Could you survive a zombie apocalypse? This hypothetical question poses an overarching theme for the dystopian genre. Characterized by calamity and a crumbling world, dystopia is a genre of fiction that is set in a different timeline where the social order is vastly different and is often corrupted. These worlds have an insurmountable amount of oppression in which the society’s citizens are under the rule of a powerful figure, with many restrictions in their daily lives.
In the midst of the calamitous destruction though, is the ray of hope that shines through the main character’s eyes as they navigate the world and try to change it for the better. Readers can identify with the characters struggles but also encourage the characters to overcome their specific challenges. Dystopia fuels the curiosity of our world by mirroring the elements of a society. Here is an assembled list of dystopian novels with unique worlds to fuel your curiosity.
1) The Maze Runner – James Dashner
“Think about it. Our memories are wiped. We live inside a place that seems to have no way out, surrounded by bloodthirsty monster-guards. Doesn’t that sound like a prison to you?”
Mazes are usually challenging, but fun to complete. But what happens when the maze is alive and filled with deadly creatures? The Maze Runner follows Thomas as he wakes up in a place he doesn’t recognize along with about 40 other young boys in a place called The Glade. But the chilling fact is that he can’t remember anything from his life except his name. He later learns that everyone is stuck inside this maze, and they have to find an escape route to understand why they are stuck in the maze with no recollection of their memory. Through Thomas’s drive to discover more, he later finds that the Maze seems familiar, but he can’t place where from.
Things take a turn when a girl shows up. With her comes a dangerous warning that everything will start to change. Soon, things go wrong, supplies don’t appear, and the gates of the Maze don’t close. These changes subject Thomas and the boys to danger, as they have to find a way out of the Maze without dying.
James Dashner does a phenomenal job of perfectly blending clarity and mystery, security and danger, and past and present. High stakes are at every turn of the page, making the reader wonder who is behind this place and why. Those looking for new novels that have high stakes, action, and new worlds will find The Maze Runner as the perfect novel.
2) The Giver – Lois Lowry
“The worst part of holding the memories is not the pain. It’s the loneliness of it. Memories need to be shared.”
Lois Lowry’s book The Giver ultimately jumpstarted the interest for dystopia in 1993, crafting a world free of any pain, sadness, crime, and negativity. However, all aspects of life from jobs to partners are chosen, with the idea that all people are the same, leaving no room for choice.
The story focuses on Jonas, an 11-year-old boy, who was given the title of “Receiver of Memory” and the ability to hold all the good and bad memories of the past. The old Receiver, called The Giver, begins sending Jonas ancient memories of the past. The more memories that Jonas receives, the more he begins to question the morals of his society and how the memories are important to the society. Through the memories he has received, he learns a shocking truth about his family that upends everything he has learned. With this knowledge, Jonas and The Giver seek a way to right the wrongs in their society by returning memories.
Lowry blurs the lines between good and evil, unity and division, and right and wrong. The Giver identifies many themes that many readers can relate to, such as choices, customs, and order, that make them think about the good and bad of society. This classic is a must read for those looking for a good dystopian book that will leave you thinking about the structure of society and humanity.
3) Divergent – Veronica Roth
“I feel like someone breathed new air into my lungs. I am not Abnegation. I am not Dauntless. I am Divergent.”
In her debut novel and series Divergent, Veronica Roth explores the effect of society being split into different factions, based on specific qualities. These factions include Dauntless (the brave), Amity (the kind), Erudite (the intelligent), Abnegation (the selfless), and Candor (the honest). Roth takes the concept of high school cliques to the extreme, as everyone chooses which faction they belong in, having to stay there for the rest of their life.
The story centers around 16-year-old Tris Prior who struggles with fitting into her faction, Abnegation. At the choosing ceremony, she decides to leave her faction and join Dauntless. There, a tough initiation takes place, where not everyone will pass–or even survive. As Tris tries to fit into her new faction, she struggles to find her identity. However, things take a turn for the worse when she learns a secret about herself that could possibly put her in danger.
Veronica Roth’s writing style is very unique as Divergent is written from a first person point of view. Even though the characters are flawed, that makes for a realistic telling of a broken world where readers will find it easy to sympathize with characters. In the midst of struggle and despair is Tris’ hope and determination to right the wrongs of the world, and readers will find themselves rooting for her.
4) 1984 – George Orwell
“War is peace. Freedom is slavery. Ignorance is strength.”
Although set in the past, 1984 is a timeless novel that intrigues readers with its historical themes of totalitarianism and individualism, control and freedom, and loyalty and rebellion. The story follows Winston Smith who opposes the totalitarian government led by “Big Brother.” He is part of the “Outer Party” and works in the Ministry of Truth, where he tries to rewrite or distort history that is so prevalent in the world.
Winston finds himself in alliance with many people, but later discovers their true intentions. In the instant of a page turn, the plot twist will leave readers shocked, yet skeptical of every person and their motivations towards the mission of spreading the truth.
George Orwell creates a reflection of the world in the past, yet he heightens the suspense of change that happens in this book. Whether it be a good or bad change, readers will constantly switch sides and find new perspectives upon reading.
5) Shatter Me – Tahereh Mafi
“All I ever wanted was to reach out and touch another human being not just with my hands but with my heart.”
Shatter Me has been praised as the new contemporary young adult (YA) dystopian series, and for good reason. It explores the story of 17-year-old Juliette Ferrars who has been locked up in a cell and neglected all her life because her touch is lethal. One touch from her can kill.
The dictatorial government, The Reestablishment, wants to use her as a weapon and attempts to turn her into one. But as Juliette is exposed to others, she slowly learns how she can use her touch to her advantage and not as a curse, but a blessing.
Tahereh Mafi’s unique writing style tells the story from Juliette’s perspective, where the reader feels as if they are actually in her mind. With many strikethroughs and repetition, the style of writing shows the raw expression and emotion of the main character, helping the reader envision what she goes through as she discovers herself and navigates through the crumbling world. Readers will be intrigued with her experience and curious to see how she finds herself.
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For all the dystopian lovers who love a good adventure novel filled with action and suspense, these novels are perfect for getting into these broken worlds and seeing the rays of hope that shine through. With each turn of the page, a new challenge is introduced, an action scene is there, and a character with hope will persevere through. Even if you just want to escape the real world, these five novels are perfect for a suspense-filled world readers can get lost in.
