were, allowing whichever force the protagonists are fighting against to rise and take control of society.

## Top Dystopian Novels

Thanks to the dystopian boom of the 2010s, many people are familiar with [series](https://www.forbes.com/sites/entertainment/article/best-book-series/ "https://www.forbes.com/sites/entertainment/article/best-book-series/") like _The Hunger Games_ by Suzanne Collins and the _Uglies_ series by Scott Westerfeld. Other popular dystopian novels include [timeless classics](https://www.forbes.com/sites/entertainment/article/best-classic-novels/ "https://www.forbes.com/sites/entertainment/article/best-classic-novels/"), such as _Fahrenheit 451_ by Ray Bradbury or _Brave New World_ by Aldous Oxley. These rankings are based on the impact they had on culture as a whole, as well as the vividness of the dark society created in each of the novels.

### 30\. _Prophet Song_ by Paul Lynch (2023)

The 2023 Booker Prize winner, _Prophet Song_ tells the story of Eilish Stack, a single mother of four fighting for her family’s future amidst the rise of an Irish Nationalist political party. Gripping and terrifying, this novel is set in the very near future, immersing readers in depictions of international conflict set on a familiar stage. This book is recommended for lovers of history, lovers of beautiful writing, and readers who engage with political news daily. [Paul Lynch’s](https://www.paullynchwriter.com/ "https://www.paullynchwriter.com/") _Prophet Song_ was [Ireland’s best-selling book of 2023](https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/books/2024/01/03/paul-lynchs-booker-prize-winner-is-irelands-bestselling-book-of-2023/ "https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/books/2024/01/03/paul-lynchs-booker-prize-winner-is-irelands-bestselling-book-of-2023/") and can be bought from independent publisher [OneWorld.](https://oneworld-publications.com/work/prophet-song/ "https://oneworld-publications.com/work/prophet-song/")

### 29\. _The Selection_ by Kiera Cass (2012)

_The Bachelor_ meets the end of the world, _The Selection_ takes place in a highly divided America after World War III. In this society, the only way to escape the rigid caste system is to marry someone in a caste above one’s own, and to ensure genetic diversity, heirs to the throne have potential spouses participate in a televised “Selection” to compete for their love. Romantic and breezy, readers will lose themselves in the descriptions of the glamorous competition alongside depictions of the blighted United States and active rebellions. This book is perfect for [young adult readers](https://www.forbes.com/sites/entertainment/article/best-ya-novels/ "https://www.forbes.com/sites/entertainment/article/best-ya-novels/"), readers of romance who want political commentary alongside their love stories, or readers who want to dive into an unfamiliar world informed by romantic norms carried over from our own. [Kiera Cass’s](https://www.kieracass.com/ "https://www.kieracass.com/") _The Selection_ spawned four sequels and can be bought from publisher [HarperCollins](https://www.harpercollins.com/products/the-selection-kiera-cass "https://www.harpercollins.com/products/the-selection-kiera-cass").

### 28\. _The Women Could Fly_ by Megan Giddings (2022)

A dark tale of inheritance and magic, _The Women Could Fly_ tells the tale of a society where women must be married by the age of 30 and witches are burned at the stake by a patriarchal government. The protagonist, Jo, must decide on whether she wants to marry or solve the mystery of her mother’s disappearance before the government begins tracking her. Mysterious and atmospheric, this book is perfect for fans of magical television shows, [mystery novels](https://www.forbes.com/sites/entertainment/article/best-mystery-books/ "https://www.forbes.com/sites/entertainment/article/best-mystery-books/"), and books with explicit social commentary. [Megan Giddings](https://www.megangiddings.com/ "https://www.megangiddings.com/")’ _The Women Could Fly_ can be bought from publisher [HarperCollins](https://www.harpercollins.com/products/the-women-could-fly-megan-giddings "https://www.harpercollins.com/products/the-women-could-fly-megan-giddings").

Joey King will star in the forthcoming "Uglies" adaptation for Netflix.

