Obsessed with 2010s YA Dystopia? 10 New Reads for Fans of “The Hunger Games”, “Divergent” and More (Exclusive)

Obsessed with 2010s YA Dystopia? 10 New Reads for Fans of The Hunger Games, Divergent and More (Exclusive)

The resurgence of YA dystopian novels has captured the attention of avid readers, reminiscent of the craze that swept the literary world in the 2010s. Publishers are responding to this renewed interest by offering a fresh array of post-apocalyptic tales that provide innovative spins on the classic dystopian narratives. As readers immerse themselves in these tantalizing stories, debut authors are making their mark by infusing the genre with new voices and captivating plots.

If you’re eager to expand your reading list with the latest class of YA dystopian fiction, here are 10 new releases that cater to fans of beloved favourites from the past. These novels promise to reignite the excitement and intrigue that defined iconic series like The Hunger Games and Divergent.

1. ‘Matched’ by Ally Condie and ‘Soulmatch’ by Rebecca Danzenbaker:
Both novels delve into a world where the government uses scientific methods to identify soulmates, setting the stage for forbidden romances to blossom. However, ‘Soulmatch’ introduces a unique twist by exploring past lives and the consequences attached to one’s soul identification process.

2. ‘Divergent’ by Veronica Roth and ‘The Dividing Sky’ by Jill Tew:
In these tales, the protagonists possess extraordinary abilities that pose a threat to the ruling regime. ‘The Dividing Sky’ elevates the tension by blending elements of an enemies-to-lovers romance, adding a layer of complexity to the narrative.

3. ‘The Coldest Girl in Coldtown’ by Holly Black and ‘The Ground That Devours Us’ by Kalla Harris:
Both stories navigate a world plagued by vampirism, where unlikely alliances form in the face of a common enemy. ‘The Ground That Devours Us’ introduces a twist by featuring a protagonist who must confront her own demons while battling against the forces of darkness.

4. ‘An Ember in the Ashes’ by Sabaa Tahir and ‘The Enemy’s Daughter’ by Melissa Poett:
Set in realms inspired by ancient conflicts, these novels explore the dynamics between an elite soldier and a scholarly protagonist entangled in a web of intrigue. ‘The Enemy’s Daughter’ explores the complexities of loyalty and sacrifice, adding a layer of magical realism to the narrative.

5. ‘Warm Bodies’ by Isaac Marion and ‘Hearts Still Beating’ by Brooke Asher:
Both stories grapple with the aftermath of a zombie apocalypse, highlighting themes of redemption and second chances. ‘Hearts Still Beating’ weaves a poignant tale of rekindled friendship and healing, offering a fresh take on the post-apocalyptic genre.

6. ‘The Selection’ by Kiera Cass and ‘An Ocean Apart’ by Jill Tew:
Central to these narratives is a glamorous competition for love and power, where protagonists navigate treacherous waters to secure their futures. ‘An Ocean Apart’ introduces a rebellious character bent on defying societal norms, adding a rebellious streak to the traditional romantic competition.

7. The ‘Shatter Me’ series by Tahereh Mafi and ‘Watch Me’:
Returning to the New Republic universe, fans of the series will be immersed in the familiar setting while experiencing a fresh narrative perspective. ‘Watch Me’ introduces a new generation of characters grappling with the aftermath of a fallen regime, offering readers a glimpse into the evolving landscape of the dystopian world.

8. ‘Delirium’ by Lauren Oliver and ‘All Better Now’ by Neal Shusterman:
Both stories revolve around a controlling government that enforces compliance through a mandated vaccine. ‘All Better Now’ diverges from the conventional narrative by exploring the aftermath of the virus, where survivors grapple with newfound contentment free from the burdens of their past lives.

9. ‘Warcross’ by Marie Lu and ‘Coldwire’ by Chloe Gong:
Immersed in virtual realities and high-stakes conspiracies, these novels paint a vivid picture of worlds driven by technology and intrigue. ‘Coldwire’ introduces a clash between virtual nations, offering a fresh take on the genre’s exploration of power dynamics and human nature.

10. ‘The Hunger Games’ by Suzanne Collins and ‘Fable for the End of the World’ by Ava Reid:
Both stories centre around a government-sanctioned spectacle of violence, where characters navigate treacherous waters to survive and find unexpected connections. ‘Fable for the End of the World’ introduces a captivating enemies-to-lovers romance, enriching the narrative with themes of redemption and sacrifice.

As readers dive into these compelling new releases, they are sure to find themselves transported to dystopian worlds filled with intrigue, romance, and high-stakes drama. Whether you’re a longtime fan of the genre or a newcomer seeking an immersive reading experience, these novels offer a fresh perspective on familiar tropes, making them essential additions to any YA dystopia enthusiast’s bookshelf.