Starter Dystopian Novels for New Readers!

For those who don’t know, the Oxford Dictionary describes “dystopian” as:

These are typically books based in fictional worlds, or an alternate version of our current world. They feature characters going through various internal/external struggles, and I think they make for very dynamic stories. Personally, it is my favorite type of fiction.

If you’re looking to get into the genre, there are some books that present dystopian societies in a very straight-forward way. An appetizer to the genre, if you will.

I’m not one to beat around the bush too much, so here are some of my favorite dystopian novels for readers new to the genre.

1. “The Hunger Games” by Suzanne Collins

This book is a must-read in the world of dystopian fiction. Set in a fictional country called Panem, it follows the story of a 16-year-old girl. She’s forced to participate in The Hunger Games, for her life and the well being of her district.

Good Reads- 4.34 Stars

Amazon– 4.7 Stars

2. “The Giver” by Lois Lowry

“The Giver” was the first dystopian book that I ever read. I believe it was in 7th grade. This book started my interest in the genre with it’s heart-wrenching plot. Some people claim that it is filled with propaganda, but I don’t fully agree with that sentiment.

It tells the story of a young boy in a world where everyone is assigned jobs at a certain age. He finds out the truth behind his seemingly perfect world.

Good Reads- 4.12 Stars

Amazon– 4.6 Stars

3. “Uglies” by Scott Westerfeld

I stumbled upon this book in the fiction section of my high school library. The title intrigued me, and I had no idea the journey I was about to embark on by reading this book.

“Uglies” is about a girl named Tally, growing up in a place where everyone is born “ugly”. You get an operation that makes you “pretty” and your entire life is better after that…right?

I think that the plot of this book is very easy to follow, but that doesn’t stop it from being an extremely entertaining read.

Good Reads- 3.85 Stars

Amazon– 4.4 Stars

4. “The Selection” by Kiera Kass

The chokehold this book had on me is…wow.

I am a sucker for a good love story and this book mixes romance with dystopia so well.

America Singer joins the Selection for a chance to marry the Prince. The competition has a series of unexpected and emotional twists. If you have a soft spot for an innocent love story, this may be the book for you.

Good Reads- 4.08 Stars

Amazon– 4.8 Stars

5. “The Prized Brides” by Christina Daveiga

I would be remiss if I didn’t mention my own novel, “The Prized Brides”.

It follows the story of Zenya, a girl from a forest township. She dreams of marrying someone from the big city so that she can change her life and her family’s lives.

She enters the Iudicium (yoo-dih-see-uhm) competition to try and become a general’s bride. Unfortunately, the city is not all she hoped it would be.

Good Reads- 5.0 Stars

Amazon– 5.0 Stars

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