WireImage

### 27\. _Uglies_ by Scott Westerfeld (2005)

A book that introduced the dystopian genre to an entire generation, _Uglies_ is another young adult book about a rigidly divided society. In this series, people eagerly await their sixteenth birthdays in order to receive life-altering plastic surgery, transforming them from Uglies, who have very few rights, to Pretties, who live in different cities and do not have to work. Tally, the protagonist, is tasked with finding her friend or risk never being given her surgery. Tackling inequality, beauty politics and shining a light on how oppression can be insidious, _Uglies_ spawned three sequels and is being adapted into a 2025 movie for Netflix. [Scottt Westerfeld’s](https://scottwesterfeld.com/ "https://scottwesterfeld.com/") _Uglies_ can be bought from publisher [Simon & Schuster](https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Uglies/Scott-Westerfeld/Uglies/9781416936381 "https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Uglies/Scott-Westerfeld/Uglies/9781416936381").

### 26\. _Followers_ by Megan Angelo (2020)

Told via dual timelines, _Followers_ follows a struggling writer named Orla who befriends an influencer. In the future, people live-stream every minute of their days to their followers and live on the largesse of corporations. Marlow, an influencer hooked up to cameras 24/7, begins to wonder if there is more to life than performing for her fans. How are the two stories connected? How did society get addicted to constant entertainment? A fascinating look at the social media era, this book is perfect for people who worry about screen-time, and readers interested in the attention economy. [Megan Angelo’s](https://www.meganangelo.com/ "https://www.meganangelo.com/") _Followers_ can be bought from publisher [HarperCollins](https://www.harpercollins.com/products/followers-megan-angelo?variant=39308750815266 "https://www.harpercollins.com/products/followers-megan-angelo?variant=39308750815266").

### 25\. _Wool_ by Hugh Howey (2011)

A combination of the dystopian and post-apocalyptic genres, _Wool_ is a collection of novellas about societies living underground after nuclear war annihilates the atmosphere. Living in individualized “silos” that reach hundreds of miles under the Earth, society is controlled by the Judicial branch of government and rules are enforced by militarized police forces. The series follows a succession of sheriffs seeking to investigate the truth of the silos, as nothing from “before” has survived the war or the creation of the silos. Hailed as modern classics, the novellas were adapted into a series for Apple TV+ in 2023. This series is perfect for fans of dystopias with large amounts of mythology. [Hugh Howey’s](https://hughhowey.com/ "https://hughhowey.com/") _Wool_ was a self-published phenomenon and can be bought wherever eBooks are sold.

Rebecca Ferguson stars in "Silo," the adaptation of the "Wool" novellas for Apple TV+.

WireImage

### 24\. _American War_ by Omar El Akkad (2017)

A political and audacious novel, _American War_ depicts the second Civil War in a America destroyed by climate change and deadly pandemics. Told through historical documents following the life of a climate activist, readers are transported across an unrecognizable country teeming with victims of a nation that has turned on itself. This book is for readers who love history and seeing the ways nations can repeat mistakes, and people who are deeply passionate about climate change and civil rights. [Omar El Akkad’s](https://www.omarelakkad.com/ "https://www.omarelakkad.com/") _American War_ can be bought from publisher [Penguin Random House](https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/ "https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/").

### 23\. _The Memory Police_ by Yōko Ogawa, translated by Stephen Snyder (1994)

A BookTok favorite, _The Memory Police_ takes place in a society where objects and people randomly vanish as if they never existed. An unlucky few are able to recall the missing, but The Memory Police ensure that the populace live in fear of revealing they know something is awry. Thought-provoking, sad and imbued with the weight of trauma, this book is perfect for readers who seek to lose themselves in stories, lovers of literary fiction and fans of emotional, heavy writing. Yōko Ogawa’s _The Memory Police_ can be purchased from publisher [Penguin Random House](https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/252774/the-memory-police-by-yoko-ogawa/ "https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/252774/the-memory-police-by-yoko-ogawa/").

### 22\. _The Time Machine_ by H.G. Wells (1895)

A classic that introduced the concept of a time machine to the general public, _The Time Machine_ features a time-travelling Victorian who encounters the end of humanity. Travelling to a future utopian paradise where humans have evolved into a separate species known as the Eloi, the traveler is surprised to learn humanity has transformed into a society of weak, soft decadents who subsist on fruit and are intellectually challenged. The truth is revealed when the traveler discovers that systemic inequality has divided humanity into the Eloi and Morlocks, monsters who live underground and consume the Eloi. _The Time Machine_ shone a light on classism in England and served as a warning for the masses about the effects of harsh caste systems. _The Time Machine_ can be published from publisher [Simon & Schuster](https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/The-Time-Machine/H-G-Wells/Enriched-Classics/9780743487733 "https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/The-Time-Machine/H-G-Wells/Enriched-Classics/9780743487733").

### 21\. _Speak_ by Louisa Hall (2015)

A novel spanning centuries, _Speak_ focuses on the difficulty of making oneself understood and themes of communication and alienation. Beginning in the 1600s with the story of a Puritan woman being married off to an older man and ending with the rise of AI in the 2040s, this novel transports readers and illuminates the horrors of the dystopian future in the book using twists and turns alongside beautiful, haunting writing. This book is for readers who love multiple points of view, literary fiction, Alan Turing, complex stories and language, and those who have conflicted feelings about robotic life forms. [Louisa Hall’s](https://louisahall.net/ "https://louisahall.net/") _Speak_ can be bought from publisher Ecco Books, a division of [HarperCollins](https://www.harpercollins.com/products/speak-louisa-hall "https://www.harpercollins.com/products/speak-louisa-hall").

### 20\. _Exit West_ by Mohsin Hamid (2017)

A novel that marries the dystopian and Magical Realism genres, _Exit West_ explores the lengths people will go through to escape political turmoil. The narrative unfurls as a couple meets and marries in the Middle East, and as their country descends into chaos, learn of a magical door that can transport them to a new territory—for a price. The couple discover the true cost of freedom as the new world becomes victim to many of the issues they thought they had escaped from in this moving political allegory. This book is recommended for readers of complex political thrillers, lovers of magical realism and slow burning dystopias. [Mohsin Hamid’s](https://www.mohsinhamid.com/ "https://www.mohsinhamid.com/") _Exit West_ can be bought from publisher Riverhead Books, a division of [Penguin Random House](https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/549017/exit-west-by-mohsin-hamid/ "https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/549017/exit-west-by-mohsin-hamid/").

### 19\. _The Candy House_ by Jennifer Egan (2022)

Beginning in 2010 with the invention of technology that allows people to upload their memories into the cloud, The Candy House traverses the globe through a series of vignettes exploring generational trauma alongside a slow-moving dystopia. Through inventive stories, readers see the rise of the technology and its effects as characters enter the memories of others and spend their lives lost to nostalgia. Egan won the Pulitzer Prize for _A Visit from the Goon Squad_, and this book is considered a spiritual sequel. [Jennifer Egan’s](https://jenniferegan.com/ "https://jenniferegan.com/") _The Candy House_ can be purchased from publisher [Simon & Schuster](https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/The-Candy-House/Jennifer-Egan/9781476716770 "https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/The-Candy-House/Jennifer-Egan/9781476716770"), and this is recommended for readers who love complex narratives, stories of parental abandonment and its effects across generations, and readers who fear the effects of social media.

Actress, director and producer Olivia Wilde purchased the rights to "The Candy House" for a ... \[+\] television adaptation in 2023.

Getty Images for Palm Springs International Film Festival

### 18\. _The Children of Men_ by P.D. James (1992)

Set in a terrifying vision of 2021, this haunting novel takes place in a society where no humans are being born due to a mysterious illness afflicting men. After two decades of no live births, England has descended into decadent chaos, with people living in reverence of the final generation, and citizens doting on animals in lieu of infants. As a small resistance effort forms, some seek to fight against the nihilism spreading across society. The book was adapted into a movie directed by visionary director Alfonso Cuarón, starring Clive Owen and Julianne Moore, in 2006. [P.D. James’s](https://pdjames.co.uk/ "https://pdjames.co.uk/") _The Children of Men_ can be purchased from publisher [Penguin Random House](https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/86535/the-children-of-men-by-pd-james/ "https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/86535/the-children-of-men-by-pd-james/").

Director Alfonso Cuaron and Clive Owen on a red carpet for the film adaptation "Children of Men."

WireImage

### 17\. _Chain Gang All-Stars_ by Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah (2023)

A Dystopia directly tackling racial politics and the prison industrial complex, _Chain Gang All-Stars_ tells the story of two female prisoners and lovers tasked with fighting to the death for the entertainment of the masses. Set in a society where the private prison system has grown unchecked, televised death matches allow prisoners to fight for their freedom in order to raise money for the state. Haunting, lyrical and evocative, this book challenges readers with questions surrounding fairness, justice and freedom, and is perfect for readers who are passionate or curious about social justice and the history of policing in the United States. [Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah’s](https://www.nanakwameadjei-brenyah.com/ "https://www.nanakwameadjei-brenyah.com/") _Chain Gang All-Stars_ can be purchased from Pantheon, a division of [Penguin Random House](https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/714055/chain-gang-all-stars-by-nana-kwame-adjei-brenyah/ "https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/714055/chain-gang-all-stars-by-nana-kwame-adjei-brenyah/").

### 16\. _Tender is the Flesh_ by Agustina Bazterrica, translated by Sarah Moses (2017)

A short, punchy novel and a TikTok favorite, _Tender is the Flesh_ takes place in a future where animal meat has become poisonous, and governments around the world turn to the next best thing: humans. Marcos works as a manager for a “processing plant,” and slowly starts to question the choices available to him when he develops feelings for a woman scheduled to be “processed.” Dark, graphic and challenging, this book comes with a warning for the squeamish. Agustina Bazterrica’s _Tender is the Flesh_ can be purchased from U.S. publisher [Simon & Schuster](https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Tender-Is-the-Flesh/Agustina-Bazterrica/9781982150921#:~:text=Tender%20Is%20the%20Flesh%20%7C%20Book,Official%20Publisher%20Page%20%7C%20Simon%20%26%20Schuster "https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Tender-Is-the-Flesh/Agustina-Bazterrica/9781982150921#:~:text=Tender%20Is%20the%20Flesh%20%7C%20Book,Official%20Publisher%20Page%20%7C%20Simon%20%26%20Schuster").

### 15\. _The Circle_ by Dave Eggers(2013 _)_

Another dystopia about the confluence of social media and the rise of technology, _The Circle_ was an instant classic upon its publication. Chronicling the story of a woman who begins working at The Circle, a company that develops software and tech, as the company slowly starts to spread its influence across the world through its SeeChange cameras, effectively monitoring the actions of millions of users at once. Prescient and sobering, _The Circle_ is perfect for readers who worry about privacy, slow burning Dystopias and technological thrillers. _The Circle_ spawned a film adaptation in 2017 starring Emma Watson and Tom Hanks, and a sequel ( _The Every_) in 2021. [Dave Eggers’s](https://daveeggers.net/ "https://daveeggers.net/") _The Circle_ can be published from publisher [Penguin Random House](https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/232010/the-circle-by-dave-eggers/ "https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/232010/the-circle-by-dave-eggers/").

Emma Watson and Tom Hanks starred in the film adaptation of "The Circle."

getty

### 14\. _Cloud Atlas_ by David Mitchell(2004 _)_

Shortlisted for the Booker Prize and revered as a classic, _Cloud Atlas_ is an epic that combines a variety of genres into a moving and indelible novel. Utilizing a unique structure featuring six interlocking stories, the novel transforms in style (from letters, to journals, to an interview, to a legend passed down orally by a post-apocalyptic society) and genre (from [historical fiction](https://www.forbes.com/sites/entertainment/article/best-historical-fiction-books/ "https://www.forbes.com/sites/entertainment/article/best-historical-fiction-books/") to thriller to dystopian to post-apocalyptic). Featuring a dystopia in which robots known as fabricants are controlled by corporations, the book builds to a thrilling conclusion before revealing how all six stories are connected. Memorable and powerful, this book is recommended for readers who enjoy challenging books, works that span genre, and stories about the power of hope and the human condition. [David Mitchell _’s_](https://davidmitchellbooks.com/ "https://davidmitchellbooks.com/") _Cloud Atlas_ was also adapted into a movie starring Tom Hanks and Halle Berry in 2012, and can be purchased from publisher [Penguin Random House](https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/115430/cloud-atlas-by-david-mitchell/ "https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/115430/cloud-atlas-by-david-mitchell/").

### 13\. _Fahrenheit 451_ by Ray Bradbury(1952 _)_

Another classic, _Fahrenheit 451_ changed the way Americans thought about freedom of speech, repression and the power of ideas, and is considered one of the greatest novels of all time. Set in a future where firemen find and burn books that could potentially inspire rebellion, Bradbury’s fire-starting protagonist soon questions what power the forbidden objects might hold, and why the government is so set on destroying them on sight. _Fahrenheit 451_ is considered prescient and powerful, and remains on the curriculum of high schools across the country. _Fahrenheit 451_ can be purchased from publisher [Simon & Schuster](https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Fahrenheit-451/Ray-Bradbury/9781451673265 "https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Fahrenheit-451/Ray-Bradbury/9781451673265").

### 12\. _Never Let me Go_ by Kazuo Ishigiro (2005)

Taking place in a world where incredible advances have been made in the field of biology, _Never Let Me Go_ is set at a boarding school for clones in the 1990s. The three protagonists are being instructed in the ways of the world, but the reader quickly learns that the school, its purpose and society at large have something much darker in store for them. Centered on the roles and rights of an underclass, the novel is perfect for readers who are fans of quiet science fiction, literary fiction and deeply sad meditations on what it means to be human. The book was also adapted into a film starring Carey Mulligan, Keira Knightley and Andrew Garfield in 2010. Tender, devastating, and haunting, Kazuo Ishigiro’s _Never Let Me Go_ was shortlisted for the Booker prize and can be purchased from publisher [Penguin Random House](https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/85609/never-let-me-go-by-kazuo-ishiguro/ "https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/85609/never-let-me-go-by-kazuo-ishiguro/").

Andrew Garfield, Carey Mulligan and Keira Knightley starred in the film adaptation of "Never Let Me ... \[+\] Go."

Getty Images

### 11\. _Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?_ by Philip K. Dick (1968)

A science fiction classic, this novel was the basis for the film _Blade Runner_ and _Blade Runner 2049_. In this book, most of humanity has fled Earth after nuclear war, and almost every animal is extinct. Upon leaving, each human family receives a robotic servant, with technology having advanced to the point the androids are identical to humans in every way. Centering on a bounty hunter in San Francisco tasked with destroying an escaped group of androids, this novel paints a portrait of an underclass longing for meaning amidst a ruined society devoid of hope. This book is recommended for readers who love existentialism, twists and noir fiction with a sci-fi bent. _Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?_ can be purchased from publisher [Penguin Random House](https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/40617/do-androids-dream-of-electric-sheep-by-philip-k-dick/ "https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/40617/do-androids-dream-of-electric-sheep-by-philip-k-dick/").

Ryan Gosling and Harrison Ford starred in "Blade Runner 2049," an adaptations of "Do Androids Dream ... \[+\] of Electric Sheep?"

Corbis via Getty Images

### 10\. _The Fifth Season_ by N.K. Jemisin (2015)

A masterful blend of science fiction and fantasy, this novel takes place in a dystopian society rigidly divided by castes. The three protagonists are “orogenes,” people with the ability to create earthquakes, and are hated by members of every other caste. Throughout the novel, readers learn the “Fifth Season” refers to a period of intense climate change that will devastate the world, and a Fifth Season is rapidly approaching. Transformative and epic in scope, this novel won the prestigious [Hugo Award](https://www.thehugoawards.org/hugo-history/2016-hugo-awards/ "https://www.thehugoawards.org/hugo-history/2016-hugo-awards/") for Best Novel, and is widely reversed as a modern classic for its handling of climate awareness and deft class politics using fantasy as a framework for societal analysis. [N.K. Jemisin’s](https://nkjemisin.com/ "https://nkjemisin.com/") _The Fifth Season_ spawned two sequels and can be purchased from publisher [Hachette Book Group](https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/n-k-jemisin/the-fifth-season/9780316229296/ "https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/n-k-jemisin/the-fifth-season/9780316229296/").

### 9\. _The Power_ by Naomi Alderman (2016)

Told in dual timelines, the first takes place in the modern day as women discover they have the ability to produce electricity from their fingertips due to a vestigial organ. The second, much darker timeline takes the reader to a far-off future where women have become the dominant gender and all technology has been destroyed. In this dystopian take on gender, the reader is forced to wonder what would happen if the gender wars became real, and envision a dark future where one gender has wrested power through violence. Thought-provoking, brilliant, and original, _The Power_ was adapted into a series for Amazon Prime Video in 2023 and is perfect for readers of speculative fiction and fans of fictional historical documents. [Naomi Alderman’s](https://naomialderman.com/ "https://naomialderman.com/") _The Power_ can be purchased from publisher [Hachette Book Group](https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/naomi-alderman/the-power/9780316547659/?lens=little-brown "https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/naomi-alderman/the-power/9780316547659/?lens=little-brown").

Toni Collette starred in a series adaptation of "The Power" for Amazon Prime Video.

Getty Images for Prime Video

### 8\. _Brave New World_ by Aldous Huxley (1932)

A searing social satire, _Brave New World_ was instantly controversial upon publication for its depiction of a dystopian society that ranked people by intelligence and ability to produce. In a far-off future, humans are bred in artificial wombs and sorted into castes which determine their livelihoods. While society has progressed tremendously, with the elimination of diseases, violence and pain, protagonist Bernard Marx soon discovers not everything is as it seems when he discovers people living outside the rigidly defined society that he considers home. A blistering, deeply realized classic, _Brave New World_ has been taught in schools for generations and can be purchased from publisher [HarperCollins](https://www.harpercollins.com/products/brave-new-world-aldous-huxley?variant=33051834777634 "https://www.harpercollins.com/products/brave-new-world-aldous-huxley?variant=33051834777634").

### 7\. _Severance_ by Ling Ma (2018)

A tale about the slow-moving end of the world, _Severance_ is set in a world where a global pandemic infects victims with a fever that forces them to perform their day-to-day routines _ad nauseam_ until their bodies fully shut down. Aimless Millennial protagonist Candace hardly notices when the world starts shutting down, only realizing she is trapped inside her own routine when she awakens in an abandoned New York City. As she seems to make her escape, joining up with a group of survivors led by a cheery IT worker, she slowly awakens to what post-fever society has become. Funny, dark and timely, this novel is perfect for readers who enjoy satires, immigrant narratives, and surreptitious take-downs of productivity culture. [Ling Ma’s](https://lingma.tumblr.com/ "https://lingma.tumblr.com/") _Severance_ can be purchased from publisher [Macmillan](https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781250214997/severance "https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781250214997/severance").

### 6\. _The Dog Stars_ by Peter Heller (2012)

A blend of post-apocalyptic and dystopian fiction, _The Dog Stars_ also centers on a society ravaged by a global pandemic, leaving pockets of survivors to fend for themselves in a largely uninhabited world. Receiving a radio transmission after years of silence, protagonist Hig and his dog set out to discover the mysteries of the new world and the dangers outside his pocket of safety. Gripping, moving, and poignant, _The Dog Stars_ is recommended for readers who love stories about human perseverance and against-all-odds survival fiction. [Peter Heller’s](https://www.peterhellerauthor.com/ "https://www.peterhellerauthor.com/") _The Dog Stars_ can be purchased from publisher [Penguin Random House](https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/219374/the-dog-stars-by-peter-heller/ "https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/219374/the-dog-stars-by-peter-heller/").

### 5\. _The Giver_ by Lois Lowry (1993)

The book that introduced the concept of dystopian societies to many Young Adult readers, _The Giver_ is a treasured, timeless classic. Set in a “utopian” society that has no color or emotion, readers are plunged into a sterile world with no pain—but also, no joy. Protagonist Jonas is eager to learn what his role in his Community will be before learning he will be the sole keeper of all memory from before society was rendered “perfect.” Reeling from the forbidden knowledge, Jonas soon learns there is a price to pay for perfection. This book is recommended for young adult readers and those seeking to be introduced to Dystopian fiction. [Lois Lowry’s](http://loislowry.com/ "http://loislowry.com/") _The Giver_ can be purchased from publisher [HarperCollins](https://www.harpercollins.com/products/the-giver-lois-lowry?variant=39934449516578 "https://www.harpercollins.com/products/the-giver-lois-lowry?variant=39934449516578").

### 4\. _The Hunger Games_ by Suzanne Collins (2008)

A titan that redefined publishing upon its publication, _The Hunger Games_ is often credited with ushering in the young adult dystopia genre boom in the 2010s. Taking place in a future affected by climate change and nuclear war, the United States has been reborn as Panem, a nation sporting a cruel and militaristic government and rigidly divided into Districts. To quell rebellion, the government forces two children between the ages of 12 and 18 from each District to fight to the death in televised battles for the entertainment of wealthy citizens in the Capitol. After her sister is selected for the Hunger Games, Katniss Everdeen volunteers to take her place and sets in motion a chain of events that promise to change Panem forever. [_The Hunger Games_ film](https://www.forbes.com/sites/entertainment/article/hunger-games-movies-in-order/ "https://www.forbes.com/sites/entertainment/article/hunger-games-movies-in-order/") adaptation primered in 2012 starring Jennifer Lawrence and Josh Hutcherson. [Suzanne Collins’s](https://www.suzannecollinsbooks.com/ "https://www.suzannecollinsbooks.com/") _The Hunger Games_ and its sequels can be purchased from publisher [Scholastic](https://shop.scholastic.com/parent-ecommerce/books/the-hunger-games-1-9780439023528.html "https://shop.scholastic.com/parent-ecommerce/books/the-hunger-games-1-9780439023528.html").

Actors Josh Hutcherson, Elizabeth Banks and Jennifer Lawrence in the film adaptation of the second ... \[+\] book in the Hunger Games series, "The Hunger Games: Catching Fire."

Getty Images

### 3\. _Parable of the Sower_ by Octavia E. Butler (1993)

A prescient novel blending climate fiction, pharmaceutical malfeasance, pandemics and wealth inequality, this novel combines the dystopian and post-apocalyptic genres to paint a nightmare vision of America's future. As society actively crumbles due to catastrophic climate change, citizens hide from violence in gated communities. In an alternate 2024, companies “own” workers through forms of debt management, and unregulated corporations have reinstated Company Towns. In one of the final safe places outside Los Angeles, protagonist Lauren Olamina internalizes the religious teachings of her father, and seeks to understand what hope can accomplish in a world on the brink of collapse. A TikTok favorite, this book is vivid, thoughtful and exceedingly clear-eyed about the possibilities of the future. This book is perfect for readers of fiction that interrogates big ideas and readers of bleak science fiction. [Octavia E. Butler’s](https://www.octaviabutler.com/ "https://www.octaviabutler.com/") _Parable of the Sower_ can be purchased from publisher [Hachette Book Group](https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/octavia-e-butler/parable-of-the-sower/9781538732182/?lens=grand-central-publishing "https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/octavia-e-butler/parable-of-the-sower/9781538732182/?lens=grand-central-publishing").

### 2\. _The Handmaid’s Tale_ by Margaret Atwood (1985)

A feminist classic, _The Handmaid’s Tale_ continues to be upheld as one of the most prophetic and ominous dystopian novels of all time. Featuring a United States controlled by a theocratic government, women have lost all rights, and women with the ability to bear children are known as Handmaids and are conscripted into servitude for powerful men. The novel emphasizes how ideologies can become widespread, and how darkness can seep into the minds of ordinary citizens. Dark, mournful and informative, this book is recommended for readers who are curious about the way fascism spreads, readers of feminist literature and all fans of literary science fiction. Atwood followed _The Handmaid’s Tale_ with _The Testaments_ in 2019, and elements from both books were used in Hulu’s 2018 adaptation. [Margaret Atwood’s](https://margaretatwood.ca/ "https://margaretatwood.ca/") _The Handmaid’s Tale_ can be purchased from publisher [HarperCollins](https://www.harpercollins.com/products/the-handmaids-tale-margaret-atwood?variant=39935236702242 "https://www.harpercollins.com/products/the-handmaids-tale-margaret-atwood?variant=39935236702242").

Author Margaret Atwood attends the premiere of Hulu's "The Handmaid's Tale" adaptation.

Getty Images

### 1\. _1984_ by George Orwell (1949)

An undisputed, revolutionary work upon its publication, _1984_ was so eerie it spawned the word “Orwellian,” an adjective to describe behaviors displayed in the novel. In a totalitarian England controlled by an all-seeing, all-knowing politician known as Big Brother, protagonist Winston Smith silently seethes at the complete control the government has over citizens, and the culture of turning people in for “thoughtcrimes.” Secretly plotting rebellion, Winston struggles to trust anyone around him, and soon learns Big Brother’s arms and eyes reach further than he could ever imagine. Unsettling, powerful and masterful, _1984_ is a masterpiece that awakened readers to the dangers of propaganda and the importance of free speech. _1984_ can be purchased from publisher [HarperCollins](https://www.harpercollins.com/products/1984-george-orwell?variant=39935513460770 "https://www.harpercollins.com/products/1984-george-orwell?variant=39935513460770").

## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

### **What Are The Best YA Dystopian Novels?**

The best YA dystopian novels are:

_The Hunger Games_, by Suzanne Collins (2008), an instant classic that follows Katniss Everdeen as she fights to the death in a televised match.

_Uglies_ by Scott Westerfeld (2005), where everyone in society receives massive plastic surgery in order to be deemed a Pretty, and Tally is sent on a journey to find her missing friend before being able to undergo her surgery.

_The Selection_ by Keira Cass (2012) takes place in a post-apocalyptic US divided into castes, where royals choose spouses from amidst the castes in a televised competition for their love.

### **What Are The Best Dystopian Romance Novels?**

Dystopias and romance don't often go hand-in-hand. By definition, the [romance genre](https://www.forbes.com/sites/entertainment/article/best-romance-novels/) demands a happy ending, something not often found in dystopian fiction. That said, the best dystopian novels with romance elements are:

_The Selection_ by Keira Cass (2012), where America Singer finds herself slowly falling for Prince Maxon against her greater instincts.

_Never Let Me Go_ by Kazuo Ishigiro (2005), where Tommy and Ruth fall into a steady, dependable relationship and cling to one another as their futures slowly unfurl.

### **What Are The Best Dystopian Novels For Teens?**

For readers slightly younger than young adult, the best dystopian [books for teens](https://www.forbes.com/sites/entertainment/article/books-for-teens/) are:

_The Giver_ by Lois Lowry (2005), a classic that takes place in a society devoid of emotion, color and temperature. Protagonist Jonas (who is 12 when the book begins) receives his Assignment as The Giver, the keeper of all memories from before society became a dystopia. When Jonas learns what keeps his society "perfect," his life is never the same.

_Fahrenheit 451_ by Ray Bradbury (1952), for slightly older teens. This novel has been on the curriculum of high schools across the country for generations. Featuring a fireman who finds and burns books, the protagonist soon begins to wonder why the government is so keen on suppressing the flow of information, and introduces young readers to the power of ideas.

The dystopian genre is vast, covering a wide swath of societal ills. Whether the books above take place in alternate futures, fantasy societies or worlds with androids and robots, the power of dystopian novels lie in their ability to shine a light on our society as it is, and present a vision of horrific futures we should all work to avoid.

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